1. Mini LED technology has advanced rapidly, but jargon can confuse prospective buyers. How does True RGB fundamentally alter colour volume and brightness compared to standard Mini LED or OLED panels, and why was this the right moment to introduce it in the BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II?

True RGB represents a different approach to how colour is created on a Mini LED display. Instead of relying on a conventional white backlight, True RGB uses independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs through Sony's RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, allowing the display to produce colour with greater precision while maintaining the high brightness that Mini LED is known for. The result is richer colour, greater depth and a more lifelike picture, particularly on large screens. The timing is also significant. As consumers increasingly look for larger, more cinematic screens at home, we believe picture quality needs to evolve alongside screen size. With BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II, True RGB brings together Sony's expertise in colour, processing and backlight control to deliver a more immersive home-cinema experience.

2. With True RGB entering the portfolio, how does Sony view the dynamic between top-tier OLEDs and premium Mini LEDs? Is True RGB positioning Mini LED to compete directly with OLED on colour accuracy, or do they serve distinctly different consumer profiles?

We see OLED and premium Mini LED as complementary technologies, each offering distinct strengths depending on the viewing environment and consumer preference. True RGB is designed to bring together the colour richness associated with our most advanced displays with the brightness and scalability of LED technology. By generating colour at both the backlight and LCD panel level, True RGB enables more precise colour reproduction while maintaining the high brightness that is particularly valuable for large-screen viewing and brighter living spaces. Ultimately, our focus is not on one technology replacing another, but on giving consumers the right display experience for the way they watch.

3. Indian buyers are moving past simple metrics like "4K" or raw screen size. What specific attributes such as dynamic contrast, colour precision, or built-in acoustics are now driving purchasing decisions in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets?

Indian consumers, across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets, are increasingly looking beyond basic specifications such as 4K and screen size. Picture quality, particularly colour accuracy, contrast, brightness and motion clarity, remains a key consideration, along with sound quality and smart features.

In Tier 1 markets, premium consumers are increasingly looking at large-screen performance, advanced picture technologies, gaming and integrated audio experiences. In Tier 2 markets, while screen size and picture quality remain strong purchase drivers, consumers are also becoming more conscious of the overall feature set and value offered by a premium TV.

Overall, the decision is increasingly based on the complete picture, sound and entertainment experience, rather than a single specification.

4. Demand for 75-inch, 85-inch, and 98-inch displays is rising across India. How is Sony tailoring its retail experience, supply chain, and post-sales support to accommodate the physical and technical demands of bringing cinema-scale displays into Indian homes?

With large-screen TVs, the experience has to begin before the TV reaches the home. Our focus is on making the entire journey from demonstration and purchase to delivery, installation and after-sales support suited to the scale of the product.

At retail, consumers need to experience these screens rather than simply see specifications on a display card. For 75-inch, 85-inch and 98-inch TVs, we therefore place greater emphasis on large-screen demonstrations, picture and sound experience, and helping customers understand the right solution for their space.

The same attention extends to delivery and professional installation, where the size of the product makes logistics, placement and installation particularly important. Our objective is simple: the premium experience customers see in the showroom should continue seamlessly into their home.

5. A massive display can easily expose artefacts in everyday content. How does Sony's Cognitive Processor or AI-driven picture pipeline ensure that standard HD streaming, live sports, and cable broadcasts look pristine on an 85-inch or 98-inch canvas?

The larger the screen, the more visible imperfections in the source content can become. That is why our approach is not simply to make the picture bigger, but to make the content look better. Cognitive Processor XR analyses different elements of a scene and works to reproduce them in a way that feels natural to the human eye. XR 4K Upscaling and XR Clear Image help restore detail while reducing noise and compression artefacts in lower-quality content. For fast-moving content such as cricket and football, XR Motion Clarity™ helps maintain clarity during motion. Together, these technologies help everyday broadcasts and streaming content remain detailed and immersive even on a very large screen.

6. Beyond serving as a world-class monitor, how is Sony evolving BRAVIA into the central hub for the modern connected home, particularly in terms of smart home integration, gaming, and ambient living?

BRAVIA is evolving beyond being a television to become a more integrated part of the connected home, bringing together smart home integration, gaming and an adaptive viewing experience. With Google TV, Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit, users can seamlessly access entertainment and connect with compatible smart-home devices. For gaming, BRAVIA is optimised for PlayStation 5 with features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode, 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, while PS Remote Play enables users to stream games directly on the TV.

For ambient living, Immersive Black Screen Pro helps minimise reflections and glare, while the Light & Colour Sensor automatically adapts the picture to the surrounding lighting conditions. Together, these capabilities make BRAVIA a central part of how consumers connect, watch, play and enjoy entertainment at home.

7. With Sony's unique position in the gaming ecosystem, how do the BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II with True RGB specifically elevate the PlayStation 5 experience? Are you seeing Indian gamers emerge as a primary driver for ultra-premium television sales?

Sony's unique advantage comes from bringing together our expertise in PlayStation and display technology. With True RGB, the BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II use independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs through the RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, enabling rich, precise colours and bright highlights that enhance the visual impact of games.

This is complemented by our "Perfect for PlayStation5" features, including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which optimise the picture for gaming, along with 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM support for smooth and responsive gameplay.

Gaming is also becoming an increasingly important consideration in the premium TV segment in India. As gamers look for more immersive experiences, large-screen, high-performance displays that can deliver fast motion, detailed visuals and vibrant colours are becoming increasingly relevant to this audience.

8. How has Sony engineered the audio capabilities in these massive new True RGB displays to match the visual scale, ensuring the sound feels as premium as the picture?

For Sony, a large cinematic picture needs sound that can match its scale and precision. The BRAVIA 9 II is therefore engineered with Acoustic Multi-Audio+ and Beam Tweeters, which help position sound in line with the action on screen and create a more immersive soundstage.

This is complemented by 3D Surround Upscaling, which expands conventional audio into a more immersive surround experience, and Voice Zoom 3, which uses AI to enhance dialogue clarity. Acoustic Auto Calibration further optimises the sound based on the characteristics of the room, while support for Dolby Atmos, DTS and IMAX Enhanced enables a more cinematic audio experience.

For customers looking to take the experience further, Acoustic Center Sync allows the TV to work with compatible BRAVIA Theatre products, integrating the TV and external audio system into a more immersive soundstage.

9. Indian content, from highly vibrant cinema to high-speed cricket broadcasts, has unique visual and motion demands. How does Sony's AI processing and True RGB technology specifically optimise for the colours and frame rates most consumed by Indian households?

Indian households enjoy an exceptionally diverse mix of content from vibrant cinema and entertainment to fast-moving sports. Powered by the RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, our display tech utilises dedicated red, green, and blue LEDs. This produces purer, more accurate color volume without muddiness or white flare, keeping natural skin tones and vibrant hues realistic even at wide viewing angles (X-Wide Angle Pro), while the Cognitive Processor XR analyses the content to preserve detail and natural-looking images.

For sports and other fast-moving scenes, XR Motion Clarity helps reduce blur and maintain clarity. Meanwhile, XR Clear Image helps improve lower-resolution content. This combination is particularly relevant in India, where consumers often move between premium OTT content, broadcast television and live sports on the same screen.

10. As Indian viewers increasingly rely on 4K HDR streaming via OTT platforms rather than traditional DTH, how is BRAVIA ensuring that the nuances of a filmmaker's original vision are faithfully reproduced in the living room?

For Sony, creator intent is not just a feature, it is the foundation of the BRAVIA picture philosophy. Studio Calibrated Mode is designed to reproduce content closer to the way it was mastered in the studio, preserving the filmmaker's intended colour, contrast, brightness and picture expression.

BRAVIA then extends this approach to the streaming environment through OTT-specific calibrated modes. Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode adapts the picture to the viewer's environment while maintaining the intended expression; Prime Video Calibrated Mode optimises Prime Video content; and SONY PICTURES CORE Calibrated Mode is designed for Sony Pictures studio-mastered content.

Combined with the Cognitive Processor XR, advanced colour and contrast technologies, Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced, BRAVIA is designed to ensure that what viewers see at home stays as close as possible to what the creators intended.

11. As the Indian market embraces 85-inch and 98-inch displays, energy consumption becomes a valid concern. How is Sony balancing the extreme brightness of True RGB and massive screen real estate with energy efficiency and broader sustainability goals?

As screen sizes become larger, responsible energy management becomes an important part of product design. Sony uses intelligent picture and power-management technologies to optimise the TV according to the content being viewed and the surrounding environment. Ambient light sensing can adjust screen brightness to suit room conditions, while the Eco Dashboard brings together power-saving settings such as power-saving modes and automatic standby. Beyond energy management during use, Sony also continues to explore recycled materials and more sustainable design approaches across its products.

12. Looking beyond the launch of the BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II, what is your ultimate vision for the Indian home entertainment space? What will the premium consumer be demanding three to five years from now?

Sony refrains from commenting on unannounced future products & our long-term roadmaps. Our focus remains on executing our core vision for home entertainment: bringing the cinema experience directly into living rooms across India. With the launch of our flagship True RGB line, we continue to push the boundaries of picture precision, brightness, and spatial audio through technologies like the RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro, Cognitive Processor XR, and Acoustic Multi-Audio+. We will continue to evaluate customer needs and deliver premier audio-visual experiences grounded in our official product announcements.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: specs at a glance

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: price in India

The Vivo S2 FE starts at Rs 38,999 in India with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the POCO X8 Power starts at a lower price of Rs 35,999 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage on its base variant. On price alone, the POCO X8 Power has a major edge over the Vivo S2 FE.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: display, design

Both phones feature nearly identical 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and media consumption. The POCO X8 Power edges ahead with higher peak brightness of up to 3,500 nits, Dolby Vision support, HDR10+, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

The Vivo S2 FE offers solid brightness around 2,000 nits HBM and a clean, modern look. In design, both devices are on the heavier side due to their large batteries, with the Vivo S2 FE weighing 224g, while the POCO X8 Power is slightly heavier at 229g. Both carry strong IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance ratings. The POCO X8 Power adds extra drop resistance claims, while the Vivo S2 FE focuses on a simpler, elegant build available in colours like Stellar Green, Zen White, and Titan Black. The POCO comes in Black and Yellow options.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: chipset

The POCO X8 Power runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 (4nm), a chipset focused on reliable overall performance and efficiency in the mid-range segment. The Vivo S2 FE uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7300e (6nm) processor, a variant of the Dimensity 7300 that handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and light-to-moderate gaming well, per our experience. In real-world use, both should feel responsive for daily apps, social media, and casual gaming. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 may pull slightly ahead in more demanding scenarios and sustained performance, while the Dimensity 7300e remains efficient enough for most users.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: battery

Battery is where both smartphones completely shine when compared to the competition. With a massive 10,000mAh battery on both phones, they promise excellent all-day (or multi-day) endurance for heavy users. The clear difference is charging speed, where the POCO X8 Power supports much faster 100W charging, while the Vivo S2 FE is limited to 44W. Both handsets also offer reverse charging for juicing up other devices, like earphones. After all, the battery capacities match those of actual power banks. Both should easily last a full day of intensive use, with the POCO's faster charging giving it a practical advantage when you need a quick top-up.

