• The OPPO Find X10 has received India's BIS certification, strengthening signs of an India launch.
• OPPO Find X10 Pro Max has appeared on Thailand's NBTC database and received TUV approval with 80W wired charging support.
• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max could effectively replace OPPO's Ultra model as the company's top global flagship

[/highlights]

OPPO's next flagship series is moving closer to an international launch even before being unveiled in China, with the Find X10 now receiving BIS certification in India. The Find X10 Pro Max has also appeared on Thailand's NBTC database and received TUV approval, providing further evidence that OPPO is preparing its next-generation flagships for markets outside China.

The OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max are expected to debut in China in September before reaching global markets by late October.

OPPO Find X10 gets BIS approval, Pro Max clears other certifications

The OPPO Find X10 carries model number CPH2911 and has now appeared on India's BIS database as well as Thailand's NBTC database. The certifications do not reveal specifications, but BIS approval is an important step towards an eventual Indian launch. The Find X10 Pro Max, meanwhile, carries model number CPH2913 and has appeared on Thailand's NBTC database. Its TUV certification also reveals support for 80W wired charging. There is currently no BIS listing for the Pro Max, so its India availability is not confirmed to the same extent as the standard model.

The Find X10 Pro is also missing from the current certification activity. That could mean OPPO is planning to take the Find X10 and Pro Max to global markets while keeping the Pro in China, although the company hasn't confirmed anything. This is in line with what tipster Yogesh Brar suggested a few days ago.

OPPO Find X10 series expected specifications

The standard OPPO Find X10 is also expected to bring flagship-level hardware. Reports suggest an 8,000mAh battery, a 200MP primary camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera, alongside a 6.59-inch 1.5K display with very thin bezels. That would be a camera upgrade over the Find X9, which used 50MP sensors for its main and periscope cameras. It could also make the Find X10 a more practical alternative to the expensive Pro Max for Indian buyers who want flagship cameras without spending around Rs 1.5 lakh.

The more interesting change could be what the Pro Max actually represents. The Find X10 Pro Max would be OPPO's first phone to use the Pro Max name. Until the Find X9 generation, OPPO's highest-end model was the Find X9 Ultra. Reports claim the Find X10 Pro Max could feature three 200MP cameras becoming the first in the world to do so, an 8,000mAh battery and MediaTek's upcoming Dimensity 9600 Pro. A reported Indian price of around Rs 1.5 lakh would put it directly against phones such as Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max.

With the Find X10 now BIS certified, anyone considering a Find X9 Pro or another premium Android phone should wait for OPPO's next announcement. The China launch is expected this month, with the global and Indian launches reportedly following by late October.

• Leaked renders show the iQOO 16 with a radically redesigned rear camera module and blue lighting.
• The phone is tipped to feature a 6.85-inch 2K 165Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and an 8,500mAh battery.
• The iQOO 16 may not launch in India this year, as per an earlier tip.

[/highlights]

The iQOO 16 could look very different from the iQOO 15 when it launches, with leaked renders showing a large camera module unlike anything currently seen on the company's flagship phones. The images show three cameras arranged in a connected triangular layout, surrounded by a shape that gives the module an almost UFO-like appearance. The design (via) remains unconfirmed, though tipster DCS has teased the same design on Weibo before.

iQOO 16 design

The biggest change is at the back. The iQOO 15 uses a relatively conventional rounded-square camera island with three lenses arranged within it since the iQOO 12. The iQOO 16, based on these renders, moves to a much larger module with three cameras joined together in a triangular formation. The black version also has blue accent lighting running around parts of the camera island and along the lower portion of the rear panel. Combined with the angular lines across the back, it gives the phone a more gaming-oriented appearance than the cleaner design of the iQOO 15. The frame appears more rounded as well, which could make the larger phone easier to hold during long gaming sessions. A white version is also shown in the leaked images, although its design details are less clear. The more elaborate rear design would give the iQOO 16 a very different identity from rivals like OnePlus and OPPO which use more restrained camera designs.

iQOO 16 specifications

Previous leaks suggest the iQOO 16 could feature three 50MP rear cameras, including a 1/1.3-inch primary sensor with an f/1.68 aperture, an ultrawide camera and a periscope telephoto lens. The phone is also tipped to have a 6.85-inch Samsung 2K flat OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, 8,500mAh battery and 100W wired charging. Other reported features include wireless charging, a dedicated display chip, 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, USB 3.2, dual speakers and IP68/IP69 ratings.

A Geekbench listing with 16GB RAM showed the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro scoring 3,434 in single-core and 9,334 in multi-core tests. Those figures are below our iQOO 15's in-house scores of 3,621 and 10,579, but the 16's result could come from an early software build.

The iQOO 16's India availability is still unclear. Tipster Yogesh Brar previously claimed that iQOO would significantly reduce its India lineup, with the iQOO 16 reportedly among the products that could be dropped. However, iQOO has since launched both the Z11 and Z11 Lite in India, making that partly inaccurate at least.

For Indian buyers considering the iQOO 15, waiting could still be worthwhile if the 16 eventually gets a local launch. Its larger battery, faster display and new flagship chipset could make it a stronger gaming phone, although buyers should not delay an upgrade indefinitely until iQOO confirms an India launch.

• Four Vivo phones and two iQOO models have appeared in the GSMA IMEI database.
• The Vivo X500 FE could join the upcoming X500 series as a more affordable option.
• The iQOO 16R may bring a 2K OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-series chip and 200MP camera.

[/highlights]

Vivo and iQOO could be preparing a busy few months for their smartphone lineups, with six upcoming models now appearing in the GSMA IMEI database. The listings include the Vivo X500 FE, Y32 5G and T6 Lite 5G, along with the iQOO Z12 Lite and iQOO 16R. While the database confirms that these devices are in development, it doesn't reveal their specifications or launch dates.

Several of the phones are expected to reach India, based on the companies' previous launch patterns, although neither brand has confirmed their availability.

Vivo X500 FE spotted

The Vivo X500 FE has appeared with model numbers V2653 and V2654, likely representing different markets. The V2653 has also been listed in Europe's EEC database, suggesting that Vivo is preparing the phone for markets outside China. The X500 FE will join the Vivo X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, which are expected to launch in China later this month. Global versions of those phones are also reportedly in development, with the international models expected to broadly retain their Chinese specifications.

There is currently no reliable information about the X500 FE's hardware. Its position in the lineup, however, suggests that it could sit below the flagship X500 models and compete with more sub-flagships. However, given the recent price hike saga, sub-flagships have now started falling in the sub-Rs 80,000 segment, going by the Vivo X300 FE India pricing.

For buyers considering a Vivo phone, it may be worth waiting if the X500 FE is on their shortlist. A lower-priced X500-series model could offer some of the design or camera features of the flagship range without its full price tag, but if budget is a constraint, users are likely to find more value in older gen models.

The IMEI database also lists the Vivo Y32 5G (V2639) and Vivo T6 Lite 5G (V2647), although there are no specifications or launch details for either model yet.

iQOO 16R, Z12 Lite spotted

The iQOO 16R has appeared with model number I2606, while the iQOO Z12 Lite is listed as I2603. The Z12 Lite had already received EEC certification in July, while the 16R is a newer discovery. The iQOO 16R could be based on the China-bound iQOO 16T. Reports claim it is being tested with a 2K Samsung OLED display and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-series chipset. It could also feature a 200MP primary camera and 50MP ultrawide camera, while reportedly skipping a periscope lens. A built-in fan and liquid cooling system are also said to be under consideration. If these specifications materialise, the 16R could target performance-focused buyers, considering the iQOO 16 is said to get the higher tier Snapdragon flagship chipset this year.

The iQOO 15R arrived in India in February, making a successor plausible. With the X500 family and several new iQOO models now appearing in certification databases, buyers planning to upgrade in the coming months may benefit from waiting for these launches before settling on current-generation alternatives.

• The Redmi 17 5G debuts India's first Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset.
• It features a vegan leather back panel on one of the colour variants.
• The phone will be available on Amazon, Xiaomi's online store, and retail outlets.

