• ColorOS 17 will be detailed in the next few days.
• The OPPO Find X10 series will carry ColorOS 17 out of the box.
• The update promises major improvements to design and transitions.

[/highlights]

After confirming the release of the OPPO Find X10 lineup with the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 series for India just a few days ago, the company has revealed that the phones will be the first devices to boot on ColorOS 17. Based on Android 17, OPPO's newest skin brings Living Flow Design, which aims to deliver seamless transitions and animations when swiping or scrolling, along with other major changes. In other news, the ColorOS 17 Open Beta programme is now live for the OnePlus 13 and 15 series in India.

ColorOS 17 global launch date announced, key features teased

While the OPPO Find X10 series, comprising the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max, launches globally on October 21st in Spain, ColorOS 17 will be detailed a few days earlier, on October 13th. ColorOS' social media handles have already started teasing the update's new improvements and additions.

These include Living Flow Design and Luminous Effect, which work together to create fluid transitions when switching between pages and screens. When you tap elements, the UI reacts by displaying shades of light. The most prominent example is on the quick settings page, where the quick toggles illuminate on touch; when you swipe between the notifications and toggles pages, a curtain-like animation appears.

In addition, AI Suggest is being improved to offer more accurate widget recommendations, while the Laminar Flow Engine ensures endurance, speed, and performance remain consistent at all times. Together, these improvements should deliver an even smoother, more productive experience than ColorOS 16.

ColorOS 17 Open Beta goes live for OnePlus 13, 15 series

Starting with Android 17, OnePlus confirmed that it is ditching OxygenOS in favour of ColorOS 17. As a result, all the Android 17-eligible devices will receive ColorOS updates going forward. OnePlus launched the ColorOS 17 Closed Beta programme for the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R in India a few months ago. The update is now available to all OnePlus 15, 15R, 13, 13s, and 13R users in open beta, as confirmed in a set of OnePlus Community posts.

To receive the update, go to the Updates page in Settings and select the Beta programme option. You'll be presented with a quiz that you'll need to take to get the ColorOS 17 Open Beta update when it's released.

• OnePlus is allegedly planning to launch two flagship phones in India, including the OnePlus 16R.
• Key specs of the OnePlus 16R include an 185Hz flat OLED display, a 9,000mAh battery, a 200MP main camera, and more.
• The other flagship could be the OnePlus 16.

[/highlights]

The flagship OnePlus 16 series is seemingly heading to India, contrary to previous reports that claimed the OEM might skip launching its top-end smartphones in the Indian market. Popular tipster Gadgetsdata, who goes by this username on X, posted that OnePlus is gearing up to launch two flagship phones in India soon. One is described as the OnePlus 16R "very likely", while the other phone is "guessed" to be the OnePlus 16.

The tipster claims the OnePlus flagships' launch in India may take place either in December 2026 or January 2027. This comes at a time when iQOO 16, Motorola Signature 27, and Xiaomi 18 Pro have also been confirmed to launch in India. Moreover, the OnePlus 16 is scheduled to launch in China on October 12th. We shall be keeping a tab on that, so stay tuned.

OnePlus 16R specs and price (expected)

It is reported that the OnePlus 16R could launch in India with the same specifications as the rumoured OnePlus Ace 7. The handset could feature last year's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, making it much more powerful than the OnePlus 15R. It could also sport a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPS OLED display with an upgraded 185Hz refresh rate as opposed to 165Hz on its predecessor.

The OnePlus 16R may also receive a camera upgrade, with a dedicated 50MP telephoto lens offering 3.5x optical zoom, a feature omitted from its predecessor. Additionally, the main camera is expected to feature a superior 200MP sensor instead of the 50MP sensor on its predecessor. This is likely to enhance its photography, which was criticised on the OnePlus 15R. For selfies and video calling, the handset will most likely rely on a 16MP selfie camera.

Moreover, the OnePlus 16R will reportedly pack a massive 9,000mAh battery, which should mean a longer endurance than the OnePlus 15R's 7,400mAh battery. This is said to be backed by a 100W wired charging solution, and on the software front, the smartphone could boot the latest ColorOS 17 out of the box.

As for the price, the OnePlus 16R is tipped to cost anywhere between Rs 70,000 and Rs 75,000. If accurate, this would be significantly higher than the OnePlus 15R, which launched at a starting price of Rs 47,999 and is currently selling for Rs 59,999 following multiple price hikes. The upgrades, especially in the camera department, could make the OnePlus 16R worth waiting for. However, these are mere rumours for now and should be taken with a grain of salt until the company makes an official announcement.

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro joins the iQOO 16 and Motorola Signature 27 as the first batch of phones to launch with Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro carries a 6.4-inch OLED display with dual 200MP rear cameras.
• The smartphone will launch in India in the next few months.

[/highlights]

At the ongoing India Mobile Congress 2026 (IMC), Xiaomi took the stage at Snapdragon Day to confirm the release of the Xiaomi 18 Pro in India. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor, the flagship will join the iQOO 16 and Motorola Signature 27 as part of the first batch of phones to launch with the chipset in the country. Launched in China a few weeks back, the Xiaomi 18 Pro boasts a compact-ish 6.4-inch OLED display and dual 200MP rear cameras.

Xiaomi 18 Pro showcased during IMC 2026

At IMC 2026, one of the largest technology events for mobile devices, Gautam Batra, Associate Director of Product Marketing at Xiaomi India, officially confirmed the India launch of the Xiaomi 18 Pro. While the exact launch date is still under wraps, the device is expected to launch in the next few months.

[caption id="attachment_718183" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Xiaomi 18 Pro showcased in all its glory at IMC 2026[/caption]

Compared with other Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 smartphones launching soon, the Xiaomi 18 Pro will be smaller but pack the same performance as the iQOO 16 and Motorola Signature 27. With a large sensor-sized 200MP primary camera and a 200MP periscope lens with 3.2x optical zoom, the 18 Pro should stand out for its camera capabilities and film simulations, courtesy of the LEICA partnership.

Xiaomi 18 Pro key specifications

Based on the Xiaomi 18 Pro launched in China, it pairs a 6.4-inch flat 1.5K LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits peak brightness, plus a 2.7-inch LTPO AMOLED rear screen with the same refresh rate and peak brightness. Inside, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 comes bundled with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage.

For cameras, a 200MP Light Fusion 960 1/1.28-ich main sensor with OIS, a 200MP periscope telephoto with OIS and 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide make the cut on the Xiaomi 18 Pro. A 50MP front camera handles selfies.

In China, the phone ships with a 7,000mAh battery, 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The rest of the kit includes Wi-Fi 7, UWB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, stereo speakers, a dedicated AI button and an IP68 rating. For software, the Xiaomi 18 Pro will boot on Android 17 with HyperOS 4. The skin features various design and AI enhancements for a better overall experience.

A notable addition is Super Pixel Display 2.0, Xiaomi's hardware-based privacy display technology. It uses dedicated privacy pixels and physical baffles to restrict the viewing angle. Samsung introduced the concept with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while Huawei has also brought hardware-based display privacy to the Mate XT 2.

In India, the Xiaomi 17 already starts at Rs 89,999, and flagship parts are getting more expensive, so the 18 Pro could push past Rs 1 lakh. Anyone set on Xiaomi's top hardware will have to decide whether the rear display and dual 200MP cameras justify that premium. It's also worth waiting for the iQOO 16 and Motorola Signature 27 to launch to compare pricing before deciding.

• Motorola Signature 27 will launch in India too, alongside its global release.
• The flagship features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and a 200MP periscope camera.
• Motorola promises seven years of OS upgrades and audio by Bang & Olufsen.

[/highlights]

The Motorola Signature 27 is confirmed to launch soon in India alongside its global release. Shivam Ranjan, Marketing Head at Motorola, announced at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in Delhi today. Much like its predecessor, the Motorola Signature, the new flagship will launch in India as part of the initial global rollout, although the company has yet to announce its exact launch date or price. Let's check out the details below.

Motorola Signature 27: features, specifications

The Motorola Signature 27 uses the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, Qualcomm's latest flagship chipset. The chipset is based on TSMC's advanced 2nm process and has a peak clock speed of up to 5GHz. It aims to deliver faster performance for demanding apps, gaming and AI tasks, along with better camera processing.

