The Pixel 11 launched globally yesterday and Google seems to have taken the familiar Pixel 10 formula and given it a generational makeover. The new phone gets a Tensor G6 chip, a redesigned camera bar, a new primary camera sensor, faster wireless charging and a fresh batch of Gemini-powered features. It's also lighter, despite having exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor. But the catch is that Google has kept several core specifications unchanged, including the 6.3-inch 120Hz display and the basic triple-camera setup. Here's how the Pixel 11 compares with the Pixel 10, and whether the newer Pixel is worth spending the extra bucks on.

Specs at a glance

Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10 price in India

The Pixel 11 starts at Rs 89,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant in India. There is also a 512GB version priced at Rs. 1,04,999. Google has moved the entry point up by Rs 10,000 compared with the Pixel 10's launch price for the same 256GB storage.

The Pixel 10 launched in India at Rs 74,999 for 12GB + 128GB and Rs 79,999 for the 256GB variant. The latter is only available now, currently for Rs 74,999. The Pixel 11 has newer hardware, of course, but the Pixel 10 is now sitting on the other side of the price fence with a rather useful Rs 15,000 gap.

Design

Google hasn't reinvented the Pixel here, and that's probably the point. The Pixel 11 measures exactly the same as the Pixel 10 at 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm, so anyone hoping for a smaller or slimmer phone will have to wait for another generation. THowever, the weight has reduced marginally. The Pixel 11 weighs 197 gms, compared with 204 gms on the Pixel 10.

[caption id="attachment_711630" align="alignnone" width="1262"] Google Pixel 11[/caption]

The more visible change is at the back. Google has reduced the thickness of the Pixel 11's camera bar by 40 percent, resulting in a more streamlined, virtually bumpless design. The phone combines a satin metal frame with a polished glass back, while the Pixel 10 uses spacecraft-grade aluminium matte side rails and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides. Both phones have an IP68 rating, so neither is too delicate compared to the other.

The Pixel 11 also gets an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, replacing the optical sensor on the Pixel 10. It is one of those upgrades you may not think much about until you use it, at which point the faster unlocking should be appreciated.

The Pixel 11 comes in Pistachio, Hibiscus, Frost and Obsidian, while the Pixel 10 is available in Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass and Obsidian. So yes, there are new colours, but the bigger design story is really the slimmer camera bar and lower weight.

[caption id="attachment_711632" align="alignnone" width="2294"] Google Pixel 10[/caption]

Display

There is little separating the Pixel 11 and Pixel 10 on paper when it comes to their displays. Both phones feature a 6.3-inch Full-HD+ Actua OLED panel with a 1080 x 2424-pixel resolution and a 60Hz to 120Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness also remains unchanged at 3,000 nits, while both phones use Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection. The Pixel 11 does not bring a higher resolution or faster refresh rate to distinguish itself from the Pixel 10. The difference here is largely unchanged, so buyers upgrading specifically for the display are unlikely to see a major improvement.

Performance and software

The Tensor G6 is arguably the Pixel 11's biggest hardware upgrade. The Pixel 10 introduced Google's Tensor G5, built on TSMC's 3nm process and paired with a Titan M2 security coprocessor. The Pixel 11 moves to the next-generation Tensor G6, with Google focusing on efficiency and faster on-device AI processing.

Both phones pack 12GB RAM, so the day-to-day multitasking experience should remain familiar. Storage is where Google has made a more obvious change. The Pixel 11 starts at 256GB and adds a 512GB option, while the Pixel 10 has 128GB and 256GB as its configurations.

The Pixel 10 launched with Android 16 and comes with seven years of OS upgrades, security patches and Pixel Drop updates. It also introduced AI features such as Camera Coach, which provides real-time photography guidance, and Magic Q, which uses on-screen context to surface relevant information. Gemini is integrated across the software experience, including Ask Photos.

The Pixel 11 has the same software support policy, comes with Android 17 takes the AI approach further with Gemini Nano running on-device. New features include automated text polishing, voice-cloning Live Translation and a real-time voice teleprompter. Google has also added Camera Circle to Search directly into the Google Camera app.

For photography, the Pixel 11 introduces Magic Capture, which automatically records a series of photos and videos with a single tap and selects the best frames. Instant Night Sight is also claimed to capture low-light images up to 4.5 times faster, potentially making night photography less dependent on holding the phone steady for long exposures.

Battery

The Pixel 11 gets a modest battery capacity increase, moving from the Pixel 10's 4,970mAh cell to 4,985mAh. The difference is only 15mAh, so the capacity alone is unlikely to have a meaningful effect on endurance. Charging is where the newer phone makes a more noticeable change. Both models support 30W wired charging, but the Pixel 11 upgrades wireless charging to 25W with Qi 2.2-certified Pixelsnap support. The Pixel 10 supports 15W wireless charging.

The Pixel 11 therefore has a small capacity advantage and a considerably faster wireless charging system. Its Tensor G6 is also designed around efficiency, although real-world battery life will depend on how the new processor and software optimisations perform. Wait for our review for us to update you on the real-world performance.

Cameras

The Pixel 10 marked an important change for Google's standard Pixel lineup by introducing a triple-rear camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens. Its system consists of a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultrawide lens and a 10.8MP telephoto camera. The front camera is a 10.5MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus.

The Pixel 11 retains the same basic three-camera configuration and the same headline resolutions, but Google has upgraded the primary sensor. The new 48MP wide-angle camera uses a larger 1/1.56-inch sensor and is claimed to offer 56 percent more light sensitivity, which should particularly benefit low-light photography. The 13MP ultrawide and 10.8MP telephoto cameras remain part of the setup, while the front camera continues to use a 10.5MP ultrawide sensor with autofocus.

The Pixel 11's biggest camera improvement, therefore, is not a jump in megapixel count. Instead, Google has changed the primary sensor and paired it with new computational photography tools such as Magic Capture and faster Instant Night Sight. That makes the camera experience more of an evolution.

Verdict

The Pixel 11 is an evolutionary upgrade rather than a redesign. The display, dimensions, RAM capacity and basic camera configuration remain similar to the Pixel 10. The biggest changes are under the hood, with the Tensor G6, a new primary camera sensor, faster wireless charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a collection of new Gemini-powered features.

