[highlights]

• Samsung has launched the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 Wi-Fi speakers in India, with prices starting at Rs 27,900.
• The flagship Music Studio 7 features a 3.1.1-channel speaker system with top-firing drivers.
• The new speakers integrate with Samsung TVs, soundbars and the SmartThings app, and are available via the Samsung website.

[/highlights]

Samsung has expanded its premium home audio portfolio in India with the launch of the Music Studio Series. The new lineup includes the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 Wi-Fi speakers, both designed to work as standalone speakers or as part of Samsung's wider audio ecosystem with compatible TVs and soundbars.

The new speakers focus on wireless connectivity, immersive audio and smart home integration, placing them in the same premium Wi-Fi speaker category as offerings from brands such as Sonos, Bose and Marshall. Unlike portable Bluetooth speakers, Samsung is positioning the Music Studio range as a home audio solution that can also integrate with its televisions for a more immersive entertainment experience.

Lineup

The Music Studio Series comprises two models: the Music Studio 5 (LS50H) and the flagship Music Studio 7 (LS70H). Both feature a new "dot" design created by French designer Erwan Bouroullec, inspired by universal symbols used in music and art. The Music Studio 7 is the more premium model, featuring a 3.1.1-channel speaker setup with left, centre, right and top-firing drivers for spatial audio. It can be used on its own or paired with compatible Samsung speakers and TVs to create a larger surround sound setup.

The smaller Music Studio 5 is designed for users looking for a compact speaker that blends into home interiors. It features a woofer paired with dual tweeters and is tuned by Samsung Audio Lab for balanced sound.

Core technology and features

Both speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with music streaming services and voice control. Samsung has also included AI Dynamic Bass Control, which is designed to improve low-frequency performance while reducing distortion.

A key highlight is enhanced Q-Symphony support, which lets users pair up to five compatible Samsung audio devices with a Samsung TV. The system intelligently distributes audio channels across connected speakers to create a more immersive listening experience instead of relying on a single sound source. The speakers also integrate with Samsung's SmartThings platform, allowing users to control playback, adjust settings and manage multiple speakers from a single app.

The launch strengthens Samsung's connected home ecosystem, giving existing Samsung TV owners another option beyond traditional soundbars. Buyers already invested in Samsung products are likely to benefit the most from features such as Q-Symphony and SmartThings.

Pricing and India availability

The Samsung Music Studio Series is available through Samsung's online store, major e-commerce platforms and leading offline retailers. The lineup starts at Rs 27,900, although Samsung has not yet announced individual pricing for the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7.

The Music Studio Series is best suited to those already using Samsung TVs or planning to build a Samsung smart home setup. The speakers' biggest advantage lies in their ecosystem integration, while buyers simply looking for a standalone Wi-Fi speaker may also want to compare alternatives.

[highlights]

• Airtel has now clearly confirmed that its Unlimited 5G Data offer cannot be shared via mobile hotspot.
• Unlike Airtel, Jio's unlimited 5G benefit continues to work over a hotspot, making it more useful for people who tether laptops, tablets, or TVs.

[/highlights]

Airtel has now clearly stated that its "Unlimited 5G Data" cannot be shared over a mobile hotspot in its terms and conditions page about Unlimited 5G data. Airtel users have known that the telco's Unlimited 5G offer does not extend to hotspot sharing, and now the company has finally made that clear in writing. Let's look at it in more detail below. 

Airtel's unlimited 5G, minus the hotspot

Airtel's Unlimited 5G Data offer is available on top of existing prepaid and postpaid plans for users with a 5G phone and access to Airtel 5G Plus. Once you claim it through the Airtel app, you get unlimited 5G data on the phone itself. But the fine print makes one thing clear: this benefit is only for personal use on the phone, and you cannot share it through a mobile hotspot.

A popular X post by tipster Abhishek Yadav also appears to show the same clause from Airtel's Unlimited 5G terms and conditions page, even though that page is no longer visible on the company's main terms-and-conditions master page.

We already saw reports that Airtel doesn't allow Unlimited 5G data sharing via mobile hotspot.

Now, it is officially mentioned on Airtel's website that mobile hotspot is not allowed on its Unlimited 5G mobile data plan.
The 300GB monthly data cap has also been there since the… pic.twitter.com/j7Y5dm6h2L

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) July 16, 2026

That means any data used while tethering another device will come out of your regular plan quota, not the unlimited 5G bucket. Airtel's terms have said this for a while, but the company never really pushed that point in its marketing, which is why many users only realised it after seeing their data get exhausted during hotspot use. Now that the restriction is out in the open, there is little room for confusion. Airtel's unlimited 5G is really a phone-only benefit, not a full broadband replacement.

Reliance Jio takes a different approach with its unlimited 5G benefits. On eligible plans, users in True 5G coverage get unlimited 5G data, and that allowance keeps working even if they share the connection through a mobile hotspot, as long as the phone remains on a 5G network. That is why many users have been able to use huge amounts of data in a month without hitting a separate cap on the unlimited 5G benefit.

There can still be practical limits, like hotspot speeds varying from device to device or depending on network conditions, but Jio does not spell out a hotspot restriction the way Airtel does. That makes Jio's unlimited 5G far more useful for people who regularly tether a laptop, tablet, or TV and want their phone to act like a pocket broadband connection.

What could change with Airtel's 5G SA rollout

What Airtel does with 5G SA will matter, but it may not change the hotspot rule right away. A move to standalone 5G would give Airtel more flexibility on the network side, especially for services like fixed wireless access and traffic management, but the company may still keep unlimited 5G as a phone-only benefit if it wants to avoid turning mobile plans into home internet replacements.

If Airtel gravitates more into 5G SA-based broadband services, it could choose to reserve true home-style usage for those plans while keeping hotspot limits on regular mobile offers. In that sense, the rollout could improve Airtel's 5G experience overall, but it may not automatically mean freer hotspot sharing for everyday users.

[highlights]

• The sale runs until August 27th.
• MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Pro see the biggest discounts.
• Customers eligible for the student discount will need to verify their ID before checking out.

[/highlights]

With schools and universities reopening after summer vacations in most regions in India, Apple has brought back its traditional 'Back to School' sale for this year. Using valid student IDs and additional bank offers, buyers can purchase Apple products at discounted rates, while also gaining freebies, such as AirPods, AirTags, and Apple Pencil with MacBooks and iPads. Since Apple has recently hiked the prices of its entire portfolio except iPhones, this sale could be worth checking out for those who've been longing to get an Apple product.

Apple Back to School 2026: sale date, product discounts, eligibility

Before getting into the products on offer, it's worth noting that the sale has been live since July 16th and will go on until August 27th. All the purchases can be made from Apple's official online store.

As for eligibility, the offer is open to verified college students, their parents, and teachers. To avail the products at educational pricing, customers will have to run their ID through Unidays for verification by logging in with their Apple ID. Alternatively, this can also be done physically by visiting Apple's retail stores.

MacBooks

Here's a quick look at the offers on the latest MacBooks during the Back to School sale:

With every MacBook purchase, buyers can avail AirPods 4 or an Apple AirTag pack of four for free. Additionally, the AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 3 will be available with discounts of up to Rs 1,29,000 during checkout.

Given that the MacBook Air M5 recently saw a price hike from Rs 1,19,900 to Rs 1,49,900, the Back to School pricing of Rs 1,37,900 eases things up for those who were willing to purchase the laptop before the price revision. As someone who has personally experienced the MacBook Air M5, the laptop offers excellent battery endurance for office tasks, premium and portable build, and swift performance to take on most heavy tasks.

Alternatively, the MacBook Neo also stands as a great pick for those with casual to medium workflows, while the MacBook Pro series is well-suited for content creators, designers, artists, and heavy multitaskers needing the absolute best performance.

iPads

Free Apple Pencil Pro - When buying either of the iPads, you'll get an Apple Pencil Pro for free upon checking out from the Apple Store. Apart from that, a pack of four AirTags, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 3 can be bought at up to a Rs 10,900 discount.

Other offers

As part of the sale, Apple Watches, iMac, and Mac Studio are also available at discounted prices for eligible students, parents, and teachers. The free AirPods 4, Apple Pencil Pro, and AirPods Pro 3 can also be engraved for free in retail and online stores.

Getting a MacBook during the sale could be well worth it if your current laptop is acting up, doesn't offer enough battery backup, or is showing signs of slowdowns. On the other hand, an iPad Air or iPad Pro will offer smooth performance and great multitasking potential for everyday use, especially for those seeking a portable entertainment device. The free AirPods and Apple Pencil Pro further sweeten the deal.

[highlights]

• A new leak claims OPPO is working on an A-series phone with a 10,000mAh battery.
• OnePlus is also testing a possible sub-flagship with a battery exceeding 10,000mAh.
• iQOO and Xiaomi are also tipped to be developing similar devices.

[/highlights]

The race for bigger smartphone batteries isn't slowing down anytime soon. After OnePlus introduced its largest-ever battery on the Nord 6 and OPPO followed with 7,000mAh cells in the mid-range, a new leak suggests both brands are already preparing phones with even bigger batteries.

According to a leak in China, OPPO and OnePlus are working on smartphones with 10,000mAh or larger batteries. While neither company has confirmed these plans, the leak comes at a time when brands are racing to come up with the biggest battery phone as they cut down on other hardware due to rising memory costs.

