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

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

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

Performance

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

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

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

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

Design and display

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cameras

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

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

[smartslider3 slider=2062]

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

Battery and charging

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

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41748,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

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

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

Software

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

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

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

Which one should you buy?

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

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

iPhone 18 Pro Max major hardware changes

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

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

Why variable aperture matters

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

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

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

How to create or reserve your username

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

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

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

Format rules and restrictions

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

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

Enhanced privacy settings

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

ASUS Pad T3201: specifications, features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you buy the ASUS Pad T3201?

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

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

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

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

Key highlights and features

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

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

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

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

POCO X8 series lineup

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Here's when the Lava Virat series is debuting

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

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

Lava Virat V1 5G and Virat V1 specifications revealed

Lava Virat V1 5G

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

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

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

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

Lava Virat V1

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Tecno Camon 50 Ultra: price in India

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

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

Tecno Camon 50 Ultra: specifications, features

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

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

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

The BIG day is here 😁

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

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

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

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

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

Should you buy it?

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

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

[highlights]

• Samsung has launched the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 Wi-Fi speakers in India, with prices starting at Rs 27,900.
• The flagship Music Studio 7 features a 3.1.1-channel speaker system with top-firing drivers.
• The new speakers integrate with Samsung TVs, soundbars and the SmartThings app, and are available via the Samsung website.

[/highlights]

Samsung has expanded its premium home audio portfolio in India with the launch of the Music Studio Series. The new lineup includes the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7 Wi-Fi speakers, both designed to work as standalone speakers or as part of Samsung's wider audio ecosystem with compatible TVs and soundbars.

The new speakers focus on wireless connectivity, immersive audio and smart home integration, placing them in the same premium Wi-Fi speaker category as offerings from brands such as Sonos, Bose and Marshall. Unlike portable Bluetooth speakers, Samsung is positioning the Music Studio range as a home audio solution that can also integrate with its televisions for a more immersive entertainment experience.

Lineup

The Music Studio Series comprises two models: the Music Studio 5 (LS50H) and the flagship Music Studio 7 (LS70H). Both feature a new "dot" design created by French designer Erwan Bouroullec, inspired by universal symbols used in music and art. The Music Studio 7 is the more premium model, featuring a 3.1.1-channel speaker setup with left, centre, right and top-firing drivers for spatial audio. It can be used on its own or paired with compatible Samsung speakers and TVs to create a larger surround sound setup.

The smaller Music Studio 5 is designed for users looking for a compact speaker that blends into home interiors. It features a woofer paired with dual tweeters and is tuned by Samsung Audio Lab for balanced sound.

Core technology and features

Both speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with music streaming services and voice control. Samsung has also included AI Dynamic Bass Control, which is designed to improve low-frequency performance while reducing distortion.

A key highlight is enhanced Q-Symphony support, which lets users pair up to five compatible Samsung audio devices with a Samsung TV. The system intelligently distributes audio channels across connected speakers to create a more immersive listening experience instead of relying on a single sound source. The speakers also integrate with Samsung's SmartThings platform, allowing users to control playback, adjust settings and manage multiple speakers from a single app.

The launch strengthens Samsung's connected home ecosystem, giving existing Samsung TV owners another option beyond traditional soundbars. Buyers already invested in Samsung products are likely to benefit the most from features such as Q-Symphony and SmartThings.

Pricing and India availability

The Samsung Music Studio Series is available through Samsung's online store, major e-commerce platforms and leading offline retailers. The lineup starts at Rs 27,900, although Samsung has not yet announced individual pricing for the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7.

The Music Studio Series is best suited to those already using Samsung TVs or planning to build a Samsung smart home setup. The speakers' biggest advantage lies in their ecosystem integration, while buyers simply looking for a standalone Wi-Fi speaker may also want to compare alternatives.

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Airtel's Unlimited 5G and the hotspot question

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

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

We already saw reports that Airtel doesn't allow Unlimited 5G data sharing via mobile hotspot.

Now, it is officially mentioned on Airtel's website that mobile hotspot is not allowed on its Unlimited 5G mobile data plan.
The 300GB monthly data cap has also been there since the… pic.twitter.com/j7Y5dm6h2L

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) July 16, 2026

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

What about other telecom brands?

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

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

[highlights]

• The sale runs until August 27th.
• MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Pro see the biggest discounts.
• Customers eligible for the student discount will need to verify their ID before checking out.

[/highlights]

With schools and universities reopening after summer vacations in most regions in India, Apple has brought back its traditional 'Back to School' sale for this year. Using valid student IDs and additional bank offers, buyers can purchase Apple products at discounted rates, while also gaining freebies, such as AirPods, AirTags, and Apple Pencil with MacBooks and iPads. Since Apple has recently hiked the prices of its entire portfolio except iPhones, this sale could be worth checking out for those who've been longing to get an Apple product.

Apple Back to School 2026: sale date, product discounts, eligibility

Before getting into the products on offer, it's worth noting that the sale has been live since July 16th and will go on until August 27th. All the purchases can be made from Apple's official online store.

As for eligibility, the offer is open to verified college students, their parents, and teachers. To avail the products at educational pricing, customers will have to run their ID through Unidays for verification by logging in with their Apple ID. Alternatively, this can also be done physically by visiting Apple's retail stores.

MacBooks

Here's a quick look at the offers on the latest MacBooks during the Back to School sale:

With every MacBook purchase, buyers can avail AirPods 4 or an Apple AirTag pack of four for free. Additionally, the AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 3 will be available with discounts of up to Rs 1,29,000 during checkout.

Given that the MacBook Air M5 recently saw a price hike from Rs 1,19,900 to Rs 1,49,900, the Back to School pricing of Rs 1,37,900 eases things up for those who were willing to purchase the laptop before the price revision. As someone who has personally experienced the MacBook Air M5, the laptop offers excellent battery endurance for office tasks, premium and portable build, and swift performance to take on most heavy tasks.

Alternatively, the MacBook Neo also stands as a great pick for those with casual to medium workflows, while the MacBook Pro series is well-suited for content creators, designers, artists, and heavy multitaskers needing the absolute best performance.

iPads

Free Apple Pencil Pro - When buying either of the iPads, you'll get an Apple Pencil Pro for free upon checking out from the Apple Store. Apart from that, a pack of four AirTags, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Pro 3 can be bought at up to a Rs 10,900 discount.

Other offers

As part of the sale, Apple Watches, iMac, and Mac Studio are also available at discounted prices for eligible students, parents, and teachers. The free AirPods 4, Apple Pencil Pro, and AirPods Pro 3 can also be engraved for free in retail and online stores.

Getting a MacBook during the sale could be well worth it if your current laptop is acting up, doesn't offer enough battery backup, or is showing signs of slowdowns. On the other hand, an iPad Air or iPad Pro will offer smooth performance and great multitasking potential for everyday use, especially for those seeking a portable entertainment device. The free AirPods and Apple Pencil Pro further sweeten the deal.