Motorola has also added its ArcticMesh cooling system to keep temperatures under control during long gaming sessions, video recording and other demanding tasks. The system combines diamond-infused thermal gel, liquid metal, copper mesh and a redesigned 3D vapour chamber, which is claimed to be 40 per cent larger than the previous generation.

[caption id="attachment_718172" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Shot at IMC, Delhi[/caption]

Motorola is also promising seven years of OS upgrades for the Signature 27, similar to its predecessor, the Signature. The phone is expected to run Android 17 out of the box, although the company has yet to confirm the complete specifications.

The Signature 27 gets a 50MP Sony LYTIA 910 main camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. The main camera should handle everyday photography extremely well, while the periscope lens helps capture distant subjects with more detail thanks to its higher resolution.

The Signature 27 is also Motorola's first smartphone to feature Audio by Bang & Olufsen (B&O). The partnership brings the audio company's sound tuning to Motorola's premium phone lineup.

[caption id="attachment_718173" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Shot at IMC, Delhi[/caption]

The device also comes with improved Google's Gemini AI integration. Users can turn text prompts, photos and existing footage into videos with Gemini Omni. They can also use Google's Lyria tool to create music and soundtracks, adding more options for users who like to create content on their phones.

The Signature 27 features an aluminium frame with curved edges and a slim design. Its camera module combines ceramic and brushed aluminium, giving the phone a distinct look.
Motorola will offer the phone in two colour options: Pantone Coal Smoke, which has a woven finish for better grip, and Pantone Capulet Green, which uses a brushed, fabric-like texture.

Should you wait for the Motorola Signature 27?

The Motorola Signature 27 looks like a good option for general users who want a premium phone with capable cameras, AI features and long-term software support. If you want more raw performance and gaming-focused features, however, the iQOO 16, which was also announced at IMC, is worth keeping an eye on. It offers a 2K 165Hz AMOLED display and a larger 8,400mAh battery, making it a better fit for gaming and performance enthusiasts.

Naturally, the pricing will be important for both phones, as RAM and storage costs remain at an all-time high, pushing smartphone prices higher. The two flagships could easily launch around the Rs 1 lakh mark in India, which is a lot higher than their traditional pricing. Buyers planning an upgrade should keep this in mind, as the new models may cost more than they expected.

• The iQOO 16 India launch has been confirmed at the Snapdragon event at IMC 2026.
• The handset has already been launched in China, with a starting price of ~Rs 85,000.
• Key specs include a 2K AMOLED 165Hz display, an 8,400mAh battery, OriginOS 7, and 50MP cameras.

[/highlights]

A day after teasing it, iQOO has confirmed the India launch of its next-generation flagship, the iQOO 16. The announcement was made at the Snapdragon event at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, where the company's CEO, Nipun Marya, also showcased the phone. The device appears identical to its Chinese counterpart, which launched last year. While the exact India launch date has not been revealed yet, the iQOO 16 will be among the first smartphones in India powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoC.

The iQOO 16 will compete against the Motorola Signature 27 and Xiaomi 18 Pro, both of which have also been confirmed for launch in India. The iQOO flagship is expected to stand out for its performance, backed by a 2K 165Hz AMOLED display, a massive 8,400mAh battery, a triple rear camera setup featuring 50MP sensors, and more. For techies, this could be a compelling option, worth keeping an eye on.

iQOO 16 specifications

The iQOO 16 has debuted in China with a bit more personality in design than its predecessor, the iQOO 15. The handset features a squircle camera module, with individual sensor rings. The phone comes in three colour options: Chasing Lights, Legend, and Racing Track. The Chasing Lights, which has been teased by the iQOO CEO in India, produces a three-dimensional light effect that shifts and flows between red holographic patterns and blue light as the device moves.

[caption id="attachment_718169" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] iQOO 16 at IMC 2026[/caption]

As for the hardware, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC will be the iQOO 16's biggest highlight. Qualcomm's latest flagship chipset has scored over 5.5 lakh on AnTuTu, a significant improvement over last year's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The chipset will be paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, UFS 4.1 storage, and a Q4 gaming chip, which should further enhance overall performance, particularly when gaming or handling demanding workloads.

Speaking of gaming, the iQOO 16 features a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate for sharper visuals and smoother graphics and animations compared to its predecessor, the iQOO 15. The battery capacity has also increased from 7,000mAh in last year's model to 8,400mAh, while charging speeds remain unchanged at 100W wired and 40W wireless. 

In optics, the iQOO 16 features a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which is largely unchanged from its predecessor. On the software front, the smartphone boots OriginOS 7 layered atop Android 17 out of the box.

While all that is impressive, it will be interesting to see the iQOO 16 price in India. With rising component costs, the handset is unlikely to be priced as competitively as the iQOO 15, which is currently selling in the country starting at Rs 85,999. In China, the iQOO 16 is selling at ~Rs 85,000 for the base variant.

• The iQOO 16R could feature noticeable performance improvements over iQOO 15R.
• If launched in India, the iQOO tablet could compete against the OPPO Pad mini
• The devices could carry special in-game optimisations.

[/highlights]

The iQOO 16 and iQOO Pad Ultra were announced in China a couple of weeks ago, with a strong focus on gaming, high-end performance, and top-notch thermal efficiency. Now, a new leak suggests the Vivo-owned brand is preparing to launch a new performance-oriented smartphone, which could come to India as the iQOO 16R, along with a tablet. Just yesterday, iQOO's India head teased the potential arrival of the iQOO 16, which utilises the most powerful Qualcomm mobile chipset yet, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.

Model numbers for upcoming iQOO phone and tablet revealed

Per Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) on X, iQOO is working on two devices: an upcoming smartphone with model number PD2618, and a Chinese variant with V2618A. The handset is expected to debut in India as the iQOO 16R under a different model number. Alongside the phone, a new tablet carrying model number DPD2653 is also in development.

Both devices are tipped to feature Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, promising top-tier gaming and processing performance. Since the iQOO 15R used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, the 16R will deliver noticeable CPU improvements thanks to Oryon cores, with faster clock speeds, a more robust GPU with dedicated memory, and higher benchmark scores.

The iQOO Pad Ultra launched in China with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, so the purported tablet iQOO is working on is unlikely to be the same tablet with a chipset swap. While the tipster hasn't hinted at the tablet's India launch, only time will tell whether it arrives here, especially if iQOO wants to go head-to-head against the OPPO Pad mini, which is expected to land in India with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

What else do we know about the upcoming iQOO 16R and tablet?

The leak also notes that both devices are listed alongside flagship hardware like the iQOO 16 and iQOO Pad Ultra, sharing advanced gaming features such as Vulkan Shadows support for titles like Delta Force, enabling enhanced real-time shadow rendering while reducing the processor load. Along with that, the devices may carry special optimisations like dedicated performance tweaks for titles like Infinity Nikki to deliver smoother frame rates and gameplay stability.

If you're looking for a performance-oriented smartphone, the iQOO 16R could be worth waiting for, especially with OriginOS 7 onboard; the software has improved significantly, with smoother transitions and more multitasking capabilities. The upcoming iQOO tablet could be worth it for the same reasons if you're into heavy gaming and content watching. However, with storage prices rising constantly, these devices could launch at a hefty price, which buyers can't expect given the market's dire situation.

The iQOO 15R launched in India at Rs 44,999, but its price has now risen to Rs 53,999 due to memory shortages.

• Apple is hosting a second event in as many months.
• The Cupertino-based firm has tagged its October 13th launch event as ‘Welcome Home'.
• The new Apple TV 4K, HomePad, and HomePod mini 2 could be unveiled.

[/highlights]

Following its iPhone launch last month, Apple is back with another event on October 13th. This time, the company is hosting the ‘Welcome Home' event in New York, potentially unveiling its smart home accessories. The details remain under wraps, but Bloomberg managing editor Mark Gurman claims that Apple will introduce its new HomePad, a smart home hub with a display, the HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV set-top box.

Welcome home. October 13. https://t.co/ChelGSDOTI

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 8, 2026

Moreover, Gurman claims that Apple may also introduce a slew of new accessories in partnership with LG and Schneider Electric. These accessories could include a door lock, a deadbolt lock, security cameras, and thermostats. Of course, these details have yet to be officially verified, so take the news with a grain of salt.