Upcoming and leaked 10,000mAh smartphones

Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station claims OPPO is developing a new smartphone for its mid-range with a 10,000mAh single-cell battery. OnePlus, meanwhile, is said to be working on a new mid-range model that could launch next year with a battery exceeding 10,000mAh. DCS says that phone could come with the SM8845 Pro chip, which is expected to be the unannounced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Pro. This makes us believe it could be the successor to the OnePlus 15R or maybe even an upgraded Nord phone. As always, these details are based on early information, so it's best to treat them as rumours until OPPO or OnePlus make an official announcement.

If the leak turns out to be accurate, both phones would set new battery records for their respective brands. OPPO's current champion is the Find X9 Pro, which packs a 7,500mAh battery. OnePlus holds its own record with the Nord 6 (Indian model), which launched earlier this year with a 9,000mAh battery and the same 80W charging support.

Confirmed and recently launched 10,000mAh phones

While Oppo and OnePlus are still reportedly working towards the milestone, a few brands have already crossed it. Honor became the first mainstream smartphone maker to launch phones with 10,000mAh batteries in late 2025 with the Honor WIN series. Realme soon followed by bringing the technology to India with the P4 Power and Narzo Power, both equipped with 10,001mAh batteries.

Several more brands are expected to join the club. Leaks suggest iQOO is testing batteries ranging from 8,500mAh to 10,000mAh for the upcoming iQOO 16, Neo 12 and Z12 Turbo. Xiaomi is also rumoured to be equipping the Redmi Turbo 6 series with a 10,000mAh battery, while Honor and Vivo are reportedly pushing things even further with phones that could feature a 12,000mAh cell.

There's a plausible explanation for this. Smartphone brands are facing higher memory prices, which have made it more expensive to build devices. To keep prices competitive, many manufacturers have started trimming costs in other areas by using less powerful chipsets, reducing the number of rear cameras or bringing LCD displays back to some segments.

Battery technology, however, is moving in the opposite direction. Silicon-carbon batteries can store much more power without making phones dramatically thicker, and the technology is gradually becoming cheaper to produce. That has made larger batteries one of the few hardware upgrades that brands can continue to offer across price segments.

[highlights]

• OpenAI seems to be developing its first hardware device, and it is said to be a screen-free smart speaker built for the home.
• The device may sync with ChatGPT, learn about its owner over time, and include mechanical elements that make it feel like a companion.

[/highlights]

OpenAI is reportedly preparing its first hardware launch, and it sounds more like an AI companion than a traditional smart speaker. The screen-free product is said to be designed for the home, with ChatGPT integration and a more personal, proactive approach to helping users.

The device is reportedly being built to learn about its owner over time, respond in a more humanlike way, and even include moving mechanical elements that make it feel more like a physical presence than a simple voice assistant. Let's take a more detailed look at it below.

OpenAI's new smart speaker

According to a Bloomberg report, OpenAI is working on a screen-free hardware device that would sit in the home and behave more like a living AI companion than a conventional smart speaker. The product is still under development, but the broad idea is to give users a device that can sync with ChatGPT, stay aware of their needs over time, and offer help in a more natural, ongoing way instead of waiting for one-off voice commands.

The device will still do the basics you would expect from a smart speaker, including controlling smart home devices, playing media, answering questions, and handling messages. What makes this device different is the way OpenAI seems to be thinking about the experience itself. According to the report, the company wants it to feel more humanlike and more personal, with access to a user's digital life, including things like emails, so it can become more useful the longer it is used.

Bloomberg also says the device may include mechanical elements that move on their own, which could help it feel less like a static gadget and more like a physical presence in the home.

Instead of focusing mainly on music playback, timers, or quick assistant-style answers, OpenAI appears to be aiming for something that is closer to an AI companion with a personality and memory. In that sense, the company seems to be positioning the product as a new category altogether, one that blends home hardware, conversational AI, and a more hands-on version of ChatGPT.

OpenAI's hardware ambition

The timing makes the project interesting because OpenAI is entering the hardware space while facing a lawsuit from Apple over alleged trade-secret theft. OpenAI claims the device is unlike anything Apple currently offers and believes it is unlikely to violate Apple's trade secrets. 

AI companies have been trying to move beyond the software for a while, and OpenAI's reported hardware push fits into that trend. Google and Amazon have already spent years building voice-first home devices, while a wave of startups is exploring AI companions that live in wearables, pins, and other always-present form factors. The idea here is pretty clear: the next stage of AI may not be another app or chatbot, but a product that sits in your home or on your body and learns how you live.

[highlights]

• iQOO has confirmed the Z11 Lite will launch in India on July 24th under Rs 20,000.
• The smartphone packs a 6,500mAh battery, 44W FlashCharge, 1200 nits display, and AI features.
• It will join the iQOO Z11x in the lineup.

[/highlights]

iQOO is on its way to expand its Z11 series in India with the launch of the iQOO Z11 Lite on July 24th. The company has been teasing the device over the past few days through an Amazon microsite, revealing its processor, battery, AI features and colour options ahead of the launch. Now, we know the most important part of the puzzle - the price range. iQOO has confirmed the iQOO Z11 Lite will launch at an "expected price of under Rs 20,000." We're not sure if this is the net effective price or the actual selling price, but this may bring some respite to customers shopping in now what has become the "budget segment."

iQOO Z11 Lite key specifications and highlights

The iQOO Z11 Lite is confirmed to feature a 6,500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge support and five-year battery health. It also gets a display with up to 1,200 nits brightness, which iQOO claims is the brightest in its segment for outdoor visibility. Other confirmed features include the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which has become the go-to for brands launching cheaper phones. The iQOO Z11 Lite will run OriginOS 6 and is promised to receive four years of security updates. Interestingly, the company hasn't announced the number of OS upgrades the phone will get.

iQOO is also highlighting a suite of AI tools, including AI Creation for summarising documents, rewriting text, translating content and brainstorming ideas, alongside AI Captions for live transcription, translation and one-tap summaries during lectures and meetings. Other confirmed features include Military-Grade Durability, SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance, Dynamic Light for calls and notifications, and two colour options: Solar Flame and Midnight Blue. The smartphone will be manufactured at Vivo's Greater Noida facility.

Expected price and variants

While iQOO hasn't announced RAM, storage options or the exact price yet, it has confirmed the Z11 Lite will be priced under Rs 20,000. That segment has become rather interesting in India. While there's no denying that it's feature-rich with brands offering large batteries, smooth displays and durable designs, the value proposition for buyers has changed tremendously due to the ongoing memory components' price rise. Features that were once being marketed in the sub-Rs 10,000 or Rs 15,000 segment, have been pushed to the sub-Rs 25,000 price change. The Z11 Lite's own sibling, the iQOO Z11x, launched at Rs 18,999 in India, but now is being sold at Rs 22,999.

In the sub-Rs 20,000 range, the Vivo T5 Lite 5G matches the Z11 Lite with a 6,500mAh battery, 44W charging, 1,200-nit display and military-grade durability. The OPPO K14x 5G also packs a 6,500mAh battery with 45W charging, while the POCO M8 5G differentiates itself with a faster Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a 120Hz curved AMOLED display that peaks at 3,200 nits, and IP66 protection.

The iQOO Z11 Lite isn't introducing features that buyers haven't already seen in this segment, per se. Instead, iQOO appears to be combining several of them into a single package while adding AI tools aimed at students and everyday users. Whether that strategy pays off will largely depend on pricing. If iQOO can launch the phone closer to the lower end of the sub-Rs 20,000 bracket, it could emerge as a well-rounded alternative. However, buyers who prioritise performance and display may still find rivals like the POCO M8 5G more appealing.

[highlights]

• The CMF Clip Pro has appeared on Singapore's IMDA certification database, hinting at an upcoming launch.
• While the listing confirms the product name and Bluetooth connectivity, it does not reveal specifications or design details.
• The "Clip Pro" branding suggests CMF could be entering the clip-style earbuds category for the first time.

[/highlights]

CMF was rather explicit in its plans of not launching a phone this year as they didn't want to put out a half-hearted product, but co-founder Akis Evangelidis did promise that the brand was entering new categories. Here's first proof of that. A new product called the CMF Clip Pro has surfaced on Singapore's IMDA certification platform, suggesting the earbuds could make their debut in the coming weeks or months.

While the certification itself is light on details, the product name has fuelled speculation that CMF may be preparing its first pair of clip-style wireless earbuds. After refreshing the CMF Buds lineup earlier this year, the company now seems to be exploring a new form factor at a time when open-ear and clip-on earbuds are gaining traction across the industry.

CMF Clip Pro certification details

According to a report by The Tech Outlook, the upcoming audio product carries the model number B189 and has been listed on Singapore's IMDA certification database as wireless Bluetooth earphones. The listing confirms the CMF Clip Pro branding but stops short of revealing any hardware specifications, launch timeline or pricing.

The "Clip Pro" name has led to speculation that the earbuds could feature a clip-style design, although the certification does not include images or technical details to support this. If accurate, the CMF Clip Pro would become the first clip-on audio product under the company's budget-focused sub-brand.

The certification follows earlier appearances of other upcoming Nothing ecosystem products. The CMF Buds Neo have also been spotted on Indonesia's SDPPI certification and India's BIS database. Such listings typically indicate that a product is moving closer to release, though they do not guarantee an immediate announcement.

CMF most recently updated its audio portfolio with the CMF Buds 2a, CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus, offering features such as up to 50dB active noise cancellation, dual-device connectivity via the Nothing X app and claimed battery life of up to 61.5 hours with the charging case.