[/highlights]

After several teasers, Redmi has released the Redmi 17 5G in India. Rocking a large 6.9-inch display and a 7,900mAh battery, the phone emphasises long-endurance entertainment and usage. With this release, Redmi caters to the sub-Rs 25,000 segment, providing users an affordable alternative to the Redmi Note 17 5G, while keeping the core offerings intact, such as extended battery life and reliable everyday 5G performance.

Redmi 17 5G price, sale, availability

The Redmi 17 5G comes in two storage variants: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage is priced at Rs 39,999, while the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model comes at Rs 41,999. However, the base variant's net effective price is Rs 23,999, while the 8GB RAM model's effective price is Rs 26,999. Colour options include Absolute Black, Endless Blue and Eternal Orange.

For availability, the Redmi 17 5G goes on sale starting September 10th and can be grabbed from Xiaomi India's online store and Amazon.in, and retail outlets across India.

Redmi 17 5G specifications overview

Starting with the display, the Redmi 17 5G features a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling, 825 nits peak brightness and Gorilla Glass 7i protection.

Running under the hood is India's first Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 processor, which is based on a 4nm fabrication process and features up to 2.4GHz CPU clock speeds, paired with paired with 4GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. Redmi claims the processor can achieve AnTuTu scores over 6,60,000, indicating performance reliable enough for day-to-day use.

For optics, the Redmi 17 5G gets 50MP dual AI rear cameras and an 8MP selfie camera, with video recording up to 1080p at 30 fps.

Coming to the major highlight of the device, with a 7,900mAh battery in tow, the Redmi 17 5G should offer extensive battery life for all kinds of use cases, provided the HD+ only display doesn't have many pixels to push. It comes with 45W fast charging and 22.5W reverse-wired charging to power other devices. Just like the Redmi Note 17 5G, the Redmi 17 5G runs on Android 16-based HyperOS 3, bringing several features, such as split-screen view and multiple lockscreen customisation options.

Additional features of the Redmi 17 5G include a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IP64-rated build with a vegan leather finish on the Eternal Orange colour variant, and an microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 2TB. For entertainment, the phone has stereo speakers for an immersive listening experience.

At a net effective price of Rs 23,999, the Redmi 17 5G competes with the Realme P4R, which offers a similarly sized 8,000mAh battery and a large HD+ display. If you're in the market for a phone that runs HyperOS for its ease of use and familiarity, the Redmi 17 5G could be worth considering over the competition. Furthermore, users upgrading from an older budget phone will find improvements in battery life, durability, and even the large-screen experience.

• POCO X8 is launching in India tomorrow.
• It's the vanilla model in the X8 lineup.
• POCO X8 houses a large 8,340mAh battery.

[/highlights]

The vanilla POCO X8 has finally made its debut months after the POCO X8 Pro and Pro Max, which debuted earlier this year in March. The POCO X8 is set to launch in India tomorrow, alongside the X8 Power. Both phones have been launched globally and are expected to carry the same hardware here in India too. As the name suggests, POCO X8 is the standard model in the lineup, offering a large display and battery. 

POCO X8 specifications

The POCO X8 features a 6.83-inch AMOLED 1.5K display (1280 x 2772 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,500 nits peak brightness. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 SoC. For photography, you get a 50MP primary camera with OIS and a 2MP depth sensor at the back. There's a 16MP front camera for selfies. In comparison, the POCO X7 offers a triple-camera setup with an ultra-wide sensor and a 20MP front camera. 

The handset packs an 8,340mAh battery with 67W wired and 22.5W reverse wired charging support. POCO claims the battery can last at least 1,600 charge cycles before the capacity drops below 80 percent. This is much bigger than the POCO X7's 5110mAh battery. On the software front, the POCO X8 runs Android 16 with HyperOS 3 layered on top. The POCO X8 also comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. 

POCO X8 has been launched in three configurations: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB. The smartphone comes in black, white, and orange colours. It's priced at $269 (Rs 25,600 approx) for the base variant. 

Based on its specifications, the POCO X8 could appeal to buyers who want a large battery that can last for days, a bright and vibrant display for multimedia, and a durable build. While the camera setup seems a step back from the X7, the trade-off for extreme durability might just be worth it for the right user. It's still advisable to compare the POCO X8 with rivals to see how it stacks up. If you prioritise battery life and durability above all else, the X8 is a strong contender, but if camera performance is key, consider alternatives.

• A new leak appears to show iPhone 18 Pro SIM trays in Dark Cherry, Sky Blue and Silver.
• A separate report from yesterday claimed Black will return while Silver will be dropped.
• Mark Gurman previously reported a deep-red Pro colour and has suggested Apple's event artwork may hint at Sky Blue.

[/highlights]

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro launch event is less than a week away, but there is fresh confusion over the colours of its upcoming Pro models. A new image shared by Apple tipster Sonny Dickson appears to show SIM trays in Dark Cherry, Sky Blue and Silver, contradicting a report from yesterday that claimed Apple would bring back Black and drop Silver.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September 9th event, alongside its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra. The company hasn't confirmed the colour lineup, but a major leak a few weeks ago did seem to show the burgundy/Dark Cherry option.

iPhone 18 Pro Dark Cherry could replace Cosmic Orange

The current iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue and Silver, with Cosmic Orange standing out as the defining finish of the generation. The new Dark Cherry, which the gorgeous shade of burgundy is said to be called, is expected to take over that role on the iPhone 18 Pro. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman was the first major source to report that Apple was testing a deep-red finish for the new Pro models. Later reports described the shade as Dark Cherry, with leaks suggesting a mix of burgundy, deep purple and brown tones.

Apple's September 9th event invitation may also contain an early clue. The artwork features a glowing Apple logo against a light-blue background, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested the blue shade could hint at the Sky Blue iPhone 18 Pro finish. He has also linked the glowing effect to rumours of a possible mechanical aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

[caption id="attachment_713577" align="alignnone" width="1260"] Image shared by Sonny Dickson on X[/caption]

The latest Dickson leak points to Silver, Dark Cherry and Sky Blue. That conflicts with yesterday's claim from Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, who said the iPhone 18 Pro had entered full mass production in Dark Cherry, Sky Blue and Black. The leaker also said Silver would most likely not be offered. Earlier reports had suggested different combinations. Macworld reported Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray and Silver, which is what the SIM tray leak reiterates, while Dickson's earlier dummy units showed Black, Silver, Dark Cherry and Light Blue. Another leaker, Instant Digital, claimed Apple could skip Black.

Cosmic Orange last year ended up influencing the wider smartphone market. Honor, Redmi and other manufacturers introduced orange finishes of their own across flagship and mid-range phones soon after the iPhone 17 Pro launched. Dark Cherry, not so ironically, has already started appearing on phones in China following the iPhone 18 Pro leaks, suggesting Apple could once again set a colour trend if the finish launches as expected.

If Black does return, it would give Apple a familiar option after the iPhone 17 Pro generation omitted a conventional black or dark-grey finish. Silver, meanwhile, would continue the more understated option available on the current Pro models. Dark Cherry could be the most distinctive choice, while Black would suit buyers looking for something less likely to date quickly. Sky Blue offers a lighter alternative, while Silver remains the safer pick if Apple ultimately keeps it.

For anyone considering an iPhone 17 Pro right now, waiting a few days makes more sense. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be announced next week, and their final colours and pricing should soon be clear. The new models are also tipped to receive a modest price increase, making the price difference an important factor alongside the new finishes.

• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max is tipped to feature three 200MP rear cameras and an 8,000mAh battery.
• The phone will be the first 'Pro Max' model in OPPO's flagship Find X series.
• OPPO may launch the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max in India by October.

[/highlights]

OPPO appears to be making some big changes to its Find X lineup, with the upcoming OPPO Find X10 Pro Max expected to bring a new design, a larger battery and an ambitious camera setup. The phone is expected to launch in China this month, and new leaked renders now give us an early look at what could be OPPO's first Pro Max model in the Find X series.

OPPO Find X10 Pro Max leaked design

Chinese tipster Dingjiao Shuma has shared renders showing the Find X10 Pro Max with a large horizontal camera island across the upper portion of its rear panel. A square module sits inside the larger rectangular section and houses three large camera lenses, while another sensor and a circular LED flash sit alongside it.

