New prices of iPhone 17, iPhone 16, and more

The iPhone 17 will now sell for nearly Rs 1 lakh, a massive hike for a base iPhone model. This also raises the entry price for anyone looking to join the Apple ecosystem, as Apple did not announce the iPhone 18 at today's event. The iPhone 18 is rumoured to launch separately next year. Here are the revised prices for all the older iPhone models following the iPhone 18 Pro series launch.

The iPhone 17 sees a Rs 17,000 price bump over its previous selling price. The iPhone Air, Apple's slimmest iPhone yet, sees a Rs 30,000 hike, bringing it close to Rs 1,50,000 and only Rs 15,000 less than the new iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone 16 gets a Rs 20,000 increase from its previous selling price, which is eye-watering for a 2024 model, while the entry-level iPhone 17e sees a modest Rs 15,000 bump.

iPhone 17 price hike was always expected

Apple is arguably the last major brand to raise prices this year, not the first. Vivo already hiked the X300 Pro's price mid-cycle, and several other manufacturers have quietly done the same over the past few months, all pointing to the same underlying cause: a global RAM and memory pricing crunch that's been squeezing smartphone margins industry-wide through 2026. Even Xiaomi's India leadership has acknowledged as much, pointing out that rising RAM prices have hit smartphones harder than almost any other product category.

What's notable is the timing. Apple held off on touching its lineup until its own new iPhones were ready to launch, rather than quietly raising prices mid-cycle the way some competitors did. That's arguably the most Apple-like move: absorb the cost pressure until you have a new lineup to launch alongside the higher prices, rather than let a price hike be the headline on its own.

• Apple Watch Series 12 starts at Rs 56,900 and Ultra 4 starts at Rs 1,09,900
• Both watches now measure heart rate every 5 seconds and HRV up to 24 times more often
• A new on-device "Audio Intelligence" feature set brings Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap

[/highlights]

Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, with both watches built around a new S11 chip and what the company is calling its most significant health-sensing upgrade in years. Take a look at the Series 12 and Ultra 4 India prices, availability, and complete specifications.

Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 India pricing and availability

• Apple Watch Series 12 starts at Rs 56,900
• Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at Rs 1,09,900

Both are available to pre-order now, with in-store availability from September 18. watchOS 27 rolls out September 14 for Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, requiring an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 27. Apple Intelligence and the Siri AI beta also arrive with watchOS 27 on September 14, with Siri AI initially in English and French, with support for Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish following in October.

New Health Sensing System

Apple says the new Health Sensing System improves three parts of how the watch reads the body: a larger electrode surface area for better ECG contact, redesigned photodiodes arranged in a ring for more efficient optical sensing, and larger, more power-efficient green LEDs for steadier heart rate readings during movement.

The practical result is background heart rate readings taken every 5 seconds throughout the day, and heart rate variability (HRV) sampled up to 24 times more often than before. Apple now splits HRV into two readings: Recovery HRV for spotting daily stress and recovery signals, and overall HRV for a broader read on cardiovascular health. Apple also cited a study across more than 1,000 participants comparing its heart rate sensing against other wearables, claiming Series 12 and Ultra 4 come out on top for accuracy.

This data feeds a new daily Readiness score, which factors in recent activity, training load, vitals, and sleep to give a 0-10 rating with a recommendation, ranging from "Recover" to "Go For It." The score updates through the day as new data comes in. Apple says it developed the algorithm using data from its own Heart and Movement Study, alongside exercise scientists and physicians.

"Apple Watch Series 12 is the most advanced health and fitness companion we've ever created," said Kaiann Drance, Apple's VP of Worldwide Apple Watch Product Marketing.

Step tracking and battery

Apple has also redesigned the pedometer model with new machine learning algorithms, which it says makes Series 12 and Ultra 4 the most accurate step trackers of any smartwatch, along with a new real-time Steps watch face complication.

On battery, Series 12 continues to offer up to 24 hours of everyday use and now adds up to 10 hours during an outdoor workout, a 25 percent jump over the previous model. Charging is faster too, with 15 minutes now adding up to 12 hours of extra battery, 50 percent more than before.

Ultra 4 gets a bigger jump: Apple rates it for over two days of everyday battery life (up to 50 hours), and up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode. For workouts, the standard Extended Workout mode now covers up to 25 hours with full GPS and heart rate tracking, up 25 percent over the previous model, while the Max Extended Workout mode stretches to 45 hours, which Apple pitches as enough for a 100-mile race. Charging is faster here too, with 15 minutes adding up to 18 hours of battery.

A redesigned Health app, and Health Age

The Health app on iPhone is getting an overhaul this year, with a new Insights tab that surfaces an Apple Intelligence-generated summary of a person's most relevant health data, along with personalised suggestions. Apple also introduced Health Age, which compares Apple Watch metrics like VO2 max and sleep, plus optional bloodwork biomarkers, against a person's actual age. A new Longevity tab rolls sleep, movement, and heart health data into an overall health picture, and can pull in lab results manually, from synced medical records, or via an optional lab panel.

Audio Intelligence

Both watches introduce Audio Intelligence, a set of on-device features built on the S11 chip's microphone and always-on processor:

• Sound Recognition listens for sounds like sirens, alarms, doorbells, or a crying baby, and notifies the wearer even when their phone isn't nearby, aimed particularly at people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Live Rewind lets a user double-press the Digital Crown to instantly see the last 15 seconds of a conversation as a text snippet, with an audible chime and on-screen indicator so people nearby know it's active.
• Siri Recap uses ambient listening to generate a title and key points for a conversation, reviewable later in the Siri app. It produces a summary, not a full transcript, and is designed to exclude sensitive details like financial information or ID numbers. Users choose exactly when it runs, or can turn it off entirely from Control Center.
• Shazam integration automatically identifies music playing nearby and surfaces the song and artist on a Smart Stack widget.

Apple says none of these features creates or stores audio recordings, that raw audio is processed in an isolated, hardware-separated part of the S11 chip and immediately deleted, and that Audio Intelligence does not identify or attribute individual speakers. Live Rewind text and Siri Recap summaries are end-to-end encrypted and synced via iCloud. Live Rewind and Siri Recap arrive in beta later this year, in English first.

Chip, design, and colours

Both watches run on the new S11 chip, which Apple calls its most powerful wearable chip yet, sharing CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine architecture with the A20 Pro, plus a dedicated, hardware-isolated audio processing block for Audio Intelligence.

Series 12 (42mm and 46mm) comes in dark bronze, black, light gold, and space gray aluminium, radiant gold and natural titanium, and a ceramic option in pearl white and night blue. Aluminium models get Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says is 60 percent tougher than the previous generation's Ion-X glass. Ultra 4 comes in natural and black titanium, with a new Hermès Grand H titanium band option and a new Fathom and Wonder watch face.

watchOS 27 also brings a dynamic Siri-suggested app grid, a new single-handed tap gesture for the Smart Stack, perimenopause and menopause support in Cycle Tracking, and Workout Buddy support without an iPhone nearby, now also in Spanish.

While Apple touts significant health upgrades, the real-world impact of the 5-second heart rate readings will be crucial for users seeking deeper insights.

• iPhone Duo boasts a 7.6-inch foldable display and a 5.4-inch cover display.
• Other key specs include an A20 Pro SoC, 48MP dual rear cameras, a 12MP front camera, and more.
• iPhone Duo is priced in India starting at Rs 2,99,900, making it the most expensive iPhone yet. 

[/highlights]

Apple has launched its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, and how. It has taken almost seven years since the first commercially available foldable in India, the Samsung Galaxy Fold, and a change in Apple's leadership, with John Ternus taking over as CEO from Tim Cook on September 1st, to introduce an iPhone that folds and features dual screens.

The iPhone Duo appears to have taken design cues from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, flaunting a passport-size form factor that remains compact when folded and feels ideal for multimedia consumption, reading, and social media when unfolded, thanks to its large inner display.

Key iPhone Duo specs include Super Retina displays, A20 Pro SoC, 48MP dual cameras, and up to 45 hours of video playback on a single charge. It's also the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever made to date.

iPhone Duo price, availability

The iPhone Duo is priced in India at Rs 2,99,900 for the base 256GB storage variant. This is roughly over a lakh more than the US pricing of the phone - $1,999 (~Rs 1,90,100).

The iPhone Duo comes in Starlight and Night Sky colours. This marks the first time since 2017 that Apple has launched an iPhone in just two colours. The latest iPhone Duo will be available for pre-order starting October 16th, with sales beginning on October 23rd.

The iPhone Duo India price will be out soon and will be updated, so keep watching this space.

iPhone Duo specifications

Design and displays

The iPhone Duo boasts a book-style foldable design, with a horizontally folding hinge. That hinge supports a large 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED foldable display with up to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, which offers a tablet-like viewing experience, suitable for multimedia consumption, reading, and multitasking when unfolded. The smartphone also sports a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR 120Hz outer display to use it as a regular smartphone when folded. Apple claims that iPhone Duo is the thinnest when unfolded.

