• Siri AI has been integrated into iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27
• iOS 27 introduces a slider to adjust the intensity of Liquid Glass design.
• macOS 27 refines window corner radii for a more cohesive look.

[/highlights]

Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo, along with several other new products, last week in what many consider the company's grandest launch event in years. During the presentation, the company announced that the next iteration of all of its operating systems will start rolling out on September 14th. As promised, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and tvOS 27 have started rolling out to eligible devices, letting users finally get a taste of what Apple has to offer across new features, design refinements, performance improvements, and Apple Intelligence.

What's new on Apple's newest operating systems

iOS 27 and iPadOS 27

iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 bring a major upgrade to Siri, making it a more conversational, context-aware AI assistant. It can understand personal data, see what's on your screen, handle multi-step tasks across apps, and maintain ongoing conversations. A dedicated Siri app stores chat history, while new customisation options and a Camera "Siri mode" add further flexibility. Siri AI is an answer to the rising dominance of Google's Gemini across devices.

The update also refines the Liquid Glass design with a transparency slider and sharper visuals, delivers noticeable performance gains (faster app launches, quicker photo loading, and improved AirDrop speeds), and adds powerful Apple Intelligence-powered editing tools in Photos, including Clean Up, Extend, and Spatial Reframing. Safari becomes smarter with automatic tab grouping and webpage update alerts, while AirPods finally receive a long-requested system-wide Custom EQ.

Additional highlights include an improved Image Playground, support for app names in the status bar on iPadOS 27, limited iPhone Handoff for dual-device calling/messaging, and various refinements across Maps, iCloud Shared Albums, Wallet, parental controls, and accessibility.

iPhones eligible for iOS 27

• iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e
• iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020), iPhone SE (2022)

For a deeper look at the features and the process to download and install iOS 27, refer to our iOS 27 launch story.

macOS 27

macOS 27 Golden Gate, just like iOS 27, brings a significantly more capable Siri AI, now deeply integrated into Spotlight. It offers better personal context awareness, on-screen understanding via Visual Intelligence, multi-turn conversations, and a dedicated Siri app that syncs history across devices. Users can also customise voice pacing and expressiveness.

The update refines window corner radii for a more cohesive look, adds edge-to-edge sidebars, restores colourful sidebar icons, and improves readability. Performance and usability improve through a rebuilt Search/Spotlight system, smoother animations, better ultrawide display support, and snappier overall responsiveness.

Other notable additions include smarter Safari features (automatic topic-based tab grouping and "Notify Me" alerts for webpage changes), advanced Apple Intelligence-powered Photos tools (improved Clean Up, Extend, and Spatial Reframing), natural-language Shortcut and extension creation, enhanced parental controls, and various refinements across accessibility, Calendar, and Continuity features.

watchOS 27

watchOS 27 introduces Siri AI to the Apple Watch, bringing a more capable and conversational assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. It supports personal context, multi-turn conversations, and a dedicated Siri app that syncs history across devices. A new dynamic app grid appears when pressing the Digital Crown, prioritising Siri and suggested apps for quicker access.

Health and fitness see meaningful upgrades, such as Workout Buddy now works without a nearby iPhone, offers new insights on pace, distance and duration progress, and adds Spanish language support. Cycle Tracking gains perimenopause and menopause notifications, while indoor run and walk distance tracking becomes more accurate. Usability improvements include a new single-tap gesture (pinching index finger and thumb) to select Smart Stack widgets one-handed, expanded Smart Stack suggestions (parked car, birthdays, transit cards, etc.), refined Liquid Glass for better readability, improved battery efficiency, faster app launches, and a consolidated Find My experience. A new Siri Modular watch face is also available.

Should you update?

Apple's latest operating system promises major design enhancements for better appearance and legibility, improved performance and stability across iOS, iPad, and macOS, and, finally, upgrades Siri to deliver more contextual results. Given these improvements and additions, it could be worth updating for a smoother, more capable, and more refined software experience.

• Vivo V80 could boast AI Creative Camera, a feature already found on the Vivo X300 FE.
• There's no hint of a Vivo V80 Elite at the moment.
• Vivo V80 is expected to launch in the first week of October.

[/highlights]

Continuing its tradition of releasing V-series smartphones every six months or so, Vivo appears to be preparing to launch the V80 in India. While the phone is tipped to launch in the first week of October, 91mobiles has learned from insider sources the camera features, software, and battery capacity it may have. Also, since Vivo introduced an 'Elite' model with the V70 series, there's no information yet on whether the V80 Elite will follow suit.

Vivo V80 camera modes, AI effects details

Per our source, the Vivo V80 could feature an AI Creative Camera mode with over 30 AI effects. This addition could be similar to the one on the Vivo X300 FE, which debuted with 25 styles, including Sunlight, Glow, Dream, Dune, Underwater, Firework, and more, adapting to the scene and converting it based on the selected theme.

Then there's the Live Sticker Collage feature, which, as the name suggests, may allow users to create a collage using Live Photos and stickers. Both AI Creative Camera mode and Live Sticker Collage could be fun ways to customise your photos with little effort and share them on social media on the go. The AI Diwali Portrait on the Vivo V60 could get an upgrade to deliver better-quality photos.

Lastly, a key highlight of the Vivo V80 could be that it may run on an Android 17-based OriginOS 7 skin out of the box, which is officially debuting in China on September 16th. While there's no word on when the software will make its global debut, Vivo could host a dedicated event to announce the firmware's new features shortly after the China launch. Per official teasers, OriginOS 7 is set to bring Liquid Glass-like design, Atomic Workbench, a Stage Manager-like feature, and several under-the-hood performance improvements.

[caption id="attachment_713802" align="alignnone" width="2922"] OriginOS 7 glass design[/caption]

On the hardware front, the Vivo V80 could boast a 7,200mAh battery, potentially offering a noticeable improvement over the Vivo V70 series' 6,500mAh battery.

How will Vivo position the V80 in the market?

Based on what we know so far, Vivo appears to be sticking to its roots of offering a camera-centric smartphone with multiple software quirks and additions to play around with. The Vivo V80, with its camera effects and software features, could add a fun flair to capturing images, making it suitable for photography hobbyists, creators, and users who want instant ready-made photography results.

The Vivo V70 is currently listed for Rs 59,999 on Vivo's online store. Given the current memory price hikes, the Vivo V80 could be priced higher than its predecessor.

• Prices of the latest iPhones have a drastic difference between India and other countries. 
• The iPhone Duo in the US costs around Rs 1.09 lakh more than in India.
• Retailers fear Indians will purchase the new iPhones abroad, leading to a drop in sales. 

[/highlights]

Apple's latest iPhones launched globally and in India last week to much fanfare. The company also unveiled its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo. But beyond the excitement around the new models, it was their pricing that grabbed the most attention. The smartphone industry is already dealing with rising memory costs and price hikes across segments. So, higher prices for Apple's latest iPhones were expected. What caught people off guard, however, was the stark difference between their prices in India and other markets.

Take the iPhone Duo, for instance. It is priced at Rs 2,99,900 in India, nearly Rs 3 lakh, compared with $1,999 in the US, or roughly Rs 1.9 lakh. Apple also raised the prices of older models. The iPhone 17, which launched at Rs 82,999, now costs Rs 99,900, pushing it close to the Rs 1 lakh mark. While prices have gone up in the US as well, the increase is far steeper in India— 20.5 percent compared with 12.5 percent in the US.

The steep pricing of the latest iPhone models is reportedly worrying retailers in India, with the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo expected to drive the country's first-ever annual decline in iPhone sales, according to an Economic Times report. Research firms IDC and Counterpoint are forecasting a low-single-digit decline.

Retailers also fear 'affluent Indians' may choose to buy iPhones abroad. The UAE, for instance, offers the iPhone Duo at around Rs 2.2 lakh, with eligible buyers able to claim a VAT refund when leaving the country, bringing the effective price down further.

Usually, new iPhone launches also push down prices of older models, making festive-season sales an ideal time to upgrade. However, that may not be the case this year, as high prices could weigh on both new and older iPhone models amid an already weakening smartphone market in India. It's interesting to see how iPhone sales are affected this time, with the ongoing price hike issue already causing a dent in the smartphone market. 

