• Ai+ has revealed the Nova 2 Power through its Project Open Review 2.0 programme, ahead of its launch.
• The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 and comes in Blue Fusion and Golden Blue Fusion finishes.
• Project Open Review 2.0 adds ethical hackers to reviewers, creators and journalists, allowing independent testing of the phone's performance.

[/highlights]

Ai+ is preparing another addition to its Nova 2 lineup, but this time it is opening the phone up to outside scrutiny before putting it on sale. The company has revealed the Ai+ Nova 2 Power smartphone through Project Open Review 2.0, giving reviewers, creators and ethical hackers early access while keeping a few details of the phone under wraps.

The programme is part of Ai+'s attempt to build credibility around a relatively new smartphone brand by allowing people outside the company to test its hardware and software before consumers can buy it.

Ai+ Nova 2 Power design, specifications

The Ai+ Nova 2 Power has a flat frame and a dual-tone rear design, with the company showing it in Blue Fusion and Golden Blue Fusion finishes. The Blue Fusion version transitions from a light blue at the top to orange towards the bottom, while Golden Blue Fusion combines a blue upper section with a gold-toned lower half. Both versions have a raised, rounded camera module containing two large camera rings, a flash and another circular element. The rear also carries Ai+'s branding, while a red power button adds a contrasting detail to the Golden Blue Fusion model.

Under the hood, the Nova 2 Power is revealed to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, a 6nm chipset. Ai+ has not yet disclosed the phone's display, cameras, battery, RAM or storage, so its position within the Nova 2 range remains unclear. However, with the suffix "Power", we expect it to go heavy on battery capacity, much like many phones launched in the mid-range recently. The chipset choice is notable because the existing Ai+ Nova 2 Pro already uses the Dimensity 7100. It launched at Rs 15,999 in June but is now available for Rs 17,999, with a 6.9-inch 144Hz display and 6,000mAh battery.

Project Open Review 2.0

Newly launched smartphone brand Ai+ is expanding its Project Open Review initiative rather than relying solely on conventional launch reviews. The first edition attracted more than 700 registrations. The second edition adds ethical hackers to reviewers, journalists, creators and technology enthusiasts. Participants will be able to test the phone's performance, security and NxtQuantum OS software without being given a script or an expectation of a positive verdict. For Ai+, this creates an opportunity to identify problems before wider sales while also putting its claims about the device in front of independent testers. Community review programmes are becoming common with new players in the market, as Nothing also tried something similar with the Nothing Phone (4a) series.

For buyers, that could make the Nova 2 Power worth watching, but there is little reason to judge its value yet. We should wait for the company to reveal more details closer to launch.

• Motorola's Android 17 update carries design refinements and changes in several areas.
• Motorola has already initiated the beta testing programme for several devices.
• The update will gradually roll out to more devices in Motorola's portfolio.

[/highlights]

Just after publishing a list of devices eligible to receive the Android 17 update on Lenovo forums a couple of weeks back, Motorola has begun rolling out the firmware to its flagship device, the Signature. While other devices are confirmed to follow soon, the company notes that Android 17 is designed to make interactions smarter, more intuitive, and more personalised. As a result, users can expect redesigned interfaces, better customisations, and enhanced privacy and security features after the update.

What's new on Motorola's Android 17 update

According to Motorola's official press release, the following changes and improvements have been made with the Android 17 update:

Redesigned quick settings panel: The quick settings panel has received a refreshed look, as seen on newer Android 16-based Motorola phones, such as the Moto Edge 70 Max and Moto G77 Power. The new panel will now be rolled out to all eligible Android 17 Motorola phones.

Refreshed Settings app: The Settings app carries larger buttons and improved navigation for a more intuitive experience. Furthermore, under the display settings, users will find richer HDR brightness controls.

Enhanced personalisation: Several additions have been made to the homescreen customisation front, including new widgets and the themed icon setting now applying to every app. Enlarged folders have also been introduced, as previously seen on ColorOS, One UI, OriginOS, and others.

Accessibility Improvements: As part of the core Android 17 changes, Vision settings, Display Size, and Magnification features have been streamlined to provide clearer controls and easier navigation.

Connectivity enhancements: Sharing internet via Instant Hotspot is now easier, while Nearby Audio Streams enhance the connected-device experience.

Device Diagnostics: The update introduces a new Device Diagnostics menu that lets users check component health and access device-related diagnostic information.

Quick Share with iPhone users: Thanks to Google's native support for sharing media via Quick Share, Motorola devices on Android 17 will be able to exchange files with iPhone users provided AirDrop is enabled on the iOS device.

Security and privacy improvements: Security features now include a Failed Authentication Lock, along with updates to PIN protection and other privacy and security controls.

Notification summaries and organization: These features allow users to handle notifications more efficiently, while sensitive alerts get extra protection on the lock screen.

Messages scam detection: In Google Messages, security has been improved to scan for potentially suspicious messages in advance.

Photo nudges: Working in tandem with Google Photos, the device will suggest sharing only the specific set of photos of the person you're chatting with on Google Messages.

The Android 17 update will gradually roll out to the Motorola Signature if you haven't received it yet. Since the company has already been publicly beta testing Android 17 on multiple devices, including old and new, it wouldn't be long until the stable update starts hitting more devices, such as the Motorola Edge 70 series, Edge 60 series, and newer releases under the Moto G lineup, like the Moto G Max and Moto G77 Power.

The list of all eligible Motorola smartphones confirmed to get Android 17 can be found here. With most brands such as OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, and iQOO only just beginning to roll out the Android 17 beta update for their respective custom skins, Motorola was quick to push out the stable update, placing it behind only Google and Samsung. This also somewhat improves the brand image, which previously was criticised for delayed updates even for its high-end devices.

• Mijia, a sub-brand from Xiaomi, debuts with two air purifiers in India.
• Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact are aimed at different room sizes.
• Both air purifiers come with smart controls, real-time air-quality monitoring, and multiple purification modes.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi's home appliances brand Mijia has finally debuted in India. While it does not bring the extensive portfolio available in China, the sub-brand has entered the country with air purifiers aimed at tackling indoor air pollution, especially during the winter months. The lineup includes the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact, which are designed for different room sizes. Key features include smart controls, real-time air-quality monitoring, multiple purification modes, and more.

Alongside these models, Xiaomi has also reintroduced the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite in India.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Purifier 4 Compact price in India, availability

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is the flagship model, priced in India at Rs 19,999, while the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact is the entry-level model, costing Rs 7,999. The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite bridges the gap between the two with a sticker price of Rs 12,999.

All three air purifiers come in white colour and will go on sale in India from September 2nd onwards. They will be available through mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Xiaomi Retail and Xiaomi Exclusive stores.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6: features and specs

[caption id="attachment_712805" align="alignnone" width="2032"] Built-in display for actively monitoring the air quality[/caption]

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is Xiaomi's more powerful option in the new lineup, designed for larger spaces of up to 940 sq ft. The purifier offers a Particle CADR of 443m3/h and a Formaldehyde CADR of 218m3/h, putting the focus on both particulate matter (PM) and indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde.

Users can actively monitor the air quality on the device using a large colour display, reflecting both PM2.5 and PM10 levels, along with temperature, humidity and overall air-quality indicators. There is an option to connect the purifier with the Xiaomi Home app to remotely monitor the quality, as well as adjust settings, schedule purification cycles, and check filter life.

The purifier uses what Xiaomi calls its PentaClean purification system, which combines five-stage filtration with activated carbon, UV-C light and negative ion technology. Xiaomi claims it can circulate clean air through a 108 sq ft room in around 3.5 minutes under its test conditions.

Other features include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support for compatible voice-control functions and a Sleep Mode, reducing the noise to as low as 32db and making it suitable for use overnight.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact: features and specs

[caption id="attachment_712804" align="aligncenter" width="874"] Touted to provide largest cover area in its segment.[/caption]

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact is designed for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, kids' rooms, study areas and home offices. The device is rated for rooms of 400+ sq ft and features a 3-in-1 filtration system that is claimed to capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

The Purifier 4 Compact also carries TÜV Rheinland Allergy Care Certification and is designed to filter common airborne allergens such as pollen and dust. A four-colour air-quality indicator provides a quick visual reference, with green indicating good air quality and yellow, orange and red representing increasing pollution levels.

Additionally, the purifier features Auto, Sleep and Manual modes. Notably, its Sleep Mode operates at 20dB, making it quieter than its elder sibling, while the display switches off during operation.

The device weighs 2.2kg, making it easy to carry around or even place on a desk or side table. Similar to the flagship Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6, the entry-level model also supports the Xiaomi Home app, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite: features and specs

As for the reintroduced Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, it offers up to 360m3/h Particle CADR and covers 269–463 sq ft. The purifier uses a three-layer filtration system comprising a primary filter, high-efficiency filter and activated carbon. Other highlights include TÜV Rheinland Allergy Care Certification, a 33.4dB Night Mode, real-time air-quality monitoring and Xiaomi Home app support.