Not much is known about these devices, except that most of them are expected to be powered by the new Siri AI. Furthermore, the HomePad is said to recognise users based on their appearance and voice, offering personalised content, music, notes, and text messages. The device is also expected to serve as a smart home command centre, with its built-in display making the experience more interactive. The HomePad is rumoured to feature a 7-inch square display, support Apple Intelligence, run homeOS and Apple-made apps, and include a built-in camera, among other features.

Moving on, both the HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K are expected to debut with faster processors. If reports are anything to go by, the devices could be powered by the A17 Pro chip, which also powers the iPhone Air, and feature Apple's recently unveiled N1 wireless chip, along with support for Apple Intelligence. These upgrades are expected to improve processing speeds and overall performance.

[caption id="attachment_362068" align="aligncenter" width="800"] HomePod[/caption]

That's all we know about these devices for now. However, Apple has more in its pipeline. Its most ambitious iPhone yet, the iPhone Duo, priced at around Rs 3 lakh in India, is also set to go on sale on October 23rd. Gurman also reveals that Apple could unveil a new touchscreen MacBook and a refreshed iPad mini on or around October 27th.

If you have been planning to upgrade to any of these devices, it could be worth waiting a little longer. Apart from the HomePod, the doorbell, security cameras, thermostats, deadbolt lock, touchscreen MacBook, and OLED iPad mini would represent new product categories for Apple. These devices are also likely to benefit from the company's robust ecosystem, helping them stand out from the competition.

• Vivo V80 FE has appeared on the SDPPI Indonesian certification website.
• The listing reveals the model number V2624 but no hardware details.
• The phone is a more affordable entry-point into Vivo's V-series lineup.

[/highlights]

The Vivo V80 FE could be the next addition to the company's V-series lineup, after the smartphone appeared on an Indonesian certification website. The listing reveals its model number and marketing name but does not share any specifications. With the standard Vivo V80 (review) already available in India, the FE variant could offer a more affordable option, although Vivo has yet to confirm its launch plans.

What can we expect from the Vivo V80 FE?

A recent post on X by Anvin shares how the Vivo V80 FE has appeared on an SDPPI Indonesian certification website, with the model number V2624 and the marketing name V80 FE. The listing, dated October 8, 2026, does not reveal any specifications or other hardware details. It suggests, however, that Vivo is preparing to introduce the phone, although the company has yet to confirm its launch plans.

Vivo V80 FE (V2624) incoming; Passes SDPPI certification in Indonesia. #VIvo #VivoV80FE https://t.co/jdBYOm9PhI

— Anvin (@ZionsAnvin) October 8, 2026

The Vivo V80 FE could follow a similar approach to its predecessor, the Vivo V70 FE (review), which features a 6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset and a 7,000mAh battery with 90W charging. It also offers a 200MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP selfie camera.

With rising memory and storage costs pushing smartphone prices higher, Vivo may avoid major hardware upgrades to keep the V80 FE affordable. The new model could focus on improving battery life with a larger battery while retaining similar hardware elsewhere. Vivo may also use more affordable camera sensors to manage costs, but this remains mostly a speculation for now.

We will have to wait for more details to emerge before drawing any conclusions about the V80 FE's specifications, pricing or India launch.

Should you wait for the Vivo V80 FE?

The Vivo V80 (review) is considerably more expensive this year starting at Rs 62,999, making the FE variant a potentially good option for users who want to buy into the V-series lineup without spending as much. Vivo's V-series phones are known for their cameras, slim designs and battery life, making them suitable for general users who want a well-rounded daily driver.

The V80 FE could be a worthwhile option if Vivo prices it around Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000, although this is only an estimate for now. Buyers should wait for more details about its cameras, battery and overall hardware before making a decision.

The Vivo V70 FE, meanwhile, costs around Rs 40,000 and remains a good option for users who need a phone urgently. It already offers a 200MP main camera, a large 7,000mAh battery and 90W charging, so it should cover many of the same needs as the upcoming model.

GIGABYTE GS22F12I: entry-level upgrade

The GS22F12I is a 22-inch Full HD VA panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms MPRT response time, VRR support, and a wide colour gamut. For buyers currently on a 60Hz display, the 120Hz upgrade is the primary value proposition. The jump makes smoother motion in fast-paced games immediately noticeable. At Rs 5,750, it is one of the more affordable entry points into high-refresh gaming in the Indian market.

GIGABYTE GS27F16I: larger screen, faster refresh

The GS27F16I steps up to a 27-inch class design with a 26.5-inch Full HD VA panel. It features a 165Hz refresh rate, also overclockable to 180Hz. Additionally, there's 1ms MPRT, HDR10, VRR, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Meanwhile, Gaming-specific features include:

• Black Equaliser for visibility in dark scenes
• Aim Stabiliser Sync for motion clarity
• Smart OD for response time optimisation

At Rs 10,449, it targets gamers who want a meaningful upgrade in both screen real estate and refresh rate without significant expense.

Made in India

The two monitors extend GIGABYTE's local manufacturing push in India. Local manufacturing is supposedly intended to improve supply chain responsiveness and product availability across the Indian market. GIGABYTE has also flagged India as a priority growth region.

At Rs 5,750, the GS22F12I competes with similarly priced offerings from Acer, ViewSonic, and LG in the entry-level gaming monitor segment. Most alternatives at this price offer 75Hz or 100Hz panels. This makes the GS22F12I's 120Hz with VRR a competitive specification. The VA panel's contrast advantage over IPS at this price tier is also worth noting, especially for buyers who prioritise deep blacks in games and movies.

The GS27F16I at Rs 10,449 sits in a competitive 27-inch segment alongside monitors from AOC, MSI, and Acer that offer similar refresh rates. The overclockable 180Hz ceiling, HDR10, and gaming-focused feature set should make it a well-rounded option at this price. For buyers choosing between the two, the GS27F16I offers significantly more for roughly double the price. The larger panel, faster refresh, and HDR10 support justify the step up for most gaming use cases. Both monitors are available through authorised GIGABYTE retail and channel partners.

• iQOO 16 launched in China just last month.
• It's one of the first phones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• The handset packs an 8,400mAh battery. 

[/highlights]

The Android flagship season is upon us, and the latest brand to join the lineup is iQOO. India head Nipun Marya has shared a cryptic teaser on X for a new flagship launch, which is most likely the iQOO 16. The teaser doesn't mention the device name or leave any clues about it, but with the iQOO 16's recent debut, it's quite obvious that we're getting this flagship. This teaser also quells rumours of the iQOO 16's uncertain launch in India this time.

iQOO 16 India launch teaser

According to Nipun Marya's post on X, the teaser talks about finding the next flagship, suggesting it's the iQOO 16. With the first teaser out, we can now expect more details about the upcoming launch.

There were hints of its global launch soon, with the iQOO 16's global variant appearing on Geekbench. However, there were some talks about the iQOO 16 not launching in India. This was due to price hikes caused by rising component costs. But the latest teaser more or less confirms the iQOO 16 is indeed headed to India. We can still expect it to launch at a much higher price than the previous generation. 

iQOO's flagships are known to be among the most affordable in India, while offering power-packed hardware. It's interesting to see how iQOO plans to maintain this with the 16.

iQOO 16 specifications

The iQOO 16 features a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, an upgrade over the iQOO 15's 144Hz panel. The smartphone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, UFS 4.1 storage and the Q4 gaming chip. It's a generational upgrade over the iQOO 15's 8 Elite Gen 5 and Q3 chip, which should translate to improved performance overall. 

Battery capacity has also increased from 7,000mAh on the iQOO 15 to 8,400mAh. Charging speeds remain unchanged at 100W wired and 40W wireless. For photography, you get a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The setup remains largely unchanged from the iQOO 15. The smartphone will likely launch with OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 out of the box. 

The iQOO 16 will likely appeal to buyers who want a performance-focused flagship with a large battery. Its cameras are also versatile, and you'll get the latest software version. If you own an iQOO 15, the upgrades might not justify the cost, but if you're on an iQOO 12 or older, it's a significant leap.