The iPhone 18 Pro series goes on sale in India on September 18th. The iPhone Duo will be available to pre-order on October 16th and go on sale from October 23rd onwards. 

In a recent Power On newsletter, Gurman made some bold predictions about Apple's part in the foldable market. He says the Duo will "go down as one of the company's historic products, eventually turning foldable phones into the new normal."

Why is it called iPhone Duo in the first place?

Gurman has an answer for a question many people would have had, considering pre-launch rumours suggested the foldable would be called iPhone Ultra. Turns out, Apple wanted to keep a three-letter "Duo" suffix similar to "Air" and "Pro", which would allow room for additional suffixes, which would not have worked had Apple used "Ultra". 

Possible iPhone Duo successors

Given the "Duo" suffix Apple has chosen, Gurman suggests that Apple's foldable pipeline could include the iPhone Duo Max, which could feature a larger display. He wasn't clear whether larger meant taller, like the Galaxy Fold8 Ultra, or larger in width. That said, a book-style foldable seems like the logical next move for Apple if it wants to take on Samsung and Google.

Gurman also predicts a possible iPhone Duo SE or Duo Mini, the former offering stripped-down specs to target a more affordable price point, as the SE series is known for, while the latter suggests a clamshell design.

Foldables are still niche, but Gurman believes the iPhone Duo can make them mainstream in a way other foldables haven't been able to so far. He predicts "the iPhone Duo will help make foldables the market-leading phone form-factor in a decade."

As for future iPhone Duo models, it's too early to talk about specifications at the moment, but Gurman believes the third-gen iPhone Duo will get Face ID and a telephoto camera. These predictions seem plausible, but there's a long way to go before we can see any of this come to light. For now, we have the iPhone Duo to look forward to, which goes on sale in October with a starting price of Rs 2,99,900.

• The Edge 70 Neo is slated to launch in India in the coming months.
• It's expected to feature a compact design.
• The Geekbench listing reveals the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 for the Edge 70 Neo.

[/highlights]

Motorola Edge 70 Neo is confirmed to launch in India in the coming months. While the brand hasn't made a formal announcement, it confirmed the launch in its IFA press release. Ahead of the official reveal, the Motorola Edge 70 Neo has appeared on Geekbench, revealing its chipset details. The Edge 70 Neo will join Motorola's growing lineup and is expected to launch as a compact phone.

Motorola Edge 70 Neo chipset details

The Motorola Edge 70 Neo has appeared on the benchmarking platform Geekbench. Here, the phone's name is mentioned, confirming it is indeed the Edge 70, but do note that these are early scores and not the final ones, as the phone has yet to be made official. The Geekbench listing reveals the Edge 70 Neo is running on a Qualcomm SM7635 octa-core chipset.

The codename and architecture suggest it's the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. Launched in 2024, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is designed for mid-range phones with a focus on better gaming, faster AI processing, and longer battery life. This chipset can be found in older devices like the Nothing Phone (3a) and the Vivo T4. 

The Geekbench listing also confirms 6GB of RAM and Android 16 for the Edge 70 Neo. This means that the Edge 70 Neo could launch with 6GB of RAM as the base variant and run Android 16 out of the box. 

Motorola Edge 70 Neo specifications: what to expect

The Edge 70 Neo is expected to feature a 6.3-inch or 6.4-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz/144Hz refresh rate. It would come in a compact form factor, as seen in the previous Edge Neo models. The smartphone could launch with upgraded cameras. It's tipped to feature a 50MP Sony LYTIA 710 primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. For selfies, the Edge 70 Neo could offer a 50MP front camera. The upgrade here would be the ultra-wide camera, from 13MP on the Edge 60 Neo to 50MP. 

The smartphone is also expected to pack a 5,000mAh or larger battery, with support for 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The inclusion of wireless charging does add a premium feature to the mid-range segment. However, the battery capacity might seem underwhelming compared to the newer phones, which offer 7,000mAh and even more. The mid-range segment is also seeing an increased focus on large battery capacities. 

For now, the Motorola Edge 70 Neo is shaping up to be a compact Android smartphone with a strong camera setup. If these are your requirements, then the Edge 70 Neo could be worth waiting for. However, if a large battery or faster chipset is important, then you might want to check out alternatives. 

• iQOO 16 will feature a 2K 165Hz display with Samsung's M16 OLED material and LEAD 2.0 technology.
• The display gets 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling and 3,300Hz PWM dimming.
• The new panel brings a higher refresh rate and improved colour and brightness uniformity over iQOO 15.

[/highlights]

iQOO is all set to launch its next flagship smartphone, the iQOO 16, in China later this month. With the launch now just around the corner, a new leak has revealed some key details about the phone's display. The iQOO 16 will feature Samsung's latest M16 OLED panel, along with a 2K resolution. The display is also expected to bring improvements in brightness, power efficiency and touch response. Let's take a detailed look at it below.

iQOO 16: specifications and features

At the Samsung Display × iQOO screen technology event, the company confirmed that the iQOO 16 will feature a 2K 165Hz display, making it the first smartphone to combine the two specifications. The higher 2K resolution will make images and text look sharper, while the 165Hz refresh rate allows the phone to push better framerates in games.

Samsung Display and iQOO jointly developed the panel using Samsung's M16 luminescent material and new 2K LEAD 2.0 technology. iQOO has also added a custom high-refresh-rate IC and a dedicated production line for its flagship phones. You can find the presentation slides translated from Chinese below. 

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" size="full" ids="714872,714873,714874"]

iQOO has improved the display's colour performance, with 1.24x P3 gamut coverage allowing it to reproduce a wider range of colours than standard displays. The company has also improved colour uniformity by 39.6 percent and brightness uniformity by 22.3 percent compared with the previous generation. The company also claims a colour accuracy of ±0.001 using its sub-pixel-level colour and brightness compensation algorithm, although independent testing will give us a better idea of how this performs in real-world use.

For gaming, the display supports 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling and 500Hz multi-finger sampling. The iQOO 16 supports 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling and 500Hz multi-finger sampling, allowing the display to detect touch inputs more quickly. iQOO's Q-Flex control technology also reduces the delay between a user's touch and the corresponding action on screen. These technologies will mostly help competitive gamers and enthusiasts in e-sports titles. 

The display supports 1,100 nits of manual peak brightness, 2,800 nits of global peak brightness and up to 10,000 nits of local peak brightness. The global figure refers to the brightness the display can achieve across a larger portion of the screen, while local peak brightness applies to smaller areas, such as highlights in HDR content.

Other features include full-brightness DC dimming and up to 3,300Hz PWM dimming, which are designed to control screen brightness while reducing visible flickering. The panel also gets three photosensitive full-area light sensors, an unpolarised natural light display and a gaming glare protection mode.

Should you wait for the iQOO 16?

The iQOO 16 keeps the same 2K resolution and 508ppi pixel density as the iQOO 15 (review), but the newer panel brings several upgrades. It gets a 165Hz refresh rate, Samsung's newer M16 material and LEAD 2.0 technology, along with better colour and brightness uniformity. iQOO also claims improved power efficiency and longer panel longevity compared with the previous generation. On paper, the iQOO 16 also offers higher brightness, although the different measurement methods make a direct comparison difficult.

For existing iQOO 15 users, the display upgrade alone may not be enough reason to switch, especially since the resolution remains unchanged. However, the newer panel, improved efficiency and other hardware upgrades could make the iQOO 16 a decent upgrade when considered as a complete package.

The iQOO 16 is expected to cost around Rs 85,000 to Rs 90,000 in India, with the ongoing memory shortage pushing component costs higher. That makes it an extremely premium option, but if you want a phone focused on gaming and performance while also delivering a high-end multimedia experience, the iQOO 16 could be one of the best choices in India. It is expected to feature Qualcomm's latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset along with top-end memory and storage, which should make it very appealing to power users.

• OPPO will unveil the Find X10 series after MediaTek's flagship chipset launch.
• The OPPO Watch S2 and Enco X4 will tag along the Find X10 series.
• The phones will be available in four distinct colourways.

[/highlights]

After teasing the key camera, display, and chipset details for several weeks, OPPO has finally revealed the design of the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max, along with the China launch date. While the phones retain the squarish camera module design from the Find X9 series, OPPO has made noticeable changes to the rear and introduced a range of new colour shades.