• The Vivo T5 microsite is already live on Flipkart.
• The phone will come with a pill-shaped camera module.
• The design and specs are similar to the iQOO Z11 Indian variant.

[/highlights]

Vivo has confirmed it is launching the Vivo T5 in India on September 2nd, bringing a slim design, curved AMOLED display and a 7,050mAh battery to its T-series lineup. The phone will also use the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, much like the recently launched iQOO Z11, also from the house of Vivo.

The Vivo T5 will join the T5 Lite, T5 Pro, T5e and T5x in India in the mid-range T-series. Vivo had earlier revealed the T5's price range, and has now shows its design along with key hardware.

Vivo T5 design and specifications

The Vivo T5 will come in Royal Bronze and Silver Green and measures 7.99 mm thick. Vivo says it is the slimmest phone in its segment with a battery capacity above 7,000mAh. It features a 6.83-inch 1.5K 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo processor. The phone will run OriginOS and will include an NPU for generative AI features.

The rear design is notable because the Vivo T5 and iQOO Z11 appear to use the same design, with the differences largely coming down to colour options and branding. Both have the same pill-shaped camera housing, the same placement of the circular flash and a similarly shaped rear panel and frame. The T5's Royal Bronze and Silver Green finishes give Vivo's version its own visual identity, while the Z11 is available in its own colour variants of Aurora Green and Celestial Blue.

The resemblance extends beyond the exterior. The iQOO Z11 also has a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset and a 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging.

Vivo has taken a liking to the pill-shaped camera module design. It appeared on the Vivo X300 FE, the Vivo S2, and now the T5. Vivo hasn't disclosed the T5's complete camera setup, so it's early to say whether it will match the Z11's 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS, 8MP ultrawide and 32MP selfie camera.

Expected price in India

Vivo hasn't announced the T5's price, but has stated on the Flipkart microsite it will land in the Rs 34,999 to Rs 49,999 segment. However, given the specs, we expect it to sit below Rs 40,000. The Z11's Rs 34,999 starting price can be a benchmark given how closely the two phones are positioned.

The Vivo T5 Pro now costs Rs 41,999, up from its Rs 29,999 launch price, while the T5x starts at Rs 24,999. The T5 could fill the gap between them, but its pricing will need to account for the Z11's near-identical hardware and design. Vivo will need to price the T5 competitively or offer advantages in cameras, charging or other features to give buyers a reason to choose it. Launch offers may also sweeten the deal, so prospective buyers should keep an eye out.

• The smartphone in question could flaunt a green colourway.
• Mivi's close rival, Fire-Boltt, has also just released its smartphones under the Boltt branding.
• The launch date and specifications of the smartphone remain under wraps.

[/highlights]

Audio brand Mivi is seemingly preparing to expand beyond earbuds and speakers with its debut smartphone in India. A promotional poster that recently went live on Flipkart teases the corner of a smartphone, giving us the first official glimpse of the device. This comes after Mivi's close rival, Fire-Boltt, debuted its smartphone sub-brand with Boltt. The company has not yet shared the phone's official name, exact launch date, full specifications, or pricing. These details are expected to be revealed closer to the official announcement.

Mivi smartphone teaser goes live on Flipkart

According to the teaser, Mivi's first phone will be sold through Flipkart, at least initially. The marketing material shows the handset in a green colour option and highlights a clean design featuring a flat back panel with gently rounded corners. The strategy of targeting the online-first segment with potentially aggressive pricing is a tried-and-tested path, but Mivi's success may require going beyond just differentiating by cost.

Mivi is known for offering affordable audio products, including true wireless earbuds (TWS), Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and AI-powered devices. The move into smartphones marks a significant expansion for the audio brand. The teaser arrives shortly after reports that Mivi had onboarded Himanshu Tandon, who previously worked with POCO and CMF by Nothing, signalling serious intent in the competitive smartphone space.

Interestingly, Mivi's entry comes around the same time as that of another wearable-focused brand, Fire-Boltt, which has launched its own smartphones under the Boltt sub-brand today, starting at Rs 9,999. Both companies appear to be targeting the online-first segment of the Indian market and will rely on Flipkart for distribution. Boltt has confirmed it's set to target the sub-Rs 20,000 segment with the release of two smartphones, Boltt Evo 4G and Boltt Ace 5G, both of which are confirmed to feature bloatware-free, stock-like Android software.

Where does Mivi fit in the highly competitive phone market?

With major brands such as OPPO, Vivo, Realme, and others releasing 4G phones starting at above Rs 15,000 and 5G phones touching Rs 20,000, this leaves newcomers like Mivi and Boltt to fill the gap and try to get a piece of the pie by releasing phones at attractive prices. This opportunity comes amid the ongoing memory price crisis, in which legacy brands are unable to keep up with rising component costs, forcing them to continually raise prices on both new and old models.

On the other hand, after-sales service, a refined software experience with regular updates, and sufficient availability of spare parts matter equally to the success of a new brand. Therefore, only time will tell how well Mivi and Boltt will fare in these respects and, accordingly, build a customer base.

• The Sony IER-M500 wired in-ear monitors have launched in India at Rs 10,990.
• They feature 5 mm dynamic drivers, passive noise isolation and a 10Hz-40,000Hz frequency response.
• The IER-M500 weighs 6.9 gms without the cable and includes multiple ear tips, fitting supporters, a cable clip and carrying pouch.

[/highlights]

Sony has launched the IER-M500 wired in-ear monitors in India, targeting musicians, performers and listeners who prefer a wired connection for monitoring and playback. The earphones use a compact 5 mm dynamic driver and a sealed design for passive noise isolation, with Sony also including fitting accessories intended to keep them secure during movement.

Sony IER-M500 price, availability

The Sony IER-M500 costs Rs 10,990 in India and is available in Black, Clear, Red and Blue finishes. It can be purchased through Amazon, Flipkart, Real Image, Sound Glitz, Headphone Zone and other offline retailers.

At this price, the IER-M500 sits in a segment where buyers can choose between wired IEMs designed primarily for monitoring and more feature-heavy wireless earbuds. The Sony model gives up conveniences such as active noise cancellation and Bluetooth in favour of a direct wired connection, which can be preferable for musicians and users who prioritise consistent wired playback.

Features and specifications

The IER-M500 uses a 5mm dynamic driver with a claimed frequency response of 10Hz to 40,000Hz. It has a 16-ohm impedance at 1kHz and sensitivity of 103dB/mW. Sony uses a sealed housing and internal acoustic structure designed to reduce external noise without electronic noise cancellation. The package includes multiple noise-isolating ear tips, along with fitting supporters that help keep the earphones securely positioned while moving.

The earphones connect through a 1.6-metre Y-type cable terminating in an L-shaped stereo mini plug. Sony has also included an adjustable cable clip to reduce cable movement and contact noise, which can be useful during live performances. The company says the cable has been tested for repeated bending and the earphones have undergone water-resistance testing for stage use.

The IER-M500 weighs around 6.9 gms without the cable, keeping the earpieces relatively light. A carrying pouch is also included. The IER-M500 makes more sense for a specific use case than as a general replacement for wireless earbuds. 

At Rs 10,990, the IER-M500 enters a competitive wired IEM segment. The Sennheiser IE 200, currently priced at Rs 9,990 in India, uses a larger 7 mm dynamic driver and offers a detachable cable with MMCX connectors, while its tuning is aimed at a neutral, detailed sound. Shure's SE215 is another established option for stage monitoring, with Sound Isolating technology rated to block up to 37dB of noise and a detachable cable that can be replaced or adapted for wireless use. Audio-Technica's ATH-E50 moves to a single balanced-armature driver and a detachable 1.6m cable, but costs more at Rs 16,999. The Sony therefore sits between these options on price, with its strongest case being the secure fitting system and stage-oriented design rather than the size of its driver alone. Its wired design, passive isolation and fitting system are useful for monitoring, while everyday users may find Bluetooth earbuds more convenient.

• Boltt has targeted the sub-Rs 20,000 segment with the release of Evo and Ace 5G.
• Boltt Evo and Ace 5G feature clean, bloatware-free software.
• The smartphones will be available on Flipkart.

[/highlights]

A few weeks ago, Fire-Boltt's spin-off smartphone brand, Boltt, officially debuted in the market. Today, the company has unveiled the first batch of phones, targeting the sub-Rs 20,000 segment. The Boltt Evo 4G features the Unisoc T7250, while the Ace 5G is powered by the Unisoc T8200. While priced aggressively, these smartphones' major highlights are the bloatware-free software, AI-enhanced camera tuning, and a wide network of service availability from release day.

Boltt Evo, Ace 5G pricing, availability, sale date

These smartphones will go on sale on Flipkart starting September 1st at 12 PM (IST) and will be available in multiple colour shades. The Boltt Evo comes in Sky Blue, Midnight Black, Lavender Bloom, Berry Red, and Arctic White, while the Ace 5G features Sky Blue, Midnight Black, Lavender Bloom, Burgundy Bliss, Forest Green, and Arctic White. As part of the special launch-day offer, both smartphones can be grabbed with an instant Rs 1,000 discount at checkout.

