• The Vivo X500 lineup comprises a Pro Max variant for the first time, with an Ultra said to launch later.
• The Vivo X500 prices are tipped to start at Rs 1,19,999, with the Pro Max Master Set reportedly costing Rs 2,29,999.
• Vivo has also teased the Watch GT 2 and Zeiss telephoto extenders for the Indian market.

[/highlights]

We're in the midst of the Android flagship season in India and it's Vivo's turn now. The company could launch its Vivo X500 flagship series in India at the end of the month, with sales reportedly beginning in December, claims tipster Sanju Choudhary. The launch is also expected to include the Vivo Watch GT 2 and Zeiss telephoto extenders.

Vivo X500 series India launch date and expected pricing

Vivo has already confirmed that the X500 series is coming to India through its teaser campaign, but hasn't announced an event date. Earlier reports pointed to November 25th, but now, tipster Sanju Choudhary claims the phones will launch in India a day later on November 26th, and sales will begin on December 2nd. The series debuted in China in September and reached global markets in October.

According to Choudhary, the Vivo X500 could cost Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB storage variant. The X500 Pro is tipped at Rs 1,49,999 for the same configuration, while the X500 Pro Max could start at Rs 1,59,999. The Pro Max is also expected to get a 12GB + 512GB variant priced at Rs 1,79,999. A Master Set, with its bundled accessories, is reportedly listed at Rs 2,29,999. The tipster claims exclusive discounts will be available at offline stores, although the exact offers haven't been disclosed.

These prices would mean a substantial increase from the X300 series. The Vivo X300 launched at Rs 75,999 for its 12GB + 256GB variant, while the X300 Pro started at Rs 1,09,999 for 16GB + 512GB.

Which Vivo X500 model should you consider?

The Vivo X500 Pro Max is the obvious choice for buyers who want Vivo's best camera hardware. Its 200MP periscope camera and compatibility with the Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, which offers a 400mm-equivalent focal length, give it a clear advantage for long-range photography. But that advantage comes at a steep price, and the extender is an additional purchase rather than something buyers should assume is included with the phone.

The standard X500 may make more sense for those who want a premium Vivo flagship without spending close to Rs 1.5 lakh. The Pro sits in an awkward middle ground at its rumoured price, so buyers will need to weigh its camera and hardware upgrades against the much cheaper standard model and the Pro Max's more ambitious camera setup.

Given the sizeable price jump over the X300 range, it may be worth waiting for official pricing and launch offers before placing an order. The claimed offline discounts could make a difference, particularly on the Pro and Pro Max. Buyers should also compare the cost of the phone and the camera accessory together, rather than judging the Pro Max on its starting price alone.

• Redmi's 12,000mAh battery has reportedly finished mass production.
• It's tipped to be used in a mid-range to high-end phone.
• We could also see a 14,000mAh battery phone from Redmi in the near future. 

[/highlights]

The Redmi K100 was recently launched as the company's first phone with a 10,000mAh battery. It looks like Redmi has similar plans for its upcoming phones, with the latest leak suggesting a 12,000mAh battery phone. This battery prototype has reportedly finished mass production planning and is intended for a mid-range to high-end phone. 

Redmi 12,000mAh battery phone

This leak comes from tipster Digital Chat Station, who hasn't revealed the company's name, but it's believed to be Redmi. The 12,000mAh battery is said to be ready and is reportedly planned for a mid-range smartphone. We might see it soon in a Redmi mid-range to high-end phone. The tipster adds that the company is already evaluating a battery with around 13,000mAh to 14,000mAh capacity, which could go into mass production next year. 

We'd still have to wait for more details from Redmi since this is all speculation, but the likelihood of a 12,000mAh battery phone won't be surprising. Its most recent smartphone, the Redmi K100, boasts a massive 10,000mAh battery. The upcoming Redmi Turbo 6 Max could beat it by offering an 11,000mAh battery. Both phones are suitable for power users who rely on multi-day usage. 

Not just Redmi; other companies have similar plans. OPPO A7 Ultra is tipped to launch with a 12,000mAh battery. Vivo is also reportedly testing a 12,000mAh battery phone, while Honor might beat everyone by launching one with a 15,000mAh battery. It looks like this will be one of the key smartphone trends going into 2027, where we see more phones with 10,000mAh+ batteries. 

It's not clear which Redmi phone we'll see the 12,000mAh battery in, but it's expected to arrive soon. With similar plans from other companies, it would be wise to wait if you've been looking for a mega battery phone that can go on for days. 

• A purported Redmi K100 Ultra is reportedly being tested with a 2nm chipset and a battery capacity of around 10,000mAh.
• The phone could support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, along with a 50MP periscope camera offering around 3x optical zoom.
• It could become a dedicated gaming flagship in the K100 lineup, which already includes three models.

[/highlights]

Redmi could be preparing another flagship for its K100 lineup, and battery life appears to be one of its biggest priorities. An engineering sample of a new sub-brand flagship is reportedly being tested with a 2nm chipset and a battery of around 10,000mAh. While the tipster hasn't named the device, it is being linked to the purported Redmi K100 Ultra, which could fill the gap for a dedicated gaming flagship in the current lineup.

Redmi K100 Ultra specifications tipped

According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the engineering sample packs a custom single-cell battery with a capacity of around 10,000mAh. It reportedly supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, along with low-voltage discharge and global bypass charging. The latter allows the phone to draw power directly from the adapter during heavy use, reducing battery stress and heat during extended gaming sessions.

The battery capacity would match the standard Redmi K100, which already packs a 10,000mAh cell with 100W wired charging. However, wireless charging is a notable addition, as Redmi has reserved 50W wireless charging for the K100 Pro and Pro Max so far.

The same tipster previously reported that the device is testing a 50MP periscope camera with a 1/1.95-inch sensor and around 3x optical zoom. This would be a notable upgrade over the Redmi K90 Ultra, which has a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide sensor but no dedicated telephoto camera. The chipset hasn't been identified, although the leak points to a 2nm manufacturing process.

Redmi launched the K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max in August, followed by the standard K100 in October. The lineup already covers different priorities, with the Pro Max offering a 200MP main camera and 5x periscope zoom, while the standard model puts its 10,000mAh battery ahead of camera versatility. The purported Ultra could combine the larger battery with a dedicated gaming focus and wireless charging. Its 2nm chipset would also put it among the next generation of flagship performers, although the actual processor and gaming hardware remain unknown.

However, global availability remains questionable as usual. Xiaomi has brought the K100 Pro and Pro Max to international markets as the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, respectively. However, their batteries were reduced to 6,330mAh and 8,050mAh from the Chinese models' 8,580mAh and 9,070mAh capacities. If the K100 Ultra follows the same route, international buyers may not get the full 10,000mAh battery. Those considering a gaming flagship may want to wait for confirmation, particularly if battery capacity is a priority.

• Vivo Y600s Pro AI Edition could carry several AI features on a budget.
• The smartphone could boast large battery, just like other other phones in the Y600 lineup.
• The Vivo Y600s Pro AI Edition has appeared with the model number V2561A.

[/highlights]

After releasing a bunch of smartphones under the Y series this year, both in China and internationally, Vivo could be adding yet another member to the lineup in the form of the Y600s Pro AI Edition. The smartphone has been spotted on the Google Play supported devices list page, indicating the phone has received the clearance to run Google Play services. Currently, the Y600 lineup includes the standard Y600, Y600i, Y600 Turbo, and Y600 Pro, all launched exclusively in China for now.

Vivo Y600s Pro AI Edition appears in Google Play devices list

For the uninitiated, the Google Play supported devices list is an official catalogue of Android devices that have passed Google's compatibility requirements and are certified to run the Google Play Store and Google Play Services. Since the Vivo Y600s Pro AI Edition is part of the China-exclusive Y600 series, it's likely the smartphone will launch initially in China. Per the listing, it will carry the model number V2561A.

Since the listing doesn't reveal any concrete details or specifications of the smartphone, it's safe to assume the Y600s Pro AI Edition will share similar specifications with other phones in the lineup. This may include a large battery, such as 10,000mAh or so, since the Y600 and Y600 Pro carry a similar-capacity battery, a budget-to-midrange-oriented chipset, such as from the MediaTek Dimensity 7000 series, and a strong emphasis on durability with the addition of military-grade certification and high IP ratings.

