• An anonymous Foxconn employee claims Apple lowered quality control standards to increase iPhone Duo launch stock.
• Apple has acknowledged the reported inner-display cracking issue, which allegedly involves a component near the hinge.
• The foldable iPhone has also faced reports of software glitches, creaking noises and inconsistent app behaviour.

[/highlights]

Apple waited on the sidelines for nearly seven years, watching rivals like Samsung and Huawei launch and refine their foldables, before jumping onto the bandwagon with the iPhone Duo. However, reports of the iPhone Duo's inner display cracking after just hours of use made for an awkward start, and Apple acknowledging the issue gave credence to them. Now, an anonymous Foxconn employee claims Apple was so determined to get the phone out this year that it lowered its quality control standards to meet the launch deadline. Even though Apple has acknowledged the cracking issue, the claim that it compromised quality checks comes from the employee and hasn't been independently verified.

iPhone Duo cracking issue

The display problem, dubbed 'Crackgate' online, reportedly involves a component beneath the inner folding screen near the hinge. According to reports, the component is dislodging during normal use and pressing against the display, causing it to crack when the phone is folded or unfolded. Affected units reportedly develop a crack running down the centre of the display, with lines of dead or stuck pixels. In some cases, the screen becomes unresponsive or goes completely blank. The precise cause and extent of the failures remain unclear.

The employee who made the allegations works for Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer that assembles iPhones for Apple and makes devices for several other major technology companies. The report from China claims manufacturing yields remained low as October approached. Apple had already committed to releasing the iPhone Duo after the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, leaving little room to delay the launch. The employee alleges that Apple relaxed its quality control standards to secure more units for launch. There's no independent confirmation that this happened or that it caused the reported display failures.

The same report mentions apps failing to behave as expected, including Apple's own apps optimised for the foldable. Users have also reportedly encountered creaking noises when folding the phone, unresponsive interface elements and problems with the external display's sidebar. The under-display camera has drawn criticism as well.

Apple's first foldable was always going to face scrutiny, but the combination of reported hardware failures and software glitches raises questions about whether it was even ready for release or not.

Even though Apple is offering replacements, anyone considering the iPhone Duo should wait for more clarity on the cracking issue, Apple's repair and warranty guidance, and whether any manufacturing changes have been made. With a first-generation device, it's worth weighing the appeal of Apple's entry into the category against the potential cost and inconvenience of early hardware problems.

• iQOO 15 is available with a flat Rs 8,000 discount and up to Rs 4,300 cashback with the ICICI Amazon Pay credit card.
• The iQOO Z11, Z11x and Z11xa are available with up to Rs 5,000 coupon discount on select variants.
• The discounts as part of the iQOO Diwali offers 2026 will be valid till November 5th.

[/highlights]

iQOO has announced special offers on its smartphone lineup ahead of Diwali 2026. The offers cover the iQOO 15, iQOO Z11 5G, iQOO Z11x and iQOO Z11xa, with discounts and bank offers available on select models. The iQOO 15 and iQOO Z11 5G are eligible for bank offers of flat Rs 8,000 and Rs 4,000, respectively, with an ICICI Bank Amazon Pay credit card. Meanwhile, the iQOO Z11xa, iQOO Z11x, and iQOO Z11 are available with up to Rs 5,000 coupon discount.

The iQOO Diwali Offers 2026 are valid on the aforementioned smartphones until November 2026. So, if you have been eyeing any of these iQOO smartphones, this could be a good opportunity to grab one at an attractive price. Considering the current market situation, you are unlikely to find these smartphones at such prices.

iQOO 15

The iQOO 15's (review) price is down to Rs 77,999 from Rs 85,999 as part of the company's Diwali Sale 2026 on Amazon.in. However, there is a catch: one will need an ICICI Amazon Pay credit card to avail the offer. And if you are an Amazon Prime user and make the payment in full, there is 5 percent additional cashback on the Amazon Pay account on both variants of the smartphone.

The cashback and bank discount effectively bring iQOO 15's 12GB+256GB price down to Rs 74,099, whereas the top-end 16GB+512GB will set you back to Rs 82,099.

The iQOO 15 is the flagship offering in the lineup, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, aided by iQOO's proprietary Supercomputing Chip Q3 and an 8K single-layer vapour chamber cooling system. The smartphone sports a Samsung 2K M14 LEAD OLED display with a claimed local peak brightness of 6,000 nits. The phone runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and is promised five years of OS updates and seven years of security updates.

For photography, the iQOO 15 features a triple 50MP camera system. It packs a 7,000mAh silicon-anode battery and supports 100W FlashCharge wired charging and 40W wireless charging. The hardware and the 5+7 years of softwre support should keep the phone relevant and good to go for years to come.

iQOO Z11

*with ICICI Amazon Pay credit card and cashback

The iQOO Z11 (review) is available with a flat Rs 4,000 coupon discount on Amazon.in. However, it is applicable only on the 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants. If you make the payment using the ICICI Amazon Pay credit card, there is an additional discount in the form of cashback, similar to the 6GB and 12GB RAM variants of the smartphone.

The iQOO Z11 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, paired with a 3,800mm2 vapour chamber cooling system designed to manage temperatures during demanding tasks. The smartphone sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of high-brightness mode (HBM). The handset packs a 7,050mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge support and features a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS).

The iQOO Z11 5G also includes AI features such as AI Captions, AI Creation and Circle to Search 2.0. The handset offers IP68 and IP69 protection, along with military-grade certification and a 3+5 years software update promise.

iQOO Z11x

The iQOO Z11x (review) is on sale on Amazon.in with a flat Rs 4,000 coupon discount on the base 6GB+128GB and mid-8GB+128GB variants, while the top-end 8GB+256GB gets the maximum Rs 5,000 discount. The ICICI Amazon Pay credit card users will get additional cashback of up to Rs 1,499 on making the full payment.

The iQOO Z11x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Turbo processor and packs a 7,200mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge support and is claimed to retain battery health for up to six years. The smartphone offers IP68 and IP69+ dust and water resistance, along with military-grade durability. Its camera setup includes a 50MP Sony AI-powered main camera, with 4K video recording supported on both the front and rear cameras.

The iQOO Z11x runs OriginOS 6, supports AI features, and is promised two years of OS updates and four years of security updates.

iQOO Z11xa

The iQOO Z11xa benefits from a flat Rs 5,000 coupon discount on Amazon.in, with additional cashback on the ICICI Amazon Pay credit card. The iQOO Z11xa 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Turbo chipset, built on a 4nm process. It packs a 7,200mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge support and features IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

The smartphone sports a 6.76-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. In optics, it features a 50MP Sony main camera and a 32MP front camera. The handset runs OriginOS 6, based on Android 16, and with 2+4 years of security updates, it will remain relevant for years to come.

• The Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition launched in India for Rs 1,399, with a complimentary one-year Gaana Plus subscription.
• The earbuds offer 11 mm drivers, quad microphones with ENC, 40ms low latency and up to 40 hours of battery life.
• Noise and Gaana aim to reach 2.5 million consumers through their partnership by the end of 2026.

[/highlights]

Noise has partnered with music streaming platform Gaana to launch the Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition in India. Priced at Rs 1,399, the wireless earbuds bundle a one-year Gaana Plus subscription worth Rs 799, adding music streaming benefits to a budget audio product. The partnership also extends Gaana subscriptions across Noise's wider product portfolio, with both companies aiming to reach 2.5 million consumers by the end of 2026.

Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition specifications and features

The Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition features 11 mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and quad microphones with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for clearer calls. The earbuds also support 40ms ultra-low latency, which should help reduce the delay between audio and on-screen action during gaming and video playback.

Other features include Noise's HyperSync technology for faster device connections, touch controls and an IPX5 rating for water resistance. The latter should help the earbuds handle sweat and light water splashes, making them suitable for workouts, although they are not designed for submersion. Noise claims up to 40 hours of battery life with the charging case. The earbuds also support fast charging, with 10 minutes of charging providing up to 120 minutes of playback. Actual battery life will depend on usage and listening volume.

The bundled Gaana Plus subscription is the main addition to the standard wireless earbud offering. Valued at Rs 799, it provides ad-free music streaming, offline downloads, HD audio across millions of songs and access to exclusive podcasts. The bundle could appeal to users who already pay for music streaming or want to try a premium service without committing to a separate subscription. However, the value depends on whether they use Gaana regularly. Those already subscribed to another platform may find the offer less useful.

Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition price and availability

The Noise Buds R1 Gaana Edition costs Rs 1,399 and is available through the Noise website, as well as the Gaana website and app. It comes with a one-year warranty. At this price, the earbuds compete with budget options from brands such as Boat and Realme. Their 40-hour claimed battery life and bundled subscription give them a clear selling point, but buyers should also compare call quality, comfort and sound performance before choosing between models. The 40ms latency could appeal to casual gamers as well.

For users who want an affordable pair of everyday earbuds and would make use of Gaana Plus, the bundle offers additional value beyond the hardware. Those who already have a preferred streaming service should compare the earbuds with similar priced alternatives before buying.

• The iQOO Pad Pro features a large cooling fan for enhanced thermal efficiency.
• The tablet offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
• The iQOO Pad Pro is currently exclusive to China.

[/highlights]

After the iQOO Pad Ultra debuted last month, iQOO has unveiled another performance-focused tablet in China, the iQOO Pad Pro. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the Pad Pro sits a tier below the Pad Ultra but still retains a cooling fan, a fairly compact tablet display, and several key gaming optimisations. With iQOO pushing into the gaming and eSports category lately, the Pad Pro further strengthens the company's position as a go-to choice for gaming devices.

iQOO Pad Pro pricing and availability

The iQOO Pad Pro remains exclusively in China for now, and its pricing across storage variants is as follows:

• 8GB + 256GB: RMB 4,299 (Rs 61,500 approx.)
• 12GB + 256GB: RMB 4,699 (Rs 67,200 approx.)
• 16GB + 256GB: RMB 5,099 (Rs 72,900 approx.)
• 12GB + 512GB: RMB 5,399 (Rs 77,200 approx.)
• 16GB + 512GB: RMB 5,799 (Rs 82,900 approx.)

iQOO Pad Pro specifications

The iQOO Pad Pro's front showcases an 8.8-inch AMOLED panel with a 2.3K resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio. Designed for high performance and gaming, the 12-bit display supports a 165Hz refresh rate, up to 4,500 nits of peak brightness, and a high touch sampling rate. With these high-end display specs, the Pad Pro is not only suited for gaming but also ideal for on-the-go content viewing thanks to its fairly compact screen size.

The tablet features a compact and slim design measuring 5.74 mm thick. Its aesthetics are highlighted by an air intake grille neatly embedded in the extended rear camera module, which houses a 13 MP primary camera alongside an 8 MP front-facing shooter.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with an in-house Q3 gaming chip. It features a massive 23,253mm square vapour chamber heat dissipation area equipped with an active cooling fan and dual air intakes to manage thermal performance during heavy usage. It also features LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. iQOO claims the Pad Pro scored 47,44,678 on AnTuTu, indicating flagship-level raw performance. Then there's the Monster Super Core Engine, which manages to keep frame rate at its peak for responsive gameplay during long gaming sessions.

To support extended gaming and multitasking, the device packs a 9,020mAh battery and supports 66W wired charging via a Type-C port. Running on OriginOS 7 HD out of the box, the iQOO Pad Ultra also includes a quad-speaker setup with Super Audio 8.0, Bluetooth 5.4, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, complemented by dedicated gaming features like a built-in PC game emulator and dual X-axis linear motors.

Given the specifications, the iQOO Pad Pro looks just as capable as the iQOO Pad Ultra, even without the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor. Instead, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 should offer more than enough power for intensive tasks and graphically demanding games. Compared with a high-end smartphone with similar performance, the iQOO Pad Pro offers more screen real estate, letting serious gamers see more content at once, while the larger body and cooling fan should help keep heat at bay.

In India, OPPO recently unveiled the OPPO Pad Mini with an identical 8.8-inch OLED display. While it features a tier-below processor compared to the iQOO Pad Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, it's the closest form factor with a similar high-end flagship you can currently get in India. As for the iQOO Pad Pro's India launch, it's currently uncertain whether it'll come here, especially with high memory costs driving prices up.

• Xiaomi launched the first Mi Band back in 2015.
• It has since introduced several generations of its fitness bands.
• The last official launch in India was the Mi Band 6 in 2021.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi may be bringing back one of its most popular products, the Mi Band, to India. The company was among the first brands to popularise fitness bands in the country, launching the original Mi Band in 2015. Priced at Rs 999, it was a basic fitness tracker without a display, designed primarily to monitor fitness and health metrics. Over the years, the lineup evolved to include more advanced models with improved features.

The last Xiaomi fitness band to launch officially in India was the Mi Band 6, which debuted in 2021. While Xiaomi has continued to offer newer models in China and select global markets, the lineup has remained absent from India since then. However, that could change soon, as tipster Yogesh Brar claims that Xiaomi is planning to bring back the Mi Band to the Indian market.

Xiaomi Mi Band India launch: what to expect

If the Mi Band does make a comeback to India, we'll probably see the Xiaomi Smart Band 11 launch here, as it's the latest fitness band from the brand. It's available in China and select global markets like South Korea, Hong Kong, and Europe. In China, the Xiaomi Smart Band 11 starts at CNY 289, which translates to around Rs 4,200. 

The Xiaomi Smart Band 11 features a 1.72-inch AMOLED touch display with 2,000 nits peak brightness. It comes with several health and fitness features like heart rate tracking, 150+ sports modes, sleep tracking and management, and all-day blood oxygen monitoring. The fitness band also comes with stress management and menstrual cycle tracking features. It's said to deliver up to 21 days of battery life, and you get 5ATM water resistance so you can wear it while swimming. 

If Xiaomi re-enters the fitness band market in India, it could have an advantage thanks to its established presence in the segment. However, the market has evolved considerably over the years, with brands like Pebble and Huawei offering several options in the budget segment. Screenless fitness trackers are also gaining traction, with Google's recently launched Fitbit Air being the latest example. Meanwhile, Whoop caters to the premium segment, while Noise offers more affordable alternatives.

It remains to be seen whether Xiaomi can make a strong comeback and disrupt India's fitness band market once again. Since it's only speculation for now, we wouldn't advise waiting to buy a Xiaomi fitness band if you're in a hurry. 

• Wobble Speed 5G will be the successor to the original Wobble One.
• The handset is said to offer a balance of performance, battery, camera, and display.
• The Wobble Speed 5G has been teased with a circular camera module.

[/highlights]

Wobble, the Indian consumer technology brand, is set to double its smartphone portfolio in the country. Following the launch of the Wobble One in November last year, the OEM has started teasing its successor, the Wobble Speed 5G. The teasers confirm the phone's name and design, which will differ from its predecessor. While keeping the specifications under wraps, the company has also revealed its focus area and the Wobble Speed 5G's expected price in India.

Wobble Speed 5G India launch teaser

The Wobble Speed 5G has been teased with a "Coming soon" tag, suggesting it won't launch this month. We estimate that the smartphone might see the light of day by mid-November. While we may have to wait for the exact launch date, the company hasn't kept its intended price segment a secret.

The Wobble Speed 5G will launch in India in the highly competitive Rs 20,000 smartphone segment. This will put it on par with the original Wobble One, which was launched at a price of Rs 22,000. That said, the new phone will look entirely different from its predecessor.

[caption id="attachment_699858" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Wobble One[/caption]

The Wobble Speed 5G is confirmed to feature a circular camera module reminiscent of Vivo smartphones. The handset will also be available in at least one red colour option and feature the volume rocker and power button on the right spine. Beyond these details and 5G connectivity, there isn't much we know about the smartphone.

In a press release, the company said, "Wobble Speed 5G has been developed with a product-first approach... From imaging and display technology to processing performance and battery life, the device is designed to deliver a comprehensive hardware proposition in a segment where consumers are often required to make trade-offs between features, design and price."

"With Wobble Speed, our ambition is to bring together an exceptionally rich set of specifications and a distinctive premium design at a price point that makes both accessible to more consumers," added Anand Dubey, CEO, Wobble, in the press release.

The Wobble Speed 5G could be worth waiting for, if you're eyeing a smartphone in the Rs 20,000 segment. The OEM would be building on the good start it got from the Wobble One, which, in our review, impressed us with a clean OS, premium design, and reliable daylight cameras. However, battery life was a major weakness, which the Wobble Speed 5G will hopefully address.

• The Infinix Note 70 Pro has appeared on Geekbench with a Qualcomm SM7635 chipset and Adreno 810 GPU.
• The phone scored 1,145 points in single-core and 3,523 points in multi-core tests.
• The listing suggests a possible chipset upgrade over the Note 60 Pro, alongside a larger battery and Android 17.

[/highlights]

Infinix appears to be preparing a more substantial upgrade for its next Note Pro smartphone than previously expected. The Infinix Note 70 Pro, identified by the model number X6766, has surfaced on Geekbench with a Snapdragon chipset whose specifications don't match either the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 or the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, which was speculated earlier. The listing also mentions Android 17, suggesting the phone could arrive with Google's next major Android version pre-installed.