The Pixel 10, meanwhile, becomes more interesting because of its lower current price. At Rs 74,999, it offers the same 6.3-inch 120Hz display, 12GB RAM, triple-rear camera system and seven years of software support while undercutting the Pixel 11 by Rs 15,000. Unless the newer AI features, improved primary camera and faster wireless charging matter to you, the Pixel 10 looks like a value option.

What's different between the Pixel 11 vs the Pixel 10

• Processor: Pixel 11 gets the next-generation Tensor G6, replacing the Tensor G5 on the Pixel 10.
• Primary camera: Pixel 11 uses a new 48MP 1/1.56-inch sensor with 56 percent more light sensitivity, while the Pixel 10 has a 48MP primary sensor.
• Camera design: Pixel 11's camera bar is 40 percent thinner, giving the rear a more streamlined appearance.
• AI features: Pixel 11 adds Magic Capture, faster Instant Night Sight, on-device Gemini Nano features, Camera Circle to Search integration and a real-time voice teleprompter.
• Fingerprint sensor: Pixel 11 upgrades to an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, while Pixel 10 uses an optical sensor.
• Wireless charging: Pixel 11 supports 25W Qi 2.2 Pixelsnap wireless charging, compared with 15W wireless charging on Pixel 10.
• Weight: Pixel 11 weighs 197 gms, 7 gms less than the 204 gm Pixel 10.
• Storage: Pixel 11 starts at 256GB and adds a 512GB option, while the Pixel 10 launched in India with 128GB and 256GB as its configurations.
• Battery: Pixel 11 has a 4,985mAh battery, only slightly larger than the Pixel 10's 4,970mAh cell.
• Price: Pixel 11 starts at Rs 89,999, while Pixel 10 is currently available for Rs 74,999.

[highlights]

• HyperOS 4 brings several performance, battery and design improvements.
• Xiaomi will invite users to beta test HyperOS 4 in batches.
• HyperOS 4 for global markets will be announced at a later date.

[/highlights]

With several Android manufacturers pushing out the Android 17 update for their devices in either beta or stable form, Xiaomi was quick to announce the next iteration of its custom skin, HyperOS 4. While the update has been announced for China, one can expect most of the new features (except AI), performance improvements, and design changes in the global HyperOS 4 ROM when it rolls out in the coming months. Subsequently, Xiaomi has also released the list of devices eligible for the new firmware in China.

Xiaomi HyperOS 4: what's new?

Performance improvements

Starting with underlying changes, Xiaomi claims that HyperOS 4 has been optimised to run at lower memory than HyperOS 3. The company has rolled out a redesigned app runtime environment intended to make system apps run more efficiently. In Xiaomi's tests, the time needed to open 30 apps one after another following extended use fell by 17.5 percent, and frame drops during long sessions decreased by 28.9 percent.

Battery has been further improved over HyperOS 3, allowing users to get better battery endurance across all tasks. A particularly noticeable upgrade appears in the Gallery app, where scrolling through large sets of photo thumbnails is now up to 90 percent faster.

"Soft Light Glass" interface and customisation changes

HyperOS 4 adapts the 'Soft Light Glass' aesthetics, resulting in translucent surfaces and lighting effects across key areas, such as quick settings toggles, menu buttons, widget and folder backgrounds, and more. This glass-like appearance may have been inspired by Apple's iOS 26, but the end result looks quite striking and refined.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="711642,711641,711640"]

The lock screen finally gains the ability to resize large clocks, while stacked notifications have also been introduced on HyperOS 4. We previously saw a stacked notification style on ColorOS 16 and OriginOS 6. Furthermore, the Integrated Device Centre offers a new layout and brings the functionality to switch between multiple homes with a single tap.

Apart from this, you may notice dozens of minor and subtle design and animation changes and improvements across first-party apps, including the Phone app, which now features a floating bottom tab, and blur improvements in the Gallery.

AI improvements

In the Recorder app, the system can now create intelligent outlines and summaries, highlight important details, and automatically skip silent sections of a recording. The Super XiaoAI Input Method gains structured voice-to-text transcription along with real-time voice translation input, while AI Voice Notes lets users add images to their notes and automatically pull out key conclusions and actionable to-do items.

List devices eligible for HyperOS 4 update (China)

Along with announcing the devices list, Xiaomi has confirmed that it'll initiate batch-wise beta update rollouts starting August 14th:

First HyperOS 4 beta rollout (August 14th)

• Xiaomi 17 Ultra
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition
• Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
• Xiaomi 17 Pro
• Xiaomi 17
• Redmi K90 Pro Max
• Redmi K90 Pro Max Champion Edition
• Redmi K90
• Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
• Xiaomi Pad 8

Second HyperOS 4 beta rollout (August 27th)

• Xiaomi 17 Max
• Xiaomi 17T Pro
• Xiaomi 17T
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra Dual Satellite Edition
• Xiaomi 15S Pro
• Xiaomi 15 Pro
• Xiaomi 15
• Redmi K90 Max
• Redmi K90 Supreme Edition
• Redmi K Pad 2

Third HyperOS 4 beta rollout (September 17th)

• Redmi K100 Pro Max
• Redmi K100 Pro
• Redmi K80 Pro
• Redmi K80 Supreme Edition
• Redmi K80
• Xiaomi MIX Flip 2
• Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra
• Xiaomi Pad 7S Pro 12.5

With the update announced for China, it shouldn't be long before Xiaomi make the India or global-specific HyperOS 4 announcement. In other news, Motorola has already released the list of devices eligible for Android 17, while OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme have begun recruiting testers for the ColorOS 17 closed beta update.

[highlights]

• boAt Aavante Bar Prime soundbar series starts at Rs 12,999.
• There are three soundbars in the lineup.
• The soundbars come with Dolby Atmos, up to 600W output, and more. 