[highlights]

• A new leak claims OPPO is working on an A-series phone with a 10,000mAh battery.
• OnePlus is also testing a possible sub-flagship with a battery exceeding 10,000mAh.
• iQOO and Xiaomi are also tipped to be developing similar devices.

[/highlights]

The race for bigger smartphone batteries isn't slowing down anytime soon. After OnePlus introduced its largest-ever battery on the Nord 6 and OPPO followed with 7,000mAh cells in the mid-range, a new leak suggests both brands are already preparing phones with even bigger batteries.

According to a leak in China, OPPO and OnePlus are working on smartphones with 10,000mAh or larger batteries. While neither company has confirmed these plans, the leak comes at a time when brands are racing to come up with the biggest battery phone as they cut down on other hardware due to rising memory costs.

Upcoming and leaked 10,000mAh smartphones

Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station claims OPPO is developing a new smartphone for its mid-range with a 10,000mAh single-cell battery. OnePlus, meanwhile, is said to be working on a new mid-range model that could launch next year with a battery exceeding 10,000mAh. DCS says that phone could come with the SM8845 Pro chip, which is expected to be the unannounced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Pro. This makes us believe it could be the successor to the OnePlus 15R or maybe even an upgraded Nord phone. As always, these details are based on early information, so it's best to treat them as rumours until OPPO or OnePlus make an official announcement.

If the leak turns out to be accurate, both phones would set new battery records for their respective brands. OPPO's current champion is the Find X9 Pro, which packs a 7,500mAh battery. OnePlus holds its own record with the Nord 6 (Indian model), which launched earlier this year with a 9,000mAh battery and the same 80W charging support.

Confirmed and recently launched 10,000mAh phones

While Oppo and OnePlus are still reportedly working towards the milestone, a few brands have already crossed it. Honor became the first mainstream smartphone maker to launch phones with 10,000mAh batteries in late 2025 with the Honor WIN series. Realme soon followed by bringing the technology to India with the P4 Power and Narzo Power, both equipped with 10,001mAh batteries.

Several more brands are expected to join the club. Leaks suggest iQOO is testing batteries ranging from 8,500mAh to 10,000mAh for the upcoming iQOO 16, Neo 12 and Z12 Turbo. Xiaomi is also rumoured to be equipping the Redmi Turbo 6 series with a 10,000mAh battery, while Honor and Vivo are reportedly pushing things even further with phones that could feature a 12,000mAh cell.

There's a plausible explanation for this. Smartphone brands are facing higher memory prices, which have made it more expensive to build devices. To keep prices competitive, many manufacturers have started trimming costs in other areas by using less powerful chipsets, reducing the number of rear cameras or bringing LCD displays back to some segments.

Battery technology, however, is moving in the opposite direction. Silicon-carbon batteries can store much more power without making phones dramatically thicker, and the technology is gradually becoming cheaper to produce. That has made larger batteries one of the few hardware upgrades that brands can continue to offer across price segments.

[highlights]

• OpenAI seems to be developing its first hardware device, and it is said to be a screen-free smart speaker built for the home.
• The device may sync with ChatGPT, learn about its owner over time, and include mechanical elements that make it feel like a companion.

[/highlights]

OpenAI is reportedly preparing its first hardware launch, and it sounds more like an AI companion than a traditional smart speaker. The screen-free product is said to be designed for the home, with ChatGPT integration and a more personal, proactive approach to helping users.

The device is reportedly being built to learn about its owner over time, respond in a more humanlike way, and even include moving mechanical elements that make it feel more like a physical presence than a simple voice assistant. Let's take a more detailed look at it below.

OpenAI's new smart speaker

According to a Bloomberg report, OpenAI is working on a screen-free hardware device that would sit in the home and behave more like a living AI companion than a conventional smart speaker. The product is still under development, but the broad idea is to give users a device that can sync with ChatGPT, stay aware of their needs over time, and offer help in a more natural, ongoing way instead of waiting for one-off voice commands.

The device will still do the basics you would expect from a smart speaker, including controlling smart home devices, playing media, answering questions, and handling messages. What makes this device different is the way OpenAI seems to be thinking about the experience itself. According to the report, the company wants it to feel more humanlike and more personal, with access to a user's digital life, including things like emails, so it can become more useful the longer it is used.

Bloomberg also says the device may include mechanical elements that move on their own, which could help it feel less like a static gadget and more like a physical presence in the home.

Instead of focusing mainly on music playback, timers, or quick assistant-style answers, OpenAI appears to be aiming for something that is closer to an AI companion with a personality and memory. In that sense, the company seems to be positioning the product as a new category altogether, one that blends home hardware, conversational AI, and a more hands-on version of ChatGPT.

OpenAI's hardware ambition

The timing makes the project interesting because OpenAI is entering the hardware space while facing a lawsuit from Apple over alleged trade-secret theft. OpenAI claims the device is unlike anything Apple currently offers and believes it is unlikely to violate Apple's trade secrets. 

AI companies have been trying to move beyond the software for a while, and OpenAI's reported hardware push fits into that trend. Google and Amazon have already spent years building voice-first home devices, while a wave of startups is exploring AI companions that live in wearables, pins, and other always-present form factors. The idea here is pretty clear: the next stage of AI may not be another app or chatbot, but a product that sits in your home or on your body and learns how you live.

[highlights]

• iQOO has confirmed the Z11 Lite will launch in India on July 24th under Rs 20,000.
• The smartphone packs a 6,500mAh battery, 44W FlashCharge, 1200 nits display, and AI features.
• It will join the iQOO Z11x in the lineup.

[/highlights]

iQOO is on its way to expand its Z11 series in India with the launch of the iQOO Z11 Lite on July 24th. The company has been teasing the device over the past few days through an Amazon microsite, revealing its processor, battery, AI features and colour options ahead of the launch. Now, we know the most important part of the puzzle - the price range. iQOO has confirmed the iQOO Z11 Lite will launch at an "expected price of under Rs 20,000." We're not sure if this is the net effective price or the actual selling price, but this may bring some respite to customers shopping in now what has become the "budget segment."

iQOO Z11 Lite key specifications and highlights

The iQOO Z11 Lite is confirmed to feature a 6,500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge support and five-year battery health. It also gets a display with up to 1,200 nits brightness, which iQOO claims is the brightest in its segment for outdoor visibility. Other confirmed features include the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which has become the go-to for brands launching cheaper phones. The iQOO Z11 Lite will run OriginOS 6 and is promised to receive four years of security updates. Interestingly, the company hasn't announced the number of OS upgrades the phone will get.

iQOO is also highlighting a suite of AI tools, including AI Creation for summarising documents, rewriting text, translating content and brainstorming ideas, alongside AI Captions for live transcription, translation and one-tap summaries during lectures and meetings. Other confirmed features include Military-Grade Durability, SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance, Dynamic Light for calls and notifications, and two colour options: Solar Flame and Midnight Blue. The smartphone will be manufactured at Vivo's Greater Noida facility.