With smartphone brands cutting back on higher storage and advanced camera hardware in 2026 on their midrange and upper-midrange smartphones due to rising memory prices, battery is one area where these companies can still go the distance and improve endurance.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: cameras

Both phones centre around a 50MP primary rear camera and a 32MP front camera. The POCO X8 Power adds a more useful 8MP ultrawide lens and optical image stabilisation (OIS) on the main sensor, which should help in low light and video. The Vivo S2 FE pairs its 50MP main sensor with a basic bokeh lens. On paper, the POCO offers a more versatile camera setup. Real-world results will depend on software tuning, but the POCO's extra ultrawide and OIS should give it an edge for everyday photography and content creation.

Vivo S2 FE vs POCO X8 Power: software

The Vivo S2 FE and POCO X8 Power run Android 16 out of the box. The Vivo S2 FE comes with OriginOS 6, while the POCO X8 Power uses HyperOS 3; Vivo has promised three OS upgrades and five years of security patches, while POCO is set to receive four OS upgrades and six years of security updates. In terms of software longevity, the X8 Power has an advantage, gaining an extra Android upgrade and two more years of security patches.

In terms of look and feel, both OriginOS and HyperOS offer multiple customisation options, productivity features such as Origin Island on Vivo and Hyper Island on HyperOS, and AI features scattered throughout the UI. Based on our experience with both, if you want flexibility in accent theming, two control centre options, and more multitasking capabilities, the S2 FE's OriginOS 6 suits you, while HyperOS 3 on the X8 Power excels at delivering smooth animations and transitions.

Summing up

The POCO X8 Power holds the upper hand with a lower starting price of Rs 35,999 while offering more RAM over the Vivo S2 FE's standard 6GB RAM and 128GB model at Rs 38,999. Even though both smartphones carry mammoth 10,000mAh cells, the POCO X8 Power's 100W fast charging should take noticeably less time to top up, especially when you are about to leave.

With an 8MP ultrawide lens, the X8 Power offers a more flexible camera setup, while HDR on the display delivers brighter tones when watching supported content on YouTube or Netflix. That said, the Vivo S2 FE remains a strong contender if you prefer OriginOS and its design. On the other hand, if you want a better overall package with faster charging, more camera flexibility, and slightly better performance, the POCO X8 Power is the safer recommendation.

Vivo V80 vs Vivo V70: price in India

The Vivo V80 starts at Rs 62,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 8GB + 256GB model costs Rs 69,999, while the top-end 8GB + 512GB version is priced at Rs 79,999.

In comparison, the Vivo V70 starts at Rs 59,999 for 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, while the 12GB + 256GB variant costs Rs 64,999. This gives the older V70 a significant price advantage, while also offering more storage and RAM.

Vivo V80 vs Vivo V70: design, display

Both phones feature a premium design with flat edges, rounded corners, and IP68/IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. However, the V80 gets a refreshed look with Vivo's new 'Floating Camera' module, which gives it a more distinctive appearance than the V70's square-shaped camera module. The V80 is also available in three colours, while the V70 comes in Passion Red and Lemon Yellow.

The display size remains unchanged at 6.59 inches, with both phones featuring a 1.5K AMOLED panel and up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness. However, the V80 gets a 144Hz refresh rate compared to 120Hz on the V70. The higher refresh rate should make scrolling and supported games feel smoother, although the difference may not be particularly noticeable during everyday use.

Overall, the V80 has the edge for buyers looking for a newer design and a higher refresh rate, but the V70 still offers a similarly sharp and bright display.

Vivo V80 vs Vivo V70: chipset, battery

The Vivo V80 and V70 are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset. This means there is no major generational performance upgrade with the newer model. Both phones should be capable of handling everyday tasks, social media, streaming, and moderate gaming, although neither is particularly strong for buyers seeking the best performance in this price range.

The biggest hardware upgrade on the V80 comes in the battery department. It packs a 7,200mAh battery compared to the V70's 6,500mAh unit. Both phones support 90W fast charging, so the newer model should offer longer endurance without sacrificing charging speeds. Both phones also support bypass charging, which is useful during gaming and other intensive tasks.

If battery life is your priority, the V80 is the clear winner. However, since both phones use the same chipset and charging speed, the V70 should still offer similar core performance and charging experience at a much lower price.

Vivo V80 vs Vivo V70: cameras

Camera hardware is one area where the two phones remain fairly similar. The V80 features a 50MP OIS main camera, a 50MP Zeiss Night Telephoto camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP front camera. The V70 also has a 50MP Zeiss OIS main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP selfie camera.

The V80 does bring some newer camera features, including more than 30 AI-powered creative features, AI Diwali Portrait 2.0, and 4K Cinematic video recording. The V70 also has several AI photography tools, including AI Floral, AI Weather Magic and AI Holi Portrait, along with 4K 60fps video recording.

On paper, therefore, the V80 offers a more feature-rich camera experience, but the underlying hardware is broadly similar. Buyers primarily interested in camera hardware may not see a substantial enough upgrade to justify the V80's much higher price.

Vivo V80 vs Vivo V70: software

The Vivo V80 runs OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 out of the box, while the V70 ships with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. The newer software brings a refreshed interface, additional customisation, and features such as Dynamic Glow and interactive Pet Pals themes.

Both phones receive six years of security updates and four OS upgrades. The V70 also benefits from Vivo's six-year software support promise, making it a reasonably future-proof option despite being the older phone. The V80 gets an edge with an additional OS upgrade and running the latest software version. 

If having the latest Android version and newer software features is important, the V80 has the advantage. However, the V70 still offers strong long-term software support for its price.

Summing up

The Vivo V80 brings meaningful improvements in design, battery capacity, display refresh rate, and software. However, at a starting price of Rs 62,999, it is significantly more expensive than the Vivo V70, while retaining the same Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset and broadly similar camera hardware. The V80 makes more sense for buyers who want the latest design, longer battery life, newer software, and additional camera features.

On the other hand, the Vivo V70 offers better value, especially at its Rs 59,999 starting price. It retains the same chipset, a similar display, a 6,500mAh battery, 90W charging, and a versatile Zeiss camera setup. If you're okay skipping the V80's newer design, 144Hz display, and larger battery, the V70 might be the more sensible choice for buyers looking to get the most value for their money.

• Vivo X Fold 6 is priced at Rs 2,19,999 for the sole 12GB+512GB model
• Key specs of the Vivo X Fold 6 include a customised flagship chipset, 200MP + 50MP + 50MP rear cameras, a large 6,900mAh battery, and more.
• Pre-booking starts today, and sale starts on October 13, 2026

[/highlights]

Amidst little fanfare, Vivo has introduced its newest flagship foldable in India alongside the Vivo V80 and S2 FE. The Vivo X Fold 6 succeeds last year's X Fold 5 and retains a near-identical form factor. However, it brings several under-the-hood upgrades that make the X Fold 6 worth a closer look. Key specs include the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition SoC, a 200MP main camera, and a 6,900mAh battery - the largest ever in a foldable.

Keep reading to find out the Vivo X Fold 6 price in India, specifications, and availability details.

Vivo X Fold 6 price in India, availability

The Vivo X Fold 6 is priced in India at Rs 2,19,999 for the sole 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. The handset comes in two colour options: Nebula Teal and Prism Black. The sale starts on October 13, 2026. 

Vivo X Fold 6 specifications

The Vivo X Fold 6 is roughly the same height, width, and thickness as its predecessor, X Fold 5, in both its folded and unfolded state. Moreover, the handset continues to sport an aluminium frame, glass back and front, and a large circular camera deco that protrudes quite a bit. This time around, the module houses a bigger 200MP OIS Samsung HPB main sensor, paired with a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide lens and a 50MP 3x OIS Sony LYT-602 sensor. On paper, the camera setup looks promising for a foldable, and it doesn't compromise on the selfie cameras either.

The Vivo X Fold 6 sports a 20MP camera in the punch-hole cutout on both its main and cover displays. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition SoC, which appears to be a customised chipset for the device. It could offer better optimisation for a foldable form factor while delivering flagship-level performance comparable to conventional slab phones such as the Vivo X300 Pro. The chipset is paired with fast LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. 

While the main and cover displays remain unchanged at 8.02 inches and 6.51 inches, respectively, with only a marginal brightness improvement, the battery has received a significant upgrade. The X Fold 6 packs a 6,900mAh battery, up from 6,000mAh on the X Fold 5. This should easily last a day and then some between charges, but stay tuned for our full review for its actual endurance. It also supports 80W Flash wired charging and 40W Flash wireless charging.

The displays are AMOLED with power-efficient LTPO technology, a 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ resolution. The phone ships with OriginOS 7 layered atop Android 17, Vivo's latest software.

Vivo X Fold 6 specs at a glance

Should you buy the Vivo X Fold 6?

The Vivo X Fold 6 has launched at a significantly higher price than its predecessor. However, it does bring a few upgrades to justify that price, including a newer and faster MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition processor, a bigger battery, an upgraded 200MP primary camera, and OriginOS 7 out of the box, among other things. These improvements definitely make it worth considering if you're in the market for a foldable phone.

That said, the Vivo X Fold 6 will face the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which is currently priced lower than the Vivo foldable at Rs 1,94,999. Samsung is a dominant player in the foldable space and impresses with its software experience and support. The Vivo X Fold 6, however, has the edge in battery and charging. With the X Fold 6, Vivo is clearly looking to challenge Samsung's dominance in the foldable market. Wait for our full review to know if Vivo's foldable has what it takes to succeed.

• Xiaomi 18 Ultra has reportedly been cancelled over concerns about its high price.
• The flagship was tipped to feature three 200MP cameras and continuous optical zoom.

[/highlights]

The Xiaomi 18 Ultra has reportedly been cancelled before launch due to concerns over its expected price. A reliable tipster's post on X shares that Xiaomi had planned a camera-focused flagship with three 200MP cameras and other high-end hardware. For context, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (review) currently costs Rs 1,39,999 in India, so the 18 Ultra could have been an even more expensive launch. Let's look at it in more detail below. 

Xiaomi 18 Ultra had some major upgrades planned

According to an X post, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station claims that Xiaomi had planned the 18 Ultra with an ambitious camera setup but cancelled it because the expected price was too high. These details remain unconfirmed, naturally, so they should be treated as a rumour for now.

The Xiaomi 18 Ultra reportedly would feature three 200MP cameras, including a 1/1.12-inch LOFIC main sensor, a 1/1.56-inch ultrawide camera and a 1/1.28-inch periscope telephoto camera with continuous optical zoom. The periscope sensor would have been larger than the 1/1.4-inch sensor on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which could have helped improve image quality at higher zoom levels and richer details at the optical length shot.