[/highlights]

boAt has expanded its home audio portfolio in India with the launch of the Aavante Bar Prime soundbar series. The new lineup includes the Aavante Bar Prime DA600, Aavante Bar Prime B450, and Aavante Bar Prime Thunder-D. The Aavante Bar Prime series is available at introductory prices starting at Rs 12,999, going up to Rs 18,999. The soundbars will be sold via the boAt website, Amazon, Flipkart, and leading offline retail stores.

boAt Aavante Bar Prime soundbar series

Leading the range is the Aavante Bar Prime DA600, which delivers 600W boAt Signature Sound, 5.2-channel surround sound, Dolby Atmos, dual wired subwoofers, and dual rear satellite speakers. The Aavante Bar Prime B450 offers 450W output with a similar 5.2-channel setup, dual subwoofers, and rear satellite speakers. Meanwhile, the Thunder-D serves as the entry-level option with Dolby Audio and balanced acoustics for everyday entertainment.

Across the lineup, users get Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI (eARC), USB, AUX, and Optical connectivity, allowing the soundbars to work with televisions, gaming consoles, and other compatible devices.

The launch comes as more consumers turn to OTT platforms, gaming, and live sports, creating demand for better audio than what built-in TV speakers can offer. Instead of bulky multi-speaker home theatre systems, soundbars have emerged as a popular alternative thanks to their compact design and simpler installation.

For buyers, the DA600 is the better pick if you want Dolby Atmos and a more immersive surround sound experience. The B450 offers many of the same features at a lower price, while the Thunder-D should suit users upgrading from standard TV speakers without stretching their budget.

[highlights]

• Samsung Galaxy A07s has appeared on Samsung India's official website with model number SM-A077F.
• The phone is expected to be a 4G model and could launch with One UI 9.0 based on Android 17.
• Samsung hasn't revealed the Galaxy A07s specifications, price or launch date yet.

[/highlights]

Samsung appears to be preparing another addition to its budget Galaxy A07 lineup in India. The Galaxy A07s support page has surfaced on Samsung's official India website with model number SM-A077F/DS, suggesting that the company could be getting the phone ready for a local launch. The support page currently lists the model but doesn't reveal any specifications.

The appearance follows an earlier firmware leak that pointed to the same model. However, Samsung hasn't announced the Galaxy A07s or confirmed its launch date yet.

What we know about the Galaxy A07s

The Galaxy A07s is expected to sit above the existing Galaxy A07 4G, although the extent of the upgrades remains unclear. An earlier firmware listing carried the version A077FXXU0AZG1 and suggested 4G connectivity, based on Samsung's model-number conventions. The firmware leak also pointed to the possibility of the phone launching with One UI 9.0 based on Android 17. That would be notable for a budget phone, but it should be treated as an unconfirmed detail until Samsung announces the device.

The 's' suffix has historically been used by Samsung for updated or slightly revised versions of its entry-level Galaxy A phones. These models can bring changes to the processor, display, memory or other hardware rather than representing a completely new generation. There is no reliable information yet on what Samsung will change on the A07s.

The existing Galaxy A07 4G has a 6.7-inch 90Hz display, MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 5,000mAh battery and 50MP main camera. Samsung also promises six generations of Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates, which is pretty long for this price segment.

Price and availability

Samsung launched the Galaxy A07 4G in India at Rs 8,999 for the 4GB + 64GB variant, although the same configuration is currently listed on Samsung's website at Rs 13,499. The Galaxy A07 5G arrived later, with a starting price of Rs 15,999 for 4GB + 128GB, and is now available starting at Rs 18,499.

That leaves the Galaxy A07s in the middle. If Samsung positions it too close to the A07 5G, buyers may simply have more reason to choose the 5G model, while a modest price premium over the A07 4G could make sense if the 's' brings decent hardware upgrades. Buyers who are considering a Samsung phone for the long software support around the Rs  12,000 - Rs 15,000 range may want to wait. The listing confirms that the device exists, but the specifications, price and launch date remain unknown.

ZOTAC Technology has launched the GeForce RTX 5080 SOLID CORE OC 20th Anniversary Edition. It is a limited-quantity special variant of its existing SOLID CORE OC graphics card, released to mark the brand's 20th year. Brand syas the card is identical in performance to the standard SOLID CORE OC but introduces an exclusive titanium colourway. It features a mirror-finish magnetic backplate and a bundled ZOTAC GAMING DUO ARGB GPU Support Stand.

What makes the Anniversary Edition distinct

The titanium colour finish is the most visible change. It replaces the standard black aesthetic with a finish inspired by the material's durability and resistance to wear. The magnetic backplate features a mirror-like surface and attaches without tools. The bundled DUO ARGB GPU Support Stand includes adjustable height, a rubberised foot, and a detachable second support arm. Plus a full-length ARGB lighting strip, which is also an award-winning accessory that ZOTAC is including in the box rather than selling separately.

The underlying hardware

The SOLID CORE OC is built on NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture. ZOTAC mentions it carries all the capabilities of the RTX 50 Series DLSS 4.5, NVIDIA Studio acceleration, and NIM microservices support for AI workflows. Meanwhile, the Cooling is handled by IceStorm 3.0, ZOTAC's most capable GPU cooling system to date. It features:

• Vapour chamber up to 34% larger than the previous generation
• Six copper composite heat pipes
• BladeLink fans with interconnected blades for stronger and quieter airflow
• A full-length aluminium heatsink

The 12V-2x6 connector implementation includes a Safety Light that supposedly prevents the GPU from powering on if the cable is not fully seated. Additionally, there are 5-micron gold-plated connection pins that supposedly improve corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. It's a meaningful safety addition given the connector's history with high-TDP cards. SPECTRA RGB lighting handles the visual customisation layer.

The RTX 5080 SOLID CORE OC Anniversary Edition is a limited-quantity release, so availability will vary by region and is unlikely to persist long at retail. For buyers already considering a SOLID CORE OC, the Anniversary Edition adds genuine value through the bundled stand and magnetic backplate at no additional cost over the standard model, assuming pricing remains equivalent, which has not been confirmed for all markets. For buyers drawn primarily by the titanium aesthetic, it is a collector-grade variant of an already well-regarded card. Local availability in India is subject to regional supply and delivery timelines.

The RTX 5080 sits in a competitive tier occupied by similarly specced cards from ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte. ASUS's ROG STRIX RTX 5080 and MSI's Gaming Trio RTX 5080 are the most direct rivals. Both offer comparable cooling performance and factory overclocks at similar price points. Meanwhile, Gigabyte's AORUS Master RTX 5080 adds its own premium cooling and RGB implementation to the mix.