With such a combination, the device will be well suited for buyers seeking a smartphone for everyday use that just works, be it for scrolling social media, chatting, watching videos or movies, or playing light games without needing extreme performance.

What we know about the Vivo Y600s Pro AI Edition so far 

Diving deep into the naming nomenclature, the "s" in the Y600s Pro AI Edition could either indicate a cut-down or advanced version of the Y600 Pro, while the "AI Edition" moniker could mean the presence of several AI-oriented features at an affordable price point. If the smartphone happens to launch with Android 17-based OriginOS 7 skin, the Y600s Pro may come with features like an enhanced voice recorder that automatically identifies the speaker, neatly organises the transcript, and generates summaries with the help of AI.

Jovi AI on OriginOS 7 has been upgraded to find information, read and organise files, and help with deep queries using simple prompts, while the Snap Note feature turns images of written text into editable notes for easy management and organisation of crucial information. We've covered all of these and more AI features in our dedicated OriginOS 7 roundup story.

• The Reno 17 series is launching in China next week.
• It will feature a triple camera setup.
• The Reno 17 is getting camera features such as live stickers. 

[/highlights]

The OPPO Reno 17 series is set to launch in China on November 16th. Ahead of the big reveal, OPPO has been teasing the Reno 17, with the design already unveiled. The Reno 17 features a 3D cat this time as the design highlight. Now, OPPO has revealed the camera details of the Reno 17. Here's what to expect. 

OPPO Reno 17 camera specs 

The OPPO Reno 17 is confirmed to feature a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens on the back. Up front, the phone will house a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera. So it's a 50MP camera stack on the Reno 17. This might be seen as a downgrade compared to the Chinese Reno 16, which has a 200MP main camera. The rest of the specs remain the same. It's, however, similar to the Indian Reno 16, which also offers the same 50MP quad-camera setup. 

The Reno 17 may not offer hardware upgrades, but it's getting some dedicated camera features. One of these is said to be the industry's first six-second-long live videos. You'll also be able to add stickers to live videos, which can move with the people and objects in the scene. OPPO says you can make personalised stickers out of things like the milk tea you drank or the music you listened to, and turn your photos into your own digital diary. The Reno 17 uses AI to recognise the subject of the scene so you can freely adjust the sticker layers. OPPO is known to offer a wide variety of camera features in its Reno series, giving the phones an edge over rival brands. 

These features could appeal to social media creators and younger users who like to experiment with such photo editing tools. However, we'll have to see if the Reno 17 cameras show any improvement over the Reno 16 or not. So, if you already own a Reno 16 or Reno 15, you might want to wait for reviews to see if there are any significant upgrades. However, those planning to shift to a premium mid-range phone for its design and cameras might find the Reno 17 worth waiting for. 

• OnePlus 17 could get a wider display aimed at improving the gaming experience, according to a new leak.
• The phone is expected to join similar wide-screen flagships from OPPO, Vivo and Xiaomi next year.
• The OnePlus 16 recently launched in China, though its availability in other markets remains unconfirmed.

[/highlights]

The wide-screen party just got wider. According to a new leak emerging from China, OnePlus could be rethinking the display format for its next numbered flagship. The OnePlus 17 will reportedly be among five wide-screen flagship phones launching next year, with the wider panel looking to improve gaming on the phone. It would put OnePlus in the company of OPPO, Vivo and Xiaomi, all of which are said to be working on phones with shorter, wider displays. Interestingly, this isn't just a foldable phone trend anymore. Manufacturers are also looking at bringing the format to regular smartphones.

OnePlus 17 wide display tipped

Tipster Smart Pikachu made the claim on Weibo but didn't share the OnePlus 17's expected screen size or aspect ratio. An earlier report from Digital Chat Station (DCS) also suggested that OnePlus was exploring a wide-screen phone. That report raised the possibility of the company developing it as an alternative to a successor to the compact OnePlus 15T.

Given how much OnePlus has focused on display performance in its recent flagships, this leak is notable. The OnePlus 16, which launched in October, features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 185Hz in supported games. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset and also packs a 200MP main camera and a 9,000mAh battery.

The OnePlus 17 could retain that focus on performance while changing the shape of the display. A wider panel would give games more horizontal space, making on-screen controls easier to manage. There was also an earlier rumour about OnePlus testing a 240Hz display, although there's no confirmation that it will make it to the next flagship.

OnePlus won't be alone if the leak pans out. OPPO is reportedly developing a conventional smartphone with a 16:9 or 16:10 display, while Xiaomi and Vivo are also said to be working on wide-screen phones. These would be regular slab smartphones, rather than foldables, where the format has already gained enough ground. Huawei's Pura X Max, Xiaomi 18 Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple's iPhone Duo all use wider proportions than traditional book-style foldables. Huawei has also experimented with the idea on a regular phone through the Pura X View.

The news is worth watching for gamers as there would be more horizontal room without having to unfold a device. The trade-off could be ergonomics, particularly if the wider body makes one-handed use awkward. Anyone considering a gaming phone may want to wait for more details if a wider screen appeals to them, but do note that the OnePlus 17 is still nearly a year away.

• Vivo X500 Ultra will succeed the X300 Ultra.
• It's tipped to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset.
• It will be the fourth phone in Vivo's flagship lineup. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's flagship lineup includes the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. An Ultra model is also rumored, with leaks circulating online about its specifications. The Vivo X500 Ultra will be the lineup's top-end model when it launches. A new leak reveals the possible launch timeline for the X500 Ultra. It will succeed the Vivo X300 Ultra, which launched earlier this year in May. 

Vivo X500 Ultra launch timeline

Vivo X500 Ultra will reportedly launch around March or April 2027, according to tipster Digital Chat Station. The tipster added that the X500 Ultra will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, which would be a generational upgrade over the X300 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This means we can expect improved performance on the new Ultra model. It would also set the X500 Ultra apart from its siblings, which use MediaTek's Dimensity 9600-series chipsets.

According to DCS, the Vivo X500 Ultra could be the only phone in the segment to feature an exceptionally large camera sensor. This would mean that the sensor could be bigger than what the OPPO Find X10 Ultra plans to offer, since this phone is also tipped to launch next year and directly compete with the X500 Ultra. 

The Vivo X500 Ultra is tipped to feature a triple rear camera setup comprising a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto shooter. This camera setup is largely similar to the X300 Ultra. However, another leak suggests the X500 could get a triple 200MP camera setup.

There's still time to learn more about the Vivo X500 Ultra, but what we can expect is major camera improvements. The Vivo X500 Ultra is also expected to be among the top camera flagships. If price isn't a concern and you want the best cameras in a smartphone, the Vivo X500 Ultra would be worth waiting for. Vivo X300 Ultra users might want to wait for reviews to see if the upgrade makes sense or not. 

• The upcoming OPPO smartphone is said to carry the model number PNC110.
• OPPO's 12,000mAh smartphone will one up the OPPO A7 Pro Max in battery capacity.
• The phone could be part of the OPPO A series.

[/highlights]

Recently, an OPPO smartphone with model number PNC110 was spotted on China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) certification listing, with a 12,000mAh battery. While the listing revealed nothing beyond the battery capacity, we now have the first design glimpse of the smartphone, courtesy of the TENAA database. Furthermore, it's rumoured the phone could be sold under OPPO's A series, since it one-ups the OPPO A7 Pro Max with a 10,000mAh cell.

First look at OPPO's 12,000mAh battery smartphone

According to the TENAA database, which requires all telecommunication hardware to go through a certification process before it can be legally sold or used on networks in China, an OPPO smartphone has appeared with the model number PNC110, revealing its front and rear look.

A device with the same model number debuted on MIIT certification a few days ago, confirming the existence of a 12,000mAh OPPO smartphone. Looking closely at the design, the smartphone is likely to feature an iPhone-like large rectangular camera plateau, housing three camera lenses on the left and an LED flashlight in the top-right corner. The colour revealed in the listing is grey/silver, but the device will likely be available in several other shades.