Xiaomi 18 Ultra has been cancelled, and its specs just leaked 👀 As per Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi planned a crazy camera phone but killed it because the price would have been too high. – Three 200MP cameras – 1/1.12 inch LOFIC main camera, a new sensor tech that keeps bright skies and lights from getting blown out – 1/1.28 inch periscope with continuous optical zoom, up from 1/1.4 inch on the 17 Ultra – Flat display with 1mm bezels on all four sides – Benchmark score above 5 million So this time there is no Ultra. Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max already launched in China last month, and the standard Xiaomi 18 is expected in December. Ultra is expected to return with Xiaomi 19 Ultra.

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) October 5, 2026

The LOFIC sensor helps handle bright areas better, which should retain more detail in scenes with harsh lights or bright skies. The phone was also tipped to feature a flat display with 1mm bezels and a benchmark score above 5 million.

The reported pricing, however, may have played a major role in the cancellation. The leaked configuration reportedly cost CNY 10,000, approximately Rs 1.4 lakh before taxes and other related costs. That would make it even more expensive than the Xiaomi 17 Ultra (review), which currently costs Rs 1,39,999 in India.

I could not locate Digital Chat Station's original Weibo post, so it remains unclear whether the tipster still stands by the claim that Xiaomi cancelled the 18 Ultra. For now, the cancellation and the reported reasons behind it seem plausible, but Xiaomi has not confirmed anything officially.

Why is the Xiaomi 18 Ultra more expensive?

With memory and storage costs making the situation worse already, brands have raised prices across segments this year to remain profitable. Flagship phones also top-end processors, memory, storage and camera hardware, all of which are expensive components on their own, so manufacturers have fewer ways to absorb these higher costs.

The reported CNY 9,999 price is certainly high, but buyers of top-end camera phones usually care more about camera performance than price. If Xiaomi's reported upgrades proved worthwhile, some enthusiasts could still be willing to pay more. 

The Xiaomi 18 Ultra is not the only high-end smartphone facing launch uncertainty, particularly in India. The iQOO 16 has yet to receive an official India launch confirmation, despite its global variant reportedly appearing on Geekbench, largely due to its high potential launch pricing. 

This could become a bigger issue for ultra-flagship phones as their prices continue to rise. Brands may have to think more carefully about whether these expensive flagship models can find enough buyers outside their home markets.

• The Vivo S2 FE competes against the Redmi Note 17 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 6.
• The smartphone packs the largest battery of any Vivo smartphone in India.
• The Vivo S2 FE goes on sale starting October 20th.

[/highlights]

After reviving the Vivo S series after seven years, the company released the Vivo S2 in August and today unveiled yet another smartphone in the lineup: the S2 FE. While the S2 emphasised design and sleekness, the Vivo S2 FE goes all out on battery endurance, durability, and lasting, efficient performance. Vivo also unveiled the V80, X Fold 6, and the Vivo Vision Discovery Edition mixed reality headset at today's event, dubbed Vivo NEXT 2026.

Vivo S2 FE price, sale, availability

The Vivo S2 FE starts at Rs 38,999 for the base 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the 8GB RAM and 128GB model is priced at Rs 42,999. Its first sale begins October 20th on offline retail channels and online platforms, with certain discounts including up to 10 percent instant cashback on multiple bank cards and a 10 percent exchange bonus.

The smartphone comes in three colour shades: Stellar Green, Zen White, and Titan Black.

Vivo S2 FE specifications and features

The Vivo S2 FE features a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits of high brightness, delivering vibrant colours and smooth scrolling for media and gaming. It sports a durable design backed by an impressive IP68 and IP69 rating for high-level water and dust resistance. It also packs an in-display fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication and quick payments.

Under the hood, the smartphone runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300e processor, with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. With a 3,800mm2 vapour chamber, it should handle daily multitasking, social media apps, and everyday performance efficiently.

For photography, the squarish camera module houses a dual rear camera system centred around a 50MP Sony main sensor paired with a bokeh sensor. Up front, it houses a high-resolution 32MP selfie camera, making it well-suited for video calls and detailed self-portraits.

The phone's standout feature is its massive 10,000mAh battery. This makes it only the fourth phone in India to achieve this feat. Previous launches with a 10,000mAh or above battery include the Realme P4 Power, POCO X8 Power, and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. Based on our experience with these phones, the Vivo S2 FE should easily last at least two days with medium use, reducing battery anxiety, especially during long commutes or heavy workloads. The phone comes with a 44W charger in the box for quick top-ups.

The software on the Vivo S2 FE is backed by OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. Some of the key features of the UI include Origin Island, which showcases information from apps in real time, such as tracking food delivery; Origin Kit allows you to share media and cast your screen on Windows and macOS.

Where does the Vivo S2 FE stand among the competition?

Starting at Rs 38,999, the Vivo S2 FE goes directly against the recently released Redmi Note 17 Pro (Rs 36,999), which packs a 9,000mAh battery. On the performance front, it carries the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, which should offer similar performance gains to the S2 FE's Dimensity 7300e. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 is also another strong contender under Rs 40,000 with an 8,000mAh battery, which, again, lags behind the S2 FE.

If you're seeking the best endurance on a smartphone, the Vivo S2 FE could be a viable pick. While the Dimensity 7300e isn't the best offering in the segment, with phones like the POCO X8 Pro with the Dimensity 8500 Ultra, the chipset should suffice for most casual users. It also comes with strong IP ratings and a military-grade certified build for robust handling.

• Vivo V80 offers the biggest battery on a V-series phone yet.
• The smartphone comes with several AI features.
• Vivo V80 price in India starts at Rs 62,999. 

[/highlights]

Vivo has refreshed its V-series in India with the V80 smartphone. This time, only the standard V80 has been launched, with no word on an Elite or Pro model yet. Vivo V80 continues with the brand's V-series philosophy of a stylish design, Zeiss cameras, AI photography features, and more. Vivo has also added the largest battery yet on a V-series phone, on the V80. Here's everything you need to know about the Vivo V80.

Vivo V80 price in India, availability

Vivo V80 price in India starts at Rs 62,999 for the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The smartphone comes in two more variants with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (Rs 69,999), and 8GB RAM and 512GB storage (Rs 79,999). Pre-booking for the Vivo V80 starts today, while the sale starts on October 13th via Vivo's online store, Amazon India, Flipkart, and offline channels. It's available in Stellar Black, Horizon Blue, and Sunrise Anthem. 

Vivo V80 specifications

Vivo V80 features a compact 6.59-inch 1.5K (2750×1260 pixels) AMOLED display, 144Hz refresh rate, 5,000 nits peak brightness, and 1800 nits in HBM. While the screen size isn't as compact as the smaller phones, it sits between a small and large phone. The 144Hz refresh rate is an upgrade over the V70, while the other specs are largely the same. 

Powering the V80 is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, which is the same one found in the V70. While this is a capable mid-range chipset, it falls short in terms of performance among alternatives like the iQOO 15R and OnePlus 15R. On the software front, the Vivo V80 runs OriginOS 7 based on Android 17, making it the first Vivo phone to launch with this version. Vivo is also offering four OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates with the V80, making it long-term secure. 

The Vivo V80's highlight is its 7,200mAh battery, the biggest so far in the lineup. It comes with 90W fast charging support, thereby giving a good setup in terms of battery endurance. Like its successor, the Vivo V80 also comes with Zeiss optics. The optics include a 50MP OIS main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP group selfie camera. The smartphone also comes with different focal lengths like 85mm and 100mm for close-up portraits, 30+ AI-powered creative features, including AI Diwali Portrait 2.0, and 4K Cinematic video recording support. 

The new Vivo smartphone also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. You also get a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor with the V80, which is usually reserved for flagship phones.

At a starting price of Rs 62,999, the Vivo V80 enters a more premium segment, reflecting the broader price hikes across the smartphone market. For buyers prioritising a versatile camera setup with AI features, a large battery, and a stylish design, the Vivo V80 is a compelling option. However, given its price, it is worth comparing its hardware, cameras, and features with similarly priced rivals before making a purchase.

• OPPO has confirmed the launch of the Find X10 series in India.
• The lineup includes three phones.
• It will launch in India in the coming months. 

[/highlights]

OPPO has announced the upcoming launch of its flagship Find X10 series in India. The announcement was made at MediaTek Tech Day in Delhi, where the company confirmed that the Find X10 Pro Max will be among the first smartphones globally to feature MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. The Find X10 series is set to launch in India in the coming months. The lineup is expected to include the OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, Find X10, and Find X10 E, although OPPO has yet to confirm which models will be launched in the Indian market.

Since the event specifically mentioned the Find X10 Pro Max and the Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, it's likely that this model is confirmed for India. We might also see the Find X10 in India as the successor to the Find X9. As for the Find X10 E, it's the most affordable in the lineup, and it could launch globally as the successor to the Find X9s. 

OPPO Find X10 Pro Max

The Find X10 Pro Max is OPPO's most premium flagship yet, boasting three 200MP Hasselblad-branded rear cameras. The 1/1.56-inch ultrawide camera has an f/2.2 aperture and a 124-degree field of view, with OPPO claiming a 202 percent increase in light intake over its predecessor. The main camera offers an f/1.5 aperture and 17EV single-frame dynamic range, while the telephoto gets the highest pixel count and largest aperture yet on a Pro Max telephoto, along with CIPA 7.5 stabilisation.

The phone is powered by MediaTek's 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro flagship chipset and features a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display with 1-nit minimum brightness and up to 3,600 nits peak brightness. It also carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. The Dimensity 9600 Pro is designed to deliver a 61% reduction in multi-core power consumption. It also comes with a 2nd-gen Super-Efficient NPU that reduces always-on AI power consumption by 40%.

Among the three, the Find X10 Pro Max is slated to stand out as the new Android camera beast. It's specifically designed for those who want the ultimate camera flagship phone. Since the phone is confirmed to launch in India, it would be worth waiting for if cameras are your priority. 

• The festive sales across Mi Store, Flipkart, and Amazon begin on October 8th.
• The Xiaomi 17 series sees massive discounts for the sales.
• Mijia air purifiers have been discounted for the upcoming sales.

[/highlights]

With the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale and Amazon Great Indian Festival beginning soon, Xiaomi has unveiled offers across its product portfolio for the mega sale events. On top of that, the tech giant is hosting a 'Diwali with Xiaomi 2026' sale on its online store that coincides with the Amazon and Flipkart sales, providing buyers with more choices to get their products. While smartphones are the main highlight, Xiaomi is also discounting its tablets, power banks, and even air purifiers for the sale.

Xiaomi festive sale offers revealed: smartphones, tablets, air purifiers, and more

With most Xiaomi products available across various platforms, the Diwali with Xiaomi sale begins October 8th, Flipkart's Big Billion Days Sale kicks off on October 9th, while Amazon's Great Indian Festival Sale starts October 8th.

* Indicates deal price inclusive of bank offers and instant discounts.

Smartphone deals

Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Coming at Rs 1,19,999, which includes an instant Rs 10,000 off and an additional Rs 10,000 discount using ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is easily the best deal on an 'Ultra' smartphone out there. Notably, it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 50MP 1-inch main sensor, a 200MP continuous optical-zoom telephoto (75-100mm), and a bright 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display. This makes it a solid choice for professionals and photography enthusiasts who wish to capture images on the go.