Where the ZOTAC SOLID CORE OC differentiates is through its minimalist design philosophy and the Anniversary Edition's bundled accessories. The magnetic backplate and DUO ARGB stand add tangible value that most competing cards do not include in the box.

[highlights]

• Hearing Aid feature transforms Galaxy Buds into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
• It's designed for users experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.
• The feature will be rolled out in the USA in the coming months.

[/highlights]

Announced back in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro was supposed to get a new Hearing Aid feature, provided it cleared approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fast forward to August 2026, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 Pro are now finally slated to receive the feature in the coming months. Hearing Aid is a software-based solution designed for adults aged 18 and older experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. This enables users to diagnose basic hearing issues before visiting a clinic.

Hearing Aid feature availability and rollout

The Hearing Aid feature will be made available on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 Pro in the USA starting Q4 2026. The feature will be released through a software update, with no information on whether India or other markets will be granted access to Hearing Aid.

What is Hearing Aid and how does it work?

As noted above, the feature is designed for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The feature transforms the Galaxy Buds into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and leverages clinical-grade sound processing to amplify daily environmental audio without requiring a doctor's prescription or a traditional clinical visit.

The feature is divided into two parts, both accessible directly from the Galaxy Buds menu in your phone's Settings.

Hearing Test

This five-minute test uses clinical-grade pure-tone audiometry by playing tones at various frequencies and volumes for each ear independently. Accordingly, the user will have to provide a prompt when each tone is heard. Once the test is completed, the system generates an audiogram that carries data for professional evaluation. The results are categorised as: Normal, Mild, Moderate, Severe, or Profound hearing loss.

This tool is registered as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) as it delivers medical-grade assessment capabilities directly through the earbuds.

Hearing Aid feature

Then the Hearing Aid feature uses the data obtained from the Hearing Test and applies the NAL-NL2 fitting formula, a widely recognised clinical standard also used in many prescription hearing aids, to create customised amplification. It selectively boosts the specific frequencies and sound types you struggle with (such as high frequencies, soft speech, whispers, or distant voices) rather than simply making everything louder.

It can also alter the Galaxy Buds' output for advanced hearing-aid-style features, such as noise cancellation and beamforming that focuses on sounds coming from in front of you while reducing background noise. These features align with Samsung's Health app revamp, which was announced in June 2026.

The move addresses a significant global health challenge. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 1.5 billion people currently live with some level of hearing loss, a figure expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. Despite the widespread need, many individuals avoid traditional hearing aids due to high costs, social stigma, and limited access to audiologists. While not a replacement for severe hearing loss, Samsung's approach offers a remarkably accessible entry point for millions.

Back in May 2026, Apple also announced a Hearing Test feature for the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, which also plays a series of tones and sounds to measure your hearing sensitivity in each ear. Just like Samsung, the feature also generates a full audiogram with the data stored in the Apple Health app for sharing with doctors or specialists.

[highlights]

• POVA 8 Pro is already listed globally.
• The handset will feature an LED-powered Alive Matrix Display.
• POVA 8 Pro is launching in India on August 18th. 

[/highlights]

The POVA 8 Pro is confirmed to launch in India on August 18th, and the company has teased the handset's design. Teaser images reveal an 'Alive Matrix Display' on the rear panel, a feature similar to the Glyph Interface found on the Nothing Phone (3) and the Infinix Note 60 Pro. The brand says the phone has been designed around its "Room Notices" philosophy to create a smartphone that stands out the moment it enters a room.

Alive Matrix Display on the POVA 8 Pro

The Alive Matrix Display adds an interactive element to the back of the POVA 8 Pro. It employs Mini LED technology with 177 independently controlled LED beads that create a dynamic "Breathing Light" effect. The lighting responds to more than 49 scenarios, including incoming calls, notifications, charging, gaming, music playback, file transfers, and other system events. 

This is based on details available for the POVA 8 Pro's global variant. 

POVA 8 Pro specifications

Since the smartphone is already listed on the company's global website, we have a clear picture of what to expect. The global variant is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultimate chipset, a 4nm mid-range processor. It runs Android 16-based HiOS 16 out of the box.

On the front, the POVA 8 Pro features a 6.78-inch HyperLux AMOLED display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 4,500 nits peak brightness. For photography, the POVA 8 Pro includes a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) alongside an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Selfies and video calls are handled by a 13MP front-facing camera. The handset also packs a 6,500mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support. 

Globally, the handset is available in Arc White, Graphite Black, and Tundra Green colour options. 

With the POVA 8 Pro, the brand appears to be doubling down on the design aspect without compromising on core specifications. If the POVA 8 Pro enables useful customisation for notifications, charging animations, or gaming effects, the feature could help the handset stand out in an increasingly crowded market. The Alive Matrix Display can be a clever differentiator in a sea of similar-looking phones. However, buyers may want to wait for the India launch to learn the official pricing and the specifications of the POVA 8 Pro. 

[highlights]

• The Honor Robot Phone was first previewed at the MWC 2026 earlier this year.
• The phone is now up for commercial sales in China.
• It's unlikely the phone will launch outside of China.

[/highlights]

Honor has finally turned its unusual Robot Phone concept into a commercial smartphone. First teased alongside the Magic8 series last year and later shown as a prototype, the Robot Phone has now launched in China with a motorised gimbal camera, flagship hardware and a large battery. It starts at CNY 9,999 (around Rs 1.4 lakh), making it considerably more expensive than conventional camera-focused flagships.

Specifications and features

The biggest attraction is a 200MP main camera built into a four-degree-of-freedom titanium gimbal. Honor says the gimbal uses more than 100 precision components and over 60 manufacturing processes, while its 2.6 gm motor is only 6 mm thick. The complete mechanism fits within the phone's 9.6 mm body, although the Robot Phone weighs 248 gms.

The camera uses a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and supports 4K video recording. It can also track subjects, automatically reframe shots and respond to voice commands, giving the setup a clear advantage for vloggers and livestreamers over conventional fixed smartphone cameras. Honor has also partnered with cinema equipment maker ARRI, bringing Log-C3 video encoding, on-device LUT colour grading and a dedicated cinema mode to the phone. A second 200MP periscope camera with 2.7x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide camera complete the rear setup.