The move towards clip-style earbuds would also reflect a broader industry trend. Brands including Realme, Bose and JBL have introduced open-ear alternatives aimed at users who want greater environmental awareness and a more comfortable fit for long listening sessions or workouts. Rather than competing directly with traditional in-ear earbuds on noise isolation, these products prioritise comfort and situational awareness.

It's also no surprise to see brands doubling down on audio products. With smartphone prices steadily rising and competition getting tougher, it's becoming harder to launch a phone that truly stands out without increasing the price. Accessories like earbuds are a relatively easier way to expand a product lineup and keep users invested in the brand's ecosystem. If the CMF Clip Pro turns out to be clip-style earbuds, it would show that Nothing is looking beyond traditional TWS products as it continues to grow its affordable ecosystem.

[highlights]

• Maple is a premium pre-owned store partner of Apple.
• iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro will receive years of iOS updates.
• The deals will be available from July 16th to July 26th.

[/highlights]

The iPhone 17e, priced at Rs 64,900, is the current accessible entry point for Android users switching to Apple iPhones, while the well-acclaimed iPhone 17 starts at Rs 82,900. If you've been longing to get an iPhone but don't wish to spend a huge sum, resorting to older models or pre-owned and refurbished units is one of the ways to experience iOS. As part of its first anniversary of its e-commerce platform, Maple is offering pre-owned iPhone 15, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max at discounted rates, along with other offers.

Pre-owned iPhone deals on Maple

Firstly, what is Maple and how reliable is it? Maple is a premium pre-owned store partner of Apple, which sells certified pre-owned iPhones, iPads and MacBooks to customers after rigorous quality checks and also offers a warranty with every product sold. Think of it as Cashify, but for Apple products.

Now, coming to the deals on offer, Maple is running its anniversary sale from July 16th to July 26th, where the following iPhones will be on offer:

• iPhone 15 - Rs 40,999
• iPhone 16 Pro - Rs 76,999
• iPhone 16 Pro Max - Rs 92,999

On top of this, customers will be able to avail an additional 10 percent cashback on select credit cards to further sweeten the deal. These iPhones will be up for grabs on Maple's online store, as well as Vi retail stores in Delhi and Mumbai.

Should you buy the iPhones on offer from Maple?

A brand new iPhone 15 is currently available for around Rs 59,999 on Flipkart and official Apple premium resellers like Imagine, while Maple is offering refurbished units for Rs 40,999. Considering a Rs 19,000 price difference, the iPhone 15 is worth considering for users seeking a device with excellent video recording capabilities or who are willing to get into the iOS ecosystem. Some of its core flaws remain, such as a 60Hz refresh rate-only display, while the battery may not provide great endurance for users with heavy workloads.

Moving to the iPhone 16 Pro series, even in mid-2026, the iPhone 16 Pro should deliver excellent performance thanks to the A18 Pro chip, great camera capabilities with the addition of a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and years of software updates, including the upcoming iOS 27, which brings a host of performance and AI upgrades.

At Rs 76,999, the iPhone 16 Pro may not offer as high battery endurance as the newer Android flagships, such as the Vivo X300 FE and OnePlus 15, while the charging speeds may also be on the lower side. On the other hand, if you value high-quality video recordings, excellent social media apps compatibility, and the Apple ecosystem, it could be worth considering.

Before making a purchase, ensure the device comes with a proper warranty for a certain period. Since these are refurbished units, there's always a chance they could develop unexpected faults or issues.

[highlights]

• OnePlus has confirmed that OxygenOS will be phased out in favour of OPPO's ColorOS
• Realme has confirmed the same for Realme UI
• Both brands say hardware, design, and update commitments will stay unchanged

[/highlights]

OnePlus and Realme have confirmed what had been rumoured for weeks: OxygenOS and Realme UI are being phased out, with both brands moving to OPPO's ColorOS going forward as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. The announcement comes just hours after a Bloomberg report on OnePlus' plans to exit the US, Europe, and eventually India.

OnePlus and Realme confirm the switch to ColorOS

OnePlus described the move to ColorOS as an "operational adjustment" aimed at improving process efficiency and customer experience. For those unaware, OxygenOS and ColorOS have been sharing the same unified Android codebase for some time, even as OnePlus and OPPO's teams continued building distinct experiences on top of it.

Going forward, OnePlus said bringing this under a single OS lets the company consolidate resources and talent across the group, rather than maintaining separate software efforts for what is largely shared infrastructure underneath. 

OnePlus was careful to frame this as a name and visual identity change rather than a shift in philosophy. The company said the fast, smooth, and intuitive experience OxygenOS built its reputation on remains the core promise, and that meaningful software updates and its user-centric approach continue unchanged.

On its product portfolio, OnePlus noted its lineup now starts at Rs 18,000 and above, and said hardware differentiators such as performance, fast charging, and design language stay intact through the transition. The "OnePlus experience," as the company put it, is preserved despite the OS unification underneath.

In a separate announcement, Realme confirmed it's making an identical move, phasing out Realme UI in favour of ColorOS. The framing from Realme's side mirrored OnePlus's: shared underlying code, a push toward consolidating engineering resources across OPPO's brands, and an insistence that this is a software unification rather than a dilution of what Realme UI stood for. Realme's own update commitments and hardware identity are expected to carry over unchanged as well.

When will OnePlus and Realme phones get ColorOS?

A OnePlus India executive in a blog post on Thursday said that users of eligible OnePlus devices will soon have the option to update to the latest ColorOS 17. "Following the official release of ColorOS 17, users globally with existing OnePlus devices that fall within the eligible upgrade scope will have the option to voluntarily update to the latest ColorOS. This enables us to streamline software development, accelerate update delivery, improve software quality, and make better use of our shared engineering and R&D capabilities, ultimately delivering a more stable, reliable, and future-ready software experience for our users."

[box-highlights] Users globally with existing OnePlus devices that fall within the eligible upgrade scope will have the option to voluntarily update to the latest ColorOS. [/box-highlights]

Roadmap details, including timelines for existing devices to transition to ColorOS, are expected to be shared once finalised. 

Across both announcements, OnePlus and Realme stressed the same reassurances: existing devices, along with those launching later this year, will continue to receive the same software and security update commitments as before. 

While the companies insist on continuity, the shift undoubtedly marks a significant symbolic departure for long-time users. OxygenOS was known to offer a fast, smooth, bloat-free user experience. While ColorOS is similar in many ways, it will be interesting to see if some of the deeper visual and usability aspects of OxygenOS carry over to OPPO's software.

All part of OPPO's restructuring effort

The confirmation lands on a busy day. A few hours ago, Bloomberg reported that OnePlus is exiting the US and Europe this week, with an India exit expected sometime in 2027. Realme, per the same report, is said to be exiting China and shifting focus to the Nordic markets instead.

Taken together, the ColorOS and Realme UI confirmations and the reported market exits point to the same underlying story: OPPO is restructuring how it runs its OnePlus and Realme brands, consolidating software and resources, and in some markets, retail presence, under one roof. For now, both brands say their India business continues as usual, and existing users won't see any changes to update support as a result of the ColorOS shift.

In related news, OnePlus has started teasing the launch of the OnePlus N6x, expected to be a more affordable version of the OnePlus N6 with a possible sub-Rs 20,000 price tag. Realme is also set to launch the C100x 4G smartphone in India later today, i.e. July 16. So the brands are very much active and going ahead with product launches in the country this year.

[highlights]

• A leak suggests the Redmi Note 17 will launch in India on August 6th, with the Indian model expected to differ from its Chinese counterpart.
• The Chinese variant features a 7-inch 120Hz OLED display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset.
• The Redmi Note 17 China variant could launch as the POCO M8 Power in India.

[/highlights]

Even though Xiaomi has remained tight-lipped about the India launch of the Redmi Note 17, it could make its India debut pretty soon. According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, Xiaomi will launch the smartphone in the country on August 6th, succeeding the Redmi Note 15 5G that launched in January this year. Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China earlier this week, but the tipster suggests the Indian variant of the standard model could differ from the Chinese one. Meanwhile, there is no word on the India launch of the Redmi Note 17 Pro.

Expected Redmi Note 17 variants in India

The same tipster earlier claimed the Redmi Note 17 will launch in India with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is expected to be the base variant. It's also tipped to be available in Blue and Dark Night colour options, with more storage configurations likely to follow. In China, the Redmi Note 17 is sold in three variants:

• 6GB + 128GB: CNY 1,299 (around Rs 18,500)
• 8GB + 128GB: CNY 1,399 (around Rs 19,900)
• 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,599 (around Rs 22,700)

Key specifications

As of now, all we know about the Redmi Note 17 Indian variant is that it could have different specs compared to the China model, though there's no official confirmation of the same. Past reports have suggested the Chinese Redmi Note 17 could launch in India as the POCO M8 Power. References to the device have reportedly surfaced in HyperOS firmware, aligning with Xiaomi's long-standing strategy of introducing the same hardware under Redmi and POCO branding in different markets.

The Chinese Redmi Note 17 packs a standout 7-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor and runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. Other highlights include:

• 8,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging
• 50MP rear camera
• In-display fingerprint scanner

Compared to the Redmi Note 15 5G, the Note 17 appears to prioritise battery capacity and display size over camera upgrades. The Indian Note 15 offers a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, a 108MP main camera, curved AMOLED display and IP65/IP66 protection, so Xiaomi's final pricing will determine how the two generations are positioned. Notably, Xiaomi bumped up the starting price of the Redmi Note 17 in China, compared to that of the Redmi Note 15, while downgrading the camera and the processor. The Chinese Note 15 had two 50MP cameras on the rear.

