[highlights]

• The Moto Pad 70 Groove will launch in India on July 31st and will be available via Flipkart.
• The Moto Pad 70 Groove will feature a 12.1-inch 2.5K display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
• The tablet has a 10,200mAh battery delivering up to 15 hours of video playback.

[/highlights]

Weeks after introducing the Moto Pad 70, Motorola has confirmed that its upcoming entertainment-centred tablet, the Moto Pad 70 Groove, will launch in India on July 31st. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed several specifications on Flipkart, with the tablet's biggest highlight being what it claims is India's first nine-speaker JBL audio system.

The model appears to be aimed at buyers who consume a lot of entertainment content. It  builds on the Moto Pad 70 by placing greater emphasis on audio performance while retaining a large high refresh rate display and a sizeable battery.

Key specifications and features

According to Motorola, the Moto Pad 70 Groove will feature a 12.1-inch 2.5K display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 800 nits of peak brightness in High Brightness Mode (HBM). These specifications should make it suitable for streaming, gaming and everyday productivity.

The standout feature is its audio setup. Motorola says the tablet packs India's first nine-speaker JBL system, comprising four tweeters, three woofers and two passive radiators. The setup is paired with a 43cc acoustic chamber, dedicated bass units, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications. The company claims the system can deliver up to 48W stereo output through a 7.2-channel cinematic audio configuration, positioning the tablet as an entertainment-focused device.

Powering the tablet is a 10,200mAh battery, which Motorola says can deliver up to 15 hours of video playback on a single charge. It will also ship with a 68W fast charger in the box. Promotional images show the tablet in a green colour option with a distinctive circular rear module that combines the JBL speaker grille with a built-in fold-out stand supporting multiple viewing modes, including portrait, landscape, theatre and hanging modes.

Motorola hasn't disclosed details about the chipset, memory configurations, cameras or software. These are expected to be announced closer to launch.

Market availability

The Moto Pad 70 Groove will launch in India on July 31st and will be available via Flipkart. While Motorola hasn't confirmed the tablet's price, its feature set suggests it could compete with multimedia-focused offerings. The nine-speaker JBL setup could help it stand out if audio quality is a priority, as most tablets in this segment typically offer four to six speakers.

The Moto Pad 70 Groove looks worth waiting if you primarily use a tablet for streaming movies, listening to music or casual gaming and want a stronger audio experience than most rivals offer. However, buyers who prioritise performance or productivity should wait until Motorola reveals the processor, RAM options and pricing before making a decision. 

[highlights]

• Xiaomi has generally released its flagship smartphones in the second quarter of every year; this pattern could change soon.
• The Xiaomi 18 is likely to sport a compact design.
• The Xiaomi 17 Ultra could be the last 'Ultra' phone to launch in India.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi is known for releasing the first phones with Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon processor in China every year. While this gives users in China the first opportunity to experience Xiaomi's next-gen offerings, buyers in other countries often have to wait several months for the phones to launch officially in their regions. This could change with the Xiaomi 18 series, which, according to a report by Smartprix, may arrive in India way sooner than previous releases.

Xiaomi 18 series could feature three models, expected to launch in December

Given the track record, the Xiaomi 18 series is likely to debut in China in September 2026. The lineup is expected to feature the standard Xiaomi 18, Xiaomi 18 Pro, and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, with the 'Pro Max' variants sporting a secondary display on the rear. Per Smartprix, these smartphones could arrive in India as early as December 2026.

If the report holds, this will be the first time Xiaomi will release 'Pro' flagships in India since the Xiaomi 13 Pro, which debuted in India back in February 2023. In recent years, Xiaomi has replaced the 'Pro' model with 'Ultra', resulting in the arrival of phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, offering users the chance to get their hands on the best camera technology the brand has to offer.

[caption id="attachment_708842" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Xiaomi 17 Pro Max[/caption]

On the contrary, Smartprix states that the Xiaomi 18 Ultra is cancelled entirely, which corroborates the reports coming out of China, and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max will remain the company's best offering for the next year. If its development hadn't halted, the Xiaomi 18 Ultra would have arrived in China during mid-2027.

However, if you were willing to purchase the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in India, don't get your hopes up, as the report claims that Xiaomi plans to bring only limited quantities of the device. Given the market situation where phone prices are continuously soaring, dedicating only a few resources to selling its highest-end model could be an ideal move.

How will Xiaomi position the Xiaomi 18 series in India?

The Xiaomi 17 arrived in India just a few months back for Rs 89,999, a Rs 25,000 increase over the Xiaomi 15. Taking into account the pricing dynamics in the tech industry, the Xiaomi 18 could arrive at a similar or an even higher price, provided it's expected to pack Qualcomm's upcoming 2nm-based Snapdragon chip, dubbed Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6/6 Pro.

Just like the Xiaomi 18, the Xiaomi 18 Pro is likely to feature a compact design, along with superior camera hardware to justify the 'Pro' moniker. On the other hand, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could get a large display with a massive battery, along with the best camera setup Xiaomi has to offer, as stated above. All things considered, the Xiaomi 18 Pro could easily cross the Rs 1,00,000 pricing mark, while the 18 Pro Max could sit well over Rs 1,30,000, just like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

With reports suggesting that the OnePlus 16 may not arrive in India, this gives Xiaomi a good opportunity to have a go at the flagship segment and fill in the void left by OnePlus. However, with OPPO and Vivo flagships expected to release in the same timeframe, i.e November or December 2026, only time will tell how Xiaomi can get the upper hand over the OPPO Find X10 and Vivo X500 series. Therefore, it's worth waiting for the official specifications to get an idea of how the devices turn out.

[highlights]

• The Redmi Watch 6 Active and Watch 6 Lite are expected to boast over 140 sports modes.
• The smartwatches could come with heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ (blood oxygen) tracking, sleep tracking, distance tracking, and more.
• The Redmi Watch 6 Lite will be priced higher than the Redmi Watch 6 Active.

[/highlights]

After unveiling the Redmi Watch 6 in select global markets a couple of months ago, Xiaomi appears to be preparing to launch the Redmi Watch 6 Active and Redmi Watch 6 Lite. While the details regarding the release date are unknown, today we bring to you the key specifications, design renders, and expected European pricing of the said smartwatches, courtesy of tipster Sudhanshu.

To give a gist, the Redmi Watch 6 Active is the more affordable option of the two, aimed at users needing advanced features, while the Watch 6 Lite is expected to cater to those with basic health and fitness tracking needs.

Redmi Watch 6 Active key specifications and design renders

The Redmi Watch 6 Active will sport a smaller 1.85-inch AMOLED display over the Redmi Watch 6's 2.07-inch panel. Similarly, the Redmi Watch 6 Active's display, with a resolution of 390 × 450 pixels, is expected to be slightly less sharp than the Watch 6's higher 432 × 514 pixel resolution.

Coming to the features on board, the Redmi Watch 6 Active gains Bluetooth calling via Bluetooth 5.3, call and notification alerts, and over 140 sports modes. The watch is also expected to be equipped with multiple sensors, unlocking tons of monitoring and tracking functionalities, such as heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ (blood oxygen) tracking, sleep tracking, distance tracking, calories burned tracking, and of course, a pedometer to count steps walked in a day.

[gallery link="file" columns="9" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="708816,708817,708819,708815,708823,708820,708822,708818,708825,708824,708826,708821"]

Just like previous releases from Redmi, the Redmi Watch 6 Active will be compatible with Android and iOS. All the user needs to do is install the Mi Fitness app and follow the procedure to pair the watch with a smartphone. Lastly, the Redmi Watch 6 Active will carry a 470mAh battery, which is smaller than the Redmi Watch 6's 550mAh cell.

The Redmi Watch 6 Active is expected to be priced at around EUR 50 (approx Rs 5,500) upon release. While launch details remain unclear for now, the leaked European pricing suggests it could initially roll out in multiple European countries.

Redmi Watch 6 Lite key specifications and design renders

Given the display specifications provided to us, the Redmi Watch 6 Lite is likely to sit between the Redmi Watch 6 Active and the standard Redmi Watch 6. It is expected to feature a 1.96-inch AMOLED display, larger than the Watch 6 Active's screen but smaller than the Watch 6's 2.07-inch panel. Its panel could carry a resolution of 410 × 502 pixels.