Expected price and variants

While iQOO hasn't announced RAM, storage options or the exact price yet, it has confirmed the Z11 Lite will be priced under Rs 20,000. That segment has become rather interesting in India. While there's no denying that it's feature-rich with brands offering large batteries, smooth displays and durable designs, the value proposition for buyers has changed tremendously due to the ongoing memory components' price rise. Features that were once being marketed in the sub-Rs 10,000 or Rs 15,000 segment, have been pushed to the sub-Rs 25,000 price change. The Z11 Lite's own sibling, the iQOO Z11x, launched at Rs 18,999 in India, but now is being sold at Rs 22,999.

In the sub-Rs 20,000 range, the Vivo T5 Lite 5G matches the Z11 Lite with a 6,500mAh battery, 44W charging, 1,200-nit display and military-grade durability. The OPPO K14x 5G also packs a 6,500mAh battery with 45W charging, while the POCO M8 5G differentiates itself with a faster Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, a 120Hz curved AMOLED display that peaks at 3,200 nits, and IP66 protection.

The iQOO Z11 Lite isn't introducing features that buyers haven't already seen in this segment, per se. Instead, iQOO appears to be combining several of them into a single package while adding AI tools aimed at students and everyday users. Whether that strategy pays off will largely depend on pricing. If iQOO can launch the phone closer to the lower end of the sub-Rs 20,000 bracket, it could emerge as a well-rounded alternative. However, buyers who prioritise performance and display may still find rivals like the POCO M8 5G more appealing.

[highlights]

• The CMF Clip Pro has appeared on Singapore's IMDA certification database, hinting at an upcoming launch.
• While the listing confirms the product name and Bluetooth connectivity, it does not reveal specifications or design details.
• The "Clip Pro" branding suggests CMF could be entering the clip-style earbuds category for the first time.

[/highlights]

CMF was rather explicit in its plans of not launching a phone this year as they didn't want to put out a half-hearted product, but co-founder Akis Evangelidis did promise that the brand was entering new categories. Here's first proof of that. A new product called the CMF Clip Pro has surfaced on Singapore's IMDA certification platform, suggesting the earbuds could make their debut in the coming weeks or months.

While the certification itself is light on details, the product name has fuelled speculation that CMF may be preparing its first pair of clip-style wireless earbuds. After refreshing the CMF Buds lineup earlier this year, the company now seems to be exploring a new form factor at a time when open-ear and clip-on earbuds are gaining traction across the industry.

CMF Clip Pro certification details

According to a report by The Tech Outlook, the upcoming audio product carries the model number B189 and has been listed on Singapore's IMDA certification database as wireless Bluetooth earphones. The listing confirms the CMF Clip Pro branding but stops short of revealing any hardware specifications, launch timeline or pricing.

The "Clip Pro" name has led to speculation that the earbuds could feature a clip-style design, although the certification does not include images or technical details to support this. If accurate, the CMF Clip Pro would become the first clip-on audio product under the company's budget-focused sub-brand.

The certification follows earlier appearances of other upcoming Nothing ecosystem products. The CMF Buds Neo have also been spotted on Indonesia's SDPPI certification and India's BIS database. Such listings typically indicate that a product is moving closer to release, though they do not guarantee an immediate announcement.

CMF most recently updated its audio portfolio with the CMF Buds 2a, CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus, offering features such as up to 50dB active noise cancellation, dual-device connectivity via the Nothing X app and claimed battery life of up to 61.5 hours with the charging case.

The move towards clip-style earbuds would also reflect a broader industry trend. Brands including Realme, Bose and JBL have introduced open-ear alternatives aimed at users who want greater environmental awareness and a more comfortable fit for long listening sessions or workouts. Rather than competing directly with traditional in-ear earbuds on noise isolation, these products prioritise comfort and situational awareness.

It's also no surprise to see brands doubling down on audio products. With smartphone prices steadily rising and competition getting tougher, it's becoming harder to launch a phone that truly stands out without increasing the price. Accessories like earbuds are a relatively easier way to expand a product lineup and keep users invested in the brand's ecosystem. If the CMF Clip Pro turns out to be clip-style earbuds, it would show that Nothing is looking beyond traditional TWS products as it continues to grow its affordable ecosystem.

• Maple is a premium pre-owned store partner of Apple.
• iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro will receive years of iOS updates.
• The deals will be available from July 16th to July 26th.

[/highlights]

The iPhone 17e, priced at Rs 64,900, is the current accessible entry point for Android users switching to Apple iPhones, while the well-acclaimed iPhone 17 starts at Rs 82,900. If you've been longing to get an iPhone but don't wish to spend a huge sum, resorting to older models or pre-owned and refurbished units is one of the ways to experience iOS. As part of its first anniversary of its e-commerce platform, Maple is offering pre-owned iPhone 15, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max at discounted rates, along with other offers.

Pre-owned iPhone deals on Maple

Firstly, what is Maple and how reliable is it? Maple is a premium pre-owned store partner of Apple, which sells certified pre-owned iPhones, iPads and MacBooks to customers after rigorous quality checks and also offers a warranty with every product sold. Think of it as Cashify, but for Apple products.

Now, coming to the deals on offer, Maple is running its anniversary sale from July 16th to July 26th, where the following iPhones will be on offer:

• iPhone 15 - Rs 40,999
• iPhone 16 Pro - Rs 76,999
• iPhone 16 Pro Max - Rs 92,999

On top of this, customers will be able to avail an additional 10 percent cashback on select credit cards to further sweeten the deal. These iPhones will be up for grabs on Maple's online store, as well as Vi retail stores in Delhi and Mumbai.

Should you buy the iPhones on offer from Maple?

A brand new iPhone 15 is currently available for around Rs 59,999 on Flipkart and official Apple premium resellers like Imagine, while Maple is offering refurbished units for Rs 40,999. Considering a Rs 19,000 price difference, the iPhone 15 is worth considering for users seeking a device with excellent video recording capabilities or who are willing to get into the iOS ecosystem. Some of its core flaws remain, such as a 60Hz refresh rate-only display, while the battery may not provide great endurance for users with heavy workloads.

Moving to the iPhone 16 Pro series, even in mid-2026, the iPhone 16 Pro should deliver excellent performance thanks to the A18 Pro chip, great camera capabilities with the addition of a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and years of software updates, including the upcoming iOS 27, which brings a host of performance and AI upgrades.

At Rs 76,999, the iPhone 16 Pro may not offer as high battery endurance as the newer Android flagships, such as the Vivo X300 FE and OnePlus 15, while the charging speeds may also be on the lower side. On the other hand, if you value high-quality video recordings, excellent social media apps compatibility, and the Apple ecosystem, it could be worth considering.

Purchasing pre-owned from Maple comes with a promise of 1-year warranty assurance on phones and 6 months on other devices, so hopefully you should be covered if anything goes wrong.