Xiaomi 17: At Rs 59,999 (including credit card No-cost EMI offer) on Amazon, the Xiaomi 17 presents itself as one of the most affordable and powerful compact smartphones. It carries a 6.3-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, triple 50MP cameras, including a 2.6x zoom telephoto lens, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and a 6,330mAh battery. While its power packed, it's battery may be a concern for heavy users due its smaller capacity compared to others.

Redmi Note 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max: The latest smartphones from Xiaomi will also see some discounts. Both devices carry massive batteries and bright AMOLED displays, making them suitable for power users and heavy multitaskers, especially those who enjoy binge-watching shows and movies on their phone.

Tablet deals

Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just need a big display for enjoying content, the Redmi Pad 2, Pad 2 Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 8 all have you covered. While the Pad 2 series is capable of handling daily workloads, such as opening and reading documents, watching videos, and light multitasking, the Xiaomi Pad 8 delivers extensive performance with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.

Air purifier deals

With winter just on the horizon, the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6, Smart Air Purifier 4, and Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite stand out as essential buys when AQI levels start skyrocketing. Whether you need powerful whole-room coverage or a compact bedroom solution, these models should help keep your air healthier with features like rapid particle removal and multi-stage filtration.

• GIGABYTE GS22F12I and GS27F16I launch in India for budget gamers.
• The monitors offer FHD resolution with 120Hz and up to 180Hz refresh rates.
• Prices start at Rs 5,750, with both models made in India.

[/highlights]

GIGABYTE has launched two new gaming monitors in India, the GS22F12I and GS27F16I, targeting gamers looking for affordable high-refresh-rate displays. The new models offer Full HD VA panels, up to 180Hz refresh rate, VRR support and other gaming-centric features. Let's take a look at them in more detail below. 

GIGABYTE GS22F12I and GS27F16I: key features

The GIGABYTE GS22F12I is for users upgrading from a standard 60Hz monitor. It uses a Full HD VA panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which should make games feel smoother and more responsive. Its 1ms MPRT response time and VRR support can also help reduce blur and screen tearing during fast-paced sequences.

GS22F121: key specifications 

The GS27F16I is more suitable for gamers who want a larger display and a faster refresh rate. It features a 26.5-inch VA panel with Full HD resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 180Hz, and a 1ms MPRT response time. It also supports HDR10, VRR and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, which should enhance blacks and offer smoother motion in games.

GS27F16I: key specifications

Should you buy the GIGABYTE GS22F12I or GS27F16I?

The GS22F12I costs Rs 6,199, making it a simple upgrade for users moving from a basic 60Hz monitor. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time should make games feel smoother, although the 21.45-inch screen is fairly small.

For around Rs 6,300, the Acer EK240Y gives you a larger 23.8-inch IPS panel and 100Hz refresh rate. It is the better choice for users who want a monitor for both gaming and general use, while GIGABYTE makes more sense for someone who mainly wants smoother gaming at the lowest possible price. 

The GS27F16I costs Rs 10,999 and is more suitable for users stepping into high-refresh-rate gaming. Its 26.5-inch screen, 165Hz refresh rate, 180Hz overclocking, VRR and 1ms response time make it a good fit for competitive and e-sports titles.

The Lenovo Legion 24-10, however, is also available for around Rs 10,800 and offers a 23.8-inch IPS panel with a much faster 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. The GIGABYTE's advantage is its larger screen and VA panel, which has better contrast, while Lenovo is the better fit for players who want the most competitive gaming performance due to its high refresh rate.

• Realme P4s Lite is priced under Rs 20,000.
• The smartphone features a 13MP camera.
• It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

[/highlights]

Realme P4s Lite 4G has launched in India as a new budget phone as part of its P4 series and is also the sixth phone in the lineup. The Realme P4s Lite focuses on battery life and a high-refresh-rate display, featuring a 7,000mAh battery, a 120Hz LCD panel, and a Unisoc T7250 chipset. However, it is limited to 4G connectivity and uses a relatively basic 13MP primary camera.

Realme P4s Lite price in India

The Realme P4s Lite price in India starts at Rs 16,499 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant. The higher 4GB + 128GB configuration is priced at Rs 18,499. It is available in Nebula Black and Moonlight Silver colour options. The smartphone will go on sale in India from October 8th through Realme's official channels.

Realme P4s Lite specifications

The highlight of the Realme P4s Lite is its 7,000mAh battery, which is considerably larger than what is typically offered in this segment. Realme claims the battery can maintain its health for up to six years and has also promised a 36-month fluency guarantee. It supports 15W wired charging as well as 15W USB Power Delivery, and also supports wired reverse charging, allowing the phone to be used as a power source for compatible devices. The battery capacity should be enough for more than a day of use; however, the slow charging speed could be an issue. 

On the front, the phone gets a 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display with a 1570 x 720-pixel resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel supports up to 240Hz touch sampling and offers up to 900 nits of typical HBM brightness. Panda MN228 glass is used for protection. 

Under the hood, the Realme P4s Lite is powered by the Unisoc T7250 chipset, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. Storage options include 64GB and 128GB, both using UFS 2.2. The phone also supports Google Gemini, although Realme has not yet specified the Android version it ships with.

For photography, the handset features a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and a 5MP selfie camera. The rear camera can record video at up to 1080p at 30fps and also supports a 50MP mode. The camera hardware is fairly basic for the price. Connectivity includes 4G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS. It lacks NFC support, but includes a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. 

The Realme P4s Lite also carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance and comes with military-grade shock resistance. The handset would compete with rivals like the Tecno Spark Go 3 Pro 4G, which is priced cheaper but has a smaller 5,200mAh battery. 

The Realme P4s Lite makes the most sense for buyers who prioritise battery life, durability and basic everyday usage over performance, cameras and 5G connectivity. The 7,000mAh battery is its biggest advantage, while the 120Hz display, headphone jack, reverse charging and IP64 rating add to its appeal. For users who simply want a long-lasting phone for calls, social media, streaming, and light usage, the P4s Lite could be worth considering. 

• The Vivo X Fold 6 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super processor.
• Vivo launched its first mixed reality headset last year in China.
• Vivo may unveil the OriginOS 7 release schedule during the event.

[/highlights]

Vivo is all set to host a grand event in India on October 6th, i.e. tomorrow. Dubbed Vivo NEXT 2026, the company will make multiple product announcements during the event, further expanding its portfolio across price segments. What was initially believed to be the sole unveil of the Vivo V80, the Vivo S2 FE, Vivo X Fold 6, OriginOS 7, and a Mixed Reality headset are also expected to be part of the event. While the V80 and S2 FE have already been teased over the last few weeks, here's what you need to know about the X Fold 6, OriginOS 7, and the Mixed Reality headset.

Vivo X Fold 6 and Mixed Reality headset teased for India

A teaser posted by Vivo on X showcases four devices: the Vivo V80, S2 FE, X Fold 6, and an Apple Vision Pro-like Mixed-Reality headset.

Vivo X Fold 6

Vivo has officially confirmed the presence of the Vivo X Fold 6, the company's latest foldable, at the Vivo NEXT 2026 event tomorrow. The smartphone launched in China in June, and it's likely it could come to India as is, with no specification or design changes.

The Vivo X Fold 6 features an 8.02-inch 120Hz inner AMOLED display and a 6.51-inch 120Hz AMOLED cover screen. Both displays support HDR and up to 5,000 nits peak brightness. The phone also has IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance ratings, while its hinge is rated for 600,000 folds.

The foldable runs on the 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage. It runs Android 16-based OriginOS in China, while the global version is tipped to move to OriginOS 7.

Its biggest hardware highlight is a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W wired and 40W wireless charging. The capacity is considerably higher than the 5,000mAh battery in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and also exceeds the 4,806mAh battery of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. For photography, the X Fold 6 gets a Zeiss-tuned 200MP primary camera with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It also has 20MP selfie cameras on both displays.

Vivo Mixed Reality headset

Since the teaser dropped, Vivo has been closed-lipped about what it plans to bring or showcase during the event. However, if we connect the dots, the teased headset likely points to the Vivo Vision Explorer Edition mixed reality headset, which launched in China over a year ago. Designed to offer an immersive 3D environment experience, the headset weighs 398g and measures 83mm in height and 40mm thick. It features a mirror-finish front visor with multiple cameras and sensors for tracking.

Inside, a pair of dual 8K Micro-OLED binocular displays deliver a sharp 3840 × 3552 resolution per eye and are said to cover 94 percent of the DCI-P3 colour space. Magnetic lenses provide diopter adjustment, while the optics claim a 180-degree field of view backed by spatial audio. Content can stretch across a virtual 120-inch screen, and navigation relies on a combination of hand gestures and eye tracking.

At this point, it's unclear whether Vivo plans to actually sell the device in India or is bringing it just for showcase purposes at its grand event. Either way, we'll know all the details within a day, including pricing for the Vivo V80, S2 FE, and X Fold 6. The foldable could act as a strong alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the upcoming iPhone Duo, especially for those who aren't deeply invested into Samsung or Apple's ecosysyems.

The company will also detail OriginOS 7 and may release the rollout schedule for the custom skin, likely to run on the Vivo V80 and other smartphones. The Android 17-based skin is already out in beta for the Vivo X300 Pro and iQOO 15, and could roll out through stable channels over the next few weeks.

You can catch a glimpse of OriginOS 7 in our dedicated launch news story.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds On is its first clip-on Galaxy Buds model.
• The earbuds offer up to 9.5 hours of music playback.
• They launch in Korea on October 27 at around Rs 19,000.

[/highlights]

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on wireless earphones in the Galaxy Buds lineup. The new design sits on the ear instead of going inside the ear canal, making it a more comfortable option for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while running, walking or exercising. Let's check it out in more detail below.

Galaxy Buds On: a different audio product 

Unlike standard Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Buds On uses a clip-on design that sits around the ear instead of sealing the ear canal like a traditional in-ear device would. This makes them better suited to users who want to hear their surroundings while walking, running or cycling. The open design also places less pressure on the ears during long listening sessions, which is also a decisive factor for users who dislike in-ear designs.

The trade-off is that users do not get the same level of isolation and audio depth as with in-ear earbuds. The Buds On will likely be less immersive in noisy places, and Samsung also notes that some sound can leak out depending on the volume, ear shape and surroundings. The company has tried to address this with audio leakage reduction technology, although performance will vary by user and environment. 

Samsung claims to have analysed different ear shapes to position the speaker and battery more comfortably. The design spreads pressure across a wider area and adjusts the clip's elasticity to keep the earbuds secure during movement. Users can also control music and calls with a light touch on the back of the earbuds.

The Galaxy Buds On use TwinBoost speakers to improve low-frequency sound, while automatic volume control adjusts the volume based on the surrounding environment. The company has also added its Intelligent Clear Call technology for clearer voice calls.

The earbuds use three microphones, a bone conduction-based Voice Pickup Unit sensor and machine learning to separate the user's voice from background noise. This should help keep calls clear in situations such as strong winds or when a vacuum cleaner is running nearby.

The Buds On claim to deliver up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge. Samsung uses the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier to manage power consumption.

