India's smartphone market is going through an awkward phase. People are buying fewer phones, prices are going up, discounts are disappearing, and cheap 5G smartphones are becoming an endangered species. And yet, two of the biggest names in the business, Samsung and Apple, are looking remarkably unbothered.

IDC's Q2 2026 data shows the contrast. Smartphone shipments in India fell 11.1 percent year over year to 33.2 million units, but Samsung's shipments were almost flat, declining only in relative terms as its market share rose from 14.5 percent to 16.4 percent. Apple did even better, with shipments up 0.7 percent and share increasing from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. Meanwhile, Vivo, Realme and Xiaomi posted double-digit declines, while iQOO shipments plunged a whopping 61 percent.

On the surface, this looks like another quarter in which the premium players won while the rest of the market struggled, but the more interesting story is why. As the memory crisis changes the economics of the smartphone business, some of the characteristics Samsung and Apple built over the years - scale, premium positioning and supply leverage - matter much more.

The cheapest phones are taking the biggest hit

The global memory shortage was supposed to be a problem for the entire smartphone industry, but in practice, it has been much crueler to some parts of it than others. India's sub-USD 100 (under Rs 9,500) smartphone segment collapsed 74.3 percent in Q2, with its share of the market falling from 15.6 percent to just 4.5 percent. At the same time, the USD 400 - USD 600 (around Rs 38,000 to Rs 57,000) segment grew 60.3 percent, while the USD 600 - USD 800 (Rs 57,000 to Rs 76,000) segment remained flat and the USD 800-plus (over Rs 76,000) segment declined only 5 percent.

That is a rather convenient market structure for Samsung and Apple. The two companies have spent years trying to convince consumers that a smartphone costing over Rs 70,000 or even over Rs 1 lakh is not a bad idea. Now the memory crisis is doing some of that marketing for them. Consumers suddenly haven't developed a taste for expensive phones, but much of the movement is being forced by the economics of making cheaper ones. Memory costs have risen across the board, but a Rs 10,000 phone has much less room to absorb a cost increase compared to a Rs 70,000 one. Brands can either raise prices and risk losing the buyer or cut specifications and margins. Neither is particularly attractive.

When the cheapest phones become significantly more expensive, the psychological gap between a budget phone and a better-speced mid-ranger gets smaller. And when the entire market is becoming more expensive anyway, paying a premium for an established brand doesn't feel outrageous. IDC had already seen this in Q1, when India's shipments fell 4.1 percent but market value grew 5.8 percent, with the average selling price reaching a record USD 302 (around Rs 28,800).

Premiumisation is happening partly because consumers want better phones and partly because the industry is making the cheapest phones harder to sell. That is rather convenient for Samsung and Apple, as they're automatically well-positioned for the market the memory crisis is creating.

Samsung has the luxury of being almost everywhere

Samsung's resilience is particularly interesting because it's not simply an Apple-style premium proposition. The company has phones across several price bands, from its mass-market Galaxy M, F, A series to the Galaxy S range and foldables, giving it multiple ways to respond as consumers move up the price ladder. IDC specifically attributes Samsung's resilience to its scale and diversified portfolio, which have helped it absorb rising costs without sacrificing as much volume or margin as some competitors.

There is another interesting advantage - memory. IDC's global research says Samsung and Apple entered the crisis with stronger leverage over memory supply. Samsung's position is such because it's not merely a buyer of memory components, it's also one of the industry's major memory suppliers. However, that doesn't mean Samsung gets free RAM while everyone else bargains. But it does mean the company has considerably more muscle in a supply crunch than a smaller smartphone brand which has to negotiate for every component.

In Q1 2026, Samsung's smartphone shipments grew 2.9 percent globally while the overall market fell 2.9 percent. IDC attributed the performance partly to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, consistent pricing and the early availability of its A-series models.

Apple has an easier game to play

Apple has a simpler advantage compared to Samsung - it has very little reason to care about the bottom of the market because it's not there. The company doesn't need to figure out how to make a sub-USD 100 smartphone profitable while memory prices are rising. Its challenge is persuading consumers who are already considering an iPhone to continue spending on one. In the current environment, that's a nicer problem to have.

So far, that seems to be working. Apple's India shipments grew 0.7 percent in Q2, lifting its share from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. IDC says Apple continues to lead India's smartphone market by value, with a 27 percent share, up 22.2 percent year over year.
That's Apple's secret - 8.5 percent of the phones, but 27 percent of the money. The Q1 numbers told a similar story. Apple had a 9 percent shipment share but commanded 28 percent of the Indian smartphone market by value. The iPhone 17 alone accounted for 4 percent of total smartphone shipments.

Apple is therefore insulated from one of the biggest problems facing the rest of the industry - volume. That's the advantage of being Apple in a market like this. When the market's average selling price is climbing, a company that already lives near the top has considerably less catching up to do.

What happened to the Chinese brands?

Companies such as Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi and OPPO have historically relied on giving consumers a lot of hardware for the money. These companies made their name by offering aggressive specifications at aggressive prices, but they're now being forced to raise prices. That is an awkward request when your entire brand proposition has been built around giving consumers more for less.

In Q2, Vivo shipments fell 13.9 percent, Realme fell 14.2 percent, Xiaomi fell 10 percent and OPPO fell 8.5 percent. iQOO was hit especially hard, with shipments down 61 percent. There is an obvious caveat here, as this isn't simply about Android vs Apple. Samsung is still an Android manufacturer competing in many of the same segments. The difference is that it has greater scale and a much broader portfolio, while Apple has largely sidestepped the low-end problem altogether.

There's also the discount playbook which Chinese OEMs have traditionally relied on to drive sales. The script's been consistent in India - launch the phone, announce an exciting price, wait for sales, add a bank offer, add exchange bonus, wait for festive season, and then cut price again. The memory crisis is making that much harder to execute. In previous years, a weak quarter could be patched up with a sale, a bank offer, an exchange bonus and, eventually, festive discounts. But when memory costs are squeezing margins, brands cannot pretend that Rs 2,000 off is unsubstantial. Apple has the brand pull to sell an iPhone without turning every launch into a discount festival. Samsung has enough scale and enough price points to offer financing, trade-ins and promotions without having to alter the economics of its entire portfolio.

IDC's global outlook says the divide will remain. It expects Android shipments to fall sharply in 2026 but says Samsung should gain share by expanding in premium and the mid-range, helped by secured memory supply. Apple, meanwhile, has also secured the memory supply it needs early and is expected to see its share rise even as the broader market contracts.

IDC forecasts a more than 15 percent shipment decline in H2 2026, taking full-year Indian smartphone shipments to roughly 128-130 million units. It also warns that memory costs, a weaker rupee and declining mass-market viability could keep prices elevated. Samsung has the scale to absorb shocks, the supply-chain muscle to secure components and enough premium credibility to move consumers upwards without abandoning the mid-range. Apple, on the other hand, has spent years convincing consumers that expensive phones are worth buying. Now that the entire market is getting expensive, that is a useful skill to have.

The ironic part is that India's smartphone market has spent years rewarding companies for giving consumers more for less. The memory crisis is now posing a very different question -  what happens when "less for more" becomes the only business model floating around.

[highlights]

• The Pixel 11 starts at Rs 89,999 in India.
• All four phones are powered by the new 2nm Tensor G6 chipset.
• The Pixel 11 series debuts the new 'HiLight' feature.

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Google has finally unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold foldable. All four phones come with the new Tensor G6 chipset, IP68 ratings, upgraded Gemini Intelligence, and 5x telephoto cameras. Google also debuts a new HiLight feature on the Pro models, which is essentially an array of LED lights glowing in different colours for calls, notifications, and Gemini. Take a look at the Pixel 11 series India pricing and complete specifications.

Google Pixel 11 series prices in India

The base Pixel 11 starts from Rs 89,999, and it gets 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The 12GB+512GB variant costs Rs 1,04,999. The Pixel 11 Pro costs Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant and Rs 1,34,999 for the 16GB+512GB option. The Pixel 11 Pro XL's price starts at Rs 1,34,999 for the 12GB+256GB configuration and goes up to Rs 1,49,999 for the 16GB+512GB variant.

Meanwhile, the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold costs Rs 1,86,999 in India for the sole 16GB+512GB option. The phones are up for pre-orders starting today, with deliveries from August 20.

Google Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL specifications

Starting with the Pro models, the Pixel 11 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Actua (1280 x 2856 pixels) LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass with an anti-scratch shield. The display supports up to 2,400 nits (HDR) and up to 3,600 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 11 Pro XL has a bigger 6.8-inch screen with a higher 1344 x 2992 resolution, but the rest of the hardware is the same.

Both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature a triple-camera setup: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide with Macro Focus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens. The smartphone offers Pro Zoom up to 120x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. For selfies, you get a 42MP front camera with autofocus on the Pixel 11 Pro models. Both phones also support 8K video recording at 24/30 FPS. 

In addition to existing features like Add Me and Camera Coach, the Pixel 11 Pro lineup also brings 'Magic Capture', a new feature that automatically captures your best moments. These are also ready-to-share as they're automatically cropped and unblurred. Camera Looks is another new feature that lets you create your own set of distinct, professional-grade film styles and unique photo aesthetics. 

Powering the Pixel 11 Pro series is the new Google Tensor G6 chipset paired with the Titan M3 security coprocessor. The new 2nm chipset is said to deliver up to 20 percent better power efficiency, 25 percent faster browsing, and 15 percent faster app loading. The lineup also comes loaded with on-device AI. Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel 11 series brings new voice-to-text capabilities that automatically remove filler words like ‘um' and format your thoughts into clear, polished text. Circle to Search has also been directly integrated into the Google Pixel Camera on the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

The Pro models are quite similar, but battery is one area where they differ. The Pixel 11 Pro has a 4,850mAh battery with 30W wired charging, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL packs a 5,115mAh cell with 45W charging support. Both phones come with Pixelsnap wireless charging (Qi2.2-certified) up to 25W. Competing flagships like the Vivo X300 series and OPPO Find X9 series offer bigger batteries in comparison. 