The renders show two finishes: a striking blue variant and a white version carrying Hasselblad branding. The latter could appeal to buyers looking for a more distinctive finish, while the blue model has a cleaner appearance.

The Hasselblad cameras, as usual, could be the biggest highlight. The phone is tipped to use three 200MP sensors for the main, ultrawide and periscope telephoto cameras. If true, OPPO could become the first smartphone maker to put 200MP sensors across all three rear cameras. A 200MP ultrawide is particularly interesting because the extra resolution could give the camera more room for cropping and potentially improve macro and stabilised video results.

Other reported specifications include a 6.78-inch 2K LTPO OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset and an 8,000mAh battery. A 50MP autofocus selfie camera is also expected.

Launch details

The OPPO Find X10 series is expected to launch in China this month, potentially comprising a surprise OPPO Find X10E, Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max. OPPO hasn't officially confirmed the phones or their specifications yet.

The 'Pro Max' suffix is a change for OPPO's Find series, moving away from the Ultra. Xiaomi's brands have increasingly adopted the nomenclature for their top-end phones, while Vivo is also tipped to bring a Pro Max model with its X500 series. OPPO has already used the name for the mid-range OPPO A7 Pro Max, which comes with a 10,000mAh battery, but bringing it to the Find X flagship range gives the branding a very different purpose - competing with the OG Pro Max from Apple.

A tipster has claimed the OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will launch globally, with an India launch by the end of October, while the Find X10 Pro could remain China-exclusive. The Pro Max is tipped to cost around Rs 1.5 lakh in India, placing it below the Find X9 Ultra but well above the Find X9 Pro.

At that price, the three 200MP cameras and 8,000mAh battery will need to deliver more than impressive specifications on paper. Buyers considering a flagship in this range would be better served by waiting for camera samples, performance tests and the final India price before deciding, particularly if the Pro Max is positioned against Samsung, Apple and other premium camera phones.

Redmi 17 5G India launch date

The Redmi 17 is confirmed to launch in India on September 3rd. Just like the Redmi Note 17, the Redmi 17 could be available on Amazon, Xiaomi's online store, and retail outlets after its release.

Redmi 17 5G design and colours

Per the teasers, it appears the smartphone will arrive in three colours: Eternal Orange, Endless Blue, and Absolute Black. The orange shade, in particular, will seemingly sport a vegan leather rear panel, while the other colours may use matte finishes. The teasers also confirm the inclusion of a ring LED in the camera module, which could light up to indicate incoming notifications and calls, or glow during specific instances, such as when playing music or charging.

Redmi 17 5G specifications

While most specifications of the Redmi 17 5G are still under wraps, the global variant's specifications have been out for a while now. On top of that, Redmi India has officially confirmed a set of key specifications, which can be checked out below:

Starting with the highlight of the show, the Indian variant of the Redmi 17 5G is confirmed to sport a massive 7,900mAh battery, and hence the tagline "mAhximum Power Style" on the Redmi's teaser pages and social handles. As with the global variant, this battery is confirmed to be paired with a 45W fast charger for quick top-ups and 22.5W reverse wired charging.

Just like the outgoing Redmi 15 5G, the Redmi 17 5G will carry a large 6.9-inch display, making it one of the largest displays on a modern smartphone. It'll also support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling in day-to-day use. Powering the Redmi 17 5G will the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 processor, which Redmi claims can deliver an AnTuTu score of over 6,60,000, placing it on par to the MediaTek Dimensity 6300/6400 found on phones like the Realme P4R, OPPO K14, iQOO Z11 Lite, and others.

The global variant starts with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and goes up to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 speeds on board. On to the optics, the Redmi 17 5G is confirmed to get a 50MP dual-AI camera on the rear, while the front will house an 8MP selfie shooter. Just like the Redmi Note 17, the Redmi 17 is likely to boot into Android 16-based HyperOS 3 and should receive a long software commitment, making it ideal for users seeking to use the phone for the long term.

Redmi 17 5G expected pricing

With the Redmi Note 17 5G selling for Rs 27,999, the Redmi 17 5G will certainly be priced below it, creating a gap to avoid overlap, likely at an under Rs 23,000 price point. At that price, it'll compete with the OnePlus N6x, Realme P4R, iQOO Z11 Lite, and others, all of which are based on the Dimensity 6300 processor.

Redmi's key differentiators could include the massive 6.9-inch display, suitable for users who enjoy watching content on their smartphone, the 7,900mAh battery for gaming for hours on a trot, and the long supported HyperOS software, that carries its own design interface, features, and familiarity for those who've been sticking to Xiaomi phones for a long time.

• Xiaomi 18 Fold features a smaller cover display with a wider aspect ratio.
• It's similar to the Galaxy Z Fold8.
• Xiaomi 18 Fold will debut the new Xiaomi Xring O3 chip

[/highlights]

Xiaomi is set to launch its next foldable on September 7th. Ahead of the official reveal, Xiaomi has given us a glimpse of the foldable, featuring a design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 8. It looks like the compact form factor with a wider aspect ratio is the new trend for foldables going forward. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is said to be the company's most advanced flagship yet. 

Xiaomi 18 Fold design revealed

In a teaser video, the Xiaomi 18 Fold's design has been revealed, giving us the clearest look yet at the foldable. It's a compact book-style folding design with a slim horizontal camera bar at the back. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold8, which has sharp edges, the Xiaomi 18 Fold features rounded corners. It features a new "dragon bone" hinge and comes in a deep red colour, giving it a classy look.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold features a 5.38-inch cover display and a 7.58-inch main display when unfolded. The horizontal camera strip houses three sensors with an LED flash and the Leica branding. It will be powered by the new Xiaomi Xring O3 chip, a 3nm deca-core chipset poised to deliver impressive benchmark scores and raw performance. The foldable is expected to launch with up to 16GB of RAM

The upcoming Xiaomi foldable will ship with Hyper OS 4 based on Android 17 out of the box. It's also confirmed to launch as one of the first phones with Chinese chipmaker CXMT's new LPDDR6 memory. 

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is tipped to feature an IP68 rating for durability, which would make it the second foldable with this IP rating after the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It's also tipped to house a 6,000mAh battery with 67W wired and 50W wireless charging support. If true, the Xiaomi 18 Fold would offer one of the largest battery capacities among foldables. 

Based on what we know so far, the Xiaomi 18 Fold will likely appeal to people who want a compact foldable with a wider aspect ratio. If Xiaomi keeps the hardware competitive, it could have an advantage over other foldables in the market. The Xiaomi 18 Fold is launching in a week, so we'll soon get to know its complete specs and price. 

• Redmi K100 could bring gaming-focused hardware to the base K series model.
• The phone may get symmetrical stereo speakers, a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint reader and IP68 protection.
• The Redmi K series is sold globally as POCO F-series phones.

[/highlights]

The Redmi K100 could be shaping up as a strong gaming-focused smartphone, if the latest leak is accurate. While Xiaomi has already launched the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, a new leak suggests the standard K100 could pack a 10,000mAh battery and an ultra-high refresh-rate display, along with features such as symmetrical speakers and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint reader.

There is no launch date yet, and these details are based on an engineering sample, so the final specifications could change.

Redmi K100 specifications

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Redmi K100 could feature a 10,000mAh battery, potentially making it one of the largest-capacity batteries on a mainstream performance phone. The tipster also claims the display could have a refresh rate above 165Hz, although the exact figure hasn't been revealed. Other reported features include symmetrical dual speakers, a relatively large haptic motor and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint reader. The phone could also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The leaked combination points towards gaming being an important part of the K100's design. A display above 165Hz, strong haptics and stereo speakers would be particularly useful for gaming, while the 10,000mAh battery could help offset the higher power consumption of a high-refresh-rate panel.

The chipset is less clear. The tipster reportedly mentioned a chip with two prime cores, which could be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 V clocked at 4.6GHz. That claim needs to be treated cautiously until more details emerge.

The Redmi K100 Pro already offers some gaming-focused hardware, including a 6.59-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It also has an 8,580mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its camera setup is more ambitious too, with a 200MP primary camera, 50MP telephoto and 8MP ultrawide. The K100, if the leaked specifications are accurate, could instead differentiate itself through endurance and display responsiveness.