Boltt Evo, Ace 5G specifications and features

Starting with the display, both handsets feature a 6.79-inch HD+ (720 × 1640 pixels) display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centred punch-hole cutout to house the front 8MP camera. The displays can reach up to 600-nit peak brightness, which should make the on-screen content legible enough in shaded areas.

The 4G-only Boltt Evo is powered by the Unisoc T7250, while the Ace 5G packs the Unisoc T8200. We've previously seen these chipsets on multiple smartphones (Realme P4 Lite 4G with Unisoc T7250 and Lava Virat V1 5G with Unisoc T8200), and in our experience, they should offer sufficient performance for casual, light tasks such as running social media apps, watching videos, and web browsing.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="712769,712768"]

Coming to the optics, the Boltt Ace 5G is backed by a 64MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, while the Boltt Evo has a 50MP main camera. The duo come baked in with  Google AI imaging features, including Face Unblur and Night Mode. It'll be interesting to see how these handsets fare in photography, given that the onboard hardware won't be high-end.

Speaking of which, the devices run Android 16 out of the box and come with Circle to Search and Google Lens. The former is a major addition in this price range, as having tested several Lava smartphones, such as the Shark 2 5G and Virat V1 5G, both under Rs 15,000 at launch, miss out on Circle to Search, giving the buyers of Boltt phones a convenient way to look up stuff on the screen.

Powering the Boltt Evo and Ace 5G is a 6,000mAh battery with support for up to 18W fast charging. It's also worth noting that the Ace 5G supports NFC, allowing users to make tapless payments on the go with compatible apps such as Google Pay and Paytm.

Should you buy the Boltt Evo and Boltt Ace 5G?

The Boltt Evo, starting at Rs 10,999, rivals the itel Zeno 200 4G, which is currently selling for Rs 9,999 on Amazon. While both smartphones feature the Unisoc T7250, the Evo has an edge in offering a bloatware-free UI, a higher-megapixel primary camera, and a larger 6,000mAh battery, compared to the Zeno 200 4G's 5,000mAh. Though the itel smartphone comes with 128GB base storage.

If you're seeking clean, bloatware-free software with a sizeable battery, the Boltt Evo is worth your consideration, provided you've checked the availability of its service centre near your locality in case you run into issues or accidental damage. This applies to the Ace 5G as well.

Coming to the Boltt Ace 5G at Rs 13,999, it rivals another homegrown brand's smartphone, the Lava Virat V1 5G, which also packs the same Unisoc T8200 chipset. While the Virat V1 5G costs Rs 12,999 and offers just 64GB of storage, the Ace 5G comes with 128GB of storage, giving users more space for media files, games, and apps. In other aspects, both handsets offer similar specifications, such as a 6,000mAh battery and clean software.

• The POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra will launch globally on September 1st, with no standard F9 model announced.
• Both phones are tipped to use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips.
• The POCO F9 series is expected to be based on China's Redmi K100 Pro models

[/highlights]

POCO has confirmed that its next F-series phones will launch globally on September 1st, with the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra making up the lineup. The company is skipping the standard F9 model for now, with no information on if and when that model will arrive. The new phones are expected to be based on Xiaomi's Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, which are sold in China. POCO's flagships are generally rebrands of the Redmi flagships for the global markets.

POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra launch date

The POCO F9 series will be unveiled on September 1st at 8 pm GMT (1.30am IST) on September 2nd. The teaser shows the two phones in white and a dark red finish, with the latter resembling the Cabernet Sauvignon colour offered on the Redmi K100 series.

The rear panels also carry "Sound by Bose" branding much like the Redmi phones, suggesting the phones will feature audio tuning developed with Bose. Their designs are also closely related to the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, which launched in China earlier this month.

The launch will follow the POCO F8 Pro and F8 Ultra that debuted globally in November 2025. Neither F8 model launched in India, leaving the POCO F7 as the last F-series phone sold in the country. POCO hasn't confirmed whether the F9 series will come to India or not.

Expected specifications

The POCO F9 Pro is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch QHD+ Plastic OLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate, while the F9 Ultra could get a 6.85-inch panel with a 2608x1200 resolution. Both phones are expected to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, although the Pro could instead use a lower-binned Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V variant.

The Pro is tipped to have a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide and a 50MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS. The Ultra could add a 50MP 5x telephoto camera while retaining the same main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide.

Battery capacities could be a major step up from the F8 series. The F9 Pro is tipped to pack a 6,330mAh battery, while the Ultra could reach 8,050mAh, with both supporting 100W wired charging. For comparison, the F8 Pro had a 6,210mAh cell and the F8 Ultra 6,500mAh.

Read: POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra prices leak

If POCO maintains its usual aggressive pricing, which shouldn't be expected considering the memory crisis currently, the F9 Pro and Ultra could offer strong specifications against premium phones from OnePlus, Xiaomi and Samsung. While the specs look promising, potential buyers should wait for full reviews post-launch to assess real-world performance.

However, Indian buyers should not assume availability. POCO skipped India with the F8 series and has instead expanded its X-series locally, with the POCO X8 Pro Max becoming the company's highest priced phone at Rs 42,999. For buyers looking for a performance-focused POCO phone, the September launch is worth watching. In India meanwhile, POCO is preparing for the launch of two new X-series phones, presumably the POCO X8 and POCO X8 Power.

• The Realme C100i is set to launch in India on August 27th.
• The handset will be a battery-focused smartphone that will also prioritise smooth visuals.
• Key specs include a 6,500mAh battery and a 120Hz refresh rate display.

[/highlights]

After the C100x, Realme is gearing up to launch a new smartphone in its budget-oriented C-series lineup with the C100i. The OEM has teased the Realme C100i on Flipkart and confirmed that it is heading to India later this week. This comes after the Realme C100x price in India was increased due to component shortages, leaving the sub-Rs 15,000 segment void. The Realme C100i could fill that gap with a slightly smaller display. The Realme C100i will also boast a different design language than the C100x, which is currently selling in the country at Rs 16,999.

Realme C100x launch date in India & specifications

The Realme C100x is set to go on sale on August 27th, the Flipkart listing confirms. It's going to be the same day that the smartphone's price in India will also be revealed. The handset seems to be e-commerce exclusive and could come in a couple of colour options: silver and black. The official renders of the smartphone also confirm two individual camera rings at the back, a large plateau, and flat edges.

The Realme C100x confirmed specifications include a 120Hz refresh rate display. It's likely to be a waterdrop-notch display instead of a more modern-looking punch-hole. Powering the display is going to be a 6,500mAh battery, which is said to retain its charge even after five years of use. The handset is also touted with a 36-month warranty coverage and an ArmorShell protection.

The remaining Realme C100i specifications are still under wraps. However, its alleged association with model number RMX5399 suggests that it could feature 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. A handset bearing the same moniker has already debuted globally, but it appears to feature a different design from the teased Indian model and packs a larger 7,000mAh battery.

We will therefore have to wait for more details on the Realme C100i's chipset, display size, camera hardware and other specifications in India. As mentioned earlier, the handset could be positioned below the Realme C100x in terms of pricing. If that is indeed the case, it could be priced under Rs 15,000.

Whether you should wait for this smartphone will depend on your requirements. If you are looking for a phone with a large battery and a smooth display experience, the Realme C100i could be worth considering. It will all come down to its chipset, whether it can overpower the existing budget smartphones, such as Lava Virat V1, which also offer similar battery capacities.

• The Redmi A7 Pro's base variant features 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.
• The smartphone now competes against the newly launched Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G.
• The Redmi A7 Pro is promised four OS upgrades.

[/highlights]

Redmi has been constantly raising the prices of its smartphones across price segments, and the Redmi A7 Pro 5G could be the latest device to be added to that list. This is partly due to the memory crisis in the tech industry, in which almost no major smartphone brand, except Apple, has been spared and is forced to hike prices to offset the high cost of storage components. The Redmi A7 Pro 5G was originally launched in India at Rs 11,499 back in April.

Redmi A7 Pro 5G new prices hinted

According to a price update note circulating online, both storage variants of the Redmi A7 Pro 5G could become more expensive by Rs 2,500. Even though the note states that the new prices will be effective starting August 24th, the device is still listed at the old prices on Xiaomi's website. This could also indicate that the price revision will hit the offline retail channels first, and then online.

How will the Redmi A7 Pro 5G fare against the competition post hike?

With the base variant coming at Rs 16,999 for 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, the Redmi A7 Pro 5G is priced higher than the just released Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G, which offers 6GB RAM and 128GB storage at Rs 15,999.

While the Redmi A7 Pro 5G carries the Unisoc T8300, the Lava Virat V1 Pro packs the equally powerful T8200, with the former gaining an extra 0.1 GHz on the primary cores. The Lava smartphone promises bloatware-free software, which could fall in its favour for buyers seeking a clean Android experience. However, it's limited to just one OS upgrade, while the Redmi A7 Pro is promised four major Android upgrades. The HyperOS software running it should also carry a vast feature set, making it ideal for power users.