Infinix Note 70 Pro Geekbench listing

The Geekbench listing identifies the processor as Qualcomm SM7635, with one CPU core clocked at 2.96GHz, three cores at 2.71GHz, and four cores at 2.02GHz. It also mentions an Adreno 810 GPU, 8GB of RAM and Android 17. The phone scored 1,145 points in the single-core test and 3,523 points in the multi-core test.

The SM7635 part number is associated with both the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. However, neither chipset matches the reported CPU frequencies. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, for instance, has peak clock speeds of 2.7GHz, 2.4GHz and 1.8GHz across its three CPU clusters. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 also doesn't feature the Adreno 810 GPU.

This leaves two possibilities: Qualcomm could be preparing a new chipset, potentially the Snapdragon 7s Gen 5, or the Note 70 Pro could use an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. The benchmark doesn't confirm either.

Infinix Note 70 Pro: what to expect

The X6766 model number previously appeared in the GSMA IMEI database in August. Earlier this month, a Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) certification listing revealed the phone's marketing name. A DevCheck entry for the same model number subsequently pointed to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, alongside a 6.78-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 50MP main camera with OIS and a 7,000mAh battery.

These specifications remain unconfirmed though. If the DevCheck information is accurate, the battery would be an upgrade over the Infinix Note 60 Pro, which has a 6,500mAh battery and supports 90W wired and 30W wireless charging. The Note 60 Pro also features a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and runs Android 16 with XOS 16.

A newer processor would make the Note 70 Pro a stronger upgrade, particularly if it improves sustained performance and gaming. However, the benchmark results alone cannot establish how much faster the phone will be in everyday use.

Infinix Note 70 Pro launch and expected price

Infinix launched the Note 60 Pro in February, with an official starting price of Rs 35,999 in India. The company hasn't yet announced the Note 70 Pro's launch date or pricing. We can expect a bit of a price bump considering the RAMageddon. Buyers considering a performance-oriented smartphone should wait for confirmation of the newer model's chipset, battery capacity and price before deciding. Android 17 out of the box would also give the Note 70 Pro a software advantage, although its long-term update policy remains unknown.

• iQOO has introduced the Neo 12 in its home market, China.
• It's a mid-range offering with a focus on performance and battery.
• Key specs include a 2K AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, 9,000mAh battery, and more.

[/highlights]

Following the launch of the iQOO 16 in China, iQOO has introduced a new model in its mid-range Neo lineup. Dubbed the iQOO Neo 12, the handset takes some design cues from its elder sibling, the iQOO 16, which is confirmed to launch in India - most likely in December. The Neo 12 features flat edges and a centre-aligned punch-hole display, while its rectangular camera module gives it a distinct identity. As for the specifications, the smartphone packs a 2K AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, a 9,000mAh battery, 100W wired charging support, and more.

iQOO Neo 12 price in China, availability

The iQOO Neo 12 price in China starts at CNY 4,199 (~Rs 56,000) and goes all the way up to CNY 6,299 (~Rs 83,000). Here's the variant-wise price breakdown of the smartphone:

The iQOO Neo 12 comes in Contender, Frost Blade Blue and Shadow Black colour options and is already available for purchase in China. The OEM is yet to confirm the smartphone's availability in other markets. While iQOO previously offered its Neo lineup in India, it hasn't refreshed the series since 2025. The company skipped the iQOO Neo 11 in India, leaving the Neo 10 without a direct successor in the country. Hence, the chances of the iQOO Neo 12 launching in India appear slim at the moment.

You are better off with other smartphones within the segment, including the POCO X8 Pro Max, iQOO 15R, and OnePlus 15R, which also prioritise performance and battery life like the iQOO Neo 12.

iQOO Neo 12 specifications

The iQOO Neo 12 manages to stand out from the crowd with its display, performance, and battery. The handset sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED display developed by Visionox. The panel offers a 2K resolution, a 185Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,200 nits. It uses p-TSF display technology, which is designed to improve colour reproduction, power efficiency and panel longevity. The smartphone also features a dedicated display chip to handle display-related operations.

Under the hood, the device is powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The SoC may not be as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC on the iQOO 16, but it can easily manage everything thrown at it. The chipset is paired with iQOO's in-house Q3 gaming chip, which supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing in select games, 2K resolution upscaling and frame-rate interpolation. These features are aimed at improving visual quality and gaming performance in supported titles.

Additionally, the handset boasts an active cooling system with a custom 59-blade fan, which the company claims improves airflow by around 10 percent. The Neo 12 also incorporates a 3D Ice Dome vapour chamber to help manage heat during demanding workloads and extended gaming sessions.

As for the battery, it houses a massive 9,000mAh capacity with support for 100W wired charging. The phone runs Origin OS7 out of the box, and in optics, a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera. On the front, it features a 16MP camera for selfies and video calls.

Other features include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, an infrared sensor, stereo speakers and an IP69 rating for dust and water resistance.

iQOO Neo 12 specs at a glance

• iQOO 16 is confirmed to launch in India soon.
• The smartphone will be among the first to feature Qualcomm's flagship chipset in India.
• iQOO 16 could be priced around a lakh in India. 

[/highlights]

iQOO 16 is set to launch in India soon as one of the first flagships powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. The phone has been teased, and we already know its specifications. iQOO has yet to reveal the India launch date of the iQOO 16, but a new leak gives us an idea. 

iQOO 16 India launch timeline (expected)

The iQOO 16 will reportedly launch in India around December 15th and 17th, according to tipster Abhishek Yadav. This is only speculation for now and not the official date. It would be slightly later than usual, though, as the iQOO 15 launched in India on November 26th last year. With the phone already teased and talked about, we expect the launch date to be announced soon. 

iQOO 16 specifications

Since the iQOO 16 has already launched in China, we have a good idea about its specifications. The iQOO 16 has a large 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, an upgrade over the iQOO 15's 144Hz panel. The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, Qualcomm's fastest mobile chipset yet. It's paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, UFS 4.1 storage, and the Q4 gaming chip. This should be enough to make the iQOO 16 one of the fastest performers in the segment and offer significant improvements over the iQOO 15.

iQOO has also increased the battery capacity from 7,000mAh to 8,400mAh on the iQOO 16, paired with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging support. For optics, the iQOO 16 sports a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, which is largely the same as the iQOO 15. The smartphone will likely launch with OriginOS 7 based on Android 17 out of the box.

iQOO's flagship phones are known to launch at a relatively more affordable price than rivals. But with the current market scenario and RAM crisis, the iQOO 16 too might be affected by the price hike demon. It's even speculated that the iQOO 16 could launch around a lakh in India. If so, then you should brace yourself for a very expensive iQOO flagship, which is slowly becoming the norm for all upcoming phones. Still, if performance and a large battery with reliable cameras are your priorities, then the iQOO 16 might be worth waiting for. 

• The new MacBook Pro is Apple's first Mac with a touchscreen, tandem OLED display and Dynamic Island.
• The 14-inch model starts at Rs 3,49,900, while the 16-inch version costs Rs 4,09,900.
• The laptops use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with up to 24 hours of claimed battery life.

[/highlights]

Steve Jobs had a pretty firm view on touchscreen laptops. "Touch surfaces don't want to be vertical," he'd said at a media event in 2010, arguing that reaching up to a laptop screen for long periods would leave users with tired arms. Apple stuck to that thinking for years, even as Windows laptops made touchscreens commonplace. Now, something's shifted, and the MacBook Pro has one too. Marking the third major launch under new CEO John Ternus, Apple announced the MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display and Touch at its 'Pro and Tell' event in Los Angeles. Apple's new models pair touch input with a tandem OLED display and its M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with a starting price of just under Rs 3.5 lakh in India. The iPhone Duo India price doesn't make this sound as eye-watering, or does it?

Specifications and features

The touchscreen is paired with a new tandem OLED panel, replacing the mini-LED display used on previous MacBook Pro models. Apple calls it PROLED XDR, and claims it can reach 2,000 nits of peak brightness, with a 10,000,000:1 contrast ratio and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Support for both P3 and Adobe RGB colour spaces should also make it useful for photographers, designers and video editors who need accurate colours across different workflows.

Touch is designed to sit alongside the keyboard and trackpad. That could be useful when scrubbing through a timeline in Final Cut Pro, moving clips around or making quick adjustments to a design. Musicians can also use touch-enabled controls in Logic Pro. However, the usefulness will depend on how well apps adopt the feature; for someone who spends most of the day writing or working in spreadsheets, it may not change much.