The battery capacity isn't much, so you wouldn't necessarily get more juice out of the Pro XL model. Both phones are also claimed to deliver a 30+ hour battery life. Interestingly, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 5200mAh battery, while the 10 Pro has a 4,870mAh battery. 

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL come in Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian (matte) finishes. Both phones have been launched in 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB variants. 

What is the new HiLight feature?

The new HiLight feature is exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro lineup. It's an array of ambient LED lights built around the camera's flash, designed to give light-based communications on the back of the phone. Some examples include the HiLight feature glowing in customised colours to alert you of incoming calls from your favourite contacts. It also gives a soft visual cue to indicate when Gemini is listening, thinking, and responding without you having to look at your screen.

Google Pixel 11 specifications

The Pixel 11 is the standard model in the lineup and offers most of the premium experience but with a few compromises. It features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display (1080x2424 pixels) with an adaptive 60-120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass, up to 2,000 nits HDR, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 11 has a 4,985mAh battery, which is a tiny bit bigger than the Pixel 11 Pro's. In comparison to the Pixel 10, it isn't really an upgrade as the handset packs a 4,970 mAh battery. You're still promised 30+ hours of battery life, 30W wired charging, and the same wireless charging capabilities as the Pro models. 

Google still offers a triple-camera setup with the Pixel 11, but with different sensors. It features a 48MP wide camera with Macro Focus, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The phone supports Super Zoom up to 30x and optical quality at 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. For selfies, you get a 10.5MP front camera with autofocus. There's no 8K video recording on the Pixel 11, but you do get 4K video recording at
24/30/60 FPS.

The rest of the hardware is mostly the same, with the Tensor G6 chipset and AI features. It comes in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian colours, and in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants. 

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold specifications

Moving on to the most expensive phone in the lineup — the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The foldable features a 6.5-inch Super Actua OLED display (1080 x 2342 pixels) with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,400 nits HDR and 3,600 nits peak brightness. Once you unfold it, you get an 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED display (2076 x 2152 pixels) with Ultra Thin Glass protection, the same brightness level and refresh rate as the cover screen. 

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold packs a 4,750mAh battery with 30W wired charging and the same wireless charging features as the other models. For photography, you get a 48MP wide,  10.5MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera with Super Zoom up to 30x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets a 10MP front camera for selfies.  

It has been launched in a single Olive finish with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. 

Based on what has been revealed so far, the Pixel 11 series could be a good option for those who want a new camera flagship with the most advanced on-device AI, a fast chipset, and a clean Android experience. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold might be compelling for those who are looking to upgrade to a foldable. If you own a Pixel 9, the Pixel 11 Pro offers significant performance upgrades, making it a worthwhile jump. However, if you have a Pixel 10, the improvements might be incremental. It's still advisable to compare and check with rivals in the same price segment before making a buying decision.

[highlights]

• Google Pixel Watch 5 has launched alongside the Pixel 11 series in 41mm and 45mm sizes.
• The Watch 5 comes with up to 30 hours and 40 hours of battery life, respectively, for the two sizes.
• Key upgrades include blood pressure and insulin resistance trend tracking, dual-frequency GPS, Sleep Breathing Quality and Gemini-powered Health Coach.

[/highlights]

Google has launched the Pixel Watch 5 alongside the Pixel 11 series, updating its smartwatch lineup with a familiar circular design and a greater focus on health, fitness and AI-powered assistance. The new watch comes in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes, with Google adding new health insights, a more capable workout experience and deeper Gemini integration.

The Pixel Watch 5 also gets a brighter display, newer internals and longer battery life on the larger model. 

Pixel Watch 5 price and availability

The India price and availability of the Pixel Watch 5 has been announced. The 41 mmm variant costs Rs 42,900 while the 45 mm variant is for Rs 45,900. The previous-generation Pixel Watch 4 started at Rs 39,900 for the 41 mm Wi-Fi model.

The Pixel Watch 5 will be available in 41 mm and 45 mm variants, with colours including Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. The 45mm model also gets a Stephen Curry Special Edition in the US. 

Pixel Watch 5 design and display

The Pixel Watch 5 is available in 41 mm and 45 mm versions. The 41 mm model weighs 31 gms without the band, while the 45 mm version weighs 36.7 gms. The 45 mm model gets a 465mAh battery and up to 40 hours of battery life with the Always-On Display enabled, while the 41 mm version has a 332mAh battery and is rated for up to 30 hours.

The design stays close to the Pixel Watch 4, with Google retaining its circular case and domed display. The watch uses a 100 percent recycled aluminium housing. Both models feature an Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO display with 320ppi resolution, a 1-60Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The display is protected by 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The watches are rated IP68 and 5 ATM for water resistance.

Features and how it compares with the Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 5 gets Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip with a Cortex-M55 co-processor, 64GB of eMMC storage and Wear OS 7. Google claims 12 percent more CPU processing power, 50 percent more RAM and 20 percent faster performance with expanded on-device intelligence. Its connectivity options include Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB and LTE.

Health tracking is getting more ambitious. The watch can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance trends, alongside ECG, heart-rate, SpO2, skin-temperature and stress-related measurements. The blood pressure and insulin resistance features are scheduled for September 2026 and are intended for general wellness rather than medical diagnosis.

Fitness is the bigger upgrade. The Pixel Watch 5 supports more than 50 exercises and adds a Readiness Score, Workout Builder, audio cues, rest timers and weight and rep tracking. Its dual-frequency GPS is designed to maintain a better lock on routes through trails and dense city areas.

Sleep tracking adds Sleep Breathing Quality, Smart Wake Alarms, Sleep Scores and a Morning Brief. Google Health Coach, built with Gemini, can create personalised fitness and recovery plans, although it requires a Google Health Premium subscription after the included three-month trial.

For existing Pixel Watch 4 owners, the upgrade case rests primarily on these new health, fitness and AI capabilities rather than a redesigned exterior. New buyers, meanwhile, should wait for the India price before deciding between the two generations, particularly if the older Watch 4 gets discounted.

Hisense India has launched the UR8S RGB MiniLED TV Series. With the launch, the brand brings its proprietary RGB MiniLED display technology to mainstream screen sizes. It was first introduced through the UX Series for ultra-large screen buyers. The UR8S targets users looking for premium display performance at a more accessible price point than the brand's flagship lineup.

Launch offer and availability

With a starting price of Rs 1,19,000, the UR8S is targeted towards more price-conscious TV buyers. It features more mainstream screen sizes such as 55, 65, and 75-inch variants. The UR8S is available through retail partners including Satya, Nandilath, MyG, Great Eastern, Patra Electronics, and Khosla, as well as Amazon and Flipkart.

To mark the launch, Hisense is running an RGB Special Sellout Offer covering cashback of up to Rs 10,000, a two-year comprehensive warranty, one free EMI, zero down payment, and fixed EMI options.

Display and picture quality

Hisense brands itself as the originator of RGB MiniLED technology, which uses separate red, green, and blue LED light sources rather than a conventional white LED backlight. The result is a wider colour gamut, more precise local dimming, and higher colour accuracy than standard MiniLED implementations. The UR8S peaks at 3,500 nits of brightness, features a native 180Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, and includes Anti-Reflection and Glare-Free technology for daytime viewing in bright rooms. An AI RGB Light Sensor adjusts picture settings automatically based on ambient lighting conditions.

Picture processing is handled by the Hi-View AI Engine RGB, Hisense's most advanced AI processor, which optimises colour, brightness, and contrast in real time. The panel supports Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode for content-accurate playback.

Audio and smart platform

Audio is handled by a 2.1.2 Multi-Channel Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos support. The UR8S runs on VIDAA, Hisense's proprietary smart TV operating system. This system is independently recognised as the fastest Smart TV OS in the market based on the WEKA Media Publishing TVOS Benchmark Report from August 2025. The platform also supports Hands-free Voice Control, VIDAA Voice, Alexa Built-in, Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and Apple Home. The ultra-slim bezel-less design completes the premium aesthetic.

The UR8S enters a competitive premium TV segment alongside LG's QNED evo Mini LED and Samsung's Neo QLED range. Hisense's RGB MiniLED approach differs from conventional MiniLED in using tri-colour LED sources, which delivers a measurably wider colour gamut than white-LED MiniLED implementations at equivalent brightness levels.

At Rs 1,19,990 for the 55-inch entry point, the UR8S is priced competitively against LG's QNED85 and Samsung's QN85D in the same size. The UR8S is worth looking at if colour quality and brightness matter more to you than buying a well-known brand. With 3,500 nits of brightness and a 180Hz refresh rate, HDR movies and fast-moving sports look incredible. Plus, the fast VIDAA smart platform makes daily navigation feel noticeably quicker than its rivals.

Noise, the leading connected lifestyle and wearable brand in India, is now entering a new market sector. The company has introduced Clutch, a range of gaming audio products that the brand has specifically designed for India's gaming community. The first product in the range is the Clutch HP-P01, a wireless gaming headphone. The brand says it is designed for use in competitive gaming on mobile devices, personal computers, and consoles.

Price and Availability

Noise currently offers the Clutch HP-P01 for pre-booking exclusively on gonoise.com at an introductory price of Rs 4,999. The headphone launches in India on August 27, with deliveries beginning around the same time. It is available in three colourways: Black and Red, Purple and Gold, and Grey and Green.

Specifications and features

The HP-P01 features a 50mm driver designed for precise sound direction and footstep detection, which are essential for competitive gaming in titles like BGMI, Valorant, and Call of Duty. It has a wireless latency of 24ms, ensuring the audio is closely synced with the action on screen. It supports four connectivity options: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 6.0, and a 3.5mm wired connection, making it compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The battery life lasts up to 40 hours with RGB lights off and 20 hours with RGB lights on.