While we've yet to review the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G, it appears to offer a superior hardware and software combination, even though its update longevity is quite limited. The Redmi A7 Pro could remain suitable for users seeking more software features, along with longer OS upgrade support, so they can try out new features for years to come.

• iQOO 16 allegedly spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro
• The Geekbench listing also shows the model with 16GB of RAM
• iQOO 16 will be among the first phones powered by Qualcomm's upcoming flagship chipset

[/highlights]

The iQOO 16 is the company's next major flagship phone, and it could arrive sometime in October. It will be among the first phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, which is expected to be officially announced at the Snapdragon Summit in September. Until now, the processor was only tipped to power the iQOO 16, but 91mobiles has now spotted the phone on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, which all but confirms the chipset and a RAM option.

iQOO 16 Geekbench details

A new phone with model number vivo V2606A has appeared on Geekbench. This model is believed to be the upcoming iQOO 16, and the listing gives us a good idea about its chipset, RAM and benchmark scores.

[gallery link="file" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" columns="2" ids="712726,712727"]

The device is listed with the QTI SM8975 processor, the internal model number for Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, and 16GB of RAM. Combined, the phone scored 3434 on single-core and 9334 on multi-core on Geekbench. However, these scores are lower than those of the iQOO 15 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in our in-house Geekbench test (3621 single-core and 10,579 multi-core). The iQOO 16's Geekbench score could be from an early build, and you should expect higher scores when the phone launches.

iQOO 16 specifications leaked so far

Qualcomm will announce two flagship processors in September this year instead of one: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. While both chips will be based on a 2nm process, the Pro variant should get higher clock speeds. The iQOO 16 Geekbench listing shows two of the eight cores running at over 5GHz. For reference, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is a 3nm chip with a peak clock speed of 4.6GHz. 

Apart from the chipset and RAM, we have heard rumours that the iQOO 16 will feature an 8,500mAh battery and a 6.85-inch 2K Samsung flat display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The flagship should also support 100W fast charging to juice up a large battery quickly. With the iQOO 16's launch expected in October, we should see iQOO start teasing the phone's launch sometime in September, especially around Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit.

While the initial Geekbench scores for the iQOO 16 appear surprisingly low compared to its predecessor, this is common with early engineering samples, suggesting that the final retail unit will undoubtedly deliver more robust performance befitting a 'Pro' flagship chip. Current iQOO 15 users might find the upgrade compelling if the final performance leap is significant

• The Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G will launch in India on September 4th at 12 noon and will be sold via Flipkart.
• The India model is confirmed to feature a 6.76-inch Full HD+ 144Hz display and Active Matrix Cube rear lighting system.
• The global version has a Dimensity 7100 chipset and 5,600mAh or 6,000mAh battery depending on the market.

[/highlights]

Infinix is bringing the Infinix Hot 70 Pro to India on September 4th after the phone's global launch in July. The company has confirmed the India launch date and some details ahead of the event, including a 144Hz display and a customisable LED system on the rear. The phone has already appeared on Geekbench, revealing the chipset, while other specs are being slowly revealed by the company.

Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G India launch, availability

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G will launch in India on September 4th at 12 noon and will be sold through Flipkart. Infinix has announced four finishes, namely Dive Blue, Mirage Green, Silk Glow Purple and Thermo Orange, with each using a different rear-panel treatment. The Thermo Orange version changes colour with temperature, while Mirage Green responds to low-light conditions. Silk Glow Purple changes its pattern when the phone is tilted, and Dive Blue has a matte finish.

The rear also houses Infinix's Active Matrix Cube, an LED-based display that can show notifications and react to music, games and charging. Similar rear lighting systems have appeared on phones from Nothing and POCO's gaming-focused POVA lineup, although Infinix is using the feature as a more prominent part of the Hot 70 Pro's design.

The company hasn't announced any pricing details yet. For comparison, the Infinix Hot 60 5G+, the latest Hot-series phone launched in India, starts at Rs 17,999 with a 120Hz display, Dimensity 7020 chipset, 50MP camera and 5,200mAh battery. The Hot 70 Pro will definitely be positioned above that.

Specifications

The phone's Flipkart microsite reveals the Indian Infinix Hot 70 Pro 5G will have a 6.76-inch Full HD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 7.85 mm-thick body. Infinix hasn't disclosed the complete hardware yet, but the global model offers a Dimensity 7100 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 50MP rear camera, 8MP selfie camera and IP68 protection.

Battery capacity varies globally, with 5,600mAh and 6,000mAh versions available, while charging is rated at 45W. Some reports have also pointed to a 6,500mAh battery and Sony camera sensor, so the Indian configuration needs to be confirmed before these specifications can be treated as final. Phones in this price range are moving towards 7,000mAh or larger cells, with some models reaching 10,000mAh. The Hot 70 Pro could look less competitive if India gets the smaller global battery.

The Dimensity 7100 chipset interestingly also appears in the Infinix Note Edge, which currently costs Rs 28,999 after launching at Rs 21,999 in February. It has a 6.78-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display, 6,500mAh battery and 45W charging, giving buyers a clue as to where Infinix could price the new phone.

The Infinix Hot 70 Pro's 144Hz display, IP68 rating and rear LED system could help it stand apart, but pricing will determine whether those features compensate for any compromises in battery, cameras or performance. Buyers should wait for the full specifications and India price before choosing it over similarly priced rivals.

• Plaud has launched in India with two AI recording devices, the Note Pro and the NotePin S
• Both devices transcribe and summarise conversations, with support for over 112 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali
• The Note Pro is priced at Rs 20,990, while the NotePin S costs Rs 19,990

[/highlights]

Plaud, the company behind a line of AI-powered recording devices built for professionals, has launched in India with two products, the Plaud Note Pro and the Plaud NotePin S. The idea behind these products are simple, instead of choosing between actually participating in a meeting and trying to take notes during it, these devices capture the conversation, then use AI to turn it into transcripts, summaries, and action items afterward. Plaud says it already has over 2.5 million users across 170-plus countries, and India is its latest market.

Price and availability

The Plaud Note Pro is priced at Rs 20,990, while the Plaud NotePin S costs Rs 19,990. Both are available in India through Amazon, Blinkit, and Plaud's own website.

What are the Note Pro and NotePin S

The Note Pro is Plaud's flagship device, credit card-sized and built with four microphones and noise-filtering meant to keep capture clear even in real-world settings like a busy office or a coffee shop. It also has a visible capture status indicator, so people around you can tell when it's recording. The device picked up both an iF Design Award and a Red Dot Design Award in 2026.

[caption id="attachment_712719" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Plaud Note Pro[/caption]

The NotePin S is the more wearable of the two, designed to be worn as a necklace, clip, wristband, or pin, and built for people who move around a lot during their workday. Think site visits, interviews, or back-to-back meetings in different rooms. It starts recording with a single press, prioritising quick, low-friction capture over the Note Pro's more deliberate desk-and-meeting-room use case.

Plaud Intelligence and language support

Both devices run on Plaud Intelligence, the company's AI engine that turns raw recordings into transcripts, structured summaries, key insights, and follow-up actions. Given how much of a professional conversation in India moves between English, Hindi, and regional languages, sometimes within the same sentence, Plaud says its AI supports over 112 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, Assamese, Gujarati, and Malayalam.

The pitch here ties back to a genuine pain point. Plaud cited a Jabra report showing Indian employees spent an average of 8.8 hours a week in meetings in 2026, with 66 percent saying they walked away without clear action items. Plaud's Megumi Yoshinaga, Head of APAC Marketing, said the goal is to help professionals "stay present in the moment" rather than split their attention between listening and documenting.

[caption id="attachment_712718" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Plaud NotePin S[/caption]

Privacy and data control

Regarding privacy, Plaud says captured content remains under the user's control, allowing the user to review, edit, search, share, export, or delete recordings at any time. Data is encrypted, and the company says it does not use customer content to train its AI models without explicit consent.

The AI recording device category is still fairly new territory in India, and Plaud's pitch leans heavily on a problem most working professionals will recognise: meetings that produce a lot of talk and very few clear takeaways. Whether that's worth over Rs 20,000 for a dedicated device, when a phone's own voice recorder and a general-purpose AI assistant can do a rough version of the same job, is the real question for prospective buyers. The stronger case is likely the Note Pro and NotePin S's purpose-built hardware, multi-mic capture, wearable form factors, and Plaud's language support tuned specifically for how conversations actually happen in India, rather than treating this as a bolt-on feature.

I will be reviewing the Plaud Note Pro to gain a deeper understanding of how well the AI recording device works in the Indian market. Stay tuned to learn more about Plaud's newest products.