• OPPO Find X10 series will launch globally later this month
• The Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max are expected to launch in India soon after
• OPPO Find X10 Pro Max is the first phone with three 200MP cameras and the Dimensity 9600 Pro chip

[/highlights]

OPPO has announced the global launch date for its Find X10 series. The Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will be unveiled globally in Mallorca, Spain, on October 21. The phones debuted in China last month, with the Find X10 Pro Max being the more premium flagship of the two and the world's first smartphone with three 200MP rear cameras. Both the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max are expected to launch in India soon after their global announcement, though an exact India launch date isn't known yet.

OPPO Find X10 series global launch date details

OPPO shared a post on X confirming that the Find X10 series will launch globally on October 21st in Mallorca, Spain. The teaser video shows off the Find X10 Pro Max in two colour options, but we expect the base Find X10 to be announced alongside it as well. OPPO had also announced the Find X10 E in China, though that model might remain exlcusive to the China market. 

While the Find X10 series' India launch hasn't been officially confirmed yet, we recently got hold of an image showing an alleged Indian unit of the Find X10 running ColorOS 17. It will be the first OPPO phone to ship with ColorOS 17.

Why you should wait for the OPPO Find X10 series

Smartphone buyers around the world, including in India, have plenty of high-end phones to choose from already. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro Max are among the most popular choices right now. You also have Vivo and OPPO's X300 series and Find X9 series from last year. Meanwhile, the Find X9 Ultra, OPPO's most recent ultra-premium flagship, was launched in May at around Rs 1,69,999.

The Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will replace last year's Find X9 and Find X9 Pro. For buyers looking for a good camera-centric flagship, waiting for the Find X10 series makes sense, especially the Pro Max. The Find X10 Pro Max is the first and only smartphone in the world to offer three 200MP cameras, promising stunning photography across all three sensors. These Hasselblad-tuned cameras also support 8K Log recording across all three sensors, 4K 120fps Dolby Vision across focal lengths, and Horizon stabilisation, among other features. It will also be the first phone in India to feature MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset when it launches later this month. 

Additionally, the Find X10 Pro Max features a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED 144Hz display (1-120Hz for most cases and up to 144Hz for certain games), an 8,000mAh battery and 80W SuperVOOC flash charge. If these specifications look 

The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max starts at CNY 6,799 (around Rs 97,000) in China, so expect it to cost around Rs 1.10 lakh or more in India. Its global pricing should give us a better idea of what we can expect for its India pricing later this month.

• Amazon and Flipkart sales are now live for members.
• Several smartphones are available with discounts and offers.
• Phones like the OnePlus 13s and the Galaxy S25 FE are some of the top deals. 

[/highlights]

Amazon's Great Indian Festival and Flipkart's Big Billion Days sales are now live for subscription members. The sales will be open to everyone starting tomorrow. During these sales, there are several smartphones from different price segments, available with offers and discounts. Some of these include the OnePlus 13s, iQOO 15R, Galaxy S25 FE, and OnePlus Nord 6.

With price hikes hitting the smartphone market, this would be a good time to grab these deals while they last. 

Amazon Flipkart smartphone deals

OnePlus 13s

OnePlus 13s (review) is a compact flagship that you can get for Rs 52,999 on Amazon. This is even lower than the launch price, which was Rs 54,999. While it has been over a year since the 13s launched in India, it's still a solid phone with a compact form factor and flagship-level performance. Its 5,850mAh battery comfortably lasts an entire day and even more with light usage. The 50MP primary + 50MP telephoto lens (2x optical zoom) + 32MP front camera setup is more than capable for everyday photography and social media. However, those who want more versatile sensors or a stronger telephoto lens may find it lacking. 

Overall, the OnePlus 13s is still a well-rounded compact flagship that you can easily consider for gaming, entertainment, and photography. The phone is also long-term secure with 4 major OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

The Galaxy S25 FE (review) is a good choice for a premium Samsung smartphone in this sale. It's available on Flipkart for Rs 46,999, which is a big drop from its original price of Rs 69,999. The Galaxy S25 FE gives you the flagship experience with a similar design, One UI features, long-term software support, and a vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The camera setup is versatile, featuring a 3x telephoto lens and a capable chipset.

Its battery capacity might seem underwhelming among rivals, and the phone tends to get a bit warm easily. Otherwise, the Galaxy S25 FE still stands as a good option for those who want that premium Samsung experience without the flagship price tag. 

iQOO 15R

The iQOO 15R (review) is one of the best flagship alternatives for performance enthusiasts. The handset is available at Rs 53,990 on Amazon for the base model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The iQOO 15R comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, which delivers one of the highest benchmark scores. It also has a massive 7,600mAh battery that can give you up to two days of juice. Despite packing solid hardware, the iQOO 15R still manages to offer a relatively compact form factor with its 6.59-inch display. One area where the 15R doesn't shine is the cameras, as it's mostly made for everyday photography.  

For its starting price, the iQOO 15R still offers better value than most phones that are similarly priced or higher. 

OnePlus Nord 6

OnePlus Nord 6 (review) is a premium mid-range phone for those who prioritise performance and battery life. It's available at Rs 44,999 on Amazon for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. 

The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a highly capable chipset in this segment for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Its camera setup may be minimal, with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide, but the results are still pretty good. The Nord 6's highlight is its giant 9,000mAh battery, which can go for two days straight without needing a charge. 

[caption id="attachment_700668" align="alignnone" width="2560"] OnePlus Nord CE 6[/caption]

For a premium mid-range phone, the OnePlus Nord 6 is a solid package, especially if you prioritise performance and gaming. 

In addition to these prices, there are further cashbacks and bank discounts that you can avail of on these phones. If you're looking for a flagship alternative or a premium midranger, you can consider these phones and grab them at their offer prices. Since price hikes are plaguing the smartphone market, it would be a good time to quickly go for such deals. 

• Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra uses NVIDIA RTX Spark for AI, graphics and gaming.
• The laptop combines an ARM-based Grace CPU with a Blackwell RTX GPU.
• NVIDIA also previewed its GB300-powered DGX Station for Windows.

[/highlights]

At the Windows AI and Surface event in San Francisco, Microsoft and NVIDIA jointly introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra, its most powerful Surface laptop yet, powered by NVIDIA's new RTX Spark Superchip. The platform combines a Grace CPU, Blackwell RTX GPU and unified memory to deliver more local AI and graphics performance in a relatively thin laptop. 

NVIDIA has also introduced its new DGX Station for Windows to empower local AI capabilities for enterprise teams. Let's look at it in more detail below. 

Surface Laptop Ultra offers desktop-level hardware 

The Surface Laptop Ultra is a 15-inch laptop built around NVIDIA's new RTX Spark N1X platform. Microsoft offers two versions, with either an 18-core or 20-core NVIDIA Grace CPU paired with a Blackwell GPU with up to 6,144 cores. It also supports up to 128GB of unified LPDDR5X memory, giving the laptop much more runway for demanding workloads than a typical thin-and-light machine. 

The laptop also gets a 15-inch PixelSense Ultra touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 3270 x 2180 resolution, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and 100 per cent DCI-P3 coverage. Microsoft has added a larger haptic touchpad, HDMI 2.1b, an SD card reader, USB-C, USB-A and a headphone jack, so users can connect peripherals without relying heavily on dongles. It also weighs around 2kg and measures under 18mm thick. 

Microsoft has also built a larger cooling system for the Laptop Ultra, with up to 2.5 times the thermal capacity of its 15-inch Surface Laptop. This is important because the RTX Spark is designed for sustained workloads such as AI development, 3D work, video editing and gaming, which tend to generate a lot of heat that needs to be dissipated effectively. Microsoft rates the laptop for up to 15 hours of local video playback and up to 12 hours of active web use.

NVIDIA DGX Station also comes to Windows

NVIDIA also previewed the DGX Station for Windows, a deskside AI system built around the GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Desktop Superchip. It offers 748GB of coherent memory and up to 20 petaflops of FP4 AI performance, allowing enterprise teams to run very large AI models locally. It also lets developers keep their existing Windows workflows while using NVIDIA's heavy-duty AI tools, instead of maintaining separate Windows and Linux systems.

Do we finally have a MacBook Pro rival on Windows?