Up front, since the display is completely blacked out, we can't judge how thin the bezels will be. However, the smartphone will almost certainly sport a flat panel with a boxy design. Furthermore, much like most recent OPPO smartphone releases, such as the F35 series, the rounded-corner design should help you hold the phone for long periods without discomfort.

If the smartphone does end up having a 12,000mAh battery, it'll be OPPO's highest-capacity smartphone yet, outpacing the recently launched OPPO A7 Pro Max, which features a 10,000mAh battery. This smartphone will likely launch in China first, as evidenced by the multiple certification listings.

In India, the phone with the highest-capacity battery is the Realme P4 Power, with a 10,001mAh cell, followed by others such as the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, POCO X8 Power, and Vivo S2 FE, all with 10,000mAh batteries. This will put the upcoming OPPO smartphone ahead of the competition, potentially delivering multi-day battery life conveniently on a single charge. Buyers looking for the best battery life can keep an eye out for OPPO's 12,000mAh battery smartphone.

• Nothing has shared a new teaser of its upcoming AI-native device, showing a large button with a red circle and two coloured indicators.
• The device is expected to launch in December.
• CEO Carl Pei described it as a productivity tool that "cannot be an app".

[/highlights]

Nothing has offered a closer look at its mysterious upcoming AI device, revealing what appears to be a physical record button in its latest teaser. The image shows a grey, metallic-looking device with rounded corners, two pill-shaped elements glowing green and red, and a large rectangular control with a red circle at its centre. While the design resembles a conventional audio recorder, Nothing has yet to confirm the device's purpose. The teaser comes ahead of the company's planned December launch of its first AI-native hardware product.

Nothing's new AI device teaser

Nothing shared an eight-second teaser on its community forum, with CEO Carl Pei also posting the clip on X with the caption, "Context doesn't live in a chat box". The accompanying community post carries the headline "What if you had the time?"

Context doesn't live in a chat box https://t.co/6o8dmanMik

— Carl Pei (@getpeid) November 10, 2026

The close-up reveals a dark grey, textured body with a metallic finish. Two horizontal elements sit near the top, one green and the other red-orange. Below them is a large, light grey rectangular button with rounded edges and a red circular marking in the centre. The arrangement resembles the record control on a traditional dictaphone, although the company hasn't confirmed whether it's actually a recording button.

Earlier this month, Pei confirmed that Nothing's first AI-native product would ship in December. In an essay titled 'Toolmakers', he described it as a productivity tool with "no new screen" that "couldn't have been an app". He also argued that current AI assistants lack everyday context, such as ideas shared during meetings or casual conversations, because users rarely capture and feed this information into chatbots.

Could it be an AI recorder?

The latest teaser makes an AI-powered recording and note-taking device a stronger possibility. It could let users capture conversations or ideas through a physical control, with AI potentially handling transcription, summaries and follow-up tasks. However, these capabilities remain speculative.

Nothing already has some relevant software in place. Its Phone (3a) series introduced the Essential Key, which lets users save voice notes and screen content to Essential Space. The platform can organise captured information and generate summaries and action points. Dedicated hardware could make this process more accessible without requiring users to reach for their phones.

There are already competitors exploring this category. Plaud offers its Note and NotePin AI recorders, while India's NeoSapien sells the Neo 1 wearable note-taker. Both can capture conversations and turn them into searchable notes and summaries. Nothing will hence need to offer more than a distinctive design. Recording controls, transcription accuracy, language support, privacy protections and the quality of AI-generated summaries will determine whether its device offers a meaningful advantage. For now, buyers interested in dedicated AI recorders have existing options, but it makes sense to wait for Nothing to reveal its features and pricing before considering another device.

• Vivo X500 comes in four colour options.
• The X500 in red could be exclusive to India.
• It's tipped to cost above a lakh. 

[/highlights]

The Vivo X500 series is teased to launch in India soon. This is Vivo's flagship series, which is already official in China. Ahead of the launch, a new colour variant for the Vivo X500 has leaked and is tipped to arrive in India. This could be an exclusive colour variant for India, as it's not part of the Vivo X500 in China. Indian pricing for the Vivo X500 has been tipped as well.

Vivo X500 red colour variant

Tipster Sanju has shared an exclusive render of the Vivo X500 in red. Judging by the image, we can see that it's a very bright red, almost leaning towards orange. The handset retains the same design, which is a circular camera module on a larger plate. So, you're getting Vivo's flagship camera design but in a slightly different manner. The Vivo X500 is the only model in the lineup to get a design change this year. 

In China, the Vivo X500 comes in white, pink, grey, and black. It's not clear, which colours are coming to India apart from red. 

The tipster adds that the Vivo X500 could be priced at Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. This is much higher than the Vivo X300, which launched at Rs 75,999 for the same memory configuration. The price hike is expected, though, considering the memory costs and all new flagships touching a lakh and above. 

The Vivo X500 is the standard model in the lineup, featuring a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 4,000 nits of peak brightness. It packs a 7,500mAh battery with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, which is larger than the X300's 6,040mAh unit. For optics, you get a 50MP Sony LYTIA 828 main camera, a 64MP telephoto, and a 50MP JN1 ultra-wide camera.

Since Vivo has already teased the X500 series India launch, we should get to know the official details very soon. For now, you might want to consider the Vivo X500 if you're looking for a camera flagship with a large battery, a vibrant and bright display, and a relatively compact design. We should still wait for the official launch before making any buying decisions. 

• The Vivo Y6k presents itself as yet another budget option in China's budget-to-midrange smartphone market.
• The smartphone comes in three colourways.
• The Vivo Y6k is already on sale for CNY 1,599 on Vivo's online store in China.

[/highlights]

In an ever-expanding portfolio of budget smartphones, Vivo has added another member to its Y series in China, the Vivo Y6k. Already available on Vivo China's online store, the Y6k emphasises shock and drop resistance, a decent 6,500mAh battery for reliable everyday endurance, and a flicker-free display to reduce eye strain from long screen use. The smartphone could suit buyers looking for a budget option with noticeable performance gains.

Vivo Y6k price, colours, availability

The Vivo Y6k is already available on Vivo's online store for CNY 1,599 (approx. Rs 22,500) in the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model. It can be purchased in three colourways, including Flowing Clouds White, Twilight Black, and Sunset Blue (translated from Chinese). Vivo is also offering the smartphone in monthly instalments of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Vivo Y6k specifications overview

The Vivo Y6k is equipped with a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD panel with a resolution of 1,600 × 720 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. The display is TÜV Rheinland certified, which helps ensure the panel's flicker doesn't cause eye strain.

The design and build, which closely resembles the Vivo T5 Lite, is 8.39mm thick and weighs 209g. While the smartphone offers nothing extraordinary in display or design, it is well positioned for everyday use and shouldn't add bulk to your pocket.

At the core of the Vivo Y6k sits MediaTek's Dimensity 6300 chipset, backed by 6GB of LPDDR4X memory and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Out of the box, the device runs OriginOS 6 built on Android 16. With Vivo's own smartphones launching with OriginOS 7 based on Android 17, at least globally, running an older Android generation could be a bummer to sum.

[caption id="attachment_721221" align="alignnone" width="614"] Vivo Y6k in all colour options[/caption]

Photography duties on the rear are handled by a single 13MP camera, while a 5MP sensor takes care of selfies and video calls. Users can expect just usable results from these cameras, given the budget hardware.

Power comes from a 6,500mAh battery limited to 15W charging; Vivo claims the cell is engineered to maintain its capacity for up to five years. Biometric options include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock, and an infrared emitter to control compatible home appliances. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.4, with physical ports including USB Type-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Durability features an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, plus SGS five-star drop-resistance certification. This adds peace of mind, since the smartphone is certified to withstand shocks from drops or bumps on hard surfaces.

Since the Vivo Y6k's specifications are identical to those of the Vivo T5 Lite and iQOO Z11 Lite (review), which we've reviewed, the smartphone has the potential to deliver great battery life and efficient thermals during gaming. However, the U-shaped notch cutout may look dated to some, while the 6,500mAh battery may seem limiting on paper when many budget smartphones feature at least 7,000mAh cells.