The foldable iPhone features a titanium frame and a custom torque-engineered hinge to hold at an angle. The handset can be used in tent mode, partially folded, and at a 90-degree angle. Apple claims to have used a multilayer system on top of the inner screen to reduce the crease and ensure the surface feels flat. Both the outer screen and the back panel feature Ceramic Shield 2 protection, while the IP68 rating keeps it safe from water and dust.

Performance and software

At the core of the iPhone Duo lies the next-gen A20 Pro chipset, the same as the one used on the latest iPhone 18 Pro models, which is claimed to deliver up to 20 percent faster CPU performance and 40 percent faster GPU performance, while doubling neural compute for more capable on-device AI and up to 40 percent better sustained performance. The SoC on the foldable also features a dual-display engine to back its dual screens. Furthermore, the iPhone Duo features the Apple C2 modem, touted as the most advanced cellular model to enhance connectivity on the smartphone. 

The smartphone runs the latest iOS 27 out of the box, with software optimisations designed specifically for its larger inner display, including support for multitasking and running multiple apps side by side. Controls such as Wi-Fi, the dock, and quick-access buttons have been moved to the sides, allowing content to fit more naturally on the larger display. The outer screen compactly places the status bar icons below the corner-aligned selfie camera.

Cameras and battery

In terms of cameras, the iPhone Duo sports a dual rear-camera setup, comprising two 48MP fusion sensors. The setup seems similar to last year's iPhone 17, with a primary wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide-angle camera, lacking the more advanced variable aperture introduced with the iPhone 18 Pro series. As for selfies and video calling, the iPhone Duo relies on a slightly inferior 12MP centre-stage camera on the outer display, while the inner display features an unspecified under-display FaceTime camera.

As for the iPhone Duo battery, Apple claims up to 32 hours of video playback on the inner foldable display, while the outer display is said to support up to 44 hours of playback. The smartphone is also touted to deliver up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge when both displays are used equally. For charging, the iPhone Duo can reach 50 percent in around 20 minutes, while a 5-minute charge is claimed to provide up to 5 hours of video playback.

Security and other features

The iPhone Duo also marks the return of Touch ID, which Apple ditched with the iPhone X almost a decade ago. The biometric authentication system is integrated into the side-mounted power button, which appears to be the only viable placement for secure biometric authentication on a smartphone with this form factor.

The device also supports Apple Pencil with USB-C for sketching, jotting notes, and more. Other features include speakers at the top and bottom for stereo output.

• iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199.
• Both models come with the new A20 Pro chip. 
• The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the best battery life on an iPhone yet. 

[/highlights]

Apple has taken the wraps off its latest iPhones — the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. For the first time, Apple has changed its iPhone launch strategy, debuting only the Pro models alongside its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Ultra. The standard iPhone 18 did not launch this time and is expected to arrive around March next year alongside the iPhone 18e.

The iPhone Ultra is undoubtedly the biggest highlight of the launch, marking Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone segment. However, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max also bring several upgrades, including new chipsets, refreshed colour options, updated cameras, and more.

iPhone 18 Pro series price in India, availability

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900 in India. Both models will be available in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black colour options, with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage variants. Pre-orders in India will begin at 5:30 pm on September 12th, with both phones going on sale from September 18th. 

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max specifications

The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max gets a larger 6.9-inch screen, matching their predecessors. The bigger upgrade comes in the form of new LTPO+ display technology, which is more power-efficient than the LTPO panels used on the iPhone 17 Pro models.

Both models retain the familiar design with a large camera plateau on the rear. Apple has, however, introduced a new set of colour options, including a new Dark Cherry shade that could be one of the more popular choices this year. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are also available in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black colour options. Both phones feature colour-matched aluminium and back glass. 

One of the more noticeable changes is the Dynamic Island, which is now smaller. It has been upgraded to show three live activities at the same time. 

Powering the iPhone 18 Pro series is Apple's new A20 Pro chipset, built on a 2nm process. The new chip is claimed to deliver up to 20 percent faster performance with the most advanced neural engine for on-device AI processing. The iPhone 18 Pro series is also equipped with a next-generation vapour chamber, which is three times the surface area on the iPhone 17 Pro. It's also claimed to deliver the highest sustained performance on an iPhone ever. 

The iPhone 18 Pro is said to deliver the same battery life as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. As for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, it offers the largest increase in battery life ever on an iPhone. In terms of usage, the iPhone 18 Pro should last up to 24 hours per charge and up to 30 hours on the Pro Max. 

Apple has also upgraded the cameras with a new 48MP Fusion Main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro series. The biggest upgrade here is variable aperture, which allows the lens to mechanically open and close to control light, meaning better low-light photos. The iPhone 18 Pro series also comes with new Pro controls that offer better manual control over camera settings. 

• Apple has announced the A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process
• Apple claims up to 40 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro
• The chip also enables major battery life gains, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max rated for up to 45 hours of video playback

[/highlights]

Apple used its iPhone 18 Pro keynote to detail the A20 Pro, the chip powering the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Apple's pitch is that the on-device AI workloads introduced with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI needed a proportionate jump in silicon and cooling, and the A20 Pro is built around that requirement.

What's new in the A20 Pro

The A20 Pro moves to a 2nm manufacturing process, which Apple says allows for smaller, more densely packed transistors across the chip. Key specs include:

• CPU: A new 6-core design with 2 "Supercore" performance cores (up to 20 percent faster than before, which Apple describes as desktop-class) and 4 efficiency cores, with neural accelerators built in for low-latency on-device AI tasks.
• GPU: A 7-core GPU delivering up to a 40 percent performance increase over the previous generation, with added microarchitectural improvements aimed at high-end gaming, plus new neural accelerators for on-device AI work like running third-party LLMs locally.
• Neural Engine: Apple added a second Neural Engine, bringing the total to 32 cores and roughly doubling neural compute power compared to the outgoing chip.
• Memory bandwidth: Increased by 50 percent, which Apple calls the widest memory interface it has shipped in an iPhone.

New chip packaging and cooling

Apple also redesigned how the A20 Pro is physically packaged, placing the silicon die side-by-side with memory in a layout inspired by its M-series Mac chips. This keeps memory out of the SoC's thermal path and lets the chip connect directly to a new vapour chamber for cooling.

That vapour chamber has three times the surface area of the one in the iPhone 17 Pro, uses circulating deionised water, and is built with 80 per cent recycled stainless steel along with a new nano-twin copper material Apple says is an industry first. The company claims this adds up to a 40 percent gain in sustained performance over the iPhone 17 Pro, and up to 2x over the iPhone 16 Pro and earlier models.

Battery life

Apple says the combination of A20 Pro's efficiency and a new battery design allows the iPhone 18 Pro to match the iPhone 17 Pro Max's all-day battery life despite a smaller form factor, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max gets what Apple calls its largest battery life jump ever.

On video playback (eSIM-only models), Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro at up to 36 hours and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at up to 45 hours. Under a newer real-world usage-based model, the company rates general usage at up to 24 hours per charge for the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 30 hours for the Pro Max. Wired charging is also faster, with a 50 percent charge in around 15 minutes, and just 5 minutes of charging is said to provide about 6 hours of video playback.

• Apple may reportedly rebrand the iPhone Air 2 as the iPhone 18, replacing the planned standard model design.
• The rumoured rebranded iPhone could start at USD 999 (around Rs 95,000).
• Other reports still point to separate iPhone 18 and Air 2 models.

[/highlights]

We're hours away from the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro models, and word on the street has it that the most popular standard iPhone 18 may not launch at all this Fall. Instead, Apple may be considering a major change to the standard iPhone 18 before it arrives next spring. A new leak claims (via) the company is exploring the idea of dropping the separate base iPhone 18 design and instead using the iPhone Air 2 as the hardware blueprint for the iPhone 18.

That would effectively make the slim Air design the new standard iPhone, rather than keeping it as a separate model. The idea is still very much a rumour and should be taken with not a grain but a huge bag of salt, as it comes from Early Apple, a relatively new leaker with no established track record. More established reports have continued to point towards separate iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 models.

iPhone Air could become the iPhone 18

According to the leak, Apple is "exploring the idea" of making the phone previously expected to launch as the iPhone Air 2 the next base iPhone. The name could therefore remain iPhone 18, but the hardware and design would reportedly be based on the slim Air. It would not be the first time Apple has used a more expensive design as a preview of where its mainstream iPhones could go. The iPhone X introduced the company's newer design language at a USD 999 (around Rs 95,000) starting price before Apple moved away from the older iPhone 8 design and introduced the iPhone XR alongside the iPhone XS.