• Haier has launched its MiniLED M70 Series in India with screen sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches.
• The TVs feature MiniLED display technology, a 50W 2.1-channel audio system and gaming features such as 120Hz, VRR and ALLM.
• Prices start at Rs 39,190 for the 43-inch model and go up to Rs 1,69,990 for the 85-inch variant.

[/highlights]

Haier has launched its new MiniLED M70 Series in India, expanding its premium TV lineup with a focus on picture quality, immersive audio and gaming. The series combines MiniLED technology with Micro Dimming and Haier's AI Picture Quality engine to improve the way the TV handles brightness, contrast, colours and motion. Let's take a deeper look at the technology and products below.

Haier MiniLED M70 series: price, availability

The Haier MiniLED M70 Series is available in five screen sizes, ranging from 43 inches to 85 inches. Prices start at Rs 39,190 for the 43-inch model and go up to Rs 1,69,990 for the 85-inch variant. The range is available across leading retail stores in India and comes with a three-year warranty.

Haier MiniLED M70 series: features, specifications

MiniLED uses a large number of smaller LEDs behind the screen, allowing the TV to control different areas of the backlight more precisely. Put simply, this helps the M70 Series produce deeper blacks alongside brighter highlights, while Micro Dimming further adjusts different parts of the picture based on what is being shown.

Haier's AI Picture Quality engine then analyses content in real time to improve colour, contrast, motion and clarity. The TV also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for compatible content.

For colour reproduction, the M70 Series offers up to 93 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. This means the TV can display a wider range of colours, which should make movies, sports and other content appear richer and more vibrant.

The TV also puts considerable focus on audio. It comes with a 50W 2.1-channel speaker system with an integrated subwoofer, designed to deliver stronger bass and clearer dialogue. Dolby Atmos is supported as well, while Haier's Total Sonics technology is designed to further tune the overall sound output.

The TVs support Gaming 120Hz, VRR and ALLM, along with MEMC and a dedicated Gaming Bar. These features are designed to make fast-moving games smoother, reducing screen tearing and lowering input lag. The Gaming Bar also gives users quick access to settings and features such as Shadow Enhancement and Crosshair Assist.

On the smart TV front, the M70 Series runs on Google TV and supports Google Gemini for voice-based interactions. Users can search for content, open apps and control aspects of the TV using voice commands. The TVs also support HaiCast for screen mirroring from compatible devices and can be used as Bluetooth speakers even when the display is switched off.

Should you buy the Haier MiniLED M70 Series?

The Haier MiniLED M70 Series makes a good case for users looking for a versatile TV that can handle movies, sports and gaming. The MiniLED panel should offer better contrast and brightness, while features such as Gaming 120Hz, VRR and ALLM make it a capable option for gamers as well. The 50W 2.1-channel speaker system with an integrated subwoofer also adds to the overall package.

There are alternatives such as the Lumio Vision 7, which offer QLED panels at lower prices. However, the M70's MiniLED panel and gaming-focused features give it an advantage for users who want a more versatile TV. The multiple screen sizes also make it easier to pick a model based on room size and budget, which is important for a product most users tend to keep for several years.

• Vivo has confirmed the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max will launch in China in September.
• The X500 Pro models are tipped to bring a new 50MP main sensor, 4K 240fps slow-motion and 4K 120fps HDR video.
• The X500 series could retain Vivo's 200MP periscope telephoto camera from the X300 Ultra.

[/highlights]

Vivo has confirmed that its next flagship smartphone lineup will launch in China in September. The Vivo X500 series will include the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, with the company promising significant improvements to photography and video recording. The announcement comes as premium smartphone makers struggle to differentiate phones at a cost advantage as the industry grapples with the memory components' price crisis.

Vivo X500 series camera upgrades

Vivo says (via) the X500 Pro models will get a new ZEISS Super Dynamic main camera developed by its BluePrint imaging team and Sony. It uses a 50MP BluePrint Guangyu 900 sensor measuring 1/1.28 inches. The sensor is claimed to capture up to 17 stops of dynamic range. Put simply, this refers to how much detail a camera can retain between the brightest and darkest parts of a scene. A wider range can help preserve details in areas such as a bright sky while keeping darker parts of the image from becoming completely black. The 17-stop figure is Vivo's claim, so its significance will need to be judged through real-world testing.

The company is extending this capability to video, with the X500 Pro series supporting 4K recording at 240fps for slow-motion footage and 4K 120fps HDR video with direct HDR output. The main camera will also offer 3-degree optical image stabilisation, while CIPA 7.0 professional stabilisation is part of the system. Vivo has specifically highlighted the 3-degree OIS for the Pro Max.

Tipster Digital Chat Station claims the X500 series is internally codenamed "Thanos 500" and could use the 200MP HP0 periscope telephoto camera found on the Vivo X300 Ultra. Vivo hasn't confirmed the telephoto hardware, so this remains a leak.

If it carries over, the large-format telephoto sensor would give the Pro models a strong zoom capability alongside the new main camera. That would keep Vivo competitive with camera-oriented flagships from Samsung and Xiaomi, although the overall camera experience will depend on processing and consistency between lenses.

Compared with the X300 series, Vivo appears to be putting more emphasis on how its cameras handle video rather than simply adding higher-resolution hardware. The Vivo X300 Pro already offered a 50MP main camera and a 200MP telephoto, while the X300 Ultra went further with its 200MP main and telephoto cameras. The X500 Pro's new main sensor looks less like a straightforward megapixel upgrade and more like an attempt to improve dynamic range, stabilisation and high-frame-rate video. That could make the new generation an upgrade for people who shoot a lot of video, provided Vivo's claimed improvements translate into real-world results.

For buyers, the X500 series will be worth watching if camera and video performance are priorities. However, the 17-stop claim and high frame-rate recording do not by themselves guarantee better results than competing flagships. Pricing, chipset performance, battery life and independent camera tests will be important once the phones launch.

• The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G is positioned above the Virat V1 5G, though its powered by the same Unisoc T8200 chipset.
• The phone offers 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage under Rs 20,000
• The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G will be available starting August 31st on Flipkart.

[/highlights]

Exactly one month after the release of the brand-new Virat series, comprising the Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G, Lava has introduced another member to this lineup, the Virat V1 Pro 5G. Positioned above the Virat V1 5G, the smartphone brings an improved primary camera and faster charging, while retaining the same 5G-enabled Unisoc T8200 processor, sizeable 6,000mAh battery, and an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water.

Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G price, sale date, availability

The Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G will retail in India for Rs 15,999 on Flipkart starting August 31st at 12 PM (IST). The handset will be available in a single memory configuration, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The colourways include Sikkim Midnight and Spiti Frost.

As part of the special launch offer, interested buyers can avail an instant Rs 2,000 discount using a credit card of their choice, bringing the price down to Rs 13,999. Lava also notes that the smartphone will be available through the company's retail network as the Lava Shark 2 Pro 5G.

Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G specifications and features

Coming to the specifications on offer, the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G gets a 6.74-inch HD+ display with LCD technology and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Having experienced the Virat V1 5G (review), the entire UI should support 120Hz for smooth day-to-day operations. The panel reaches 550 nits at maximum brightness.

Powered by the Unisoc T8200, Lava claims the handset scores over 5,00,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark, which should be ideal for casual to moderate use cases, such as chatting on WhatsApp, watching videos, and playing light games. The 128GB of onboard storage is expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card, while the phone also supports RAM boost of up to 6GB.

[caption id="attachment_712675" align="alignnone" width="1474"] Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G in Sikkim Midnight and Spiti Frost[/caption]

For the optics, the Lava Virat V1 Pro gets a 50MP primary shooter, whereas the Virat V1 5G featured a 13MP unit. Similarly, the front camera also sees an upgrade from 5MP to 8MP, which should hopefully yield slightly better results. Both cameras can record video at up to 2K resolution at 30 FPS and support Dual-View Video to capture front and rear perspectives simultaneously.

Once again, as with most releases from Lava, the Virat V1 Pro 5G features a bloatware-free UI and runs on Android 16 out of the box, with a promise of Android 17 and two years of security patch updates. Running the show is a 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.

Some additional features of the Virat V1 Pro 5G include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a hybrid SIM card slot that supports dual SIMs or a single SIM with an microSD card. Apart from that, the phone falls under Lava's free home service scheme, which allows users to have issues with their smartphone fixed in the comfort of their home.

Should you consider buying the Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G?

While we're yet to test the Lava Shark V1 Pro 5G to provide a concrete judgement, the smartphone features identical specifications to the Virat V1 Pro 5G, which is priced Rs 3,000 higher, at least for now. For the additional charge, the V1 Pro 5G offers an extra 2GB of RAM and double the storage at 128GB.

In fact, the Virat V1 Pro 5G is among the only few smartphones under Rs 20,000 to offer a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage combo, since the likes of Realme C83, iQOO Z11 Lite, and Tecno Spark 50 5G are not only priced higher, but also feature just 4GB RAM in their base variant. Having more RAM on a smartphone yields more consistent performance over time, and the Lava phone could excel over others.