That could make the standard model an interesting option rather than simply a cheaper version of the Pro. However, the larger battery will need to be balanced against the phone's weight and charging speed, while a refresh rate above 165Hz only makes sense if the chipset can actually deliver high frame rates in games.

Redmi's K series is not usually sold globally under the Redmi name. The K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max have already arrived internationally as the POCO F9 Pro and POCO F9 Ultra. Until Redmi confirms the phone, the 10,000mAh battery and ultra-high refresh rate are the most interesting reasons to wait. The final chipset, charging speed and price will determine whether the K100 can turn those specifications into a genuinely compelling gaming phone.

• Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is more expensive by up to Rs 5,000.
• The base variant of the Phone (4b) has received a price hike.
• The revised prices will be applicable to the new stock. 

[/highlights]

Nothing has increased the prices of its smartphones again. This time, it's the Nothing Phone (4a) series and the budget-friendly Phone (4b), which made their debut recently in July. Both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro are now more expensive by up to Rs 5,000. Also, the revised prices are effective only on the new stock. Existing units of the Nothing Phone (4a) series and Phone (4b) will continue selling at the current price.

Nothing Phone (4a) series price hike

Nothing Phone (4a) (review) has received a price hike of Rs 2,000, bringing its price to Rs 44,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The other two variants are also more expensive after the price hike, going up to Rs 50,999. This brings the Phone (4a) closer to alternatives like the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+.

Nothing Phone (4a) stands out for its 50MP 3.5x periscope telephoto camera and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 that comfortably handles everyday use. However, if you want a large battery, you might want to consider alternatives, as the Phone (4a) has a modest 5,400mAh battery. 

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro (review) now starts at Rs 54,999 after a price hike of Rs 5,000. The 8GB + 256GB variant of the Phone (4a) Pro, which used to cost Rs 54,999, will now be available at Rs 57,999. The Phone (4a) Pro is the most premium option here and is recommended to those who want Nothing's most refined design and camera system. It offers a sub-flagship experience without having to stretch your budget too much. 

Nothing Phone (4b) price hike

As for the Nothing Phone (4b), it looks like only the base 8GB + 128GB variant has received a price hike. It now starts at Rs 39,999, after a price hike of Rs 5,000. When it launched in India in July, the same variant cost Rs 34,999. This shows how grave the situation is in the smartphone industry, with memory costs rising and affecting all OEMs. 

The Phone (4b) is Nothing's most affordable handset yet. With the price hike, there's a lot to reconsider, but if you want Nothing's signature transparent design and Glyph Interface, then you can still buy the Phone (4b). You're also getting Nothing's custom OS with 3 years of major OS upgrades.

• Philips returns to the smartphone scene with the launch of the Philips S7221 5G.
• The phone offers 6GB RAM and 128GB storage on the base variant.
• The Philips S7221 5G competes against the Realme P4R and OPPO K14.

[/highlights]

While Philips has been a renowned name in the appliances and consumer products sector, the brand has previously released multiple smartphones. Today, Philips has returned to the smartphone scene with the release of the Philips S7221 5G. Priced around Rs 20,000, the phone is already available for purchase on Amazon and emphasises a large battery, a big display experience, and a high-megapixel primary camera for everyday shots.

Philips S7221 5G price, availability

The Philips S7221 5G starts at Rs 20,499 for the 6GB + 128GB variant, while the 8GB + 128GB model is priced at Rs 22,499. The smartphone comes in three colourways: Black, Blue and Grey and is already up for grabs on Amazon India.

Philips S7221 5G specifications, features

The Philips S7221 5G sports a 6.67-inch HD LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1,600 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it uses an octa-core Spreadtrum T765 chipset, configurable with up to 8GB of LPDDR4 memory and 128GB of onboard storage, and ships with Android 16 preinstalled. The processor rivals the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 found on phones like the Realme P4R and OPPO K14, which also sell under Rs 25,000.

It's good to see Philips offering 6GB of RAM in the base variant since others are resorting to 4GB RAM to tackle the ongoing memory crisis in the smartphone industry.

On the rear, the Philips S7221 5G houses a 64MP primary camera, while on the front there's a 16MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Some of the noteworthy camera features include AI scene detection and portrait mode, which captures images with DSLR-like bokeh in the background.

A 5,700mAh battery powers the Philips smartphone, while 25W fast charging is on hand for quick top-ups. The phone runs on Android 16, though it's unclear how many OS upgrades it's set to receive at this point in time. The Philips S7221 5G is IP64-rated for protection against light water splashes and dust, while the side-mounted fingerprint scanner helps enhance security.

How does the Philips S7221 5G fare against the competition?

The Philips S7221 5G enters a highly competitive segment where most brands have been operating for years and have built a loyal customer base. The Philips smartphone goes head-to-head against the Realme P4R and OPPO K14, both of which offer the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, 50MP primary cameras, over 7,000mAh batteries, and feature 5G, just like the S7221.

While the Philips S7221 5G is on par with its close rivals on paper, its real-world implications are not yet known, including service centre availability, the quality of after-sales services, and the level of software refinement that can make or break the smartphone experience. Therefore, before considering the S7221 5G, it's wise to look at online reviews to see how the phone performs in real life, and, accordingly, you can compare and buy the phone that fulfils your preferences.

With Fire-Boltt and Mivi, both dominant smart wearables brands entering the smartphone segment, it only makes sense for legacy players to revive their smartphone operations, cater to the market with affordable and midrange offerings, and get a share of the pie.

• The iPhone 18 Pro series is launching on September 9th.
• Apple may give all new colours to the iPhones this time.
• Apple CEO John Ternus will launch his first iPhones as CEO at the event.

[/highlights]

We've been hearing leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro series since the last few months now, and now, as the countdown to the September 9th launch day ends, we have new information. Well, not entirely new, since we've heard parts of that one before, but the latest leak once again points to three colours for Apple's upcoming Pro iPhones.

The leak comes just days before Apple's "Surprise and shine" event, with new CEO John Ternus teasing a "phenomenal launch" next week.

iPhone 18 Pro expected colours

According to tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in Dark Cherry/Burgundy, Sky Blue and Black. If true, Apple would be replacing all three colour options from the iPhone 17 Pro series. The current iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue and Silver. Cosmic Orange was the standout colour, while Deep Blue and Silver offered more conventional alternatives.

The new Dark Cherry/Burgundy finish is expected to take over the hero-colour role this year. Black would give Apple a familiar option, while Sky Blue would bring a much lighter shade to the Pro lineup. The latest claim also goes against an earlier rumour that suggested Silver could return. At this stage, the colours remain unconfirmed until Apple officially reveals the phones.

Cosmic Orange had become quite the trendsetter after Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro, with brands like Honor, Redmi and others taking out their own versions of it not just for flagships, but even in the mid-range. Ever since Dark Cherry leaked, we've already started seeing the colour appear in China, and we can expect more launches to come.

Apple's September 9th event invitation could have offered an early clue about the new colour. The artwork shows a glowing Apple logo against a light blue background. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that the blue shade could be a hint at the Sky Blue finish, while the glowing effect may point towards a possible mechanical aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

NEW: Apple's John Ternus touted a strong future product pipeline and teased a "phenomenal" new iPhone launch next week in his first remarks to employees as chief executive officer. pic.twitter.com/ttZJN5XIrU

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 1, 2026

Meanwhile, John Ternus, who took over as Apple's CEO on September 1st after 15 years of Tim Cook at the helm, has added to the buildup with his first message to employees. He described the company's upcoming launch as "phenomenal" and said Apple has a "huge launch" next week., without explicitly naming anything.

The event is expected to bring more than the new Pro models. Apple is also tipped to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra. The standard iPhone 18 is expected to have a delayed launch in 2027 as Apple reportedly changes the release schedule for the series.

For anyone considering an iPhone 17 Pro right now, waiting a few days should make more sense. The iPhone 18 Pro models are tipped to get a modest price increase, so the final pricing will be important alongside the new colours. Dark Cherry could be the most distinctive choice, while Black should appeal to those looking for something less likely to date quickly.

• The ColorOS 17 open beta could begin soon after the official announcement.
• ColorOS 17 is likely to be based on Android 17.
• ColorOS 17 will introduce Fluid fusion animations in system-based apps.