There are obvious compromises with the current Air concept, however. The iPhone Air has a single rear camera, a smaller battery and a mono speaker, making it a very different proposition from Apple's conventional base iPhone. Turning those trade-offs into the default design could prove controversial, especially if the starting price also moves up.

The same rumour claims the redesigned iPhone 18 could start at USD 999, roughly USD 200 above the current positioning of Apple's standard iPhone. That would make the decision harder for buyers who currently choose the base model precisely because it offers much of the iPhone experience without Pro-level pricing.

The timing also makes the claim harder to swallow. Apple is dealing with higher memory costs and broader supply-chain pressure, which could make reusing an existing design and manufacturing setup more attractive than introducing another expensive change. For now, buyers should not treat this as a reason to change their plans. Early Apple's limited track record makes the claim weaker than reports from established leakers, while other leaks continue to suggest the iPhone 18 and Air 2 will remain separate.

• Lenovo has launched the Legion 5i, Legion 5a and new LOQ gaming laptops in India.
• The Legion 5i starts at Rs 2,65,990, the Legion 5a starts at Rs 2,25,990, while the LOQ retails for Rs 1,99,990.
• The new gaming laptops bring RTX 5050 and RTX 5060 GPUs and updated Intel and AMD processors.

[/highlights]

Lenovo has refreshed its gaming laptop lineup in India with the new Legion 5i, Legion 5a and LOQ 15AHP11. The Legion 5 models serve as entry points into Lenovo's premium gaming range, while the LOQ continues to target the mid-range segment. The new laptops bring updated hardware, including NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and newer Intel Ultra Series and AMD Ryzen 200 series processors.

The launch comes as Lenovo continues to expand both ends of its gaming portfolio. The Legion 10 series arrived in 2025, while the company also recently added new LOQ Essentials models in August 2026. Let's take a closer look at the models launched, their pricing and availability below.

Lenovo gaming laptops: price in India

Lenovo's Legion 11 series and LOQ laptops have also been affected by the ongoing memory shortage. The new models use higher-end DDR5 RAM, which has become roughly 4 times as expensive compared to 2025. For some context, the 2025 Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 10 with an AMD Ryzen 250, 16GB RAM and RTX 5060 used to retail around Rs 1,30,000 back in May 2026. The new models are priced as follows:

The new Legion 5i, Legion 5a and LOQ 15AHP11 will be available through Lenovo.com, Lenovo exclusive stores and select retail outlets across India. Lenovo is also offering custom-to-order options, allowing buyers to configure the laptops with their preferred specifications. Custom orders will take around 15–20 days to arrive.

New Legion 5 Gen 11 series: features, specifications

The new Legion 5 comes in two models, with the core differences between them boiling down to what processor they use. The Legion 5i and 5a share a lot of their hardware, including a 15.3-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio.

The OLED panel is a great addition and allows the laptop to render deeper blacks, better contrast and more vibrant colours, which can make both gaming and watching content more enjoyable. The high resolution also gives users more screen space for work and creative tasks.

Both laptops support up to 32GB of 5,600MT/s DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. The faster memory should help when switching between demanding applications, while the Gen 4 SSD can reduce loading times for games and large files. Both devices also get an 80Wh battery and Legion Coldfront: Hyper cooling to help manage heat during gaming sessions.

The main differences come down to the processors and AI hardware. The Legion 5i uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H and gets both LA1 and LA3 AI Core chips, while the 5a uses the AMD Ryzen 7 250 with the LA1 AI Core. The 5i comes with an RTX 5060 laptop GPU, while the 5a offers both RTX 5060 and RTX 5050 options.

Lenovo LOQ 15AHP11: features, specifications

The LOQ 15AHP11 has a similar approach to the Legion models but targets a more affordable segment. It uses the AMD Ryzen 7 250 processor and can be configured with an RTX 5060 or RTX 5050 GPU, giving users sufficient graphics power for modern AAA games and other demanding workloads.

It also gets a 15.3-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display with up to a 180Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate should make fast-paced games feel smoother, while the resolution is a step up compared to a Full HD panel. Users can also choose up to 32GB of 5,600MT/s DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, which should help with multitasking and reduce game and application loading times.

The laptop uses Lenovo's Hyperchamber cooling system to manage heat and packs a 60Wh battery with Rapid Charge Pro. At around 2.1kg, it is also reasonably portable for a gaming laptop, although it is heavier than the Legion 5 models.

Should you buy the new Lenovo gaming series?

The new Lenovo gaming laptops are certainly more expensive, with prices increasing by roughly 50 percent or more compared to similar 2025 models. But these new prices reflect the current market conditions and something we don't really have much control over.

The new pricing makes them a little harder to recommend as an upgrade, especially if you already have a reasonably capable gaming laptop with an RTX 4050 GPU or higher. You can still benefit from newer DLSS features on those GPUs, so upgrading just for the RTX 50 series may not make much sense unless you specifically want the newer frame generation capabilities.

For anyone who urgently needs a new gaming laptop and has the budget, Lenovo offers plenty of options. The LOQ is ideal if you primarily want gaming hardware and performance, while the Legion range is a more cohesive package, naturally, at a higher cost. You get a better overall build, cooling, and more importantly, a high-end OLED display that would otherwise cost a fair bit on its own.

• OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will launch as part of the flagship lineup.
• OPPO has yet to officially confirm the Find X10 series.
• The lineup is expected to launch in India next month. 

[/highlights]

The OPPO Find X10 series is set to launch in China this month. The lineup will include two phones: the OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max. While OPPO is expected to launch the Find X10 series in India, there's no official confirmation yet. However, a new leak suggests when the OPPO Find X10 series will launch in India and how much it could cost. 

OPPO Find X10 series India launch date, pricing

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the OPPO Find X10 series is slated to launch in India next month. The tentative date for the Find X10 series India launch could be October 28th, the tipster added. Also, it's predicted that the OPPO Find X10 series could be priced between Rs 90,000 and 1.5 lakh when it launches in India. While the expected pricing may seem steep, it's not entirely surprising given the ongoing situation where phones are getting costlier than ever. 

If accurate, the OPPO Find X10 series would be arriving earlier this time, as the Find X9 lineup arrived in November last year. OPPO has been revealing key details about the upcoming Find X10 series. 

OPPO's flagship series stands out for its camera system, which aims to deliver DSLR-like photography. The Find X10 series is expected to continue this strategy, with the regular Find X20 confirmed to feature two 200MP sensors as part of its triple-camera setup. The more premium Find X10 Pro Max will launch with three 200MP cameras! 

OPPO has also confirmed that the Find X10 series cameras have been co-developed with Hasselblad and are designed to produce more natural colours, sharper details, and more realistic lighting and shadows. The OPPO Find X10 series will most likely use MediaTek's new Dimensity 9600 series chipsets and offer 8,000mAh batteries. 

Based on what we know so far, the OPPO Find X10 series is shaping up to be another smartphone camera favourite. If you want peak smartphone photography, then the Find X10 series will definitely be worth waiting for. So you might want to hold off on buying a new flagship smartphone and wait for the Find X10 series. 

• OPPO A7 Pro features a single rear camera.
• It has a horizontal camera design and comes in three colours.
• The smartphone has been launched only in China. 

[/highlights]

After launching its first 10,000mAh phone, the OPPO A7 Pro Max, OPPO has now announced the standard model — the A7 Pro. This one too comes with a large 8,000mAh battery and a similar design featuring a horizontal camera bar. It looks like the OPPO A7 Pro specifically focuses on a large battery and stylish design. OPPO has launched the A7 Pro in China, and it is currently available for pre-order. There's no word on its global availability yet. 

OPPO A7 Pro pricing, availability

According to the pre-order details, the OPPO A7 Pro is priced at CNY 2,199 (Rs 31,100 approx) for the base model with 6GB RAM and 256GB storage. The 8GB RAM + 256GB variant is available at CNY 2,499 (Rs 35,300 approx). It comes in three colour options: pink, blue, and what looks like titanium brown. The smartphone will go on sale on September 11th in China. 

OPPO A7 Pro specifications

The OPPO A7 Pro features a 6.57-inch flat OLED display (1080x2372 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,400 nits peak brightness. This is a somewhat compact form factor for those who want something between a large and small screen size. The smartphone houses a 50MP primary camera with up to 10x digital zoom and an 8MP front camera for selfies. It looks like the phone has a single rear camera, which is quite surprising for its price and might also prove disadvantageous among rivals. In comparison, phones like the Redmi Note 17 Pro, which is priced lower, offer a dual-camera setup. 

The highlight of the OPPO A7 Pro is its large 8,000mAh battery, which is said to last 2,000 full charge cycles before the battery health decreases to 80 percent. This battery capacity should be able to offer multi-day usage for regular and power users alike. The handset is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max SoC paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. This chipset should be capable of handling everyday tasks and light gaming. 

On the software front, the OPPO A7 Pro runs ColorOS 16 based on Android 16 out of the box. The smartphone comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. 