Samsung is also positioning the Buds On as a hands-free companion for Galaxy AI-supported phones and tablets. Users can access voice conversations, memos and notifications through the earbuds without taking out their phone. With Head Gestures, you can access calls through nodding or shaking your head to accept or decline calls. 

Should you buy the Galaxy Buds On?

The Galaxy Buds On will launch in South Korea on October 27 for KRW 299,000, around Rs 19,000. Samsung plans to bring them to other markets later but has not shared the India price or launch date yet.

The main reason to consider them is the clip-on design, as they could suit users who find in-ear earbuds uncomfortable or want to stay aware of traffic and other sounds while walking or exercising. The main drawback is weaker noise isolation than regular earbuds, along with possible sound leakage.

There are already several open-ear options in India, the Huawei FreeClip 2 is available for around Rs 17,999, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds cost around Rs 25,900. Buyers on a tighter budget can also look at options such as the Noise Air Clips Pro, which starts at around Rs 2,499. 

For now, the Galaxy Buds On will mainly appeal to users who want an open-ear design along with Samsung's software and AI features. The India price will be important, though, since buyers already have plenty of alternatives in this category.

• These offers will go live during the upcoming Amazon festive sale.
• iQOO Z11 Lite will be available for Rs 15,499.
• iQOO 15 and 15R are also getting discounts during the sale.

[/highlights]

iQOO has announced offers on its smartphones for the upcoming Amazon Great Indian Festival sale. The sale begins October 8th, with deals available on models ranging from the affordable iQOO Z11 Lite to the flagship iQOO 15. The festive sale also covers the iQOO Z11x, Z11xa, Z11, and iQOO 15R. Here's a look at the offers on all these iQOO phones. These festive prices are typically the lowest of the year, so if you're in the market, now is a good time to buy. Also with rampant price hikes, it would be wise to grab these deals when available. 

iQOO Amazon Great Indian Festival offers

iQOO Z11 Lite

The iQOO Z11 Lite is the most affordable option in the sale and is aimed at buyers who want a large battery and a smoother display without spending too much. It gets a 6.74-inch 120Hz display, a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, and a 6,500mAh battery with 44W charging. It also has IP65 protection and a 50MP main camera.

At Rs 15,499, it is worth considering if you want a budget 5G phone with a large battery and balanced hardware. The smartphone is otherwise available at Rs 19,999.

iQOO Z11x

The Z11x moves into the budget performance segment with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Turbo chipset and a 7,200mAh battery with 44W charging. It also gets IP68 and IP69 ratings and a 50MP main camera. Its current starting price is Rs 27,999, but it will be available for Rs 24,999, making it an interesting option for users who prioritise gaming and battery life. 

iQOO Z11xa

The Z11xa shares the Dimensity 7400-Turbo chipset and 7,200mAh battery with the Z11x, but takes a more affordable approach to the display with a 6.76-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD panel. It also gets IP68 and IP69 protection, a 50MP rear camera, and a 32MP front camera. It's priced at Rs 28,999, but you can get it for Rs 25,999 during the Amazon sale.

iQOO Z11

The Z11 is the more premium Z-series option, featuring a 6.83-inch 1.5K 144Hz curved AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, and a large 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging. It also gets a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS and IP68/IP69 protection.

At Rs 29,999, the Z11 makes more sense for buyers who want a better display and a more premium overall experience than the budget Z-series models. This is a good offer as the Z11 is actually available at a starting price of Rs 34,999. 

iQOO 15R

The iQOO 15R targets buyers who want near-flagship performance without moving all the way up to the iQOO 15. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and gets a 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED display, a large 7,600mAh battery in a compact 7.90mm body, and a dedicated Q2 chip for gaming. The phone also features a 50MP Sony LYT-700V main camera with OIS, IP68/IP69 protection and 4K 60fps video recording. It starts at Rs 53,999, but you can get it for Rs 46,499 as part of the Amazon sale.

For buyers primarily interested in gaming and performance, the 15R could be the sweet spot in the lineup.

iQOO 15

At the top of the range is the iQOO 15, which is positioned as the company's flagship offering. It features a 2K M14 OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, Q3 Supercomputing Chip, and a triple 50MP camera setup. A 7,000mAh battery, 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging round out the hardware. The phone runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and is promised five years of OS updates and seven years of security updates.

The iQOO 15 starts at an offer price of Rs 76,999, down from its original price of Rs 85,999.

Which iQOO phone should you buy during the Amazon sale?

The Z11 Lite is the obvious pick for a tighter budget and prioritises battery life and everyday use. The Z11x looks more appealing for performance-focused buyers, while the Z11 offers a more premium display and overall package.

Moving up the range, the iQOO 15R should be the one to watch if gaming performance is the priority without spending flagship money. Meanwhile, the iQOO 15 is better suited to buyers who want a premium Android experience and are willing to spend upwards of Rs 75,000.

• The Vivo S60t may not launch in India, as with previous Vivo S releases.
• The Vivo S60t shares several specifications with the standard S60.
• The smartphone comes with Android 17-based OriginOS 7 skin out of the box.

[/highlights]

Amidst the buzz around the premium flagship Vivo X500 series, the company has silently listed the Vivo S60t on its China website. Positioned as an upper-midrange smartphone, the S60t shares identical specifications with the standard S60, including a generous 7,200mAh battery, a 6.59-inch AMOLED display, and a 50MP telephoto lens, but it comes with a lower-tier Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor.

Vivo S60t specifications overview

The Vivo S60t features a 6.59-inch AMOLED 1.5K display with a resolution of 2750 x 1260 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, 4320Hz PWM dimming, and 5000 nits of peak brightness. The phone packs an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor protected by a glass layer.

The smartphone's main highlight is a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700V OIS sensor with an f/1.88 aperture, a 50MP 1/2-inch Sony IMX882 periscope sensor with an f/2.65 aperture capable of 100x digital zoom and an 8MP wide-angle lens. For selfies and video calling, the new smartphone supports a 50MP front camera. You get the essentials: street photography mode and filters to give your photos a distinct look and feel.

[caption id="attachment_717556" align="alignnone" width="1408"] The Vivo S60t's design looks familiar to Vivo S60[/caption]

The Vivo S60t 5G runs on Android 17 with the latest OriginOS 7. While the skin has yet to be formally announced in India, users can expect multiple design overhauls, including light and glass textures to make menus appear transparent and clear, multitasking features such as Atomic Workbench, and a range of performance and endurance improvements.

Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, the same processor that we saw on the Vivo V70, capable of delivering AnTuTu scores of over 1.2 million. This is an octa-core processor built on a 4nm architecture that can run at clock speeds ranging from 1.84GHz to 3.8GHz. The phone's memory fusion technology can add 12GB of virtual RAM to the 12GB of physical RAM.

The smartphone is equipped with a robust 7200mAh battery. The brand claims that after a full charge, the phone can deliver approximately 22 hours of short video playback time. For faster charging, it supports 90W fast charging. The device also supports reverse charging, allowing users to top up other devices, such as earphones.

Vivo S60t price in China

The Vivo S60t's Chinese variant comes in two storage modes: the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at CNY 3,599 (approx. Rs 51,000), while the 12GB RAM and 512GB variant will sell for CNY 3,999 (approx. Rs 57,000). The colourways include Midsummer Night, Starry Sea, and Early Summer Green.

[caption id="attachment_717555" align="alignnone" width="2806"] Vivo S60t listed on Vivo's Chinese website[/caption]

The standard Vivo S60 featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset is currently listed for Rs CNY 3,699 (approx. Rs 5,399) on the brand's online store in China. For CNY 100 less, the S60t could be a viable option for users who don't prioritise flagship-grade performance, since most specifications are similar on both handsets.

As for the device's India release, it may not launch here, since Vivo has traditionally limited its S-series smartphones to its home country, China. Instead, Vivo is releasing the V80, S2 FE, and X Fold 6 in India on October 6th, along with unveiling OriginOS 6.

• Fitbit Edge could be Google's next fitness wearable.
• The Fitbit Edge features a small oval-shaped display.
• It sits above the Fitbit Air and below the Pixel Watch 5. 

[/highlights]

Google appears to be preparing a new Fitbit fitness tracker. Called the Fitbit Edge, the upcoming wearable has leaked in full, revealing a small display, built-in GPS, and up to seven days of battery life. The leak also suggests that Google is positioning it between the screenless Fitbit Air and the more capable Pixel Watch 5.

Google Fitbit Edge design, specs leaked

According to a report by Android Headlines, retail material reveals the Google Fitbit Edge as a fitness band with a compact, oval-shaped colour display. The design looks closer to the Fitbit Charge series with a slim band and side buttons. The leaked colour options include black, green and orange, which are similar to the colour palette used for the Pixel 11 Pro.

The Fitbit Edge is tipped to offer up to seven days of battery life, built-in GPS, an altimeter for elevation tracking, and automatic workout detection. Although it has a small display, it's said to offer support for smartphone notifications, along with a limited selection of apps and functions, including Google Maps, YouTube Music/media controls, and Find My Phone. The device is also expected to support both Android and iPhone.

The Edge's positioning is particularly interesting because Google's existing smart wearable lineup already covers the two extremes. The Fitbit Air is designed as a screen-free, distraction-free tracker, while the Pixel Watch 5 offers a complete smartwatch experience with Wear OS. The Edge appears to occupy the middle ground, offering a screen and some smart features without the size, complexity or shorter battery life associated with a smartwatch.

The Fitbit Edge could effectively become the successor to the Fitbit Charge series, which has not received a new model since the Fitbit Charge 6 launched in 2023. Rather than competing directly with full-fledged smartwatches, the Fitbit Edge appears aimed at users who want essential fitness and smart features in a smaller form factor. 

Google has yet to officially confirm the Fitbit Edge. However, the latest leak suggests that the fitness band could be launched sometime this month. Pricing is also only an estimate at this stage, with reports pointing to a range of $149 to $199. If you're looking for a lightweight fitness tracker with built-in GPS, long battery life, and basic smart features, the Fitbit Edge could be worth waiting for.

• OPPO F35 and F35 Pro are the company's latest mid-range offerings.
• Key specs include 8,000mAh battery, 80W fast charging, 50MP front camera, ColorOS 16, and more.
• The OPPO F35 series price in India starts at Rs 38,999.

[/highlights]

The OPPO F35 and F35 Pro are now official in India. The latest F-series smartphones follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, the F33 series, with a focus on design, battery life, and the front camera. The OPPO F35 series gets a larger 8,000mAh battery, up from 7,000mAh, along with 4K video recording support for the front camera. The phones also retain the IP69K rating for water and dust resistance, which can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns.

OPPO F35, F35 Pro price in India, availability

The OPPO F35 is priced in India at Rs 38,999 for the base 6GB RAM variant, while its 8GB RAM option costs Rs 42,999. The OPPO F35 Pro, meanwhile, starts at Rs 45,999 and goes all the way up to Rs 54,999. Both smartphones come in three colour options - Wave Blue, Titanium Grey, and Mist Pink for the standard OPPO F35, whereas the F35 Pro is available in Sunrise Orange, Twilight Brown, and Wave Blue.