[/highlights]

While Several OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme smartphones are currently part of the ColorOS 17 closed beta testing programme, OPPO is hosting the yearly OPPO Developer Conference (ODC) in China in September. During the annual event, OPPO will unveil ColorOS 17, detail its features, and list eligible devices. Over the past couple of days, the company has already teased several design and animation changes coming to the next iteration of ColorOS.

Here's when ColorOS 17 will be announced

ColorOS 17 will be unveiled during the OPPO Developer Conference (ODC) on September 17th in China. Along with the ColorOS keynote, OPPO will touch on several themes, including how OPPO will contribute to the smart service ecosystem, gaming, business growth, and sports and health. The update is highly likely to be based on Android 17.

There is a high chance that the ColorOS 17 open beta programme may kick off right after the keynote, allowing users of eligible OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme devices to test the skin before it is released in stable form. The global ColorOS 17 announcement could also be made during this timeframe.

New animation effects and design on ColorOS 17

Per the official teasers released by OPPO China, ColorOS 17's design highlight is "Fluid fusion" animation, in which the overlays in most first-party apps wiggle and stretch based on your fingerprint movement. These overlay elements include buttons, the bottom navigation bar, and search bars.

Apart from that, like iOS 26, ColorOS 17 is adopting a global floating navigation bar that makes it universally visible across all system apps, including Gallery, Phone, Clock, and others. From what we can fathom, this will offer users an edge-to-edge experience and offer an expansive view of the app currently in use.

From the looks of it, these teasers corroborate ColorOS Director's claims that ColorOS 17 will emphasise the experience, stability, and fluidity of the software rather than bringing monumental changes or revamps. After all, ColorOS 16 itself introduced a host of productivity, customisation, and AI features, so it makes sense for OPPO developers to refine and improve what's already out there.

Users with devices eligible for ColorOS 17 can consider the beta if they're eager to test new features and are comfortable with potential bugs, otherwise, waiting for the stable release is advisable.

• Vivo T5 is the fifth phone in the T5 series.
• It's priced in India at Rs 34,999. 
• The handset houses a 32MP front camera. 

[/highlights]

Vivo has launched a new mid-range smartphone in India, joining its popular T5 series. The Vivo T5 comes with a slim curved design, a horizontal camera module, and a large 6.83-inch display. It's the fifth phone in the lineup after the Vivo T5x, Vivo T5 Pro, Vivo T5 Lite, and Vivo T5e. The Vivo T5 sits below the T5 Pro, making it one of the more premium offerings in the lineup. 

Vivo T5 price in India, availability

Vivo T5 starts at Rs 34,999 for the base variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The handset comes in two more variants with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It's set to go on sale on September 9th at 12 pm via Flipkart. You can get the Vivo T5 in Silver Green and Royal Bronze colours. 

Vivo T5 specifications

The Vivo T5 features a large 6.83-inch 1.5K 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness. The curved screen should give an immersive experience when watching content, while the 144Hz refresh rate adds a smooth scrolling experience and animations. Powering the phone is the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, which is also found on the recently launched iQOO Z11. The mid-range chipset should deliver capable performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and such. It's worth mentioning, though, that alternatives like the Motorola Edge 70 Pro offer a faster Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset. 

The handset packs a 7,050mAh battery and is also claimed to be the slimmest Vivo phone with a 7,000mAh+ cell. This battery capacity should last an entire day comfortably and possibly more. Vivo also says the T5 can deliver up to 85 hours of music playback and 7.9 hours of gaming. For photography, you get a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera at the back. There's a 32MP front camera for selfies on the Vivo T5. 

On the software front, the Vivo T5 runs Android 16-based OriginOS 6 out of the box. The handset will get three years of OS updates and five years of security updates, which is pretty good for this segment. The Vivo T5 also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. 

If your priority is an all-day battery, a vibrant curved display, and solid software support in the mid-range, the Vivo T5 is a compelling option. However, if you're upgrading from an older mid-range phone or prioritise versatile cameras, you might want to wait for comprehensive reviews or consider alternatives at a slightly higher price point.

• POCO F9 Ultra gets an 8,050mAh battery with 100W fast charging support.
• It also offers a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens.
• POCO F9 Pro is more compact with a luminous rear panel. 

[/highlights]

POCO F9 Pro and POCO F9 Ultra have made their debut globally as performance-focused flagship phones. The Ultra is the more premium and expensive model, although it shares the same design as the Pro variant. The POCO F9 Pro and Ultra offer AMOLED displays with fast 185Hz refresh rates, a 200MP primary camera, and more. There's no word on an India launch yet, and it might be unlikely, as POCO focuses more on the X series here. 

POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra pricing and availability

The POCO F9 Pro starts at $699 (Rs 66,400 approx) for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The POCO F9 Ultra starts at $799 (Rs 75,900 approx) for the same memory configuration. The F9 Pro comes in another 12GB + 512GB variant, while the F9 Ultra is available with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. 

POCO F9 Ultra specifications

The POCO F9 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which is found in most Android flagships. The smartphone has a large 6.9-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with up to 4,500 nits peak brightness and a 185Hz refresh rate. POCO also claims 185FPS in more than 20 supported gaming titles. The handset is also equipped with POCO's 3D IceLoop cooling hardware. All these combined, the POCO F9 Ultra stands out as a performance-focused phone aimed at power users and gamers. 

Powering the POCO F9 Ultra is an 8,050mAh battery with 100W wired HyperCharge, 50W wireless charging, 27W reverse wired charging, and 22.5W reverse wireless charging. So you're not just getting a massive battery but fast charging and options to charge other devices. For photography, you get a 200MP primary camera with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, up to 10x lossless zoom, and 20x AI-assisted digital zoom. 

POCO F9 Pro specifications

The POCO F9 Pro shares similarities with the F9 Ultra in key areas like the design. It, however, stands out with its Aurora Green variant, which has a luminous rear panel that responds and changes to ambient light and ultraviolet exposure. This gives the POCO F9 Pro a distinct look among other phones in the market. The Pro variant is also smaller, with a more compact 6.59-inch display with a 1.5K resolution, AMOLED panel, 185Hz refresh rate, and up to 4,500 nits peak brightness. 

The Pro variant also comes with the same charging options as the Ultra, but you get a smaller 6,330mAh battery. While this battery capacity should be enough for regular to moderate usage, it might seem lacking among phones that offer at least 7,000mAh. It's also marginally bigger than the POCO F8 Pro's 6,210mAh battery. The POCO F9 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series 3nm chipset, which has a slightly watered-down GPU, but should still deliver flagship-level performance. 

Like the F9 Ultra, the F9 Pro also houses the same 200MP primary camera. The rest of the setup includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP telephoto lens with a 2.5x optical zoom and macro zoom support. The front camera is the same 32MP sensor as on the F9 Ultra. 

Both phones come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and run Android 16 with HyperOS 3 out of the box. 

The POCO F9 Ultra is clearly aimed at power users who require fast performance and a large battery for intensive tasks and gaming. It also has a versatile camera setup, so you're not compromising on photography either. Buy the POCO F9 Ultra if you're looking for a flagship phone that delivers on performance, battery life, and cameras. As for the POCO F9 Pro, it's an affordable alternative for those who want a more compact handset with flagship-level performance, capable cameras, and a sizeable battery. But you might still want to compare it with other similarly priced phones to see which one gives you the best value. 

• Redmi 17 is confirmed to launch in India on September 3rd.
• The Redmi Note 17 and Pro Max could launch later in the month.
• The Redmi 17 is tipped to start at Rs 25,000, while the Note 17 Pro could start under Rs 40,000.

[/highlights]

Redmi is set to bring new mid-range smartphones to India, with the Redmi 17 confirmed to launch on September 3rd. The company is also teasing a new 'Max' model in its Note series, suggesting the Note 17 Pro series could follow soon. While Redmi hasn't announced launch dates for the Note 17 Pro models, alleged pricing for the Redmi 17 and Note 17 Pro has now surfaced and it's a bit mind-boggling considering the aggressive value positioning the Note series has traditionally been known for.