OPPO Find X10 series debuting in China on September 22nd

The OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max are landing in China on September 22nd, with pre-reservations already live in the country. The OPPO Watch S2 and Enco X4 are also confirmed to tag along, adding to OPPO's growing ecosystem of devices.

As for the India launch, while OPPO has confirmed nothing, a recent tip suggests the OPPO Find X10 series could launch here by the end of October. These phones could be priced between Rs 90,000 and Rs 1,50,000.

OPPO Find X10 series design detailed ahead of launch

The OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max will feature Warm Orange, Moon White, Ice Blue, and Light Titanium colourways. While the rounded corners are retained from the Find X9 series, the camera design has received iterative updates. For instance, the standard Find X10 gets a different shade at the top portion compared to the rest of the rear panel, while the Find X10 Pro Max gets a dedicated plateau for the fourth camera and LED flashlight just beside the square camera module, giving it a distinct look.

[caption id="attachment_714870" align="alignnone" width="2560"] OPPO Find X10 Pro Max (Image source: Weibo)[/caption]

Up front, the Find X10 is confirmed to sport just 0.99mm symmetrical bezels, while the Find X10 Pro Max gets 1.15mm bezels, just like the OnePlus 15.

OPPO Find X10 series specifications: what we know so far

Starting with the cameras, the OPPO Find X10 Pro Max is confirmed as the world's first phone with triple 200MP rear cameras, including a 200MP primary camera, 200MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP periscope with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Find X10 is also set to feature 200MP main and periscope cameras, while the ultrawide may be limited to 50MP. Just like the Find X9 series, both phones could get telephoto converter lens support.

Both models get the Hasselblad Ultra-Clear Original Camera setup along with the LUMO computational photography pipeline, built around a second-generation Danxia colour restoration lens that pulls in light and colour data across 24 sampling channels.

Besides that, the phones could gain 8,000mAh batteries paired with 80W fast charging support, while MediaTek's upcoming flagship chipsets will power both phones, likely the Dimensity 9600 and Dimensity 9600 Pro, which could be unveiled during MediaTek's upcoming launch event on September 15th.

If you've been wanting a full-fledged flagship camera smartphone, waiting for either the OPPO Find X10 or Find X10 Pro Max could be worth it. While reviews still need to go live, the specs revealed so far suggest these phones could appeal to content creators, photographers, and power users. Users of the Find X8 or older models will likely see substantial improvements in camera performance and battery life. Those with the Find X9 could consider upgrading mainly for the advanced camera system or if their current device is showing its age.

• iQOO Z11xa is priced at Rs 28,999.
• The handset sits below the iQOO Z11x.
• It comes in a single memory configuration.

[/highlights]

iQOO made a surprising launch last week with a new Z series smartphone in India: the iQOO Z11xa. It's the fourth phone in the series after the iQOO Z11, Z11 Lite, and Z11x. The iQOO Z11xa joins the lineup with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Turbo chipset, a large 7,200mAh battery, and a 50MP primary camera. With the Z11xa, iQOO is offering buyers a new choice under Rs 30,000 for gaming, battery endurance, and reliable performance. The smartphone is going on sale in India today, and here's everything you need to know about it. 

iQOO Z11xa India sale details

The iQOO Z11xa sale starts today at 12 pm. The smartphone will be available via Amazon India, iQOO's online store,  select Vivo exclusive stores, and other retail outlets. iQOO is offering a flat bank discount of Rs 1,500 and up to 6 months of no-cost EMI. In terms of pricing, the iQOO Z11xa costs Rs 28,999 for the single variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. With the discount, you can get it at an effective price of Rs 27,499.

The handset comes in Titan Black and Prismatic Green colour options.

iQOO Z11xa specifications

The iQOO Z11xa looks quite like the Z11x and also sits just below it in terms of pricing. Specs-wise, you get a 6.76-inch FHD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits brightness in HBM. It comes with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification and an Eye Comfort mode that should help reduce eye strain during prolonged use. While the display specs seem adequate for its price, there are alternatives like the POCO X8, which offers an AMOLED panel. 

Powering the iQOO Z11xa is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Turbo chipset paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, and up to 8GB Extended RAM. The handset is claimed to have scored over 890,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark. You also get dedicated gaming features such as Monster Mode, Dual 10x Super Touch Control, and Gaming HyperSense Audio with the Z11xa. All of these combined, the iQOO Z11xa is designed with gaming in mind, which could make it a popular choice for titles like BGMI and COD Mobile. 

The iQOO Z11xa's highlight is also its 7,200mAh battery, which is claimed to deliver up to 40 hours of video playback and 15.4 hours of gaming. The phone comes with 44W FlashCharge, bypass charging, and Overnight Charging Protection. Its camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor, a 2MP bokeh sensor, and a 32MP selfie camera. 

On the software front, the iQOO Z11xa runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 out of the box. It will get two OS upgrades and four years of security updates. The Z11xa 5G also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings and military-grade durability.

Overall, the iQOO Z11xa is a well-packaged smartphone with gaming and battery endurance in mind. If you have gaming in mind or you need a phone with a reliable chipset and battery life, the iQOO Z11xa could be worth waiting for. If you're currently using an older budget smartphone, this could be a worthy upgrade due to its chipset and battery. 

• iQOO Pad Ultra appears on Geekbench ahead of its launch in China
• The tablet will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoC and 16GB RAM
• iQOO Pad Ultra is said to be a mini tablet with an 8.8-inch OLED display and 9,000mAh battery

[/highlights]

iQOO Pad Ultra is an upcoming flagship tablet from iQOO and is widely believed to launch alongside the iQOO 16 later this month in China. Last week, tipster Digital Chat Station shared some iQOO Pad Ultra specifications, including its chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Now, 91mobiles can confirm this is true, as we have spotted the iQOO Pad Ultra on the Geekbench benchmarking site with the same chipset.

iQOO Pad Ultra Geekbench details

An iQOO product appeared on Geekbench today with the model number vivo iPA2691. Based on past reports, this model is associated with the iQOO Pad Ultra. The Geekbench listing reveals that the upcoming tablet is powered by a Snapdragon SM8975 chipset, which is the model number for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. This strongly suggests the iQOO tablet will run on the next-gen flagship processor. Qualcomm will announce the chip alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro later this month at the Snapdragon Summit.

[gallery link="file" size="full" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="714848,714849"]

The Geekbench listing reveals a few things in addition to the chipset. Firstly, the benchmark scores. The iQOO Pad Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 scored 1,754 and 6661 in single-core and multi-core scores. These scores are lower than what we expect from the upcoming Qualcomm chip, and it's likely we're looking at an early prototype, so we would advise you to take the scores with a pinch of salt.

More importantly, the Geekbench listing also confirms that the iQOO Pad Ultra will come with a 16GB RAM variant. This is likely the highest RAM option, and iQOO might also announce a 12GB variant for the Chinese market.

As for other details, the iQOO Pad Ultra is said to be a mini tablet with an 8.8-inch OLED display and narrow bezels around the screen. The tablet could pack a 9,000mAh battery, which sounds about right for a tablet this size. It could also include a built-in active cooling fan to keep temperatures down during heavy use and gaming. Lastly, the tablet is rumoured to come in Ender Black and Star Silver colour options.

iQOO Pad Ultra's India launch seems unlikely, as iQOO has never launched tablets in the country. That said, we won't completely rule it out if iQOO plans to expand its ecosystem in India in the coming months.

Last year, the base iPhone 17 turned out to be the most exciting iPhone in the lineup, offering a few Pro-grade features that looked attractive on a Rs 80,000 iPhone. This time, we don't get a base iPhone 18, so the default starting iPhone is the iPhone 18 Pro, which is roughly half the price of the iPhone Duo.

The price gap is hard to ignore

India is one of the most expensive countries to purchase an iPhone; that much is well known. We knew the iPhone Duo wouldn't come cheap, but the actual selling price in India is eye-watering, to say the least.

The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,900, which is over Rs 1 lakh more than what it costs in the US ($1,999, or approx Rs 1.9 lakh). The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900, some Rs 1.35 lakh cheaper than the Duo. Both phones run the same A20 Pro chip. Both get the new S11-adjacent thermal design and Siri AI. The Duo's premium is entirely about the folding format itself, the bigger inner display, the hinge engineering, the dual-battery system, none of which comes cheap, and fairly so given how genuinely difficult that engineering is.