The full-metal frame and cushioned fabric are made for durability and comfort, having passed drop, tumble, and vibration tests. A detachable boom microphone and 7.1 virtual surround sound facilitate squad communication, while multi-mode RGB lighting enhances the look for streaming setups. The headphones weigh 300g and are available in Black and Red, Purple and Gold, and Grey and Green.

At Rs 4,999, the HP-P01 competes with the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, Zebronics Orion, and boAt Immortal 1000D in the entry-level gaming headphone market. Many alternatives in this price range offer either wired-only connections or Bluetooth without low-latency support. The HP-P01's 2.4GHz wireless feature with 24ms latency, 40-hour battery life, and four connectivity modes give it a strong advantage over most direct competitors in the same price range.

For Indian gamers seeking a capable wireless gaming headset under Rs 5,000 that works across mobile, PC, and consoles, the HP-P01 sounds like a good option. A hands-on review will show how the 50mm driver performs in actual games, especially in terms of positional audio, which is crucial for competitive play.

[highlights]

• Airtel has discontinued its Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 prepaid plans in India, with some plans being pulled out in specific circles.
• The Rs 299 plan has effectively been replaced by the Rs 349 pack, raising the entry price for a 28-day daily-data recharge.
• Airtel has also increased the Rs 859 plan to Rs 899.

[/highlights]

Airtel is quietly making its prepaid portfolio a little less friendly to budget-conscious users. The telecom operator has withdrawn four prepaid plans priced at Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649, with the packs disappearing from its website and Airtel Thanks app. The changes were reported by tipsters on X today and appear to be part of a broader reshuffling of Airtel's recharge lineup.

Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 Airtel prepaid plans gone

The Rs 299 plan is the most significant removal. It offered 1.5GB of daily data, unlimited calls and SMS benefits for 28 days, making it one of Airtel's more affordable monthly options. It has now been replaced at the lower end by the Rs 349 plan, which offers 2GB of data per day for 28 days.

That means Airtel users who previously spent Rs 299 every month now have to pay Rs 50 more for a comparable daily-data plan. The increase works out to around 17 percent, although the Rs 349 pack also comes with more daily data.

The Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 plans catered to users looking for longer validity without moving to an annual recharge. Their availability has also been inconsistent across circles in recent weeks, suggesting Airtel may be rolling out the changes in stages rather than applying every removal uniformly.

Airtel has also raised the price of the Rs 859 plan to Rs 899 without changing its benefits, according to reports. Other reports have flagged additional plan removals, so the company's prepaid lineup could see further changes.

The Rs 349 price point is becoming increasingly important across telecom operators. Jio currently offers a Rs 349 plan with unlimited voice calls, 2GB daily data and 28 days of validity, while Vi lists Rs 349 and Rs 365 options with 1.5GB daily data for the former and up to 2GB daily data for the latter, both keeping a uniform 28-day validity.

If you currently use one of the discontinued plans, check the Airtel Thanks app before your next recharge rather than assuming the same pack will return. Users who need daily data and unlimited calling will likely have to move to Rs 349 or a higher-priced option. Airtel's entry point is a Rs 199 option, but that only offers 2GB of bulk data for the full duration.

There is also no confirmed industry-wide tariff hike yet. Reports have pointed to possible 12-15 percent increases from Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea, but the latest changes should not be treated as proof of an imminent blanket hike.

[highlights]

• Vivo X300 FE is now available in an 8GB + 256GB variant.
• This is the most affordable variant in the lineup.
• The X300 FE now comes in three memory variants. 

[/highlights]

Vivo X300 FE just saw its price increase by Rs 10,000 in India. Now, the brand has launched a new memory variant of the X300 FE. The compact flagship comes in a new 8GB + 256GB variant, making it the most affordable one in the lineup. Vivo launched the X300 FE in India earlier this year, in May. A more affordable variant of the X300 FE comes amid ongoing price hikes, which the X300 FE has also faced. 

Vivo X300 FE 8GB + 256GB variant price 

The Vivo X300 FE 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at Rs 84,999. It will be available starting today across Flipkart, Amazon, the Vivo India e-store, and all leading retail partner outlets. Vivo is offering a 10 percent instant bank discount, up to 24 months No Cost EMI, or a 10 percent exchange bonus. 

The X300 FE is available in two more variants: 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB, priced at Rs 89,999 and Rs 99,999, respectively. So now, there are three variants to choose from for the X300 FE. At this price point, the Vivo X300 FE goes up against similarly priced rivals like the OnePlus 15.

Vivo X300 FE: What's on offer?

The Vivo X300 FE stands out for its compact 6.31-inch LTPO 1.5K AMOLED display with a dynamic 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate and a horizontal camera bar. Under the hood of the phone runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a chipset known to offer flagship-grade performance. The smartphone packs a 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired FlashCharge and 40W wireless FlashCharge support. 

Like the premium X300 lineup, the FE model also features a Zeiss-backed triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 3x periscope telephoto unit. In addition to this, you get support for the telephoto extender kit, which is a bonus for photography enthusiasts. This way, you get to experience Vivo's flagship camera prowess without having to stretch your budget even more. 

For those considering the Vivo X300 FE, the handset offers a well-balanced package with its flagship-grade hardware. You're getting a compact design, versatile cameras, and gaming performance with the X300 FE. If you're currently using a phone from 2023 or earlier, the X300 FE could be a good compact flagship to upgrade to. However, if you want a bigger battery or even faster performance, there are alternatives like the OnePlus 15. So, while you can consider the Vivo X300 FE, it would still be wise to compare it with rivals in the same price segment.

[highlights]

• The Redmi Note 17 launched in India on August 6 with a starting price of Rs 27,999.
• The device features a massive 8,000mAh battery and a 6.99-inch AMOLED display. 
• The phone's official sale begins today, with discount offers worth Rs 3,000 on bank credit cards and EMI purchases. 

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 17 (review) launched back on August 6, 2026, and just a week later, its official sale begins today. The new Note brings with it a massive 8,000mAh battery, a huge 6.99-inch AMOLED display and a big long-term software commitment to appeal to consumers. In this story, we'll list all the key details, like the phone's retail price, purchase channels and answer if the device is worth its asking price. Check it out below. 

Redmi Note 17: price, availability

The Redmi Note 17 is available for purchase with an introductory offer, which includes an Rs 3,000 discount on Axis, SBI, and Kotak bank credit cards and EMI offers. The sale begins on 12pm, August 12, 2026. 

Redmi Note 17: key features

The Redmi Note 17 is a slightly bulky phone that measures 8.4mm thick and weighs 225g. For new users, it may feel a bit big and heavy in the hand. The phone uses a 6.99-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2396 × 1080p. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, so scrolling and gaming should feel smooth.

Peak brightness goes up to 1,800 nits, which means the phone should stay readable outdoors in harsh sunlight. The display also includes an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and HydroTouch 2.0, which helps the screen stay responsive even when your fingers are slightly wet.

The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which should help reduce accidental damage from scratches and minor drops compared to cheaper glass or plastic. It has an IP65 rating to safeguard it against dust and water. 

Inside, the device runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset built on a 4nm process. This is an entry-level 5G chipset, but the 4nm process should make it more power efficient and better at heat management than older chipsets. You've also got a 10,416mm² vapor chamber to make it more efficient in dissipating heat.

The phone comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage and expandable storage up to 2TB. For everyday use, this combination should manage social media, streaming, messaging and light gaming without major issues.

On the software side, you get HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. The big promise here is long-term software support: the phone gets up to 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates. It's ideal for buyers who tend to keep their phones for longer.  

The Redmi Note 17 uses a simpler camera setup, which includes a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and 5P lens, paired with a secondary sensor. On the front, you get an 8MP selfie camera. 

The battery, however, is one of the key highlights of this phone. Redmi uses an 8,000mAh cell, which is one of the highest in this segment. This capacity should easily get most users through around two full days of regular use.

Charging is handled by 45W wired fast charging, and the box includes the 45W compatible charger. There is also 22.5W wired reverse charging, which allows the phone to act like a power bank for other devices.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 17?

The Redmi Note 17 targets users who care most about battery life and a big display. It gives you a large AMOLED screen, an 8,000mAh battery, and long-term software support. Although, in aspects like camera, overall performance and weight. If you mainly stream content, scroll social media and want a phone that comfortably lasts around two days or more, this is the sort of device that fits that use case well. 

Talking about competitors, the Realme P4 Power (review), which is similarly priced, also delivers on the same core principles. It features a 10,001mAh battery, faster 80W charging, a higher‑resolution 144Hz AMOLED and a more advanced camera setup. If you want better hardware for endurance, display and camera, the Realme P4 Power will suit you better. If you prefer a big‑battery phone that's more comfortable in daily use and promises longer software support, the Redmi Noet 17 has an advantage. 

With the current launch offer and introductory pricing, now is the best time if you've been planning to upgrade to the Redmi Note 17. You can head on over to our comprehensive review to learn more about how the Note 17 performs in the real-world. 

[highlights]

• Samsung has increased discounts on the Galaxy S26 series, with the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra now available at Rs 79,999, Rs 89,500 and Rs 1,24,999 respectively.
• Samsung is also offering an additional Rs 4,000 off for a first purchase on its website and Rs 3,000 through referrals.
• Offline buyers may find better deals, with Galaxy S26 purchases at around Rs 72,000 with six months of no-cost EMI.