The OPPO A7 Pro could be a good option for buyers who want a slim and stylish phone with solid battery endurance. If you're currently using an older OPPO A-series phone, this could be a significant battery upgrade. However, since it has a single rear camera, it might not appeal to those who want more versatility. If you're okay with that, then you can go ahead and buy the OPPO A7 Pro. Otherwise, you can consider alternatives with better specs. 

• Motorola has started teasing the Signature 27 on its European website, showing the back of the upcoming flagship.
• The teaser suggests a possible Swarovski edition, but Motorola hasn't confirmed any specifications or pricing.
• The first-generation Signature launched in January 2026 at Rs 59,999 in India.

[/highlights]

Motorola has started teasing the successor to its Signature flagship, months after launching the first-generation model. The company has quietly added a teaser for the Motorola Signature 27 to its European website, suggesting that a new sub-flagship is already in the works.

Motorola Signature 27 teaser live

The teaser carries the line "A New Perspective Is Coming" and shows the back of the phone, although there is little to make out beyond a camera module with at least two visible lenses. Motorola is also letting visitors register their interest by email, but hasn't revealed specifications, pricing or a launch date yet.

[caption id="attachment_714401" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Screenshot[/caption]

There are no reliable leaks to fill in the gaps so far. The teaser does, however, include a Crystals by Swarovski logo, although the logo itself is currently not loading on the website. That points towards another Swarovski edition, following the special treatment given to the original Signature. This carries on Motorola's obsession with Swarovski, as the company unveiled a special encrusted edition of the Razr 70 too at IFA a few days ago.

Motorola launched the first Signature in January 2026. Considering the teaser is already live, the successor seems to be coming sooner than that. The first Signature was a sub-flagship starting at Rs 59,999 in India, combining a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip with a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display running at 165Hz. The camera setup includes a 50MP main rear camera and other 50MP sensors, along with a 50MP selfie camera. Motorola also gave the phone a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. IP68 and IP69 ratings, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a seven-year OS and security update commitment round out the package.

However, Motorola hasn't started teasing the new Signature in India yet. Buyers considering the current Signature or a phone above Rs 60,000 should pause if there is no urgency. Motorola hasn't confirmed how soon the Signature 27 will arrive, but buying a Rs 59,999 phone just before its successor is announced could mean missing out on newer hardware for a relatively short wait. Although, the current Signature still makes sense if its 165Hz display, camera setup and charging speeds are the priority.

• You don't need to install any APK to get the OnePlus Dialer app.
• The OnePlus Dialer includes useful features like AI summary and translation.
• The app is available to install even on older OnePlus devices.

[/highlights]

The OnePlus Dialer, also known as OnePlus Phone, is the proprietary calling app found on newer OnePlus phones released after the Nord 5 series. This app replaced Google Phone, which came pre-installed on older OnePlus flagships and Nord phones, and brought nifty features such as call recording without announcement, AI Call Assistant to summarise calls, and more. Now, with the latest August update on OnePlus phones, you can officially install the app on older phones; here's how.

How to install OnePlus Dialer on older OnePlus phones

Before following the steps below, make sure your OnePlus phone is running the August security patch update on OxygenOS 16, regardless of your device. With that out of the way, here's how to get OnePlus Dialer:

Step 1: Go ahead and open the Google Phone app

Step 2: Now enter *#*#677776#*#*

Step 3: Once done, you will get a pop-up prompting you to restart your device to install OnePlus Phone

Step 4: Press "Restart"

Step 5: Once the phone restarts normally, the OnePlus Phone and Contacts app will be available on your home screen or app drawer

Step 6: When you open the OnePlus Phone app for the first time, it'll ask you to set it as the default calling app

Step 7: Go ahead and select "Set as default calling app", and on the next screen, tap "Contacts"

Step 8: Agree to OnePlus Phone's 'Statement of use ', and you can start using the app to make and receive voice and video calls

Devices eligible for OnePlus Dialer

As noted above, all OnePlus phones running the latest August security patch on OxygenOS 16 are eligible to install the phone app, including older models. These include the Nord 3, Nord 4, Nord CE 4, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R, and others.

OnePlus Dialer key features and use cases

Here are some benefits of installing the OnePlus Dialer app on your OnePlus phone:

Call recording: Unlike Google Phone, you can record calls without background announcements that hint to the other party that the call is being recorded. You can also choose to record all calls or only calls from certain contacts.

AI Summary: Possibly limited to newer, high-end devices, the OnePlus Phone can provide call summaries with the help of AI. This can come in handy for going back and getting an overview of crucial conversations.

AI Translate: When speaking to foreigners on a call, the OnePlus Phone app can automatically translate the conversation for both parties in several languages. This removes language barriers.

Full-screen contact image: Users can choose to display a contact's image in full screen on the incoming and call screen UI. While this is also possible on Google Phone, it displays the image only in a portion of the screen.

To conclude, it's good to see that OnePlus has listened to users who want a proprietary calling app that matches the design interface of other system apps and offers key features such as call summaries and AI translation. What's more, installing the OnePlus Dialer app is easy and to the point, letting anyone get the app without the hassle of downloading APKs or hunting for the file on websites.

• Apple could unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Duo, tonight.
• The iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 may not launch tonight and get pushed to next year.
• This is the first product launch under new Apple CEO John Ternus.

[/highlights]

Tonight is the big night for smartphone, and particularly, Apple enthusiasts. The iPhone launch event tonight could look very different from the company's usual September launch. Instead of unveiling the full iPhone range at once, Apple is expected to keep the spotlight on its premium models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max joined by its first foldable iPhone.

The foldable, reportedly called the iPhone Duo, is the biggest change to Apple's iPhone lineup in years. The event will also be the first major iPhone launch under new CEO John Ternus, and here's how to watch it live, what to expect, etc.

Where to watch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo launch live

The Apple event will start at 10.30pm IST tonight. It will be streamed live on the Apple TV app, Apple.com and YouTube. We've embedded the link below for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39BalPDuTo0

What products is Apple launching tonight?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to bring several hardware changes, including Apple's A20 Pro chip based on a 2nm process and a smaller Dynamic Island. The Pro Max could also get a variable-aperture 48MP main camera, which would give photographers more control over light and depth of field.

[caption id="attachment_698504" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image credit: MacWorld[/caption]

The bigger announcement, however, is expected to be the iPhone Duo. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman's latest report says Apple has settled on the Duo name instead of the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold doing the rounds. Storage could reach 2TB, with the phone starting at USD 2,000 (around Rs 1.9 lakh) and the top model reportedly approaching USD 3,000 (around Rs 2.85 lakh). The phone is expected to ship in October, support the Apple Pencil and come in dark blue and white.

Reports suggest the Duo could use a wide foldable design, with a 7.6-7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.3-5.5-inch cover screen, both with 120Hz ProMotion. The standard iPhone 18 and next iPhone Air are reportedly being pushed to a later launch, making tonight's event more of a premium iPhone showcase than the usual four-model unveiling.

Read: What will Apple's first foldable iPhone cost in India?

Apple is also expected to refresh the Apple Watch lineup and introduce AirPods 5. The watch and audio announcements may get less attention once the foldable appears, but they round out what could be a packed event.

Expected India prices

According to past reports, the iPhone 18 Pro could start at Rs 1,44,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may cost Rs 1,59,900. The iPhone Duo is tipped to start at Rs 2,49,900. The reported US prices are US 1,199 and USD 1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max respectively. Apple hasn't confirmed any of these prices.

If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro would cost Rs 10,000 more than the iPhone 17 Pro's Rs 1,34,900 starting price. The Duo would sit well above Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, which starts at Rs 1,79,999, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra at Rs 1,99,999. For most buyers, the Pro models will be the easier recommendation if the goal is simply to get Apple's latest cameras and performance. The Duo is for buyers who specifically want a foldable and are willing to pay a substantial premium to keep using iOS.

• POCO C95 Pro 4G could start at $220 for the base variant.
• The handset is expected to launch globally soon.
• Its specs and renders have been leaked already. 

[/highlights]

POCO C95 Pro has been leaked again, with only the official announcement remaining. Earlier this week, 91mobiles exclusively reported on the POCO C95 Pro 4G specifications, design renders, and colours. Now, two short videos have surfaced online showing the phone and its box, and its global pricing as well. POCO has yet to officially tease the C95 Pro 4G, but we expect it to debut soon. 

POCO C95 Pro 4G box, pricing leaked

According to the leaked video, the POCO C95 Pro 4G with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will cost $220 (Rs 20,918 approx), while the 8GB + 256GB variant will retail for $260 (Rs 24,800 approx). The video confirms it's the POCO C95 Pro 4G based on the details, and we can also see it in three colours: dark blue, black, and green. This confirms our leak where revealed the phone and its renders. The green colour variant will sport a vegan leather back panel, while the black and blue shades might feature matte-finish rears.