• The Motorola Razr Flex 2027 has appeared on the company's Australian support website, confirming its name and pointing to a 2027 release.
• The upcoming wide foldable is tipped to feature a 6.92-inch inner display, a 4.97-inch cover screen and a 5,000mAh battery.
• The Razr Flex will join a growing category of wide foldables from Huawei, Xiaomi, Samsung and Apple.

[/highlights]

Motorola appears to be preparing a new entry in the growing wide-foldable smartphone category. Called the Razr Flex 2027, the device has surfaced on the company's Australian support website, giving its rumoured name its strongest confirmation yet. It's expected to feature a shorter, wider design than conventional book-style foldables, potentially making it a more compact alternative to Motorola's existing Razr Fold. The sighting comes as brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Samsung and Apple embrace wider screen proportions for their premium foldables, marking a growing trend in the industry.

Motorola Razr Flex 2027 launch details

The Razr Flex 2027 now has a dedicated support page on Motorola's Australian website. Its name also appears in the company's security update selector, alongside existing Razr models. The listing identifies it as a 2027 device, although Motorola hasn't announced an exact launch date.

The security update section currently displays a 'Test Security Updates' heading, an August 2024 launch date, Android 16 and support until August 2029. These appear to be placeholder details rather than the phone's actual software specifications or update commitment.

Separately, Brazilian publication TudoCelular has shared a video reportedly recorded at a Motorola event. It shows the company's branding followed by an animation of a foldable phone. While this could be an early glimpse of the Razr Flex, the footage doesn't identify the device.

Expected specifications

The Razr Flex is tipped to feature a 6.92-inch folding display and a 4.97-inch cover screen. This would make its inner panel smaller than the 8.1-inch display on the Razr Fold. Other expected specifications include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, 12GB RAM, Android 17, two 50MP rear cameras and a 5,000mAh battery. It could also feature IP48 and IP49 ratings.

The design signals a broader change in the foldable market. Huawei's Pura X Max introduced a wider book-style approach in April 2026, followed by Xiaomi's 18 Fold, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple's iPhone Duo. These devices favour shorter, wider inner displays that offer a more tablet-like viewing experience without the tall proportions of traditional foldables.

Motorola could take the concept in a more compact direction. With its reported 4.97-inch cover screen, the Razr Flex may appeal to users who find existing book-style foldables too large to carry and operate comfortably. A separate retailer leak has suggested a price of around USD 1,680 (around Rs 1.74 lakh), potentially positioning it below the Razr Fold. However, Motorola has yet to confirm its specifications, pricing or availability.

• This would be Vivo's first 12,000mAh battery phone.
• Vivo hasn't officially confirmed these details. 
• The Vivo S2 FE has a 10,000mAh battery, the largest on a Vivo phone.

[/highlights]

Vivo could be working on a large-battery phone, possibly 12,000mAh. If accurate, this would be the largest battery on a Vivo phone yet. At present, the Vivo S2 FE has a 10,000mAh battery, which is the largest yet on a Vivo phone. It looks like Vivo is pushing for big batteries, a trend that's picked up in the mid-range segment where companies are offering up to 10,000mAh battery phones. 

Vivo 12,000mAh battery phone

According to a leak by tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the largest battery is currently in mass production, which is rated at 11,970, and sits in the 12,000mAh class. The tipster hasn't revealed the company's name, but it uses the word 'blue', which is believed to be Vivo. The said device is reportedly being kept a secret for now, but the company has devices with an even bigger battery and a large screen in the works. This means that we could see future phones from Vivo with batteries exceeding 12,000mAh and large displays. 

It looks like Vivo has large batteries in mind for its future portfolio of smartphones. What we can expect is more phones, possibly in the mid-range segment, with large batteries and large displays. This might just be the trend too, as Honor is reportedly testing 14,000mAh and 15,000mAh smartphone batteries. Honor is already known to be one of the first brands to offer large-battery phones, and it could be pushing that even further. 

Since we don't have any concrete information yet, it's better to wait for more details. But if you have been considering a Vivo phone with a large battery, then it would be better to wait for new developments. Otherwise, there are options like the Vivo S2 FE or similar alternatives to consider now. 

• The Realme 17 Pro will be the company's second smartphone after P4 Power to feature 10,000mAh battery.
• The Realme 17 Pro could rock a 50MP primary camera, instead of the 200MP found on the Realme 16 Pro.
• The smartphone could rival other 10,000mAh battery smartphones, such as the Redmi Note 17 Pro series.

[/highlights]

With the Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro+ nearing one year since their launch, the brand seems to be preparing to debut the Realme 17 Pro in India. This comes as part of a recent XpertPick report that reveals the key specifications of the Realme 17 Pro. With a 50MP primary camera instead of the 200MP sensor on the Realme 16 Pro, the smartphone is likely to emphasise endurance with a massive 10,000mAh battery, rivalling the recently launched Redmi Note 17 Pro series.

Realme 17 Pro key specifications revealed

Per XpertPick, the upcoming Realme 17 Pro could arrive with a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the screen size is unknown, it's likely to hover around 6.7 inches, just like its predecessor. Furthermore, another aspect it could borrow from the Realme 16 Pro is the processor, which is stated to be the Dimensity 7300.

While the processor is over 2.5 years old, it should easily suffice for light to medium workloads, such as opening multiple daily-use apps at once, playing games at lower graphical settings, and even editing and rendering videos at 1080p resolution.

[caption id="attachment_687493" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Realme 16 Pro in Orchid Purple[/caption]

On the imaging front, the rear camera array could pair a 50MP primary sensor with an 8MP ultrawide lens, while the selfie camera will support 4K video at 30fps. However, it's still unclear whether the sensor will be 32MP or 50MP. In comparison, the Realme 16 Pro packed a 200MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP front camera. Whether the main camera has also reduced in sensor size, we'll have to wait and see.

The Realme 17 Pro's standout feature will be its massive 10,000mAh battery, making it only the second Realme handset after the P4 Power to offer such capacity. Charging speeds, however, remain undisclosed for now. Several phones in the Rs 50,000 segment, where the Realme 17 Pro could sit, now feature 10,000mAh batteries, including the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, POCO X8 Power, and Vivo S2 FE. As our reviews of these phones have shown, the Realme 17 Pro could offer outstanding battery life on a single charge, giving users backup that lasts over three days.

Additional hardware highlights include an under-display fingerprint reader and an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance. Software-wise, the phone is expected to ship with Android 17 running ColorOS 17. Since the leak doesn't reveal how many OS upgrades the Realme 17 Pro will get, we assume the company will offer three major Android upgrades and four years of security patch updates, like the Realme P4S, which has similar hardware.

Will the Realme 17 Pro be worth waiting for?

Since the report doesn't reveal the Realme 17 Pro's launch timeline and neither Realme nor the company has started teasing the smartphone, its launch in India could take a while. The Realme 16 Pro launched in early January 2026; therefore, it's safe to assume the successor could arrive around the same time or even earlier.

As for what's on offer, even if the company ditches the 200MP primary camera in favour of a 50MP one, the smartphone could boast plenty of software optimisations and niceties for a well-rounded photography experience. These include the LumaColour imaging pipeline, also present on the Realme 16 Pro series, which produces detailed portraits and accurate skin tones, while multiple street photography modes can help capture moody images.

Paired with a 10,000mAh battery, the Realme 17 Pro is turning out to be an endurance and camera-focused smartphone, two of the most crucial aspects for most users. Since the Realme 16 Pro is now up for Rs 44,999 after the price hikes, the Realme 17 Pro could sit just above it, rivalling the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max at Rs 49,999, which also carries a 10,000mAh battery.

• The iPhone 18 and 18e are tipped to feature identical 4,430mAh batteries, potentially larger than the iPhone 18 Pro's battery.
• Both models could get 6.3-inch OLED displays, but the iPhone 18e is expected to retain a 60Hz refresh rate.
• Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18, 18e and Air 2 in March - April 2027.