The handsets' sale in India starts from October 11th across offline stores, OPPO India E-Store, Flipkart, and Amazon.in.

OPPO F35, F35 Pro specifications

The OPPO F35 and F35 Pro both run Android 16-based ColorOS 16 out of the box. The handsets also feature an 8,000mAh battery, which has become standard in the segment, with 80W fast wired charging. The designs of the two phones may not be identical, but both can survive dust and high-pressure and temperature water jets, owing to their IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. However, the OPPO F35 Pro turns out to be a more promising option.

[caption id="attachment_717546" align="aligncenter" width="1376"] OPPO F35 Pro[/caption]

The Pro model is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Max SoC, which may not be the most powerful but is a reliable choice for everyday use. The handset also sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate to ensure sharp viewing experience backed by smooth animations and graphics.

In terms of optics, the OPPO F35 Pro features a 50MP main camera with OIS, paired with an 8MP ultrawide camera at the back. On the front, there is a 50MP wide-angle camera with a 100-degree FoV and support for 4K video recording. The setup should help capture more stable videos and wider selfies, allowing you to fit more people into the frame.

The phone's design is identical to its predecessor, OPPO F33 Pro, with a large camera platform, a patterned back on the Sunrise Orange and Wave Blue colour options, and flat edges. The camera platform even houses an IR Blaster to control home appliances. Other features include Dual SIM, 5G, Bluetooth v5.4, and Wi-Fi 6. The handset measures 8.4mm in thickness and weighs 210 grams.

Moving on to the OPPO F35, the handset shares the same hardware as the OPPO F33 Pro but comes with a slightly different design. Instead of a large camera deco, it features a slim platform that houses a dual-rear camera setup comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is also a 50MP unit for selfies and video calls.

That said, the phone is slightly more compact than the F35 Pro, thanks to its 6.57-inch display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the smartphone is the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max SoC. The only real upgrade with the OPPO F35 is the 8,000mAh battery, which should provide longer endurance than the 7,000mAh on the F33.

If you currently own the OPPO F33 Pro, there is no compelling reason to upgrade to the OPPO F35. However, if 4K video recording from the front camera, a 144Hz display, and a larger 8,000mAh battery are your priorities, the OPPO F35 Pro is worth considering.

• The Motorola Signature and Edge 70 Max run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor.
• The Moto G37 Power and G77 Power will sell under Rs 20,999 during the sale.
• The Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2026 begins October 8th for Flipkart VIP and Black members.

[/highlights]

With the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2026 around the corner, Motorola, along with other brands, has unveiled the deals up for grabs during the sale. People looking for a new smartphone with a relatively lightweight software skin, vegan leather rear panels, and reliable performance for the price can wait for these deals. Flipkart is also offering discounts on all smartphones via Axis, ICICI, and Flipkart Axis Bank credit cards.

Motorola smartphone deals unveiled for Big Billion Days Sale 2026

While these Motorola smartphones may see price cuts, buyers can further sweeten the deal by availing bank discounts, such as a 10 percent instant discount on Axis and ICICI Bank cards and 10 percent additional savings on Flipkart Axis Bank credit cards. These deals can be bagged starting October 9th, while Flipkart VIP and Black subscribers can get these smartphones at discounted rates starting October 8th.

Should you consider Motorola deals during the BBD sale?

Motorola Signature

Motorola's current-gen flagship, the Signature, will sell for Rs 57,499, making it one of the most affordable well-rounded high-end smartphones with a versatile camera setup. It includes a large-sensor 50MP 1/1.28-inch primary camera, a 50MP periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, a 50MP ultrawide lens with a 122-degree field of view, and a 50MP selfie shooter. Paired with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, the phone should deliver enough performance for power users who enjoy graphically intensive gaming and heavy multitasking.

Motorola Edge 70 Max

The Moto Edge 70 Max essentially swaps the periscope lens on the Signature for a much larger 7,100mAh battery, while coming at an ever more affordable price. It also adds a 2K flat AMOLED display by ditching the Signature's quad curved panel, making it a better pick for those who want to avoid accidental touches. Other things remain the same, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and Hello UI software with hints of stock Android.

Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ and Edge 70 Pro

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ and Edge 70 Pro share identical specifications, including the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor, a promise of three OS upgrades, a decently sized 6,500mAh battery, and a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display. If you're looking for a phone with a telephoto lens, the Edge 70 Pro+'s 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens will serve you well for portraits and long-range zoom shots, making it one of the most affordable phones in this sale with a telephoto lens. On the other hand, the Edge 70 Pro offers excellent value at Rs 36,999 since it carries all the essentials of the Edge 70 Pro+ at a lower price sans the telephoto.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion, Moto G77 Power, Moto G37 Power

The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion's pre-sale price of Rs 30,999 makes it one of the best value-for-money smartphones under Rs 35,000, with a quad-curved 1.5K AMOLED display, a 50MP 1/1.57-inch primary camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, and a generous 7,000mAh battery. The Rs 29,999 sale price further sweetens the deal.

For buyers seeking midrange smartphones, the Moto G77 Power and Moto G37 Power are solid picks for great battery endurance, fast software, and a comfortable vegan leather rear panel under Rs 20,999

These price cuts suggest Motorola is aiming to capture a larger share of the premium mid-range market during the festive season, leveraging its 'clean Android' image to stand out against rivals like Xiaomi and Samsung.

• The iQOO 16 global variant has reportedly appeared on Geekbench.
• The flagship, if it launches in India, could be priced at over Rs 90,000.
• Higher pricing could make it harder to compete with Samsung and Apple.

[/highlights]

The iQOO 16 could be heading to India, although the company has not confirmed a local launch yet. A tipster on X has now claimed that a global variant of the phone has appeared on Geekbench, suggesting that iQOO may be preparing to expand the device to more markets. Let's check it out in detail below.

iQOO 16 Geekbench listing reveals key hardware

According to an X post by tipster Abhishek Yadav, the alleged global variant of the iQOO 16 has appeared on Geekbench with the model number Vivo I2607. The listing shows 12GB RAM, Android 17 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with the chipset listed as SM8975. 

iQOO 16 global/India variant spotted on Geekbench 👀

– Model: vivo I2607
– Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 (SM8975), 2x 5.01GHz + 3x 4.03GHz + 3x 3.74GHz
– GPU: Adreno 850
– RAM: 12GB
– OS: Android 17
– Single core: 2,944
– Multi core: 10,029

Firmware carries the EX tag,… pic.twitter.com/rVyM6iz42J

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) October 4, 2026

The phone scored 2,944 points in the single-core test and 10,029 points in the multi-core test. The firmware reportedly carries an EX tag, which the tipster says points to a global build. This, however, does not confirm an India launch, and iQOO has yet to officially announce plans to bring the iQOO 16 to the country.

To give you some more context, these early scores look lower than what we recorded on the iQOO 15 (review), which scored 3,621 in single-core and 10,579 in multi-core in our Geekbench testing. That does not necessarily mean the newer phone will be slower, as this appears to be an early software build, and benchmark scores can change substantially as manufacturers optimise the final firmware.

For now, the Geekbench listing mainly suggests that iQOO could be preparing a global version of the iQOO 16. Its appearance on a benchmark database is not enough to confirm an India launch, so we will have to wait for an official announcement from the company.

Could iQOO 16 launch in India?

The iQOO 16 is a powerful flagship with robust hardware, including a 2K 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, an 8,400mAh battery and a triple 50MP camera setup. The flagship hardware also means that it will command a high price, particularly now, when iQOO can't optimise for lower costs due to inflated RAM and memory prices.  

The iQOO 15 launched in India at Rs 64,999, making it one of the most aggressive flagship options in the market amid the growing memory crisis. Rising memory and component costs, however, eventually pushed its price up, with the phone now selling for around Rs 85,999. The iQOO 16 launched in China at CNY 6,000 (approx. Rs 86,000), and if it does launch in India, it would not be surprising if the device touches the Rs 1 lakh mark.

At that price, iQOO, which is traditionally known for its competitive pricing, is unlikely to garner much attention since it will compete with established premium brands such as Samsung's Galaxy S series and Apple's iPhones. If you're looking to buy a flagship-level gaming phone, the iQOO 15 (review) could instead be a more favourable deal compared to the new iQOO 16. 

• iPhone 16 is currently available at Rs 69,900 on Flipkart.
• It's also set to go on sale on Amazon.
• Amazon has teased the iPhone 16 for Rs 71,999.

[/highlights]

Flipkart's Big Billion Days sale starts on October 9th, with several deals and offers on various products. Ahead of the sale, the iPhone 16 is currently listed on Flipkart for Rs 69,900 as opposed to its original selling price of Rs 89,900. Also, the iPhone 16 is available for purchase, although stocks appear to be low. The iPhone 16 was launched in September 2024 at Rs 79,900. Amazon has also teased the iPhone 16 for Rs 71,999 as part of its upcoming Great Indian Festival sale. 

iPhone 16 deal on Flipkart

The iPhone 16 is priced at Rs 69,900 on Flipkart without any offers. This is for the base 128GB variant, while the 256GB variant is priced at Rs 79,900. The 512GB variant of the iPhone 16 is currently out of stock. Also, all colours of the iPhone 16 are available, but you'd have to check whether it will be delivered to your location or not. 

Although a 2024 phone, the iPhone 16 still feels fairly current, with the 60Hz refresh rate being its only major drawback. It is powered by Apple's A18 chip, which delivers smooth everyday performance and supports Apple Intelligence features. It has a compact 6.1-inch OLED display that is bright enough for comfortable outdoor viewing, but with a 60Hz refresh rate. Battery life and charging speeds are also in line with what you would expect from a recent iPhone.

With price hikes hitting the smartphone market at a rapid rate, this iPhone 16 deal seems like a steal right now. If you're considering an iPhone, you can definitely go for this iPhone 16 deal on Flipkart and hurry too before stocks run out. Flipkart might have more offers during the BBD sale, but it's likely that the handset will get sold out pretty quickly. While you might get better features on an Android phone for the same price, the iPhone 16 still remains a good option for those wanting to upgrade to one. 

Amazon has also teased the iPhone 16 for Rs 71,999 with offers, which is slightly higher than the Flipkart price. But if you miss the Flipkart deal, you can still consider the Amazon offer. 

• Nothing Phone (4b) will be available at its lowest-ever price of Rs 27,999 during the sale.
• Nothing has also announced a flat Rs 3,000 discount on Phone (4a)'s 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant.
• Flipkart's Big Billion Days Sale 2026 begins on October 9th, with early access for eligible customers on October 8th.

[/highlights]

Celebrating the festive season, Nothing has announced a slew of discounts, deals, and bank offers on its smartphones and accessories. The Nothing Phone (4a) gets a flat discount of Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000 bank offer, bringing its price down to Rs 32,999 from Rs 39,999 for the base variant. Meanwhile, the Phone (4b) gets up to Rs 8,000 discount, bringing its price down to Rs 27,999 from its launch price of Rs 35,999. Furthermore, the OEM has announced bank offers of up to Rs 4,500 and an exchange bonus of Rs 500 on the Nothing Phone (4a), Phone (4a) Pro, and Phone (4b), across RAM and storage configurations.