Judging by the videos, it looks like the POCO C95 Pro 4G has reached retailers, and we should see the phone launch soon. There's no word on whether it will launch in India, though. 

POCO C95 Pro 4G specifications (expected)

According to a recent leak, the POCO C95 Pro 4G will feature a 6.9-inch HD LCD display (1600 x 720 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate. The large display and refresh rate should make it a good option to watch content and play games. The HD resolution might seem limiting, as other options like the Vivo Y500 4G offer a FHD+ display.

The smartphone could be powered by the MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra processor, which should be capable enough for everyday tasks like social media, light gaming, and multimedia. In comparison, the POCO C85 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. 

The POCO C95 Pro 4G is tipped to feature a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP selfie camera. This is a basic camera setup but something expected from a budget 4G smartphone. It could house a 7,500mAh battery with 45W fast charging support, which should comfortably last an entire day or longer, depending on usage. If we compare it to the POCO C85, the battery capacity is an upgrade from 6000mAh. 

Based on what we know so far, the POCO C95 Pro 4G could be a good option for those who want a budget 4G device with a large display and reliable battery life. It's more for everyday usage rather than raw performance. For those still holding onto a 2-3 year old budget 4G device, the battery and display upgrades here might make it a compelling jump.

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: specs at a glance

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: price in India

The Redmi 15 launched in India over a year ago, starting at Rs 14,999 for the base 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, but its price has since risen due to the shrinking memory supply. Also, while it's no longer available on Xiaomi India's online store, the phone is still available on Amazon. The Redmi 17, on the other hand, was launched at Rs 23,999 for the base model.

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: display, design

Just like its predecessor, the Redmi 17 emphasises a large display and form factor. Both the Redmi 15 and Redmi 17 carry a 6.9-inch IPS LCD panel, but they differ in resolution: the Redmi 17 settles for HD+, while the Redmi 15 sports a sharper FHD+. The Redmi 15 has another advantage up its sleeve, i.e., a smoother 144Hz refresh rate over the Redmi 17's 120Hz refresh rate.

In brightness, though, the Redmi 17's 825 nits HBM should make the display appear brighter than the Redmi 15's 700-nits panel. That being said, while the refresh rate and brightness values differ marginally, there's no denying that the Redmi 15 will deliver sharper and clearer details during day-to-day use, such as when watching videos or viewing posts on social media, due to its higher 1080p resolution.

In terms of design and build, the Redmi 17 has gained some weight and thickness over the Redmi 15, going from 217g to 232g, while the side profile has also increased from 8.4mm to 8.8mm. It's worth noting that the Redmi 17 features more rounded corners compared to the Redmi 15, which should aid in holding the phone more comfortably for long periods. Both phones carry top-left corner-aligned rectangular camera modules, though the one on the Redmi 17 is smaller and broader.

The Redmi 15 comes in Eternal Orange with a vegan leather back, Endless Blue, and Absolute Black, whereas the Redmi 15 is available in Frosted White, Sandy Purple, and Midnight Black

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: chipset

For performance, the Redmi 17 uses Qualcomm's latest entry-level processor, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, built on a 4nm process, with up to 2.4GHz clock speeds and an Adreno 613 GPU. On the other hand, the Redmi 15 features the 6nm based Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset with up to 2.3GHz clock speeds and an Adreno 619 GPU. On paper, the Redmi 17 should offer better efficiency due to its advanced fabrication process and larger battery, while the Redmi 15 may deliver slightly better graphics, thanks to its more capable GPU.

In real-world use, both smartphones should be equally matched and may suffice for most casual to medium use cases, such as chatting, scrolling through social media and the browser, and playing light games. However, since the Redmi 17 is newer, its software may be better optimised for the hardware, resulting in smoother performance.

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: battery

The Redmi 17 5G features a considerably larger 7,900mAh battery, while the Redmi 17 5G packs a 7,000mAh cell. Subsequently, it also supports faster charging at 45W, whereas the Redmi 15 is limited to 33W. In real-world use, the Redmi 17's extra 900mAh could give it a modest advantage; especially since its display is limited to 720p, it may be more efficient than the Redmi 15 with a 1080p panel.

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: cameras

Both the Redmi 17 and Redmi 15 feature a very similar dual rear camera setup built around a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture paired with an auxiliary depth or secondary lens, along with an 8MP front camera. Neither phone offers an ultrawide or telephoto lens, so the hardware is essentially the same on paper.

However, the Redmi 17's newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 with an advanced ISP could deliver better sharpness, dynamic range, and more control over highlights and exposure in challenging conditions.

Redmi 17 vs Redmi 15: software

The Redmi 15 launched last year with an Android 15-based HyperOS 2 skin, but has since been upgraded to HyperOS 3 with Android 16, matching the software on the Redmi 17. When it comes to software longevity, though, the Redmi 17 has a clear advantage since it's set to get four OS upgrades in the future along with six years of security patch updates, whereas the Redmi 15 will only receive Android 17 and three years of security updates.

With HyperOS 3 powering both phones, the user interface, animations, customisation options (themes, icons, widgets, and lock screen styles), and AI features are essentially the same. You'll get the familiar HyperOS experience on either device, complete with the usual pre-installed apps.

Summing up

As a newer model, the Redmi 17 offers several advantages over its predecessor, the Redmi 15. Its bigger 7,900mAh battery should deliver longer endurance, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5's 4nm fabrication process may also bring efficiency gains. In terms of software, it's leagues ahead of the Redmi 15 with its promise of four OS upgrades, while users may also notice better camera results from the 50MP main sensor due to an advanced ISP.

On the other hand, the Redmi 15 has a major advantage in the visual experience, thanks to its 1080p resolution panel. It's also the lighter and slimmer of the two, and the 144Hz display could offer smoother scrolling wherever applicable in the system. To conclude, if you value a sharper display over software longevity, the Redmi 15 could be worth considering over the Redmi 17, especially since it retails for a lower price and most newer phones like the OnePlus N6x and Realme P4R feature a lower-resolution 720p display. However, the Android 17 update will be its last major OS upgrade.

The Redmi 17 has the upper hand in battery endurance and more frequent and longer software updates. Other aspects like camera, 5G connectivity, and software experience should be identical on both.

• Samsung Galaxy A07s has debuted in Jordan.
• It's expected to arrive in India soon.
• The Galaxy A07s comes with six years of OS upgrades and security updates. 

[/highlights]

Samsung has expanded its budget smartphone lineup by launching the Galaxy A07s in select global markets. The new model is currently available in Jordan and brings a 90Hz display, a 5,000mAh battery, and Samsung's promise of six generations of OS upgrades to the entry-level segment. An India launch is expected too, as the Galaxy A07s recently appeared on Samsung India's official website. 

Samsung Galaxy A07s price, availability

The Galaxy A07s is priced at JOD 119 (around Rs 16,000) for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant, while the 4GB + 128GB model costs JOD 149 (around Rs 20,000). It is offered in Black, Green, and Light Violet. 

Samsung Galaxy A07s specifications

The Galaxy A07s features a 6.7-inch HD+ PLS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the resolution and refresh rate may seem modest for a screen of this size, it's quite standard for budget phones. The handset also has an IP54 rating for basic dust and splash resistance.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A07s runs on the MediaTek Helio G99+ chipset, paired with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage. Storage can be expanded by up to 2TB using a microSD card. The phone runs Android 16-based One UI and is promised six OS upgrades, giving it a longer software runway than many budget alternatives. Most budget phones offer 2 OS upgrades or 3 at the most. 

For photography, the handset gets a 50MP primary rear camera with autofocus, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. An 8MP camera handles selfies and video calls. The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery, although Samsung has not specified its charging speed.

The Galaxy A07s' biggest strengths are its software support, large display and expandable storage. If these are your priorities, then the Galaxy A07 could be a good purchase. It would also be a notable upgrade for those who want a budget Samsung phone with long-term software support. However, those prioritising higher-resolution displays, faster charging or stronger performance may find better value in competing budget phones.

• Exynos 2700 reportedly scored 4,328 single-core and 14,700 multi-core on Geekbench 6.7.1.
• The chip is expected to use a 10-core CPU, Samsung's second-generation 2nm process and around 40MB of combined cache.
• The chip will debut on the Samsung Galaxy S27 and S27 Pro phones.

[/highlights]

Samsung has spent the last few Galaxy S generations trying to close the gap between its Exynos chips and Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. The Exynos 2700 could be its most ambitious attempt yet, with a reported 2nm design and a new 10-core CPU layout. Early benchmark results now suggest Samsung may have a much stronger flagship chip on its hands.

Exynos 2700 Geekbench score

A new Geekbench 6.7.1 result (via) reportedly shows the Exynos 2700 scoring 4,328 in single-core and 14,700 in multi-core tests. That is a sizeable jump over an earlier public result from April, which recorded 2,603 and 10,350 respectively. The two results were produced on different Geekbench versions, however, so they should not be treated as a direct comparison.