But that's still a lot of money to ask someone to spend on a first-generation product, especially when the 18 Pro delivers the same core performance, the same AI features, and arguably a more versatile camera experience for close to half the price.

The camera trade-off worth knowing about

The iPhone 18 Pro's biggest camera story this year is variable aperture, a genuinely new piece of hardware Apple built specifically for it: six laser-cut blades adjusting the aperture automatically (or manually via Pro Controls) between wide-open low-light shots and narrower depth-of-field group shots. It's the kind of feature that allows Apple to call it its "most advanced camera we've ever made."

The iPhone Duo doesn't get this variable-aperture lens like the standard iPhone 18 Pro models. It also lacks Pro Controls and the sensor-level Apple Reference Image authenticity feature, which lets you determine whether photos were generated or altered by AI. 

The Duo's camera system is still capable, at least on paper. It gets the same 48MP Fusion Main and Fusion Ultra Wide sensors as the Pro line, sensor-shift stabilisation, all the AI-powered editing tools, but the specific hardware innovation Apple is proudest of this generation appears to live exclusively on the 18 Pro.

In exchange, the Duo gets camera experiences the Pro line simply can't offer: Smart Take auto-capturing group photos, Duo Preview letting your subject see themselves on the outer display, Duo FaceTime letting someone join a call from outside the phone. Those are genuinely clever, foldable-specific ideas. They're just a different kind of clever than a phone having great camera hardware.

Why iPhone 18 Pro might be the iPhone for most people

The most obvious reason the iPhone 18 Pro series will be the new iPhone for most people is how much cheaper it is than the Duo. "Cheaper" is relative here, since these iPhones are still extremely expensive, as are older iPhones, including last year's iPhone 17, following Apple's price hike.

None of this is really an argument against buying the Duo. If the appeal is the format itself, a genuinely pocketable device that opens into something closer to the iPad Mini, complete with Apple Pencil support and proper multitasking, nothing else in Apple's lineup, or arguably in the market, does quite what it does. For that specific buyer, the price and the camera trade-off are probably worth it, and that might make people consider shelling out Rs 3 lakh on a phone.

It's just that for anyone weighing the Duo against a regular iPhone rather than against a Samsung foldable, the honest comparison isn't flattering. The 18 Pro is relatively cheaper; it has the more advanced camera hardware this generation, and it does everything the Duo does outside of folding. The Duo earns its price (at least in markets like the US) through the format, not through being a categorically better iPhone, and that's a distinction worth making before anyone drops Rs 3 lakh chasing the novelty.

Redmi Note 17 Pro series India launch date

The Redmi Note 17 Pro series is scheduled to launch in India on September 15th. The smartphones are confirmed to go on sale via Amazon India, but they should be available through more platforms like Xiaomi's online store and retail outlets. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro series: specifications

The highlight of the Redmi Note 17 Pro series is its 10,000mAh battery, which is most likely launching with the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. The company claims the phone can deliver over four days of charge, which is a tall claim even considering the battery capacity. If accurate, this would make the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max one of the best phones for battery life.

The Redmi Note 17 Pro series is also expected to come with IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings based on the teaser. The handsets will also come with TÜV SÜD 5-star Titan quality certification, which is said to be the first in the industry. 

The Redmi Note 17 Pro is confirmed to feature the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset, while the Note 17 Pro Max will get the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5. These chipsets should deliver capable performance for everyday usage. We should know more once the phones have been reviewed. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro series: design, colours

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has been showcased in a 'Secret Sunrise' colour. This variant has a photochromic, colour-changing material on the rear design featuring clouds and portraying a sunrise. The Redmi Note 17 Pro has a similar design and is confirmed to launch in a lavender shade. Both phones feature a square-shaped camera module housing two sensors and an LED flash. 

Based on official details, the Redmi Note 17 Pro series seems to be clearly aimed at buyers who prioritise battery life over other features. The Note 17 Pro Max could be a top choice if you want a phone that can provide multi-day usage. The Note 17 Pro is also expected to deliver a similar experience. So the Redmi Note 17 Pro series could be one to watch out for if battery endurance is a key requirement. 

• Galaxy S26 FE price in India starts at Rs 69,999.
• It comes with the Exynos 2500 chipset and 8GB of RAM.
• The handset also offers a triple rear camera setup with a 3x telephoto lens. 

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Update: Samsung has officially revealed the pricing details of the Galaxy S26 FE in India. The smartphone is priced at Rs 79,999 for the single 8GB + 256GB variant. There's no mention of the 128GB variant officially. You can read more about it in our story below. 

Original story follows..

Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 FE globally, including in India, last month. However, the company did not reveal the phone's India pricing at the time. 91mobiles has now received a retailer note revealing the official India prices of the Galaxy S26 FE. Samsung has yet to update its official website with the pricing, but we expect the details to be added soon.

The Galaxy S26 FE is part of Samsung's flagship S-series lineup, offering a flagship-like experience with a more accessible price tag.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE India price

The Galaxy S26 FE price in India starts at Rs 69,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It comes in another 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, which costs Rs 79,999. We don't have the availability details yet, but it's expected to go on sale soon. 

The phone is available in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio colour options.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE specifications

The Galaxy S26 FE features a 6.7-inch FHD+ (1080x2340 pixels) AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. The large display size makes it apt for multimedia, especially for users who prefer watching videos on their phone. The phone also gets an aluminium frame, slim bezels, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. 

Powering the Galaxy S26 FE is Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset, the same processor used in last year's Galaxy Z Flip7. Built on a 3nm process, the deca-core chipset was introduced in 2025 and is designed to handle everyday tasks, on-device AI, multitasking, and more demanding workloads with ease. We should know better once we've reviewed the device. 

For photography, you get a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical and up to 30x digital zoom. This is a versatile camera setup covering all the key areas one would need for smartphone photography. The S26 FE houses a 12MP front camera for selfies. 

The Galaxy S26 FE packs a modest 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. In comparison, this battery capacity might feel underwhelming among rivals that now offer 7,000mAh and even more. However, we should wait and see how optimised the phone is in terms of battery performance. On the software front, the handset runs the latest One UI 9 based on Android 17 out of the box. Samsung is also offering seven Android OS upgrades along with security updates, one of the longest software support periods in the segment. 

With a starting price of Rs 69,999, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to face stiff competition from rivals in this segment, especially for performance and battery life. However, you're still getting Samsung's flagship-like experience, a vibrant AMOLED display, and the One UI software experience. These factors combined could make the Galaxy S26 FE an attractive buy for people who want a Samsung flagship but at a slightly more accessible price. 

• The OnePlus 16 could reportedly get a 200MP main camera and a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor, but may not launch in India.
• The OnePlus 16R is tipped to become the brand's flagship in India, with Nord and N series phones covering lower price segments.
• OnePlus already exited North America and Europe in July this year.

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OnePlus could change its smartphone strategy in India next year, with the OnePlus 16 reportedly missing the country and the OnePlus 16R taking its place at the top of the lineup. Tipster Yogesh Brar claims the 16R will likely be OnePlus's flagship in India, followed by the Nord series in the mid-range and N-series in the affordable segment.

The claim is significant because another tipster in the past has said that the standard OnePlus 16 would not launch in India and would remain exclusive to China. OnePlus has not confirmed either claim, but together they suggest the company could be considering a very different lineup for the Indian market.

OnePlus 16 could be a China-only flagship

The reported change would be a departure from OnePlus' recent strategy. The OnePlus 15 launched in China in October 2025 and reached India a month later, making a China-only successor a notable shift. The rumour about OnePlus 16 not coming to India comes after OnePlus confirmed that it will no longer launch new phones in North America and Europe in July, while parent company OPPO will continue its operations in Europe. OnePlus India has repeatedly said that its business is operating as usual in the country. OnePlus is definitely not exiting India but this new tip could suggest the company is possibly changing which phones it chooses to sell here.

OnePlus 16 leaks

The OnePlus 16 has already been the subject of several leaks. According to Digital Chat Station, it could feature a 200MP main camera with a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope camera with a 1/1.95-inch Sony sensor and a new 50MP ultrawide camera. A 50MP autofocus selfie camera has also been tipped. Other reported specifications include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, a 9,000mAh battery a system-wide 165Hz display and tri-chip gaming hardware.