The Unisoc T8200 chipset should deliver suitable performance for daily tasks, while the 6,000mAh battery may offer sufficient endurance for a day. That said, if you're seeking a 5G phone under Rs 20,000 with a clean software experience and ample storage, the Virat V1 Pro 5G is worth your consideration.

• Vivo V80 Lite 5G has launched in Pakistan with a 7,050mAh battery, 120Hz curved AMOLED display and Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset.
• A different Malaysian variant will launch on September 3rd with a 10,000mAh battery and 100W charging.
• Vivo hasn't confirmed an India launch for either version yet.

[/highlights]

Vivo has launched the Vivo V80 Lite 5G in Pakistan with a 7,050mAh battery, but the same name will reportedly be used for a different model in Malaysia with a 10,000mAh cell. The regional variations make the V80 Lite lineup interesting, as Vivo appears to be tailoring the phone's hardware for different markets.

The Pakistan model combines a curved AMOLED display with a Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset and dual rear cameras much like the Vivo S2, while the Malaysian version will get a flatter design and is confirmed to launch on September 3rd with Vivo's first 10,000mAh battery in a globally launched smartphone.

Vivo V80 Lite specifications

The Pakistan Vivo V80 Lite 5G has a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 449ppi density and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. It runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and includes stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone is powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo, paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. Its rear cameras include a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor and a 2MP bokeh camera, while a 32MP camera handles selfies.

The 7,050mAh battery supports 44W charging and bypass charging. The phone also has IP68 and IP69 ratings, five MIL-STD-810H certifications and drop testing across seven surfaces.

The Malaysian V80 Lite, meanwhile, has been confirmed to come with a 10,000mAh battery with 100W charging, along with a flat frame and rear panel. It will be offered in black, green and pink, with a square camera module housing a 50MP primary sensor.

High-capacity batteries are becoming quite common in the mid-range segment. Realme and Honor have already introduced 10,000mAh phones, while Redmi is expected to follow with the Note 17 Pro Max. Silicon-carbon battery technology is helping manufacturers increase capacity without requiring a proportional increase in size.

Price

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G costs PKR 1,24,999 (around Rs 43,000) for the 8GB + 128GB variant in Pakistan, while the 8GB + 256GB model is priced at PKR 1,45,999 (around Rs 50,300). The Pakistan model shares much of its hardware with the Vivo S2 5G, which starts at around Rs 39,999 in India. Both phones use the Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, have a 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging and carry IP68/IP69 protection.

That suggests Vivo may be reusing the S2 hardware under the V80 Lite name in some markets, as certification listings showed the two to bear the same model number in a few regions. However, it's not yet clear whether the Pakistan model, Malaysian model or another configuration will eventually be introduced in India.

For Indian buyers, the Malaysian version is the more interesting one to watch if it arrives. A 10,000mAh battery could offer excellent endurance, but the phone's weight, thickness and charging performance will matter just as much. If you're in Pakistan and prioritise long battery life and a premium display in the mid-range, the V80 Lite 5G is a strong contender.

• Motorola has increased the prices of the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion by up to Rs 3,000 in India.
• The Edge 70 Fusion will start at Rs 33,999, while the Edge 60 Fusion 12GB + 256GB variant will cost Rs 32,999.

[/highlights]

Motorola is reportedly preparing to increase the prices of multiple smartphones in India, with some models set to become up to Rs 3,000 more expensive. The hike affects the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion and changes how competitive both phones are in their respective segments. Let's check it out below:

Motorola Edge 60 & 70 fusion will cost Rs 3,000 more

According to a post shared by tipster Sanju Choudhary on X, Motorola is set to increase the prices of the Edge 70 Fusion and Edge 60 Fusion in India by up to Rs 3,000. The revision affects all four variants of the Edge 70 Fusion, while only the 12GB + 256GB version of the Edge 60 Fusion has received the hike. The new prices will go into effect from August 25, 2026.

The Edge 70 Fusion (review) now starts at Rs 33,999, while its top-end 12GB + 512GB variant has crossed the Rs 40,000 mark at Rs 40,999. The Edge 60 Fusion (review) 12GB + 256GB variant, meanwhile, is now priced at Rs 32,999.

Price hike alert 🚨
Motorola to increase the prices of their smartphones by upto ₹3k:

Edge 70 Fusion:
8/128GB: ₹30,999 → ₹33,999
8/256GB: ₹32,999 → ₹35,999
12/256GB: ₹34,999 → ₹37,999
12/512GB: ₹37,999 → ₹40,999

Edge 60 Fusion:
12/256GB: ₹29,999 → ₹32,999

At… pic.twitter.com/xbUTmZRDUv

— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) August 24, 2026

This is not the first time Motorola has revised the pricing of its smartphones in India. The brand had also increased prices of the Edge 60 Fusion and several Moto G-series models earlier this year, as smartphone makers continue to adjust prices amid rising component and memory costs.

The latest hike also changes the positioning of the Edge 70 Fusion quite significantly. The phone previously started at just above Rs 30,000, but its new entry price pushes it further into the mid-range segment, where buyers have other alternatives to consider.

Should you still buy the Motorola Fusion series?

Both the Edge 70 Fusion (review) and Edge 60 Fusion have been great all-rounders in their respective price segments, but the latest hike changes their value ever so slightly. The base Edge 70 Fusion variant now sits right at the edge of the Rs 30,000 segment but still offers a very capable processor, versatile camera system and stylish design. These qualities make it a good option for users looking for a well-rounded smartphone without having to compromise too much.

The Edge 60 Fusion (review) follows a similar formula and could make more sense for users who are less concerned about having the latest software. It has a shorter software support window remaining, but the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration gives it a more robust hardware package at its current price. If your priority lies in higher memory and storage over longer software support, the Edge 60 Fusion remains an option worth considering.

Q1. AI is driving rapid growth in data creation and retention. How is this changing the role of high-capacity hard drives within modern data centre architecture?

AI is creating and using enormous volumes of data, but the bigger shift is that more of this data needs to be stored, remain accessible and be reused over longer periods because its future value may not yet be known. As AI adoption grows and retention increases, data centres are under greater pressure to store more information efficiently and at scale.

This is making high-capacity hard drives an increasingly important part of modern data centre architecture. They provide the scale and economics needed to manage growing datasets efficiently. Today, more than 80% of exabytes in large data centres are stored on hard drives, reflecting their continued importance across AI and cloud environments.

Flash is essential where speed and responsiveness are critical, while hard drives provide the high capacity needed to store large volumes of data cost-effectively.

As AI becomes more widely used, data centres will increasingly rely on both technologies working together, balancing performance, capacity and cost depending on how the data is being used.

Q2. As organisations retain more data for AI workloads, how are advances such as HAMR helping the storage industry address growing capacity requirements efficiently and sustainably?

As AI adoption grows, data centres need to increase storage capacity without increasing their physical footprint, power use and infrastructure costs at the same pace.

Technologies such as Seagate's heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) help address this by increasing areal density, allowing more data to be stored on each disk in a hard drive. Our Mozaic platform uses HAMR to increase capacity within the same standard drive form factor, helping data centres store more data using fewer drives and less supporting infrastructure.

The impact becomes significant on scale.  In a modelled one-exabyte deployment, Seagate's latest Mozaic technology delivers approximately a 47% improvement in infrastructure efficiency compared with standard 30TB drives. This translates to roughly 100 square feet less data centre footprint and about 0.8 million kilowatt-hours lower annual energy consumption.

Q3. Seagate has demonstrated an NVMe HDD proof of concept incorporating NVIDIA BlueField DPUs. What could a more unified storage interface mean for the design and management of future AI infrastructure?

AI infrastructure increasingly relies on both SSDs and high-capacity hard drives, but these technologies have traditionally used different interfaces and supporting systems. Bringing them onto a common NVMe interface could make storage infrastructure simpler to design and manage.

Seagate's NVMe HDD proof of concept shows how hard drives and SSDs could work within a unified architecture. This could reduce the need for separate adapters and software layers, while streamlining connectivity and making it easier for data centres to manage different types of storage together.

For AI infrastructure, the potential benefit is a simpler and more flexible approach to storage. Organisations could combine the speed of SSDs with the capacity and cost advantages of hard drives within a more unified storage environment. NVMe-over-Fabrics could also support this approach across distributed storage environments, helping organisations scale their storage architecture as AI data requirements grow.

Q4. As game libraries continue to grow, what role can high-capacity HDDs play alongside SSDs in helping gamers balance capacity, performance and cost?

As games become richer and more complex, storage requirements are growing alongside them. Modern games can range from 20GB to over 100GB, while updates and downloadable content add further pressure on available space.

HDDs and SSDs can serve different needs within a gaming setup. SSDs provide faster speeds and shorter load times, making them well suited to games where performance is a priority. High-capacity hard drives offer a cost-effective way to store larger game libraries and archived content.

For India's growing gaming community, using both can provide greater flexibility. It allows gamers to prioritise speed for the games they play often while maintaining enough capacity for an expanding library, without constantly having to delete and redownload large titles.