[/highlights]

With smartphone prices under pressure from rising memory costs, Samsung is bringing a breath of fresh air route with its latest flagship lineup. The Galaxy S26 series is getting deeper discounts in India, bringing the effective prices of all three models below their launch prices. The offers come at a time when several smartphone makers have raised prices or reduced the value offered by their latest devices.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series deal

The Galaxy S26 is currently available (via) at Rs 79,999 on Amazon, down from its Rs 87,999 launch price for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also listed at Rs 1,24,999 on Amazon for the 12GB + 256GB model, compared with its original Rs 1,39,999 price.

The ongoing Amazon Great Freedom Sale has also made the previous-generation Galaxy S25 Ultra available at Rs 94,999, making it a cheaper alternative to the S26 Ultra. The older flagship still offers a premium display, flagship performance and S Pen support, while the S26 Ultra makes more sense for buyers who specifically want Samsung's latest hardware.

Samsung's own website is offering another set of discounts. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets Rs 15,000 off, bringing it to Rs 1,24,999, while the Galaxy S26+ gets a much larger Rs 30,500 discount, taking it from Rs 1,19,999 to Rs 89,500. The Galaxy S26 gets Rs 8,000 off, reducing its price to Rs 79,999.

Samsung is also advertising an additional Rs 4,000 discount on a first purchase through its website and Rs 3,000 through its referral programme. No-cost EMI options are available on eligible purchases.

Offline deals

The online prices are not necessarily the lowest available. Some buyers have reported getting the Galaxy S26 for around Rs 72,000 through offline retailers, along with six months of no-cost EMI. That makes checking local Samsung stores and authorised retailers worthwhile before buying.

OnePlus, Vivo and iQOO have traditionally competed by undercutting Samsung on hardware, but Samsung's post-launch price cuts reduce that gap. The S26 at around Rs. 80,000 is now particularly interesting for buyers who want a compact flagship without paying Ultra-level prices.

For most buyers, the Galaxy S26+ at Rs. 89,500 is arguably the strongest value proposition of the three if the larger display and battery justify the extra cost. The S26 Ultra remains the pick for camera, S Pen and flagship features, while the standard S26 makes more sense for those prioritising size and price. With offline deals potentially going lower, comparing the final price across channels could save several thousand rupees.

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• The Pixel 11 series could start at Rs 89,999 in India.
• Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 series later today.
• Prices of all three phones and the Fold have been leaked.

[/highlights]

The Pixel 11 series is set to launch today as part of Google's latest flagship lineup. The series includes four phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Just hours before the launch, a new report by Gizbot reveals the alleged India pricing of the Pixel 11 series. The report includes pricing for all four models, including the Fold. 

Pixel 11 series India pricing leaked

According to the report by Gizbot, the Pixel 11 will launch at Rs 89,999 for the base model. This would be Rs 10,000 more expensive than the Pixel 10, which launched at Rs 79,999 in India. The Pixel 11 Pro is said to cost Rs 1,19,999, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL will be priced at Rs 1,34,999. Both phones are getting a hike of Rs 10,000, if this leaked pricing is anything to go by. 

Coming to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, it will be the most expensive in the lineup with a launch price of Rs 1,86,999. In comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launched at Rs 1,72,999. The price hikes are not surprising, considering the ongoing situation in the smartphone industry due to increased memory demand and costs. Since the pricing hasn't been revealed by Google yet, it's better to wait for official confirmation. 

The Pixel 11 series is expected to bring upgrades with the new TSMC 2nm Tensor G6 chipset, expected to deliver better efficiency and thermal performance, and advanced AI processing. Google is also rumoured to move from 16GB to 12GB RAM for the Pixel 11 Pro models, which sounds like a downgrade, but Google has reportedly optimised Android 17 for stronger optimisation and performance.  

There's also a new 'HiLight' feature, which is essentially an LED light with different colours to indicate notifications, alerts, and updates. This also adds a slight redesign to the camera island on the Pixel 11 series, which now looks more uniform than the Pixel 10 lineup. 

The Pixel 11 series launch is only a few hours away so we'll soon know the actual pricing details. The upcoming flagship lineup looks interesting for those who want a clean Android experience, one of the best on-device AI features, and advanced cameras. If you own a Pixel 9 or older, the upgrade might seem worth it, but Pixel 10 series users might want to compare properly before planning an upgrade. 

[highlights]

• The new Aspire 3 is for students, professionals and families who want a simple everyday laptop, starting at Rs 39,999. 
• The Aspire Pro focuses on AI‑ready productivity with Intel Core Ultra and Copilot integration, starting at Rs 69,999
• The Swift Pro is positioned as a premium thin‑and‑light option for professionals and creators, starting at Rs 79,999.

[/highlights]

Acer is refreshing its consumer laptop portfolio for 2026 in India, with new models across both gaming and non‑gaming segments. On the non‑gaming side, the Aspire 3, Aspire Pro and Swift Pro are meant to cover a wider user base, from students and families who need a simple everyday machine to professionals and creators looking for AI‑ready and premium thin‑and‑light options without going into gaming laptops. Let's look at these devices in more detail below. 

Acer Aspire, Swift series: price, availability

The new Aspire 3, Aspire Pro and Swift Pro laptops will be available via Acer Exclusive Stores, Acer E‑store, Amazon, Croma, Reliance and Vijay Sales.

Acer Aspire, Swift series: features, specifications

Aspire 3

Acer has introduced the new Aspire 3 in India as an entry-level machine for students, professionals and families who need a reliable everyday laptop. It runs on an AMD Ryzen processor and focuses on day‑to‑day tasks like online classes, office work, browsing and streaming. You get a standard 15.6‑inch Full HD IPS display, up to 16GB DDR4 memory (expandable to 32GB) and fast NVMe SSD storage. It's light enough with an 180‑degree hinge and USB Type‑C charging to make it easier to carry and use in hybrid setups.

Aspire 3 key specifications

• 15.6‑inch Full HD IPS display with Acer ComfyView, anti‑glare
  180‑degree lay‑flat hinge
• AMD Ryzen processors (Ryzen 3 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 7 options, depending on SKU)store.
• Integrated AMD Radeon graphicsstore.
• Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM, expandable to 32GB, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, expandable up to 1TB
• Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity
• USB Type‑C, USB Type‑A, HDMI, SD card reader and audio jack
• Approximate weight around 1.7–1.9 kg

Aspire Pro

The latest Aspire Pro AI laptop targets professionals, students and everyday users who want an AI‑ready machine without opting for a premium ultrabook. It uses an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 14‑inch display and a slim 1.3 kg chassis, with Windows Copilot to bring AI assistance into everyday work, meetings and study. It comes with sufficient RAM and storage to deliver in day‑to‑day tasks, while giving users enough battery life and connectivity to move around without worrying about charging.

Aspire Pro key specifications

• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor
• 14‑inch Full HD IPS display with Acer ComfyView, slim bezels
• Windows 11 Home with a dedicated Copilot key
• 16GB DDR5 memory, expandable up to 32G, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, expandable up to 1TB
• Up to 10 hours claimed battery life, 65W USB Type‑C charger
• Approx. 1.3kg weight, FHD webcam, dual stereo speakers
• Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, dual USB Type‑C, USB 3.2 Type‑A, HDMI, SD card reader, audio jack, Kensington lock
• Moisture‑resistant backlit keyboard, precision multi‑gesture touchpad

Swift Pro

The new Swift Pro targets professionals, creators and entrepreneurs who want a premium thin‑and‑light laptop that can keep up with work, learning and creative side projects. It combines an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 14‑inch 16:10 display and a lightweight metal chassis with Copilot integration to make everyday productivity, creative work and multitasking feel smoother while still offering enough battery life for easy portability.

Swift Pro key specifications

• 14‑inch WUXGA (16:10) display with narrow bezels, optional 14‑inch WUXGA OLED panel, up to 400 nits brightness
• Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 H‑series processors, Intel Arc graphics
• Up to 32GB LPDDR5 memory, up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage
• Approx. 1.2 kg premium metal chassis
• 52Wh battery, up to 10.5 hours claimed battery life
• FHD webcam with privacy shutter, fingerprint reader, Backlit keyboard and 180‑degree hinge
• Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type‑C, HDMI 2.0, USB Type‑A, MicroSD card reader

Should you buy the new Acer consumer laptops?

You should consider the Aspire 3 if you want a simple, affordable notebook for school, basic office work, browsing and streaming at an affordable price point. The Aspire Pro suits users who want an AI‑ready work machine with Copilot and good performance but still want to keep pricing sensible. The Swift Pro is for those who care about design and portability as much as performance and want a more premium, thin and light machine for work and creative tasks on the go.

These machines cost roughly 20-30 percent higher than their predecessors due to the memory price inflation worldwide and thus require careful consideration in terms of your budget, needs and the features you want. 

[highlights]

• The Realme 16x is priced in India starting at Rs 25,999.
• Key specs include a 144Hz display, MediaTek chipset, 45W fast charging, and more.
• The Realme 16x sale starts August 13th via major offline stores, Flipkart, and Realme's official website.

[/highlights]

The Realme 16x is the fourth smartphone in the company's 16-series lineup, positioned just below the Realme 16T. Its biggest highlight remains the battery, packing a 7,000mAh cell paired with 45W fast charging. The rest of the Realme 16x specifications remain pretty much the same as the Realme 16T, including the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 144Hz LCD display, a 50MP rear camera, and Realme UI 7.0. As part of the launch offer, Realme has announced a Rs 2,000 discount on the smartphone, making it sell for under Rs 25,000.

Realme 16x price in India, availability

The Realme 16x is priced in India starting at Rs 25,999 for the base 4GB RAM variant, while the higher-end 6GB RAM options with 128GB and 256GB storage cost Rs 27,999 and Rs 30,999 respectively. The handset goes on sale in India starting August 13th via Flipkart and major offline stores, and until August 18th, it will be available for as low as Rs 23,999. The phone comes in two colour variants: Endurance Brown and Glory White.