If true, OnePlus fans in India could be missing out on a promising package if the OnePlus 16 remains China-exclusive. The larger camera sensors in particular would suggest that OnePlus is putting more emphasis on photography after the OnePlus 15's camera system took a beating compared to that of some rivals.

If the reported strategy is accurate, the OnePlus 16R would have a lot to do that simply fill a naming gap. It could become the phone responsible for representing OnePlus against premium rivals from Samsung, Xiaomi and Vivo in India. The Nord series would continue competing with phones in the mid-range market, while the N series would target budget buyers.

OnePlus has started teasing the OnePlus N6 Lite in India, which is expected to sit below the N6x and potentially target the sub-Rs 20,000 segment. For buyers, this makes the next OnePlus launches worth watching. Existing users can continue using their phones without concern based on these unconfirmed reports. Those planning a premium purchase next year should wait to see whether the 16R gets flagship-level cameras and performance and whether OnePlus prices it accordingly.

• You can now make your tagged posts appear in your main grid.
• There's a dedicated section just for tagged posts.
• You can choose which posts appear on your profile. 

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Instagram is giving users more control over how their profiles look with a new feature that lets them add posts they are tagged in directly to their main profile grid. The feature is rolling out globally and could be particularly useful for users who want to showcase group photos, collaborations, or other posts without having to upload them themselves.

Until now, posts that you're tagged in appear in the dedicated Tagged section of your profile, but they would not be part of your main grid. With the new option, users can choose which tagged posts deserve a spot alongside their own uploads.

How to add tagged posts to your Instagram grid

Instagram offers three ways to add a tagged post to the main profile grid. Users can do so directly from the DM notification they receive when someone tags them, through the three-dot menu on a tagged post, or by pressing and holding a post from the Tagged tab.

Once added, the post will appear on the main profile grid in reverse-chronological order by default. However, users who have rearranged their grid can continue to maintain their preferred layout. A tagged post can also be removed from the main grid at any time without deleting the original post or removing it from the Tagged section.

The latest feature is part of Instagram's broader push to make profile customisation more flexible. The platform recently introduced the ability to rearrange posts on the profile grid, allowing users to change the order of content without deleting and reposting it. Users can also add multiple captions to carousel posts, and the platform has introduced an option to change the audio on posts.

These features offer users a more customisable space where users have greater control over what their profile looks like. The latest move also highlights Instagram's continued effort to empower creators, a critical strategy in today's competitive social media landscape.

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has appeared on Geekbench with the unannounced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and 12GB RAM.
• The phone scored 3,582 in single-core and 12,247 in multi-core testing, while GPU tests reached 29,934 on Vulkan.
• The global Xiaomi 18 could support 100W charging, IP68 protection and up to 512GB storage.

[/highlights]

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has appeared on Geekbench, offering an early look at the performance of Qualcomm's next flagship mobile platform. The Chinese model, identified as M1544F, is listed with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, although the name of the chipset hasn't been officially confirmed.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max Geekbench performance

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max recorded 3,582 points in single-core and 12,247 points in multi-core testing on Geekbench 7. It also appeared in the platform's GPU tests, scoring 26,210 in OpenCL and 29,934 in Vulkan. The listing shows 12GB of RAM and Android 17, which is expected to run with Xiaomi's HyperOS 4.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is listed under Qualcomm's internal SM8975 designation. It has eight CPU cores, with three running at 3.74GHz, three at 4.03GHz and two reaching 5.11GHz. Graphics are handled by the Adreno 850 GPU.

There is already another early result for the same chipset. In August, a phone identified as Vivo V2606A, believed to be the iQOO 16, appeared on Geekbench with the same SM8975 processor and 16GB of RAM. It scored 3,434 in single-core and 9,334 in multi-core testing. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has higher scores in both tests, particularly in multi-core performance. However, the iQOO 16's results were also below the iQOO 15's scores from our in-house test, where the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered phone managed 3,621 in single-core and 10,579 in multi-core.

That is a reminder not to treat either the Xiaomi or iQOO results as final. Early engineering builds can have unfinished software, thermal tuning and other limitations that affect benchmark performance.

Qualcomm's upcoming chip will also compete with MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 series, which is expected to power several flagship phones launching later this year. The Vivo X500 Pro Max and OPPO Find X10 Pro Max have already appeared in benchmark listings with Dimensity 9600-series hardware. Retail versions of these phones will provide a better comparison once the processors and devices are officially released.

For buyers considering a flagship upgrade, it makes sense to wait for those final tests rather than choosing based on Geekbench numbers alone. Sustained performance, battery life, cooling and camera performance will be just as important.

Xiaomi 18 specs revealed

Meanwhile, the global Xiaomi 18 has appeared on Taiwan's NCC certification platform with model number 2611FPNFAG. The phone is listed with 256GB and 512GB storage options, an IP68 rating and a charger that has been linked to 100W wired charging through its TUV Rheinland certification.

The Xiaomi 17 appeared on the same certification platform in late October 2025 before its international launch in February 2026. The earlier appearance of the Xiaomi 18 could point to a faster global rollout this time.

Reports suggest Xiaomi may launch the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China first, with the standard Xiaomi 18 and Xiaomi 18 Ultra potentially arriving later. Until the launch schedule and final specifications are confirmed, buyers would be better off treating the current benchmark and certification details as early indications. Xiaomi's early appearance on benchmarks with the top-tier Snapdragon chip signals its ambition to challenge premium flagships from Samsung and Apple.

• AMD has launched the Ryzen 5 7500 for the AM5 platform and Ryzen 5 5500F for AM4, both with six cores and 12 threads.
• The Ryzen 5 7500 offers Zen 4 architecture, up to 5GHz boost speeds and built-in Radeon graphics.
• The Ryzen 5 5500F supports DDR4-based AM4 systems, making it an interesting option amid rising DDR5 prices.

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AMD has expanded its Ryzen 5 desktop processor lineup with two new models for different platforms. The Ryzen 5 7500 is for users building or upgrading to the newer AM5 platform, while the Ryzen 5 5500F adds another entry-level option for the older AM4 platform. Let's check it out in more detail below.

AMD Ryzen 5 7500 and Ryzen 5 5500F: specifications and features

The Ryzen 5 7500 is the more modern of the two processors, using AMD's Zen 4 architecture and the AM5 socket. It features six cores and 12 threads, with a boost clock of up to 5GHz and a base clock of 3.7GHz. It also gets 6MB of L2 cache and 32MB of L3 cache, along with support for AMD EXPO memory overclocking and Precision Boost Overdrive. Most importantly, it comes with built-in Radeon Graphics, so users don't necessarily need a dedicated graphics card for basic display output.

The Ryzen 5 5500F, meanwhile, is based on the older Zen 3 architecture and uses the AM4 socket. It also has six cores and 12 threads but reaches up to 4.4GHz with a 3GHz base clock and gets 3MB of L2 cache and 16MB of L3 cache. Unlike the Ryzen 5 7500, it does not include integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required. It does, however, support overclocking and works with a wide range of AM4 chipsets, including B450, B550, A520 and X570.

Both processors have a 65W TDP, support Precision Boost 2 and come with AMD's Wraith Stealth thermal solution. The main difference is therefore the platform they target: the Ryzen 5 7500 is designed for newer AM5 systems, while the Ryzen 5 5500F gives existing AM4 users another affordable upgrade option without requiring a move to a new platform.

Should you buy the new Ryzen processors?

The timing of these new Ryzen processors is no coincidence, given how volatile the PC component market has become. The ongoing DDR5 RAM shortage has pushed memory prices up significantly, making newer AM5 builds more expensive than they were previously. For users who specifically want to move to the AM5 platform, the Ryzen 5 7500 looks like a decent mainstream option, especially with its Zen 4 architecture and built-in Radeon graphics.

However, the Ryzen 5 5500F is arguably the more promising launch right now. It gives users another AM4 option and, importantly, allows them to continue using DDR4 RAM. DDR4 prices have also increased substantially, but availability is somewhat better and prices are generally more palatable than their DDR5 counterparts. This could make the Ryzen 5 5500F a decent choice for someone building an affordable PC or upgrading an existing AM4 system without having to spend heavily on a new motherboard and DDR5 memory.