Q5. As cloud gaming and distributed computing grow, what storage requirements will become increasingly important for the infrastructure supporting these services?

Cloud gaming places more of the computing and storage behind the gaming experience in data centres and distributed infrastructure. As these services grow and scale to more users and locations, infrastructure providers will need storage architectures that can expand efficiently while keeping large game libraries available and accessible where and when they are needed.

Different storage technologies can play complementary roles. SSDs are well suited to applications and workloads that require rapid access and low latency, while high-capacity hard drives provide the scale and economics to store and manage large volumes of data. Using both allows infrastructure providers to balance performance, capacity, and cost according to the workload.

Q6. How is Seagate evolving its gaming storage portfolio to meet consumers' growing need to manage increasingly large game libraries?

Gaming today involves much more than the game itself. Larger game libraries, captured gameplay and streaming content are driving greater storage needs. Gamers want the flexibility to expand capacity and stay in control of their data without compromising performance or having to constantly delete content.

Seagate's gaming portfolio spans HDDs and SSDs across PC, PlayStation and Xbox, giving gamers a range of options based on their platform, library size and performance needs.

High-capacity external hard drives provide a cost-effective way to retain larger game libraries, while SSDs offer faster speeds and shorter load times for gamers who prioritise performance. Seagate also offers platform-specific storage solutions designed for PlayStation and Xbox.

This flexibility is particularly relevant in markets such as India, where growing gaming communities, larger game downloads and the need for affordable storage expansion are changing how gamers manage their libraries. Ultimately, the focus is on giving gamers more choice as their storage requirements grow.

Q7. Can you shed light on Seagate's console portfolio of storage options for PlayStation and Xbox gamers looking to hold on to their downloaded library?

For console gamers, Seagate offers officially licensed storage solutions designed specifically for PlayStation and Xbox platforms, giving players more flexibility to expand capacity and hold on to growing game libraries.

For PlayStation, Seagate offers external Game Drives for PS4 and PS5, alongside the internal Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD.  These solutions give gamers more room for their libraries while supporting different needs, from added capacity to faster performance.

For Xbox, Seagate offers external Game Drives and Game Drive Hubs. Xbox Series X|S games can be stored on these external drives, while Xbox One and compatible legacy titles can be played directly from them. These options help gamers expand their libraries and reduce the need to repeatedly delete and redownload large games.

• Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max haven't been teased to launch in India yet.
• The Redmi Note 17 Pro is expected to have a 9,000mAh battery, while the Pro Max could pack a 10,000mAh cell.
• The new phones could cost Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 more than the Redmi Note 15 Pro series.

[/highlights]

Redmi could bring two new Note-series Pro phones to India on September 15th, with the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max expected to launch in the country with batteries up to 10,000mAh. The launch date comes from tipster Yogesh Brar, who also claims the new models could cost Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 more than their Redmi Note 15 Pro series counterparts.

The timing puts the phones in the middle of a busy September, when Apple's iPhone 18 series is also expected to draw attention. Redmi hasn't officially announced the India launch yet, neither have they started teasing the phone.

Redmi Note 17 Pro, Pro Max India price

According to Brar, the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Pro Max will launch in India on September 15th. The Note 17 Pro has already launched in China, starting at CNY 1,599 (around Rs 23,000), while the Pro Max is yet to launch in China and will make its global debut in Malaysia on August 27th. The Redmi Note 17 already launched in India in August.

A Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 increase, as tipped, over the previous generation would put the new phones above the Redmi Note 15 Pro, which launched at Rs 31,999, and Note 15 Pro+, which started at Rs 37,999. That could push the Note 17 Pro Max into a price bracket with the likes of the OnePlus Nord 6, Nothing Phone (4a) and Vivo V70 FE. Notably the Note Pro models would typically start under Rs 25,000 in earlier generations but that value proposition seems to have been long left behind.

The price increase comes as smartphone brands deal with higher memory and component costs. However, there is no confirmation that these factors are directly responsible for Redmi's expected pricing.

Specifications

The Redmi Note 17 Pro that has launched in China has a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,500 nits brightness. It's powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and packs a 9,000mAh battery with 67W charging. Other reported specifications include up to 12GB RAM, 512GB storage and a 50MP main camera. The phone also has IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings.

The Note 17 Pro Max moves to a 10,000mAh battery with 100W charging, while retaining a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display. It's powered by the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and can reportedly be configured with up to 12GB RAM. The phone is also expected to have a 50MP primary camera and up to IP69K protection.

On paper, the battery upgrade is substantial compared with the Note 15 Pro and Pro+, made possible by the advent of Si-C tech in the industry. The previous Pro models offered 6,580mAh and 6,500mAh batteries respectively, while the Pro+ paired its battery with 100W charging and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset. The processor choice on the Pro Max will need closer scrutiny, though. Despite being newer, Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 sits below Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 family, while the Note 15 Pro+ used Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Buyers upgrading for performance should therefore wait for benchmarks rather than assume the newer model is automatically faster.

The large batteries and displays could make the Note 17 Pro models attractive for users who prioritise endurance and media consumption. But with a potential Rs 5,000 - Rs 8,000 price increase, buyers should compare real-world performance, charging speeds and cameras against rivals before choosing the new Redmi phones.

• The Redmi Note 15 gets another price hike in India, with prices now starting at Rs 28,999.
• The phone offers an AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and 108MP primary camera under Rs 30,000.

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 15 (review) has received another price revision in India, making the smartphone more expensive than it was just a few weeks ago. Here's what the new pricing looks like and whether the Redmi Note 15 still makes sense at its current price. 

Redmi Note 15 price increased by Rs 2,000

The Redmi Note 15 has received a price hike in India, with its current online listing showing the 8GB + 128GB variant at Rs 28,999, up from Rs 26,999 previously. The 8GB + 256GB variant has also moved from Rs 29,999 to Rs 31,999.

There was also a recent tweet by tipset Sanju Chaudhary, claiming a Rs 3,000 hike for the Redmi Note 15. However, unlike the previous price revision reported through retailer communication, the latest post is a simple text update without any concrete proof to back up the figure. The current online listings, therefore, suggest an Rs 2,000 increase for both variants.

The Redmi Note 15 originally launched in India at Rs 22,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, which means the same configuration is now Rs 6,000 more expensive than it was at launch. The 8GB + 256GB variant has similarly gone from Rs 24,999 at launch to Rs 31,999 now.

Recurring price revisions for older smartphone models have become increasingly common across the industry as brands deal with rising memory component costs. Rather than increasing prices only on new launches, brands appear to be revising the prices of existing models as well, particularly in the affordable and mid-range segments where higher memory costs have a greater impact on margins.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 15?

The Redmi Note 15 (review) is not alone in getting more expensive, with multiple smartphones now selling at considerably higher prices than they did earlier. Despite that, the Note 15 continues to offer a fairly balanced package for its current price. It happens to be among the few phones under Rs 30,000 to offer an AMOLED display, while the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and large 108MP primary sensor give it enough capability for regular users who do not need the best specifications in every department.

The phone is also relatively thin and light for what it offers, which adds to its appeal as an everyday device. The curved display could be a drawback for some users, particularly those who prefer flat panels, although that is largely a matter of personal preference. Given the current market conditions, the Redmi Note 15 still makes sense for buyers looking for a balanced smartphone.

• The iPhone Ultra has impressed early testers with its design, hinge and software experience.
• The foldable is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch outer display, roughly 7.8-inch inner display and dual 48MP rear cameras, but no telephoto lens.
• The iPhone Ultra could launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series around September 9th, with a reported starting price of at least USD 2,000.

[/highlights]

Apple's first foldable iPhone is reportedly impressing people who have had an early look at the device, particularly with its design, hinge and software experience. The camera setup, however, could be a glaring weakness for a phone expected to cost at least USD 2,000 (around Rs 1.9 lakh). According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device, referred to as the iPhone Ultra, has received positive feedback from early testers.

Apple is expected to unveil it alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max around September 9th.

iPhone Ultra early reviews

Gurman, in his latest edition of the Power On newsletter, says people who have used the foldable have been impressed by how it feels in the hand and "how it fits in the pocket." The hinge has also reportedly received positive feedback, with testers praising its feel and durability.

The software is another area where Apple is expected to make use of the larger inner screen. Gurman says the iPhone Ultra could offer iPad-like app layouts and multitasking, making the foldable better suited to productivity, gaming and watching videos than a conventional iPhone.

The device is expected to use a book-style design similar to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with a 5.5-inch outer display and a roughly 7.8-inch inner screen. That means Apple's approach is unlikely to be radically different from the established foldable format, although its software integration could become a key differentiator. Other reported specifications include an A20 Pro chip, dual 48MP rear cameras and a body measuring roughly 9.4 mm when folded. When opened, the phone is tipped to be around 4.5 mm thick.