The Robot Phone is more than a camera experiment, though. Its gimbal can work with Honor's Yoyo AI assistant to recognise surroundings, interact with users and perform tasks. Honor has also programmed more than 100 facial expressions and movements, including nodding, peeking and dancing.

The rest of the hardware is quite flagship-grade. There is a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate and 6,800-nit peak local brightness, along with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. A 7,060mAh silicon-carbon battery supports 120W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Price and availability

The Honor Robot Phone costs CNY 9,999 (around Rs 1.4 lakh) for the 12GB + 512GB model, while the 16GB + 1TB version costs CNY 12,999 (around Rs 1.8 lakh). Open sales in China begin August 18th. Honor hasn't confirmed an international launch and it's unlikely the phone will step outside of home turf.

The pricing makes the Honor Robot Phone more of a specialist flagship than a mainstream alternative to phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max. Those phones offer more conventional camera systems and broader ecosystems, while Honor is betting that creators will value its built-in gimbal enough to pay a premium.

Users who regularly shoot vlogs, livestreams or cinematic video will find the Robot Phone genuinely different from the usual flagship. Everyone else may be better served by a conventional flagship with a proven camera system, particularly given the phone's weight, moving hardware and steep starting price. Its real value will ultimately depend on how well the gimbal performs in everyday shooting.

[highlights]

• Fitbit Air made its debut in May this year.
• It's the first screenless tracker from Google. 
• Google hasn't revealed the pricing yet. 

[/highlights]

Google has confirmed that the Fitbit Air will launch in India this October, bringing the company's first-ever screenless fitness tracker to the country. The announcement was made during the Google Pixel 11 launch event in India on Wednesday, although the company hasn't revealed the Indian pricing yet. 

The confirmation comes just weeks after the Fitbit Air was spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification website, signalling that its India debut was imminent.

Google Fitbit Air specifications, features

Unlike previous Fitbit devices that have featured displays for workout metrics and notifications, the Fitbit Air introduces an entirely new approach. By eliminating the screen, the Fitbit Air is a distraction-free health tracker that focuses on collecting data in the background rather than demanding the user's attention. 

Fitbit has long been associated with fitness bands and smartwatches featuring touchscreens. The Fitbit Air marks a notable shift for the brand under Google's ownership, catering to users who simply want to track their health without being interrupted by constant notifications or checking workout stats mid-run. 

Instead of a display, the Fitbit Air relies on subtle haptic feedback and a small status light for alerts. Health insights, activity reports, and coaching features are accessed through the Google Health app, allowing the wearable itself to stay minimal while the smartphone handles the interface. The approach is similar to premium recovery-focused wearables such as the Whoop band, although Google's offering aims to be more accessible and consumer-friendly.

Despite its minimalist design, the Fitbit Air packs a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features. The wearable supports 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, heart rhythm tracking with atrial fibrillation (Afib) alerts, and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. It also comes with resting heart rate measurement and heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, sleep stage analysis, and sleep duration tracking. You also get automatic workout detection, manual exercise logging, and guided workouts through Google Health Coach.

Battery life is rated at up to seven days on a single charge. The device also supports fast charging, with around five minutes of charging delivering enough power for an entire day's use. Other features include a polycarbonate body, 50-metre water resistance, and interchangeable bands.

While Google has not revealed Indian pricing, the Fitbit Air costs $99.99 (roughly Rs. 9,500) in the US. Indian pricing is expected to differ from the US, but the Fitbit Air is likely to remain significantly more affordable than the Whoop fitness band, which currently costs around Rs. 30,000 through third-party sellers in India. This would make the Fitbit Air a low-cost option for those who want a screenless fitness tracker. If you're someone looking for a distraction-free fitness tracker, the Fitbit Air might be worth waiting for. 

[highlights]

• POCO X8 was presumed to have been cancelled.
• A new teaser suggests the POCO X8 might launch soon.
• POCO hasn't specifically mentioned the X8. 

[/highlights]

The standard POCO X8, which was widely believed to have been cancelled, may finally be making a comeback. After months of speculation that the company would skip the vanilla model and only focus on the Pro variants, fresh leaks and an official teaser now suggest the smartphone is very much alive.

New POCO X series smartphone teaser

POCO has started teasing the arrival of a new X-series smartphone on X. While the company has stopped short of revealing the device's name, the teaser features a handset in POCO's signature Yellow finish, strongly hinting that the standard POCO X8 could be next in line. The teaser follows recent certification listings suggesting the handset is in development, adding further weight to reports that its launch may not be too far away.

♾️ Infinity Identity Activated
Mission Update.
A new route has appeared inside the POCO Infinite Universe.
Only those who move faster than the moment can unlock it.

🟡 POCO X Series
The Spacetime Pilot
eXplore. eXceed. eXpand.

🚀 Would you take this mission? pic.twitter.com/PHNVFeKXUw

— POCO (@POCOGlobal) August 12, 2026

The latest development comes after tipster Kacper Skrzypek, who recently revealed details about the POCO M8 Power, claimed to have spotted references to the POCO X8 in HyperOS code. The discovery suggests POCO may not have shelved the device despite earlier reports indicating the standard model had been scrapped.

Earlier this year, POCO introduced the POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max in several global markets, leading many to believe there would be no vanilla X8 this generation. The new teaser and software references now paint a different picture, indicating the lineup could soon become more complete.

POCO X8 specifications (expected)

If recent leaks are accurate, the POCO X8 will be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G, which recently debuted in China. The smartphone is expected to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, bringing it in line with several premium mid-range devices. Powering the handset could be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset, paired with a massive 9,000mAh battery. If the rumoured capacity proves accurate, the POCO X8 would easily stand out in its segment, where most rivals continue to offer batteries in the 7,000mAh range.

For photography, the handset is tipped to feature an 8MP front camera, a 50MP primary sensor, and a 2MP secondary camera on the rear. Interestingly, reports suggest the global version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro, which could ultimately become the POCO X8 in international markets, may arrive with a slightly different hardware configuration. Instead of the 2MP secondary camera found on the Chinese model, the global variant is tipped to include an 8MP ultra-wide camera. 