The chip is expected to use a 10-core CPU with two C2 Ultra cores and eight C2 Pro cores. The Ultra cores reportedly reach 4.24GHz, while the Pro cores are split between 3.74GHz and 2.88GHz speeds. Samsung is also said to be giving the chip around 40MB of combined cache, which put it ahead of the 24MB cache on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, although Apple's A19 Pro has 54MB.

The early Exynos result looks strong, but Samsung will not be competing against last year's chips. A reported Dimensity 9600 Pro engineering sample has reached around 4,200 - 4,300 in single-core and 12,000 - 12,500 in multi-core. That test reportedly used prime cores capped at 2.8GHz, despite claims that the chip can reach up to 4.55GHz.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is also still being tested. An early iQOO prototype reportedly scored 3,434 in single-core and 9,334 in multi-core, below the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's reported 3,649 and 10,682. Prototype hardware makes these figures difficult to use as a final ranking.

The Exynos 2700 is also expected to bring an Xclipse 970 GPU, a larger NPU and support for LPDDR6 memory. Those additions could matter just as much as Geekbench when the chip reaches an actual phone, because cooling, battery limits and Samsung's software tuning will all influence real-world performance.

For buyers considering the Galaxy S27 series, the sensible move is to wait for retail-unit testing. If the Exynos 2700 can retain anything close to this performance once Samsung puts it inside a finished phone, it could give the Galaxy S27 a strong answer to Snapdragon and Dimensity-powered rivals.

• iPhone 18 Pro is tipped to start at Rs 1,44,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could cost Rs 1,59,900.
• Apple's first foldable iPhone, reportedly called iPhone Duo or iPhone Ultra, is tipped at Rs 2,49,900 in India.
• The phones will launch on September 9th, with the foldable expected to go on sale much later.

[/highlights]

Apple's September iPhone launch event tomorrow could look very different this year, with reports suggesting the company may limit the event to its premium models and debut its first foldable iPhone. A new pricing leak ahead of the event from tipster Yogesh Brar claims the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and rumoured foldable (roundup), which he's referring to as the iPhone Duo, could all set new price points for Apple's lineup in India.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra/Duo prices tipped

According to Brar, the iPhone 18 Pro could start at Rs 1,44,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max may cost Rs 1,59,900. The rumoured foldable, which is popularly known as the iPhone Ultra but Brar has referred to as iPhone Duo, is tipped to start at Rs 2,49,900. Meanwhile, the corresponding reported US prices are USD 1,199 (around Rs 1.13 lakh), USD 1,299 (around Rs 1.23 lakh) and USD 2,299 (around Rs 2.17 lakh), respectively.

Read: What will Apple's first foldable cost in India?

Apple's Pro prices in India have climbed over the years. The leaked iPhone 18 Pro price would put it Rs 10,000 above the iPhone 17 Pro, which starts at Rs 1,34,900. Notably, Apple's base Pro pricing has risen from Rs 99,900 for the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019 to Rs 1,34,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro, although there have been fluctuations between generations. However, readers must note that Apple, besides Samsung and Google, were one of the rare OEMs that did not raise smartphone prices mid-cycle due to the memory crisis.

The iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to bring a few hardware changes and new finishes, including the A20 Pro chip based on a 2nm process and a smaller Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could additionally get a variable aperture 48MP main camera, which may give users more control over light and depth of field.

Coming to the iPhone Ultra/Duo, Brar says it may start at Rs 2,49,900 in India. At that price, it would sit well above Samsung's foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at Rs 1,79,999 in India, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs 1,99,999. That makes the Galaxy Z Fold8 the more sensible buy for someone who wants a foldable but is watching their budget. Apple's model would instead be aimed at iPhone users willing to pay a sizeable premium to get a folding phone without leaving the iOS ecosystem.

Reports suggest the foldable could feature a wide design similar to Samsung's Fold series, with a 7.6-7.8-inch inner OLED display and a 5.3-5.5-inch cover display, both with 120Hz ProMotion.

The pricing could also reflect the wider memory shortage, which is reportedly pushing Apple towards higher-margin models for its September launch. If Brar's estimate is correct, the iPhone Duo would become Apple's most expensive iPhone yet, while the Pro Max remains the safer choice for buyers who want the latest iPhone hardware without paying the foldable premium.

Apple could unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable at its September 9th event, while the standard iPhone 18 and next iPhone Air may arrive later. The foldable could also go on sale after the Pro models because of supply constraints.

• OnePlus N6 Lite will be the third phone in the lineup.
• Its specifications are still under wraps. 
• OnePlus hasn't revealed the launch date yet.

[/highlights]

OnePlus has officially teased the launch of a new smartphone in India. The OnePlus N6 Lite will launch as the third phone in the brand's budget N series. The announcement comes shortly after it was tipped that the N6 Lite would launch in India soon as the most affordable phone from OnePlus. 

OnePlus N6 Lite India launch

OnePlus has teased the N6 Lite launch through a dedicated microsite on Amazon. The teaser shows a glimpse of the phone, confirming a flat design like the OnePlus N6 and N6x. The OnePlus N6 Lite can also be seen in green, which could be one of the colour options. OnePlus teases the N6 Lite as "powerfully big", but it hasn't revealed any specifications yet. 

The OnePlus N6 Lite is tipped to launch by the end of this month. It's also said to launch as the most affordable phone by OnePlus yet. If accurate, it would be even more affordable than the OnePlus N6x, which currently occupies the entry point into OnePlus' budget lineup, starting at Rs 20,999. While an even cheaper OnePlus phone sounds appealing, it remains to be seen what the N6 Lite will offer in terms of hardware. 

OnePlus N6x offers a large 6.8-inch HD+ LCD 120Hz display, the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Apex SoC, and a 7,000mAh battery. It has a single 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. OnePlus N6 Lite could offer a similar set of specs, with the battery being its highlight. 

Since OnePlus has just started teasing the N6 Lite, we can expect more details to be revealed soon. As for those looking for a budget phone under Rs 20,000, the OnePlus N6 Lite could be worth waiting for. This price segment mostly caters to buyers looking for an everyday phone, but companies have been focusing on key areas like large batteries. We should still compare and see what the N6 Lite offers against rivals in the same price segment. 

• The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+.
• The tablet is available in WiFi-only and 5G variants.
• You can buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ on no-cost EMIs.

[/highlights]

Even though the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ was launched almost two years ago in India, its key hardware, such as the large AMOLED display and flagship MediaTek Dimensity chipset, still remains capable in 2026. As part of an ongoing festive deal, Samsung is offering the Galaxy Tab S10+ at a discounted rate, with the deal already live on its website.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ deal price, EMI offers

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ comes in two variants, one with 5G support and another with WiFi connectivity only. On that note, here's how much the tablet is going on sale for:

Interested buyers can also purchase the Galaxy Tab S10+ through instalments. For the WiFi variant, customers can pay instalments of Rs 14,833 per month (for six months) through banks, Rs 7,417 per month (for 12 months) through NBFCs, or Rs 6,877 per month using Samsung Finance+, which requires a 15 percent down payment.

Similarly, you can get the 5G variant for Rs 17,333 per month through banks, Rs 8,667 per month through NBFCs, or Rs 8,036 per month through Samsung Finance+ with a 15 percent down payment.

Should you buy the Galaxy Tab S10+ in 2026?

Starting at Rs 88,999, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ rivals Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11, which currently retails for Rs 1,27,999 on Samsung's online store, and the iPad Air 11-inch with Apple M4 chip priced at Rs 89,900.

Just like the Galaxy Tab S11, the Galaxy Tab S10+ gets a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with anti-reflective technology, which should offer more vibrancy and deeper colours than the iPad Air's Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. On to the processing, while the Dimensity 9300+ may not offer as much raw flagship performance as the Dimensity 9400+ on the Tab S11 or the Apple M4 on the iPad Air, it should still deliver enough power for heavy workloads, thanks to its flagship CPU and GPU combination.

For entertainment, the Galaxy Tab S10+ features a quad-speaker setup, and its build is protected by an IP68 rating and an Armour aluminium frame. It also comes bundled with an S Pen, making it ideal for creators, artists, and professionals for sketching, editing, or jotting down notes on the go. The iPad Air lacks this. Lastly, the 10,090mAh battery should offer at least a day's worth of endurance on the Galaxy Tab S10+.

All in all, the Galaxy Tab S10+ at Rs 88,999 for the WiFI variant looks like an ideal purchase for those seeking a tablet with flagship-level performance and an AMOLED display for binge-watching content. Since the Galaxy Tab S11 is still selling for Rs 1,27,999, the Tab S10+ offers a similar package at a lower price.

• OPPO has confirmed that the F35 series is coming to India, but hasn't revealed the launch date or individual models.
• The teaser shows the top portion of a phone with curved edges, a centred punch-hole camera and an orange-lit outline.
• The OPPO F35 Pro is tipped to feature a 10,000mAh battery and could be priced between Rs 40,000 and Rs 45,000.