[/highlights]

Apple could give its standard and entry-level iPhone models a battery advantage over the more expensive Pro variant next year. According to a new leak, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e will both feature 4,430mAh batteries, potentially bringing some relief to Apple fans who still haven't entered the 7,000mAh Si-C era. The reported figure is also higher than the iPhone 18 Pro's battery capacity, although real-world endurance will depend on factors such as display technology and power efficiency.

iPhone 18 and 18e specifications tipped

According to Weibo tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, codenamed Taycan and Nevera, respectively, will feature identical 4,430mAh batteries. This would represent a roughly 20 percent increase over the iPhone 17's 3,692mAh cell. The figure is also higher than the iPhone 18 Pro's 4,056mAh battery in physical SIM markets and 4,288mAh in eSIM-only markets. The additional capacity could partly come from internal design changes, including a redesigned Taptic Engine and bottom-firing speaker. Apple is also reportedly removing the physical SIM slot, potentially freeing up space for a larger battery, though this may not be true for all markets.

Both models are tipped to feature 6.3-inch OLED displays, although this contradicts an earlier claim by tipster Digital Chat Station, who suggested that the iPhone 18e would retain a smaller 6.12-inch OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. DCS had tipped a 6.3-inch, 120Hz display for the standard iPhone 18. The latest leak suggests the 18e could get a larger screen, but its refresh rate will reportedly remain limited to 60Hz, compared to 120Hz on the standard model.

Both phones are expected to use Apple's A20 chipset, reportedly manufactured on TSMC's 2nm process. The iPhone 18 could retain its dual 48MP rear camera setup, although the main sensor is tipped to be physically smaller. The 18e, meanwhile, is expected to feature a single 48MP rear camera.

iPhone Air 2 design also surfaces

Separately, alleged CNC aluminium dummy models of the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 have surfaced online. The standard model appears to retain the iPhone 17's vertically aligned dual-camera arrangement, while the Air 2 dummy shows two camera cutouts within a raised rear camera module. This could indicate a second rear camera on Apple's slim iPhone, although dummy units do not confirm the final retail design.

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18, 18e and Air 2 in March or April 2027, after there was no sign of the standard iPhones at the iPhone 18 Pro launch event in September.

For buyers considering the iPhones, the larger battery and display could make the successors worth waiting for. However, the 60Hz refresh rate and single rear camera would remain compromises against the standard iPhone 18 and similarly priced Android alternatives. Apple's final pricing will also determine how attractive the 18e is as an entry point into its ecosystem.

• The Vivo Watch GT 2 is confirmed to launch alongside the Vivo X500 series in India.
• The smartwatch could offer the best battery endurance in its price segment.
• In China, the Watch GT 2 runs on Blue River Operating System 3.0.

[/highlights]

After releasing a handful of upper-midrange and premium devices, such as the Vivo V80 and X Fold 6, at its NEXT 2026 event in early October, Vivo is preparing to release another slew of devices in India soon. As part of the launch, while the X500 series will get most of the spotlight, the company is set to enter the Indian smartwatch space with the release of the Vivo Watch GT 2. With the release approaching, 91mobiles has learned from industry sources that the watch will offer up to 25 days of battery life on a single charge.

Vivo Watch GT 2 battery endurance details revealed

The Vivo Watch GT 2 is already available in China for CNY 499 (approx. Rs 7,000). It might launch in India at a slightly higher price, possibly around Rs 10,000. The smartwatch could rival popular options in the segment, such as the Realme Watch S5 (review) and CMF Watch 3 Pro (review).

Now, coming to the battery details, our industry source claims the Watch GT 2 can last for up to 25 days on a full charge. Whether these figures are based on a particular usage scenario, such as with Always On Display (AOD) toggled or an optimised power-saving mode, is currently unknown. However, putting this into perspective with other watches, the Realme Watch S5 is claimed to offer up to 20 days of battery life, while the CMF Watch 3 Pro can last 13 days.

This puts the Vivo Watch GT 2 way ahead of the competition, potentially giving users peace of mind that they can go weeks without having to plug it in. Looking at the hardware, it's understandable why the Vivo Watch GT 2 can deliver longer battery life than others. That's because the Vivo Watch features a generous 695mAh battery, at least on the Chinese variant, while the Realme Watch S5 and CMF Watch 3 Pro carry 460mAh and 350mAh batteries, respectively.

However, it's also worth noting that the Vivo Watch GT 2's Chinese variant is promised 33 days of battery life with Bluetooth enabled, per the specifications page. Whether this means the Indian variant will have a smaller battery or includes India-specific features that use more power, only time will tell.

How will the Vivo Watch GT 2 fit into Vivo's portfolio?

With Vivo introducing a smartwatch for the first time, it'll be interesting to see how it fits into the company's ecosystem of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and software-based systems like Office Kit. Since the Chinese variant runs on Vivo's proprietary smartwatch and smart-device software, Blue River Operating System 3.0, it's almost certain the Watch GT 2 won't run Wear OS in India.

Despite that, Blue River Operating System shares several design elements and productivity features with OriginOS 7, such as Atomic Island, which displays real-time information from food or delivery tracking apps, timers, and music controls in a dynamic pill. Similarly, it is also optimised for the not-so-bleeding-edge watch hardware for enhanced rendering, faster app switching, and responsive touch controls.

As part of the software, the Watch GT 2 could offer nifty features such as viewing phone notifications, access to numerous sports modes, heart rate, sleep, and multiple health-metric tracking options, camera control, and tons of watch faces to display on its 2.07-inch AMOLED display.

• Xiaomi 18 is expected to launch soon.
• It would be the standard model in the flagship lineup.
• Xiaomi 18T is tipped to launch in India. 

[/highlights]

As Xiaomi prepares to launch the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max globally on November 17th, there has been chatter about the standard Xiaomi 18 and a new model joining the lineup soon. The Xiaomi 18 has appeared on China's 3C certification website, hinting at an imminent launch. Separately, the Xiaomi 18T's specifications have also leaked online, with an India launch tipped as well. Here's all we know. 

Xiaomi 18 3C certification details 

The 3C certification lists a Xiaomi smartphone, believed to be the standard Xiaomi 18 with 100W fast wired charging. This means that Xiaomi is retaining the same charging speed as the Xiaomi 17. 100W is among the fastest you can get for a flagship smartphone or in general, so that's still good news. Battery capacity might only see a small bump as the Xiaomi 18 is tipped to pack a 7,200mAh battery. Its predecessor, the Xiaomi 16, has a 7,000mAh battery in China and 6,330mAh globally. 

Other expected specs for the Xiaomi 18 include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset and a 200MP primary camera. Performance would see a significant improvement as the Xiaomi 18 is getting the latest flagship chipset. The main camera would also get an upgrade from a 50MP sensor to 200MP. 

Xiaomi 18T specifications (expected)

The Xiaomi 18T is tipped to feature a 1.5K flat LTPS OLED display with a 165Hz or 185Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8600 chipset, which is from the previous generation, but should still deliver flagship-level performance. This could be paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. 

Camera specs include a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 32MP front camera. It's also tipped to launch with Android 17, carry an IP69 rating, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. More importantly, the Xiaomi 18T is said to launch in India. 

The Xiaomi 18 Pro is confirmed to launch in India, but it will most likely carry an ultra-premium price tag. If the Xiaomi 18T does make it here, it could serve as an affordable alternative to the flagship lineup. So, if you are looking forward to Xiaomi's flagship series, the Xiaomi 18T could be worth waiting for, especially if you don't want to pay a premium. As for the Xiaomi 18, we'll have to wait for more details and its launch, which is expected to take place soon. 

• The Vivo X500 series India prices have been tipped to start at Rs 1,19,999.
• The standard X500 could cost Rs 44,000 more than the Vivo X300 at launch.
• The lineup brings a new Dimensity 9600 series chipset, larger batteries and upgraded Zeiss cameras.

[/highlights]

The Vivo X500 series could be the most expensive mainstream flagship lineup yet in India from the BBK smartphone maker. The company introduced three models in China in September before taking them to global markets in October. Now, with an India launch expected on or around November 25th, a new leak has given us an idea of how much the phones could cost. The tipped prices put the lineup in direct competition with OPPO's Find X10 series and Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models.