[highlights]

• OnePlus has confirmed that OxygenOS will be phased out in favour of OPPO's ColorOS
• Realme has confirmed the same for Realme UI
• Both brands say hardware, design, and update commitments will stay unchanged

[/highlights]

OnePlus and Realme have confirmed what had been rumoured for weeks: OxygenOS and Realme UI are being phased out, with both brands moving to OPPO's ColorOS going forward as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. The announcement comes just hours after a Bloomberg report on OnePlus' plans to exit the US, Europe, and eventually India.

OnePlus and Realme confirm the switch to ColorOS

OnePlus described the move to ColorOS as an "operational adjustment" aimed at improving process efficiency and customer experience. For those unaware, OxygenOS and ColorOS have been sharing the same unified Android codebase for some time, even as OnePlus and OPPO's teams continued building distinct experiences on top of it.

Going forward, OnePlus said bringing this under a single OS lets the company consolidate resources and talent across the group, rather than maintaining separate software efforts for what is largely shared infrastructure underneath. 

OnePlus was careful to frame this as a name and visual identity change rather than a shift in philosophy. The company said the fast, smooth, and intuitive experience OxygenOS built its reputation on remains the core promise, and that meaningful software updates and its user-centric approach continue unchanged.

On its product portfolio, OnePlus noted its lineup now starts at Rs 18,000 and above, and said hardware differentiators such as performance, fast charging, and design language stay intact through the transition. The "OnePlus experience," as the company put it, is preserved despite the OS unification underneath.

In a separate announcement, Realme confirmed it's making an identical move, phasing out Realme UI in favour of ColorOS. The framing from Realme's side mirrored OnePlus's: shared underlying code, a push toward consolidating engineering resources across OPPO's brands, and an insistence that this is a software unification rather than a dilution of what Realme UI stood for. Realme's own update commitments and hardware identity are expected to carry over unchanged as well.

When will OnePlus and Realme phones get ColorOS?

A OnePlus India executive in a blog post on Thursday said that users of eligible OnePlus devices will soon have the option to update to the latest ColorOS 17. "Following the official release of ColorOS 17, users globally with existing OnePlus devices that fall within the eligible upgrade scope will have the option to voluntarily update to the latest ColorOS. This enables us to streamline software development, accelerate update delivery, improve software quality, and make better use of our shared engineering and R&D capabilities, ultimately delivering a more stable, reliable, and future-ready software experience for our users."

[box-highlights] Users globally with existing OnePlus devices that fall within the eligible upgrade scope will have the option to voluntarily update to the latest ColorOS. [/box-highlights]

Roadmap details, including timelines for existing devices to transition to ColorOS, are expected to be shared once finalised. 

Across both announcements, OnePlus and Realme stressed the same reassurances: existing devices, along with those launching later this year, will continue to receive the same software and security update commitments as before. 

While the companies insist on continuity, the shift undoubtedly marks a significant symbolic departure for long-time users. OxygenOS was known to offer a fast, smooth, bloat-free user experience. While ColorOS is similar in many ways, it will be interesting to see if some of the deeper visual and usability aspects of OxygenOS carry over to OPPO's software.

All part of OPPO's restructuring effort

The confirmation lands on a busy day. A few hours ago, Bloomberg reported that OnePlus is exiting the US and Europe this week, with an India exit expected sometime in 2027. Realme, per the same report, is said to be exiting China and shifting focus to the Nordic markets instead.

Taken together, the ColorOS and Realme UI confirmations and the reported market exits point to the same underlying story: OPPO is restructuring how it runs its OnePlus and Realme brands, consolidating software and resources, and in some markets, retail presence, under one roof. For now, both brands say their India business continues as usual, and existing users won't see any changes to update support as a result of the ColorOS shift.

In related news, OnePlus has started teasing the launch of the OnePlus N6x, expected to be a more affordable version of the OnePlus N6 with a possible sub-Rs 20,000 price tag. Realme is also set to launch the C100x 4G smartphone in India later today, i.e. July 16. So the brands are very much active and going ahead with product launches in the country this year.

[highlights]

• A leak suggests the Redmi Note 17 will launch in India on August 6th, with the Indian model expected to differ from its Chinese counterpart.
• The Chinese variant features a 7-inch 120Hz OLED display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset.
• The Redmi Note 17 China variant could launch as the POCO M8 Power in India.

[/highlights]

Even though Xiaomi has remained tight-lipped about the India launch of the Redmi Note 17, it could make its India debut pretty soon. According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, Xiaomi will launch the smartphone in the country on August 6th, succeeding the Redmi Note 15 5G that launched in January this year. Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China earlier this week, but the tipster suggests the Indian variant of the standard model could differ from the Chinese one. Meanwhile, there is no word on the India launch of the Redmi Note 17 Pro.

Expected Redmi Note 17 variants in India

The same tipster earlier claimed the Redmi Note 17 will launch in India with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is expected to be the base variant. It's also tipped to be available in Blue and Dark Night colour options, with more storage configurations likely to follow. In China, the Redmi Note 17 is sold in three variants:

• 6GB + 128GB: CNY 1,299 (around Rs 18,500)
• 8GB + 128GB: CNY 1,399 (around Rs 19,900)
• 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,599 (around Rs 22,700)

Key specifications

As of now, all we know about the Redmi Note 17 Indian variant is that it could have different specs compared to the China model, though there's no official confirmation of the same. Past reports have suggested the Chinese Redmi Note 17 could launch in India as the POCO M8 Power. References to the device have reportedly surfaced in HyperOS firmware, aligning with Xiaomi's long-standing strategy of introducing the same hardware under Redmi and POCO branding in different markets.

The Chinese Redmi Note 17 packs a standout 7-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor and runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. Other highlights include:

• 8,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging
• 50MP rear camera
• In-display fingerprint scanner

Compared to the Redmi Note 15 5G, the Note 17 appears to prioritise battery capacity and display size over camera upgrades. The Indian Note 15 offers a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, a 108MP main camera, curved AMOLED display and IP65/IP66 protection, so Xiaomi's final pricing will determine how the two generations are positioned. Notably, Xiaomi bumped up the starting price of the Redmi Note 17 in China, compared to that of the Redmi Note 15, while downgrading the camera and the processor. The Chinese Note 15 had two 50MP cameras on the rear.

While the ongoing memory crisis is forcing brands to cut corners with camera and chipset hardware, batteries are becoming an increasingly common talking point across Chinese brands to compensate. For buyers, that could be the Redmi Note 17's biggest draw, provided Xiaomi keeps the price competitive. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is an entry-level chipset, so those looking for stronger gaming performance or more processing headroom may want to compare it with similarly priced alternatives from Motorola and iQOO before making a decision.

[highlights]

• Realme C100x launches in India as a 4G-only smartphone focused on battery life and durability. 
• It packs an 8,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC charging, along with expandable storage.
• The phone is priced at Rs 14,999 for the single 4GB+64GB configuration. 