While the ongoing memory crisis is forcing brands to cut corners with camera and chipset hardware, batteries are becoming an increasingly common talking point across Chinese brands to compensate. For buyers, that could be the Redmi Note 17's biggest draw, provided Xiaomi keeps the price competitive. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is an entry-level chipset, so those looking for stronger gaming performance or more processing headroom may want to compare it with similarly priced alternatives from Motorola and iQOO before making a decision.

[highlights]

• Realme C100x launches in India as a 4G-only smartphone focused on battery life and durability. 
• It packs an 8,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC charging, along with expandable storage.
• The phone is priced at Rs 14,999 for the single 4GB+64GB configuration. 

[/highlights]

Realme has launched the C100x in India as a new 4G smartphone focused on battery life, durability, and everyday multimedia use. It is aimed at budget-conscious buyers who want a large display, long endurance, and a practical feature set rather than 5G or performance-heavy hardware.

Realme C100x: price in India

The Realme C100x comes in a single configuration with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, priced at Rs 14,999. You also avail a special Rs 500 off discount, No-cost EMI options and an exchange bonus of Rs 500. The device is available in Deepblue Tides and Golden Coast colourways. 

Realme C100x: specifications, features

The Realme C100x comes with a 6.80-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 240Hz touch sampling. The panel also offers 700 nits of typical brightness and 900 nits of HBM brightness. While it is not the sharpest display around, it should still be easy enough to use for content consumption and gaming at this price.

It runs on the Unisoc T7250 chipset with an octa-core CPU and Arm Mali-G57 GPU. The phone supports 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, with LPDDR4X memory and eMMC 5.1 storage, plus support for microSD expansion and USB OTG. The good part is that the phone supports expandable storage, which helps a lot when the base 64GB starts feeling small. On the software side, it ships with Realme UI 7 based on Android 16.

For optics, Realme is pairing the phone with a 50-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. This is not a phone built for heavy camera use, but it should handle casual photos, video calls, and social media posts without much trouble.

One of the biggest highlights is the 8,000mAh battery with support for 45W SUPERVOOC charging, with the charger included in the box. Realme also says the phone is compatible with several charging standards, including 45W PPS and 15W VOOC and PD. The phone is clearly built for people who care more about battery life and everyday comfort than raw power.

The company is also offering military-grade durability and an IP64 rating, which should help the phone appeal to buyers looking for a more rugged everyday device. Security options include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition.

The Realme C100x is a 4G-only device, with no 5G support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Realme C100x: should you buy it?

The Realme C100x makes the most sense for buyers who want a phone that lasts long, feels smooth in day-to-day use, and does not ask much in return. Its 8,000mAh battery is the big advantage here, and the 120Hz display, expandable storage, headphone jack, charger in the box, and durable build all add to the appeal. If your main priorities are battery life, basic reliability, and comfortable everyday use, this phone covers those well.

The catch is that it is still a 4G phone with an HD+ display and a 4GB + 64GB base setup, which makes it feel a step behind some phones in this price zone. Some rivals at this price, like the Redmi A7 Pro or the Lava Bold N2, offer 5G support, more storage, and sharper displays, so the C100x only really works if you are okay giving up network future-proofing in exchange for a bigger battery and other extras. For heavy users, gamers, or anyone wanting a more well-rounded phone, there are stronger options in the same price range.

[highlights]

• Google has released the first official teaser for the Pixel 11 series, confirming the Pixel Glow notification light and the August 12th launch event.
• Pixel Glow integrates a multi-coloured notification light into the rear camera bar, replacing the single-colour flash appearance for alerts.
• Google says Pixel 11 pre-orders will begin immediately after the August 12th event.

[/highlights]

The Pixel 11 series has been the subject of many leaks since a few weeks now, with virtually everything from the design to the colours and even the new Pixel Glow light being out in the open. Now, Google has officially kicked off the Pixel 11 launch cycle with its first teaser, confirming both the name of its next-generation flagship lineup and the new hardware feature called Pixel Glow. The teaser officially confirms that the Pixel 11 series will be unveiled at the company's Made by Google event on August 12th, with pre-orders opening immediately after the keynote.

The teaser, on the Google Store, prominently showcases what appears to be the Pixel 11 Pro in a gold finish while offering the first official glimpse of Pixel Glow.

What is Pixel Glow?

Pixel Glow is Google's take on a notification light, a concept originally popularised by Nothing in recent years. Instead of adding an external LED strip, the company has integrated a circular light into the rear camera bar, occupying the area typically used by the camera flash. The teaser shows the light cycling through multiple colours, confirming earlier reports that it will act as a visual indicator for notifications and other alerts.

Previous leaks suggested Pixel Glow is designed to help users "stay in the moment without losing touch" by displaying subtle colours and lighting effects on the back of the phone when it is placed face down. The teaser appears to support that description, although Google has yet to explain all of its capabilities.

The launch event is also expected to add updates to Gemini, with Google confirming that it will announce new AI-powered software experiences alongside its latest hardware.

Launch and availability

Google's Made by Google event will begin on August 12th at 6 pm ET (3.30 am IST, Aug 13th). The company has confirmed that Pixel 11 pre-orders will open immediately after the presentation.

Ahead of the launch, Google is offering a promotional code to eligible US customers who sign up for Google Store marketing emails before August 7th. In India, instead of a discount code, the company is offering a bundle deal on Pixel Buds or a Pixel Watch. Users need to have a local Indian shipping address and are over 18 years of age.

Leaks suggest the Pixel 11 will leap ahead of the Pixel 10 series with a 2nm Tensor G6 chip, allowing Gemini AI and its signature camera features to challenge Apple and Samsung's latest flagships. Pixel Glow is an interesting addition, but by itself it's unlikely to be a reason to upgrade. Buyers already considering a Pixel for its cameras, clean Android experience and Gemini-powered AI may see it as a thoughtful quality-of-life feature, especially if they frequently keep their phone face down. However, its usefulness will ultimately depend on how much control Google offers over notifications and whether developers can integrate with it. With Samsung, Apple and other Android brands expected to launch or refresh their flagships in the coming months, it makes sense to wait for Google's full announcement before making a purchase decision. Pricing, AI exclusives and overall hardware upgrades will matter far more than a colourful notification light, no matter how distinctive it looks.

[highlights]

• The Vivo T5 Lite 44W price in India starts at Rs 19,999.
• It's a battery-focused smartphone which should also deliver reliable everyday performance.
• Key specs include a mid-range Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 50MP main camera, and an HD+ display.

[/highlights]

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W is the company's latest budget smartphone, succeeding last year's Vivo T4 Lite. While it doesn't bring a major overhaul, it does introduce two notable upgrades: faster 44W charging, up from 15W on its predecessor, and a larger 6,500mAh battery. Beyond these changes, the rest of the hardware remains largely unchanged, including the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a 6.75-inch display, and a 50MP primary rear camera. On paper, it seems to be a decent buy for everyday usage, but not the most power-packed offering in the segment.

Vivo T5 Lite 44W price in India, availability

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W is priced in India starting at Rs 19,999 for the base 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. It is also available in 6GB + 128GB and 6GB + 256GB configurations, priced at Rs 21,999 and Rs 24,999, respectively. This makes it compete against rivals such as Realme P4R and Infinix Note Edge.

The handset comes in Twilight Shadow and Wave Blue colour options and goes on sale starting July 22nd via Flipkart with a Rs 1,500 bank discount - effectively bringing the T5 Lite's price down to Rs 18,499.

Vivo T5 Lite 44W specifications

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W ships with a design identical to the more expensive V70 series. The handset features flat edges and a squarish camera deco at the back. The phone sports dual rear cameras, comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a VGA auxiliary lens. This is a pretty standard setup for the price and should be good for casual point-and-shoot photography. For selfies and video calling, the handset features a modest 5MP camera in the punch-hole setup.

The Vivo T5 Lite packs a 6.75-inch LCD display that bears HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,200 nits peak brightness. The display should deliver a decent viewing experience, at least indoors. Managing the performance is a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, paired with up to 6GB RAM + 256GB storage onboard. It is a budget-centric chipset, which should handle casual usage with ease. Software is managed by OriginOS 6, layered atop Android 16 out of the box. The handset supports 2 years of major OS and 4 years of security updates, keeping it relevant till 2030.

Coming to its biggest highlight, the Vivo T5 Lite 44W packs a 6,500mAh battery. While it isn't the largest in the segment, Vivo claims it can deliver over 23 hours of YouTube playback on a single charge. The battery also supports 44W fast charging, which is in line with most of its competitors and said to juice up the smartphone within 40 minutes. According to the company, the battery is designed to retain at least 80 percent of its original capacity even after 1,600 charge cycles, translating to up to five years of battery health.

Other features include an IP65 rating, MIL-STD-810H certifications, Wet-Hand touch support, and AI features.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max is the brand's latest new launch and joins the same premium segment as the OnePlus 15R (review) and they follow similar priorities. The Edge 70 Max focuses on delivering a flagship-level performance output, much like the OnePlus 15R, with high refresh rates, an extremely capable chipset, and a large battery that lasts longer under heavy use.

So it's only fair we pit the two against one another to see which is the better option in this price segment. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone fits your needs better.

Motorola Edge 70 Max vs OnePlus 15R: specs at a glance

Price in India

The OnePlus 15R now starts at Rs 59,999 for the base variant after multiple price revisions over recent months. The Motorola Edge 70 Max starts at Rs 54,999 for its base variant, making it slightly cheaper than the OnePlus.