[/highlights]

OPPO has confirmed that its F35 Series is coming to India, following a teaser that the company posted yesterday. The announcement ends speculation about the identity of the upcoming phone, although OPPO hasn't yet confirmed which F35 models will launch or when they will arrive.

The teaser gives only a partial look at the device. It shows the top section of a phone with rounded corners, slim-looking edges and a centred punch-hole camera. The device is mostly shown in silhouette against a dark background, with a bright orange glow outlining its frame. The image also carries the OPPO logo and the F35 Series 5G branding along with a "Coming Soon" caption, confirming the series name and 5G connectivity.

OPPO F35 series India launch details

OPPO hasn't revealed pricing or specifications yet. The F-series has traditionally competed in India's upper mid-range segment, with an emphasis on design, cameras and everyday usability. The new F35 Series is expected to continue that, but previous reports suggest OPPO could push at least one model into a higher price bracket. The F35 Pro is one of the models tipped for India and is expected to cost between Rs 40,000 and Rs 45,000. It could be a reworked version of the OPPO A7 Pro Max, with changes for the Indian market.

That would make it considerably more expensive than the previous generation. The OPPO F33 and F33 Pro launched at Rs 31,999 and Rs 37,999, respectively. The reported F35 Pro price would put it closer to phones such as the Vivo S2 and Motorola Edge 70 Pro.

The most notable reported specification is a 10,000mAh battery, which would be substantially larger than the 7,000mAh battery on the F33 Pro. Other tipped specifications include a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPS OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset and UFS 3.1 storage. The phone could also feature a 50MP primary rear camera and a 50MP Samsung JN5 autofocus front camera with a 100-degree field of view. IP66, IP68 and IP69K ratings have also been tipped.

A large battery alone may not be enough to justify a Rs 40,000-plus price tag. The POCO X8 Power, Realme P4 Power and Narzo Power already offer similarly large batteries at lower prices. Notably, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has already started being teased with a 10,000mAh battery in India, and will launch on September 15th, presumably in a similar price bracket as the F35 Pro.

For buyers considering a phone in this price range, waiting for the official launch makes sense. The F35 Pro could stand out if OPPO combines its reported 10,000mAh battery with competitive charging, cameras and performance, but those details and the final Indian price remain to be confirmed.

• iQOO 16 will launch as the brand's new flagship smartphone.
• iQOO Pad Ultra is confirmed to join the lineup.
• Leaks suggest a redesigned camera module for the iQOO 16.

[/highlights]

Update: iQOO has now confirmed that the iQOO 16 will launch in China on September 14th. 

After several leaks and teasers, the iQOO 16 is now confirmed to launch in China this month. This is iQOO's flagship smartphone, and it will be powered by Qualcomm's next-generation flagship mobile SoC. The iQOO Pad Ultra is also confirmed to join the lineup, and it will be offered as a flagship product. Here's what to expect from iQOO's upcoming devices. 

iQOO 16 launch timeline

iQOO has confirmed on Weibo that the iQOO 16 is set to launch in China in September. The launch date hasn't been revealed yet, but we should get to know it very soon. The iQOO Pad Ultra will be launched alongside the smartphone. 

Alongside the launch announcement, iQOO has also teased a new in-house gaming chip and a next-generation Monster Super Engine for the iQOO 16. This could be the Q4 gaming chip, which would be an upgrade over the iQOO 15's Q3 chip. The combination is claimed to deliver console-like ray tracing effects in games, suggesting that the iQOO 16 will continue the brand's focus on gaming performance that has been a key feature of its flagship smartphones. The iQOO 16 will most likely compete with the OnePlus 16, another gaming-focused flagship in the making. 

iQOO 16 specifications (expected)

Rumours suggest the iQOO 16 will feature a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 OLED panel with 2K+ resolution and a 144Hz/165Hz refresh rate. iQOO could also use Samsung's next-generation LEAD display technology. This means a large display with a high refresh rate and resolution, making it apt not just for gaming but for watching content too. 

The iQOO 16 is expected to feature a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. The handset could also feature a redesigned camera module, which gives off a futuristic look. Powering the iQOO 16 will most likely be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. The handset is also tipped to house a massive 8,500mAh battery with 100W wired charging support. 

Like its predecessors, the iQOO 16 is set to offer gaming and raw performance as its highlights. It's designed for gamers and power users, while still not compromising in other areas like cameras. If a powerful flagship is on your mind, the iQOO 16 could be worth waiting for. 

• Vivo X500 series could launch in India a month after its China launch.
• The next-gen flagship MediaTek Dimensity chipset to be announced in the third week of September.
• The Vivo X500 Pro series will boast tons of photo and video enhancements.

[/highlights]

After releasing tons of teasers over the past few weeks, Vivo has officially revealed the launch date for the X500 series in China. Set to be unveiled on September 21st, the series comprising the standard X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max will feature significant camera improvements on both the hardware and software fronts. The launch date announcement, along with key upgrades for the X500 series, was recently detailed during a creator-focused event in China.

Vivo X500 series and MediaTek's next-gen flagship chipset launch dates revealed

As noted above, the Vivo X500 series is set to launch in China on September 21st. Tipster Debayan Roy (@Gadgetsdata) on X notes that the phones will launch in India in October, which is the same timeframe for the OPPO Find X10 series India launch. On the other hand, MediaTek has just confirmed via its social media channels that it is hosting an event on September 15th to unveil its upcoming flagship Dimensity chipsets. The teaser hints at a "Pro" processor, likely indicating the rumoured Dimensity 9600 Pro, which could feature higher clock speeds than the standard Dimensity 9600.

Previously, Vivo officially confirmed that the X500 series will be powered by MediaTek's next-generation flagship chipsets. In all likelihood, Vivo is referring to the Dimensity 9600 and Dimensity 9600 Pro, which could be present in the standard X500 and X500 Pro series, respectively.

Vivo X500 series photography and videography capabilities hinted

During the event, Vivo revealed several photography and videography capabilities of the X500 series. These include a BluePrint LightGuard 900 for the primary camera, co-developed with Sony, paired with ZEISS T* coating and optics to reduce unwanted reflections and flare in challenging lighting. The sensor can deliver up to 17 EV dynamic range (claimed cinema-grade level) for both photos and video, helping to retain highlight and shadow detail.

The phones, or at least the Pro models, will support 4K 240fps and 4K 120fps HDR video recording to capture ultra-smooth 4K slow-motion videos in HDR. Speaking of which, the phone will also support 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding, hardware-level 4K 120fps 10-bit Log video, and integration with the ACES colour system. A custom imaging co-processor will also be on board, designed in tandem with MediaTek on an advanced 2nm platform to power real-time Log video processing.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="714237,714236,714235"]

Since Vivo is known for implementing advanced stabilisation for its X series, the OIS has been further upgraded to CIPA 7.0, which brings a 3-degree wide-angle gimbal stabilisation system to the flagship X500 Pro Max. On the other hand, the VCS 4.0 & V3+ Imaging Architecture will offer enhanced noise reduction, low-light clarity, and scene processing. Then there's a new AI Photography Assistant that suggests poses, shot frameworks, and scene-specific colour adjustments in real time.

Previously, the company confirmed that the Vivo X500 Pro Max will feature a 6.85-inch 2K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate from BOE, particularly the Q11 luminescent material. The panel promises double the lifespan of the displays featured on previous Vivo flagships, while being 21 percent more battery-efficient. The Vivo X500 series will boot OriginOS 7 out of the box, which is set to be unveiled during the Vivo Developer Conference (VDC) on September 16th.

It's no surprise that Vivo continues to push the boundaries with regard to cameras on the Vivo X500 series. As is the tradition, the upcoming Vivo phones are heavily targeted towards creators and professionals who seek enhanced video and photography capabilities on the go. While the real-world benefits are not yet known, these phones may, due to the ongoing memory crisis, come at a considerably higher price than their predecessors.

Apple hasn't confirmed the device exists, let alone what it's called. "Ultra" is the frontrunner over "Fold" as far as the suffix is concerned, and the name fits a pattern Apple has already set with the Watch Ultra and its top-tier chip. There are also whispers of a MacBook Ultra sitting above the Pro line, which suggests Apple may be building an entire "Ultra" shelf above its regular flagships. Retail pricing leaks put the US figures around an estimated USD 2,299 for the 256GB model, USD 2,499 for 512GB, and USD 2,799 for 1TB. For Indian buyers, the question that actually matters is what those numbers become once they cross customs, taxes, and Apple's own India strategy, provided the company does launch the device in the country.