[/highlights]

Realme has launched the C100x in India as a new 4G smartphone focused on battery life, durability, and everyday multimedia use. It is aimed at budget-conscious buyers who want a large display, long endurance, and a practical feature set rather than 5G or performance-heavy hardware.

Realme C100x: price in India

The Realme C100x comes in a single configuration with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, priced at Rs 14,999. You also avail a special Rs 500 off discount, No-cost EMI options and an exchange bonus of Rs 500. The device is available in Deepblue Tides and Golden Coast colourways. 

Realme C100x: specifications, features

The Realme C100x comes with a 6.80-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 240Hz touch sampling. The panel also offers 700 nits of typical brightness and 900 nits of HBM brightness. While it is not the sharpest display around, it should still be easy enough to use for content consumption and gaming at this price.

It runs on the Unisoc T7250 chipset with an octa-core CPU and Arm Mali-G57 GPU. The phone supports 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, with LPDDR4X memory and eMMC 5.1 storage, plus support for microSD expansion and USB OTG. The good part is that the phone supports expandable storage, which helps a lot when the base 64GB starts feeling small. On the software side, it ships with Realme UI 7 based on Android 16.

For optics, Realme is pairing the phone with a 50-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. This is not a phone built for heavy camera use, but it should handle casual photos, video calls, and social media posts without much trouble.

One of the biggest highlights is the 8,000mAh battery with support for 45W SUPERVOOC charging, with the charger included in the box. Realme also says the phone is compatible with several charging standards, including 45W PPS and 15W VOOC and PD. The phone is clearly built for people who care more about battery life and everyday comfort than raw power.

The company is also offering military-grade durability and an IP64 rating, which should help the phone appeal to buyers looking for a more rugged everyday device. Security options include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition.

The Realme C100x is a 4G-only device, with no 5G support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Realme C100x: should you buy it?

The Realme C100x makes the most sense for buyers who want a phone that lasts long, feels smooth in day-to-day use, and does not ask much in return. Its 8,000mAh battery is the big advantage here, and the 120Hz display, expandable storage, headphone jack, charger in the box, and durable build all add to the appeal. If your main priorities are battery life, basic reliability, and comfortable everyday use, this phone covers those well.

The catch is that it is still a 4G phone with an HD+ display and a 4GB + 64GB base setup, which makes it feel a step behind some phones in this price zone. Some rivals at this price, like the Redmi A7 Pro or the Lava Bold N2, offer 5G support, more storage, and sharper displays, so the C100x only really works if you are okay giving up network future-proofing in exchange for a bigger battery and other extras. For heavy users, gamers, or anyone wanting a more well-rounded phone, there are stronger options in the same price range.

[highlights]

• Google has released the first official teaser for the Pixel 11 series, confirming the Pixel Glow notification light and the August 12th launch event.
• Pixel Glow integrates a multi-coloured notification light into the rear camera bar, replacing the single-colour flash appearance for alerts.
• Google says Pixel 11 pre-orders will begin immediately after the August 12th event.

[/highlights]

The Pixel 11 series has been the subject of many leaks since a few weeks now, with virtually everything from the design to the colours and even the new Pixel Glow light being out in the open. Now, Google has officially kicked off the Pixel 11 launch cycle with its first teaser, confirming both the name of its next-generation flagship lineup and the new hardware feature called Pixel Glow. The teaser officially confirms that the Pixel 11 series will be unveiled at the company's Made by Google event on August 12th, with pre-orders opening immediately after the keynote.

The teaser, on the Google Store, prominently showcases what appears to be the Pixel 11 Pro in a gold finish while offering the first official glimpse of Pixel Glow.

What is Pixel Glow?

Pixel Glow is Google's take on a notification light, a concept originally popularised by Nothing in recent years. Instead of adding an external LED strip, the company has integrated a circular light into the rear camera bar, occupying the area typically used by the camera flash. The teaser shows the light cycling through multiple colours, confirming earlier reports that it will act as a visual indicator for notifications and other alerts.

Previous leaks suggested Pixel Glow is designed to help users "stay in the moment without losing touch" by displaying subtle colours and lighting effects on the back of the phone when it is placed face down. The teaser appears to support that description, although Google has yet to explain all of its capabilities.

The launch event is also expected to add updates to Gemini, with Google confirming that it will announce new AI-powered software experiences alongside its latest hardware.

Launch and availability

Google's Made by Google event will begin on August 12th at 6 pm ET (3.30 am IST, Aug 13th). The company has confirmed that Pixel 11 pre-orders will open immediately after the presentation.

Ahead of the launch, Google is offering a promotional code to eligible US customers who sign up for Google Store marketing emails before August 7th. In India, instead of a discount code, the company is offering a bundle deal on Pixel Buds or a Pixel Watch. Users need to have a local Indian shipping address and are over 18 years of age.

Leaks suggest the Pixel 11 will leap ahead of the Pixel 10 series with a 2nm Tensor G6 chip, allowing Gemini AI and its signature camera features to challenge Apple and Samsung's latest flagships. Pixel Glow is an interesting addition, but by itself it's unlikely to be a reason to upgrade. Buyers already considering a Pixel for its cameras, clean Android experience and Gemini-powered AI may see it as a thoughtful quality-of-life feature, especially if they frequently keep their phone face down. However, its usefulness will ultimately depend on how much control Google offers over notifications and whether developers can integrate with it. With Samsung, Apple and other Android brands expected to launch or refresh their flagships in the coming months, it makes sense to wait for Google's full announcement before making a purchase decision. Pricing, AI exclusives and overall hardware upgrades will matter far more than a colourful notification light, no matter how distinctive it looks.

[highlights]

• The Vivo T5 Lite 44W price in India starts at Rs 19,999.
• It's a battery-focused smartphone which should also deliver reliable everyday performance.
• Key specs include a mid-range Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 50MP main camera, and an HD+ display.

[/highlights]

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W is the company's latest budget smartphone, succeeding last year's Vivo T4 Lite. While it doesn't bring a major overhaul, it does introduce two notable upgrades: faster 44W charging, up from 15W on its predecessor, and a larger 6,500mAh battery. Beyond these changes, the rest of the hardware remains largely unchanged, including the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a 6.75-inch display, and a 50MP primary rear camera. On paper, it seems to be a decent buy for everyday usage, but not the most power-packed offering in the segment.

Vivo T5 Lite 44W price in India, availability

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W is priced in India starting at Rs 19,999 for the base 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. It is also available in 6GB + 128GB and 6GB + 256GB configurations, priced at Rs 21,999 and Rs 24,999, respectively. This makes it compete against rivals such as Realme P4R and Infinix Note Edge.

The handset comes in Twilight Shadow and Wave Blue colour options and goes on sale starting July 22nd via Flipkart with a Rs 1,500 bank discount - effectively bringing the T5 Lite's price down to Rs 18,499.

Vivo T5 Lite 44W specifications

The Vivo T5 Lite 44W ships with a design identical to the more expensive V70 series. The handset features flat edges and a squarish camera deco at the back. The phone sports dual rear cameras, comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a VGA auxiliary lens. This is a pretty standard setup for the price and should be good for casual point-and-shoot photography. For selfies and video calling, the handset features a modest 5MP camera in the punch-hole setup.