Apple has also brought Dynamic Island to the Mac, using it for Spotlight, Live Activities and Siri AI. Under the hood, the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips support up to 128GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage. Apple claims up to 24 hours of battery life, while the thinner, lighter design should make the 16-inch model easier to carry than before. The laptops also have Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, a 12MP Center Stage camera and an upgraded six-speaker system.

Price and availability

The new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display starts at Rs 3,49,900 for the 14-inch model with M5 Pro, rising to Rs 4,09,900 for the 16-inch version. With education savings, the prices drop to Rs 3,31,900 and Rs 3,85,900, respectively.

The M5 Max variants are priced at Rs 5,49,900 for the 14-inch model and Rs 5,89,900 for the 16-inch model. Education pricing brings these down to Rs 5,12,900 and Rs 5,52,900, respectively.

Apple's accessories are sold separately, with the 70W power adapter priced at Rs 5,800, the 96W adapter at Rs 8,900 and the 140W adapter at Rs 11,900. The World Travel Adapter Kit costs Rs 4,900.

Pre-orders opened on October 28th, with availability beginning November 6th.

Touchscreens are hardly new in this segment. Windows laptops from HP, Lenovo and ASUS offer the feature at much lower prices, while Samsung's Galaxy Book6 series includes touchscreen options too. Apple seems to be betting that the combination of its OLED display, performance and macOS integration will be worth the premium.

For video editors, designers and 3D artists, the display and direct controls could make a difference. Everyone else may be better off with an existing MacBook Pro or a cheaper touchscreen Windows laptop. The feature is new to the Mac, but if that alone makes it worth spending upwards of Rs 3.5 lakh, is for you to decide.

• OPPO Find X10 series is the latest flagship offering from the brand.
• Price starts at Rs 1,39,999 for the base model, while the Find X10 Pro Max costs Rs 1,99,999. 
• OPPO Pad Mini and Enco X4 are also now available for sale in India.

[/highlights]

OPPO's flagship Find X10 series sale kicks off in India. Introduced earlier this month, the series comprises the company's next-gen flagship, namely Find X10 and X10 Pro Max (first impressions). The company has also announced the sale of the OPPO Pad Mini tablet and Enco X4 wireless earphones in the country. The OPPO Find X10 series is priced starting at Rs 1,39,999, and its key specs include Hasselblad-co-developed cameras, MediaTek Dimensity chipsets, 8,000mAh batteries and displays with refresh rates of up to 144Hz. 

Here's a quick look at prices, specifications, and launch offers for the new OPPO devices.

OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max price in India, availability

The OPPO Find X10 starts at Rs 1,39,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, while its top-end 512GB storage variant costs Rs 1,69,999. Its elder sibling, OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, is available in a single configuration with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 1,99,999.

The handsets are available for purchase via major e-commerce platforms, Amazon.in and Flipkart, along with OPPO's e-store and partnered retail outlets. The compatible OPPO Hasselblad Teleconverter Kit, which is sold separately, is priced at Rs 24,999.

OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max offers

[caption id="attachment_719610" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] OPPO Find X10 Pro Max[/caption]

As part of the first sale, OPPO has announced a few offers with the Find X10 series. These include instant cashback of up to Rs 30,000 on eligible UPI transactions, additional exchange benefits of up to Rs 8,000, and easy EMI plans starting at Rs 3,500 per month.

The OPPO Find X10 comes in Glacier Blue, Glow Coral and Mist Grey colours, whereas the Find X10 Pro Max has been introduced in Titanium Grey and Luna White colours.

OPPO Find X10 series specs overview

If you are looking for a flagship smartphone with a focus on photography, the OPPO Find X10 series is worth considering. The Find X10 Pro Max is the first smartphone to feature a triple 200MP rear camera setup, allowing users to capture high-resolution images from different perspectives. Its 200MP telephoto camera also supports close-up photography, with a minimum focusing distance of 10cm.

The Find X10 Pro Max also features a larger display than the standard Find X10. The latter offers a relatively compact form factor while retaining the same primary and telephoto cameras. However, its ultra-wide camera has a lower 50MP resolution compared to the Pro Max's 200MP sensor. While the chipset is less powerful than the one powering the Find X10 Pro Max, it is still a flagship-grade processor and should handle most everyday tasks with ease.

That said, the OPPO Find X10 series comes with a hefty price tag. Its higher pricing compared to its predecessor puts it in the same league as the iPhone 18 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, both of which enjoy a commanding position in the ultra-premium segment. While the specifications suggest that the Find X10 series has plenty of potential, only a full review will reveal whether the phones can justify their asking prices and hold their own against these rivals.

OPPO Pad Mini and Enco X4 Price in India, specs

The OPPO Pad Mini is priced at Rs 94,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant and comes in Lavender Purple. The OPPO Enco X4 truly wireless earphones are priced at Rs 19,999 and are available in Aurora Violet and Glacier White.

The OPPO Pad Mini features an 8.8-inch 2.5K OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and peak brightness of 1,600 nits. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and packs an 8,000mAh battery with 67W SUPERVOOC charging. The tablet also supports O+ Connect for cross-device file transfers and collaboration across iOS, Android and Windows. The OPPO Pencil 3Pro is available as an accessory and supports features such as AI Smart Circle, Screen-Off Quick Notes and Doodle to Art.

As for the OPPO Enco X4 earphones, they feature a fourth-generation coaxial dual-driver system co-developed with Dynaudio, comprising an 11mm dynamic woofer and a 6mm planar tweeter. Other features include LHDC lossless audio, adaptive active noise cancellation, AI-powered real-time translation across 24 languages, hands-free Google Gemini access and dual-device connectivity. The earbuds are rated to last up to 53 hours between charges using the case.

• The Samsung Galaxy A08 costs Rs 18,499 for its 4GB + 64GB storage variant.
• The phone gets a 6,000mAh battery, a MediaTek Helio G99+ chip and an IP64 rating.
• Compared to the Galaxy A07, it brings a bigger battery, faster RAM and improved dust and water resistance.

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Samsung has launched the Galaxy A08 in India, bringing a larger battery and updated processing hardware to its affordable 4G lineup. The camera hardware and display specifications remain largely unchanged, but there are battery and performance upgrades to justify the price difference over the predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy A07. Here are the details.

Price and availability

The Samsung Galaxy A08 4G costs Rs 18,499 for its sole 4GB RAM and 64GB storage configuration, putting it Rs 5,000 above the current price of the Galaxy A07 with the same memory and storage. The Samsung Galaxy A08 is available through Samsung's online store, its exclusive stores, authorised retail partners and other online platforms. It comes in Dark Blue, Green and Silver.

At Rs 18,499, the A08 is an expensive upgrade over the Galaxy A07, which currently costs Rs 13,499 for the 4GB + 64GB variant. Buyers looking for a basic phone for calls, messaging and video streaming may find the A07 better value, especially since both models have similar displays and cameras.

Specifications and features

The Samsung Galaxy A08 features a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on MediaTek's Helio G99+ chipset, paired with 4GB LPDDR5 RAM and 64GB UFS 2.2 storage. A microSD card slot supports expansion up to 2TB. The phone runs One UI 8 and is promised six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

The biggest hardware change over the Galaxy A07 is the battery. The A08 packs a 6,000mAh unit, up from the A07's 5,000mAh battery, while retaining 25W wired charging. Samsung also claims substantial CPU and GPU performance gains over the older Galaxy A06, which launched in 2024.

The rear camera setup remains the same as the Galaxy A07 and A06, with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth camera. An 8MP camera handles selfies. The phone also gets an IP64 rating, an improvement over the A07's IP54 rating, along with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

The A08's larger battery and improved dust and splash resistance are useful upgrades, but the Rs 5,000 price gap is harder to justify when the display and cameras haven't changed much. Buyers should also note that the A08 supports 4G, not 5G. Those who need longer battery life and intend to keep their phone for years may prefer the newer model, but the A07 remains the more affordable option for basic everyday use.

• As many as 7 AI+ smartphones are due for a price increase.
• Select AI+ Nova 2 Power, Nova 2 Neo, and Nova 2 Ultra variants get a maximum price hike of Rs 3,000.
• The new Ai+ Nova 2 and Pulse 2 series prices in India will be applicable from November 14th.

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Domestic smartphone brand Ai+ has announced price hikes across its Nova 2 and Pulse 2 series in India. Depending on the model and variant, the prices have increased by Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. However, buyers can still purchase the smartphones at their old prices until November 13th, after which the revised pricing will take effect. As many as seven AI+ smartphones will be impacted, except for its affordable flip phone, NovaFlip 5G, which will continue to retail at Rs 49,999.