It is also expected to feature a slightly smaller 8,340mAh battery, while retaining the rest of the specifications. Whether POCO adopts this configuration for the X8 in global markets remains to be seen.

If the leaks turn out to be accurate, the POCO X8 could target buyers looking for exceptional battery life in the mid-range segment. A 9,000mAh battery, combined with a large AMOLED display and a high-refresh-rate panel, would make it a compelling option for users who prioritise endurance for gaming, streaming and daily productivity. Given this is still a tease, potential buyers should wait for official announcements and comprehensive reviews before making any purchasing decisions.

[highlights]

• iQOO Z11S will feature a 2K 144Hz display with 2,000-nit full-screen brightness and a 10,000mAh battery.
• The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra is listed with the Dimensity 9500, 16GB RAM and Android 16 on Geekbench.
• Both phones will launch in China on August 18th, with pricing and global availability yet to be confirmed.

[/highlights]

iQOO is taking a two-pronged approach to its upcoming China launch with the iQOO Z11S and the iQOO Neo 11 Ultra. The Z11S focuses on battery endurance and display quality while the Neo 11 Ultra is shaping up as a performance-focused flagship. Both phones are set to launch on August 18th, with the Z11S now confirmed to feature a 2K 144Hz display besides the massive 10,000mAh battery.

iQOO Z11S display confirmed

The iQOO Z11S will feature (via) a 2K-resolution panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2,000-nit full-screen brightness, as per new teasers. It also supports 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and full-brightness DC dimming, with SGS eye-comfort certification for low blue light and low flicker. iQOO says its touch optimisations are designed to reduce motion blur and improve responsiveness during gaming.

The 2,000-nit full-screen brightness could be particularly useful outdoors, where many phones advertise high peak brightness figures that are only achievable in limited areas of the display. The combination of a high-resolution panel and 144Hz refresh rate also puts the Z11S ahead of many mainstream mid-range phones, although the price will determine how compelling that advantage is.

Battery life is the bigger differentiator. The Z11S packs a 10,000mAh single-cell battery developed with CATL, making it iQOO's largest phone battery yet. The company claims around 17 hours of navigation, 29 hours of short-video playback and 14.6 hours of gaming. A simulated 16-hour student-use test reportedly left 57 percent battery remaining. Charging is expected to be rated at 44W, although iQOO hasn't yet officially confirmed the complete charging specifications.

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra Geekbench listing

The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra, meanwhile, appears to be aimed at users who care more about sustained performance and gaming. A Geekbench 7 listing shows the phone with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, 16GB of RAM and Android 16. It scored 2,923 points in single-core and 9,700 points in multi-core testing. Interestingly, the listed chip uses a Mali-G1 Ultra MC11 GPU rather than the MC12 configuration found in the standard Dimensity 9500. That could mean slightly lower graphics performance, although the difference may not be significant in everyday use. The regular Dimensity 9500 has been found in flagships like the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro, and the OPPO Find X9 series.

The Neo 11 Ultra is also expected to feature a 6.83-inch flat 2K OLED display, a 9,000mAh-class battery with 100W charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a 50MP dual-camera system with OIS. It's expected to compete with performance-focused phones such as the Redmi K100 Pro series.

The iQOO Z11S appears better suited to buyers who want a long-lasting phone with a high-quality display, while the Neo 11 Ultra is targeting gamers and performance enthusiasts who want flagship silicon without giving up battery capacity. Neither phone has confirmed pricing or global availability yet. For buyers, the Z11S will need competitive pricing to justify its display and enormous battery, while the Neo 11 Ultra's value will depend on how aggressively iQOO prices it against other Dimensity 9500-powered rivals. The simpler dual-camera setup could also make the Neo 11 Ultra less attractive to photography-focused users.

[highlights]

• The Pixel Tag starts at Rs 3,799 for a single pack.
• It will be available later this year, in November.
• It comes in a single Fog colour option.

[/highlights]

Google has officially entered the Bluetooth tracker segment with the launch of the Pixel Tag, similar to Apple's popular AirTag. Unveiled alongside the company's latest Pixel 11 series, the accessory is designed to help users keep track of everyday items such as keys, wallets, bags, and luggage through Google's Find Hub network. The Pixel Tag marks Google's first dedicated item tracker and comes integrated with Gemini, UWB, and more features for a more complete experience. 

Google Pixel Tag price in India, availability

Pricing details for the Pixel Tag are available on the Google Store. The Google Pixel Tag is priced at Rs 3,799 for a single pack, while a pack of four costs Rs 12,900. It will be available in a single Fog colour option and is scheduled to go on sale in November through the Google India online store. 

The Pixel Tag costs the same as the Apple AirTag, which is priced at Rs 3,790 for the single unit and Rs 12,900 for the 4-pack. 

Google Pixel Tag features

The Pixel Tag combines Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband connectivity to help users locate misplaced belongings with greater accuracy. Through Google's Find Hub, compatible Pixel smartphones can provide directional guidance, making it easier to pinpoint the exact location of the tracker rather than simply estimating its proximity.

Google has also integrated the tracker with Gemini. Users can ask Gemini to ring the Pixel Tag, while the built-in speaker can also be triggered remotely from the Find Hub app. The tracker includes a physical button that offers a handy reverse-find feature: pressing it makes a paired Pixel phone ring even if it has been set to silent mode.

Fast Pair support enables quick setup with Pixel devices, as you would normally do with other Bluetooth devices like headphones. The Pixel Tag is powered by a replaceable CR2032 coin-cell battery, with Google claiming it can last for more than a year before requiring replacement.

The tracker carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive accidental splashes and brief immersion in water up to one metre for 30 minutes. It also includes an accelerometer and is built using a combination of polycarbonate and metal. The device measures 28 x 46.1 x 5.4mm and weighs just 11.8g.

The Pixel Tag is compatible with smartphones running Android 9 or newer and is backed by a one-year warranty.

In comparison to the AirTag, the Pixel Tag differentiates itself through tighter integration with the Android ecosystem. Features such as Gemini voice commands, Fast Pair, reverse phone finding, and Find Hub integration make the Pixel Tag particularly appealing for Android users. However, it's worth noting that some advanced features, including precision finding through UWB, require compatible Pixel smartphones. Users with older Android devices will still be able to use standard Bluetooth-based tracking, but may not get the full experience.