The Surface Laptop Ultra starts at $2,599.99, while the higher-end version costs $3,699.99 with pre-orders beginning on October 16. Microsoft has not yet announced an India price or launch date.

The Surface Laptop Ultra clearly takes some design cues from the MacBook Pro. Both use premium metal designs, high-resolution displays and large trackpads, while targeting users who need more power for creative work, AI tasks and other demanding workloads. Apple's MacBook Pro starts at Rs 2,39,900 in India, while the 14-inch M5 Pro model starts at Rs 2,49,900. 

The biggest difference comes from the hardware itself, as the RTX Spark combines an ARM-based NVIDIA Grace CPU with a Blackwell RTX GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory. In simple terms, it combines the low power use of an ARM processor with a much more powerful GPU than you normally get in ARM laptops. NVIDIA says the platform can run AI models with up to 120 billion parameters locally and uses the full CUDA and TensorRT software stack.

Another big advantage here could be gaming, which remains a big challenge for ARM-based systems even now. Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops and Apple M-series MacBooks offer excellent battery life and performance, but they do not focus on high-end gaming in the same way. RTX Spark supports NVIDIA's gaming and graphics technologies, giving the Surface Laptop Ultra the ability to handle modern games alongside professional workloads.

This makes the Surface Laptop Ultra a worthwhile alternative to the MacBook Pro for users who want high performance, good battery efficiency and proper gaming/AI workload support in the same machine.

• Interested buyers can get an instant Rs 4,000 discount on the OPPO K14 Plus.
• The smartphone features the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX paired with UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR4X RAM
• The OPPO K14 Plus has gone on sale on Flipkart.

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Joining the OPPO K14, K14x, and K14 Lite, the K14 Plus is the company's latest upper-midrange smartphone, focused on efficient performance, long-lasting battery life, and a vivid display experience. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX processor, the phone was launched last week for Rs 29,999 and went on sale today for the first time on Flipkart. Given its offerings, should you consider purchasing the OPPO K14 Plus? Find out in this quick roundup.

OPPO K14 Plus price, colour shades, launch offers

The OPPO K14 Plus is currently up for sale in three storage configurations, including 6GB + 128GB at Rs 29,999, 8GB + 128GB at Rs 32,999, and 8GB + 256GB at Rs 35,999.

As part of the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale launch offers, interested buyers can avail an instant Rs 4,000 discount using debit and credit cards of multiple banks, such as SBI, HDFC, Canara, and others, while Google Pay, BHIM, and Cred UPI users can also avail the same amount of discount.

As for colourways, the OPPO K14 Plus is available in Solar Orange and Star White.

What does the OPPO K14 Plus have to offer?

At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX, built on a 4nm process and supported by a 5,000mm² vapour chamber for better heat management. The phone pairs this chipset with UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR4X RAM. OPPO notes that the Dimensity 7360 MAX is a refined version of the Dimensity 7360 previously seen in several Vivo models, including the S2, V70 FE, and V60e. The company claims AnTuTu scores exceeding one million.

The 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen delivers a 144Hz refresh rate and peaks at 3,600 nits. It also features 2,160Hz PWM dimming to help reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions. This bright, high-contrast panel places the K14 Plus alongside rivals such as the POCO X8 and Moto Edge 70 Fusion.

Battery life stands out with an 8,000mAh capacity. OPPO states the phone can handle more than 12 hours of continuous BGMI gameplay at 60 frames per second and over 20 hours of YouTube streaming on a single charge. A 45W SUPERVOOC charger is included for faster top-ups. Although the POCO X8 offers a bigger 9,000mAh cell, the K14 Plus' should be sufficient for most intensive daily tasks.

On the camera side, a 50MP 1/2-inch Smartsense SC532HS primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilisation takes the lead, accompanied by a 2MP monochrome lens, while a 16MP front camera sits in a circular cutout for selfies and video. The sensor used is larger than the one found on the Realme P4s, which utilises a 50MP 1/2.88-inch unit, suggesting higher picture quality, at least on paper.

The phone ships with ColorOS 16.5 based on Android 17, making it the first OPPO device to arrive with Android 17 pre-installed. For software updates, it's promised two major Android upgrades and three years of security patches. Some AI tools within the Gallery and elsewhere include AI Recompose, AI Eraser, AI Writing, Translation, and others.

Durability comes from an IP69K rating that resists powerful water jets and submersion, plus an Armour Body structure designed to absorb impact from drops. It also has an infrared blaster on the rear that lets you control household devices such as televisions, air conditioners, and set-top boxes, while the stereo speakers provide immersive audio. Overall, the OPPO K14 Plus focuses on reliable performance, vivid visuals, and practical endurance for everyday users.

Should you buy the OPPO K14 Plus: early impressions

In our brief time with the OPPO K14 Plus, the device has impressed us with its battery life, lasting over two days on a single charge, while the 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED delivers crisp, vivid details on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and other video platforms. While the Dimensity 7360 MAX may not boast high benchmark numbers, it's well-suited for daily use cases like scrolling through social media, web browsing, multitasking, and more.

The 50MP primary camera produces usable results, though its natural colour science may make the tones look too flat to some. As for in-hand feel and portability, at 207g, the phone didn't feel uncomfortable to hold for long periods during video and movie playback, even with its generous 8,000mAh battery. At the offer price of Rs 25,999, the K14 Plus is a safe bet for users who want multi-day battery life, an enjoyable display, and smooth enough performance.

• Infinix launched the GT 50 Pro globally earlier this year.
• The smartphone comes with dedicated gaming hardware and features.
• It's launching in India this month. 

[/highlights]

Infinix is gearing up to launch a new GT smartphone in India. The Infinix GT 50 Pro is teased to launch this month in India as the brand's latest gaming-focused phone. The brand has teased the launch with an interactive clicking game that lets interested users earn reward points. 

Infinix GT 50 Pro India launch teased

Infinix has a dedicated microsite for the GT 50 Pro India launch with an interactive activity for interested fans. You can follow this link to go to this page, where you're supposed to click as many times as possible within 30 seconds. The number of clicks you manage is the amount of reward points you'll accumulate and can use later for purchases. Infinix is offering 5 sessions per day to win reward points. 

More clicks will also lead to the unveiling of the Infinix GT 50 Pro launch date. It's currently at 93.9 percent, which means it's pretty close to the final reveal. 

Infinix GT 50 Pro: what to expect

The Infinix GT 50 Pro is built for gaming. The device is equipped with the HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture, which is a micro-pump liquid-cooling network that covers almost the entire rear, including the battery and processor. This is paired with a 7,700mm² vapour chamber to further aid in cooling during intensive gaming. The smartphone also has pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers called Open-Cut Pressure-Sense GT Triggers, which can be mapped up to four points per trigger with 10 different pressure levels. You can also use them to quick-launch apps, control media playback, customise RGB lighting, and more.

The phone's design is also gaming-focused, with RGB lights that can be customised. Infinix's GT series has always focused on gaming and performance and the GT 50 Pro continues that philosophy. 

The Infinix GT 50 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPS display with 1.5K resolution,  4,500 nits peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. It's powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultimate, the same chipset powering the POCO X8 Pro and Motorola Edge 70 Pro. The smartphone has a 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. For selfies, there's a 13MP front camera on the GT 50 Pro. On the software front, the GT 50 Pro runs Android 16-based XOS 16 out of the box with a promise of five OS upgrades.

The smartphone packs a 6,500mAh battery with up to 45W wired fast charging, 10W reverse wired charging, 30W wireless charging, and 5W wireless reverse charging support. 

Since it's a gaming-focused phone, the Infinix GT 50 Pro will appeal to users who want a dedicated phone for gaming. If you're someone who regularly plays titles like BGMI and COD Mobile, the Infinix GT 50 Pro would be a good option, especially for your long gaming sessions. We should still wait for official details to see how it compares with other similarly-priced rivals. 

• OPPO Pad Mini was spotted on BIS recently.
• It's OPPO's compact flagship tablet.
• The Enco X4 is also expected to join the lineup.

[/highlights]

OPPO is set to launch its flagship Find X10 series in India soon. The brand has teased more products, including a tablet and TWS. The teasers don't reveal much, but it's speculated that they are the OPPO Pad Mini and the OPPO Enco X4 wireless earbuds. The Pad Mini was spotted on the BIS certification recently, suggesting it is indeed this tablet that's launching in India. 