[gallery link="file" columns="8" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="708807,708809,708808,708806,708812,708813,708811,708810"]

While the tracking and monitoring features remain the same as the Redmi Watch 6 Active, such as heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ (blood oxygen) tracking, sleep tracking, distance tracking, calories burned tracking, and a pedometer, additional hardware features will be present. These include a 9-axis motion sensor, multi-system satellite positioning (GPS), and a speaker. This indicates that the watch will not only allow you to take calls but also accurately track your route during runs or jogs, thanks to GPS.

Just like the Redmi Watch 6 Active, the Watch 6 Lite will be compatible with iOS and Android and run on a 470mAh battery. As for pricing, it could retail for EUR 60 (approx Rs 6,600) in the countries it'll launch first.

Once released, the Redmi Watch 6 Lite makes more sense for those seeking advanced features like route tracking and taking calls via the watch, while the Watch 6 Lite may fit better for casual users who just require checking basic stats during their workouts or runs.

Since the standard Redmi Watch 6 is yet to launch in India, it remains to be seen whether Xiaomi will release the Redmi Watch 6 Active and Watch 6 Lite here. If it does, the watches could stand as great alternatives to Realme's recent releases, such as the Watch 5 and Watch S5 (review), both of which also carry AMOLED displays, multiple sensors, and multi-day battery life.

Instead of relying on a single smartwatch to cater to every buyer, Xiaomi appears to be building a portfolio across different price points. The leaked pricing places the two new models well below the standard Redmi Watch 6, giving buyers more choice depending on whether they prioritise GPS, Bluetooth calling or simply health and fitness tracking.

Based on the leaked specifications, the Redmi Watch 6 Active appears to be the better choice for buyers who primarily want an AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling and comprehensive health tracking at the lowest possible price. The Redmi Watch 6 Lite, meanwhile, justifies its expected EUR 10 premium by adding built-in GPS and a 9-axis motion sensor, making it more suitable for runners, cyclists and users who want accurate outdoor workout tracking without carrying their phone. Since both watches are still based on leaks and Xiaomi has not announced a launch date yet, it may be worth waiting if you're planning to buy an affordable smartwatch in the coming weeks.

[highlights]

• Vivo has unveiled the an 'e' model in its flagship X series for the first time.
  
• The X300e is tipped to feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, much like the Vivo X300 FE.
• The phone adopts a square rear camera module, unlike other X300 models.

[/highlights]

After weeks of speculation, Vivo has officially unveiled the Vivo X300 E, expanding its flagship X300 lineup with a new 'e' model for the first time. The company has opened pre-orders in China, with the smartphone scheduled to go on sale on July 27th. While Vivo has yet to reveal the pricing or complete specifications, previous certifications and leaks have already revealed most of the phone's hardware.

Key confirmed specifications and features

Unlike the rest of the X300 family, the Vivo X300 E adopts a noticeably different design language, somewhat similar to the Redmi Note 17 Pro. The Vivo X300 and X300 Pro feature Vivo's signature large circular camera module positioned centrally on the rear panel, while the X300 FE opts for a horizontally aligned pill-shaped camera island. The X300 E, on the other hand, features a square module with a triple-camera setup positioned in the upper-left corner, giving it a cleaner and more understated appearance. Vivo has also confirmed that the phone will be available in black, white and orange colour options.

As per leaks, the Vivo X300 E is expected to feature a 6.59-inch flat 1.5K AMOLED display, making it larger than the 6.31-inch Vivo X300 FE. Under the hood, it's tipped to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, the same processor found in the X300 FE, promising flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking and AI workloads. For photography, the phone is expected to pack a 50MP primary camera, 50MP periscope telephoto sensor and an 8MP ultrawide camera, alongside a 50MP front-facing camera.

The X300 E is confirmed to house a 7,200mAh battery, reportedly with 90W fast charging. That's a significantly larger battery than the X300 FE's 6,500mAh unit while maintaining a relatively slim 7.99 mm profile and weighing around 203 gms. The phone is also expected to feature a metal frame and could include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.

The X300 E appears to fill the gap between Vivo's compact flagship and its premium models, especially after the X300's sales stopped. Buyers who found the X300 FE too small may appreciate the larger display and battery without having to step up to the significantly more expensive Pro models. The only difference between the X300 E and X300 FE for now seems to be the battery and screen size.

Vivo hasn't announced plans for an India launch and we aren't sure if the company plans to bring it to the country. However, users who watch multimedia on their phones or just prefer large-screen devices in general may find the X300 E a compelling option. Thanks to its larger display and battery, it may be priced more than the Vivo X300 FE but definitely lesser than the X300 Pro. So if you're a gamer or someone who consumes a lot of content and have the budget for a sub-flagship, we suggest waiting to check out Vivo's pricing of the X300 E.

[highlights]

• OPPO K14 series price in India now starts at Rs 16,999.
• The OPPO A6s 5G has also received a price hike of up to Rs 2,000.
• All three smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC.

[/highlights]

Price hikes driven by RAM and storage shortages have hit OPPO smartphones once again. This time, the company has increased the prices of its affordable OPPO K14, K14x, and A6s 5G smartphones. Notably, the OPPO K14x has received its second price hike in as many months. The handset is now priced at Rs 16,999, up from its previous MOP of Rs 15,999 for the base 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant. The Rs 1,000 price hike also applies to the smartphone's other variants. Meanwhile, the steepest hike of Rs 4,000 has hit the top-end 8GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration of the OPPO K14.

Here's how much the OPPO K14, K14x, and A6s 5G price in India before and after the hike:

As per a circular shared with OPPO's retail partners, the new price hikes for the smartphones are effective from today, July 20th. The revised prices are reflected on the e-commerce platform, Flipkart; however, it is worth noting that some of the variants of these models are currently out of stock.

OPPO K14 series and OPPO A6s specs

[caption id="attachment_696143" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] OPPO K14 (for representation)[/caption]

The OPPO K14 series and the A6s 5G remain the OEM's latest affordable offerings. Interestingly, all three smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, which should be capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. They also feature identical 6.75-inch HD+ LCD displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, making them suitable for casual viewing.

The similarities between the three smartphones don't end there. All three feature a 50MP + 2MP dual rear camera setup. However, if you want a better selfie camera, the OPPO K14 is the better pick, with an 8MP front-facing camera. The OPPO K14x and OPPO A6s 5G, meanwhile, feature lower-resolution 5MP selfie cameras.

The OPPO K14x and A6s 5G also pack smaller 6,500mAh batteries compared to the OPPO K14's 7,000mAh unit. All three smartphones support 45W fast charging. On the software front, the phones run Android 15-based ColorOS out of the box and are promised three years of security updates.

If you want the best value for money, the OPPO K14 stands as the strong option. However, those in tight budget might find the OPPO K14x a more appealing buy.

[highlights]

• The Pixel 11a could be powered by the Tensor G6, just like the Pixel 11 series.
• The Pixel 11a is unlikely to launch alongside the Pixel 11 series on August 12th.
• A MediaTek modem is expected to be in tow, potentially resulting in improved signal connectivity and efficiency.

[/highlights]

While the Pixel 11 series, potentially comprising the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, is officially launching worldwide on August 12, new details regarding the Pixel 11a have appeared. As is the case with the Pixel 'a' series, the smartphone may launch in Q1 2026, a few months after the Pixel 11 series' release. Now, let's see how the Pixel 11a could shape up based on the specifications revealed by Mystery Leaks on Telegram.

Google Pixel 11a key specifications revealed

Known for leaking details regarding Pixel smartphones way before their release, tipster Mystery Leaks claims that the upcoming Google Pixel 11a will be codenamed Formosan. The device is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080p paired with a 120Hz refresh rate. Brightness is an aspect where the Pixel 11a could feature a notable upgrade, as the display is said to reach 2,250 nits in HDR content and a peak brightness of 3,350 nits, which is higher than Pixel 10a's 3,000-nit maximum brightness.