Missing telephoto camera could be a problem

The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to have just two rear cameras, consisting of a main sensor and an ultrawide. That means there would be no dedicated telephoto camera, despite the phone's expected price. The omission could matter when compared with conventional flagship iPhones, which have offered dedicated telephoto cameras for years, and with foldables competing at similar prices. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 also uses a triple-camera setup with a telephoto lens.

Gurman says the iPhone Ultra's large inner display could itself improve the camera experience by doubling as a viewfinder, making it easier to frame photos and videos. But a larger preview cannot replace the optical reach of a telephoto camera.

Previous reports have suggested that the foldable could cost "at least USD 2,000, if not more." That would put it well above most conventional smartphones and make its hardware compromises more noticeable. For buyers considering Apple's first foldable, the larger screen and iOS experience may be the biggest draw, while the missing telephoto camera could be a reason to stick with a Pro iPhone instead.

The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series in the coming days. Buyers with a massive budget looking for a foldable may wait it out, although the telephoto omission could pinch at the price.

• The budget-centric Vivo T-series smartphones are tipped to receive a price hike.
• Both Vivo T5 Lite and T4 Lite prices are likely to be increased by Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000, respectively.
• The Vivo T5x could start retailing in India at Rs 29,999 instead of its previous MOP of Rs 24,999.

[/highlights]

Vivo has reportedly issued a circular to "All Authorised Channel Partners" in India announcing a price hike for select models in its affordable T-series lineup. The affected models reportedly include the Vivo T5x, Vivo T5 Lite, and Vivo T4 Lite, with prices set to increase by up to Rs 5,000. According to a copy of the circular shared by tipster Sanju Chaudhary on X, Vivo has attributed the price revision to the "continued increase in input costs and operational expenses".

Vivo T5x, T5 Lite, and T4 Lite new price

The circular states that the revised prices will be effective from August 23rd. However, at the time of writing, the affected models are still listed at their existing prices on Vivo's official website. There hasn't been any clarification from Vivo since the tipster post, so the price revision could be for the offline market as of now. The tipster has also warned of a Vivo V-series price hike in India soon.

[caption id="attachment_712598" align="aligncenter" width="1858"] Vivo T-series price in India (as of August 24th)[/caption]

Vivo T5x, T5 Lite, T4 Lite: should you buy?

The Vivo T-series phones focus heavily on battery life and durability, with each offering a large-capacity battery and miltary-grade durability. The Vivo T4 Lite packs a 6,000mAh battery, while the Vivo T5 Lite and T5x step this up to 6,500mAh and 7,200mAh, respectively. The T5 Lite and T5x also support 44W FlashCharge. All three phones feature a 50MP primary rear camera, while the T4 Lite and T5 Lite have a 5MP front camera.

The phones also carry MIL-STD-810H certification, with the T4 Lite, T5 Lite and T5x offering IP64, IP65 and IP68/IP69+ ratings, respectively. Moving on, the Vivo T4 Lite is the entry-level option, featuring a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset. Its key highlight is the combination of a 6,000mAh battery and rugged build. It might ba last year's smartphone, but its up to three of software suppport makes it a reliable option in the budget segment.

[caption id="attachment_701287" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Vivo T5 Lite[/caption]

The Vivo T5 Lite steps things up with a 6.74-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits peak brightness. The handset is powered by the same Dimensity 6300 chipset but offers up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Its standout feature is the 6,500mAh battery with 44W charging, along with the higher-resolution 120Hz display, making it a good casual gamers.

The Vivo T5x, which has received the highest price tag, sits at the top of the lineup and stands out primarily for its 7,200mAh battery. The handset also gets a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, a 6.76-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD display and a 32MP selfie camera. Its IP68 and IP69+ ratings also give it the strongest water and dust resistance of the three. One should consider buying this option if you an adventurist and also snaps a lot of selfies.

If you have been eyeing for these smartphones for long, it is better to invest on them now instead of later. While the handsets continue to sell online at their old price, they could soon be revised owing to the RAM and storage crunch, which has affected the entire industry.

• POCO has teased two new X-series phones in India with no launch date or timeline confirmed.
• The POCO X8 is tipped to feature a 9,000mAh battery, while the X8 Power could pack a 10,000mAh cell.
• The POCO  X8 is reportedly based on the Redmi Note 17 Pro and X8 Power on the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

[/highlights]

Soon after word spread that POCO is looking to expand its mid-range X-series in India, the company has teased two new smartphones for the market, months after the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max (review) arrived. The teaser does not reveal the phones' names or specifications, but reports suggest they could be the POCO X8 and X8 Power, with pretty large batteries as their selling pitch.

The two phones are expected to sit at different price points, with the X8 potentially offering a more affordable entry into the X8 family and the X8 Power targeting buyers who prioritise battery life.

POCO X8, X8 Power India launch, price range

The teaser, posted by POCO India on X, shows two tall phone silhouettes standing opposite each other against a black background, with bright orange light emerging between them. The words "Exponential Power Detected" appear above the phones, while "Preparing to Disrupt" is projected below them.

While the teaser itself does not disclose the battery capacities, its emphasis on power lines up with reports about the upcoming phones. As per previous reports, the POCO X8 is reportedly based on the Redmi Note 17 Pro, while the X8 Power could be a rebranded Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, which is scheduled to launch in Malaysia on August 27th. The two phones are tipped to launch in India in September.

The new phones would join the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max in the lineup, which launched in India in March. The X8 Pro currently starts at Rs 39,999, up from its launch price of Rs 32,999, while the X8 Pro Max now starts at Rs 49,999, compared with its launch price of Rs 42,999. So the sub-Rs 35,000 segment is virtually unrepresented in the company's India portfolio, as its M-series phones are all priced below Rs 25,000 currently.

Tipster Debayan Roy suggests the POCO X8 could cost around Rs 28,000 - Rs 30,000, while the X8 Power could be priced at around Rs 35,000. That would place both below the current X8 Pro models, giving POCO room to target buyers at different price points.

Expected specifications

According to past reports, the POCO X8 Power is the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and could pack a 10,000mAh battery, which would be the largest battery in the X8 family. For comparison, the X8 Pro has a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery and the X8 Pro Max packs an 8,500mAh cell. Both existing models support 100W HyperCharge.

The POCO X8 Power is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It could also have 50MP and 8MP rear cameras, a 32MP front camera, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68/IP69 ratings. Choudhary also claims four OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

The standard POCO X8 is tipped to have a 9,000mAh battery, AMOLED display and Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset. Its battery would therefore be larger than both the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max, despite the lower expected price.

The reported specifications suggest POCO is pushing battery capacity as its main selling pitch and not performance, which traditionally POCO phones have been known for. Buyers should therefore wait for official specifications and charging details before judging their value. A 9,000mAh or 10,000mAh battery could offer excellent endurance, but charging speed, weight, performance and display quality will determine how useful that capacity is in everyday use.

• The Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 see price hikes of up to Rs 5,000.
• The revised prices are already live on Samsung's website.
• The Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are promised six OS upgrades.

[/highlights]

Following price revisions to several of its midrange smartphones in the Galaxy M and Galaxy F lineups, Samsung has raised prices on its latest Galaxy A smartphones. With the prices already live on Samsung's website, the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 are now up to Rs 5,000 more expensive than their launch price. While this is just the initial price increase, more hikes could be around the corner for these smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy A37, Galaxy A57 new pricing

With the memory crisis continuing to be an alarming issue, it was evident that Samsung would also raise the prices of its midrange smartphones; it was just a matter of when. In the past, most smartphones above Rs 40,000 from brands such as OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus, Realme, and others have seen price hikes. The Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 are the latest additions to the list.

Are the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 still worth considering?

Samsung Galaxy A37

The base variant of the Samsung Galaxy A37 remains under Rs 45,000 while still delivering several perks that set it apart from others in its price segment. These include the promise of six OS upgrades and six years of security patch updates, the highly customisable and feature-rich One UI, and a strengthened build featuring Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and rear.

While the Exynos 1480 running on the Galaxy A37 may not offer high-end performance, as with the Redmi Turbo 5 with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra, it will suffice for daily use, as noted in our review. The 5,000mAh battery is tuned to deliver 8 to 9 hours of screen on time, while the 50MP primary camera produces decent-looking, crisp shots in daylight. Overall, the Galaxy A37 still makes sense for users who need polished software, long-term support, and reliable daily performance.

Samsung Galaxy A57

Now starting at Rs 59,999, the Galaxy A57 faces competition from the OnePlus 15R and Motorola Edge 70 Max, both of which carry the superior Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC. While the Exynos 1680 powering the Galaxy A57 is suitable for daily tasks and multitasking, power users may lean towards OnePlus and Motorola to enjoy the best possible gaming experience.

On the other hand, just like the Galaxy A37, the Galaxy A57 will offer six OS upgrades, with only the Motorola Signature coming close by offering seven OS promise. One UI remains the phone's highlight over OxygenOS and Hello UI, especially for users seeking something distinct in UI design. If you're on the hunt for the best possible performance under Rs 60,000, there are better choices. However, users with basic needs who prioritise Samsung's software and ecosystem may still consider the Galaxy A57.