OPPO Pad Mini, Enco X4 India launch

According to the teasers, OPPO is launching a tablet and TWS with only the silhouettes of their designs shown. It's likely that the products teased are the OPPO Pad Mini and Enco X4. The Pad Mini is OPPO's compact flagship tablet with an 8.8-inch AMOLED display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The display supports up to 144Hz and uses a 3:2 aspect ratio.

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The OPPO Pad Mini also houses an 8,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging, a 13MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera. The tablet's highlight is its compact 8.8-inch size, making it a good option for those who want something larger than a phone but still not too big. Its hardware is also flagship-level, so you'll still get a performance-focused tablet. 

The Enco X4 was launched alongside the Find X10 series in China. It features AI real-time translation with support for 24 popular languages. The Enco X4 is also said to offer up to 13 hours of music playback on the earbuds. More features include spatial audio, quick voice commands, head-gesture controls, and stereo recording on the Enco X4. 

The OPPO Pad Mini is tipped to cost under Rs 60,000, which would make it a premium option. It would compete with the iPad Mini in terms of the compact form factor. If you've been looking for a compact tablet that offers flagship-level hardware, the OPPO Pad Mini is definitely worth waiting for. The Enco X4 is OPPO's flagship TWS, so it will most likely sit on the higher side. 

• iPhone 17 is currently down to Rs 84,999 on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days sale
• You can get it for under Rs 80,000 with the right credit card offer
• At Rs 80,000, the iPhone 17 is worth buying for those who missed out earlier

[/highlights]

The iPhone 17 is down to Rs 84,999 on Flipkart, and you may be able to get it for under Rs 80,000 with the right credit card. Flipkart's The Big Billion Days officially starts on Friday, October 9, but Early Access deals are already live for Flipkart Plus, VIP, and Black members. One of the biggest deals in this Flipkart sale is undoubtedly the iPhone 17, selling for around Rs 80,000, even though the phone saw a price hike soon after the iPhone 18 Pro series and now officially sells at Rs 1 lakh.

iPhone 17 Flipkart deal goes live

As of 10 am on Thursday, October 8, 91mobiles verified that the iPhone 17 is available for Rs 84,999, down 15% from its actual selling price of Rs 99,900. This is the price of the 256GB storage model, while the 512GB variant is down to Rs 1,09,999. At the time of writing, this deal was available on all colour options, including Lavender, Mist Blue, and Sage.

Flipkart Axis and Flipkart SBI credit card holders get Rs 5,000 off (through a combination of Rs 4,000 cashback and Rs 1,000 instant discount), bringing the price effectively down to Rs 79,999. This makes the iPhone 17 deal all the more attractive, provided you have one of the credit cards.

Even if you don't have a Flipkart Axis or Flipkart SBI credit card, the Rs 84,999 price is worth grabbing for those who missed buying the base iPhone before the price hike.

Is the iPhone 17 worth buying right now?

The short answer is yes. The iPhone 17 (review) is still relevant even though it came out last year. It gets several upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 16, including a smoother display and upgraded cameras. Also, Apple did not launch the iPhone 18 this year, making the iPhone 18 Pro series the default new iPhones at a significantly higher price point.

I wrote a long-term review of the iPhone 17 in September and found that the phone holds up incredibly well even after a year. The A19 chip's performance remains smooth as ever, showing no signs of slowing down. It can handle pretty much every day-to-day task with ease, and let's not forget that Apple gave it some much-needed Pro-grade features, such as a 120Hz ProMotion display, an upgraded front camera with Centre Stage, and capable 48MP rear cameras. The only number that's started to get in the way of everything else was battery health. The phone's battery life was never its selling point, and it starts to show its age after about a year, but a battery replacement can fix that.

If you were disappointed that Apple raised the iPhone 17's price to Rs 1 lakh and you were planning to buy it, I would say this Flipkart deal is worth going for sooner rather than later. Given its popularity, I believe the deal price might disappear soon.

• Lumio Arc 7 (2026) supports a 120-inch projection and 500 ANSI brightness.
• The projector runs Google TV on Android 14 with up to 32GB storage.
• Lumio Arc 7 (2026) is priced at Rs 34,999 in India.

[/highlights]

Lumio has launched the Arc 7 (2026) in India, an upgraded version of its popular Google TV projector. The new model focuses on brighter pictures, richer colours and higher contrast, while increasing the maximum projection size to 120 inches. Let's take a detailed look at its specifications below:

Lumio Arc 7 (2026): a brighter and bigger picture

The most significant upgrades on the 2026 variant of the Lumio Arc 7 (review 2025 variant) come from its new Arc Light Engine 2 and enhanced display technology. Brightness now reaches 500 ANSI lumens, up 25 per cent from the previous model, while contrast has increased by 15 per cent to 1700:1. The new Arc also has a higher DCI-P3 colour coverage, which should also make colours look richer and more natural.

The extra brightness lets the projector create an image of up to 120 inches, compared with 100 inches on the older model. This should make movies, sports and other content feel more immersive, although brighter rooms can still affect how the picture looks.

Lumio has also introduced quality-of-life features that make the Arc 7 easy to set up for anyone. The TOF autofocus quickly focuses the picture, while STR8 auto-keystone correction helps fix the image when the projector is not placed straight. With Obstacle avoidance, the Arc also stops objects from blocking the projection.

The projector runs Google TV on Android 14 and supports Netflix out of the box, so you can jump into your favourite shows straight away. Lumio has also doubled the storage from 16GB to 32GB, giving users more space for apps and other content. With the built-in 2 x 8W stereo speakers that support Dolby Audio, users can start watching right away without the need for external speakers. 

The Arc 7 is built in India and comes with a one-year comprehensive warranty. Lumio also has more than 300 service centres across the country, which should make support easier for buyers looking to use the projector for several years.

Should you buy the Lumio Arc 7 (2026)?

The Lumio Arc 7 (2026) costs Rs 34,999 and sits in the middle spot among smart projectors that offer a similar feature set. The XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro costs around Rs 39,999 and is a much more portable option at just 1.1kg, with a compact design, built-in stand and battery stand support. It also offers 1080p resolution, 450 ISO lumens and Google TV with licensed Netflix.

The BenQ GV32, meanwhile, costs much higher at Rs 49,990 and offers 500 ANSI lumens, 1080p resolution and a 120-inch projection size. It also has a more flexible design that lets users adjust the projection angle, along with an 18W 2.1-channel speaker system and Google TV.

The Arc 7 sits between these two options, both in terms of pricing and feature set. It gives users the 500 ANSI lumens and 120-inch projection at a lower price than the BenQ, while focusing more on a fixed home setup than portability, unlike the XGIMI. For users who mainly want a large screen for movies, sports and OTT content, it looks to be a worthwhile option at Rs 34,999.

XGIMI is a better choice for users who want something more portable, while BenQ offers a higher-quality audio output for buyers willing to spend more to improve their experience. For a fixed home setup, though, the Arc 7 offers good value, especially for users who want a very large screen without investing a lot. 

• The Lenovo ThinkBook 14x weighs under 990 grams and is just 12.9mm thin.
• It uses up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processors with soldered memory for battery efficiency.
• The lineup starts at Rs 1,08,990 for the base variant with the Core Ultra 5. 

[/highlights]

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14x has launched in India, targeting professionals and students who want a powerful but portable laptop. It weighs less than 990 grams, is just 12.9mm thin, and uses soldered memory to balance performance with battery efficiency. Let's take a detailed look at it below. 

Lenovo ThinkBook 14x: key features, specifications

Lenovo is offering the ThinkBook 14x in three configurations and categorizing them into "Good," "Better," and "Best" variants. The good news here is that all three machines get 16GB LPDDR5X memory built into the processor, and it has a blistering 8,533MT/s of speed. The bad news is since the memory is built-in, you can't really upgrade it down the line. 

The entry-level "good" variant should suit users who want a regular everyday laptop for work, study, and general use. The Core Ultra 5 226V (8-core) processor and 16GB memory should offer enough performance for common tasks, while the 54.7Wh battery should prove sufficient enough for a normal day of use. 