If you frequently misplace everyday essentials or travel regularly with luggage, the Pixel Tag could prove useful. Also, since the product is from Google, even if you're missing a few features, the experience should still be the most seamless among other Bluetooth trackers. If you're an Android user considering an item tracker, the Pixel Tag is now the most integrated option.

India's smartphone market is going through an awkward phase. People are buying fewer phones, prices are going up, discounts are disappearing, and cheap 5G smartphones are becoming an endangered species. And yet, two of the biggest names in the business, Samsung and Apple, are looking remarkably unbothered.

IDC's Q2 2026 data shows the contrast. Smartphone shipments in India fell 11.1 percent year over year to 33.2 million units, but Samsung's shipments were almost flat, declining only in relative terms as its market share rose from 14.5 percent to 16.4 percent. Apple did even better, with shipments up 0.7 percent and share increasing from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. Meanwhile, Vivo, Realme and Xiaomi posted double-digit declines, while iQOO shipments plunged a whopping 61 percent.

On the surface, this looks like another quarter in which the premium players won while the rest of the market struggled, but the more interesting story is why. As the memory crisis changes the economics of the smartphone business, some of the characteristics Samsung and Apple built over the years - scale, premium positioning and supply leverage - matter much more.

The cheapest phones are taking the biggest hit

The global memory shortage was supposed to be a problem for the entire smartphone industry, but in practice, it has been much crueler to some parts of it than others. India's sub-USD 100 (under Rs 9,500) smartphone segment collapsed 74.3 percent in Q2, with its share of the market falling from 15.6 percent to just 4.5 percent. At the same time, the USD 400 - USD 600 (around Rs 38,000 to Rs 57,000) segment grew 60.3 percent, while the USD 600 - USD 800 (Rs 57,000 to Rs 76,000) segment remained flat and the USD 800-plus (over Rs 76,000) segment declined only 5 percent.

That is a rather convenient market structure for Samsung and Apple. The two companies have spent years trying to convince consumers that a smartphone costing over Rs 70,000 or even over Rs 1 lakh is not a bad idea. Now the memory crisis is doing some of that marketing for them. Consumers suddenly haven't developed a taste for expensive phones, but much of the movement is being forced by the economics of making cheaper ones. Memory costs have risen across the board, but a Rs 10,000 phone has much less room to absorb a cost increase compared to a Rs 70,000 one. Brands can either raise prices and risk losing the buyer or cut specifications and margins. Neither is particularly attractive.

When the cheapest phones become significantly more expensive, the psychological gap between a budget phone and a better-speced mid-ranger gets smaller. And when the entire market is becoming more expensive anyway, paying a premium for an established brand doesn't feel outrageous. IDC had already seen this in Q1, when India's shipments fell 4.1 percent but market value grew 5.8 percent, with the average selling price reaching a record USD 302 (around Rs 28,800).

Premiumisation is happening partly because consumers want better phones and partly because the industry is making the cheapest phones harder to sell. That is rather convenient for Samsung and Apple, as they're automatically well-positioned for the market the memory crisis is creating.

Samsung has the luxury of being almost everywhere

Samsung's resilience is particularly interesting because it's not simply an Apple-style premium proposition. The company has phones across several price bands, from its mass-market Galaxy M, F, A series to the Galaxy S range and foldables, giving it multiple ways to respond as consumers move up the price ladder. IDC specifically attributes Samsung's resilience to its scale and diversified portfolio, which have helped it absorb rising costs without sacrificing as much volume or margin as some competitors.

There is another interesting advantage - memory. IDC's global research says Samsung and Apple entered the crisis with stronger leverage over memory supply. Samsung's position is such because it's not merely a buyer of memory components, it's also one of the industry's major memory suppliers. However, that doesn't mean Samsung gets free RAM while everyone else bargains. But it does mean the company has considerably more muscle in a supply crunch than a smaller smartphone brand which has to negotiate for every component.

In Q1 2026, Samsung's smartphone shipments grew 2.9 percent globally while the overall market fell 2.9 percent. IDC attributed the performance partly to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, consistent pricing and the early availability of its A-series models.

Apple has an easier game to play

Apple has a simpler advantage compared to Samsung - it has very little reason to care about the bottom of the market because it's not there. The company doesn't need to figure out how to make a sub-USD 100 smartphone profitable while memory prices are rising. Its challenge is persuading consumers who are already considering an iPhone to continue spending on one. In the current environment, that's a nicer problem to have.

So far, that seems to be working. Apple's India shipments grew 0.7 percent in Q2, lifting its share from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. IDC says Apple continues to lead India's smartphone market by value, with a 27 percent share, up 22.2 percent year over year.
That's Apple's secret - 8.5 percent of the phones, but 27 percent of the money. The Q1 numbers told a similar story. Apple had a 9 percent shipment share but commanded 28 percent of the Indian smartphone market by value. The iPhone 17 alone accounted for 4 percent of total smartphone shipments.

Apple is therefore insulated from one of the biggest problems facing the rest of the industry - volume. That's the advantage of being Apple in a market like this. When the market's average selling price is climbing, a company that already lives near the top has considerably less catching up to do.

What happened to the Chinese brands?

Companies such as Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi and OPPO have historically relied on giving consumers a lot of hardware for the money. These companies made their name by offering aggressive specifications at aggressive prices, but they're now being forced to raise prices. That is an awkward request when your entire brand proposition has been built around giving consumers more for less.

In Q2, Vivo shipments fell 13.9 percent, Realme fell 14.2 percent, Xiaomi fell 10 percent and OPPO fell 8.5 percent. iQOO was hit especially hard, with shipments down 61 percent. There is an obvious caveat here, as this isn't simply about Android vs Apple. Samsung is still an Android manufacturer competing in many of the same segments. The difference is that it has greater scale and a much broader portfolio, while Apple has largely sidestepped the low-end problem altogether.