Since the Pixel 11a will launch months after the Pixel 11 series, it could feature the Tensor G6 processor, a chipset that'll be based on a 2nm fabrication process, while the Titan M3 security chip could also be in tow, just like previous models. However, one of the most significant hardware shifts rumoured for the Pixel 11a is the switch from Samsung's Exynos modem to MediaTek's M90. The Tensor G6 could be paired with 8GB of RAM.

The new MediaTek modem is anticipated to improve connectivity, signal stability, and heat management, which has been a longstanding flaw with Pixel smartphones over the years. The same modem is also expected to be used across the broader Pixel 11 family.

[caption id="attachment_708779" align="alignnone" width="1580"] Google Pixel 10a design[/caption]

Another significant hardware upgrade could come in the form of a new front-facing camera codenamed "dokkaebi," promising better selfie quality and improved video call performance. While details regarding the rear cameras haven't emerged, one can expect the phone to sport a primary and an ultrawide camera. On top of that, Google will once again rely heavily on its camera algorithms to deliver meaningful results with any kind of hardware that may be present.

For endurance, the Pixel 11a could gain a 4,870mAh battery, which appears to be the typical value, as the Pixel 10a already features a 5,100mAh battery, and the same could be present on the Pixel 11a.

Lastly, the tip reveals that the handset could be available in four colourways: Obsidian (Black), Olive (Green), Frost (Purple), and Fog (Silver).

How will Google position the Pixel 11a?

The Google Pixel 11a is expected to undercut the base Pixel 11 in pricing, positioning it as an affordable entry point into the Pixel ecosystem. This ecosystem includes various devices such as the Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds. Currently, the Pixel 10a is priced at Rs 55,999 in India. However, the Pixel 11a is unlikely to carry the same price tag due to the ongoing rise in memory and storage costs.

Like other brands, Google is expected to position the Pixel 11a one tier above its predecessor, which could push its launch price comfortably above the Rs 60,000 mark when it arrives around February 2026. By then, several smartphones powered by Qualcomm and MediaTek's next-generation flagship chipsets are also likely to hit the market. Therefore, it would be wise to wait until all devices are officially launched before making a final buying decision.

[highlights]

• The Vivo S2 is tipped to launch in India in early August and is expected to go on sale during the Independence Day sales.
• The Vivo S2 could be priced between Rs 45,000 and Rs 50,000.
• Vivo hasn't officially revealed the S2's specifications yet.

[/highlights]

Vivo's S-series appears to be making its return to India after almost six years. After multiple leaks and rumours around its launch timeline, tipster Yogesh Brar now says the Vivo S2 is expected to launch in early August and could go on sale during the upcoming Independence Day sales.

Earlier reports had suggested Vivo was preparing to revive the S-series in India. The phone was also recently spotted on the BIS certification website, indicating that its launch may not be far away. This one is not to be confused with the Vivo S50 from China, which are actually the V-series models in their home country.

Anticipated launch and pricing

Brar has reiterated previous leaks, which suggested the phone would be priced under Rs 50,000 in India. This would be a significant jump from the original Vivo S1, which debuted at Rs 17,990 in 2019. Back then, the S1 stood out by offering features like an AMOLED display, an in-display fingerprint scanner and a 32MP selfie camera at a price where those features were still uncommon. Differentiating has become increasingly harder in today's times as brands fight rising memory costs, and to justify the premium, are offering increased battery sizes going over even 10,000mAh, in some cases, to users. 

If the leaked pricing is true, the Vivo S2 will move into the premium mid-range segment, closer to phones such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R. Notably, Vivo has another offering in the sub-Rs 50,000 segment, the Vivo V70 FE, which currently starts at Rs 41,999 after a recent price hike from its launch price of Rs 37,999. Unlike the original S-series, which targeted the mainstream mid-range market, the new Vivo S2 appears to be aimed at buyers looking for a more premium smartphone experience. At the moment, Vivo has not confirmed any specifications for the device. Earlier leaks only suggested that it would target the mid-range segment, with chipset and hardware details still under wraps.

Launching the Vivo S2 close to the Independence Day sales could help the company capitalise on one of the busiest smartphone buying seasons in India, when brands typically introduce new products alongside promotional offers and exchange deals. The bigger challenge for Vivo, however, could be differentiating the S2 from its own lineup. The Vivo V70 FE already offers a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset, a 7,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging and a 200MP primary camera. If the S2 launches at a similar price, Vivo will likely need to justify the premium with clear differentiation.

Based on Vivo's track record, the S2 could focus on photography, design or exclusive software features to carve out its own identity. Until the company reveals the hardware, buyers considering a phone in the Rs 40,000-50,000 segment may want to wait and compare it with the V70 FE and competing offerings from OnePlus and iQOO before making a purchase decision.

Motorola's first gaming-focused smartphone, Edge 70 Max, will commence its sale in India starting today. The handset was unveiled last week as a sub-flagship offering from the brand, prioritising performance and other feature-rich hardware. Key Motorola Edge 70 Max specs include the segment's first 2K AMOLED display, 7,000 nits peak brightness, and 25W magnetic wireless charging. The phone also boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC and a massive 7,100mAh battery.

Motorola Edge 70 Max India price, offers

The Motorola Edge 70 Max (first impressions) is priced in India at Rs 54,999 for the base 8GB RAM variant, while the top-end 12GB RAM option costs Rs 58,999. As part of the launch offer, the OEM is offering a Rs 5,000 discount with bank discounts and exchange offers on the smartphone, bringing its net effective price down to Rs 49,999.

The handset is Flipkart exclusive and comes in three Pantone colour options: Aqua Grey, Dark Shadow, and Ice Melt.

Motorola Edge 70 Max specifications

• 6.8-inch 144Hz QHD+ AMOLED display
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
• LPDDR5X + UFS 4.1
• 50MP + 8MP
• 32MP
• 7,100mAh battery, 90W wired, 25W wireless charging

The 6.8-inch flat ‘Extreme' 10-bit AMOLED display is among the phone's biggest strengths. The panel supports Quad HD+ resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 7,000 nits peak brightness, along with HDR10+ support, 100 percent DCI-P3 colour coverage, water touch support, and an Always-on Display. The panel is complemented by slim bezels and dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support.

At the core 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. The chipset is also used in Motorola's Signature series and competing smartphones such as the OnePlus 15R and iQOO 15R. It is capable of handling everyday tasks, demanding games, and on-device AI workloads with ease.

Motorola has also equipped the phone with its ArcticMesh cooling system, featuring a large 5,500mm vapour chamber. The cooling solution is designed to keep temperatures under control during intensive workloads and supports 120fps gaming in titles such as BGMI and COD: Mobile.

The phone's 7,100mAh battery supports 90W wired charging, while Qi 2.2 magnetic wireless charging support is available at up to 25W. This allows the Edge 70 Max to work with MagSafe-style accessories, adding a level of convenience that remains uncommon among Android smartphones.

The camera setup is comparatively modest, comprising a 50MP Sony Lytia 710 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens. There is no dedicated telephoto camera, which could limit the phone's versatility for portraits and close-up shots. A 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max features an aluminium frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, an IP69 rating, and MIL-STD-810H certification. The handset runs Android 16 with Motorola's Hello UI, with support for three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, which is lower than what rivals are offering.

Who should consider buying the Motorola Edge 70 Max?

Core specifications make the Motorola Edge 70 Max an appealing option for gamers and power users. The handset also boasts a handful of premium features, making it a more promising option than other similarly priced gaming phones such as iQOO 15R and OnePlus 15R. That said, the rivals offer longer software support than the Motorola Edge 70 Max.

The Motorola smartphone also lacks camera versatility, with no dedicated telephoto lens. However, if that is not a deal-breaker and three years of major OS updates and five years of security support are sufficient for you, the Edge 70 Max appears to be a compelling value-for-money option. As always, we will bring you our full review of the device shortly, so stay tuned.