The "better" variant is a more capable option, using the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (8-core) with more processing power and the Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU. This makes it a better fit for users who may dabble in light games, video editing, or other graphics-heavy workloads alongside everyday tasks. It also adds a touch display, which could be useful for users who prefer to take notes and want an easier way to interact with the laptop.

The "best" variant is for users who want the best features the lineup has to offer. It offers a 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1TB storage and a larger 65Wh battery. The OLED panel makes it the better choice for users who regularly watch movies and shows on their laptop, while the larger battery should help offset the higher power needs that come with an OLED panel. 

Should you buy the Lenovo ThinkBook 14x?

The ThinkBook 14x starts at Rs 1,08,990, while the Better variant is currently listed at Rs 1,34,991 on Lenovo.com. The top-end OLED variant is not listed yet, but it should cost around Rs 1.5-1.6 lakh.

The ThinkBook 14x is a good option for users who want performance and good battery efficiency without moving away from x86 platform. Its Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, also known as Lunar Lake, focus heavily on power efficiency, while the Intel Arc 140V GPU gives the higher-end variant enough graphics power for light gaming and creative work. 

That puts the ThinkBook 14x in competition against Snapdragon X laptops like the ASUS Zenbook A14 and the MacBook Air M5, which also focus on performance and battery life. Lenovo's x86 platform, however, gives users easier compatibility with traditional Windows software without the ARM-related compatibility concerns that can still affect some applications. Snapdragon X2 laptops do have a battery efficiency advantage, while the MacBook Air remains a popular option for users who are comfortable with macOS.

For users who want a very light laptop with good battery life, decent performance and fewer software compatibility compromises, the ThinkBook 14x looks to be a worthwhile option. The OLED model also caters to users who want a laptop for media consumption, but its final price will decide if its as value-centric as its other siblings.

• The Infinix Smart 20 HD is a 4G smartphone priced under Rs 12,000.
• The Infinix Smart 20 HD comes with 3GB RAM and 64GB of storage.
• The phone goes on sale on Flipkart starting October 8th.

[/highlights]

Following the release of the standard Smart 20 4G in June, Infinix has unveiled the Smart 20 HD, a budget-friendly 4G option that emphasises a stylish, modern design, a large display for content consumption, and solid durability with high ingress protection. Priced under Rs 20,000, the Infinix Smart 20 HD rivals other 4G options in the segment, such as the OnePlus N6 Lite and Realme C100x.

Infinix Smart 20 HD price, sale, availability

The official press release states the Infinix Smart 20 HD price as Rs 10,999. The device is said to come in a single storage option with 3GB RAM and 64GB storage, while the colourways include Sunlike Orange, Silver Dancer and Night Pulse.

The phone will go on sale starting October 8th on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale.

Infinix Smart 20 HD specifications and features

The phone features a 6.67-inch HD+ punch-hole display with 720 x 1,600 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and reaches up to 700 nits of brightness in high brightness mode. This should make viewing the screen lively indoors, while just sufficient for outdoor use. DTS-supported dual speakers with up to 300 percent volume boost complement the display for immersive audio, something not commonly found on sub-Rs 20,000 phones.

Weighing 189g, it is relatively light and carries an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. The distinct colour options let buyers choose based on their preference.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="717930,717931,717932"]

Under the hood sits a Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This 4G-based chipset currently powers multiple smartphones released this year, such as the OnePlus N6 Lite and Realme C100x. While it may handle basic tasks like calling, watching videos, and web browsing, don't expect it to excel at gaming or heavy multitasking. Users can expand virtual RAM up to 6GB and add more space via a dedicated microSD card slot. The device runs XOS based on Android 15, which is getting dated, given most phones now launch with Android 17 at higher price tiers.

Photography stays simple and functional. An 8MP rear camera with autofocus handles the main shots and includes modes such as Super Night, Dual Video, Vlog, Documents, Pro, Panorama, and Time-Lapse. Video recording reaches 2K at 30fps. Up front, there's an 8MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

A 5,000mAh battery powers the device and supports 15W charging, while the box includes a 10W adapter. With its focus on a responsive, high-refresh-rate display, expandable storage, and essential features, the Infinix Smart 20 HD targets users who want reliable performance at an accessible price.

Compared with the competition, the Infinix Smart 20 HD competes with the itel Zeno 300 4G, currently priced at Rs 9,799 on Amazon and featuring 4GB RAM and a similarly sized 6,000mAh battery. Users coming from feature phones or 3G phones could go with either option.

• OnePlus Ace 7 series is rumoured to launch in China soon.
• The lineup could arrive as the OnePlus 16R in India.
• It's expected to cost between Rs 70,000 and Rs 75,000.

[/highlights]

OnePlus Ace 7 series has been rumoured for quite some time, and it's expected to launch in China soon. Part of OnePlus's gaming and performance-focused lineup, the Ace 7 series hardware will also focus on performance, endurance, and gaming. The lineup will most likely feature two phones: the OnePlus Ace 7 and Ace 7 Pro. In India, one of these phones is set to arrive as the OnePlus 16R.

OnePlus 16R specifications, India pricing (expected)

According to the tipster Gadgetsdata, the OnePlus 16R will be priced in India between Rs 70,000 and Rs 75,000. If accurate, this would be much higher than the OnePlus 15R, which launched at a starting price of Rs 47,999. Following multiple price hikes, the 15R now sells at Rs 59,999 for the base variant. The current market scenario does make sense for newer models to launch at a much higher price due to rising component costs. That said, the sub-Rs 75,000 price segment still seems quite premium for the OnePlus 16R. 

As far as its specifications are concerned, we can expect the same hardware as the Ace 7 series. This includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which would be an upgrade over the 8 Gen 5 powering the 15R, meaning improved performance. The OnePlus 16R could feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPS OLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate. It could also get a 50MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, a major upgrade over the 15R, which lacks this sensor. The smartphone is also tipped to feature a 200MP main camera. 

Battery capacity would be a major upgrade for the 16R, as it could get a 9,000mAh unit. The 15R packs a 7,400mAh battery. More rumoured specs include a 16MP selfie camera and a built-in cooling fan.

If these rumoured specs hold, the OnePlus 16R would stand out as a top choice for performance and battery endurance. It could also offer a versatile camera setup, making its overall package more appealing. However, since all information is speculative for now, it's best to wait for official details before making any buying decision. 

• Airtel is offering one free international roaming trip per year on its new postpaid plans, starting at Rs 499
• The free pack includes 5GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, and 25 outgoing SMS, valid for 5 days
• On family plans, every member gets their own free trip, and the new plans go live on October 8

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Airtel has announced free international roaming on its new postpaid plans, just days after Vi rolled out a similar offer. From October 8, 2026, customers on the new plans, which start at Rs 499, will get one international trip with free roaming every year at no extra cost. The complimentary pack includes 5GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, and 25 outgoing SMS, valid for 5 days, and customers can activate it whenever they choose. On family plans, every member gets their own free trip. Unlike Vi, which allows up to three trips a year and extends the benefit to select annual prepaid plans, Airtel's offer is limited to one trip and to postpaid users. Here's what the new plans include and how the two offers compare.

What Airtel's free international roaming pack includes

The comlimentary international roaming pack gives customers 5GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, 25 outgoing SMS, all valid for 5 days. Airtel says customers can activate the 5-day pack whenever they want, rather than having it tied to a fixed date, which makes it easier to line up with an actual trip.

The benefit applies per SIM. On Airtel's postpaid family plans, each member of the plan gets their own free trip every year, so a family of four on one plan gets four separate trips' worth of roaming benefits. Airtel's announcement today didn't specify which countries are covered by the free pack, so that's worth checking in the Airtel app before you travel.

New Airtel postpaid plans with free international roaming

Free roaming is available across all six of the new postpaid plans, which all include unlimited data and calling, spam and fraud prevention, Xstream Play Premium, and Google One. Higher-priced plans add more OTT and entertainment subscriptions.

The plans also include Airtel's Fast Lane technology on 5G and access to the Airtel Postpaid Advantage Club, which offers perks like comedy shows, movie premieres, and concerts. Airtel hasn't said whether the plan prices have changed from its earlier postpaid lineup.

Amit Tripathi, Airtel's Director of Market Operations, said the company wants to give customers "more and more reasons to choose Airtel Postpaid."