Here's a complete list of Ai+ phones that are due for a price hike:

*with bank offers

"As (component) cost pressures persist, particularly in price-sensitive segments, Ai+ Smartphone has continued to evaluate their impact while working to maintain affordability for consumers. However, with input costs remaining elevated, the company has undertaken another measured pricing adjustment to maintain a sustainable balance between affordability and product experience," said Ai+ in a press release.

It's not just Ai+, several other manufacturers have been forced to increase the prices of their smartphones due to RAM and storage shortages. Reports indicate that global memory prices (RAM and storage) have surged massively, some say up to fourfold since late 2025 due to AI data centre demand.

If you have been eyeing any of these smartphones, now is a good time to buy one before the price hikes take effect. The handsets offer large batteries and run NxtQuantum OS, which Ai+ touts as India's first sovereign mobile operating system. The OS is designed to keep user data within India's digital infrastructure rather than storing it on servers overseas.

• The Moto G47 Power comes in a single 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.
• The Moto G47 Power runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor.
• Motorola claims the phone's 7,000mAh battery can deliver up to 78 hours of battery backup.

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Just last week, the Moto G47 Power made its appearance on Europe's EPREL energy efficiency database, revealing its key specifications. Fast forward a few days, and the handset has officially debuted in Europe and the United Kingdom for €339 (Rs 36,000 approx.) and £299 (Rs 37,000 approx.), respectively, in the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. As the name suggests, the G47 Power has a larger battery than the standard Moto G47. At this price point, Motorola is targeting buyers who want a high-endurance phone on a budget.

Moto G47 Power specifications overview

The Moto G47 Power is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, paired with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. Previously, we've seen a variant of this chipset (Dimensity 6400) in the Moto G37 Power (review), and in our experience, the device handled day-to-day tasks well and launched apps quickly.

Up front, it features a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The display can reach 1050 nits in High Brightness Mode. As an above-entry-level smartphone, the 120Hz refresh rate can really speed things up, delivering a fluid user experience.

[caption id="attachment_720196" align="alignnone" width="838"] Moto G47 Power colourways[/caption]

For cameras, the Moto G47 Power packs a 108MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro lens on the rear, while an 8MP camera handles selfies. As with the rest of the industry, Motorola has bundled several AI imaging features in Google Photos, such as Magic Eraser, which removes unwanted subjects from images in an instant. It also integrates Google Gemini to answer your queries with just a few prompts.

The phone's highlight is its massive 7,000mAh battery, which supports 30W wired charging and 6W reverse wired charging. As noted above, the Moto G37 Power also carried a 7,000mAh battery, which delivered excellent battery backup during our use of up to 10 hours of screen on time; the G47 Power should hopefully deliver similar results if optimised well. Motorola claims the battery can deliver up to 78 hours of backup.

Other notable features include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos-supported stereo speakers, microSD card support up to 1TB, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. The smartphone runs Hello UI based on Android 16 and will be available in three PANTONE colours: Capri, Impenetrable, and Nautical Blue.

Considering all the specs, the Moto G47 Power is shaping up to be a battery-focused smartphone, ideal for commuters who do most of their work on their phone. Furthermore, with a 108MP primary camera on board, it needs to be seen how great results it delivers, especially in terms of details and clarity.

Will the Moto G47 Power launch in India?

As of now, there's no official confirmation on whether the Moto G47 Power will make it to India. If it does, it could sit between the Moto G37 Power and Moto G77 Power, around the Rs 25,000 mark. However, since it has a similar processor and the same battery capacity as those phones, the Moto G47 Power is unlikely to launch here.

In other news, Motorola could bring the Moto Edge 70 Neo to India in a few weeks, as leaked a few days ago, with a 6.78-inch 1.5K display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, 50MP Sony LYTIA 710 primary camera, and a 7,000mAh battery.

• Motorola Signature 27 was announced last month. 
• It's the latest flagship from Motorola, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• The smartphone is teased to offer powerful on-device AI capabilities.

[/highlights]

Motorola Signature was unveiled last month at the Snapdragon Summit as the second generation in the brand's premium lineup. It's powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset and comes with powerful on-device AI capabilities. The Motorola Signature 27 India launch was also confirmed at the India Mobile Congress (IMC), and the brand has now announced it will debut in November. 

Motorola Signature 27 India launch timeline

Motorola has published a dedicated microsite for the Signature 27 in India. Here, the phone has been teased with its design and key specifications. There's also a 'sign up' option for buyers who are interested in getting the latest updates on the Signature 27. We're yet to get a launch date for the Motorola Signature 27, but it should be revealed soon. 

Motorola Signature 27 India price expectations

While the specifications of the Motorola Signature 27 are already known, only its pricing remains, which has also become a key point of interest amid rising flagship smartphone prices. With the OPPO Find X10 launching at Rs 1,39,999 and the iQOO 16 tipped to cost over Rs 1 lakh in India, the Motorola Signature 27 could also command a premium price tag.

The Motorola Signature 27 will launch as the brand's latest flagship smartphone and the second device in its premium Signature lineup. The first-generation Motorola Signature debuted at Rs 59,999, offering flagship-level performance at a relatively competitive price. However, the Signature 27 is a full-fledged flagship phone, featuring Qualcomm's latest and most powerful chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. With flagship smartphone prices increasingly crossing the Rs 1 lakh mark, the upcoming Motorola phone could follow the same trend.

The OPPO Find X10 series is among the first Android flagship lineups of 2026 to launch in India, with the standard model priced at a hefty Rs 1,39,999. Meanwhile, the iQOO 16, which is also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, has been hinted to cost around Rs 1 lakh in India. This is a notable shift for iQOO, which has traditionally focused on delivering powerful flagship smartphones at more competitive prices.

These launches indicate that premium smartphone prices could continue to rise in 2026, which has been the market prediction too. If you're planning to buy the Motorola Signature 27, it may be worth preparing for a significantly higher price than its predecessor. However, it would be wise to wait for the official pricing before making a decision, especially if you're considering alternatives in the premium flagship segment.

Motorola Signature 27 specifications

Motorola Signature 27 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which is Qualcomm's latest flagship chipset and its most powerful yet. The smartphone is said to deliver powerful on-device AI capabilities, enhanced camera experiences, responsive gaming, and faster download speeds. The Signature 27 would be competing with new and upcoming flagships like the OPPO Find X10, Vivo X500, and OnePlus 16.

For optics, the Motorola Signature 27 features a 50MP Sony LYTIA 910 main sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. It's also equipped with Motorola's Video Enhancement Engine powered by AI, designed to create a real-time intelligence layer that automatically adjusts colour tones by analysing the scene before and during recording.

The Motorola Signature 27 is confirmed to get seven years of OS upgrades. It will also support GrapheneOS, an open-source software that deploys technologies to limit apps and websites from tracking and extracting private and vulnerable data from your phone.

The handset will launch in Pantone Coal Smoke and Pantone Capulet Green colour options. It will also feature a redesigned camera module that stretches across the upper portion of the rear panel. 

• The ASUS Zenbook 14 lineup offers features like OLED displays and NPU-based processors.
• The laptops could weigh as little as 1.1kg and use ASUS' Ceraluminum material.
• The processor options include Snapdragon X, AMD Ryzen AI and Intel Core Ultra Series 3.

[/highlights]

ASUS will launch its new Zenbook 14 lineup in India on November 5, with three new colour options. The laptops feature ASUS' Ceraluminum finish and a lightweight design, with processor options from Qualcomm, AMD and Intel. Here's what to expect from the upcoming Zenbook 14 lineup.

ASUS Zenbook 14: launch date, availability

The new ASUS Zenbook 14 lineup will launch in India on November 5, 2026, at 12 noon. The laptops will be offered in three colours: Arctic Blue, Komodo Coral and Zabriskie Beige.

ASUS has yet to announce the starting price, but its No-Cost EMI offer of Rs 7,333 per month for 18 months suggests a possible entry price of around Rs 1.32 lakh. The official pricing will be revealed at launch.

ASUS Zenbook 14: features, specifications

The Zenbook 14 lineup uses ASUS' Ceraluminum material, which combines the lightweight properties of aluminium with a ceramic-like finish. ASUS says it resists scratches, wear and smudges, helping the laptops retain their finish over time. The lineup weighs as little as 1.1kg and measures 1.39cm in thickness, making it easy to carry between workspaces.

ASUS has announced processor options ranging from Qualcomm Snapdragon X and AMD Ryzen AI 7 345 to up to Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3. The company claims up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance across the lineup, allowing compatible AI features to run directly on the laptop. ASUS also claims up to 33 hours of battery life, although actual runtime will depend on the model and usage.