The Vivo T5 Lite packs a 6.75-inch LCD display that bears HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,200 nits peak brightness. The display should deliver a decent viewing experience, at least indoors. Managing the performance is a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, paired with up to 6GB RAM + 256GB storage onboard. It is a budget-centric chipset, which should handle casual usage with ease. Software is managed by OriginOS 6, layered atop Android 16 out of the box. The handset supports 2 years of major OS and 4 years of security updates, keeping it relevant till 2030.

Coming to its biggest highlight, the Vivo T5 Lite 44W packs a 6,500mAh battery. While it isn't the largest in the segment, Vivo claims it can deliver over 23 hours of YouTube playback on a single charge. The battery also supports 44W fast charging, which is in line with most of its competitors and said to juice up the smartphone within 40 minutes. According to the company, the battery is designed to retain at least 80 percent of its original capacity even after 1,600 charge cycles, translating to up to five years of battery health.

Other features include an IP65 rating, MIL-STD-810H certifications, Wet-Hand touch support, and AI features.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max is the brand's latest new launch and joins the same premium segment as the OnePlus 15R (review) and they follow similar priorities. The Edge 70 Max focuses on delivering a flagship-level performance output, much like the OnePlus 15R, with high refresh rates, an extremely capable chipset, and a large battery that lasts longer under heavy use.

So it's only fair we pit the two against one another to see which is the better option in this price segment. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone fits your needs better.

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

Price in India

The OnePlus 15R now starts at Rs 59,999 for the base variant after multiple price revisions over recent months. The Motorola Edge 70 Max starts at Rs 54,999 for its base variant, making it slightly cheaper than the OnePlus.

The Edge 70 Max at Rs 54,999 is clearly positioned to undercut the OnePlus 15R while offering a similar premium, performance‑oriented product at this price. At these prices, buyers have the option to choose between a slightly more affordable Motorola with the same flagship chipset but less RAM in the base variant. Or, you can get a more expensive OnePlus that offers the same flagship performance with higher RAM and larger storage options in the base variant.

Design and display

The Motorola Edge 70 Max and OnePlus 15R sit very close to each other in size and weight. The Edge 70 Max measures 8.29mm and weighs 221g, while the OnePlus 15R comes in at around 8.3mm and 213–219g depending on the colourway.

Both use Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and rear, metal frames, and offer good water and dust protection. Motorola goes with IP68/IP69/IP66 and MIL‑STD 810H durability, while OnePlus adds IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K to the mix.

On the design front, neither phone tries to reinvent the wheel. Motorola sticks to its boxy frame, large camera island and muted Pantone colours that match the rest of the Edge 70 line, so the Edge 70 Max looks and feels like a natural Moto flagship. OnePlus keeps its clean back, rounded camera module and soft pastel finishes, which makes the 15R feel like an evolution of recent number‑series phones, with just enough tweaks around the camera housing and colour palette to signal that it's the newer, more powerful model.

Motorola pairs that design with a 6.8‑inch Extreme AMOLED panel, Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3168, up to 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 100 percent DCI‑P3, 7,000‑nit peak brightness and Pantone‑validated colours and skintones. OnePlus, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger 6.83‑inch AMOLED display at 2800 x 1272, adaptive refresh up to 165Hz, Gorilla Glass 7i, 10‑bit colour and 1.5K‑class sharpness tuned for high‑frame‑rate gaming.

In day‑to‑day use, the Edge 70 Max's higher resolution and much brighter panel should feel more cinematic and easier to see outdoors, while the 15R's bigger screen and 165Hz support will speak more to gamers and heavy scrollers who can actually take advantage of those higher refresh rates in supported titles.

Cameras

The Motorola Edge 70 Max has a more versatile camera setup on paper, with a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP front camera. It should give you a bit more flexibility across main shots, wide shots, and selfies, but this comparison is still based only on specs.

The OnePlus 15R (review) keeps things simpler with a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front camera. It may not look as flexible on paper, but the Sony IMX906 sensor and OnePlus' camera processing could still help it deliver better results in real life.

It is important to note, however, that both phones are not really camera-first devices, so a full review will give you a much better idea of how they actually perform. For now, this is just a conjecture based on the specifications alone.

Performance and software

The OnePlus 15R seems slightly ahead in terms of performance based on specifications alone. It uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with a 3.8GHz Oryon CPU core and Adreno 8-series GPU, paired with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, even in the base variant and UFS 4.1 storage in 256GB and 512GB options. It is a proper flagship with such a combination of CPU, GPU and storage speeds, especially if you care about gaming or heavy multitasking.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41310,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Edge 70 Max uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 too, but it pairs the chip with 8GB RAM in the base variant or up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage. That should still handle everyday use, social media, light gaming and content consumption very easily, though the extra RAM and storage options on the OnePlus make it the more flexible option on paper. In our Antutu Benchmark test, the Edge 70 Max is slightly ahead of the OnePlus 15R, although the difference is insubstantial.

Both phones run Android 16, but they take different approaches to software. The Edge 70 Max stays closer to Motorola's near-stock-Android-style OS, with ThinkShield security and Google Gemini integration. The OnePlus 15R runs OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16 and offers a better suite of AI features like Mind Space and AI Playlab, along with gaming-focused optimisations, the Plus Key and special tuning for touch response and connectivity.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42264,41310,,," pias="59,53,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

OnePlus also has the advantage in long-term appeal, with its 4 OS updates and 6 years of security patches making the 15R feel more future-ready. Motorola keeps things cleaner and simpler, which will suit users who prefer a lighter software experience, and it offers 3 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

Battery and charging

Battery strategy is different too. OnePlus goes big with a 7,400mAh battery and 80W SUPERVOOC charging, which should deliver excellent endurance and quick top-ups. Motorola uses a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery, 90W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, so it gives you faster wired charging and the added convenience of wireless support.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="product_1" products="42264,41310,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

In real use, the OnePlus 15R's larger battery should help it last longer during heavy workloads, while the Edge 70 Max balances its slightly smaller capacity with wireless charging and a more complete charging package. Buyers who want the longest possible endurance will likely find the OnePlus 15R more attractive, while those who want wireless charging and faster top-ups may prefer Motorola.

Which one should you buy?

If you want top performance, long battery life and a gaming‑ready display, the OnePlus 15R is the better pick here. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 12GB RAM, UFS 4.1, 165Hz panel, 7,400mAh battery and longer software support make it the more future‑ready option for power users and gamers.

The Motorola Edge 70 Max is better if you want a more versatile premium phone with a few extras. It is still a bulky phone, but it balances that with wireless charging, a higher‑resolution display, and a more flexible camera setup on paper, which gives it a broader appeal.