The Edge 70 Max at Rs 54,999 is clearly positioned to undercut the OnePlus 15R while offering a similar premium, performance‑oriented product at this price. At these prices, buyers have the option to choose between a slightly more affordable Motorola with the same flagship chipset but less RAM in the base variant. Or, you can get a more expensive OnePlus that offers the same flagship performance with higher RAM and larger storage options in the base variant.

Design and display

The Motorola Edge 70 Max and OnePlus 15R sit very close to each other in size and weight. The Edge 70 Max measures 8.29mm and weighs 221g, while the OnePlus 15R comes in at around 8.3mm and 213–219g depending on the colourway.

Both use Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and rear, metal frames, and offer good water and dust protection. Motorola goes with IP68/IP69/IP66 and MIL‑STD 810H durability, while OnePlus adds IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K to the mix.

On the design front, neither phone tries to reinvent the wheel. Motorola sticks to its boxy frame, large camera island and muted Pantone colours that match the rest of the Edge 70 line, so the Edge 70 Max looks and feels like a natural Moto flagship. OnePlus keeps its clean back, rounded camera module and soft pastel finishes, which makes the 15R feel like an evolution of recent number‑series phones, with just enough tweaks around the camera housing and colour palette to signal that it's the newer, more powerful model.

Motorola pairs that design with a 6.8‑inch Extreme AMOLED panel, Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3168, up to 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 100 percent DCI‑P3, 7,000‑nit peak brightness and Pantone‑validated colours and skintones. OnePlus, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger 6.83‑inch AMOLED display at 2800 x 1272, adaptive refresh up to 165Hz, Gorilla Glass 7i, 10‑bit colour and 1.5K‑class sharpness tuned for high‑frame‑rate gaming.

In day‑to‑day use, the Edge 70 Max's higher resolution and much brighter panel should feel more cinematic and easier to see outdoors, while the 15R's bigger screen and 165Hz support will speak more to gamers and heavy scrollers who can actually take advantage of those higher refresh rates in supported titles.

Cameras

The Motorola Edge 70 Max has a more versatile camera setup on paper, with a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP front camera. It should give you a bit more flexibility across main shots, wide shots, and selfies, but this comparison is still based only on specs.

The OnePlus 15R (review) keeps things simpler with a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front camera. It may not look as flexible on paper, but the Sony IMX906 sensor and OnePlus' camera processing could still help it deliver better results in real life.

It is important to note, however, that both phones are not really camera-first devices, so a full review will give you a much better idea of how they actually perform. For now, this is just a conjecture based on the specifications alone.

Performance and software

The OnePlus 15R seems slightly ahead in terms of performance based on specifications alone. It uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with a 3.8GHz Oryon CPU core and Adreno 8-series GPU, paired with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, even in the base variant and UFS 4.1 storage in 256GB and 512GB options. It is a proper flagship with such a combination of CPU, GPU and storage speeds, especially if you care about gaming or heavy multitasking.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41310,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Edge 70 Max uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 too, but it pairs the chip with 8GB RAM in the base variant or up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage. That should still handle everyday use, social media, light gaming and content consumption very easily, though the extra RAM and storage options on the OnePlus make it the more flexible option on paper. In our Antutu Benchmark test, the Edge 70 Max is slightly ahead of the OnePlus 15R, although the difference is insubstantial.

Both phones run Android 16, but they take different approaches to software. The Edge 70 Max stays closer to Motorola's near-stock-Android-style OS, with ThinkShield security and Google Gemini integration. The OnePlus 15R runs OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16 and offers a better suite of AI features like Mind Space and AI Playlab, along with gaming-focused optimisations, the Plus Key and special tuning for touch response and connectivity.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42264,41310,,," pias="59,53,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

OnePlus also has the advantage in long-term appeal, with its 4 OS updates and 6 years of security patches making the 15R feel more future-ready. Motorola keeps things cleaner and simpler, which will suit users who prefer a lighter software experience, and it offers 3 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

Battery and charging

Battery strategy is different too. OnePlus goes big with a 7,400mAh battery and 80W SUPERVOOC charging, which should deliver excellent endurance and quick top-ups. Motorola uses a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery, 90W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, so it gives you faster wired charging and the added convenience of wireless support.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41310,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

In real use, the OnePlus 15R's larger battery should help it last longer during heavy workloads, while the Edge 70 Max balances its slightly smaller capacity with wireless charging and a more complete charging package. Buyers who want the longest possible endurance will likely find the OnePlus 15R more attractive, while those who want wireless charging and faster top-ups may prefer Motorola.

Which one should you buy?

If you want top performance, long battery life and a gaming‑ready display, the OnePlus 15R is the better pick here. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 12GB RAM, UFS 4.1, 165Hz panel, 7,400mAh battery and longer software support make it the more future‑ready option for power users and gamers.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max is better if you want a more versatile premium phone with a few extras. It is still a bulky phone, but it balances that with wireless charging, a higher‑resolution display, and a more flexible camera setup on paper, which gives it a broader appeal.

On specs alone, the OnePlus 15R suits users who care more about performance, battery life and a high refresh rate at this price, while the Edge 70 Max suits those who may want a more rounded options with extras like wireless charging, higher display quality, especially if its lower starting price appeals to them.

[highlights]

• Realme C100x is expected to launch in India today at an effective starting price of Rs 14,999 for the 4GB + 64GB variant.
• The smartphone is confirmed to feature a Unisoc T7250 chipset, 50MP rear camera, and an 8,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
• The phone is already official in Indonesia.

[/highlights]

The Realme C100x is set to launch in India today and a new leak has revealed what could be its effective launch price. While the company has already confirmed several key specifications, the latest leak sheds light on its pricing ahead of the official announcement. The Realme C100x will be sold via Flipkart and is a battery-focused offering with an 8,000mAh cell.

Realme C100x India price (expected)

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Realme C100x will be priced at Rs 14,999 (net effective price) for the 4GB + 64GB variant. This is significantly lower from an earlier leaked retail box image that suggested an MRP of Rs 29,999, indicating the phone is expected to launch with substantial introductory offers. Box prices are generally higher, but the actual selling price will be above Rs 15,000, as per the leak. Realme will officially unveil the phone today at noon, when its final pricing and launch offers will be confirmed.

Realme C100x specifications

Realme has already teased most of the phone's hardware, while additional details are known since the phone has already made its global debut in Indonesia. Key specifications include:

• 6.8-inch HD+ LCD display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Unisoc T7250 chipset
• 4GB LPDDR4X RAM (base variant), 64GB storage
• 50MP AI rear camera, 5MP front camera
• 8,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging
• IP64 dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock

The phone will be available in Deepblue Tides and Golden Coast colour options. Realme claims the battery can deliver over 17 hours of navigation on a single charge.

Value analysis

The Realme C100x appears to prioritise battery life and durability over outright performance. An 8,000mAh battery and 45W charging are uncommon under Rs 15,000 (tipped effective price after launch offers), making it appealing for users who want long endurance without carrying a power bank.

However, the reported Rs 14,999 starting price also highlights how much the entry-level smartphone segment has changed. Just a few years ago, 4G smartphones with 4GB RAM routinely launched below Rs 10,000. Today, buyers are seemingly expected to pay around Rs 15,000 for similar memory and connectivity, even if they receive a much larger battery, faster charging, higher refresh rate display and better build quality in return.

For buyers focused on performance or future-proofing, the bigger concern may be the combination of a 4G-only Unisoc chipset and 4GB RAM at this price. Several competitors around the Rs 15,000 mark already offer 5G connectivity, more capable processors and higher RAM configurations, making the Realme C100x a more niche option aimed at users who value battery life above everything else.

• OnePlus has confirmed it is exiting the US and Europe markets
• Realme to exit China, focus on Nordic markets
• OnePlus India responded by saying its India operations will continue as usual  

[/highlights]

Update (July 16, 3 pm IST): OnePlus has confirmed to several US publications that it will no longer launch new phones in North America and Europe. Meanwhile, parent company OPPO will continue to operate in Europe and plans to expand its offerings, Android Authority reports. The company added that it will keep its commitments to software updates, after-sales service, and warranty obligations to existing customers.

Update (July 16, 12 pm IST): In a statement, OnePlus India told 91mobiles, "OnePlus India continues to operate its business as usual, with all local operations on track. We urge the media to exercise restraint before amplifying unverified speculation." This suggests OnePlus is very much active in the country this year, but the statement doesn't quite provide a clear picture for 2027.

The original story follows...

OnePlus, once known as the "flagship killer" brand, is reportedly planning to exit several markets, including India. According to a new report by Bloomberg, OnePlus is shutting down operations in the US and Europe as early as this week. More importantly for our readers, the company is also planning its exit from India "at some point in 2027". OnePlus will continue to remain active in China.

Realme, on the other hand, will exit the China market and will shift its focus to the Nordic market, the Bloomberg report added. The brand's presence in India remains unchanged at the moment.

As per the report, "The change is happening as part of a larger restructuring to parent company OPPO, or Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corporation Ltd., said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing a private plan." OnePlus' slow growth in recent years in the US, Europe and India, as well as geopolitical concerns, are reportedly factors behind OPPO's decision. 

The writing on the wall

The latest development doesn't exactly come as a surprise, as rumours of OnePlus shutting down in the US and Europe markets emerged way back in March. Around the same time, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu stepped down from his role to "pursue his personal passions", which added to speculation that all was not well with OnePlus' India operations. However, the brand had released a statement back then, ensuring that its India operations would "continue with local strategy and business continuity ensured."