AMD has not revealed pricing for either processor yet, so it is difficult to judge their value right now. The India pricing will likely appear through official retailers and online stores at a later date, so users planning a new build should keep an eye out for the final prices before making a decision.

• OPPO K14 Lite will feature a 7,000mAh battery.
• The handset will launch in two colour variants.
• OPPO has also teased a durable design for the K14 Lite. 

[/highlights]

OPPO has announced the launch of a new K14 series smartphone in India. The budget phone's highlight will be its battery capacity, which is confirmed to be 7,000mAh. OPPO has also revealed the design and colour options of the K14 Lite. This will be the third phone in the lineup after the OPPO K14 and K14x. It's also expected to launch as the most affordable model in the lineup. With the K14 Lite, OPPO seems to be expanding its presence in the budget segment by giving buyers more options to choose from.

OPPO K14 Lite India launch date

The OPPO K14 Lite is confirmed to launch in India on September 16th at 12:00 pm. The smartphone will be available via Flipkart. It will most likely go on sale via OPPO's online store and retail outlets. OPPO has teased "long-lasting battery life, smooth performance, and a durable design" for the K14 Lite. 

OPPO has confirmed the K14 Lite will feature a 7,000mAh battery. With this battery capacity, one should be able to enjoy an entire day's power and a little more. It's also expected to offer six years of battery life, judging by the teaser. Most phones in the budget segment now offer 7,000mAh and even more, so it remains to be seen how the K14 Lite will stand out in terms of hardware and pricing. 

The K14 Lite also has a stylish design with a patterned finish on the lavender variant. It will launch in brown too. The camera module has a large rectangular border, giving it a design that stands out in the budget segment. OPPO's design choice for the camera module could appeal to budget buyers looking for a distinct aesthetic.

There's nothing else about the K14 Lite that has been revealed officially. We expect OPPO to reveal more details before the official launch. 

The OPPO K14 Lite is expected to sit in the budget segment, possibly under Rs 20,000. It's still not confirmed, though, whether the K14 Lite will be more expensive or more affordable than the K14x, which is currently priced at Rs 17,999. For now, the OPPO K14 Lite is an upcoming budget option with a focus on battery life and durable design. If you're looking for a budget phone with a reliable battery life and stylish design, the K14 Lite might be worth waiting for. 

• Nothing OS 5.0 is based on Android 17.
• The update brings new features and improvements across customisation, productivity, and AI.
• The company says the new firmware includes over 80 changes.

[/highlights]

After announcing Nothing OS 5.0 at the end of August, Nothing swiftly rolled out the Open Beta update for its flagship Phone (3). As promised earlier, Nothing Phone (4a) Pro owners can now get their hands on Nothing OS 5.0, as the company has begun seeding the beta firmware. Said to be the company's biggest software release yet, the Android 17-based software brings new features and improvements across customisation, productivity, and AI, while maintaining its unique design philosophy.

How to download Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta on Phone (4a) Pro

Before updating to Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta, make sure your Phone (4a) Pro is running the latest Android 16 firmware, i.e., Nothing OS 4.1. That said, here's the procedure to download and install NOS 5.0 beta:

Step 1: Download the Nothing Beta Hub V2.0 APK from Nothing's website. The download link can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

Step 2: Now, go to the Downloads folder on your phone and install the Nothing Beta Hub APK. Enable the "Install unknown apps" option in Settings beforehand so the APK installs successfully.

Step 3: Now go to the Settings app > System > Nothing Beta Hub and check the version

Step 4: Tap the Join Beta button to register for the update

Step 5: Once done, wait for five to six minutes Open Beta update will be seeded to your device, after which you can tap Go to initiate the update

The Nothing OS 5.0 beta installs like any regular local update and should take just a few minutes for your phone to reboot. You may occasionally see an error saying that joining the beta has failed. For the Phone (3), Nothing has confirmed this is usually caused by server overload when too many users try to access the open beta at the same time. If this happens, simply wait a few hours and try again on your Phone (4a) Pro.

If you run into bugs or find the beta unstable, you can request a rollback through the Nothing Beta Hub in Settings.

What's new on Nothing OS 5.0?

Nothing OS 5.0 brings two new lock screen clocks (Gooey and Micrographics), wallpaper-adaptive clock colours, new widgets (Collector, Away Time, Glyph Timer), and a translucent Lucent theme. The new clocks add a welcome touch of personalisation. While the update brings new customisation features, it continues to distinct itself with its unique design approach in multiple areas, be it fonts, widget design or clock styles.

It adds a dedicated Glyph app, multi-app drag-and-drop on the home screen, a split Quick Settings option, torch intensity control, the Geist font, refreshed icons, and tighter Settings spacing. If you've been looking for a slightly refreshed interface, Nothing OS 5.0 delivers.

Essential AI gets faster voice transcription, Smart Collections, and easier AI app creation. Performance improves across the board, and Android 17 features like 3D emojis, a better Dark Theme, and iPhone Quick Share support are included. Since we've covered Nothing OS 5.0 in-depth, feel free to check out our hands-on review story to get a full picture of what you can expect with the new update.

Since this is a beta, we recommend installing it only if you're an enthusiast comfortable with potential bugs, or if you have a secondary device. For your primary phone, it might be wiser to wait for the stable Nothing OS 5.0 release, which should arrive in early November, per Nothing.

• Moto Buds 2 Fusion will launch in India on September 15th with 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers.
• The TWS earphones offer up to 55dB Dynamic ANC, Bluetooth 6.0 and up to 53 hours of total battery life.
• The buds will be sold through Flipkart.

[/highlights]

Motorola has confirmed the India launch date for the Moto Buds 2 Fusion. The new true wireless stereo earphones will launch on September 15th and will be sold through Flipkart. Motorola and Flipkart have already listed the product, revealing its design, colours and key specifications ahead of the launch.

The Moto Buds 2 Fusion will be available in Pantone Tap Shoe, Pantone Laurel and Pantone Surf The Web colour options. Pricing hasn't been announced yet.

Moto Buds 2 Fusion features

The Moto Buds 2 Fusion feature 12.4mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, paired with Motorola's proprietary audio tuning. The earphones support Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) of up to 55dB, along with a Transparency Mode and Spatial Audio. For calls, each earbud has three microphones, giving the pair six microphones in total. Motorola's CrystalTalk AI technology is used for noise reduction during calls.

Connectivity includes Bluetooth 6.0, with AAC and SBC codec support. The earbuds also support multipoint-style automatic switching between devices, Wear Detection and an Earbud Fit Test. Compatible Motorola devices can additionally use Moto AI and Motorola Qira features. The earbuds carry an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, while the charging case has an IPX2 rating. That makes them suitable for workouts and everyday outdoor use, although the case is less protected against water than the earbuds themselves.

Each Moto Buds 2 Fusion earbud has a 62mAh battery, while the charging case houses a 530mAh cell. Motorola claims up to 13 hours of playback from the earbuds alone and up to 53 hours with the case. A 10-minute charge is said to provide up to three hours of playback.

The battery figure puts Motorola directly against the OnePlus Nord Buds 4, which claims up to 54 hours with its case and up to 52dB ANC. It also uses 12mm titanium-coated drivers, making it one of the closest rivals to the Moto Buds 2 Fusion on paper. The Nothing Ear is another alternative, although it sits higher in the market with up to 45dB ANC and 40.5 hours of claimed battery life.

The Moto Buds 2 Fusion could be worth considering if Motorola prices them competitively. On specifications alone, 55dB ANC, 12.4mm drivers, six microphones and 53-hour battery life give them a strong feature set. However, the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 already offers similar hardware and 54-hour battery life, so price will be important. Buyers should wait for Motorola to announce the price on September 15th before deciding. The Moto Buds 2 Fusion will make more sense if it undercuts or clearly differentiates itself from the OnePlus option rather than simply matching its specifications.

• The POCO X8 and X8 Power are now on sale in India, starting at an effective price of Rs 26,999.
• The POCO X8 Power packs a 10,000mAh battery with 100W HyperCharge, while the X8 gets a 9,000mAh battery with 67W charging.
• Both phones feature 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED displays, Snapdragon processors and four years of Android updates.

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The POCO X8 and POCO X8 Power are now officially on sale in India, following their launch earlier this week. Both smartphones focus heavily on battery life, with the X8 packing a 9,000mAh battery and the X8 Power going even further with a 10,000mAh cell. 