Vivo X500 series India pricing (tipped)

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Vivo X500 will cost Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The X500 Pro, meanwhile, could be sold at Rs 1,49,999 for the same configuration, while the X500 Pro Max is tipped to start at Rs 1,59,999. The 12GB + 512GB variant could cost Rs 1,79,999. The X500 Pro Max Master Set, which bundles photography accessories, is said to cost Rs 2,29,999. Exclusive offline discounts are also expected, as per the tipster.

The prices are a substantial increase over the X300 generation, thanks to RAMageddon. The standard X300 launched at Rs 75,999 for 12GB + 256GB, while the X300 Pro debuted at Rs 1,09,999 for its 16GB + 512GB variant. Vivo later increased the Pro's price to Rs 1,19,999. The X300 lineup did not have a Pro Max model, with the X300 Ultra occupying the top tier at Rs 1,59,999.

If you think this is high, do note that the competition is already expensive. The OPPO Find X10, for instance, starts at Rs 1,39,999, while the Find X10 Pro Max costs Rs 1,99,999. The joke's not on Apple anymore as the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max start pretty close at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900, respectively. This puts the X500 Pro Max's tipped 256GB price below Apple's Pro Max and OPPO's top-end offering, although its 512GB variant matches the iPhone 18 Pro Max's entry price.

Specifications and upgrades

The Vivo X500 series, which launched in China in September, brings substantial hardware upgrades in imaging and battery life. The standard model uses the Dimensity 9600M, while the Pro and Pro Max get the Dimensity 9600 Pro, built on a 2nm process. The Pro Max features a 200MP Zeiss APO periscope camera, alongside an 8,000mAh battery in its Chinese variant.

Vivo has also introduced 144Hz AMOLED displays, 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging across the lineup. The Pro Max supports 4K recording at up to 240fps, 8K video and a 400mm-equivalent Zeiss telephoto extender.

For existing X300 Pro owners, the new Pro Max's camera and video upgrades may be worth considering, but the higher entry price makes a real-world camera comparison important before upgrading. Buyers should also wait for Vivo to confirm Indian specifications and pricing, as battery capacities can differ between regional variants.

• The Reno 17 series is launching in China next week.
• The new design change includes a cat as the highlight.
• OPPO is expected to launch the Reno 17 and Reno 17 Pro. 

[/highlights]

The OPPO Reno 17 series was initially expected to launch in China on November 9th, but that never happened. OPPO has now announced the Reno 17 series' actual launch date in China. It has also revealed the phone's design, giving us a good look at the upcoming Reno series. The OPPO Reno 17 series is also tipped to launch in India, possibly in December.

OPPO Reno 17 series launch date, design

The OPPO Reno 17 series is set to launch in China on November 16th. As mentioned before, the OPPO Watch 5 and the OPPO Pad Air 6 will launch alongside the Reno 17 series phones. The launch event is scheduled for 7 pm China time, which is 4:30 pm for viewers in India. The Reno 17 is also available to pre-order through OPPO's official China website. 

OPPO has also revealed the design of the Reno 17 series. The highlight this time is a cat engraved on the back of the phone with a sparkly finish. This is only on one variant of the Reno 17 called 'Adventure Cat', which comes in light blue. The phone is also available in white and brown, which are more understated in comparison. OPPO has always experimented with the designs of the Reno series. The Reno 15 series has a sparkly bow, while the Reno 16 series has a 3D embossed star design. 

This gives the Reno 17 series an edge over rivals, especially at a time when we're so used to seeing similar designs on all phones. 

OPPO has yet to reveal the specifications of the Reno 17 series. However, there have been leaks suggesting it will feature a 6.5-inch display, a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, and an 8,000mAh battery. The biggest upgrade here would be the battery capacity compared to its predecessor, the Reno 16. 

For now, the Reno 17 series seems more like an incremental upgrade to the Reno 16 series, with the battery capacity and design getting a refresh. Other specifications might remain largely the same. OPPO is also adding some new camera features to the Reno 17 series, but the hardware may not be upgraded. So, if you already own a Reno 15 or Reno 16, you might want to stick with it. 

• Bixby's Agentic AI will be able to undertake tasks autonomously in the background.
• Samsung's Voice Recorder app could gain a couple of new features on One UI 9.5.
• One UI 9.5 could debut with the Samsung Galaxy S27 series.

[/highlights]

With many Android manufacturers, such as OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi, and others, already hot on their heels, pushing out the Android 17 update for their smartphones, Samsung is working behind the scenes on One UI 9.5, considered to be a major update over One UI 9. As part of the update, Bixby could be enhanced with agentic AI capabilities, letting users to complete complex tasks with just a few simple prompts. One UI 9.5 is expected to debut on the Samsung Galaxy S27 series next year.

Key AI features that could be released with One UI 9.5

Bixby's Agentic AI capabilities

A forthcoming Bixby build for One UI 9.5, secured by SamMobile, reveals that Samsung's personal assistant, Bixby, will be able to handle ongoing background operations autonomously, such as reserving hotel rooms or arranging appointments without user input.

The screenshots shared by the publication showcase a scenario in which the user instructed Bixby to deliver the daily USD-INR exchange rate each morning, which automatically created a recurring action listed on the Bixby app's Actions page. It's safe to assume the Actions page is where all assigned tasks will appear, so users can modify or delete actions at any time.

[caption id="attachment_721140" align="alignnone" width="2364"] Image credits: SamMobile[/caption]

It appears that setting up an action should be simple, as users may just have to describe the desired recurring task in everyday language and confirm it. Once active, the same Actions page lets them pin important routines for quick access, pause them temporarily, or remove them entirely

While Gemini on Android phones already features agentic AI capabilities by utilising Nano models, Samsung's implementation could go even deeper on its phones, even supporting first-party apps, such as Samsung Notes, Recorder, Calendar, and others. Agentic AI models are meant to make everyday life noticeably smoother by automating repetitive chores, freeing users from manual checks or reminders, and delivering timely information or actions when needed. Therefore, this could be exactly what Samsung is aiming for with Bixby on One UI 9.5.

Topical outline

As part of its breakdown of upcoming Samsung app builds, SamMobile found a new feature called Topical outline in the Voice Recorder app. This feature reportedly organises a recording into clear, subject-based sections while spotting mentions of upcoming meetings or appointments and offering to create reminders right inside the Recorder app.

This feature could be worth using for professionals who're in constant meetings, letting them easily skim the recordings' transcripts and even schedule meetings or events right then.

Speaker Summary

Also within the Voice Recorder app, Speaker Summary breaks down the conversation so you can easily follow each participant's contributions. A similar capability debuted on ColorOS 16 and OriginOS 7, where the recorder app intelligently identifies the speakers in a given voice note or recording.

Together, these additions should make lengthy recordings far more practical, letting users quickly locate key points, understand multi-person discussions at a glance, and turn spoken plans into timely reminders.

In other news, the Samsung Galaxy S27 has already received BIS certification in India, while the Galaxy S27 Plus, Galaxy S27 Ultra, and the Galaxy S27 Pro are expected to debut alongside it. While the base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus are expected to run on Exynos 2700, the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra are likely to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen Extreme Gen 6 chipset.

• Airtel's Buy One, Get One deal seems to be applicable only to the Rs 349 and Rs 399 prepaid plans.
• Both plans come with 28 days' validity, unlimited voice calls, a 12-month Adobe Express Premium subscription, and more.
• Rs 349 pack offers 2GB data daily, while the Rs 399 plan comes with unlimited 5G/ 4G data benefits.

[/highlights]

Airtel has reportedly introduced a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer on a couple of its prepaid plans. The offer appears to be limited to the Rs 349 and Rs 399 packs and is available only to select users. While we were unable to independently verify the offer, multiple users have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to report receiving it. Both plans offer 28 days of validity, extendable up to 56 days with the offer.

Airtel's BOGO offer

Airtel Buy 1 Get 1 Free.. #Airtel Limited Period Offer Via Airtel Thanks App https://t.co/1dmS2HpZOp

— Shabbu (@Ees_Khan) November 7, 2026

As mentioned above, the alleged Airtel BOGO offer is available only on the Rs 349 and Rs 399 prepaid packs. Both are all-in-one plans with largely similar benefits.