[highlights]

• New tip suggests OnePlus 16 will not launch in India
• OPPO is skipping Find X10 Ultra in favour of Find X10 Pro Max
• OnePlus' is working on a new budget phone for India, called the OnePlus N6x

[/highlights]

OnePlus made several headlines last week for a few reasons. First, a Bloomberg report revealed that OnePlus is planning to exit the US and European markets this month, a move the company later confirmed. The same report also added that the company is planning to exit India sometime in 2027, to which OnePlus India simply shared that it is "business as usual". The same day, OnePlus and Realme also announced phasing out OxygenOS and Realme UI for ColorOS. Now, a new leak suggests the OnePlus 16 will not launch in India this year.

Will the OnePlus 16 launch in India?

Tipster Debayan Roy tweeted that OnePlus will not launch the OnePlus 16 in India. The phone will be exclusive to China. There's no official word from OnePlus on this yet, and we're unlikely to get one anytime soon. To recall, the OnePlus 15 launched in China in October 2025 and made its way to India a month later. 

If Roy's information is true, OnePlus could be slowly pulling out of the flagship segment in India starting this year. While OnePlus has stated that it is operating as usual in the country this year, we know that there are major restructurings underway at the parent company, OPPO, which could affect OnePlus' product pipeline for the second half of this year and into 2027.

That said, OnePlus is very much launching phones still. The brand has started teasing the arrival of the OnePlus N6x, a new budget offering that is expected to slot below the OnePlus N6. 

OPPO Find X10 Ultra might not launch in India

OPPO also seems to be carefully considering its next batch of flagship phones for the Indian market. The tipster added that the OPPO Find X10 Ultra will not launch in India. However, an OPPO Find X10 Pro Max is on the cards. This model will launch alongside the OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro, so buyers in India should still expect three new OPPO flagships to succeed the Find X9 series.

The Find X10 Pro Max will be OPPO's top-tier flagship phone in 2027, with specifications such as a 2K flat LTPO OLED display, three 200MP cameras for pro-level photography, a MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, a battery capacity of around 8,000 to 9,000mAh, and IP69 dust and water resistance, among other things. 

According to the tipster's recent leak, the ongoing global restructuring at OPPO could change how the parent company and OnePlus launch phones in India going forward. OnePlus has been focusing on bringing affordable phones to the budget and mid-range segments, with the OnePlus N6 and Nord CE 6 Lite as recent examples, as well as the upcoming N6x, while OPPO eventually takes over as the sole flagship provider among the two brands.

All of this is yet to be confirmed officially, so it would be wise to take this with a pinch of salt. However, if you've been waiting for a new flagship OnePlus phone, this news might disappoint you. Budget OnePlus buyers can still take heart with the upcoming OnePlus N6x on its way to India.

[highlights]

• POCO has officially teased the M8 Power 5G in India via a Flipkart microsite.
• The first teaser highlights a big battery and shows the phone in an orange finish.
• The POCO M8 Power is likely to be a rebranded Redmi Note 17 from China.

[/highlights]

Days after the POCO M8 Power was discovered in a HyperOS source code indicating its India launch was on course, the device has been officially confirmed and even teased by the company. A dedicated Flipkart microsite for the smartphone is now live, confirming that the launch is around the corner and the phone will be sold via the e-commerce platform in the country.

The teaser carries the tagline, "Ready for Big Battery. Non-Stop Entertainment?", indicating that battery life, much like all other phones that have launched in recent days, will be the USP of the device. The teaser also offers a partial look at the phone in an orange finish. The HyperOS source code leak suggested the POCO M8 Power could be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 17 that launched in China last week. While the teaser doesn't confirm any of that, the camera module shown in it does bear resemblance to the Note 17. However, Redmi does not offer an orange version of the Redmi Note 17 or Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, suggesting POCO could be giving the Indian model a distinct design despite sharing hardware.

Key leaked details and features

If the POCO M8 Power is indeed a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 17, it could feature a 7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution and up to 1,800 nits peak brightness. It is also expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset.

The biggest talking point, however, remains the rumoured 8,000mAh battery. Earlier speculation suggested Xiaomi could reduce the battery size outside China, but more recent firmware references indicate the Indian model may retain the same capacity. Other expected specifications include up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie camera, 45W wired charging, 22.5W reverse wired charging, IP65 dust and water resistance, NFC and AI-powered anti-fraud features. POCO is expected to reveal more information about the display, processor, cameras and launch date through additional teasers in the coming days.

The teaser comes as leaks suggest POCO is preparing more battery-focused smartphones for India. Tipster Debayan Roy has claimed that the standard POCO X8 is also in the pipeline with a 6.83-inch 1.5K 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset, a battery of around 9,000mAh and 67W fast charging. References to the X8 were also found in the HyperoS firmware, indicating that it would be a rebranded Redmi Note 17 Pro from China.

If the leaked specifications prove accurate, the POCO M8 Power could stand out in the budget 5G segment. While rivals have gradually increased battery capacities, most still pair them with displays under 6.8 inches. Buyers looking for long battery life and a large screen for streaming or gaming may want to wait for POCO to confirm the remaining specifications before making a purchase.

Samsung's second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year is just around the corner, and there's plenty to look forward to. The event will unveil the brand's next-generation foldable lineup and carries added significance this year, with several rivals preparing to enter the foldable market. Samsung is expected to introduce as many as three new foldables: two will be direct successors to their previous editions, while the third will have a passport-like new form factor, aimed at appealing to a broader range of users.

Here's everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event:

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 date, time

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 will take place in London, UK, on July 22nd. The event will kickstart at 02:00 pm local time, which in the Indian Standard Time (IST) zone is 06:30 pm.

How to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event will be livestreamed on Samsung's official website, Samsung.com, as well as its social media channels and YouTube. We've also included the company's official YouTube livestream link below so you can watch the event live.

As always, we'll be covering the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in real time, bringing you all the latest announcements, hands-on coverage of the new devices, and pricing details as soon as they are revealed.

What to expect from the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 2026

Samsung hasn't revealed the list of devices it will be unveiling at its upcoming event, but shared subtle hints of a new foldable expected, alongside the expected Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and next-gen Galaxy Watch. The chaebol has also confirmed the introduction of a new Flex Titanium Technology display, which is said to be more durable than ever before and offer a crease-less experience.

The display incorporates a titanium-alloy film that, according to Samsung, is around 20 per cent stiffer than conventional polymer films. Despite being just 30 per cent as thick as a human hair, the film is said to improve the panel's durability without adding bulk. The new display technology also enhances viewing experience and makes it more power-efficient.

Apart from the new display, the handsets are also expected to come with improved performance, a larger battery, faster 45W wired charging speeds, and 25W wireless charging capabilities. It could also come with the latest Android 17-based One UI 9 out of the box.

Expected specifications

• Exynos 2600/ Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite SoC
• 12GB RAM + up to 1TB storage
• 6.9-inch main display and 4.1-inch cover display (Z Flip8)
• 7.6-inch main display and 5.5-inch cover display (Z Fold8)
• 50MP rear cameras
• 10MP front camera

Unfortunately, there isn't much we know about the form factor of the new foldable in the lineup. However, teasers suggest it could feature a slightly smaller design than Samsung's conventional book-style foldables. This may appeal to buyers who want the benefits of a large-screen foldable but not the tall form factor. The handset should be more pocketable than the rumoured Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

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Samsung has also announced a collaboration between its upcoming foldables and the forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. As part of the announcement, the company shared a teaser video offering brief glimpses of what appear to be the next-generation Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8. If the visuals are anything to go by, both foldables are expected to retain designs similar to their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Flip8 appears to feature a dual rear camera setup, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 is likely to continue with a triple rear camera system.

Other than the smartphones, Samsung is also expected to launch its latest smartwatches, speculated to be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2.

There is no word on the next-gen Samsung Galaxy foldables and smartwatches' price at the moment.

The Vivo T5 Lite is yet another 5G-capable entrant in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 6300. Featuring a 6.75-inch display, a large 6,500mAh battery, and an IP65 rating, it takes the fight to the Realme P4R, which has been in the limelight recently for boasting a massive 8,000mAh cell. So, is the Realme P4R the clear winner for its battery prowess, or does the Vivo T5 Lite offer strong competition under Rs 20,000? Find out in this quick comparison.