Realme 16x specifications

The Realme 16x specifications are identical to the Realme C85, launched last year. The notable difference remains the software and a slightly redesigned camera module. The Realme 16-series phone runs Realme UI 7, layered atop Android 16, out of the box. This is backed by two years of major OS upgrades and three years of security updates, keeping the phone relevant until 2029.

At the back, the Realme 16x sports a rectangular camera platform, which houses vertically-aligned 50MP+2MP sensors and a Pulse Light. The LED flash is placed next to the sensors, identical to the Realme Narzo 100x. On the front, the Realme 16x sports a 6.8-inch HD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. The combination should ensure smooth animation, graphics, and a decent multimedia experience. At its core lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is a reliable SoC for regular everyday activities.

In optics, the Realme 16x features a 50MP AI-powered rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera. Realme has also included AI-based editing features, including AI Edit Genie and AI Editor, elevating the overall experience. Keeping things running is a 7,000mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, which Realme claims can provide up to two days of usage.

The company also says the battery is designed to maintain its performance for up to six years. Charging is handled by a 45W fast-charging system, with Realme claiming that a five-minute top-up can deliver up to 1.5 hours of usage. The phone also supports 6.5W reverse charging.

Other highlights of the Realme 16x include an IP65 water and dust resistance rating, MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, and a 400 percent louder volume mode, which could come in handy when watching content without headphones.

With its large battery, 144Hz display, and MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, the Realme 16x appears a dependable choice for regular users on paper. The handset will be competing against the Redmi Note 17 (review), Moto G77 Power (review), and Motorola Edge 70 Fusion (review). The Motorola smartphone is a more balanced offering, but lacks the massive battery capacities that the G77 Power, Redmi Note 17, and Realme 16x bring to the table. 

[highlights]

• Vivo X500 is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch display.
• The handset could feature a different camera design.
• The lineup is expected to continue with a circular camera. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's upcoming flagship X500 series has been appearing in multiple leaks and rumours lately. The latest leak talks about the standard Vivo X500's camera design and display details. The Vivo X500 lineup is expected to continue with the circular camera module, but it may look slightly different on the standard model compared to the Pro models. 

Vivo X500 series camera design

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Vivo X500 Pro models are expected to retain the large circular camera module seen on the X300 series. The standard Vivo X500 is also tipped to feature a circular camera module, but with a different placement. Instead of sitting at the centre like on the Pro models, it could be positioned in the upper-left corner of the rear panel.

This would help the Vivo X500 stand apart from its Pro siblings and give it a more distinctive look. However, Vivo's flagship camera modules are typically quite large due to the sensors used, so it remains to be seen how the company will accommodate a similarly capable setup with this new placement. Also, it's not clear why Vivo plans to adopt a slightly different design for the X500. 

The Vivo X500 is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch display, which would be bigger than the X300's compact 6.31-inch screen. Instead, the Vivo X500 Pro will get the compact 6.37-inch display, while the Pro Max will offer a 6.85-inch display, the largest in the lineup. With three different screen sizes, the X500 models offer variety and options to users, depending on their preference and use case. The X500 lineup is said to feature extremely narrow bezels, suggesting a more immersive experience. The displays could support 1.5K or 2K resolution and refresh rates up to 144Hz. This would be an upgrade over the X300 series' 120Hz refresh rate. 

Vivo's flagship lineup is expected to debut later this year. This time too, three models are expected, but with slight changes, as mentioned above. Vivo is known for offering one of the best cameras on its flagships, and the same is expected from the X500 lineup. For now, the Vivo X500 series could be worth keeping an eye on if you're looking for a flagship camera phone. Given these are early leaks, waiting for official announcements and reviews is advisable before making any pre-order decisions.

[highlights]

• Motorola has already opened the Android 17 beta programme for several devices.
• The update is already being pushed out to the Motorola Edge 2025.
• Android 17 brings several design changes for Motorola phones.

[/highlights]

The next iteration of Android is already being pushed out in full throttle. Google has already released Android 17 for Pixel devices, while the latest foldables from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Z Flip 8 series, come pre-installed with Android 17-based One UI 9. Similarly, Motorola has also begun publicly testing the latest Android on several of its devices across the G, Edge, and Razr series. Now, the company has officially shared the list of devices set to receive Android 17 on Lenovo forums.

Motorola phones eligible for Android 17 update (confirmed list)

The official blog post (in Spanish) on the Lenovo forum states that the Motorola Edge 2025 (not released in India) has started receiving the Android 17 update, while the following devices are set to bag the update in the coming weeks:

Motorola Razr series and Signature

• Motorola Signature
• Motorola Razr 70 Ultra
• Motorola Razr 70 Plus
• Motorola Razr 70
• Motorola Razr Ultra 2026
• Motorola Razr+ 2026
• Motorola Razr 2026
• Motorola Razr Fold 2026
• Motorola Razr Fold 2025
• Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
• Motorola Razr 60s
• Motorola Razr 60d
• Motorola Razr 60
• Motorola Razr Ultra 2025
• Motorola Razr+ 2025
• Motorola Razr 2025
• Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
• Motorola Razr+ 2024

Motorola Edge series

• Motorola Edge 2026
• Motorola Edge 70 Pro+
• Motorola Edge 70 Pro
• Motorola Edge 70 Max
• Motorola Edge 70 Neo
• Motorola Edge 70 Plus
• Motorola Edge 70 Fusion+
• Motorola Edge 70 Fusion
• Motorola Edge 70
• Motorola Edge 2025
• Motorola Edge 60 Stylus
• Motorola Edge 60 Pro
• Motorola Edge 60 Fusion
• Motorola Edge 60
• Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
• Motorola Edge 60

Motorola G series

• Moto G Stylus 2026
• Moto G Power 2026
• Moto G Play 2026
• Moto G 2026
• Moto G 2025
• Moto G Power 2025
• Moto G Stylus 2025
• Moto G Max
• Moto G87
• Moto G86
• Moto G86 Power
• Moto G77
• Moto G77 Power
• Moto G67
• Moto G57
• Moto G57 Power
• Moto G47
• Moto G37
• Moto G37 Power

For several of the above-mentioned devices, Motorola has already rolled out the Android 17 beta update to registered users, such as the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion, Edge 70, Edge 70 Pro, Edge 60 Pro, and others. Similarly, phones under the Moto G lineup have also received the beta update, such as the Moto G57 Power, which is highly appreciated since it's one of the only budget-centric devices among all brands to bag the Android 17 update this early.

What's new on Android 17 for Motorola phones

As noted in our Motorola Edge 60 Pro Android 17 beta rollout story, the new firmware brings a host of new design changes and features. To quickly give a gist, the update revamps the status bar icons and the volume control panel to appear more in line with Pixel UI. The Settings app has been cleaned up; the menu/status under each menu has been removed.

A major new addition is the centrally-aligned Live Updates pill. Just like the Dynamic Island found on iPhones, the pill displays music, stopwatch, timer, maps, and other real-time activities for easy glance. A major customisation change comes in the form of tinted icons, where every icon in the app drawer can be coloured without relying on the developers to bring tinted shades to their apps, resulting in a cohesive look.

It's good on Motorola's part to quickly release the list of devices eligible for the Android 17 update. Prominent brands like Samsung, OPPO, Vivo, and others are yet to release a similar list for their devices, indicating Motorola's aggressive push to provide major Android updates to its users at the earliest.

[highlights]

• Apple could raise prices of all new and existing iPhone models by USD 100 or up to Rs 10,000 from September 8th, according to a tipster.
• The iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e could see their India prices rise by around Rs 10,000.
• The iPhone 18 series could also start at higher prices compared to the 17 series.

[/highlights]

Ironically enough, Apple has been the subject of many jokes for its jaw-dropping pricing of its latest iPhones. However, in today's time when a shortage of DRAM and NAND components has plagued the industry so hard, the company is one of the rare brands that has so far held phone prices steady (despite raising prices across several other product categories). However, that could change with the iPhone 18 series, as tipster Yogesh Brar claims Apple will raise the prices of both new and existing iPhone models by USD 100 (around Rs 9,500).

The revised rates are expected to take effect by September 8th, which is around the time when the next iPhone 18 series launches. The claim comes after several reports suggested that Apple could increase iPhone prices in India as rising memory and component costs put pressure on smartphone makers. However, no price revision has happened yet.

iPhone 18, 17 series price hike expected

In a post on X, Brar said the new rates would arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro series, which is expected to launch in early September. He also said that Apple would raise prices across its new and older iPhone models, rather than limiting the increase to the upcoming devices. Brar's claim pushes back against earlier reports of an August price increase, saying Apple doesn't normally inform distributors about price revisions "weeks in advance".

The expected lineup includes the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, while Apple is also rumoured to introduce its first book-style foldable iPhone, seemingly called the iPhone Ultra. The company is expected to discontinue the current Pro models after the new generation arrives as it usually does, while the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e could remain on sale.

In India, the iPhone 17 currently starts at Rs 82,900 for 256GB, while the iPhone Air and iPhone 17e start at Rs 1,19,900 and Rs 64,900, respectively. A Rs 10,000-equivalent increase would take these prices to roughly Rs 92,900, Rs 1,29,900 and Rs 74,900. The iPhone 17 Pro series had brought a Rs 15,000 starting price increase from the iPhone 16 Pro models, but the base variant had also jumped from 128GB to 256GB. In effect, the variant-wise hike for the iPhone 17 Pro was only Rs 5,000. The iPhone 17 Pro was launched at Rs 1,34,900 last September.

The possibility of a hike comes after Apple increased prices for several Macs, iPads and smart-home products in June. iPhones, Apple Watch models and AirPods were excluded from that revision. Apple's CEO Tim Cook has pointed to rising hardware costs, including higher memory prices driven by AI-related demand saying that hikes were "unavoidable". Apple has also raised iPhone prices in Japan, suggesting that the company is increasingly willing to pass higher component costs on to customers.