The Rs 349 Airtel plan offers 2GB of daily data, unlimited 5G data, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, a 12-month Adobe Express Premium subscription, and complimentary HelloTunes and Airtel Safe benefits. The latter also includes spam call notifications to help users identify and report potential OTP-related scams.

The Rs 399 Airtel plan differs from the Rs 349 pack by offering unlimited 4G and 5G data. All other benefits remain the same.

Both plans come with a validity of 28 days. However, under the BOGO offer, users can enjoy these benefits for up to 56 days at the same price.

How to check if you are eligible

To check if you are eligible for the offer, open the Airtel Thanks app. Download it if you haven't already and log in using your Airtel number. As reported, the promotion should appear as '1+1 Recharge Free' under either of the two eligible plans. Tap on the offer and recharge your number with the selected pack to avail of the benefits.

If you can't find the promotional label, the offer may not be applicable to your number, as was the case with ours. Airtel hasn't officially revealed details of any of the offers yet.

Even if the offer is genuine, it appears to be a limited-time promotion and may not remain available for long. While it gives the telco an edge over its rivals for a limited time, it shouldn't be a reason to switch to Airtel's network.

• Jio's Rs 10,000 prepaid plan is available across India.
• It comes with a three-year validity.
• The recharge plan has benefits like a Canva Pro Lite subscription. 

[/highlights]

Reliance Jio has launched a new prepaid plan priced at Rs 10,000. As the cost suggests, this prepaid plan is for long-term use, with the plan's validity spanning three years. Jio is the first telco to offer such kind of a prepaid plan in India. At present, yearly plans are offered by all telcos, which are the only long-term options. 

Jio Rs 10,000 prepaid plan

Jio's Rs 10,000 prepaid plan comes with 1,095 days of validity, which translates to a total of three years. The benefits include unlimited calls to all networks, 100 SMSes per day, and 2.5GB of daily data. This recharge plan also comes with unlimited 5G, so anyone with a compatible device can use it, provided you have 5G connectivity in that area. 

In addition to the regular services, Jio's Rs 10,000 plan also offers JioHotstar Mobile + Hollywood subscription, live TV channels on JioTV, along with 50GB of JioAICloud storage. Jio users also get a Canva Pro Lite subscription for 12 months. Jio offers Canva Pro and Canva Pro Lite to users through other recharge plans as well. 

Jio's latest recharge plan priced at Rs 10,000 is clearly aimed at users who want long-term validity without having to go through monthly, quarterly, or annual recharges. It covers your usage for three years straight, so you don't have to worry about sudden recharges. If you're already using an annual plan, getting the Rs 10,000 plan would be more cost-effective. For context, Jio's annual plans are priced at Rs 3,599 and Rs 3,999. So if you're taking the three-year plan instead, you would be saving more.

However, if you're someone who likes exploring different recharge plans and is not sure about using Jio for a long time, then this one might not be for you. Also, telcos announce new plans regularly with different benefits, so you might miss out on those too. 

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will launch globally on November 17th at an event in Paris.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro is tipped to launch in India in December, marking the return of the company's Pro flagship to the country after over three years.
• European variants are expected to feature smaller batteries than their Chinese counterparts.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi is bringing its Pro flagship lineup to global markets this month, with the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max set to make their international debut on November 17th. The launch is significan, as the company had restricted the previous generation's Pro models to China. India could also get a Pro model this time, with a new leak pointing to a December launch for the Xiaomi 18 Pro.

Launch and India availability

Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series will launch globally at an event in Paris on November 17 at 1 pm UTC (6.30 pm IST). The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and X, with the company promising "more surprises". The announcement specifically mentions the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, so there won't be a vanilla Xiaomi 18, or the Ultra for that matter (which anyway arrives later). Xiaomi could, however, introduce other ecosystem products, including the Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm.

In India, tipster Gadgetsdata claims that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will launch in December. This would mark the return of the company's Pro flagship lineup after more than three years. The Xiaomi 13 Pro was the last Pro model to launch in India, debuting in February 2023. Xiaomi subsequently focused on bringing its standard and Ultra models to the country.

Expected European price and specifications

The Xiaomi 18 Pro is tipped to cost EUR 1,449 (around Rs 1.53 lakh) for the 12GB + 256GB variant and EUR 1,649 (around Rs 1.74 lakh) for the 512GB model in Europe. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could retail at EUR 1,849 (around Rs 1.95 lakh) with 512GB storage. These prices are based on leaks, and earlier retailer listings have suggested somewhat lower figures. At these prices, the Pro Max would compete directly with the iPhone 18 Pro Max in Europe. The leaked pricing also puts Xiaomi's offerings in an expensive segment alongside OPPO's recently launched flagships, the OPPO Find X10 series, which retails in a similar range.

There could also be a notable difference between the Chinese and European variants. The Xiaomi 18 Pro will reportedly pack a 6,000mAh battery in Europe, down from 7,000mAh in China. The Pro Max could get a 7,050mAh battery instead of the Chinese model's 8,500mAh cell. Wired charging is also expected to drop from 100W to 90W on the European Pro, while the Pro Max retains 100W charging. Both will reportedly support 50W wireless charging. This is due to regulatory requirements in Europe.

The core hardware is expected to remain similar, including Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series processors and dual 200MP rear cameras. The smaller Xiaomi 18 Pro features a 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, while the Pro Max gets a larger 6.9-inch panel. Both the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a secondary display on the rear and a Leica dual-200MP camera system. The interactive 120Hz rear display supports widgets, notifications, customisation and camera previews, allowing users to take selfies and shoot videos using the primary cameras.

For Indian buyers, the December launch makes the Xiaomi 18 Pro worth waiting for, particularly given the return of the compact Pro flagship category. However, the final Indian pricing and battery specifications will matter. Xiaomi will need to justify its premium over rivals, especially if the global models lose some of the battery capacity offered by their Chinese counterparts.

Tandem OLED display with 12,000 nits peak brightness

The Motorola Signature 27 features a 6.8-inch 1.5K Extreme AMOLED Duo display with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology. It is also among the few smartphones to feature a Tandem OLED panel, which uses two stacked OLED layers instead of the traditional single-layer design. This allows for higher brightness, improved power efficiency, and more vibrant colours. Adding to this, the Signature 27 supports up to 12,000 nits of peak brightness, among the highest claimed on a smartphone. This should translate to excellent outdoor visibility, particularly under bright sunlight. We'll still have to test it out in real-world conditions to see if this makes any difference or not. 

Motorola's first GrapheneOS-supported device

Motorola Signature 27 is the brand's first device to support GrapheneOS, which is an open-source operating system based on the Android Open Source Project. GrapheneOS takes security to another level by limiting apps and websites from tracking and extracting private and vulnerable data from your phone. The Signature 27 is Motorola's first with a performant implementation of ARM Memory Tagging Extension, which is a new hardware caching mechanism for helping ensure system integrity and privacy. 

Until now, GrapheneOS ran only on Google Pixel smartphones. With support for the Signature 27, Motorola makes it easier for users who are interested in GrapheneOS and want that additional level of security. 

EVS action sensor

The Motorola Signature 27 features a dedicated EVS action sensor which is part of the phone's camera setup. This sensor is particularly for capturing fast-moving subjects with greater clarity and precision. The smartphone also comes with an Action Shot feature which works in tandem with the action sensor. Motorola explains it saying that "it freezes motion while maximizing available light, producing crisp, vibrant images with richer detail and more natural color."

Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system

Motorola has equipped the Signature 27 with the propritery ArcticMesh cooling system, which which uses a new diamond-infused thermal gel, liquid metal, copper mesh, and a redesigned 3D vapor chamber for better heat dissipation during AI use, gaming, and video performance. The vapor chamber is also 40 percent larger than the previous generation, so the phone should keep cool even during long gaming sessions.

The Signature 27 is also expected to deliver peak performance speeds, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Extreme chipset. 

Google Gemini experiences and Motorola Qira

The Motorola Signature 27 runs Android 17 out of the box and brings several AI features powered by Google Gemini and Motorola Qira. Gemini can handle multi-step tasks such as booking rides and preparing grocery orders, while Rambler converts natural speech into polished text. Users can also create personalised home screen widgets through Create My Widget and convert American Sign Language (ASL) into written English in real time using Sign-to-Text.