Before diving into the comparison, here's a quick look at the specifications of both smartphones:

Vivo T5 Lite vs Realme P4R: price

The Vivo T5 Lite's base variant with 4GB RAM + 128GB storage retails for Rs 19,999, Rs 1,000 more expensive than the Realme P4R with the same storage configuration. Similarly, the 6GB + 128GB variant of the Vivo T5 Lite is priced higher than the Realme P4R's similar storage option, making the P4R an ideal pick for offering the same memory at lower prices.

Design

With flat-edged frames in tow, both Vivo T5 Lite and Realme P4R boast military-grade resilience alongside an IP65 rating. This structural sealing keeps dust out and prevents damage from accidental water spills, while protecting the phones against drops to a certain extent.

The T5 Lite sports a squarish camera module, while the P4R settles for an elongated rectangular camera deco. Interestingly, both phones feature ring-shaped LEDs around the camera modules that notify users of incoming calls and notifications when the devices are placed face down. The T5 Lite comes in two colour shades, Wave Blue and Twilight Shadow, while the Realme P4R features Silver Glare, Titanium Glare, and Lavender Glare, all with plastic back panels.

The Vivo T5 Lite weighs 209g, while the Realme P4R is heavier at 224g. A major advantage the T5 Lite carries is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers, both of which are lacking on the Realme P4R.

Display

The Vivo T5 Lite features a 6.74-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1,200 nits of high brightness, and eye-comfort certifications to avoid or mitigate strain caused by the blue lights emitted from the display. The Realme P4R uses a slightly larger 6.8-inch HD+ LCD panel but increases the refresh rate to 144Hz. It also supports up to 1,200 nits of high brightness and features Panda-1681 glass for added panel protection.

Since both smartphones offer HD+ resolution, videos and text details should appear similarly. However, the Realme P4R's higher 144Hz refresh rate could make scrolling and interactions in supported games feel smoother. Since the P4R sports a punch-hole camera, it should offer an immersive content viewing experience over the T5 Lite's dew drop notch display, which takes a tad bit more display space.

Performance

The Vivo T5 Lite is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G chipset, paired with up to 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage. The Realme P4R utilises the same hardware configuration, drawing power from the identical MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor along with up to 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage.

Since both smartphones share the same processor and memory configuration, users can expect identical day-to-day processing speeds, app loading times, and overall multitasking capabilities. However, the Realme P4R could hold an advantage during prolonged usage and heavy gaming sessions thanks to its massive 5,300 square mm vapour chamber cooling system, which may prevent thermal throttling better than the Vivo T5 Lite's standard cooling setup.

In our testing of the Realme P4R, the Dimensity 6300 offered AnTuTu and Geekbench multi-core scores of 6,03,216 and 1,957, respectively, and the T5 Lite could output similar numbers. Either way, expect both and other smartphones with the Dimensity 6300/6400 to deliver similar results in games.

Battery and charging

The Vivo T5 Lite features a large 6,500mAh battery paired with 44W FlashCharge support. The Realme P4R steps things up even further, packing a massive 8,000mAh battery, the biggest in its segment, while slightly increasing the charging speed to 45W.

Since both smartphones boast large battery capacities, users can expect multi-day endurance under light to moderate workflows. However, the Realme P4R should fare better due to the sheer advantage in terms of battery capacity, potentially resulting in better backup. On the other hand, the Vivo T5 Lite's slightly smaller 6,500mAh battery makes the device noticeably lighter, which could matter more to some people.

Cameras

The Vivo T5 Lite features a 50MP primary rear camera accompanied by an auxiliary lens, along with a modest 5MP front camera for selfies. The Realme P4R also uses a 50MP main camera on the back but pairs it with a 2MP depth sensor, while stepping up the front-facing sensor to an 8MP selfie camera.

Since both smartphones deploy a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, daytime photos and general point-and-shoot outputs should deliver similar results. For video recordings, both handsets are limited to 1080p resolution at 30FPS. In terms of AI imaging, the Realme P4R seems to have an advantage with the inclusion of multiple features, such as AI Portrait Glow, AI Eraser, and AI Reflection Remover, while the T5 Lite carries AI UHD to make images clearer and more detailed.

Software

The Vivo T5 Lite runs on OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, integrated with Google Gemini capabilities and custom productivity tools like vivo DocMaster. The Realme P4R features Realme UI 7, also based on Android 16 with its own look and feel. While both smartphones are promised two OS upgrades, the Vivo T5 Lite should fare better in the long term since it's set to receive four years of security updates, while the P4R is limited to three years.

As for which UI is better, it all comes down to preferences. While OriginOS 6 and Realme UI 6 share many similarities, such as featuring dynamic island-like interfaces to view real-time information from the status bar, they are unique in their own ways. Both custom skins have their own design language, customisation options, and productivity features.

Why choose the Vivo T5 Lite?

• Lighter at 209g (vs 224g) and slimmer at 8.4mm (vs 8.8mm), making it comfortable to hold for long sessions.
• Comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside stereo speakers.
• Longer security patch support of four years compared to the P4R's three years.

Why choose the Realme P4R?

• Smoother 144Hz refresh rate in supported games.
• Considerably larger 8,000mAh battery for better endurance
• Slightly faster 45W charging.
• More affordable pricing for all storage variants.

While both smartphones will suffice for your needs in casual to medium use cases if you're coming from a two to three-year-old budget smartphone, the main advantage the Realme P4R has over the Vivo T5 Lite is its larger 8,000mAh battery for strong endurance. On the other hand, if you seek a lightweight smartphone with better media experiences, the T5 Lite is worth considering for its stereo speaker setup.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max and iQOO 15R (review) both chase the same buyer: someone who wants top‑tier performance, big batteries and smooth displays under Rs 60,000. On paper, they look very similar, but the specifications tell slightly different stories about who each phone is really for. In this comparison, we look at performance, cameras, design, battery and software purely on the basis of specifications to see which one fits your needs better.

Motorola Edge 70 Max vs iQOO 15R: price in India

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

Performance

Since both phones lean on Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and fast LPDDR5X RAM, you can expect similar flagship‑level performance on paper for gaming, multitasking and long social media scrolls. Everyday tasks, loading heavy apps and switching between multiple tabs should feel equally quick on either device if you go by the core hardware.

[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="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The main difference shows up when you look at storage options on both. The Motorola Edge 70 Max caps out at 256GB, while the iQOO 15R adds a 512GB option for buyers who install a lot of big games, shoot 4K video often or prefer to keep their content offline.

If you know you use your phone more like a portable media drive, that extra storage on the iQOO side will likely matter more over time, even though performance itself is pretty similar on both in day-to-day use.

Design and display

The Motorola Edge 70 Max goes big and sharp with its 6.8‑inch Extreme AMOLED panel. The QHD+ resolution and 144Hz refresh rate make it feel like a proper screen for movies, games and scrolling, and the high peak brightness should help it stay visible outdoors and in bright rooms.

[comparative-benchmark type="1000" products="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The curved edges on the Edge 70 Max add that typical ‘flagship' look, but they also make the phone feel a bit wider in hand, which some users will enjoy for immersion, while others might find it harder to grip for long one‑handed use.

The iQOO 15R takes a more compact, practical route with a 6.59‑inch flat AMOLED display at FHD+ and the same 144Hz refresh rate. It will not look quite as razor‑sharp as Motorola's QHD+ panel but the size and flat design should make it easier to hold and use for longer stretches. You still get smooth animations and fast touch response, so it reads as a screen tuned for gaming and everyday tasks rather than multimedia use.

[comparative-benchmark type="2000" products="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

If you enjoy big screens for movies and reading, the Edge 70 Max looks will appeal more to you. If you prefer a slightly smaller display that still feels fast and responsive, the iQOO 15R comes across as the more practical choice, especially for users who value comfort as much as resolution.

Cameras

The Motorola Edge 70 Max offers a more flexible rear camera setup based on its specs. You get a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra‑wide that also doubles as a macro lens, and an extra 2MP sensor to help with exposure and scene data. This combination covers regular photos, wider scenes and close‑ups, so it feels better suited to users who like experimenting with different perspectives rather than just shooting straight‑on frames.