More recently, there were reports that future OnePlus and Realme phones would ship with OPPO's ColorOS, phasing out OxygenOS and Realme UI, respectively. While this is yet to be officially announced by the brands, this is yet another signal of major restructuring happening within OPPO.

Why OnePlus users shouldn't worry right now

I personally owned a few OnePlus phones during its early years, my personal favourite being the OnePlus 5T Star Wars edition. These phones were incredibly fast and smooth, a reputation OnePlus built over the years. My OnePlus 5T still runs smoothly even now, when I take it out every so often. While it would be an incredibly sad day if OnePlus announced it was exiting India, this seemingly won't happen until sometime in 2027.

Existing OnePlus phones are not expected to be affected even if OnePlus exits next year. If rumours of OnePlus axing OxygenOS and moving to ColorOS are true, existing OnePlus phones and those expected to launch later this year will continue to receive software and security updates for years to come via OPPO.

[highlights]

• WhatsApp is reportedly developing its own cloud backup service for iPhone, giving users an alternative to backing up chats via iCloud.
• The new backup option is expected to offer 2GB of free storage and end-to-end encryption enabled by default.
• The feature is still under development and hasn't yet been released for beta testing or announced for a stable rollout.

[/highlights]

If you're one of those who's constantly struggling with WhatsApp chat backups due to lack of iCloud storage space, there's good news for you. WhatsApp is reportedly developing its own cloud backup service for iPhone users, giving them an alternative to Apple's iCloud for the first time. The feature, spotted in the latest iOS beta by WABetaInfo, is still under development, but it could help users free up precious iCloud storage while offering end-to-end encrypted backups by default. The feature follows a similar effort already underway for Android, where WhatsApp is working on an alternative to Google Drive for chat backups.

How the new backup option could work

According to the leak, WhatsApp will allow iPhone users to choose between backing up chats to iCloud or WhatsApp's own cloud servers directly from the Chat Backup settings. iCloud is expected to remain the default option, but users will be able to switch providers at any time.

Unlike iCloud backups, which require users to manually enable end-to-end encryption, backups stored on WhatsApp's servers will reportedly be encrypted by default. Users will be able to secure them using a passkey, password or a 64-digit encryption key, with WhatsApp saying only the user will be able to access the backup.

This could also ease cross-platform chat restores in the future, allowing backups created on one operating system to be restored on another. However, that capability is still being explored and hasn't been confirmed.

Expected WhatsApp cloud storage plans

WhatsApp is reportedly planning to offer 2GB of free cloud storage for chat backups. Users with larger backups, particularly those who share a lot of photos and videos, may eventually have the option to subscribe to paid plans. Early reports point to a 50GB tier priced around USD 0.99 (around Rs 95) per month, alongside a 1TB plan for heavier users, although these details could change before launch.

The feature addresses a common pain point for iPhone users. Apple includes 5GB of free iCloud storage, which is shared across photos, files, device backups and apps. Large WhatsApp backups can quickly consume that quota, often forcing users to either delete files or upgrade to a paid iCloud plan.

Availability

The new backup provider is currently under development and isn't yet available, even for beta testers. WhatsApp has also not announced an official release timeline.

For users invested in WhatsApp running out of iCloud space, the feature could offer greater flexibility without compromising privacy. However, since it is still in development, it remains unclear whether Meta will launch it with the reported storage limits and pricing. If rolled out as described, it would also bring iPhone users closer to feature parity with Android, where WhatsApp is developing the same independent backup solution.

The recently launched Motorola Edge 70 Max and Motorola Signature (review) are flagship offerings from the same brand and are priced almost identically. However, both have been built for entirely different purposes. The Motorola Edge 70 Max is designed for gamers, while the Motorola Signature prioritises a lifestyle-focused experience. Here's a quick specs-based comparison of the two to find out which one is the better choice for you.

Specs at a glance

Motorola Edge 70 Max vs Signature price in India

The Motorola Edge 70 Max has been competitively priced in India at Rs 54,999 for its base 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option. Its top-end 12GB RAM variant costs Rs 58,999. The handset will be available for sale via Flipkart from July 20th with an early bird discount of Rs 5,000 - effectively bringing its price down to Rs 49,999.

The Motorola Signature, on the other hand, was launched in India back in January at Rs 59,999 for its base 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The handset also comes in 16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB configurations, which cost Rs 64,999 and Rs 69,999. However, the handset is currently selling with a Rs 2,500 instant discount across variants on e-commerce platform Flipkart, bringing its price down to Rs 57,499.

Design

As observed in the Motorola Edge 70 Max first impressions, the smartphone features flat edges instead of the curved ones seen on previous Edge-series models. This change has been made deliberately to minimise accidental touches while holding the phone horizontally during gaming. However, if you're coming from an older Motorola smartphone, the Edge 70 Max may feel slightly bulky in the hand. This is largely due to its weight of over 221 grams and its 8.29mm thickness.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/07/Motorola-Edge-70-Max-FI04-1.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/Motorola-Signature-review07.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Motorola Edge 70 Max" after="Motorola Signature"]

Besides that, the Edge 70 Max flaunts a glass back instead of fabric/ psuedo leather/ wooden finish. The handset is IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance certified, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability safeguarding it from minor drops and falls. The durability level is on par with the more expensive Motorola Signature. However, the latter is sleeker and easier to manage - despite being relatively wider.

The Motorola Signature weighs just 186 grams and measures 7mm in thickness, making it easier to hold and more pocket-friendly. The handset also features gently curved edges, which did not result in any accidental touches during my time with the device. However, I'm not a hardcore gamer, so I'm probably not the best person to judge its performance in that regard.

[comparative-benchmark type="1000" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Signature comes in Pantone Carbon and Pantone Martini Olive colour options - both with fabric finish. The Edge 70 Max, meanwhile, comes with a glass finish across its Pantone-certified colour options: Aqua Grey, Dark Shadow, and Ice Melt.

Display

The Motorola Signature and Edge 70 Max both ship with a near bezel-less centre punch-hole 6.8-inch 10-bit OLED LTPO display. However, on paper, the Edge 70 Max's screen much more promising with Quad HD+ (2k) resolution and 7,000 nits brightness, alongside the usuals - HDR10+ support, water touch, and 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut.

[comparative-benchmark type="2000" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

However, despite being a gaming-focused smartphone, its peak dynamic refresh rate of 144Hz is lower than that of the Motorola Signature. The Signature's 6.8-inch display supports a dynamic refresh rate of up to 165Hz, which should translate to slightly smoother visuals. That said, the difference is unlikely to be easily noticeable in everyday use. While the Signature also supports Dolby Vision, its display is limited to an FHD+ resolution and a peak brightness of 6,500 nits.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/07/Motorola-Edge-70-Max-FI01-2.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/Motorola-Signature-review04.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Motorola Edge 70 Max" after="Motorola Signature"]

Both smartphones ship with dual stereo speakers, backed by Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. Theoretically, the handsets should deliver identical listening experience, but the Signature has its speakers fine-tuned by Bose.

Performance and software

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Edge 70 Max and Motorola Signature are both powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The Signature's higher memory capacity allows it to keep more apps and data in memory than the Edge-series offering. Both smartphones also feature Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system. Even though the Signature is not marketed as gaming, it features a larger 6,500mm2 vapour chamber compared to the 5,500mm2 unit on the Edge 70 Max.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42264,41718,,," pias="59,38,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Signature can also deliver gaming at up to 120fps, just like the performance-oriented Edge 70 Max. The software experience should be identical on both smartphones, as they run Android 16-based Hello UI. However, if you're planning a long-term investment, the Signature has a clear advantage. It is promised to receive seven years of major Android OS and security updates, whereas the Edge 70 Max is limited to three major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

Battery

The Motorola Edge 70 Max fares better in battery. The handset packs a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery, with 90W Turbo wired charging. This is bigger than the Motorola Signature's 5,200mAh battery, which is also backed by 90W fast wired charging. Both phones feature wireless charging capabilities, but the Edge 70 Max supports 25W Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging. Beyond charging, users can attach accessories, such as wallets, to the smartphone like the iPhone.

Cameras

The Motorola Signature pulls things back with its cameras. The smartphone houses a triple-rear camera setup, comprising a a 50MP Sony Lytia 828 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera with a 112-degree field of view, and a 50MP Sony Lytia 600 periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also a 50MP sensor for selfies and video calling.

On the contrary, the Edge 70 Max packs dual cameras with a mid-range 50MP Sony LYT 710 primary sensor and an underwhelming 8MP ultrawide lens. Even the front camera is downgraded to 32MP, making this smartphone less appealing to serious camera enthusiasts.

Verdict

The Motorola Edge 70 Max offers a bigger battery life, sharper display, fast magnetic wireless charging and support for magnetic accessories. All these on top of its powerful chipset and an advanced cooling system. These advantages make the Edge 70 Max the more compelling choice for gamers and power users who value endurance over photography.

The Motorola Signature, meanwhile, is aimed at users seeking a more premium all-round experience. The handset stands out with a significantly lighter and slimmer design, a far more capable camera system, Bose-tuned speakers, higher RAM and storage options, and an impressive seven years of Android OS and security updates. If cameras, long-term software support, and a refined in-hand feel matter more than battery capacity, the Signature justifies its higher asking price.