On specs alone, the OnePlus 15R suits users who care more about performance, battery life and a high refresh rate at this price, while the Edge 70 Max suits those who may want a more rounded options with extras like wireless charging, higher display quality, especially if its lower starting price appeals to them.

[highlights]

• Realme C100x is expected to launch in India today at an effective starting price of Rs 14,999 for the 4GB + 64GB variant.
• The smartphone is confirmed to feature a Unisoc T7250 chipset, 50MP rear camera, and an 8,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
• The phone is already official in Indonesia.

[/highlights]

The Realme C100x is set to launch in India today and a new leak has revealed what could be its effective launch price. While the company has already confirmed several key specifications, the latest leak sheds light on its pricing ahead of the official announcement. The Realme C100x will be sold via Flipkart and is a battery-focused offering with an 8,000mAh cell.

Realme C100x India price (expected)

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Realme C100x will be priced at Rs 14,999 (net effective price) for the 4GB + 64GB variant. This is significantly lower from an earlier leaked retail box image that suggested an MRP of Rs 29,999, indicating the phone is expected to launch with substantial introductory offers. Box prices are generally higher, but the actual selling price will be above Rs 15,000, as per the leak. Realme will officially unveil the phone today at noon, when its final pricing and launch offers will be confirmed.

Realme C100x specifications

Realme has already teased most of the phone's hardware, while additional details are known since the phone has already made its global debut in Indonesia. Key specifications include:

• 6.8-inch HD+ LCD display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Unisoc T7250 chipset
• 4GB LPDDR4X RAM (base variant), 64GB storage
• 50MP AI rear camera, 5MP front camera
• 8,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging
• IP64 dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability
• Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock

The phone will be available in Deepblue Tides and Golden Coast colour options. Realme claims the battery can deliver over 17 hours of navigation on a single charge.

Value analysis

The Realme C100x appears to prioritise battery life and durability over outright performance. An 8,000mAh battery and 45W charging are uncommon under Rs 15,000 (tipped effective price after launch offers), making it appealing for users who want long endurance without carrying a power bank.

However, the reported Rs 14,999 starting price also highlights how much the entry-level smartphone segment has changed. Just a few years ago, 4G smartphones with 4GB RAM routinely launched below Rs 10,000. Today, buyers are seemingly expected to pay around Rs 15,000 for similar memory and connectivity, even if they receive a much larger battery, faster charging, higher refresh rate display and better build quality in return.

For buyers focused on performance or future-proofing, the bigger concern may be the combination of a 4G-only Unisoc chipset and 4GB RAM at this price. Several competitors around the Rs 15,000 mark already offer 5G connectivity, more capable processors and higher RAM configurations, making the Realme C100x a more niche option aimed at users who value battery life above everything else.

• OnePlus has confirmed it is exiting the US and Europe markets
• Realme to exit China, focus on Nordic markets
• OnePlus India responded by saying its India operations will continue as usual  

[/highlights]

Update (July 16, 3 pm IST): OnePlus has confirmed to several US publications that it will no longer launch new phones in North America and Europe. Meanwhile, parent company OPPO will continue to operate in Europe and plans to expand its offerings, Android Authority reports. The company added that it will keep its commitments to software updates, after-sales service, and warranty obligations to existing customers.

Update (July 16, 12 pm IST): In a statement, OnePlus India told 91mobiles, "OnePlus India continues to operate its business as usual, with all local operations on track. We urge the media to exercise restraint before amplifying unverified speculation." This suggests OnePlus is very much active in the country this year, but the statement doesn't quite provide a clear picture for 2027.

The original story follows...

OnePlus, once known as the "flagship killer" brand, is reportedly planning to exit several markets, including India. According to a new report by Bloomberg, OnePlus is shutting down operations in the US and Europe as early as this week. More importantly for our readers, the company is also planning its exit from India "at some point in 2027". OnePlus will continue to remain active in China.

Realme, on the other hand, will exit the China market and will shift its focus to the Nordic market, the Bloomberg report added. The brand's presence in India remains unchanged at the moment.

As per the report, "The change is happening as part of a larger restructuring to parent company OPPO, or Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corporation Ltd., said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing a private plan." OnePlus' slow growth in recent years in the US, Europe and India, as well as geopolitical concerns, are reportedly factors behind OPPO's decision. 

The writing on the wall

The latest development doesn't exactly come as a surprise, as rumours of OnePlus shutting down in the US and Europe markets emerged way back in March. Around the same time, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu stepped down from his role to "pursue his personal passions", which added to speculation that all was not well with OnePlus' India operations. However, the brand had released a statement back then, ensuring that its India operations would "continue with local strategy and business continuity ensured."

More recently, there were reports that future OnePlus and Realme phones would ship with OPPO's ColorOS, phasing out OxygenOS and Realme UI, respectively. While this is yet to be officially announced by the brands, this is yet another signal of major restructuring happening within OPPO.

Why OnePlus users shouldn't worry right now

I personally owned a few OnePlus phones during its early years, my personal favourite being the OnePlus 5T Star Wars edition. These phones were incredibly fast and smooth, a reputation OnePlus built over the years. My OnePlus 5T still runs smoothly even now, when I take it out every so often. While it would be an incredibly sad day if OnePlus announced it was exiting India, this seemingly won't happen until sometime in 2027.

Existing OnePlus phones are not expected to be affected even if OnePlus exits next year. If rumours of OnePlus axing OxygenOS and moving to ColorOS are true, existing OnePlus phones and those expected to launch later this year will continue to receive software and security updates for years to come via OPPO.

[highlights]

• WhatsApp is reportedly developing its own cloud backup service for iPhone, giving users an alternative to backing up chats via iCloud.
• The new backup option is expected to offer 2GB of free storage and end-to-end encryption enabled by default.
• The feature is still under development and hasn't yet been released for beta testing or announced for a stable rollout.

[/highlights]

If you're one of those who's constantly struggling with WhatsApp chat backups due to lack of iCloud storage space, there's good news for you. WhatsApp is reportedly developing its own cloud backup service for iPhone users, giving them an alternative to Apple's iCloud for the first time. The feature, spotted in the latest iOS beta by WABetaInfo, is still under development, but it could help users free up precious iCloud storage while offering end-to-end encrypted backups by default. The feature follows a similar effort already underway for Android, where WhatsApp is working on an alternative to Google Drive for chat backups.

How the new backup option could work

According to the leak, WhatsApp will allow iPhone users to choose between backing up chats to iCloud or WhatsApp's own cloud servers directly from the Chat Backup settings. iCloud is expected to remain the default option, but users will be able to switch providers at any time.

Unlike iCloud backups, which require users to manually enable end-to-end encryption, backups stored on WhatsApp's servers will reportedly be encrypted by default. Users will be able to secure them using a passkey, password or a 64-digit encryption key, with WhatsApp saying only the user will be able to access the backup.

This could also ease cross-platform chat restores in the future, allowing backups created on one operating system to be restored on another. However, that capability is still being explored and hasn't been confirmed.