The iQOO 15R (review) keeps things simpler with a dual camera array: a 50MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra‑wide. It still ticks the essentials for everyday photography and landscapes, but it lacks dedicated macro hardware, which slightly limits how far you can push close‑up shots on specs alone. Here's a quick look at the iQOO 15R's cameras:

[smartslider3 slider=2062]

Both phones use a 32MP selfie camera with screen flash and support for 4K video at up to 60fps, which is great for social posts, vlogs and high‑quality video calls. Based only on the numbers, Motorola looks better for users who want more variety from the rear cameras, while iQOO is a straightforward setup that focuses on core photography use-cases.

Battery and charging

The Motorola Edge 70 Max uses a 7,100mAh silicon‑carbon battery with 90W wired charging and 25W wireless charging. That should ideally translate to a full day of heavy use or around a day and a half of mixed use, with a quick top‑up bringing you comfortably through the rest of the day. Wireless charging also makes it more convenient if you like using charging pads instead of cables.

[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="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The iQOO 15R steps up to a 7,600mAh battery and 100W wired charging, so it aims for slightly longer screen‑on time along with faster wired refills. You can reasonably expect it to stretch past a full heavy day and closer to two days for lighter users, as long as the software and display brightness level are managed adequately.

Here, the trade‑off is pretty clear: Motorola offers a more flexible charging setup with wireless support, while iQOO goes for the biggest possible battery and the quickest wired charging for users who care primarily about endurance.

Software

Both phones run Android 16, but they take different paths with their interface and update promises. Motorola's Hello UI stays close to a clean, stock‑style experience and is backed by three years of OS updates and five years of security patches, which should suit users who like simple, familiar software.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42264,41748,,," pias="59,54,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

The iQOO 15R uses an OriginOS‑based skin, better gaming and AI features and offers four OS updates and six years of security, which reads as more reassuring for long‑term buyers on paper. If you care more about a lighter, minimalist interface, Motorola will feel more natural, but if you want longer support and extra tools built around performance and AI, iQOO looks like the more future‑ready option

Which one should you buy?

On specs alone, the Motorola Edge 70 Max looks better suited to users who care most about multimedia and an all‑round premium experience. The sharp QHD+ curved display, larger body that should help with heat dissipation, wireless charging and more versatile rear camera setup all point towards a phone built for long streaming sessions, gaming and mixed everyday use.

The iQOO 15R (review), meanwhile, targets buyers who want similar flagship‑level performance in a more compact, handy form factor. You still get a fast 144Hz AMOLED display, the same core Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power and a larger battery that is better for pure endurance with quicker charging speed.

So the choice really comes down to what you value more: if you want the sharper, more immersive display, wireless charging and a richer multimedia prowess, pick the Motorola Edge 70 Max. If you prefer a compact‑ish phone with the same performance, a good display and a bigger battery for long days and travel, while saving some money, the iQOO 15R is the more sensible option.

[highlights]

• A leaked diagnostics log reportedly confirms the iPhone 18 Pro Max will use a new Sony IMX905 main camera with variable aperture support.
• The telephoto, ultrawide, LiDAR and selfie cameras are tipped to remain unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
• Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 series in September 2026.

[/highlights]

Apple's next flagship iPhone may not bring a major camera overhaul, but one key hardware change could make a noticeable difference. A newly surfaced diagnostics log, reportedly originating from leaked internal Tata Electronics files, appears to confirm several camera specifications for the iPhone 18 Pro Max ahead of its expected September launch.

The leak largely backs earlier rumours, suggesting Apple is focusing on refining its main camera while leaving the rest of the camera system largely unchanged.

iPhone 18 Pro Max major hardware changes

According to NotebookCheck, the diagnostics log confirms that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will use a new Sony IMX905 sensor as its primary camera, replacing the IMX903 sensor found on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While the sensor retains the same 1.22μm pixel size, the report claims the key upgrade is support for a variable aperture system. The log reportedly includes calibration data for the aperture mechanism, indicating that Apple has added hardware capable of physically adjusting the amount of light entering the camera.

Low-light photography has been a major pain point among iPhone Pro users, showing poor progression right from its inception in the iPhone 11 era. If the leak is to believed, this would mark the first time an iPhone has offered a variable aperture camera.

Why variable aperture matters

Unlike fixed-aperture smartphone cameras, a variable aperture system can adjust the lens opening depending on the shooting scenario. A wider aperture lets in more light for low-light photography, while a narrower aperture can improve sharpness across the frame or create a more natural depth-of-field effect in bright conditions.

The technology isn't entirely new to smartphones. Brands including Xiaomi, Huawei and Honor have already introduced variable aperture cameras on select flagship models. If Apple adopts the feature this year, it would be catching up with an existing industry trend rather than introducing a new one. For Apple, however, the feature could work alongside its computational photography to offer more flexibility without requiring users to manually adjust camera settings.

The rest of the camera hardware is expected to remain familiar. The leak suggests the telephoto camera will continue to use the Sony IMX973 sensor, while the ultrawide camera, LiDAR sensor and front-facing camera are also expected to carry over unchanged from the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Previous reports have also suggested Apple could increase the price of the iPhone 18 Pro Max by around USD 200 (around Rs 19,000), citing higher camera component and memory costs, but other leaks suggest a lower hike.

The leak suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max may be a worthy upgrade primarily for photography enthusiasts interested in the benefits of variable aperture. Those already using a recent Pro-series iPhone may find the overall camera hardware largely familiar, especially if the remaining sensors remain unchanged. 

[highlights]

• WhatsApp has begun rolling out full username support to a limited number of Android and iPhone users on both stable and beta versions.
• The feature lets users start new conversations without sharing their phone number, although a mobile number remains mandatory.
• The Indian government had earlier expressed reservations about WhatsApp usernames.

[/highlights]

WhatsApp has reportedly started rolling out its long-awaited usernames feature to a limited number of Android and iPhone users, as it starts to move beyond phone number-based messaging. The feature allows users to start conversations without sharing their mobile number, although phone numbers will continue to remain mandatory for account creation and existing chats.

The rollout is currently limited to select users on both the stable and beta versions of WhatsApp and is expected to expand gradually over the coming weeks.

How to create or reserve your username

According to WABetaInfo, users whose usernames are now active will see a banner at the top of the Chats tab confirming that the feature is ready to use. Once enabled, they can share their username with new contacts and businesses instead of their phone number.

WhatsApp first introduced username reservations last month, allowing users to claim their preferred handle ahead of the wider rollout. Those who linked their Meta Accounts Center could also reserve the same username they use on Facebook or Instagram, although this isn't mandatory. You can check whether your username is active by opening Settings > Profile in WhatsApp. From there, users can create, edit or delete their username at any time. Deleting a username restores phone numbers as the primary identifier for new conversations.

The company is also notifying existing contacts when someone creates or changes their username by displaying an in-chat system message, helping reduce confusion or impersonation.

Format rules and restrictions

WhatsApp usernames do not replace phone numbers. Users will still need a mobile number to register and use the app, while existing chats will continue to display phone numbers as before. For new conversations, however, people who don't already have your number can contact you using your username instead. WhatsApp requires users to know the exact username, as there is no public directory or partial search feature.

Some accounts may also be offered an optional "username key", which adds another layer of privacy. In such cases, new users must know both the username and the key before they can start a conversation. The key isn't required if you've already chatted with someone, share a group, have their phone number saved or they message you first.

Enhanced privacy settings

The feature brings WhatsApp closer to rivals such as Telegram, Signal and Discord, all of which already allow users to connect without revealing their phone numbers. For users, this could make sharing contact details with businesses, online sellers or new acquaintances more comfortable while reducing unnecessary exposure of personal numbers.

However, WhatsApp's rollout comes amid increased scrutiny in India. Earlier reports suggested the Indian government had asked Meta not to introduce usernames in the country until consultations over potential impersonation and safety concerns are complete. Meta has said the feature includes multiple safeguards, including reserved usernames for public figures and verified accounts, limits on unsolicited messages, protection against username guessing and contextual information about first-time senders to help users identify suspicious accounts.

The feature is a meaningful privacy upgrade rather than a replacement for WhatsApp's existing system. If it rolls out widely with the promised safeguards intact, usernames could make it much easier to connect with new people without giving away a personal phone number, while still retaining the familiarity of WhatsApp's existing experience.