[highlights]

• OnePlus N6x will be the next phone in the N6 series
• The phone will come with familiar specs, according to a tipster
• OnePlus has started teasing the launch of the N6x on Amazon

[/highlights]

OnePlus N6 is the brand's most affordable phone in 2026. It sits below the Nord series, specifically the Nord CE 6 Lite, after the latter received a price hike in June. The OnePlus N6 is priced at Rs 22,999 while the Nord CE 6 Lite costs Rs 25,999. It seems that's not the only budget phone in the works. OnePlus N6 will soon be joined by the OnePlus N6x, a teaser on Amazon India confirms.

What do we know about the OnePlus N6x?

Not much, honestly. Tipster Yogesh Brar tweeted on Wednesday that there will be one more product in the N6 series, called the OnePlus N6x. Yes, the naming is getting a bit confusing. The phone will be "coming soon", but there is no word yet on when exactly the device will be unveiled. OnePlus has also started teasing the launch of its smartphone on Amazon India.

The tipster added that the OnePlus N6x will come with "familiar specs", suggesting it could share similarities with an existing phone. To recall, the OnePlus N6 shares a few common features with the Realme P4R, including an 8,000mAh battery, an HD+ LCD display, and 45W charging. The two phones use slightly different chipsets, though: the OnePlus N6 gets a MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Apex, while the Realme P4R uses the Dimensity 6300.

In all likelihood, the OnePlus N6x will be cheaper than the N6, suggesting a sub-Rs 20,000 price point. The phone's specifications are unclear at the moment, but we can expect the Amazon microsite to start revealing key details in the coming days.

If you were hoping to see a OnePlus phone under Rs 20,000, the upcoming OnePlus N6x might just be worth waiting for. The OnePlus N6, while cheaper than the Nord phones, is currently priced over Rs 20,000, which puts it out of reach of many budget buyers.

[highlights]

• The POCO M8 Power has surfaced in HyperOS firmware and is tipped to launch in India as a rebranded Redmi Note 17 5G.
• The Indian model could retain the same 8,000mAh battery along with a 7-inch 120Hz OLED display.
• The Redmi Note 17 launched in China this week, and the India launch status is still unknown.

[/highlights]

The POCO M8 Power appears to be on its way to India, and a new leak suggests it could simply be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 17 that launched in China. References to the device have reportedly been spotted in the latest HyperOS firmware, with the model number indicating an Indian variant of the Redmi device.

The discovery, by tipster Kacper Skrzypek, follows Redmi's launch of the Note 17 in China yesterday. While the Chinese model carries the number 26021RN18C, the leaked POCO device is listed as 26021PC18I. The "RN" prefix denotes Redmi, "PC" stands for POCO, and the final "I" indicates the Indian market. This strongly suggests Xiaomi plans to bring the phone to India under the POCO brand instead of the Redmi name. This isn't entirely surprising as Xiaomi has this strategy of rebranding Redmi devices as POCO for different regions.

Expected key specifications

If the POCO M8 Power inherits all of the Redmi Note 17's hardware, it'll come with a massive 7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits peak brightness and 2396 x 1080 resolution. It could be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset. Besides the display size, another highlight is expected to be its 8,000mAh battery, which recent leaks claim will remain unchanged for the Indian model. Earlier speculation suggested Xiaomi could reduce the battery capacity outside China, but recent firmware findings indicate Indian buyers may receive the same large battery found in the Chinese variant.

Other expected specifications include up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 50MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 45W wired fast charging, 22.5W reverse wired charging, IP65 dust and water resistance, NFC, and AI-powered anti-fraud features.

On paper, the combination of a large OLED display and an 8,000mAh battery could give the POCO M8 Power a clear advantage over rivals in the budget 5G segment, where battery sizes may steadily be increasing but display is capped around 6.8 inches.

Market status

Neither Xiaomi nor POCO has officially confirmed the smartphone, so details around pricing and launch timelines remain under wraps. It's also unclear whether the Redmi Note 17 will launch in India separately with changed specs or whether Xiaomi will position the POCO M8 Power as its equivalent for the market.

 If Xiaomi brings the Chinese hardware package to India unchanged, the POCO M8 Power could stand out among affordable smartphones by pairing an unusually large battery with an OLED display and a modern Snapdragon chipset. However, prospective buyers may still want to wait for official pricing before making a decision, as value has traditionally been one of POCO's biggest selling points.

[highlights]

• The Realme Narzo 100x targets buyers seeking high battery endurance.
• It competes with the likes of the OnePlus N6 and iQOO Z11x.
• The handset goes on sale starting July 22nd on Amazon.

[/highlights]

After catering to the sub-Rs 25,000 segment with a bunch of smartphones, Realme has readied another smartphone in the form of the Narzo 100x. Launched at a starting price of Rs 20,999, the device targets users who prioritise exceptional battery life while offering a reliable daily experience, backed by the Dimensity 6300 processor, a 144Hz refresh rate display, and a host of AI features.

Realme Narzo 100x price, availability, first sale

The Realme Narzo 100x's base storage variant features 4GB + 128GB RAM, and is priced at Rs 20,999, while the 6GB + 128GB and 6GB + 256GB variants retail for Rs 22,999 and Rs 24,999, respectively.

Early bird offers include an instant Rs 2,000 discount using bank offers and an additional Rs 500 off using a coupon. The phone goes on sale on Amazon starting July 22nd at 12 PM.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="708313,708312"]

Realme Narzo 100x specifications and features overview

The standout feature of the Realme Narzo 100x is undoubtedly its massive 8,000mAh battery, which should offer a couple of days of battery backup on a single charge, depending on the usage. The battery is paired with 45W fast charging and reverse charging. This puts it ahead of or on par with its rivals, such as iQOO Z11x and OnePlus N6.

Upfront, the Narzo 100x flaunts a 6.8-inch HD+ (720×1,570 pixels) LCD panel with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. While full HD+ displays were common additions on phones in this price segment until last year, the memory crisis has forced brands across the board to go with inferior components, such as HD+ panels.

The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It comes with up to 6GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The device ships with Android 16-based Realme UI 7.0 out of the box, with Realme promising two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches. For sustained performance in games, Realme has bundled a 5,300mm² AirFlo VC cooling system, which should aid the processor in keeping temperatures cool.

On the camera front, Realme equips the Narzo 100x with a 50MP main sensor and a secondary lens, while the front gets an 8MP shooter. Realme has also loaded useful AI camera tools like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Ultra Clarity, AI Unblur, and AI Portrait Glow to elevate photo quality and simplify editing.

Other key aspects of the Narzo 100x include a military-grade durability certification, IP65 dust and water resistance, and a distinctive AI Pulse Light LED on the back. It ships with Realme UI 7.0, promising 2 OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates.

Should you buy the Realme Narzo 100x?

With a starting price of Rs 20,999, the Realme Narzo 100x undercuts the OnePlus N6, which sells for Rs 22,999, resulting in better value. The N6 also happens to carry an 8,000mAh battery, while having an equivalent-performing processor in the form of MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Apex.

The Narzo 100x is clearly built for users who value battery endurance above all else. With its oversized cell, smooth display, and practical feature set, it makes a strong case for anyone needing dependable all-day (or multi-day) power, whether for long commutes, outdoor work, or heavy travel.

[highlights]

• Motorola Edge 70 Max is priced in India starting at Rs 54,999.
• It's the first gaming-focused smartphone from the brand.
• The handset boasts an advanced ArcticMesh cooling system, 120 fps gaming support, a 7,100mAh battery, and more

[/highlights]

The Motorola Edge 70 Max has officially launched in India, marking the brand's entry into a new segment. As the flagship model in the Edge 70 series, it offers much more than just a premium lifestyle experience. The Edge 70 Max places a strong emphasis on performance, powered by the sub-flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and an ArcticMesh cooling system. It also features a flat-edge design that helps prevent the accidental touches commonly associated with curved displays during gaming. Other key specifications include support for 120fps gaming, a 144Hz QHD+ display, a 7,100mAh battery, 90W wired charging, and 25W Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging. On paper, the Motorola Edge 70 Max appears to be one of the most feature-packed smartphones in its segment.

Motorola Edge 70 Max price in India, availability

The Motorola Edge 70 Max costs Rs 54,999 for the 8GB RAM option, while the 12GB RAM variant is priced at Rs 59,999. This puts it in the same league as the iQOO 15R (review) and OnePlus 15R (review), which are also performance-focused smartphones. The Motorola Edge 70 Max clearly has an edge over these offerings with a feature-packed specs sheet, making it a compelling buy.

The Motorola smartphone comes in three Pantone-certified colour options: Aqua Grey, Dark Shadow, and Ice Melt. The Edge 70 Max will be available for purchase via Flipkart from July 20th, and as part of launch offers, it can be purchased for as low as Rs 49,999.

Motorola Edge 70 Max specifications

The Motorola Edge 70 Max ships with an aluminium frame sandwiched between Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The handset is IP68 water- and dust-resistant certified, as well as boasts MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, protecting it from minor drops and falls. The fascia packs a centred punch-hole 6.8-inch ‘Extreme' 10-bit AMOLED flat display with the segment's first Quad HD+ resolution and 7,000 nits peak brightness.

The display also bears a flagship 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut, water touch, Always-on, and razor-thin bezels. Apart from ensuring an impressive viewing experience, the Edge 70 Max also takes care of audio with dual stereo speakers backed by Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.

At the heart of the Motorola Edge 70 Max is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. It is the same chipset found in Motorola's Signature series, as well as rival smartphones such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R. It is a capable processor that handles everything from everyday tasks and demanding games to on-device AI processing with ease.