The exchange rate is not your best guess

The instinct is to multiply the dollar price by the rupee rate and call it a day. Apple has never priced India that simply, and the last four years of Pro launches make that obvious. The iPhone 14 Pro's USD 999 converted to roughly Rs 79,800 at that point, but Apple sold it here for Rs 1,29,900, a premium of about 63 percent over the raw conversion. The iPhone 15 Pro told the same story almost to the rupee.

Then something changed. The iPhone 16 Pro's India premium dropped to roughly 43 percent. The iPhone 17 Pro at USD 1,099 brought it down further, to about 39 percent over the converted US price, or Rs 1,34,900 in India. Apple's India tax on being Apple is shrinking, even as the prices themselves keep climbing. The old 60-plus percent gap would be the wrong lens here, and predicting the Indian iPhone Ultra price off that math would set us a little off, or so we'd like to believe. We're hopefully not looking at a Rs 4 lakh-plus device. Phew, small mercies.

Apple's got Samsung to thank

A Rs 2 lakh phone used to sound like a glaring typo, the kind of number you'd double-check, but Samsung fixed that for everyone. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs 1,99,999, with the 1TB version priced at Rs 2,59,999. Google's foldable ambitions didn't really land in India the way they would've intended, while Motorola sits a tier below and was never trying to compete at this altitude, it seems.

Samsung is, in effect, the only real benchmark on the table at the moment, and it has already started to train Indian buyers to accept that this bracket exists and that people will pay it. Apple doesn't need to sell the idea of a Rs 2 lakh-plus foldable in India. It just needs to convince its own loyal base that its version sits above Samsung's, largely on the strength of being the first foldable that actually runs iOS. For loyal iPhone owners who've spent years watching the Fold evolve from a safe distance, that could be a persuasive argument.

Then the memory crisis

None of this is landing at a convenient moment. Memory prices have spiked hard as manufacturers redirect chip capacity towards AI infrastructure, and DRAM and NAND costs are climbing across the board. Counterpoint estimates this could add anywhere from USD 100 to USD 150 (almost Rs 15,000) to the bill of materials on premium smartphones, and IDC has separately warned that average selling prices across the industry could rise through 2026 even as shipments shrink.

A foldable display and hinge mechanism were never going to be cheap to manufacture anyway, so this crisis is arriving on top of a device that already runs expensive by default. Apple, selling to customers least likely to bat an eyelid at a price hike, has every incentive to pass this along rather than quietly absorb it into a thinner margin.

So how much could the iPhone Ultra actually cost in India?

A range, not a number. Running the leaked US prices through a minimum 30 percent India premium that Apple might charge gives a workable band for each variant.

Naysayers will say the math isn't mathing. However, these are estimates, not leaked Indian prices, based on the upper end of leaked US prices, and there is plenty of room for them to move. Apple hasn't confirmed the US price, storage tiers or even the name or existence of the phone. The exchange rate Apple uses for its Indian pricing may also differ from the one used here, and the company could choose to absorb some of the additional costs rather than pass them entirely to customers.

Still, if the reported US prices are broadly right, anything above Rs 2.5 lakh looks like a reasonable estimate for the base iPhone Ultra in India. That would put it above Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and comfortably clear the price of Apple's own Pro Max range. A 1TB version around Rs 3.5 lakh would not be unreasonable to imagine either.

Buyers who don't have a specific reason to want 1TB should treat the 256GB variant as the only version worth seriously considering, given how steeply the top end climbs. Anything below this band and Apple loses the separation it clearly wants between the Ultra and the Pro Max. Anything meaningfully above it and even the faithful start doing math they'd rather not do out loud.

Apple's new CEO John Ternus inherits this pricing saga as one of his first big tests in the role, and where the Ultra actually lands will say a lot about how bold he's willing to be. The iPhone Ultra is expected to be unveiled this Wednesday, September 9th, but could go on sale a few weeks, if not months, later due to production constraints.

• Redmi Note 17 Pro series India launch date has been confirmed
• Redmi has confirmed that one of the phones in the series will get a 10,000mAh battery
• The lineup is expected to include the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max

[/highlights]

Update: Redmi has officially confirmed the Note 17 Pro series will launch in India on September 15. It will include two phones, most likely the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

Original story follows...

Redmi recently teased a 'Max' smartphone for its Note series in India. It has now been revealed that this Redmi Note Max smartphone will feature a 10,000mAh battery. This more or less confirms that it's the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max launching in India. Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is the first Redmi phone with a 10,000mAh battery, and it recently debuted in select international markets, including Japan.

Redmi Note 10,000mAh phone India launch

In a new X post, Redmi India shared a teaser confirming the upcoming Note series smartphone will offer a 10,000mAh battery. The teaser and microsite don't reveal much else, but we know it's part of the Redmi Note series and will carry the Max branding. Since the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max launched recently with a 10,000mAh battery, it's most likely the same phone. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max: what to expect

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max features a large 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. Under the hood, it runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and offers up to 512GB of storage. The chipset might be underwhelming for the segment. The Note 17 Pro Max may not offer the same performance headroom as its predecessor, the Note 15 Pro+, which uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4.

The biggest highlight, however, is its battery. The phone packs a massive 10,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W charging, a significant jump over the 6,500mAh cell on the Note 15 Pro+, which also supports 100W charging. The Pro Max also gets 27W reverse charging, making its battery useful for topping up other devices.

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a 50MP OIS primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide and a 32MP selfie camera. That is a notable downgrade on paper from the Note 15 Pro+, which features a 200MP OIS main camera. Redmi appears to be prioritising battery endurance over camera hardware with the Pro Max.

Overall, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max looks positioned as an endurance-focused upgrade, trading some camera and performance credentials for a much larger battery.

If the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max launches in India with the same hardware, its main selling point would be the 10,000mAh battery. Otherwise, the phone should offer capable performance for everyday use. If battery endurance and a high-quality display are your priorities, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max could be worth waiting for. However, if cameras or performance matter more, you might want to consider alternatives. 

• Xiaomi 18 Fold is the company's first wide-style foldable, with a 7.58-inch inner display and 5.38-inch cover screen.
• It is powered by Xiaomi's in-house 3nm Xring O3 chip and packs a 6,000mAh battery with 67W wired charging.
• Xiaomi hasn't announced the foldable's availability outside of China yet.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China, following its first public appearance at IFA 2026 in Berlin earlier this month. The foldable had attracted attention at the event with its passport-style design, compact proportions and maroon-red finish on the display unit. Xiaomi has now confirmed the specifications, pricing and availability of its first wide-format foldable.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold enters at a time when  wider book-style foldables are becoming increasingly common. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 also uses a wider design, while Apple is reportedly launching a foldable iPhone with a similar passport-style form factor tomorrow. Xiaomi, for differentiation, is pairing the design with its own Xring O3 chipset and a large battery.

Xiaomi 18 Fold price and availability

The Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at CNY 10,999 (around Rs 1.55 lakh) for the 12GB + 256GB model. The 12GB + 512GB variant costs CNY 11,999 (around Rs 1.69 lakh), while the 16GB + 512GB version is priced at CNY 12,999 (around Rs 1.83 lakh). The 16GB + 1TB model costs CNY 14,999 (around Rs 2.11 lakh), and the ceramic special edition with 16GB + 1TB storage costs CNY 15,999 (around Rs 2.25 lakh).

The phone is available in Black, Nishino Red and Warm Gold White, alongside the ceramic edition. Pre-orders are now open in China, with sales beginning later this month. Xiaomi has reportedly confirmed that it has no plans to sell the 18 Fold outside China.

The device has mostly been showcased in the red variant which bears a similarity to the cherry hue of the reported iPhone Ultra, which is expected to launch tomorrow.

Specifications and design

The Xiaomi 18 Fold has a 5.38-inch AMOLED cover display and a 7.58-inch foldable AMOLED inner screen. Both panels support 120Hz refresh rates and up to 4,000 nits of peak brightness. The inner display uses low-power Pol-less technology, while the cover screen is protected by Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0.

The foldable measures 10.68 mm when closed and 5.02 mm when unfolded, and weighs 219 gms. During its IFA showcase, the device was displayed inside a deep maroon-red glass enclosure, so we couldn't test its in-hand feel. However, its compact proportions were noticeable even from a distance.

Under the hood is Xiaomi's 3nm, deca-core Xring O3 chipset, marking the company's first smartphone to use the in-house processor. It is paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage, with 16GB models using LPDDR6 memory. The phone runs HyperOS 4 based on Android 17. The camera setup includes a Leica-backed 200MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera offering 3.5x optical zoom and up to 7x optical-quality zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. There are 16MP selfie cameras on both displays.

A 6,000mAh battery supports 67W wired and 50W wireless charging. The phone also gets IP58 and IP59 ratings, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 7 and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The combination of a wider body, large battery and Xiaomi's new in-house chipset makes the 18 Fold an alternative to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 on paper. However, its China-only reported availability means buyers elsewhere will need to look at locally available options only and the phone is less relevant to buyers in markets such as India, despite its hardware.