[highlights]

• The ASUS Pad T3201 launches with an OLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
• It runs on a 9,000mAh battery with 45W charging and supports stylus and keyboard accessories for productivity.
• ASUS has confirmed availability through e-commerce partners but pricing is still under wraps.

[/highlights]

The PC and electronics manufacturer ASUS has re-entered the tablet market in India with the launch of the Pad T3201. The brand positions it as a premium Android tablet for users who want a big, bright display for entertainment, along with enough performance for learning, creative work, and productivity. Some other goodies include an OLED panel, slim design, and support for accessories like a stylus and keyboard. Let's take a deeper look at the machine below.

ASUS Pad T3201: specifications, features

The ASUS Pad T3201's key highlight is its 12.2-inch 2.8K dual-layer OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 600 nits typical brightness and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. Most tablets generally opt for an IPS display to keep costs down, so an OLED offering should make it a great option for watching content, gaming, and editing photos or documents.

The upside of an OLED panel lies in its ability to render deep blacks and more vibrant colours, especially if you often use your tablet indoors and outdoors. ASUS also promises 100 percent DCI-P3 colour coverage, which should help the screen produce richer and more accurate colours.

The tablet is designed to stay portable despite the large display and measures just 6.5mm thick and weighs 523g. That is light enough to carry around in a backpack or hold for long reading or viewing sessions. ASUS is pairing the tablet with quad speakers and Dolby Atmos 360-degree audio output, which should make it a more immersive device for movies and streaming.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" columns="2" ids="708669,708670"]

At the core of the ASUS Pad T3201 lies the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. If that is still not enough, the tablet also supports microSD expansion of up to 1TB, which is useful for users who store a lot of files, videos, or offline content.

The tablet should be able to handle everyday multitasking, online learning, and entertainment without much trouble, as the Dimensity 8300 is quite a capable chipset. It also comes with Android 16, which gives it a current software base right out of the box.

The tablet packs a 9,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, so the machine's battery life should also be quite reliable. ASUS claims it can charge from 0 to 50 percent in about 30 minutes, handy for quick top-ups. That makes it better suited for users who want a tablet they can use through a full day of classes, work, or content consumption without constantly worrying about charging it.

For productivity, ASUS is supporting the tablet with GlideX, ASUS Pen 2.0 compatibility, and Bluetooth keyboard support. That means the Pad T3201 can work as more than just an entertainment device, especially for users who want to take notes, sketch, or handle light work on the move.

It also includes a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and Face Unlock, along with Google's Circle to Search for quicker on-screen lookups. ASUS is also bundling a protective folio case with the tablet, which should protect the large display against scratches and damage, adding value to the overall package. 

Should you buy the ASUS Pad T3201?

The ASUS Pad T3201 looks like a pretty decent all-round tablet for users who want a bright OLED screen, good performance, and reliable battery life in a portable design. The display, speakers, and accessory support make it especially appealing for media consumption, and the stylus and keyboard support let you use it as a productivity tool too.

ASUS has already confirmed that the tablet will be sold through Flipkart, the ASUS eShop, ASUS and ROG Stores, Reliance Digital, and authorised retail partners, but pricing has not been announced yet.  Still, we can make some assumptions based on the OLED panel, slim design, and overall feature set. The tablet is likely to land in the premium category, since it comes with an OLED display and powerful chipset.

That places it in the same bracket as premium tablets like the Galaxy Tab S series, which usually cost well above Rs 60,000, so buyers should expect ASUS to position this as a higher-end tablet. If you have the means to afford such a machine and want a capable device with excellent visuals and versatile use cases, the ASUS Pad T3201 seems to be worth considering. 

[highlights]

• The previously rumoured cancelled POCO X8 has surfaced in HyperOS code, suggesting the smartphone is still in development.
• The leak points to a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP secondary sensor and a possible 9,000mAh battery.
• These are the same specifications as the Chinese Redmi Note 17 Pro.

[/highlights]

The POCO X-series got its annual refresh in India in March with the POCO X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max and even an Iron Man edition. For all those who thought the brand was done with the series, here's a fresh piece of news. The standard POCO X8, which was widely believed to have been cancelled, may still be on its way. A new leak suggests the smartphone is back in development and could arrive with one of the biggest batteries in its segment.

The information comes from tipster Kacper Skrzypek, who recently revealed the existence of the POCO M8 Power. The same source has now spotted references to the POCO X8 in HyperOS code, hinting that Xiaomi may not have shelved the device after all.

POCO X8 will have 50 MP main + 2 MP depth, like China's Redmi Note 17 Pro, while Global Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G will have 8 MP ultrawide camera. pic.twitter.com/8Xvxx4F9Ks

— Kacper Skrzypek 🇵🇱 (@kacskrz) July 15, 2026

Key highlights and features

According to the leak, the POCO X8 will feature a 50MP primary camera accompanied by a 2MP secondary sensor. The camera setup matches the Redmi Note 17 Pro, reinforcing reports that the upcoming POCO phone will be a rebranded version of the China-exclusive Redmi model.

Battery capacity is expected to be the biggest talking point. The Redmi Note 17 Pro launched in China with a 9,000mAh battery, while its upcoming global version is tipped to feature a smaller 8,340mAh unit. The tipster has not confirmed whether the POCO X8 will have separate Indian and global variants, but if Xiaomi follows its recent strategy, the Indian model could retain the larger 9,000mAh battery.

Other expected specifications include a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset, 67W wired fast charging, 22.5W reverse charging and an 8MP front camera.

There is currently no word on the launch timeline, although the POCO X8 could debut alongside the recently leaked POCO M8 Power, which is also expected to be based on the Redmi Note 17.

POCO X8 series lineup

If the standard X8 arrives, it will complete the POCO X8 family, which currently includes the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max. The POCO X8 Pro targets buyers looking for flagship-grade performance in a compact package with its MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and the optional Iron Man Edition design. The Pro Max sits above it with the more powerful Dimensity 9500S processor, a larger 6.83-inch display and an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

The standard POCO X8, however, appears to be taking a different approach. Instead of competing on performance, it is expected to focus on battery life, potentially offering a 9,000mAh battery in a segment where most smartphones still ship with 6,000mAh to 8,000mAh cells.

That would also put it in line with the industry's recent shift towards ultra-large silicon-carbon batteries. Brands like OnePlus, Realme, Vivo and Honor have already introduced or are developing phones with battery capacities ranging from 9,000mAh to over 10,000mAh, making long battery life an increasingly important selling point.

For buyers, the POCO X8 could be worth waiting for if battery endurance is a priority. However, if gaming performance, camera versatility or premium materials matter more, the existing X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max are likely to remain the stronger options within the lineup. Don't expect competitive prices as that era has long gone.

[highlights]

• The new series aims to offer robust designs and clean software experiences.
• The Lava Virat V1 5G will be powered by the Unisoc T8200 processor.
• The smartphones will be backed by Lava's free home service for a convenient after-sales experience.

[/highlights]

Lava is all set to introduce a new lineup called 'Virat' in the Indian smartphone market soon. Likely aimed at the budget and midrange segment, the series will aim to deliver robust day-to-day performance, long-lasting reliability, a clean software experience, and a premium design. Today, the company has officially revealed the first offerings under this series, the Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1, along with their key specifications.

Here's when the Lava Virat series is debuting

The Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 will make their official debut in India on July 24th and will be sold exclusively online via Flipkart. This marks a notable shift for Lava, which has long partnered with Amazon for e-commerce sales for its previous smartphone launches.

Without going into the pricing details, here's what Lava has announced today regarding the new lineup:

Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 specifications revealed

Lava Virat V1 5G

The Lava Virat V1 5G is set to feature a 6.75-inch HD+ display, likely an LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Running at the core of the device will be the Unisoc T8200 processor, the same chipset that powers tons of new releases this year, such as Lava's own Shark 2 5G, Ai+ Nova 2, and HMD Vibe 2. The chipset should suffice for casual to medium use cases, such as chatting, checking emails, browsing social media, etc.