Buyers already considering getting a new iPhone  should act now. Normally, the iPhone 17 standard models get a price cut after a new launch, but that trend could reverse this year. Even the iPhone 18 could start at a much higher price compared to the starting Rs 82,900 price of the iPhone 17 lineup. Interestingly enough, flagships and even sub-flagships from Vivo, OPPO and Xiaomi are currently more expensive than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to be discontinued, so buyers specifically interested in those devices may also want to consider available stock before the new generation arrives.

[highlights]

• Redmi K100 Pro has a smaller 6.59-inch display.
• The K100 Pro Max houses a large 9,070mAh battery.
• Both phones have been launched in China.

[/highlights]

Redmi has just unveiled two powerful flagships in China, under the K100 series. Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series chipset, 185Hz refresh rate displays, 200MP cameras, and more. The Redmi K100 Pro series is part of the brand's performance-focused flagship lineup. There's no word on an India launch yet, though. 

Redmi K100 Pro Max specifications

Redmi K100 Pro Max is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The smartphone is also equipped with a 6,300 mm² cooling chamber for heat dissipation. This makes the Redmi K100 Pro Max a good contender for gamers and power users. 

Up front is a large 6.9-inch OLED flat (2608 × 1200 pixels) display with a 185Hz refresh rate and M11 luminescent material. For photography, you get a 200MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera. This makes for a versatile camera setup, despite the Redmi K100 Pro being a performance and endurance-focused phone. 

The handset packs a 9,070mAh battery with 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, 27W wired reverse charging, and 22.5W wireless reverse charging support. With this battery capacity, power users and gamers should get multi-day usage, and regular users wouldn't have any battery anxiety. It's also an upgrade over the Redmi K90 Pro Max's 7,560mAh battery. 

Redmi K100 Pro specifications

As the name suggests, the Redmi K100 Pro is the more affordable variant of the two, with a smaller 6.59-inch OLED flat display (2510 × 1156 pixels). Like the Pro Max, this one also gets a 185Hz refresh rate and uses M11 luminescent material. The smartphone houses a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera. For selfies, you get a 32MP front camera. The handset also gets a 10cm telephoto macro lens for close-up shots, and five focal lengths for shooting. This would be an upgrade over the Redmi K90 Pro (Max), which has a 50MP main camera. 

The Redmi K100 Pro has a smaller 8,580mAh Jinshajiang battery but with the same charging options. 8,580mAh is still a massive battery capacity, especially for a flagship. The handset is powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V-series chipset, paired with a dedicated AI gaming display chip aimed at improving gaming performance and frame stability.

Both the Redmi K100 Pro Max and K100 Pro come with IP66/IP68/IP69 protection, and run Android 16-based HyperOS 3.0 out of the box.

The Redmi K100 Pro starts at CNY 3,699 in China, which translates to around Rs 52,400. The K100 Pro Max has a starting price of CNY 4,499 (Rs 63,700 approx) for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Both phones could appeal to users looking for performance-focused flagships. The Redmi K100 Pro series will most likely compete with the OnePlus 15 lineup in terms of performance and battery life. 

If your priorities include performance, gaming, battery life, and good cameras, the Redmi K100 Pro series can be recommended. Also, those coming from a K90 Pro might find the camera and display improvements significant. It's still advised to compare the specs with rivals in the same price segment to see which phone gives the best value. 

GIGABYTE has introduced the new AMD Ryzen 9 variant to its AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 lineup in India. This model combines top-tier hardware with GiMATE, the company's new AI companion. The update aims at gamers, creators, AI professionals, and developers who need a single device to manage demanding tasks across various fields.

Availability

Starting at Rs 2,50,000 (inclusive of taxes), the AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 with AMD Ryzen 9 will be sold through GIGABYTE's authorised retail partners and major online platforms in India. 

Hardware

The AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor along with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti Laptop GPU. This combination is suitable for everything from AAA gaming to real-time rendering, as well as AI-driven applications and intricate 3D projects. The 16-inch OLED display enhances the core specifications, offering excellent colour accuracy and deep contrast for both creative tasks and competitive gaming. Smart thermal design keeps performance stable even under heavy workloads.

GiMATE: GIGABYTE's AI companion

A standout feature is GiMATE, which GIGABYTE presents as a smart control centre instead of just a standalone AI assistant. It manages performance optimisation, system personalisation, and switching between scenarios like gaming, content creation, and professional tasks through an intelligent interface that learns user preferences over time. The goal is to minimise the need for users to manually adjust settings for different use cases, allowing the system to make those adjustments automatically.

"The AORUS MASTER series represents the pinnacle of GIGABYTE's gaming innovation, and with the introduction of the AMD Ryzen™ 9-powered model, we are taking that experience even further. Today's gamers are also creators, professionals and AI users who expect their devices to be both exceptionally powerful and intelligently designed. By combining next-generation AMD performance with GiMATE, our intelligent AI companion, the latest AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 delivers a smarter, more personalised computing experience while continuing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of premium gaming innovation," said Sunil Grewal, Director, GIGABYTE Technology India Pvt. Ltd.

The AORUS MASTER 16 Gen 2 enters a competitive flagship laptop market that includes the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, MSI Raider GE68 HX, and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i. These rivals feature high-end processors paired with RTX 5070 Ti or 5080 graphics in premium designs. GIGABYTE stands out with its GiMATE and OLED display, which is a significant advantage over competitors that still use IPS panels at this price range.

For buyers looking for a flagship gaming laptop that can also serve as a strong creative and professional workstation, the combination of Ryzen 9 and RTX 5070 Ti fits that need well. 

[highlights]

• Acer has introduced new 16‑inch Nitro 5 and Nitro 5 Pro series laptops starting at Rs 1,67,990.
• The latest Predator Helios Neo 16 and Helios Neo 16S AI target more demanding users, starting at Rs 2,62,990. 

[/highlights]

Acer has refreshed its gaming portfolio in India with the launch of the new Nitro 5 and Predator series laptops. The Nitro lineup includes the Nitro 5 and Nitro 5 Pro as 16‑inch gaming laptops for entry-level gamers, students, and creators who want a capable 16‑inch machine for 1080p gaming and everyday work.

The Predator Helios Neo 16, Helios Neo 16 AI and Helios Neo 16S AI are built for more demanding users, including competitive gamers and creators who need higher‑end GPUs, faster displays and advanced AI features. Let's look at these laptops in more detail below.

Acer gaming laptops: price and availability

The Acer Nitro 5 and Nitro 5 Pro will be available in Herald Grey and Black, with up to Rs 10,000 cashback, through Acer Exclusive Stores, Acer E‑store, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales. The cashback offer is also valid for the Predator Helios Neo series laptops with the same retail channels. 

Acer Nitro 5 series: features, key specifications

Nitro 5

The Nitro 5 is the entry point into Acer's new gaming lineup. It makes sense for someone who wants a first "proper" gaming laptop that can handle modern 1080p titles, college work and everyday multitasking on one machine. The high‑refresh 16‑inch screen should keep games and scrolling smooth, while the 14th Gen Intel HX processors and RTX 40-series graphics should make it easier to play the latest AAA titles at medium graphical presets. 

Nitro 5 key specs:

• 16-inch Full HD+ (1920 × 1200) 16:10 display, up to 165Hz, 100% sRGB
• Intel Core 14th Gen HX processors (up to Core i7‑14650HX)
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Herald Grey) or RTX 5050 (Black) Laptop GPU
• Up to 32GB DDR5 5600MHz, up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• 62Wh or 73Wh battery, Intel Wi‑Fi 6E, Nitro Control Centre, dual‑fan cooling, 4‑zone RGB keyboard

Nitro 5 Pro

The Nitro 5 Pro is designed for users who want more power and a bit more future‑proofing. With more capable RTX 50‑series graphics and NVIDIA's newer AI features, it better suits gamers who plan to play demanding games for a few years or creators who work with graphics, video and AI tools. 

Nitro 5 Pro key specs:

• 16-inch Full HD+ (1920 × 1200) 16:10 display, up to 165Hz
• Intel Core 14th Gen HX processors (up to Core i7‑14650HX)
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Herald Grey) or RTX 5050 (Black) Laptop GPU
• Up to 32GB DDR5 5600MHz, up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• Dual‑fan cooling, Nitro Control Centre, 4‑zone RGB keyboard

Acer Predator Helios Neo series: features, key specifications

Helios Neo 16S AI

The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is for users who want a thinner, more premium gaming laptop without losing much performance. The slim metal build and OLED display make it a good choice for creators and gamers who care about colour, contrast and overall visual quality, while the Intel Core Ultra and RTX 5060 pairing should handle modern games, editing and everyday work with ease.

Predator Helios Neo 16S AI key specs:

• Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 356H processor 
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, 8GB GDDR7 VRAM
• 16-inch OLED WQXGA, 165Hz, 1ms, 100 percent DCI‑P3, G‑SYNC, HDR True Black 1000
• Up to 64GB DDR5, up to 2TB PCIe SSD, 92Wh battery, 5th Gen Predator AeroBlade 3D cooling

Helios Neo 16

The Predator Helios Neo 16 is the more straightforward performance option for mainstream gamers. With Intel Core i9 HX processors and RTX 5070 graphics, it aims to deliver good performance at high settings on a fast 180Hz screen, without the added cost of an OLED display. It suits users who want a reliable, high‑refresh 16‑inch gaming laptop for long sessions and everyday tasks but do not need the slim design or creator‑focused features of the Helios Neo 16S AI.

Predator Helios Neo 16 key specs:

• Up to Intel Core i9‑14900HX
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, up to 12GB GDDR7 VRAM
• 16-inch WQXGA, 180Hz, 3ms, MUX switch, 100 percent sRGB
• Up to 32GB DDR5, up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, 5th Gen Predator AeroBlade, Killer DoubleShot Pro, Thunderbolt 4 ports 

Should you buy the new Acer gaming series?