ASUS's online listings offer an early indication of how the configurations could differ. The Snapdragon-powered Zenbook 14 UX3480 is listed with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, 512GB of SSD storage, an FHD OLED display and a 50Wh battery. An AMD-powered Zenbook 14 listing mentions up to 32GB of memory, 1TB of storage, a 14-inch 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 75Wh battery.

The Intel-powered Zenbook S14 UX5406 listing, meanwhile, mentions up to a Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor, 32GB of memory, 1TB of SSD storage and a 77Wh battery. It also lists a 14-inch 3K 120Hz Lumina OLED display. These details suggest that buyers could have a choice of display, memory and battery configurations, but ASUS has yet to confirm the exact specifications for each model in India.

Should you wait for the ASUS Zenbook 14?

The ASUS Zenbook 14 lineup is definitely worth considering if you want a lightweight laptop with an OLED display, long battery life and on-device AI features. The choice of processors also means ASUS could cater to different users. The Snapdragon X variant is for students and professionals who mainly need a laptop for productivity and a battery that lasts throughout the day on a single charge. 

The AMD Ryzen AI option is ideal for users looking for a balance of everyday performance and multitasking, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 version is worth watching for those who need more processing power and battery efficiency for demanding workloads. If you regularly handle such workloads and want a premium, lightweight machine as your daily driver, this launch is worth waiting for.

• LG's 115-inch QNED evo AI Mini LED TV launches in India at Rs 14,99,990.
• The TV features an Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen3, Precision Dimming Ultra technology
• Gaming features include VRR up to 165Hz and Motion Booster up to 330Hz

[/highlights]

LG has launched its 115-inch QNED evo AI Mini LED TV in India, making it the largest model in its 2026 QNED evo lineup. Aimed at buyers looking for a giant-screen entertainment setup, the TV combines Mini LED picture technology with AI-powered features, gaming support of up to 330Hz and virtual surround sound.

LG 115-inch QNED evo AI Mini LED TV price in India

The LG 115QNED90BL is priced at Rs 14,99,990 in India. It is available through LG's official website, making it an option for buyers looking to build a large-screen home entertainment setup.

LG 115-inch QNED evo TV: features, specifications

The TV features a 115-inch 4K QNED Mini LED display powered by LG's Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen3. It uses Precision Dimming Ultra to control thousands of local dimming zones, helping improve contrast and reveal more detail in dark scenes. Dynamic QNED Color Pro delivers a wider range of colours and has received Intertek certification for 100 per cent colour volume.

The TV also uses AI super upscaling to improve the clarity of lower-resolution content on its large 4K display. AI Picture Pro enhances details in key elements, such as faces, while Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro adjusts brightness and contrast across scenes. These features aim to keep movies and other content looking clear and detailed on the massive screen.

LG has added features for sports fans, including Sports Portal for live content, scores, schedules and league standings. Sports Alert can notify users about their favourite teams and leagues, while AI Sound Pro creates virtual 11.1.2-channel surround sound through the TV's built-in speakers, which also support Dolby Atmos. 

For gaming, the 115-inch QNED evo offers a native 120Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate (VRR) support up to 165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). LG's Motion Booster technology can raise the refresh rate to 330Hz in supported modes to improve motion clarity during fast-paced games. The TV also includes LG Gaming Portal, which provides access to cloud gaming services and web-based games.

The TV runs webOS 26, with features designed to personalise the viewing experience. Voice ID can recognise different users and load their personalised home screens, while AI Concierge offers content suggestions based on viewing habits. The TV also supports Google's Gemini and Microsoft's Copilot, allowing users to ask questions and search for information while watching content.

Should you buy the LG 115-inch TV?

The LG 115-inch QNED Evo is for buyers who want a giant home cinema setup without compromising on gaming features. Its Mini LED display, local dimming, Dolby Vision support and refresh rates suited to gaming make it a versatile option for movies, sports and games. At Rs 14,99,990, however, it is a major investment, and buyers will also need enough space to accommodate a TV that measures over 2.5 metres in width.

There are cheaper alternatives if you are willing to settle for a slightly smaller screen. The TCL C7K 115-inch QD-Mini LED retails around Rs 9,99,990, while the Sony Bravia 7 II 98-inch TV is listed at around Rs 8,51,990 online. Both offer large 4K screens, although their picture processing falls slightly short of LG's offering.

Unless having the largest possible display is a priority, a premium 98-inch TV could deliver an immersive viewing experience for considerably less. The LG is a worthwhile option only for buyers with a large room and a generous budget. 

• FineMTEC has denied that defects in its components are responsible for reported foldable phone display failures.
• The South Korean supplier is considering legal action against those spreading what it calls false information.
• Apple has acknowledged inner-display issues on a small number of iPhone Duo units and is offering replacements through AppleCare.

[/highlights]

Apple's first foldable iPhone is facing questions over its display durability, and now a key component supplier has stepped in to defend its products. FineMTEC, a South Korean manufacturer linked to the iPhone Duo's hinge-related components, has denied that defects in its parts are responsible for the reported screen failures and warned that it could pursue legal action over false claims.

The statement comes days after iPhone Duo owners began reporting cracked inner displays, with some failures appearing after only a handful of folds. While the hinge has emerged as a possible source of the problem, neither Apple nor FineMTEC has confirmed the cause.

Apple supplier denies responsibility

In a statement titled "Official Position Regarding Customer's New Product Quality Issue," FineMTEC said the reported quality problems in certain foldable phones were not caused by defects in the components it supplied. The company didn't explicitly name Apple or the iPhone Duo. FineMTEC makes internal backplates and hinge-related metal plates that support foldable OLED displays. Market reports have linked the company to the iPhone Duo's supply chain.

The supplier said determining the cause of a failure in a finished product requires technical investigation, given the number of components and mechanical systems involved in foldable phones. It added that its parts meet customer specifications and quality standards through strict quality-control processes. FineMTEC also said it is considering civil and criminal legal action against anyone who publishes or deliberately spreads false information that damages its reputation.

What's happening to the iPhone Duo's display?

Reports of cracked inner screens surfaced shortly after the iPhone Duo went on sale. Affected owners have described cracks running along the central hinge line, sometimes accompanied by a horizontal block of pixels glowing white or bright lines appearing across the display. Some users claim the damage occurred during initial setup or after fewer than 20 folds. Apple has acknowledged an issue affecting a small number of units. It has asked affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacements, without requiring AppleCare+ for this specific issue.

[caption id="attachment_719989" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image via Redit[/caption]

The cause remains unclear. A possible hinge-component defect has emerged as one theory, with speculation that a misaligned part could exert pressure on the delicate inner display. However, this hasn't been established, and FineMTEC's statement doesn't identify the component or product involved.

Display durability has been a challenge for foldables since Samsung's original Galaxy Fold encountered screen problems before its launch. Manufacturers have since refined hinge mechanisms and display construction, but the category still involves more delicate components than conventional smartphones.

For Apple, the reports are embarrassing given the iPhone Duo's premium price and the company's delayed entry into the segment. Buyers considering the iPhone Duo may want to wait for further clarity on the failures and Apple's response. Existing owners whose displays develop cracks or bright lines should contact AppleCare rather than assume the damage is chargeable. Until a technical investigation establishes what's going wrong, assigning blame to any one supplier would be premature.

• The iPhone Air runs on the Apple A19 Pro and measures just 5.6mm thick.
• The iPhone 17 Pro is available for under Rs 1,21,000 on Reliance Digital.
• The MacBook Air M5 is available at up to Rs 20,000 off with bank offers.

[/highlights]

As part of India's ongoing festivities, Reliance Digital is offering Apple iPhones and MacBooks at discounted rates. With Apple officially revising prices across its product portfolio, the ongoing sale at Reliance Digital can ease the burden of buying an Apple device at higher prices, especially for those who missed the recently concluded Flipkart and Amazon sales. The highlight is the iPhone Air, now available at an effective price of Rs 91,566, down from Rs 1,49,900 on Apple's store after the price hike.

Reliance Digital Diwali sale offers on iPhones

iPhone Air

The iPhone Air is currently listed on Reliance Digital for Rs 98,990. Users with an IDFC First Bank credit card can effectively get the device for Rs 91,565, while Punjab National Bank credit cardholders can grab the iPhone Air for Rs 93,990. With such a significant discount, the iPhone Air looks like a strong festive-season pick if you want an iPhone without paying full flagship prices, especially with its sleek, lightweight design.