In our testing, the Unisoc T8200 scores around 5,50,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark, which is slightly lower than the Dimensity 6300. On to the optics, the Virat V1 5G gets 13MP dual cameras on the rear, along with a 5MP selfie shooter. It's also worth noting that Lava is promising a clean Android experience free from ads and bloatware, which has always been the key highlight of Lava smartphones that distinguishes it from others.

The official design renders of the Virat V1 5G confirm that the back panel will feature box-like patterns on the rear, while being equipped with a square-ish camera module. The smartphone gets an IP64 rating and will be available in two colourways, Arya Blue and Sonar Gold.

If competitively priced, the Virat V1 5G could stand as a great alternative to the 5G offerings under the Rs 20,000 such as the Realme C83, Moto G37 Power, and OPPO K14x, given it carries the advantage of flaunting a clean and bloatware-free software.

Lava Virat V1

As the name doesn't include the 5G moniker, the Virat V1 is likely to be a 4G-only offering. Per Lava, the phone will flaunt a 6.75-inch HD+ panel, which should be paired with high refresh rates, just like the Virat V1 5G. It'll boast a 5,000mAh battery, while the build will be protected using an IP64 rating for shielding against dust and water.

Powered by the UNISOC SC9863A chipset, it comes with 4GB of RAM (expandable by up to 4GB virtually) and 64GB of storage. This is a 28nm-based processor from 2018; therefore, it'll be worth seeing how it holds up in daily use and battery efficiency. On the camera front, it packs a 13MP AI dual rear setup and a 5MP front camera. The phone runs a clean, bloatware-free version of Android and will feature two colour shades, Nilgiri Blue and Himalayan Silver.

From the official design renders, it appears the Virat V1 will sport a more subtle design compared to the Virat V1, with a plain back panel devoid of any patterns or intricate design elements.

Just like the commitments made on previous models, the Lava Virat series will be backed by the company's free home service for a hassle-free after-sales experience in the comfort of the customer's home.

[highlights]

• The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra launches with a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED 1.5K display, 144Hz refresh rate. 
• It packs a 50MP selfie camera, a 50MP main camera with OIS, and a 50MP 3X telephoto lens, making it one of the few phones under Rs 40,000. 
• The phone is priced at Rs 39,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, with a Rs 3,000 launch discount. 

[/highlights]

The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched as the brand's latest camera-focused smartphone, and the phone clearly targets users who want a stylish design, a big curved display, and a good set of imaging features. It also brings a large 6,500mAh battery, making it one of Tecno's more ambitious launches in this segment. Let's take a look at it in detail below.  

Tecno Camon 50 Ultra: price in India

Tecno is offering the phone in a single 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant priced at Rs 39,999, with an Rs 3,000 launch discount that lowers the effective price to Rs 36,999. The company is also offering No-cost EMI options to facilitate purchases. 

The phone is set to go on sale in India on July 21 via Amazon. The handset comes in Cypress Green, Nebula Titanium, and Misty Purple colour options.

Tecno Camon 50 Ultra: specifications, features

The Camon 50 Ultra comes with a 6.78-inch ProXDR curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. That should make the phone feel smooth in daily use while also giving it a more premium look and feel. The device is extremely slim at just 7.75mm and weights about 190 grams. It is also rather robust with IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings and Gorilla Glass 7i protection, which adds further peace of mind. 

Under the hood, Tecno is using the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate processor, paired with HiOS 16. The phone comes in a single RAM and storage configuration with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. 

The camera setup is one of the main highlights here, as the device is one of the few to offer a telephoto lens under Rs 40,000. The Camon 50 Ultra gets a 50MP front camera with Autofocus, which should make it especially appealing to selfie users and anyone who spends a lot of time on video calls or social media content. On the back, it carries a 50MP Sony LYT 700 sensor with OIS, a 50MP OIS 3x telephoto camera, and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.

The BIG day is here 😁

Meet CAMON 50 Ultra 5G. Pick yours from three unique shades!

Featuring:
📸 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C Camera
🔍 50MP 3X Optical Zoom + 8MP Ultra Wide and Macro
📱 6.78-inch 1.5K 144Hz Pro XDR Curved AMOLED Display
💪 6500mAh Battery
⚡ 45W Fast Charge… pic.twitter.com/rvwqSBxf9T

— TECNO Mobile India (@TecnoMobileInd) July 17, 2026

Tecno has also packed in a 6,500mAh battery with 45W fast charging. That is a pretty decent combination for a phone with a large curved display, and it should help the device last comfortably through heavy daily use. The company is also highlighting the battery's "5-year durability" claim, which suggests it is pushing long-term reliability as one of the phone's selling points.

The Camon 50 Ultra also includes dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, which should help with media playback and gaming. On the connectivity side, it supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, FM radio, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C, and OTG. Tecno is also bundling a Google AI Plus benefit with the Camon 50 Ultra 5G, which gives users access to 2TB of cloud storage and other Google AI features for three months at no extra cost.

Should you buy it?

The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra, priced at Rs 39,999, looks like a decent option if you want a phone that puts display quality, cameras, and battery life first. The curved 1.5K AMOLED panel, 50MP telephoto camera, and 6,500mAh battery make it feel like a well-rounded package, and it is also one of the few phones under Rs 40,000 to offer a telephoto camera system. That gives it a clear advantage for users who care about zoom shots, portraits, and a more versatile camera setup.

It also helps that the phone is slim, lightweight, and designed with a unique look that adds to its overall appeal. Taken together, those details make it a pretty interesting alternative to rivals like the Nothing Phone 4a, OnePlus Nord CE6 and Motorola Edge 70 Pro. Its value, however, will still come down to how it fares against its better-known rivals in the same segment, so stay tuned for a comprehensive review of the device. 

[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.

• Airtel's unlimited 5G hotspot situation has become a point of confusion.
• Online screenshots and user reports have fuelled the discussion, but they do not provide enough proof. 
• Users can utilise unlimited 5G data on a connected device using a hotspot.

[/highlights]

Update: Apple never blocked the unlimited 5G benefit from being used for hotspot connectivity on any device. Both prepaid and postpaid customers can use the high-speed internet on a connected device, subject to a 300GB cap to prevent commercial misuse. Airtel has since removed its mobile hotspot clause from its terms and conditions, benefiting the users.

Airtel's Unlimited 5G offer has sparked questions over whether users can share the benefit through a mobile hotspot, but the situation is not as clear-cut as it first appeared. While some users have pointed to the terms and conditions page, based on our own research, Airtel's T&C page mentions no such restriction, which leaves the actual situation a little muddy. Let's discuss it in more detail below. 

Airtel's Unlimited 5G and the hotspot question

Airtel's Unlimited 5G Data offer is available on top of select prepaid and postpaid plans for users with a 5G phone and Airtel 5G Plus coverage. Once activated through the Airtel app, it gives users unlimited 5G data on the handset itself, but the question is whether that benefit extends to hotspot sharing as well.

That is where the confusion begins as some users have shared screenshots and online posts suggesting that hotspot use may not be allowed under the offer, but those examples alone do not give us a definite answer. Based on the current information available and the company's main terms-and-conditions page, the hotspot issue does not appear to be clearly established either way. It would be safe to say that you can utilise your unlimited 5G data through a hotspot without problems. 

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

Many users rely on their phones to share data with laptops, tablets, or other devices. If Airtel does restrict hotspot use in practice, the offer would remain a handset-only benefit. If not, it would make the plan much more useful for people who expect their phone to act like a portable internet connection.

What about other telecom brands?

Reliance Jio, by comparison, has been more straightforward about its unlimited 5G benefit. On eligible plans, users in True 5G coverage can continue using unlimited 5G data even while sharing the connection through a hotspot, which makes the offer more practical for heavy tethering use. That is one reason Jio's approach often feels more flexible for users who move data across multiple devices. 

Airtel's move toward 5G SA could still change how it structures services in the future, especially if it pushes more aggressively into fixed wireless access and other home broadband-style offerings. But even that would not automatically settle the hotspot question for regular mobile users. The company may still choose to keep phone plans and home-style usage separate, which means the final shape of the offer could depend more on Airtel's product strategy than on the network itself.

• 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 12,900 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.