Redmi 17

According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, the Redmi 17 could be priced at Rs 25,000 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and Rs 28,000 for 8GB + 128GB. If true, that would put the phone well above the traditional budget positioning of Redmi's numbered series. For context, the Redmi 15 was launched at Rs 14,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant in August 2025.

The Redmi 17's biggest selling point is expected to be its 7,900mAh battery, up 900mAh from the Redmi 15. It will also support 22.5W reverse wired charging, although Redmi hasn't confirmed its regular charging speed for India. The phone will be India's first Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 smartphone and is expected to feature a dual rear camera setup, likely with a 50MP primary sensor. A centrally placed punch-hole camera and textured vegan leather-style rear panel are also visible in Redmi's teasers.

Redmi Note 17 Pro series India launch details and price

Redmi has introduced the 'Max' branding to its Note series for the first time, and its Redmi India X account has started teasing the name. The phone is expected to be the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, which has already launched in Japan. Redmi hasn't revealed an India launch date for either Pro model but a previous claim from tipster Yogesh Brar suggested a September 15th launch, with the new phones costing Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 more than their predecessors.

Yadav now claims the Note 17 Pro could cost Rs 39,000 for 8GB + 128GB and Rs 42,000 for 8GB + 256GB. That's quite the leap from the Redmi Note 15 Pro and Note 15 Pro+'s starting prices of Rs 31,999 and Rs 37,999 respectively, moving the series into territory occupied by phones such as the OnePlus Nord 6, Nothing Phone (4a) and Vivo V70 FE.

The China-launched Redmi Note 17 Pro features a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,500 nits brightness. It uses the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and has a 9,000mAh battery with 67W charging, along with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The Pro Max takes the battery further with a 10,000mAh silicon-carbon cell and 100W charging, plus 27W reverse charging. It's expected to retain the 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,500 nits peak brightness.

However, the larger battery comes alongside compromises. The Pro Max has a 50MP OIS primary camera and 8MP ultrawide, compared with the 200MP OIS main camera on the Note 15 Pro+. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 also sits below Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 family, despite being newer than the older phone's Snapdragon 7s Gen 4.

For buyers, the Pro Max therefore looks most interesting if battery endurance and durability matter more than cameras or gaming performance. Its 10,000mAh battery could be a strong differentiator, but at a potential Rs 40,000-plus price, waiting for benchmarks and comparing it with rivals would be the safer choice.

• The OPPO Find X9s will now cost Rs 5,000 more for all storage variants.
• Xiaomi has increased prices across several products, including the Redmi 15A, Redmi Pad 2 series and Xiaomi Pad 8. 

[/highlights]

In another round of price hikes, the latest casualties include OPPO Find X9s, Xiaomi tablets, and Redmi phones. Almost all these devices have their prices going up by around Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 depending on the model and variant. The increases come as increased memory and component costs continue to put pressure on smartphone prices in India. Here's a look at the affected devices and their new prices.

New prices for these products

A new X post by a known tipster, Sanju Chaudhry, has revealed which phones have undergone the latest price hikes. The OPPO Find X9s (review) has received one of the biggest increases in this latest round, with both its storage variants now Rs 5,000 more expensive. The 12GB + 256GB variant has gone from Rs 79,999 to Rs 84,999, while the 12GB + 512GB model now costs Rs 94,999, up from Rs 89,999.

Price hike alert 🚨
OPPO & Xiaomi increases the price of smartphones & tablets by upto ₹5k:

FIND X9s:
• 12/256GB: ₹79,999 → ₹84,999
• 12/512GB: ₹89,999 → ₹94,999

Pad 8
• 12/256GB: ₹43,999 → ₹46,999
• Nano texture : ₹45,999 → ₹48,999

Pad 2:
• 4/128GB… pic.twitter.com/FuNaPOB65X

— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) September 1, 2026

The Xiaomi and Redmi devices affected here range across multiple price segments. The Redmi 15A is a budget smartphone for buyers looking for basic everyday performance, while the Redmi Pad 2 targets the affordable tablet market with a larger screen and cellular options.

The Xiaomi Pad 8, meanwhile, sits much higher up the tablet range and is for users looking for a more capable device for productivity, entertainment and multitasking.

Should you buy these devices now?

The smartphone and tablet market is extremely volatile right now, and price hikes like these could continue as long as component costs remain unpredictable. We simply don't know when prices will start settling again. You can also check out our story tracking all the latest price hikes and updated prices for major smartphones and tablets in India.

If you've been planning to buy a particular phone or tablet, it may make sense to buy it now rather than risk another price increase. If you're not in a hurry, though, waiting a year or more could also work in your favour, especially if you can pick up the same device or a newer model during a major sale or with a good discount. For now, there's no clear indication of when the market will return to normal, so it really comes down to how urgently you need the device.

• The iQOO 16 is tipped to feature a new rounded-square camera module housing three connected rear cameras.
• It could pack a 6.85-inch 2K 165Hz flat display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and 8,500mAh battery.
• A tipster had earlier said the iQOO 16 was unlikely to launch in India.

[/highlights]

iQOO appears to be preparing a major product launch in China, with the iQOO 16 flagship and a new compact tablet among the devices expected to debut in the coming months. A new leak has now revealed details about the iQOO 16's rear design, while an iQOO executive has teased what appears to be the company's upcoming gaming tablet.

The iQOO 16 is expected to combine a new design with a high-refresh-rate 2K display, Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset and a large battery. The phone is reportedly due to launch in October, with more details likely to emerge around Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit in September.

iQOO 16 design and camera details

According to tipster Digital Chat Station (via), the iQOO 16 will feature a square camera module with heavily rounded corners, replacing the design seen on previous models. The three rear cameras are expected to sit in a connected arrangement inside the camera island, while additional detailing and textures around the module are said to give it a more mechanical, futuristic appearance.

The rear panel is also expected to use a new manufacturing process. This could make the iQOO 16 visually different from the iQOO 15 and help it stand out among other upcoming flagship phones, which are increasingly adopting large, square or rectangular camera modules.

The phone is tipped to have three 50MP rear cameras, including a primary sensor with a 1/1.3-inch size and f/1.68 aperture. The ultrawide and periscope telephoto cameras are also expected to use 50MP sensors. These specifications would give the iQOO 16 a more versatile camera setup than flagships that reserve higher-resolution sensors for only the main camera.

The iQOO 16 is expected to feature a 6.85-inch Samsung-made flat 2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, paired with an 8,500mAh battery and 100W wired charging. Other reported features include wireless charging, a dedicated display chip, 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, USB 3.2, dual speakers and IP68/IP69 protection.

Qualcomm is expected to introduce the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and its faster Pro variant in September. The iQOO 16 could therefore be among the first phones to showcase the new flagship platform. Current iQOO 15 owners should wait for final performance figures before deciding on an upgrade, particularly as early engineering-unit benchmark results can be unrepresentative.

Meanwhile, iQOO Product Manager Wang Ken has teased what appears to be the company's new compact tablet. It's reportedly related to a device recently certified in China and could use a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-series chipset with an active cooling system and built-in fan. An OLED display, slim bezels and high refresh rate are also expected, with Wi-Fi-only connectivity likely.

For buyers, the iQOO 16 looks interesting for performance-focused users who also want a large battery and gaming-oriented features. However, its 165Hz display and 8,500mAh battery will matter only if the phone maintains reasonable weight and charging efficiency. With the launch still expected in October, buyers should wait for final specifications, pricing and real-world performance before comparing it with rival Snapdragon flagship phones.

• The OnePlus 16 is tipped to feature a 200MP primary camera with a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor.
• The phone could also get a larger 50MP 3x periscope sensor and a 50MP selfie camera. 

[/highlights]

OnePlus may be preparing a major camera upgrade for its upcoming flagship, with the OnePlus 16 tipped to feature a 200MP primary camera and a larger telephoto sensor. The phone could also get a higher-resolution selfie camera per the leak. Here's what we know so far.

OnePlus 16's camera may have levelled up

According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station's latest Weibo post, the OnePlus 16 could feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor. That's a big change from the OnePlus 15's 50MP main camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor. Look, the higher resolution itself isn't that important here, the larger sensor is. A bigger sensor helps the phone capture more light and retain more detail, especially in tricky lighting.