While it boasts premium build quality, top-notch performance from the A19 Pro chipset, and Apple ecosystem niceties, the single rear camera limits flexibility when shooting at multiple focal lengths. Alongside that, the single speaker may not offer as immersive an audio experience as other flagships. If you're on board with such drawbacks, the iPhone Air remains a solid pick, especially at the discounted prices.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Moving on, while Apple may have discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro series, buyers looking for high-end flagships can still consider them in late 2026 since the iPhone 18 Pro series starts at Rs 1,49,900 and above. At an effective price under Rs 1,36,000 with an IDFC Bank credit card discount, the iPhone 17 Pro series is a worthy choice for professionals, creators, and power users who want a phone packed with high-end performance and cameras, plus the benefits of iOS and Apple's ecosystem.

While similarly priced Android phones offer larger camera sensors and bigger batteries, the iPhone 17 Pro series' video capabilities are right up there, delivering smooth frame rates with high clarity and stability. The Apple A19 Pro chipset should handle most intensive workloads for years to come, while the software side gives you at least five to six more major iOS updates.

Reliance Digital Diwali sale offers on MacBooks

MacBook Air M5 (13-inch)

Given that the MacBook Air M5 recently saw a price hike from Rs 1,19,900 to Rs 1,49,900, Reliance Digital's sale price of Rs 1,30,900 makes it easier for those willing to buy the laptop this festive season. To get it at the discounted price, you'll need to pay with an ICICI Bank, SBI Bank, or Axis Bank credit card.

As someone who has personally used the MacBook Air M5, I can say it offers excellent battery life for office tasks, a premium, portable build, and fast performance for most heavy tasks. The 16GB RAM helps things run smoothly even with multiple windows open, while the typing and trackpad experience is quiet, tactile, and premium.

MacBook Neo

As the entry point to Apple's laptop lineup, the MacBook Neo offers one of the best build qualities in a sub-Rs 1 lakh machine, thanks to its aluminium construction. Powered by the Apple A18 Pro, it should offer enough power for students, working professionals, and casual users who need to handle medium-level tasks, such as opening and editing documents and spreadsheets, browsing and researching online, and editing moderately intensive videos.

However, with only 8GB of RAM, running many tasks and windows on the MacBook Neo may slow things down; therefore, you'll need to be mindful of that. Just like the MacBook Air M5, you'll need an ICICI Bank, SBI Bank, or Axis Bank credit card to avail the MacBook Neo at the listed discounted price.

Since it's unclear how long these Reliance Digital offers will run, act fast before the sale ends.

• OnePlus Ace 7 and Ace 7 Pro will feature dedicated chips for touch response, network stability and display performance.
• The phones support up to 185Hz refresh rates in compatible games and pack 9,000mAh batteries.
• The series launches in China on October 29th.

[/highlights]

OnePlus has teased a new e-sports triple-chip setup for its upcoming Ace 7 series, adding dedicated hardware for touch response, network stability and display output. The announcement comes ahead of the phones' October 29th launch in China, as the company looks to improve gaming performance beyond what the main processor can deliver alone.

Specifications and features

The OnePlus Ace 7 series uses three dedicated chips: the T3 touch response chip, G3 e-sports network chip and P4 super display chip. The T3 supports a 520Hz multi-finger touch sampling rate and game-specific touch zones for more precise controls. OnePlus claims the G3 reduces cellular gaming stutters by 46 percent and latency by 17 percent, while improving Wi-Fi network detection by 37 percent. The P4 chip enables refresh rates of up to 185Hz in compatible games.

As revealed earlier, both phones feature a BOE-developed fourth-generation Oriental Screen, with a system-wide refresh rate of up to 165Hz. The Ace 7 Pro also gets a dual-path airflow system to manage heat during demanding gaming sessions. The standard model is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5V, while the Pro gets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

OnePlus has already confirmed 9,000mAh batteries, 100W charging and bypass charging, which supplies power directly to the phone's components during gaming to help limit battery heating. These are substantial upgrades over the Ace 6's 7,800mAh battery, although independent tests will be needed to establish whether the new chips improve sustained gaming performance.

The iQOO Neo 12, which is also launching in China around this time, makes for a close comparison. It has a 2K 185Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a dedicated Q3 gaming chip, an active cooling fan and a 9,000mAh battery. Both brands are targeting gamers with similar specifications, but OnePlus is highlighting its three-chip arrangement, while iQOO is pairing its gaming chip with active cooling.

The difference could matter during long gaming sessions, particularly if OnePlus' network chip delivers on its latency claims and the Pro's airflow system keeps temperatures in check. However, a higher refresh rate or an extra dedicated chip doesn't automatically translate into better gameplay. Sustained frame rates, touch response and thermal performance will be more useful measures.

Leaks suggest the Ace 7 Pro will also have a 200MP main camera and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. OnePlus has yet to confirm the full camera specifications.

Launch and availability

The OnePlus Ace 7 and Ace 7 Pro launch in China on October 29th. Pricing and availability outside China remain unannounced. The Ace series has previously formed the basis of OnePlus' R-series phones in India, with the Ace 6 launching as the OnePlus 15R, though a similar launch plan for the new series is not confirmed.

For gamers considering an upgrade, it's worth waiting for pricing and independent performance tests before choosing between the Ace 7 series and iQOO Neo 12. Both promise major batteries and fast screens, so their cooling performance and ability to maintain stable frame rates could prove more important than the specifications on paper.

• Vivo might release a 5G variant of the Y32 soon. 
• The 4G version was launched earlier this month.
• Vivo Y32 5G has appeared in the Google Play Console database.

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Vivo launched the Y32 4G earlier this month in select global markets, including Bangladesh and Nepal. Now, the brand might be preparing to launch the 5G version of the Y32 smartphone. With the 4G variant already available, Vivo would be offering buyers a 5G option for faster connectivity. 91mobiles has spotted the Vivo Y32 5G in the Google Play Console database. The listing reveals a few details about the Vivo Y32 5G, but more importantly, confirms the phone's imminent launch. The smartphone was also spotted in the IMEI database in early September. 

Vivo Y32 5G Google Play Console listing

The Vivo Y32 5G has been listed on the Google Play Console database with the model number V2639. The listing reveals the phone is running a Qualcomm SM4450 chipset, which is the internal model number for the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. This is a 4nm 5G chipset for the budget segment. The Google Play database also confirms 4GB RAM and an HD+ display (720 x 1592 pixels) for the Vivo Y32 5G. 

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The listing also shows the front design of the Vivo Y32 5G, confirming a flat panel with a punch-hole camera and thick bezels. The power button and volume keys are on the right side of the phone. 

Compared to the Vivo Y32 4G, the 5G variant gets a better processor, which was expected since it supports 5G connectivity. The display resolution remains the same, though. The Vivo Y32 4G stands out for its large 8,000mAh battery and 50MP main camera. So even though it only supports 4G, the handset still has impressive hardware. The Vivo Y32 5G is expected to offer similar specs or offer upgrades in certain areas. 

The Vivo Y32 5G hasn't been officially confirmed, so we don't yet know its complete specifications. Given the early leak, it's advisable to wait for official confirmation and full specs before making a decision. If you currently own a 4G phone and are looking for an affordable entry into 5G, this could be an option. But you should still compare the phone with alternatives that may offer a faster chipset or better display. 

• The Redmi K100 is a mid-range, gaming-focused smartphone.
• The handset boasts a tall 165Hz refresh rate OLED display for smoother graphics in high-end games.
• Other highlights include a 3D circulating cold pump system with over 12,000 mm2 of high-conductivity graphite.

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Xiaomi has launched the Redmi K100 in its home market of China. Interestingly, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm's 2024 flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, while offering several high-end features expected of a gaming phone in 2026. Key specs include a 165Hz OLED display, a massive 10,000mAh battery, 100W wired charging, a 3D circulating cold pump cooling system, and IP69K-rated durability.

Redmi K100 specifications

The Redmi K100 features a punch-hole display, flat edges, and a large rectangular camera module. It comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, offering protection against dust and water, including high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The handset runs Xiaomi's HyperOS 4, backed by Super XiaoAI 2.0 for faster app launches, multitasking and more. At its core lies a 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage.

While the handset should ensure quick data transfer speeds and app launch times, its performance may not be as fast as some of the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 or later smartphones. Nevertheless, the phone should be a reliable companion for most activities. To prevent it from throttling, the Redmi K100 uses a 3D circulating cold pump system with over 12,000 mm2 of high-conductivity graphite to improve heat dissipation during demanding workloads such as gaming.