The smartphone further supports Gemini Omni for creating and editing videos through natural-language prompts and Lyria for generating custom soundtracks. Motorola Qira, meanwhile, connects supported Motorola and Lenovo devices, offering a unified AI experience across the ecosystem. 

Audio by Bang & Olufsen

Motorola Signature 27 is the first and only smartphone to feature audio by Bang & Olufsen. This is part of Motorola's recently announced multi-year partnership with the audio brand. The Signature 27 also features dedicated Sound Modes and a new speaker architecture. Motorola says that the Signature 27 is tuned to preserve the character of the original recording, alongside delivering deep bass, clear vocals and greater fidelity across music, movies and games.

Are these features enough to make you buy the Motorola Signature 27? Probably not on their own, but they do help the phone stand out from competing flagships. Beyond the usual hardware upgrades, these additions give the Signature 27 an edge and could make it a more appealing option for buyers looking for something different from the competition. However, we'd still suggest comparing the phone with other flagships and waiting for detailed reviews before making a buying decision. 

Some of these smartphones have already been confirmed for the Indian market, while others are expected to make their way here based on recent reports and leaks. The list includes the Motorola Signature 27, iQOO 16, Xiaomi 18 Pro, Vivo X500 series and OnePlus 16.

These flagship Android phones aren't just incremental upgrades. Instead, they promise substantial upgrades in performance, cameras, displays and battery capacity. From a 165Hz display and an 8,400mAh battery to dual 200MP rear cameras and next-generation flagship chipsets, there is plenty to look forward to. Here's a quick look at their specifications:

Motorola Signature 27

Potentially, the first phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC in India. The Motorola Signature 27 has already been launched globally, telling us everything there is to know on the hardware front.

The handset retains a sleek form factor but adopts a different design from its predecessor. It features a dual-tone finish and a large, rectangular camera module that houses the sensors in an L-shaped arrangement, replacing the squarish layout of the previous model. The phone sports a quad-camera setup, comprising the world's first 50MP Sony Lytia 910 primary sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a dedicated action sensor.

The Motorola Signature 27 features a near-identical 6.8-inch 1.5K Extreme AMOLED Duo LTPO display with a new tandem panel with two emissive layers and impressive 12,000 nits peak brightness, but with a reduced 120Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC at the phone's core is paired with Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system for improved thermal management during demanding tasks.

The front camera is a 50MP sensor in the punch-hole setup. The phone also packs a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W wired, 50W wireless, 5W reverse wireless and 4.5W reverse wired charging. On the software front, it runs Android 17 out of the box and promises seven years of OS and security updates. Apart from this, the phone supports GrapheneOS for advanced privacy protection, Google's Gemini integration, AI-powered video enhancements, and Audio by B&O.

The Motorola Signature 27 is priced starting at $1,599, which in Indian currency (~Rs 1,51,000) is three times more than its predecessor. I hope Motorola prices the Signature 27 more competitively in India to appeal to the masses. 

iQOO 16

If the Motorola Signature 27 will be lifestyle-focused, the iQOO 16 will prioritise a complete all-around experience with loaded specifications. The handset has been introduced in China and is confirmed to launch in India, possibly by mid-December. Much like the Motorola Signature 27, the iQOO 16 will also be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. This should translate into substantial performance capabilities for gaming, multitasking and other demanding workloads.

Another major highlight is its 2K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. This should make the device particularly interesting for mobile gamers and users who prefer a smoother scrolling experience. The smartphone also packs an 8,400mAh battery, which is considerably larger than what most conventional flagship smartphones offer. This could make a meaningful difference for users who spend considerable time gaming, streaming videos or using their devices throughout the day.

On the camera front, the iQOO 16 is expected to feature a triple rear camera setup with 50MP sensors. While the camera hardware looks capable, its real-world performance will be worth evaluating against camera-focused flagships from Vivo and Xiaomi.

With its combination of a powerful processor, high-refresh-rate display and large battery, the iQOO 16 could be a particularly interesting option for performance enthusiasts.

Xiaomi 18 Pro

Xiaomi has also confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will launch in India, although there is no word on the launch date yet. Introduced in China, the smartphone stands out for its camera hardware and relatively compact form factor. The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a 6.4-inch OLED display, making it an interesting alternative for buyers who want flagship specifications without opting for a particularly large smartphone.

At the phone's core lies Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset. While it isn't the Extreme variant powering the Motorola Signature 27 and iQOO 16, it should still offer flagship-grade performance. That said, the cameras could be the biggest reason to consider this smartphone. Xiaomi has equipped it with dual 200MP rear cameras, comprising a primary sensor and a periscope telephoto camera with 3.2x optical zoom. The Leica partnership should also bring its signature colour science and photography features to the device.

Another interesting addition is the secondary display on the rear, which can be used for notifications, widgets and other functions, similar to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 17 Pro. The smartphone also packs a 7,000mAh battery in its Chinese variant, alongside 100W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

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

If Xiaomi manages to bring most of these features to India without a significant price increase, the Xiaomi 18 Pro could be an interesting option for buyers looking for a premium camera-focused smartphone. The handset is retailing in China at CNY 5,999 (Rs 85,800 approx.) for the base 12GB RAM variant.

Vivo X500 series

The Vivo X500 series is another upcoming flagship lineup worth keeping an eye on. While Vivo hasn't officially announced its India launch date yet, the series is confirmed to arrive in the country, with reports suggesting a November 25th launch. The lineup comprises three smartphones: Vivo X500, Vivo X500 Pro and Vivo X500 Pro Max. This is particularly interesting because the company is introducing a Pro Max variant to its flagship X series for the first time.

All three phones are already official in China, and as expected from Vivo's premium lineup, cameras are their biggest highlights. All three Vivo X500 series smartphones feature Zeiss-branded camera systems, with the top-end X500 Pro Max getting a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. The Vivo X500 Pro Max also features a 6.85-inch 2K LTPO OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. Furthermore, the handset packs an 8,000mAh battery.

As for the standard X500 and X500 Pro, they offer slightly different hardware configurations, catering to buyers with different requirements and budgets. The Vivo X500 Pro, in particular, could be an interesting option for those who prefer a relatively compact flagship without compromising too much on camera capabilities.

With its emphasis on photography, premium displays and large batteries, the Vivo X500 series could give Xiaomi and other camera-focused flagships some serious competition in India.

OnePlus 16

Rumours suggest that the OnePlus 16 could make its way to India soon. The handset has already debuted in China, bringing several noteworthy upgrades. For starters, the OnePlus 16 gets an 185Hz refresh rate display, up from the 165Hz panel on its predecessor, catering particularly to gaming enthusiasts. It is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC and packs a massive 9,000mAh battery with support for 100W wired and wireless charging.

The smartphone also gets an upgraded camera setup, headlined by a 200MP primary sensor. This is accompanied by a 50MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. Other specifications include a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display, LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, UFS 4.1 storage, ColorOS 17, a 50MP front camera, Wi-Fi 7, and an IP69 rating, among other features.

While the smartphone retains a design that is largely identical to the OnePlus 15, the Tomorrow's Starlight colour variant adds an interesting touch to the rear panel with an LED light feature called the Interstellar Lighting Effect. The lights can stay illuminated or blink for notifications. Those who prefer a more understated look can opt for the Dark Forest or Martian Masterpiece colour options.

The OnePlus 16 is priced in China starting at CNY 5,999 (around Rs 86,000). However, its India pricing is likely to be much higher, possibly crossing the Rs 1 lakh barrier, which will be a first for OnePlus.

Should you wait for these flagships?

If powerful smartphones packed with all the bells and whistles are what you're after, the aforementioned Android flagships are worth waiting for. However, don't expect them to come cheap. Even relatively affordable flagship options, such as the iQOO 16 and OnePlus 16, are expected to cost upwards of Rs 1 lakh due to rising component prices.

That said, there appear to be some genuine upgrades across the board, at least on paper. Whether these upgrades justify the asking price is something we can only determine after putting the devices through their paces in our full reviews. So, stay tuned to 91mobiles for our verdict.