If you are thinking of buying a gaming laptop in 2026, it is worth researching deeply before you lock into any single brand. Thanks to steep DRAM and SSD price hikes, many mainstream gaming machines now sit roughly 40–60 percent higher than similar configs did a couple of years ago, with DDR5 RAM alone having jumped dramatically since late 2025. In this climate, the best move is to compare the core specs you want (GPU type, RAM, SSD, display) against your budget and then check equivalent lineups across brands.

For instance, Acer Nitro, Lenovo LOQ, ASUS TUF and HP Victus broadly sit in the same "value/mid-range" space, just like ASUS ROG, Lenovo Legion, Acer Predator and HP Omen compete in the more premium segment. It is better to explore these families side by side and see which one gives you the same level of performance and memory at the best effective price. 

[highlights]

• The iQOO Z11 is confirmed to feature a 3D curved AMOLED display.
• It will be powered by the Dimensity 7500 Turbo SoC.
• The handset is expected to be priced under Rs 40,000. 

[/highlights]

iQOO is steadily revealing more details about the upcoming Z11 ahead of its launch in India on August 20th. After confirming the chipset and design, the brand has now given us a hint at the phone's price segment. The iQOO Z11 will be the third phone in the lineup, following the Z11 Lite and Z11x. 

iQOO Z11 price in India teased

According to teasers shared by iQOO, the Z11 will be priced under Rs 40,000 in India. This is based on iQOO teasing features of the Z11 based on phones priced under Rs 40,000 in India. It would make the Z11 the most expensive model in the lineup, and understandably so, based on the hierarchy. The iQOO Z11 will sit in the upper mid-range price segment, competing with phones like the Redmi Turbo 5 and Motorola Edge 70 Pro.

Big screen, easy on the eyes. 👀✨

The iQOO Z11 brings a 6.8" 1.5K AMOLED Curved Display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5000 nits peak brightness, and eye-care features designed to make every scroll, stream, and session easier on your eyes.

Because a great display should look good… pic.twitter.com/BocCItP3XM

— iQOO India (@IqooInd) August 10, 2026

iQOO Z11 specifications 

The iQOO Z11 is confirmed to feature a 6.8-inch curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 5,000 nits peak brightness, and a 93.82 percent screen-to-body ratio. The curved panel should provide an immersive viewing experience, while the resolution and refresh rate suggest a bright and smooth display. 

The display will also include several eye-care features, including Eye Protection Mode, Sleep Comfort Mode, and Anti-Fatigue Brightness Adjustment. On the software side, iQOO has confirmed AI features such as Circle to Search, AI Captions, AI Creation, and AI Routing.

Powering the handset will be the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, while battery capacity is confirmed at 7,050mAh. Interestingly, the Indian variant gets a smaller battery than its Chinese counterpart, which packs a massive 9,020mAh cell. Even so, the Z11 is still expected to offer one of the largest batteries in its segment. iQOO Z11 will also be the first phone to debut with this chipset in India. The iQOO Z11 is poised to be a formidable contender for users who prioritise performance and battery life in a stylish package.  

The iQOO Z11 will be available in Aurora Green and Celestial Blue. With a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, large battery, and AI-backed software features, the iQOO Z11 appears to be shaping up as a strong option for users who prioritise multimedia, gaming, and battery life. If these specs align with your priorities, it might be worth waiting for the full review. The final verdict, however, will depend on how it compares with similarly priced rivals. So it's better to wait for the official launch before jumping into a buying decision. 

[highlights]

• The Redmi Note 17 4G could be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset.
• It's design looks identical to the recently released Redmi 17 and Redmi Note 17 5G.
• There's a high chance the smartphone won't make its way to India.

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 17 5G made its India debut just last week, and we already have listings of the Redmi Note 17 4G popping up on retailer websites. The device was recently spotted on Epto, an Italian e-commerce platform, revealing the phone's key specifications, such as a massive 7,700mAh battery and an AMOLED display. Likely to be priced lower than the Redmi Note 17 5G, the Note 17 4G could launch soon, as retailers may have already started receiving the first batch for sale.

Redmi Note 17 4G European pricing hinted

Per the Epto listing, which is still up at the time of drafting this story, the Redmi Note 17 4G has been marked as "Coming soon" and reveals a price of EUR 219.90 (approx. Rs 24,200). While it may feature more storage variants at launch, the listing states the phone will carry 6GB RAM and 256GB storage. In comparison, the Redmi Note 17 5G was launched in India for Rs 27,999 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It's also worth noting that the stated pricing could be an early bird or pre-order offer.

Given that smartphone prices in Europe are generally higher than in India, and considering the conversion rates, the Redmi Note 17 4G could be priced lower here. However, there is a high chance the device won't be released here since the Redmi Note 15 4G never made its debut.

The listing also revealed the design of the smartphone, which looks identical to the Redmi Note 17 5G, featuring a squarish camera module and dual cutouts to house the main camera and LED flashlight.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="711369,711368"]

Redmi Note 17 4G key specifications revealed

The listing reveals that the Redmi Note 17 4G could sport a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel (1280 × 2772 resolution) delivering a 120Hz refresh rate, 447ppi pixel density, and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, all shielded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

It is said to be powered by the 6nm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset with at least 6GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage. For the optics, it could feature a 50MP rear camera with autofocus, alongside a 16MP front shooter for selfies and video chats. Powering all up will be a massive 7,700mAh battery paired with 45W fast charging.

The Redmi Note 17 4G will be protected by an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, while an in-display fingerprint scanner will be present for unlocking the phone and payment authentications.

While the Redmi Note 17 4G's 6.83-inch AMOLED panel should offer an immersive viewing experience for all kinds of content, users seeking fast internet download speeds and buffer-free 4K streaming on mobile data may have to look at alternatives that feature 5G support. Redmi is yet to officially announce the launch date of the Redmi Note 17 4G; therefore, it's wise to wait for the phone's release and see how it fares against other options before jumping to buy one.

[highlights]

• iQOO Neo 11 Ultra will feature a 6.83-inch 2K OLED display and a 9,100mAh battery with 100W charging.
• The phone could use a customised Dimensity 9500 chipset and offer up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
• The China launch is set for August 18th, with pricing and availability outside China yet to be announced.

[/highlights]

The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra is looking to be a sizeable upgrade from the company's earlier Neo Pro phones, with a flagship-class MediaTek chip, a 2K OLED display and up to 16GB of RAM. Ahead of its August 18th launch in China, a China Telecom listing has now revealed the phone's dimensions, camera setup, storage options and several other details that iQOO hasn't yet officially announced.

The Neo 11 Ultra will debut alongside the iQOO Z11S, marking an interesting launch for iQOO as both phones bring unusually large batteries to the company's China lineup. The Ultra branding is new for the series, replacing the Pro naming used on previous models

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra specifications

According to the listing (via), the iQOO Neo 11 Ultra measures 163.42 x 75.88 x 8.6 mm. It will reportedly use a metal middle frame, with the rear panel made from glass or fiberglass depending on the variant. The phone is expected to feature a 6.83-inch flat 2K Visionox F2 OLED display. iQOO has already confirmed its 9,100mAh battery, which it says is the largest yet in a Neo-series phone. The battery will support 100W wired charging, while wireless charging is not expected.

A battery this large will put the iQOO Neo 11 Ultra in the top tier of performance-focused phones, many of which now sit in the 7,000mAh range. The OnePlus Nord 6 matches it closely with its 9,000mAh cell. The trade-off will be the Neo 11 Ultra's 225-gram weight, although an 8.6 mm body is relatively thin for a phone carrying such a large cell.

The China Telecom listing identifies the chipset as MediaTek's MT6993M. A recent Geekbench listing suggests this could be a customised version of the Dimensity 9500, reportedly using an 11-core Mali G1-Ultra GPU rather than the standard chip's configuration.

The camera hardware, meanwhile, appears relatively conservative. The phone is expected to feature a 50MP primary camera with OIS and an 8MP secondary camera, along with a 16MP front camera. Other reported features include a 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, X-axis linear motor and IP68/IP69 ratings.

The listing mentions five configurations: 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB. The phone is expected to be offered in Light White, Shadow Black and Wind Chaser finishes.

The combination of a very large battery and a high-end chipset suggests iQOO is positioning the Neo 11 Ultra closer to the extreme performance segment. That could make it attractive to buyers who prioritise gaming, sustained performance and battery life, although the relatively simple dual-camera setup may make it less compelling for photography-focused users.

Pricing will ultimately determine how it compares with other performance phones. For now, the Neo 11 Ultra is confirmed to launch in China on August 18th, with no word yet on an India or global release. While official pricing and global availability are unknown, users prioritizing extreme battery life and gaming performance should keep an eye on this device, especially if it launches at a competitive price point. However, those needing a versatile camera system might find better options elsewhere, or should wait for full reviews to assess its photographic capabilities.

For years, the high-performance laptop sat behind a singular, rigid identity: the gaming rig. Wrapped in RGB lighting and built for heavy frame rates, it was an enthusiast's luxury. But inside the bustling technology landscape of India, a quiet, massive shift has taken place. The silicon hasn't just gotten faster; it has transformed into the primary engine for human productivity, creativity, and modern learning.

As G.S. Sondhi (Senior Director, Product Management Group, Acer India) reflects on Acer's modern direction, the core transformation comes down to a single focus. "It's all AI-centric," Sondhi explains, pointing to how the shift is redefining consumer expectations.

"One is on the gaming side with a GPU... but a GPU laptop is a big word now. It can be used anywhere; it's no longer just a gaming laptop. Now I want to reframe myself calling it a gaming laptop; it's like a GPU laptop. People are using it not only for gaming, but for creative content, coding, everything."