When and where to get these discounts?

The deals will go live for all Flipkart users on October 9th as part of the Big Billion Days Sale 2026, while Flipkart Plus, VIP, Black members, and eligible co-branded credit card holders will get early access from October 8th. Nothing has also announced discounts on its smartwatches, earbuds, power banks, and more. The offers will be applicable throughout the Flipkart's Big Billion Days event.

Here's everything you need to know.

Nothing Phone (4b) discounts and offers

Notably, only the base Nothing Phone (4b) gets a flat discount of Rs 4,000 along with an bank offer Rs 3,500 and an exchange deal of Rs 500, bringing the total discount on the variant to Rs 8,000. While Nothing is yet to confirm the eligible bank cards, Flipkart has partnered with ICICI and Axis Bank for its Big Billion Days Sale.

Nothing Phone (4a) and (4a) Pro discounts and offers

Only the base Nothing Phone (4a) variant (6GB+128GB) gets a flat discount of Rs 3,000, along with Rs 4,000 in exchange and bank offers. The remaining variants of the smartphone are only available with a bank discount Rs 4,000.

Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro gets a Rs 4,500 bank discount and a Rs 500 exchange offer, effectively bringing the price down by Rs 5,000.

Nothing wearables, earbuds, and accessories discounts

Nothing hasn't confirmed whether these are flat discounts or discounts available with bank offers. That said, if you have been eyeing any of these devices but holding off due to the recent price hikes, this could potentially be an ideal time to buy.

Almost every Nothing device stands out for its design. For those considering the Phone (4a) Pro, this is likely the best price you'll see until next year's festive sales, making it a strong 'buy now' recommendation if you need a capable mid-ranger. The handset boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, and a triple rear camera setup with up to 140x digital zoom, among other features.

• Tipster Yogesh Brar says the iQOO 16 is being tested in India
• Brar also cautioned that a price close to Rs 1 lakh would make the phone hard to sell
• In China, the iQOO 16 starts at CNY 5,999 (around Rs 86,000)

[/highlights]

After its China debut, the iQOO 16 may head to India, but if a recent tip is any indication, price could be the sticking point. Tipster Yogesh Brar says the phone is currently being tested in the country, while also questioning whether buyers would be willing to pay what iQOO might ask.

iQOO 16 India launch seems imminent

In a post on X, Brar said the iQOO 16 is being tested in India. He didn't share a launch date or a confirmed price, but he did add a note of caution: if the phone launches close to Rs 1 lakh, "I don't think it will be easy to sell." He added that OnePlus faces the same pricing problem, possibly alluding to the upcoming OnePlus 16, and asked his followers what the maximum price they'd be willing to pay for the phone would be.

It's worth being clear about what this is and isn't. The testing claim is unconfirmed, and the Rs 1 lakh figure is Brar's own hypothesis rather than a leaked price. However, a Rs 1 lakh price seems likely given the phone launched in China with a starting price of CNY 5,999 (around Rs 86,000).

The starting price is 43 percent higher than the iQOO 15's CNY 4,199 (approx Rs 60,000) launch price last year. The bigger battery, faster display, and newer chip explain part of that, but the DRAM and NAND cost squeeze is the larger factor, and it has pushed up phone prices across the industry this year. iQOO hasn't revealed plans to launch the iQOO 16 in India yet.

Can the iQOO 16 launch at a competitive price in India?

When the iQOO 15 launched in November 2025, the memory chip crisis began, forcing major smartphone OEMs to raise smartphone prices. OnePlus and Realme were the first affected, launching the OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro, respectively, at Rs 72,999, higher than their respective predecessors. iQOO was among the few who managed to undercut their rivals, with the iQOO 15 launching at Rs 64,999.

But iQOO couldn't hold that price forever, and the iQOO 15 ultimately saw a few hikes, bringing it to its current price of Rs 85,999 on platforms like Amazon. If the iQOO 16 launches in India, it will likely be priced higher than its predecessor. This suggests a price upwards of Rs 90,000, possibly touching Rs 1 lakh. And at this price point, iQOO will be competing directly with Apple and Samsung.

iQOO 16 specifications (China variant)

The iQOO 16 launched in China with a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, which iQOO claims is a world first for that combination. Under the hood is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, paired with iQOO's dedicated Q4 gaming chip, LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage.

Battery capacity goes up to 8,400mAh from the 7,000mAh on the iQOO 15, with charging speeds unchanged at 100W wired and 40W wireless. The camera setup includes three 50MP sensors: a main camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, an ultrawide, and a periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, plus a 32MP front camera. The phone runs OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 and carries IP68 and IP69 ratings. Specifications for an India variant, if one launches, haven't been confirmed.

iQOO is yet to reveal whether the iQOO 16 will make it to India. But if it does, expect a price tag above Rs 90,000, possibly crossing Rs 1 lakh for the top-end model. This begs the question: would you consider buying a Rs 1 lakh iQOO flagship that, until last year, hovered around the Rs 60,000 segment?

Most buyers ask for the same three things from a phone: a battery that lasts, a processor that keeps up and a body that survives daily life. This list ranks eight of the best smartphones to buy during the Big Billion Days sale across three budgets, and in each one the realme P4 series stands out. The realme P4 Power 5G leads on battery, the realme P4x 5G on performance and the realme P4 Lite 5G on value. They sit alongside rivals from vivo and Motorola, so you can see where your money goes.

When you compare phones in the sale, look past the headline discount. Check the battery size and how fast it charges, because these decide how often you reach for a charger. Look at the display, where a high refresh rate and good peak brightness make daily use more pleasant. Protection ratings show how well a phone will cope with dust, rain and knocks, and the update promise tells you how long the software will stay current.

Best battery smartphone under 30K: realme P4 Power 5G

Battery life is the reason to pick the realme P4 Power 5G. It carries a 10,001mAh Titan battery, which realme says is the first 10,001mAh battery in an Indian smartphone. For most people that means a phone that gets through a busy day of navigation, video calls, streaming and games with plenty left over, and that keeps going on the days you forget to plug it in.

A big battery only helps if it charges quickly, and the P4 Power supports 80W Ultra Charge. A 0 to 50 per cent top-up takes 36 minutes, according to the brand. With 27W reverse charging, it can also top up earbuds, a smartwatch or another phone when they run low. The brand rates the battery for 1,650 charge cycles, with more than 80 per cent of its health expected to remain after eight years.

The build is made for rough handling too, with IP69, IP68 and IP66 ratings, ArmorShell protection, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and MIL-STD-810H certification. Everyday speed comes from the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra 5G chipset, backed by a dedicated HyperVision+ AI chip, and the 6.8-inch AMOLED display runs at up to 144Hz and reaches 1,800 nits in high brightness mode. At 219g, the phone weighs the same as the vivo T5x, which carries a smaller 7,200mAh battery.

The realme P4 Power 5G costs ₹32,999. The realme P4 Power Flipkart Big Billion Day sale offer is up to 9 months of No Cost EMI or up to ₹3,000 off.* Take the full ₹3,000 off and it comes down to ₹29,999, the same as the Moto Edge 70 Fusion, with a far bigger battery. For anyone shopping for endurance, the realme P4 Power Flipkart BBD sale is the deal to watch. It is available on Flipkart and on realme's website.

Best performance smartphone under 25K: realme P4x 5G

If you want strong performance without paying flagship money, the realme P4x 5G is the one to look at. It is listed at ₹26,999 on Flipkart for the 6GB and 128GB model. Its MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra 5G chipset scores over 780,000 on AnTuTu, according to realme, which makes it one of the fastest 7,000mAh phones under ₹25,000.

Gaming is where the P4x shows its strength. The brand quotes 90FPS in BGMI. A 5,300mm² FrostCore vapour chamber, covering about 41 per cent of the phone's area, keeps temperatures down, and realme says it lowers CPU temperature by 20°C during gameplay. The 6.72-inch full HD+ display refreshes at up to 144Hz and reaches 1,000 nits, so it stays readable in sunlight, and dual speakers with 400 per cent volume make games and videos louder.

The 7,000mAh Titan battery is paired with 45W charging. The top variant combines 8GB of RAM, which can be extended by 10GB of dynamic RAM to 18GB, with 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and realme's NEXT AI adds tools for gaming, image editing and productivity, including AI Eraser and Remove Reflections. For anyone searching for the best smartphone under 30K, the P4x brings a 144Hz screen, a 7,000mAh battery and an AnTuTu score above 7.8 lakh.

The realme P4x Flipkart BBD sale offer is up to 6 months of No Cost EMI or up to ₹4,000 off.* Take the full ₹4,000 off and the price falls to ₹22,999, enough to make it a contender for the best Android phone under 25K as well. Put the realme P4x deals on your shortlist, and find the phone on Flipkart and on realme's website.

Best display smartphone under 30K: Moto Edge 70 Fusion

The Moto Edge 70 Fusion is the strongest all-round rival on this list, and at ₹30,999 it is priced accordingly. Motorola gives it a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and 68W TurboPower charging. The main camera is a 50MP Sony LYTIA sensor with optical image stabilisation, and the phone carries IP68 and IP69 protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

It is a good phone, and if a curved AMOLED screen matters most, it deserves a look. Where it gives ground is battery capacity. The realme P4 Power 5G at number 1 offers a much bigger battery and 80W charging for ₹2,000 more at list price, and the Big Billion Days offer on the realme closes that gap completely.

Best all-rounder under 20K: realme P4 Lite 5G

If you are looking for the best phone under 20K, this is where the choice gets simple. The realme P4 Lite 5G keeps to the basics and does them well: a big battery, a smooth screen and enough performance for everyday use. The 7,000mAh battery is the headline, and realme describes it as the only 7,000mAh battery in its segment. The brand says a full charge gives about 1.47 days of use, and AI Power Saving technology stretches it further.

The display refreshes at up to 144Hz in supported apps and reaches 900 nits of peak brightness. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G processor handles everyday tasks, and realme quotes an AnTuTu score above 560,000. A 5,300mm² vapour chamber keeps the phone cool, while ArmorShell protection, military-grade shock resistance and IP64 dust and water resistance mean you can carry it without worrying about the odd drop or splash.

The realme P4 Lite 5G is priced at ₹18,999 on Flipkart, and the Big Billion Days offer takes ₹2,500 off, so the effective price comes down to ₹16,499. The realme P4 Lite Flipkart Big Billion Day sale offer is a straightforward ₹2,500 off.* Anyone shopping for the best mobile under 20K will find realme P4 Lite deals worth a look. You can see it on Flipkart and on realme's website.

Best premium feel under 35K: vivo T5

The vivo T5 costs ₹34,999, which makes it the most expensive phone here. In return you get a 6.83-inch AMOLED display, a MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo processor, a 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging, and IP68 plus IP69 ratings. At 199g it is also 20g lighter than the realme P4 Power, and the 32MP front camera will suit anyone who takes a lot of selfies.