Since the smartphone is built with gaming needs in mind, it also boasts a 6.83-inch flat OLED display with an FHD+ resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 480Hz touch reporting rate, and up to 3,500Hz touch sampling rate. The OEM claims that the high refresh rate is compatible with over 100 titles, ensuring smooth graphics and animations. Furthermore, the K100 comes with HDR10+ support, Dolby Vision, 12-bit colours, DCI-P3 coverage, and 3,500 nits peak brightness.

The Redmi smartphone backs up gaming sessions and heavy workloads with a large 10,000mAh battery, which is claimed to deliver more than 2 days of backup. The handset supports 100W wired fast charging to quickly top-up the device, 27W reverse wired charging, and bypass charging to reduce heat and battery wear during use.

In optics, the Redmi K100 sports a dual-rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP f/1.68 LightHunter 800 main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 20MP shooter for selfies and video calling. Other features include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an IR blaster.

Redmi K100 price in China

The Redmi K100 is priced in China at 3,499 yuan (~Rs 50,000) for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the 12GB + 512GB and 16GB RAM + 512GB options cost 4,099 yuan (~Rs 58,500) and 4,499 yuan (~Rs 64,000), respectively. The handset is up for pre-orders in the country, with sales starting from October 31st. The phone comes in three colourways: Black, Snow Rock White, and Firefly Green.

There is no word yet on whether or when the Redmi K100 will launch in India. In fact, Xiaomi's K-series is exclusive to the Chinese market. So, if you are looking for a gaming-focused smartphone in India, the iQOO 15R and OnePlus 15R could be worth considering. Both smartphones feature more powerful chipsets, while the OnePlus 15R also offers a 165Hz display and an IP69K rating. Although neither phone packs a 10,000mAh battery, both can comfortably last more than a day on a single charge.

• iPhone 18e is expected to debut in spring 2027.
• It will succeed the iPhone 17e.
• The handset is also rumoured to launch alongside the iPhone 18.

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Apple is expected to continue its 'affordable' iPhone lineup with the iPhone 18e, which would launch as the successor to the iPhone 17e. There have been several rumours around the iPhone 18e and its specifications. A new leak gives us a preview of what could be the spec sheet of the iPhone 18e. However, if this leak is believed to be true, then the upgrades might not be significant. 

iPhone 18 specifications (expected) 

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 18e is said to feature a 6.12-inch LTPS OLED display with a 60hz refresh rate. Although we don't have the complete details, it looks like the iPhone 18e will retain the same display as the iPhone 17e. Powering the iPhone 18e could be the 2nm A20 chip, which would be part of Apple's latest chipset lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are powered by the A20 Pro chip, so the A20 is expected to be a slightly toned-down version. This still ensures flagship performance for the iPhone 18e. 

The iPhone 18e is also tipped to get a single 48MP rear camera, same as the iPhone 17e. However, Apple may upgrade the front camera from 12MP to 24MP on the iPhone 18e. This should result in better selfie camera performance on the upcoming iPhone. The tipster adds that the iPhone 18e will continue to be released in 2027, which will most likely be around early springtime in February or March. 

Apple is also rumoured to increase the RAM capacity from 8GB to 9GB on the iPhone 18e to support more Apple Intelligence features. However, the iPhone 18e may not get all the latest Apple Intelligence features with iOS 27 as the minimum RAM requirement is still 12GB. 

Based on what has been revealed so far, the iPhone 18e might offer an upgraded chipset and selfie camera. Other than that, the changes seem incremental. So unless a new processor or selfie camera is paramount, upgrading to the iPhone 18e might not make sense. But if you are switching to a new iPhone, you can still consider the iPhone 18e. 

• The Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max are powered by the new Dimensity 9600 Pro, while the standard X500 gets the Dimensity 9600M chipset.
• The X500 Pro Max starts at EUR 1,599 and features a 200MP periscope telephoto camera.
• The X500 series is expected to launch in India by November-end, while an X500 Ultra has surfaced in an IMEI listing.

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Vivo has taken its X500 flagship series to global markets, with the Vivo X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max launching at an event in Canary Islands in Europe. The phones bring new MediaTek chips, larger batteries and upgraded camera hardware. The Pro Max leads the lineup with a 200MP periscope camera and advanced video recording features, while the Pro offers a smaller display and a different telephoto sensor. The global launch also marks a change in Vivo's naming strategy - unlike the X300 series, which had an Ultra but no Pro Max, the new lineup makes room for both tiers, with an X500 Ultra now also tipped to arrive later.

Price and availability

The Vivo X500 Pro costs EUR 1,399 (around Rs 1.48 lakh) for its 256GB variant. The X500 Pro Max starts at EUR 1,599 (around Rs 1.69 lakh) for 256GB, rises to EUR 1,799 (around Rs 1.9 lakh) for 512GB and reaches EUR 2,199 (around Rs 2.33 lakh) for 1TB. The top storage option is exclusive to Vivo's European online store, and like all versions, this option too comes with 12GB of RAM. Buyers seeking the 16GB RAM and 1TB configuration will have to import the Chinese variant.

Pre-order offers run until November 30th. The Pro Max comes with a free camera grip, while Pro buyers get Headphone Studio headphones. Vivo is also offering discounts on accessories and wearables.

The standard X500 hasn't launched in Europe, but has been unveiled in parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, where it starts at MYR 4,699 (around Rs 1.09 lakh) in its 12GB + 256GB trim and goes up to MYR 5,299 (around Rs 1.23 lakh) for the 12GB + 512GB version.

The X500 series is expected to reach India by the end of November, as has emerged in new reports.

Specifications and features

The X500 Pro and Pro Max use MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, while the standard X500 gets the Dimensity 9600M, which is said to be a rebranded Dimensity 9500. The Pro models feature 2K 144Hz LTPO AMOLED displays, measuring 6.36 inches and 6.85 inches, respectively. The standard model has a 6.59-inch 144Hz AMOLED display. Battery capacities range from 6,510mAh on the Pro to 7,500mAh on the standard model and 8,000mAh on the Pro Max in China. All three support 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, though capacities can vary by region.

The Pro Max pairs a 50MP main camera with a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, while the Pro uses a 64MP telephoto camera. Both have 50MP ultrawide cameras and support an optional 400mm-equivalent Zeiss telephoto extender. They also offer 4K slow-motion recording at up to 240fps, while the Pro Max adds 8K recording at 30fps.

The X300 Pro already offered a 200MP telephoto camera, so the Pro Max's higher megapixel count alone may not justify an upgrade. Its larger sensor, stabilisation and video capabilities will matter more to photography enthusiasts, while existing X300 Pro owners should wait for real-world comparisons before spending more.

The new Pro Max tier is also notable because Vivo previously offered the X300 Ultra, but no X300 Pro Max. An X500 Ultra has now appeared in an IMEI database, hinting at a possible wider release, although Vivo hasn't confirmed its launch date or specifications. If both models arrive, Vivo could offer buyers more specialised camera flagships, but their actual differences will determine whether the expanded lineup makes choosing a phone easier or more confusing.

• The Vivo X500 series could get a new model.
• It's tipped to be the Vivo X500s.
• Vivo hasn't officially confirmed the device yet.

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Vivo X500 series just went global with three phones: the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The flagship lineup is also tipped to launch in India by the end of November. While that's expected, a new leak reveals what could be another phone to join the Vivo X500 series. The smartphone in question is the Vivo X500s, which would launch as the successor to the Vivo X300s. 

Vivo X500s launch tipped

Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station has leaked details about a new 's' series smartphone, which is speculated to be the Vivo X500s. The leak talks about this new smartphone in testing, with a large 6.85-inch display, 2K+ resolution, and a 144Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is also said to be designed with a large-screen all-rounder approach. DCS hasn't revealed the name of the phone, but the comments suggest it's the Vivo X500s. 

If it is indeed the Vivo X500s, then it would launch as the successor to the X300s, which debuted earlier this year in March. It would also be the fourth phone to join the flagship X500 lineup. If we consider this leak, then the Vivo X500s would be an upgrade over the X300s with a bigger display and higher resolution. The X300s has a 6.78-inch 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Vivo would also be offering 2K displays with its entire flagship lineup if the X500s does launch with these specs. 

The Vivo X500s would also sit closer to the X500 Pro Max in terms of the display specs. This would be a way for Vivo to offer the same display as the more premium X500 Pro Max with the X500s, but at a more accessible price. 

Since it's all speculation now, it's better to wait for more concrete information. The Vivo X500s will most likely launch next year, with the X500 Ultra if it follows the same timeline as the X300s and X300 Ultra. So you can consider waiting for the Vivo X500s if you want a phone with a large display and high resolution but without the ultra-premium price tag.