This shift isn't occurring in a vacuum. It is being driven by a new generation of Indian consumers engineering students, architects, software developers, and creators who demand hardware capable of surviving four- to five-year lifecycles while handling increasingly complex workloads. As artificial intelligence advances from text generation into autonomous workflows, hardware requirements are shifting in real time.

"Generative AI is more common; Agentic AI is the new buzzword. And all of this you can do with a GPU-based laptop. That is why we see more and more traction happening in the student fraternity. They see a laptop lifecycle for at least four or five years, so they want to invest at the right time."

Unlike global markets where feature adoption can be passive, the Indian buyer approaches personal technology with extreme intentionality and deep technical awareness. The traditional buffer where global hardware releases took six months to reach Indian shores has collapsed down to mere weeks, matching an audience that tracks reviews long before products hit local shelves.

"Indian customers are much more educated out there, and they know what they want. They want to have the right price for the right product. They don't want to compromise just for price... I see Indian customers are much wiser and much more educated as compared to any other customer in the world."

This high expectation shapes how Acer approaches engineering for the subcontinent. Balancing price sensitivity with top-tier performance means prioritising the non-negotiables: thermal efficiency, long-lasting battery life, and vivid displays like OLED. Whether designing an accessible laptop for students preparing for online competitive exams in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities or building a high-end machine for specialised developers, the foundational hardware design must remain uncompromising.

"When you are developing any product, the thermals are most important. Especially with an AI PC, which can unveil the real power of the machine, you have to have the right thermal out there; that is the key point."

Looking across India's digital landscape, the horizon for personal computing remains vast. With laptop penetration currently sitting around 20%, the vast majority of the potential market remains untapped, representing an extraordinary landscape for growth as digital curricula expand far beyond traditional tech hubs.

As technology evolves from desktop tools to intelligent agents, the machine on the desk is becoming an active partner in daily work.

"Agentic AI, if you really look at it, is going to change the way we use our devices. You have one PC, and it takes care of everything... It keeps on evolving, and we just have to keep evolving with it."

[highlights]

• Xiaomi 18 could retain the same design as the Xiaomi 17.
• A new Red variant could join the lineup.
• Xiaomi 18 is tipped to house a 200MP camera. 

[/highlights]

Xiaomi's next flagship smartphone series is expected to debut in China this September, and leaks surrounding the standard Xiaomi 18 continue to gather pace. The latest information hints at a refreshed colour palette, while previous rumours suggest Xiaomi is sticking to its compact flagship formula with a few notable hardware upgrades. The Xiaomi 18 Pro series is also tipped to arrive in India by the end of this year. 

Xiaomi 18 colour options leaked

According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the Xiaomi 18 could be offered in five colours: Black, White, Pink, Blue, and Red. If accurate, the Red variant would be the only new addition compared to the Xiaomi 17, which debuted in China in Black, White, Blue, and Pink. The Xiaomi 17 later arrived in India in Black, Ice Blue, and Venture Green colour options.

The leak also suggests Xiaomi won't make major changes to the phone's design. The Xiaomi 18 is expected to retain the square camera module positioned in the top-left corner of the rear panel, giving it a familiar look. Previous reports indicate the handset will continue to target users who prefer compact smartphones, with a 6.4-inch 2K display featuring slim bezels, rounded corners, and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.

Xiaomi 18 specifications (expected)

While the design may remain largely unchanged, Xiaomi could focus on internal upgrades. Earlier leaks claim an engineering prototype of the Xiaomi 18 was tested with a 7,200mAh battery, a slight bump over the Xiaomi 17's already sizeable 7,000mAh cell. The same prototype was also said to feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, while the Pro models in the lineup are rumoured to offer dual 200MP rear cameras.

If these leaks prove accurate, the Xiaomi 18 could continue to stand out in a market for compact flagships with a large battery. If you're looking for a flagship that is easier to use one-handed without compromising on battery life and cameras, you may find the Xiaomi 18 worth waiting for. For Xiaomi 17 owners, the incremental upgrades might not warrant an immediate switch, but those coming from older compact phones or looking for a powerful, pocket-friendly device should definitely consider it.

The Xiaomi 18 series is expected to launch in China in September, with an India debut reportedly planned for December, earlier than Xiaomi's usual release timeline.

[highlights]

• The Lava Smart 4 is available through offline channels and retailers.
• The device competes against the likes of the itel Zeno 100 Pro and Ai+ Pulse 2.
• The Smart 4 features a display resolution lower than 720p.

[/highlights]

Just a few weeks after the release of the Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G, the homegrown brand Lava has once again catered to the sub-Rs 10,000 segment with the launch of the Smart 4. Aimed at users looking for a handy, sizeable smartphone on a budget, the Smart 4's headline feature is its 6.59-inch display. While the rest of the specifications are fairly modest, considering the price, it could stand as a viable option for first-time smartphone users or people looking for a secondary phone to perform basic tasks, such as messaging and taking calls.

Lava Smart 4 price and availability

The Lava Smart 4 retails for Rs 8,499 for the sole 3GB RAM and 32GB storage configuration. Available in two colourways, Konark Gold and Ajanta Grey, the handset is currently available at offline retailers and service providers. Buyers can also purchase the Smart 4 through easy financing schemes.

Lava Smart 4 specifications overview

Featuring a 6.59-inch LCD panel, the display comes with a "qHD" resolution, as noted in the press release, which likely refers to approximately 500p resolution. Meaning, the display's clarity on the Lava Smart 4 is likely to be even lower than that of 720p panels. On the other hand, there's 90Hz refresh rate support.

The Smart 4 runs on the UNISOC SC9863A, a 28mm processor that was also present on the Lava Virat V1 4G. While we're yet to test the capabilities of this chipset, it should suffice for the most basic operations, such as calling, messaging, watching videos, and browsing the web. The 3GB RAM can be extended by an additional 3GB, which should help things feel less burdened, hopefully.

The device sports an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. One shouldn't expect extraordinary results from this setup, though. For software, it comes with Android 16 Go, a lighter take on Android specifically optimised for phones with low-end hardware. Powering the device is a 5000mAh battery with 10W charging support over USB Type-C.

Additionally, the phone's build achieves military-grade certification (MIL-STD-810H) for absorbing shocks when dropped on a hard surface, while the dual SIM card slot allows you to use two 4G SIMs at the same time.

Is the Lava Smart 4 worth considering?

Even for a budget-centric smartphone under Rs 9,000, the 'qHD' display resolution feels off. With most content shot and shared in high resolution on social media, YouTube, and OTT platforms, the ~500p resolution won't offer clarity, even compared to 720p screens. However, first-time smartphone users upgrading from a feature phone, or no phone at all, may find the resolution sufficient for their needs, even though higher-resolution options are available for just a bit more.

The Lava Virat V1 4G at Rs 9,999, the itel Zeno 100 Pro at Rs 8599 and the Ai+ Pulse 2 at Rs 9,199, all available online, flaunt a minimum of 720p resolution, suitable for offering an adequate level of detail when viewing content.

If you're looking to get the Lava Smart 4, it's worth looking up real-world reviews that detail the device's display and performance. This way you'll know what you're getting into before making the purchase.

[highlights]

• The Google Pixel 11 series launches tomorrow at the Made by Google event.
• The Pixel 11 Pro series could only get the new HiLight feature, and not the standard model.
• The Pixel 11 Pro XL Geekbench listing reveals modest performance gains.

[/highlights]

Google is set to unveil the Pixel 11 series tomorrow, but the leaks are still coming in ahead of the event. The latest disclosures bring mixed news for the standard Pixel 11. It could retain a 12GB RAM configuration while gaining a telephoto camera, but may miss out on Google's HiLight, or Pixel Glow, feature.

Meanwhile, a Geekbench listing for the Pixel 11 Pro XL offers an early look at Tensor G6 performance and suggests a 16GB RAM option for the top-end model.

Pixel 11 could get a telephoto camera but lose HiLight

A tipster on X claims the standard Pixel 11 will not feature HiLight, the illuminated rear-panel feature that doubles as a notification indicator. The feature could therefore remain a reason to step up to one of the more expensive Pro models. The same leak says the Pixel 11 will be available with 12GB of RAM. That is not a major change from Google's recent approach, with both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 also offering 12GB RAM on their standard models. The reported lack of a 16GB variant is also unsurprising given the recent pressure on memory component costs.

More interestingly, the Pixel 11 is said to feature a 10.8MP telephoto camera. The leak does not specify its focal length, but the Pixel 10 introduced a 5x telephoto camera, so a similar zoom range would make sense. This would also contradict an earlier leak claiming that the standard Pixel 11 could use a dual-camera setup without a dedicated telephoto sensor.

If the telephoto camera makes it to the final product, it could narrow one of the camera differences between the standard Pixel and Pro models. Google's Pixel A-series and standard flagship models have traditionally relied heavily on computational photography, while dedicated telephoto hardware has been a more consistent Pro-series feature.

Pixel 11 Pro XL Geekbench listing

A Geekbench listing for the Pixel 11 Pro XL provides an early indication of the Tensor G6's performance. The device, listed under the codename "Kodiak", scored 2,112 points in single-core and 5,196 points in multi-core testing. The early Pixel 11 Pro XL result suggests a modest single-core improvement and a more noticeable multi-core gain, although benchmark results from pre-release hardware should not be treated as a final performance verdict.

The listing also shows 15.29GB of RAM, which could translate to a marketed 16GB configuration, alongside the Tensor G6 and a PowerVR C-Series GPU. Earlier leaks have pointed to a 4.11GHz peak clock speed for the seven-core Tensor G6.

Other reported Pixel 11 details include a 6.3-inch display, thinner camera bump, 4,985mAh battery and 30W charging. With the launch just a day away, buyers interested in the standard Pixel 11 will have to weigh its potential telephoto upgrade against the loss of HiLight, while the Pro XL could offer the bigger performance and RAM jump.