The change isn't just limited to the primary sensor either, even the telephoto sensor might be upgraded. The OnePlus 15 (review) had a 50MP 3.5x periscope camera with a 1/2.76-inch sensor, while the OnePlus 16 is tipped to get a 50MP 3x periscope with a much larger 1/1.95-inch Sony sensor. The phone could be giving up some optical reach in favour of a larger sensor, which is likely to improve image quality at 3x and in lower light.

The ultrawide camera is expected to remain at 50MP, although the leak points to a new sensor, although it doesn't provide its size or other details yet. On the front, meanwhile, the 32MP autofocus selfie camera could be replaced by a 50MP autofocus sensor, giving the OnePlus 16 another clear upgrade over its predecessor.

Should you wait for the OnePlus 16?

For Indian buyers, the OnePlus 16 could be worth waiting for, particularly if camera performance is high on your priority list. The OnePlus 15 (review) already offers a capable camera system, but if the leak is proven true, the camera upgrades are a pretty convincing reason. After OnePlus 15 put its cameras a little backstage, it seems like OnePlus moving in the right direction and putting the camera system back at the centre of its flagship offering.

The rest of the package that's been rumoured so far also looks pretty promising. This includes the yet-to-launch Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, a 9,000mAh battery and more capable gaming hardware.

The 165Hz display itself isn't a reason to wait, since the OnePlus 15 already offers it, but system-wide 165Hz support and the reported gaming improvements could make the new model more appealing to gamers.

The only catch is the price. The OnePlus 15 currently sells for around Rs 85,000, so the OnePlus 16 could arrive at a similar price or even higher, especially with the ongoing RAM shortage and rising component costs. There have also been rumours of OnePlus exiting India, but none have been substantiated so far.

If the OnePlus 16 does skip India, however, it could add fuel to those claims. For existing OnePlus 15 users, there's little reason to upgrade immediately, while those on an older phone should consider waiting to see how much the new camera system improves and what the launch price looks like.

Commercial buyers are driving PC growth

According to IDC's report, India shipped 2.2 million PCs to commercial buyers in Q2 2026, up 16.6 percent from the same period last year. That's much higher than the 6.6 percent growth seen in the consumer segment.

One likely reason for that is fairly simple: PCs are getting more expensive. With RAM, SSDs and other components becoming costlier, businesses that already need to refresh their computers have little reason to wait. Buying earlier lets them lock in today's prices before another increase hits.

SMBs appear to be following a similar approach, with shipments to the segment growing 21 percent during the quarter. Government and education purchases were also quite high, growing 17.6 percent and 24.8 percent, respectively. Here's how the biggest PC makers performed:

HP continues to lead the market, while Lenovo holds second place. ASUS saw the biggest jump among the major brands, although that comes from a much smaller base. Acer also had a particularly good quarter, helped by big government and education orders.

Another angle to this story is that retailers and distributors are also stocking up. This is partly because they expect PCs to become more expensive and partly to prepare for the upcoming festive sales. So some of the growth we're seeing isn't necessarily people suddenly needing more PCs. It's businesses and the supply chain getting trying to get ahead of the price surges. 

Consumer PC demand grows, but more slowly

The consumer segment shipped 1.7 million PCs in Q2 2026, up 6.6 percent year-on-year. That's substantially slower than the 16.6 percent growth recorded by commercial shipments. Premium PCs have continued to do well, with notebooks priced above $1,000 growing 78.7 percent. 

AI PC shipments also jumped 109.9 percent, although that can be explained. Most new premium laptops now come with AI-capable processors and dedicated NPUs by default, so the category is naturally expanding as consumers upgrade to newer hardware. The picture was quite different for some of the bigger Windows PC brands:

• HP: Consumer shipments down 3.5%
• Lenovo: Consumer shipments up 10.6%
• Acer: Consumer shipments down 7.6%
• Dell: Consumer shipments up 337.1%
• ASUS: Consumer shipments down 0.8%

Among the major brands, HP's consumer shipments fell 3.5 percent, while Lenovo grew 12.4 percent and Acer declined by 7.6 percent. Dell posted a huge 337.1 percent jump, although IDC notes that this was helped by a particularly weak base last year. ASUS was largely flat, declining by 0.8 percent.

Overall, the numbers seem to suggest that consumers are still buying PCs, but at a more cautious pace, especially as higher component costs continue to push prices upwards. It's also possible some percentage of buyers who may have initially been looking at the $600-$800 range could be moving up to more expensive models instead, choosing to future-proof their hardware rather than risk paying even higher prices later.

What could the future be for consumers?

IDC expects the PC market to come under more pressure towards the end of 2026 as current inventory builds and early commercial purchases begin to normalise. Consumer demand is expected to slow further as higher prices make buyers more cautious, while commercial demand could plateau once businesses have completed their early purchases. IDC sees 2027 as a potentially challenging year if component costs remain elevated.

Consumers across the world are facing the brunt of this hardware scarcity, and as usual, we're often the ones who end up paying more. AI's growing demand for RAM and storage is already making almost every device that uses these components more expensive. If reports from memory manufacturers and AI companies are proven true, this may not ease anytime soon, with some forecasts pointing to shortages lasting until 2028 or even 2030.

We've dealt with hardware shortages before, particularly with GPUs and semiconductors. The difference this time is that RAM and storage are fundamental parts to almost every personal computing device. If prices stay high for years, consumers may lose the freedom to upgrade or replace their hardware like they could before.

For now, we say it's worth getting more out of what you already own. Most mid-range PCs and laptops (around Rs 50,000-80,000) from the last three to five years are still very capable, so there's little reason to upgrade if you don't need to. Used and refurbished machines, repairs and component upgrades could all become more attractive as new hardware gets more expensive.

There's no certainty that this situation will resolve anytime soon, so we should be prepared for things to get much worse before they get better. If you need a new PC, buying now makes more sense if you can afford to. If you don't, taking care of the one you already own is important.

• Redmi has teased a 'Max' Note-series phone, but hasn't confirmed the name or launch date.
• A tipster claimed a September 15th India launch for the Redmi Note 15 Pro models.
• The Note 17 Pro Max is Redmi's first phone with a 10,000mAh battery.

[/highlights]

Redmi just introduced a 'Max' variant in their Note series for the very first time, and it seems like it's already on its way to India. The company has started teasing the 'Max' title for the Note series on its Redmi India X account, although it hasn't explicitly named the phone or announced a launch date yet. The device is expected to be the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, which recently debuted in select international markets including Japan.

The phone is notable for its 10,000mAh silicon-carbon battery - the first in a Redmi phone - 100W charging and durability-focused design. However, compared with the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, it also makes some compromises in processing power and camera hardware. Here's what to expect from the phone, based on what's launched internationally so far.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max India launch

Redmi hasn't announced an India launch date for the Note 17 Pro Max yet. The company has also not teased the Redmi Note 17 Pro on its official India channels so far. However, a previous claim from tipster Yogesh Brar suggested that the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max could launch in India on September 15th. He also said that the new Pro models could cost Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 more than their Redmi Note 15 Pro-series counterparts.

Turn your expectations up to MAX.

We're pushing every boundary to bring you the most unstoppable Note yet.

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— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) September 1, 2026

The reported price increase could push the Note 17 Pro Max into the Rs 40,000-plus segment, as the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ started at Rs 37,999. That would put the new model against phones in a considerably more competitive price bracket than previous Redmi Note Pro models. The global version starts at around Rs 48,000 (when converted) in Japan for 8GB + 256GB, although international pricing should not be used as a direct indicator of the eventual Indian price.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max specifications

Based on what launched in Japan, the Redmi  Note 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness and a 3,200Hz touch sampling rate. It's powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and is expected to offer up to 512GB storage.

The headline feature is a 10,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W charging, compared with the 6,500mAh battery and 100W charging on the Note 15 Pro+. The Chinese Note 17 Pro sits between the two with a 9,000mAh battery and 67W charging. The Pro Max also supports 27W reverse charging. For cameras, the phone has a 50MP OIS primary camera, 8MP ultrawide and 32MP selfie camera. This is a step down from the Note 15 Pro+'s 200MP OIS main camera, although the larger battery gives the Pro Max a much stronger endurance proposition.