The two phones also feature 1.5K AMOLED displays, Snapdragon processors and long-term software support. Here's everything you need to know about the POCO X8 series, including their prices, specifications and current offers.

POCO X8 and X8 Power: Price and availability

The POCO X8 is priced at Rs 29,999, while the POCO X8 Power costs Rs 35,999. With the current launch offers, buyers can get a Rs 2,000 coupon discount along with a Rs 1,000 bank offer or exchange bonus, bringing the effective prices down to Rs 26,999 and Rs 32,999, respectively.

Both smartphones go on their first sale today, September 11, at 12 noon, exclusively through Flipkart. POCO is also offering 12-month no-cost EMI options, starting at Rs 2,250 per month for the X8 and Rs 2,750 per month for the X8 Power.

POCO X8 Power, X8: specifications and features

The POCO X8 Power is the more interesting of the two if battery life is your priority. It packs a massive 10,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for 100W HyperCharge and up to 27W wired reverse charging. The large battery does add some bulk, with the phone weighing 229g and measuring 8.65mm in thickness.

This isn't just another launch day alert. It's your cue to make a power move. ⚡

The POCO X8 Series goes live with First Day Offers on 11th September, 12 PM.

Be there. Make the move. Get ready to PowerMAXX.#POCO #POCOX8Series #PowerMaxxing #POCOIndia pic.twitter.com/8RmdZY74WN

— POCO India (@IndiaPOCO) September 10, 2026

The phone features a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support. It also gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor. For performance, the X8 Power uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB storage. The higher storage variant also gets faster UFS 4.1 storage.

POCO has also focused on durability, with the X8 Power carrying IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings. It runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3 based on Android 16 and will receive four Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

The POCO X8 shares several features with its more expensive sibling, including the 1.5K AMOLED display, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, stereo speakers and the same IP ratings. It gets a slightly smaller 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 67W HyperCharge and 22.5W wired reverse charging, while weighing 226g and measuring 8.6mm thick.

The X8 uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB storage. The 256GB variant gets UFS 3.1 storage, while the 128GB model uses UFS 2.2. For cameras, it has a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 2MP depth sensor and a 16MP front camera. Like the X8 Power, it runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and gets four OS upgrades and six years of security updates

Should you buy the POCO X8 series?

Both the POCO X8 and X8 Power make a strong case for users who want a phone with a large display and battery. The 1.5K AMOLED panels should work well for watching videos and gaming, while the large silicon-carbon batteries should easily last through a full day and potentially much longer. The Snapdragon 6 series chips should also be capable enough for everyday use and casual gaming.

The POCO X8 Power faces competition from the OnePlus Nord CE6 (review), which packs an 8,000mAh battery and a more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor. However, the POCO costs roughly Rs 3,000 less at its effective price, making it a more appealing option if battery life and value are your main priorities.

The POCO X8, meanwhile, is an interesting option at its effective price of Rs 26,999. It combines a large 9,000mAh battery with a 1.5K AMOLED display and a capable Snapdragon processor, making it a well-rounded choice for multimedia and everyday use under Rs 30,000

• OPPO Find X10 will feature a dual 200MP camera system.
• The Find X10 is also getting several technical improvements for photography.
• The handset will also offer the slimmest bezels yet. 

[/highlights]

The OPPO Find X10 series is slated to launch in China later this month. This time, three phones are launching as part of the flagship lineup: the OPPO Find X10, Find X10 Pro Max, and Find X10E. OPPO has been steadily revealing key details about its upcoming flagship series. Now, the company has shared the Find X10's camera and display details. All three phones are also up for pre-order in China, suggesting the launch is close by.  

OPPO Find X10 key specifications

OPPO Find X10 will feature two 200MP cameras, which will be part of a triple-camera setup. One of the 200MP cameras is the primary sensor, while the other is a telephoto lens. This gives the OPPO Find X10 strong camera capabilities on a standard flagship model. The Find X10 will also come with the Hasselblad Ultra-Clear Original Camera with a second-generation Danxia color restoration lens.

The handset is also equipped with OPPO's LUMO native light and shadow engine, which should help produce realistic skin tones. All this combined, the OPPO Find X10 is poised to push smartphone camera standards. OPPO is already known to offer one of the best camera setups on its flagship lineup so it's interesting to see how much further it pushes with the upcoming lineup. 

OPPO has also confirmed that the Find X10 will feature 0.99mm slim bezels, allowing for a more expansive display. This is a notable reduction from the 1.15mm bezels on the Find X9 and 1.45mm on the Find X8, highlighting OPPO's continued efforts to slim down the bezels with each generation. The smartphone is also confirmed to pack an 8,000mAh battery, much larger than the Find X9's 7,025 mAh battery. 

The Find X10 is already shaping up to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Find X9. OPPO appears to have focused on key areas such as the cameras and battery, with notable hardware improvements expected on the upcoming flagship. Based on what we know so far, the Find X10 could be worth waiting for if you're looking for a flagship that combines capable camera hardware with a large battery. If you're upgrading from an older flagship model, you can consider the Find X9 as your next purchase, especially for its cameras and battery capacity.

• Vivo X500 gets a redesigned rear camera layout with a large circular module inside a wide rectangular camera plateau.
• The Vivo X500 will come in black, light gray, light pink and a gradient finish.
• The Vivo X500 Pro Max keeps a large circular camera island similar to the X300 Ultra.

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Vivo has revealed the design of the standard Vivo X500 ahead of the flagship series' September 21st launch in China. The new images show a substantial change from the Vivo X300, particularly around the rear camera, while also making the X500 look noticeably different from the more expensive Vivo X500 Pro Max, whose design was revealed a few days ago.

The Vivo X500 series will consist of three models in China. Pricing and availability will be announced at the September 21st event, while international launch details haven't been confirmed yet.

Vivo X500 design

The Vivo X500 moves away from the Vivo X300's large, standalone circular camera island. The new phone has a raised rectangular camera plateau that stretches across much of the upper width of the rear panel. A large circular camera section sits within this plateau, while the LED flash is placed outside the circular area.

The design is also more horizontal and layered than the Vivo X300's. In the X300, the circular black camera island sits directly on the rear panel and contains the camera hardware in a much more self-contained arrangement. The X500 instead combines the circular camera section with a larger rectangular platform, giving the rear a more distinctive shape. The X500 will be available in black, light gray, light pink and a fourth colour with a gradient finish. The light-coloured variants also give the camera plateau a more prominent visual contrast against the rear panel.

Vivo has separately confirmed that the X500 will use the same main and telephoto sensors as the X300 Pro. That makes the standard model more interesting for buyers who care about photography but do not necessarily want to pay for the highest-end version.

On the other hand, the Vivo X500 Pro Max follows a different design language. Based on Vivo's official images, it has a large circular camera island that dominates the rear, with three camera sensors arranged inside it. Visually, it is much closer to the X300 Ultra than to the standard X500. That creates a clear hierarchy between the new models. The X500 has a rectangular camera plateau wrapped around a circular camera section, while the Pro Max uses a much larger standalone circular island. The X300 sits between these designs, with its own large circular camera module but a simpler rear layout than the new X500.

The Pro Max's camera hardware is obviously at the top end of the series. Its new Sony Lytia L910 main sensor uses LOFIC technology and is claimed to offer up to 17 stops of dynamic range, while the 200MP telephoto camera carries over from the X300 Ultra. The phone also supports up to 4K 240fps slow-motion recording.

For buyers considering the X500 series, the standard model could be the more interesting option if it delivers flagship-level camera hardware at a lower price. Its use of the X300 Pro's main and telephoto sensors gives it a stronger photography proposition than a typical base model. The X500 Pro Max, meanwhile, is the one to watch for buyers who want the most capable camera system and do not mind a larger, more prominent camera module.

• iQOO 16 gets a design makeover.
• The overall design gives off a futuristic look.
• iQOO 16 will launch in two colours. 