To keep temperatures under control, the Edge 70 Max is equipped with Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system, which incorporates a large 5,500mm vapour chamber. It certainly has a point to prove, considering Motorola smartphones have not traditionally been known for their thermal efficiency. The Edge 70 Max is designed to deliver 120 fps gaming support for popular titles such as BGMI and COD: Mobile.

The smartphone houses a massive 7,100mAh battery, which is pretty standard for the price segment, paired with 90W wired charging. However, what isn't standard is the Qi 2.2 magnetic wireless charging on the Edge 70 Max. This makes it only the second Android smartphone after the Pixel to offer the feature in India. The phone supports 25W magnetic wireless charging and iPhone-like MagSafe accessories.

The optics of the Motorola Edge 70 Max feel a bit modest with just a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP OIS Sony Lytia 710 primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. There is no telephoto lens for portraits and close-up shots. For selfies and video calling, the handset features a 32MP sensor. 

Binding everything together is Motorola's Hello UI, layered atop Android 16. The handset also gets plenty of moto AI features, which we have seen on other Motorola devices launched recently. That said, the Edge 70 Max's 3 years of major OS and 5 years of security updates software support feels limited against the competitors, which are now offering 4+6.

[highlights]

• Official-looking renders of the Google Pixel Watch 5 have leaked ahead of its expected August 12th launch.
• The smartwatch is shown in four case colours: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite and Warm Gold.
• Leaks suggest Google will hike prices for their Watch for the first time since its introduction.

[/highlights]

Google's upcoming Pixel Watch 5 has appeared in official-looking renders weeks before its expected debut, giving the clearest look yet at the smartwatch's design and colour options. While the Pixel 11 series has dominated recent leaks, the latest images suggest Google is taking a more iterative approach with its next smartwatch, retaining the familiar circular design while introducing new finishes and modest hardware upgrades.

Shared by tipster OnLeaks in collaboration with The Tide Chart, the renders show the Pixel Watch 5 in four case colours and two size options. The smartwatch is expected to launch alongside the Pixel 11 series at Google's Made by Google event on August 12th.

Fresh colourways and aesthetics

The leaked renders indicate that the Pixel Watch 5 will look almost identical to the Pixel Watch 4. It retains the domed glass display, side-mounted charging contacts and Google's proprietary band attachment mechanism.

Google is expected to offer four case finishes: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite and Warm Gold, which have been leaked earlier but not in renders. However, the Warm Gold option is reportedly exclusive to the 41 mm model, while the larger 45 mm version will be available in the remaining three colours.

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The renders also showcase a new watch face featuring an analogue clock, refreshed backgrounds and a dedicated Gemini shortcut, hinting at deeper AI integration across Google's wearable ecosystem.

Specifications and rumoured upgrades

Based on recent leaks, the Pixel Watch 5 will be offered in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes, with both Wi-Fi and LTE variants. The smartwatch is expected to ship with Wear OS 7, slightly larger batteries and Qualcomm's rumoured Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, although Google has yet to confirm the processor.

Certification listings also point to support for LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity. UWB could enable more accurate device tracking and tighter integration with compatible Pixel devices, while the new chipset is expected to improve performance, AI features and battery efficiency.

Interestingly, a recent prototype reportedly recovered from the ocean bed (seriously) in the Caribbean showed a design nearly identical to previous Pixel Watch models, reinforcing rumours that Google is focusing more on internal refinements than a visual overhaul this year.

Pricing and expected availability

According to recent reports, the 41 mm Wi-Fi variant could start at EUR 419 (around Rs 45,600), while the LTE version may cost EUR 519 (around Rs 56,500). The larger 45 mm model is tipped to start at EUR 449 (around Rs 48,900) for Wi-Fi and EUR 549 (around Rs 57,600) for LTE. If true, the lineup would see a EUR 20 price increase over the Pixel Watch 4 in Europe. Google has not yet confirmed pricing or whether the Pixel Watch 5 will launch in India, but we're likely to see it considering past models have been sold in the country.

For Pixel users, the Watch 5 could be a worthwhile upgrade if the rumoured chipset and battery improvements deliver day-to-day gains. However, buyers looking for a new design or major health sensor upgrades may want to wait until Google reveals the full hardware details next month.

[highlights]

• Xiaomi has increased the prices of its tablets in India by up to Rs 2,000, affecting the Pad 8, Redmi Pad 2 Pro and Redmi Pad 2 line-up.
• The Redmi Pad 2 now starts at Rs 19,999, while the Xiaomi Pad 8 climbs to Rs 37,999 for the base model.
• The hike could make festive season deals less attractive, as discounts might not fully offset the increased price.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi has raised the prices of its tablets in India, with the Xiaomi Pad 8, Redmi Pad 2 Pro and Redmi Pad 2 all seeing a hike of up to Rs 2,000. The revision comes as buyers gear up for the festive season, when tablet deals usually matter most to value-conscious shoppers. Let's look at it in more detail below. 

Xiaomi tablets: new prices

The details were first shared by X user Sanju Choudhary, who posted the revised pricing list online. According to the update, the Redmi Pad 2 now starts at Rs 19,999 for the 4GB/128GB LTE model, while the Redmi Pad 2 Pro begins at Rs 27,999.

Price hike alert 🚨
Xiaomi increases the price of their tablets by upto ₹2k:

Xiaomi Pad 8:
8/128GB: ₹35,999 → ₹37,999
12/256GB: ₹38,999 → ₹40,999

Redmi Pad 2 Pro:
8/128GB: ₹26,999 → ₹27,999
8/128GB (5G): ₹29,999 → ₹30,999
8/256GB (5G): ₹31,999 → ₹32,999

Redmi…

— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) July 14, 2026

The Xiaomi Pad 8 has seen the steepest rise in absolute terms, with the base 8GB/128GB variant now priced at Rs 37,999.

On the whole, the hike makes Xiaomi's tablet range a bit less aggressively priced than before. The Redmi Pad 2 still stays within budget territory, but the higher prices make it slightly weaker value-wise. The Redmi Pad 2 Pro moves further up into the mid-range, while the Pad 8 now sits closer to premium tablet segment, which means Xiaomi may have to rely more on offers and bundles to keep interest up.

[caption id="attachment_708266" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]Credits: @saaaanjjjuuu on X[/caption]

The move isn't unexpected and is in line with the broader trend of the consumer tech market, wherthe premiums keep creeping up due to the ongoing memory shortage. This could make big sale events like Flipkart's Big Billion Days and Amazon's Great Indian Festival feel less exciting than usual. There is a high chance the discounts offered this year will not fully absorb the hike.

If you're considering investing in a new smartphone, tablet or personal computer, the best time to upgrade is today, since across the board brands have been increasing prices, and there's no way to gauge when this will stop anytime soon.

[highlights]

• Samsung has confirmed a new display tech for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series which reduces inner display crease visibility while improving durability.
• The new structure uses a titanium-alloy film and titanium support plate beneath the OLED panel for greater stiffness and structural support.
• Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on July 22nd.

[/highlights]

Rumours around Samsung's next foldables have been dominated by one claim in recent weeks: a virtually "crease-less" inner display. A leaked hands-on video of the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra appeared to back that up, showing a crease that was barely noticeable even after repeated folding and unfolding. Now, just days before Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung has revealed the technology behind those improvements. The company says its upcoming foldables will introduce a new "Flex Titanium" display architecture designed to reduce crease visibility while making the foldable display more durable.

Samsung says the new display structure will debut with its next-generation Galaxy foldables (without naming them) on July 22nd, which are most likely the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

How Flex Titanium works

Samsung posted a Newsroom release which details how Flex Titanium works. The redesigned display uses two new titanium-based components beneath the OLED panel: a titanium-alloy film and a titanium support plate. According to Samsung, the titanium-alloy film is around 20 times stiffer than conventional polymer films while being thinner than 30 percent of the thickness of a human hair. The added stiffness helps the display better resist deformation without making the panel noticeably thicker.

Supporting this is a titanium plate underneath the display module. Samsung says it removes air gaps between the display and its support structure, resulting in more even support when the phone is unfolded while retaining enough flexibility for repeated folding. Together, these structural changes are aimed at making the crease less visible without sacrificing the slim profile that Samsung introduced with last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Performance benefits

Samsung says the biggest user improvements are a cleaner viewing experience, enhanced durability and improved power efficiency. The company has also paired the new display structure with next-generation organic display materials and a higher-resolution panel architecture, which it claims reduces power consumption.

Interestingly, Samsung stopped short of announcing a higher fold-cycle rating. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was rated for up to 500,000 folds, and it remains to be seen whether the new titanium-based construction extends that lifespan.

The announcement also aligns with recent leaks showing a dramatically reduced crease on the alleged Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. If Samsung's claims translate into everyday use, it could help narrow one of the biggest visual differences between foldables and conventional smartphones. Rival brands such as Honor, OPPO and Vivo have steadily reduced crease visibility over the past few years, making this a hotly contested area for premium foldables.

Launch date

Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd. Alongside the new display technology, leaks have pointed to upgrades such as a larger battery, faster 45W wired charging, 20W wireless charging and a higher price tag. Those details remain unofficial until Samsung takes the wraps off the devices.

For buyers considering a foldable this year, the display improvements could prove more meaningful than hardware upgrades. A less visible crease has long been one of the biggest requests from foldable users, and if Samsung delivers on its claims in real-world use, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could offer one of the most polished folding display experiences yet.