The trade-off is clear, though. The realme P4 Power costs ₹2,000 less at list price and offers a much bigger battery and faster charging, so the vivo T5 makes most sense if low weight is your main concern.

vivo T5x: A solid battery option in the same bracket as the P4x

The vivo T5x, at ₹27,999, brings a 7,200mAh battery, 44W charging and IP68 plus IP69 protection. It uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset with a 6.76-inch LCD display that vivo says reaches 1,200 nits, and it weighs 219g.

It is a capable phone. Against the realme P4x, however, the battery is in the same class, charging is slightly slower at 44W against 45W, and the price is ₹1,000 higher, before you count the ₹2,000 Big Billion Days offer on the realme.

Best battery and expandable storage smartphone: Moto G77 Power

The Moto G77 Power is priced at ₹27,999 and, as the name suggests, is built around its 7,000mAh battery. It has a 6.72-inch full HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,050 nits of peak brightness, and it runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage that can be expanded by microSD. The 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 main camera is paired with a 32MP front camera, and the phone has Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, IP64 protection and MIL-STD-810H certification. It weighs 215g and comes with Android 16.

It suits buyers who want a big battery and the option to add storage. Charging is where it slows down, at 30W with 6W reverse charging. The realme P4x, which costs ₹1,000 less at list price, charges at 45W and offers a 144Hz display, and the realme P4 Power charges at 80W.

Best fast-charging smartphone under 25K: vivo T5 Lite 5G

The vivo T5 Lite 5G costs ₹22,999 and shares the Dimensity 6300 chipset with the realme P4 Lite. It has a 6,500mAh battery, 44W charging, a 6.74-inch 120Hz LCD display and IP65 protection, and weighs 209g. Fast charging is its strongest point.

Set beside the realme P4 Lite 5G, though, the vivo asks for ₹4,000 more and offers a smaller battery and a lower refresh rate. If you often top up in a hurry, the 44W charging counts for something, but for most buyers the realme is the better deal.

FAQs

Which phone should you buy during the Big Billion Days sale?

It depends on what matters most to you. Choose the realme P4 Power 5G if battery life and durability come first, since its 10,001mAh battery, 80W charging and IP69 rating suit people who spend long days away from a charger.

Which is the best phone for gaming you should buy during Big Billion Days sale under ₹25,000?

The realme P4x 5G. Its MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset scores over 780,000 on AnTuTu, according to realme, and it pairs a 144Hz display with a 7,000mAh battery. If screen quality and quick charging matter more, the Moto Edge 70 Fusion is the alternative.

What is the best phone under ₹20,000 in the sale?

The realme P4 Lite 5G. It offers a 7,000mAh battery and a 144Hz display, and the Big Billion Days offer brings its effective price down to ₹16,499.

Which other phones are worth considering?

The vivo T5 suits anyone who wants a light phone, the vivo T5x and Moto G77 Power offer large batteries at around ₹27,999, and the vivo T5 Lite 5G is the fast-charging option.

What are the realme P4 series offers in the Big Billion Days sale?

The offers on the three realme phones are below.*

*Offers are subject to terms and conditions.

When does the sale start, and how can I get the best price?

Flipkart's Big Billion Days 2026 starts on October 8th with early access. Before you buy, check the offers on the payment page for card discounts, compare the storage variants, and see what your old phone is worth in an exchange.

The upcoming phones span different price segments, from OPPO's selfie-focused F-series to Vivo's camera-centric V-series and a potential premium foldable. Here's what to expect from each launch, including their tipped prices and key specifications.

Vivo V80

The Vivo V80 will launch in India on October 6th, with a focus on photography and video creation. Vivo has confirmed a Zeiss-branded camera setup, a 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 7,200mAh battery with 90W fast charging. It will also be the first V-series smartphone to ship with Android 17-based OriginOS 7.

Vivo V80 price in India (tipped)

According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, the Vivo V80 could launch at the following prices:

• 8GB + 128GB: Rs 63,000
• 8GB + 256GB: Rs 70,000
• 8GB + 512GB: Rs 80,000

The tipped starting price puts the V80 above its predecessor's original launch price, although the final retail price and launch offers could affect the difference.

Specs at a glance

• 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display, 144Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC
• 50MP primary, 50MP telephoto and ultrawide rear cameras
• 50MP group selfie camera
• 7,200mAh battery, 90W charging

The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP Night Telephoto camera and a Zeiss wide-angle shooter. A 50MP front camera with a 92-degree field of view and autofocus should also help when fitting more people into group selfies. The large battery is another notable addition, particularly for users who shoot videos or spend long hours away from a charger.

At a starting price of Rs 63,000, the V80 will need to justify its positioning through its camera experience, battery life and software support. Vivo has promised up to six years of security updates, although the chipset appears to be carried over from the V70 rather than a generational performance leap.

Vivo S2 FE

The Vivo S2 FE  will launch in India alongside the Vivo V80 on October 6th at 12 noon. Vivo has teased a flat rear panel, a green finish and a squarish camera module with two rear cameras. The phone will be available through Flipkart, Vivo's online store and offline retail channels.

Vivo S2 FE price in India (tipped)

The Vivo S2 FE is tipped to cost between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000. A separate leak suggests a box price of Rs 39,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant, which means the actual selling price could be lower. Vivo has yet to confirm the pricing.

Specs at a glance

• 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
• MediaTek Dimensity 7300e SoC
• 50MP primary rear camera
• 32MP front camera
• Up to 10,000mAh battery

The battery could be the biggest talking point. Leaks suggest the S2 FE may pack a 10,000mAh battery. A large battery is useful for users who want to stretch a charge across long days, but the phone's weight, thickness and charging speed will also matter.

The reported Dimensity 7300e chipset and 120Hz AMOLED display suggest that Vivo is aiming for a balance between everyday performance, screen quality and endurance rather than positioning the S2 FE as a performance-first phone. At a potential price below Rs 40,000, it would also sit below the Vivo V80, giving buyers two different options from the brand this week.

OPPO F35 series

The OPPO F35 series  is scheduled to launch in India on October 5th. The lineup is expected to include the OPPO F35 5G and F35 Pro 5G, with the brand continuing its focus on selfie photography and social media features. OPPO is also marking 10 years of its F-series in India.

One of the key features is a 50MP ultrawide selfie camera with a 100-degree field of view, designed to fit more people into group shots. The phones are also expected to feature NaturalTone 2.0 for skin-tone processing, while the Pro model is tipped to support 4K recording from both the front and rear cameras.

OPPO F35 series price in India (tipped)

• OPPO F35 5G: Expected to cost around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000, with a reported box MRP of Rs 67,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant.
• OPPO F35 Pro 5G: Expected to cost around Rs 44,000 to Rs 50,000, with a reported box MRP of Rs 79,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant.
  

Specs at a glance: OPPO F35 Pro 5G

• 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display
• MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Max SoC
• UFS 3.1 storage
• 50MP + 8MP rear cameras
• 50MP front camera

The OPPO F35 Pro is expected to offer a sharper display and a more capable chipset than the standard model. Its camera features appear to be the main draw, specially for users who regularly record social media videos or take group selfies. However, the final experience will depend on camera processing and low-light performance.

The standard F35 is expected to feature a 6.57-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a MediaTek Dimensity 6360 chipset. It will be a more affordable option for users who want selfie-focused features without paying for the Pro model's higher-end hardware.

Vivo X Fold6

The Vivo X Fold6  could be another part of Vivo's October 6th launch lineup, although the company has yet to confirm its India launch. Tipster Abhishek Yadav has suggested that the foldable will launch at 12 noon, alongside the V80 and S2 FE. If the report is accurate, India will get the device shortly after its reported global debut on October 1st.

Vivo X Fold6 price (leaked)

An Italian retailer listing reportedly puts the foldable at EUR 2,038.90, including VAT, which converts to around Rs 2.2 lakh. This is a converted overseas listing price, not a confirmed Indian price. Vivo has yet to announce the India-specific pricing.

Specs at a glance (expected)

• 8.02-inch inner AMOLED display
• MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super Edition SoC
• 200MP primary camera, 50MP ultrawide and 50MP periscope telephoto
• Up to 7,000mAh battery
• 80W wired and 40W wireless charging

The X Fold6 could bring flagship hardware to Vivo's foldable lineup, with a large inner display for multitasking and a triple rear camera setup. The battery is also notable for a foldable, with the Chinese model packing a 7,000mAh unit. The global listing, however, mentions 6,900mAh, so the final Indian specification could differ.

The foldable could be the most expensive device in this roundup by a considerable margin. Its appeal will depend on the final Indian price, software experience and how well the folding design works for everyday tasks. For now, its India launch remains a rumour.

The Vivo V80, Vivo S2 FE and OPPO F35 series are aimed at different needs, even though cameras feature prominently across the lineups. The V80 combines Zeiss-branded cameras with a large battery and high-refresh-rate display, while the S2 FE could appeal to users who prioritise battery capacity. OPPO's F35 series, meanwhile, puts group selfies and content creation at the centre of its pitch. The Vivo X Fold6 is worth keeping an eye on, too, if you're interested in foldables, but its India launch and pricing still need official confirmation. 

Vivo V80 India launch date

Vivo V80 is launching in India on October 6th, Tuesday. The launch event will take place at 12 pm. The smartphone is confirmed to go on sale via Amazon India and will most likely be available to purchase during the Great Indian Festival sale. More details will be revealed on launch day.

As mentioned above, the Vivo S2 FE is confirmed to launch on October 6th, and the X Fold 6 is also tipped to join. 

Vivo V80 specifications

Vivo has confirmed key specifications of the V80 ahead of its launch. The Vivo V80 will feature a 6.75-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 5,000 nits peak brightness. It will launch with a 7,200mAh battery, the biggest-ever on a V-series phone. This will be paired with 90W fast charging support. 

The Vivo V80 is also confirmed to offer a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP telephoto lens, a 50MP selfie camera, and an ultra-wide camera with Zeiss optics. Vivo has also confirmed different focal lengths like 85mm and 100mm for close-up portraits. The smartphone is also getting 30+ AI-powered creative features, including AI Diwali Portrait 2.0. It will also come with 4K Cinematic video recording support. Vivo appears to be aggressively pushing camera innovation in its V-series.

On the software front, the V80 will run OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 out of the box, making it the first Vivo phone to feature this software version at launch. 

Vivo V80 pricing (expected)

The Vivo V80 is tipped to launch at Rs 63,000 for the 8GB + 128GB model, while the 8GB + 256GB and 8GB + 512GB variants may cost Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000, respectively. At this rumoured price, the V80 could have an advantage over rivals like the OPPO Reno 16, which costs Rs 66,999. 

As for the Vivo S2 FE, the company has yet to reveal its specifications, but the phone is tipped to feature a massive 10,000mAh battery. The Vivo S2 FE is also tipped to launch between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000 in India.

Based on everything we know so far, the Vivo V80 is aimed at buyers who want a premium mid-range phone with versatile cameras, a comfortable form factor, and reliable battery life. The Vivo S2 FE, on the other hand, can be considered by users who prioritise battery endurance. If you're currently using a V60 or older and prioritize camera and battery upgrades, waiting for the V80's full review might be worthwhile. However, if you're on a tighter budget and battery life is paramount, the S2 FE could be a strong contender to consider immediately after launch.