The chipset also deserves attention. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is newer but sits below the Snapdragon 7 family, as the Note 15 Pro+ uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Buyers upgrading primarily for gaming should therefore wait for performance benchmarks rather than assume the newer chip will be faster. The Pro Max counters these compromises with IP66 and IP68 ratings, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and claimed 3-metre drop resistance. It also runs HyperOS 3 and is promised four OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

At the reported Rs 40,000-plus price, the Note 17 Pro Max makes more sense for buyers prioritising battery life, durability and media consumption than those seeking the best camera or gaming performance. If Redmi keeps the price close to Rs 40,000, the 10,000mAh battery could be a strong differentiator. Interestingly, the POCO M8 Power is also arriving this week in India, and it's said to be based on the same Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

The T5 is particularly interesting because its specifications and design closely mirror those of the iQOO Z11. Here's what we know ahead of the launch.

Vivo T5 India launch date

The Vivo T5 will launch in India on September 2nd at 12 noon. The smartphone will be sold through Flipkart, Vivo's online store and offline channels.

Vivo T5 design

The Vivo T5 has a rounded rear panel and a slim-looking frame, with a large pill-shaped camera housing positioned horizontally near the top. The module contains two circular camera cutouts, while a separate circular flash sits alongside it. The Vivo logo is placed towards the lower half of the rear panel.

The phone will be available in Silver Green and Royal Bronze. The former has a light, pearlescent appearance, while Royal Bronze uses a darker brown-toned finish. Both give Vivo's version a different visual identity from the iQOO Z11 despite the two phones sharing an identical rear design.

The resemblance extends to the camera housing, flash placement, frame and overall shape. Vivo has also been using this pill-shaped camera module across recent phones, including the Vivo X300 FE and Vivo S2, making it a recognisable element of the company's current design language.

Vivo T5 specifications

The Vivo T5 will feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support and up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness. The phone is powered by the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset and will run OriginOS 6. Vivo promises three years of OS updates and five years of security updates.

The headline hardware feature is its 7,050mAh battery. Vivo claims the T5 is the segment's slimmest smartphone with a 7,000mAh-plus battery and promises five years of battery health. The company also claims up to 85 hours of music playback and 7.9 hours of gaming.

For photography, the T5 gets a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS, alongside an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 32MP selfie camera. Both the front and ultrawide cameras can record 4K video. The phone also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

These specifications are identical to those of the iQOO Z11, which also has the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, 7,050mAh battery and 6.83-inch 1.5K 144Hz curved AMOLED display. The Z11 also has a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 32MP front camera. It supports 44W charging.

Vivo T5 expected price in India

Vivo hasn't announced an India price yet, although the Flipkart microsite places the T5 in the Rs 34,999 to Rs 49,999 segment, the same broad segment as the iQOO Z11. Given the hardware, a starting price below Rs 40,000 appears more likely, although the final price and variants will be revealed at launch.

The T5 also has space within Vivo's own lineup. The T5x starts at Rs 27,999, while the T5 Pro currently costs Rs 41,999, leaving the new model room between them. The biggest challenge for the T5 is that the iQOO Z11 is effectively offering the same hardware. The two phones share their chipset, battery capacity, display specifications, camera setup and even their overall rear design. The differences are largely down to branding and colour options.

If the T5 starts around Rs 35,000, buyers who prefer Vivo's branding, retail presence or Royal Bronze and Silver Green finishes may have a straightforward alternative to the Z11. If it launches substantially higher, Vivo will need to offer something tangible in return. Prospective buyers should therefore wait for the final price, variants and launch offers before deciding, rather than paying more simply for the Vivo badge.

• The Vivo T5x and iQOO Z11x now cost Rs 27,999 for the base variant.
• The price hike is effective from September 1st.
• Key specs include MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo SoC, 7,200mAh battery, 50MP rear camera, and more.

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Vivo has announced a price hike on its T5x and sub-brand iQOO Z11x (review) smartphones. Both handsets come with identical specifications and design, and they have received a price hike of Rs 3,000 on their base and mid-range variants, while the top-end 8GB + 256GB variant is now costlier by Rs 4,000. While the circular shared by Vivo with its retail outlets states that the price hike is effective from September 1, 2026, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the revised pricing of the T5x has also been updated on the company's official website. The iQOO Z11x is currently listed with its old price on the official website.

iQOO Z11x and Vivo T5x new and old prices

The base 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant of the iQOO Z11x and Vivo T5x now costs Rs 27,999, up from its previous MOP of Rs 24,999. Meanwhile, the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is now priced at Rs 30,999, up from Rs 27,999, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option has seen a Rs 4,000 hike, rising from Rs 30,999 to Rs 34,999.

The latest iQOO Z11x and Vivo T5x price revisions are applicable to the states. The same has also been updated on the Vivo T5x's official product listing, whereas the iQOO Z11x is still listed with its old pricing. Interestingly, both smartphones are currently out of stock officially online.

While Vivo hasn't stated in its circular, the price hike could be attributed to RAM and storage shortages, which have affected the entire industry.

Should you buy iQOO Z11x/ Vivo T5x?

Both smartphones deliver identical value, thanks to their MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, 7,200mAh battery, 50MP dual rear cameras, FHD+ 120Hz refresh rate display, and IP69+ rated design.

The handsets could be a good choice for anyone seeking smooth everyday performance and gaming, impressive battery life, and a polished, feature-rich software experience. Their main shortcomings are the lack of versatility in the camera setup and a vibrant display. The Redmi Note 17 (review) should be a better fit if you are looking for an AMOLED display on a sub-Rs 30,000 smartphone, while the Moto G Max (review) features a dedicated ultrawide lens for capturing wider-angle shots.

• The upcoming Philips smartphone in India is set to launch on September 2.
• The phone is expected to offer 5G support with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
• Philips is entering the budget smartphone segment at a time when rising memory costs are creating room for new brands.

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Philips is set to enter India's smartphone market with its first device, with the company now confirming that the launch will take place on September 2. The upcoming phone is likely to launch under Rs 20,000, where established smartphone brands have increasingly moved towards higher price points and left room for newer players.

The company has already revealed several details about the device, including its display, cameras, memory and connectivity options. Here's what we know ahead of the launch.

Philips smartphone launching in India on September 2

The upcoming Philips smartphone is likely to offer an HD display with 120Hz refresh rate. For photography, it will have a 64MP primary camera on the rear and a 16MP selfie camera on the front.

The phone will also be available with 6GB or 8GB RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB storage. It will support 5G connectivity, which could give it an advantage in the budget segment, particularly as several phones around this price point continue to rely on 4G hardware.

Other confirmed details on the Amazon microsite include dual stereo speakers, which Philips markets under its "Ultra Max" branding, along with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. The company is promoting the phone under its "Innovation You Can Trust" tagline, although its name and pricing are still to be revealed.

Based on the specifications revealed so far, the phone is expected to be positioned below Rs 20,000 in India. Its final price will be particularly important, given the competition from brands that already have established products in this segment.

Zenotel India is the company which lists Philips smartphones and feature phones among its mobile portfolio. The company says it is focused on combining global brands with local expertise and already offers several Philips-branded feature phones in India.

A tough year for budget smartphones

Philips is entering India's smartphone market at a tumultuous time. Brands such as Mivi, Fire-Boltt and AI+ have recently entered or are preparing to enter the affordable segment, while Micromax is also reportedly looking to make a comeback.

At the same time, rising RAM and storage costs have pushed smartphone prices higher this year, making it increasingly difficult for established brands to offer aggressive specifications at the lower end. The entry-level and budget smartphones are the worst casualities. of this current situation. This has created an opening for smaller and returning brands to target consumers looking for affordable alternatives.

Philips does have an advantage that some of these newer entrants lack. It is already a familiar name in India's consumer electronics market, which could give the smartphone some initial recognition among buyers. That alone, however, won't be enough. The company will still need competitive pricing, dependable software and a capable after-sales network to establish itself in a market dominated by brands with years of smartphone experience.

If the company can combine 5G connectivity with a competitive price, the phone could be an interesting addition to a budget segment that is suddenly seeing plenty of new competition.