Expected WhatsApp cloud storage plans

WhatsApp is reportedly planning to offer 2GB of free cloud storage for chat backups. Users with larger backups, particularly those who share a lot of photos and videos, may eventually have the option to subscribe to paid plans. Early reports point to a 50GB tier priced around USD 0.99 (around Rs 95) per month, alongside a 1TB plan for heavier users, although these details could change before launch.

The feature addresses a common pain point for iPhone users. Apple includes 5GB of free iCloud storage, which is shared across photos, files, device backups and apps. Large WhatsApp backups can quickly consume that quota, often forcing users to either delete files or upgrade to a paid iCloud plan.

Availability

The new backup provider is currently under development and isn't yet available, even for beta testers. WhatsApp has also not announced an official release timeline.

For users invested in WhatsApp running out of iCloud space, the feature could offer greater flexibility without compromising privacy. However, since it is still in development, it remains unclear whether Meta will launch it with the reported storage limits and pricing. If rolled out as described, it would also bring iPhone users closer to feature parity with Android, where WhatsApp is developing the same independent backup solution.

The recently launched Motorola Edge 70 Max and Motorola Signature (review) are flagship offerings from the same brand and are priced almost identically. However, both have been built for entirely different purposes. The Motorola Edge 70 Max is designed for gamers, while the Motorola Signature prioritises a lifestyle-focused experience. Here's a quick specs-based comparison of the two to find out which one is the better choice for you.

Specs at a glance

Motorola Edge 70 Max vs Signature price in India

The Motorola Edge 70 Max has been competitively priced in India at Rs 54,999 for its base 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option. Its top-end 12GB RAM variant costs Rs 58,999. The handset will be available for sale via Flipkart from July 20th with an early bird discount of Rs 5,000 - effectively bringing its price down to Rs 49,999.

The Motorola Signature, on the other hand, was launched in India back in January at Rs 59,999 for its base 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The handset also comes in 16GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB configurations, which cost Rs 64,999 and Rs 69,999. However, the handset is currently selling with a Rs 2,500 instant discount across variants on e-commerce platform Flipkart, bringing its price down to Rs 57,499.

Design

As observed in the Motorola Edge 70 Max first impressions, the smartphone features flat edges instead of the curved ones seen on previous Edge-series models. This change has been made deliberately to minimise accidental touches while holding the phone horizontally during gaming. However, if you're coming from an older Motorola smartphone, the Edge 70 Max may feel slightly bulky in the hand. This is largely due to its weight of over 221 grams and its 8.29mm thickness.

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Besides that, the Edge 70 Max flaunts a glass back instead of fabric/ psuedo leather/ wooden finish. The handset is IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance certified, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability safeguarding it from minor drops and falls. The durability level is on par with the more expensive Motorola Signature. However, the latter is sleeker and easier to manage - despite being relatively wider.

The Motorola Signature weighs just 186 grams and measures 7mm in thickness, making it easier to hold and more pocket-friendly. The handset also features gently curved edges, which did not result in any accidental touches during my time with the device. However, I'm not a hardcore gamer, so I'm probably not the best person to judge its performance in that regard.

[comparative-benchmark type="1000" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Signature comes in Pantone Carbon and Pantone Martini Olive colour options - both with fabric finish. The Edge 70 Max, meanwhile, comes with a glass finish across its Pantone-certified colour options: Aqua Grey, Dark Shadow, and Ice Melt.

Display

The Motorola Signature and Edge 70 Max both ship with a near bezel-less centre punch-hole 6.8-inch 10-bit OLED LTPO display. However, on paper, the Edge 70 Max's screen much more promising with Quad HD+ (2k) resolution and 7,000 nits brightness, alongside the usuals - HDR10+ support, water touch, and 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut.

[comparative-benchmark type="2000" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

However, despite being a gaming-focused smartphone, its peak dynamic refresh rate of 144Hz is lower than that of the Motorola Signature. The Signature's 6.8-inch display supports a dynamic refresh rate of up to 165Hz, which should translate to slightly smoother visuals. That said, the difference is unlikely to be easily noticeable in everyday use. While the Signature also supports Dolby Vision, its display is limited to an FHD+ resolution and a peak brightness of 6,500 nits.

[twenty20 img1="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/07/Motorola-Edge-70-Max-FI01-2.jpg" img2="https://static.hub.91mobiles.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2026/01/Motorola-Signature-review04.jpg" offset="0.5" before="Motorola Edge 70 Max" after="Motorola Signature"]

Both smartphones ship with dual stereo speakers, backed by Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. Theoretically, the handsets should deliver identical listening experience, but the Signature has its speakers fine-tuned by Bose.

Performance and software

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="" products="42264,41718,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Edge 70 Max and Motorola Signature are both powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The Signature's higher memory capacity allows it to keep more apps and data in memory than the Edge-series offering. Both smartphones also feature Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system. Even though the Signature is not marketed as gaming, it features a larger 6,500mm2 vapour chamber compared to the 5,500mm2 unit on the Edge 70 Max.

[comparative-benchmark type="3000" products="42264,41718,,," pias="59,38,,,"][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Signature can also deliver gaming at up to 120fps, just like the performance-oriented Edge 70 Max. The software experience should be identical on both smartphones, as they run Android 16-based Hello UI. However, if you're planning a long-term investment, the Signature has a clear advantage. It is promised to receive seven years of major Android OS and security updates, whereas the Edge 70 Max is limited to three major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

Battery

The Motorola Edge 70 Max fares better in battery. The handset packs a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery, with 90W Turbo wired charging. This is bigger than the Motorola Signature's 5,200mAh battery, which is also backed by 90W fast wired charging. Both phones feature wireless charging capabilities, but the Edge 70 Max supports 25W Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging. Beyond charging, users can attach accessories, such as wallets, to the smartphone like the iPhone.

Cameras

The Motorola Signature pulls things back with its cameras. The smartphone houses a triple-rear camera setup, comprising a a 50MP Sony Lytia 828 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide camera with a 112-degree field of view, and a 50MP Sony Lytia 600 periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also a 50MP sensor for selfies and video calling.

On the contrary, the Edge 70 Max packs dual cameras with a mid-range 50MP Sony LYT 710 primary sensor and an underwhelming 8MP ultrawide lens. Even the front camera is downgraded to 32MP, making this smartphone less appealing to serious camera enthusiasts.

Verdict

The Motorola Edge 70 Max offers a bigger battery life, sharper display, fast magnetic wireless charging and support for magnetic accessories. All these on top of its powerful chipset and an advanced cooling system. These advantages make the Edge 70 Max the more compelling choice for gamers and power users who value endurance over photography.

The Motorola Signature, meanwhile, is aimed at users seeking a more premium all-round experience. The handset stands out with a significantly lighter and slimmer design, a far more capable camera system, Bose-tuned speakers, higher RAM and storage options, and an impressive seven years of Android OS and security updates. If cameras, long-term software support, and a refined in-hand feel matter more than battery capacity, the Signature justifies its higher asking price.