How to get the new Airtel plans

The plans are available from October 8. Existing Airtel customers, whether on older postpaid plans or on prepaid, can upgrade through the Airtel app or at an Airtel store. Customers on other networks can switch by raising a request through the app or visiting a store.

How Airtel's plans compare with Vi's offer

Airtel's announcement comes shortly after Vi announced its own free international roaming plans, and the two offers differ in a few ways. Vi's benefit allows up to three trips a year, and it extends beyond postpaid to select annual prepaid data plans (priced from Rs 2,997 to Rs 4,999) and enterprise plans. Airtel's is limited to one trip a year and is currently available only to postpaid users.

That said, Vi hasn't published the exact data, calling, and validity details for its pack, and says the benefits vary by plan and circle, so "up to three trips" is a ceiling rather than a guarantee for every plan. Airtel, by contrast, lays out exactly what you get (5GB, 60 minutes, 25 SMS, 5 days) and applies it uniformly across every new plan and every family member. Entry pricing is also nearly identical, with Airtel's cheapest plan at Rs 499 and Vi's eligible postpaid plans starting at Rs 501.

For frequent travellers, Vi's offer could go further on paper. For someone who takes a single trip a year, the more clearly defined Airtel pack may be easier to plan around.

• The leaked image suggests the Find X10 will launch with ColorOS 17 in India.
• OPPO has officially confirmed the Find X10 series India launch.
• The lineup debuted in China last month running ColorOS 17 out of the box. 

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Shortly after OPPO confirmed the Find X10 series will launch in India soon, we came across a live image of the standard Find X10. Shared by industry sources, the image shows an OPPO smartphone running ColorOS 17, most likely the Find X10. OPPO has already confirmed the Find X10 Pro Max's India launch, and since the lineup includes Find X10 and Find X10 E, it's not yet revealed which other models would arrive here. 

OPPO Find X10 leaked image

The leaked image shows the OPPO smartphone running ColorOS 17, which is based on Android 17, the latest software version. This would make the Find X10 series the first OPPO phones to run ColorOS 17 out of the box. The smartphone has already launched in China with ColorOS 17, suggesting that the Indian unit will also launch similarly. 

The Find X10 is the standard model in the flagship lineup, offering a 6.59-inch FHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It's powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600M chipset and packs an 8,000mAh battery with 80W charging and 50W wireless charging support. The smartphone's highlight is its camera setup, which includes a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with up to 2.8x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom, and a 50MP front camera. The primary and telephoto cameras have been upgraded from the Find X9's 50MP duo setup.

Compared to the Find X10 Pro Max, the Find X10 would serve as the 'affordable' alternative but without compromising on the hardware. The Find X10 would make sense for buyers who want the latest Android flagship experience with powerful cameras, fast performance, and a massive battery.

You should still wait for official pricing and full reviews before deciding, especially if you currently own a flagship phone or an older Find X series phone. 

• Stable OriginOS 7 update will start rolling out to Vivo devices at the end of October.
• OriginOS 7 updates the visual design by bringing translucent and light effects.
• Several midrange devices released two years ago under the Y series will also receive the OriginOS 7 update.

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At its grand event, Vivo NEXT 2026, held on October 6th, Vivo unveiled a range of devices across price points, such as the V80, S2 FE, and X Fold 6. At the event, the company also detailed the release of OriginOS 7 for India, Vivo's newest custom skin built on Android 17. Set to arrive on multiple devices, including budget models, the software places heavy emphasis on refining the UI, adding new animation details, and improving multitasking capabilities.

OriginOS 7 rollout schedule for India

Here's when Vivo will start the rollout of OriginOS 7 in India for its eligible devices, which are mentioned below:

Since the release timeline doesn't explicitly mention the rollout dates, users will have to anticipate the update dropping during the allotted phase. As expected, Vivo's current-generation flagships, the Vivo X300 series, will get the update first by the end of this month, while the X200 series will receive it next month. Since the newly released Vivo S2 FE doesn't come with OriginOS 7 out of the box, it'll bag the update towards the end of January.

What improvements and changes does OriginOS 7 offer

Upgraded Origin Design and Dynamic Translucent Material: Vivo has upgraded the Origin Design language introduced with OriginOS 6 by adding Dynamic Glow to various elements. As a result, touch elements bounce, stretch, and flow naturally with liquid dynamics tracking finger direction and speed. Then there's a liquid, glass-like translucent material with three visual profiles: Real, Natural, and Soft. Users can make elements such as the quick settings panel, navigation bars, and buttons clearer or tinted based on their choice.

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Interactive Lockscreen and homescreen: OriginOS 7 brings multiple lockscreen themes, such as Wiggle, Glint, and Pet Pals, that add distinct visual flair statically or through user input, such as screen interaction or tilting the phone. Then there's the StickIt feature, which lets you add pre-defined or self-created stickers to the lockscreen or home screen.

Origin Workbench: Initially found on Vivo's foldable smartphones and tablets on OriginOS 6, Origin Workbench is a desktop-grade multitasking workspace that lets you comfortably organise and run up to five active apps simultaneously on a single screen.

Upgraded Jovi: Like many brands, Vivo is upgrading its AI assistant, Jovi, to help users with their tasks. Instead of responding to simple commands, Jovi can now find information, read and dissect content from files, set scheduled tasks, and deliver consistent, relevant results.

Performance Boosts: With OriginOS 7, Vivo has redesigned computing, memory, and graphics architecture, providing 10 percent faster cold app launches and 11 percent faster page switching. The graphics rendering efficiency has been boosted by 14.4 percent, eliminating frame drops across system animations.

Memory has been optimised to deliver 60 percent greater memory reclamation and free up to 25 GB of storage space on a 256 GB drive.

Ecosystem improvements: Users can now seamlessly pair their Vivo or iQOO smartphone with Apple Watches to sync notifications and workout metrics into Origin Health. This will also enable displaying AirPods status (battery & spatial audio) directly within the Origin Island. Furthermore, Vivo has added iCloud integration that allows native file browsing inside the Vivo File Manager, while Vivo Office Kit handles screen handoffs with Mac, iPad, and Windows.

These ecosystem improvements let users stay on Vivo and iQOO smartphones even if they own a macOS-based device for professional work, without losing out to Apple iPhones.

Overall, OriginOS 7 is shaping up to be a major update that not only refines animations and UI interactivity, but also adds features like Atomic Workbench to handle multiple tasks at once. In addition, Jovi AI can take action on its own. On the customisation front, users can play around with the new lockscreen themes and stickers and build a lockscreen of their choice, while dark-theme icons may complement light-shaded wallpapers well.

• Samsung could be adding a new phone to its F70 lineup.
• It would join the Galaxy F70 Pro 5G and the budget-friendly Galaxy F70e 5G.
• Samsung has yet to confirm the Galaxy F70 5G.

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Samsung is expected to launch a new Galaxy F70 series phone soon. This would be the Galaxy F70 5G, which we have spotted on the Google Play supported device list. The listing mentions the device name and model number, confirming its imminent launch. The Galaxy F70 5G will be the third phone in the lineup after the Galaxy F70 Pro 5G and Galaxy F70e 5G. It will also likely sit between the two phones. 

Samsung Galaxy F70 5G: what to expect

The Google Play listing doesn't include any specifications, but it mentions a17x next to the Galaxy F70 5G. It's only speculation, but this suggests the Galaxy F70 5G could be a rebrand of the Galaxy A17. This wouldn't be surprising, as we have seen Galaxy F series phones launch with similar hardware to the Galaxy A series or M series. 

The Galaxy A17 5G, though, launched last September, making it a year old now, so it's not clear if the Galaxy F70 will end up launching with the same hardware. The Galaxy A17 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a notch design. It's powered by the Exynos 1330 processor and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. 

The handset features a 50MP OIS-enabled primary camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. This setup is quite versatile for this price segment. For selfies, you get a 13MP front camera. The phone ships with Android 15-based One UI 7 and will get six OS upgrades. The Galaxy F70 5G will likely launch with a newer version of Android. 

Since we don't have any information on the Galaxy F70 5G yet, it's best to wait for official details. Still, the phone could launch as a budget option for users who want a Samsung 5G phone with long-term software support.