[/highlights]

The iQOO 16 is launching in China on September 14th as the brand's latest flagship smartphone. The smartphone is getting a revamp in terms of design, which looks like the most ambitious one so far. The iQOO 16 looks quite futuristic in terms of the camera design and is unlike anything we've seen on previous iQOO flagships. The rear panel also uses holographic technology. It looks like iQOO is going all in for its latest flagship smartphone. 

iQOO 16 design, camera details 

The iQOO 16's camera design is quite distinct, showing three sensors tucked in a square border but arranged in a connected triangular layout. According to iQOO, the camera module draws inspiration from a spacecraft porthole, with its three cameras arranged within a mechanical-looking structure. The setup forms a navigation-marker-inspired design, while the camera island sits against a hexagonal technical pattern. Transparent glass elements complete the overall look.

Official first look of the iQOO 16 is OUT!

iQOO has officially revealed its next flagship and confirmed that it will launch in China by the end of September.

⚡ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro
📸 Triple-camera setup with 100X zoom
⚪ White-colored back with subtle iridescent lines… pic.twitter.com/fQosjTBop8

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) September 11, 2026

The rear panel also has visible geometric patterns and a holographic design. The phone introduces what iQOO calls an industry-first laser holographic imaging finish designed to create a more dynamic look. It uses four precision techniques to produce a 3D light effect, with red holographic patterns and blue light appearing to flow across the back panel. The effect changes as the phone is tilted or viewed from different angles, giving the design a constantly shifting look.

This is for the 'Chasing Light' variant of the iQOO 16. The handset is also expected to launch in 'Track and Legend', which has been an ongoing trend for iQOO phones.

The camera design also confirms 100x zoom, which would be digital zoom. The iQOO 16 is expected to feature a 50MP periscope telephoto lens in addition to a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The iQOO 16 is also expected to be the first phone to use the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, which could give it an advantage over upcoming rival flagships in terms of raw performance. 

Based on what we know so far, the iQOO 16 is shaping up to be a powerful flagship with dedicated gaming hardware. Like the previous models, the iQOO 16 will once again appeal to power users and gamers or anyone who wants a powerful flagship. If these are your requirements, the iQOO 16 could be worth waiting for. 

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a 4,056mAh battery in the EU, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max gets a 5,391mAh cell.
• Early Geekbench results suggest the A20 Pro is around 21-23 percent faster than the iPhone 17 Pro generation.
• The new chip moves to a 2nm process and gets upgraded cooling.

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Apple has revealed a spec for its new iPhones it typically leaves out of its launch announcements. The company's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max battery capacities have now been made public, which is something Apple never does for its new launches. This is thanks to new EU regulations which require their EU Energy Labels to display all info.

Meanwhile, early Geekbench results also offer a first look at how much faster the new A20 Pro chip is than the previous generation. The figures also give buyers a better idea of what separates the two Pro models, particularly when it comes to battery life and sustained performance.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max battery capacities

According to the EU Energy Labels, the iPhone 18 Pro has a 4,056mAh battery, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max packs a 5,391mAh cell. That represents a modest 1.45 percent increase for the smaller Pro compared with the iPhone 17 Pro, while the 18 Pro Max gets an 11.8 percent larger battery than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

There is an important regional difference, however. The EU models retain a physical SIM slot, which takes up additional internal space. iPhone 18 Pro models sold in markets like the US where Apple uses eSIM-only designs can therefore have larger batteries. Buyers should keep that distinction in mind when comparing battery figures from different regions.

The Energy Labels also give both phones an A overall energy rating, a B rating for drop resistance and a C repairability rating. Both are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, while Apple says their batteries should retain at least 80 percent of their original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles.

Apple's own battery estimates put the Pro Max ahead, as expected. For eSIM-only models, the company claims up to 36 hours of video playback on the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 45 hours on the Pro Max. Under its newer real-world usage measure, the figures are up to 24 and 30 hours respectively.

Both models also support faster wired charging, reaching 50 percent in around 15 minutes, while five minutes of charging can reportedly deliver around six hours of video playback.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max Geekbench

The performance details (via) of the A20 Pro chip come from Geekbench. Two devices identified as iPhone 19,2 and iPhone 19,3 have appeared on Geekbench 6.7, posting single-core scores of 4,719 and 4,612 and multi-core scores of 12,677 and 11,819. Averaged together, that works out to roughly 4,665 in single-core and 12,248 in multi-core performance. Compared with average Geekbench results from the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, these preliminary scores suggest a roughly 21-23 percent improvement in both areas.

The A20 Pro also brings a 2nm manufacturing process, a six-core CPU with two performance-focused Supercores and four efficiency cores, and a seven-core GPU. Apple claims up to 20 percent faster CPU performance and up to 40 percent faster GPU performance than the previous generation. The chip also adds a second Neural Engine, taking the total to 32 cores, while memory bandwidth is up by 50 percent. That should benefit demanding on-device AI tasks and games as much as traditional benchmark workloads.

Apple has also redesigned the chip packaging and added a larger vapour chamber. The new cooling system has three times the surface area of the one in the iPhone 17 Pro, with Apple claiming up to 40 [ercent higher sustained performance than that model. This could be more important in everyday use than a short Geekbench run. A phone that can maintain high performance during long gaming sessions, video processing or local AI workloads has a practical advantage over one that only produces a higher peak score.

A prototype using MediaTek's upcoming Dimensity 9600 has reportedly reached 4,139 in single-core and 13,285 in multi-core testing. That would put it behind the A20 Pro in single-core performance but ahead in multi-core. However, these are prototype results, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 results currently circulating are also inconsistent. It's too early to declare a clear winner between Apple's chip and the next generation of Android processors.

For buyers deciding between the two new Pro models, the iPhone 18 Pro Max remains the obvious choice if battery life is the priority. Its larger battery and longer claimed runtime make it better suited to heavy users, although its larger size and likely higher price remain trade-offs. The iPhone 18 Pro is more interesting for buyers who want a smaller phone without giving up the A20 Pro's performance. Apple claims its battery efficiency allows it to match the iPhone 17 Pro Max's all-day battery life despite its smaller body.

• Apple's first foldable iPhone has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Apple warns that the resistance can decrease over time with normal wear, similar to Google's Pixel Fold.
• The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide and does not support physical SIM cards.

[/highlights]

Apple's first foldable iPhone has arrived with two notable changes that could matter long after the launch-day excitement wears off. The iPhone Duo gets an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, putting it ahead of Samsung's latest foldables on dust protection. However, Apple also makes clear that this resistance is not permanent and can diminish with normal wear and tear.

The other major change is less visible but potentially more important for buyers. The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide, with no physical SIM card slot. Apple says removing the physical SIM helps free up internal space for the battery.

iPhone Duo gets IP68, but it won't last forever

Apple says the iPhone Duo has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and carries an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529, including resistance at a maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes. There is an important qualification, however. Apple states that splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and that resistance may decrease as a result of normal wear.

That caveat is relevant on a foldable because the device has moving parts and a hinge. While water resistance on a conventional smartphone can also deteriorate after damage or wear, a foldable has more components that need to maintain their protection over time. Google has a similar disclaimer for its Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which also carries an IP68 rating. Honor also warns that the protective performance of its Magic V6's IP68/IP69 rating can decrease with daily wear and tear.

Samsung takes a different position on dust protection. Its latest Galaxy foldables carry an IP48 rating, meaning they have water resistance but don't offer the same level of protection against dust as the iPhone Duo and Pixel foldables. For buyers, IP68 is still a welcome addition, but it shouldn't be interpreted as making the Duo waterproof. The rating is based on controlled testing, and Apple specifically warns against treating the protection as permanent.

iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide

The more significant change for some buyers could be the lack of a physical SIM slot. Apple says the iPhone Duo uses an eSIM-only design worldwide, unlike some previous iPhones that retained physical SIM support in certain markets. Apple's reasoning is that removing the SIM hardware saves internal space, which can instead be used to maximise battery capacity. The company also says eSIM provides greater flexibility and security than a traditional physical SIM.

The Duo supports two active eSIMs at the same time and can store eight or more eSIM profiles. This means users can have two numbers active simultaneously, while additional eSIM profiles can remain stored on the phone and be activated when needed.

For most users who already use eSIM, the change should have little practical impact. It can also be useful for frequent travellers who switch between multiple carrier profiles without physically swapping SIM cards. However, eSIM-only connectivity is worth checking before buying, particularly in markets or situations where physical SIM support remains useful. Buyers should confirm that their carrier supports eSIM and that the specific services they rely on can be activated without a physical SIM.