There's also the discount playbook which Chinese OEMs have traditionally relied on to drive sales. The script's been consistent in India - launch the phone, announce an exciting price, wait for sales, add a bank offer, add exchange bonus, wait for festive season, and then cut price again. The memory crisis is making that much harder to execute. In previous years, a weak quarter could be patched up with a sale, a bank offer, an exchange bonus and, eventually, festive discounts. But when memory costs are squeezing margins, brands cannot pretend that Rs 2,000 off is unsubstantial. Apple has the brand pull to sell an iPhone without turning every launch into a discount festival. Samsung has enough scale and enough price points to offer financing, trade-ins and promotions without having to alter the economics of its entire portfolio.

IDC's global outlook says the divide will remain. It expects Android shipments to fall sharply in 2026 but says Samsung should gain share by expanding in premium and the mid-range, helped by secured memory supply. Apple, meanwhile, has also secured the memory supply it needs early and is expected to see its share rise even as the broader market contracts.

IDC forecasts a more than 15 percent shipment decline in H2 2026, taking full-year Indian smartphone shipments to roughly 128-130 million units. It also warns that memory costs, a weaker rupee and declining mass-market viability could keep prices elevated. Samsung has the scale to absorb shocks, the supply-chain muscle to secure components and enough premium credibility to move consumers upwards without abandoning the mid-range. Apple, on the other hand, has spent years convincing consumers that expensive phones are worth buying. Now that the entire market is getting expensive, that is a useful skill to have.

The ironic part is that India's smartphone market has spent years rewarding companies for giving consumers more for less. The memory crisis is now posing a very different question -  what happens when "less for more" becomes the only business model floating around.

[highlights]

• The Pixel 11 starts at Rs 89,999 in India.
• All four phones are powered by the new 2nm Tensor G6 chipset.
• The Pixel 11 series debuts the new 'HiLight' feature.

[/highlights]

Google has finally unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold foldable. All four phones come with the new Tensor G6 chipset, IP68 ratings, upgraded Gemini Intelligence, and 5x telephoto cameras. Google also debuts a new HiLight feature on the Pro models, which is essentially an array of LED lights glowing in different colours for calls, notifications, and Gemini. Take a look at the Pixel 11 series India pricing and complete specifications.

Google Pixel 11 series prices in India

The base Pixel 11 starts from Rs 89,999, and it gets 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The 12GB+512GB variant costs Rs 1,04,999. The Pixel 11 Pro costs Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant and Rs 1,34,999 for the 16GB+512GB option. The Pixel 11 Pro XL's price starts at Rs 1,34,999 for the 12GB+256GB configuration and goes up to Rs 1,49,999 for the 16GB+512GB variant.

Meanwhile, the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold costs Rs 1,86,999 in India for the sole 16GB+512GB option. The phones are up for pre-orders starting today, with deliveries from August 20.

Google Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL specifications

Starting with the Pro models, the Pixel 11 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Actua (1280 x 2856 pixels) LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass with an anti-scratch shield. The display supports up to 2,400 nits (HDR) and up to 3,600 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 11 Pro XL has a bigger 6.8-inch screen with a higher 1344 x 2992 resolution, but the rest of the hardware is the same.

Both the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature a triple-camera setup: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide with Macro Focus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens. The smartphone offers Pro Zoom up to 120x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. For selfies, you get a 42MP front camera with autofocus on the Pixel 11 Pro models. Both phones also support 8K video recording at 24/30 FPS. 

In addition to existing features like Add Me and Camera Coach, the Pixel 11 Pro lineup also brings 'Magic Capture', a new feature that automatically captures your best moments. These are also ready-to-share as they're automatically cropped and unblurred. Camera Looks is another new feature that lets you create your own set of distinct, professional-grade film styles and unique photo aesthetics. 

Powering the Pixel 11 Pro series is the new Google Tensor G6 chipset paired with the Titan M3 security coprocessor. The new 2nm chipset is said to deliver up to 20 percent better power efficiency, 25 percent faster browsing, and 15 percent faster app loading. The lineup also comes loaded with on-device AI. Gemini Intelligence on the Pixel 11 series brings new voice-to-text capabilities that automatically remove filler words like ‘um' and format your thoughts into clear, polished text. Circle to Search has also been directly integrated into the Google Pixel Camera on the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

The Pro models are quite similar, but battery is one area where they differ. The Pixel 11 Pro has a 4,850mAh battery with 30W wired charging, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL packs a 5,115mAh cell with 45W charging support. Both phones come with Pixelsnap wireless charging (Qi2.2-certified) up to 25W. Competing flagships like the Vivo X300 series and OPPO Find X9 series offer bigger batteries in comparison. 

The battery capacity isn't much, so you wouldn't necessarily get more juice out of the Pro XL model. Both phones are also claimed to deliver a 30+ hour battery life. Interestingly, the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 5200mAh battery, while the 10 Pro has a 4,870mAh battery. 

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL come in Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Obsidian (matte) finishes. Both phones have been launched in 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB variants. 

What is the new HiLight feature?

The new HiLight feature is exclusive to the Pixel 11 Pro lineup. It's an array of ambient LED lights built around the camera's flash, designed to give light-based communications on the back of the phone. Some examples include the HiLight feature glowing in customised colours to alert you of incoming calls from your favourite contacts. It also gives a soft visual cue to indicate when Gemini is listening, thinking, and responding without you having to look at your screen.

Google Pixel 11 specifications

The Pixel 11 is the standard model in the lineup and offers most of the premium experience but with a few compromises. It features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display (1080x2424 pixels) with an adaptive 60-120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass, up to 2,000 nits HDR, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 11 has a 4,985mAh battery, which is a tiny bit bigger than the Pixel 11 Pro's. In comparison to the Pixel 10, it isn't really an upgrade as the handset packs a 4,970 mAh battery. You're still promised 30+ hours of battery life, 30W wired charging, and the same wireless charging capabilities as the Pro models. 

Google still offers a triple-camera setup with the Pixel 11, but with different sensors. It features a 48MP wide camera with Macro Focus, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The phone supports Super Zoom up to 30x and optical quality at 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. For selfies, you get a 10.5MP front camera with autofocus. There's no 8K video recording on the Pixel 11, but you do get 4K video recording at
24/30/60 FPS.

The rest of the hardware is mostly the same, with the Tensor G6 chipset and AI features. It comes in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian colours, and in 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants. 

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold specifications

Moving on to the most expensive phone in the lineup — the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The foldable features a 6.5-inch Super Actua OLED display (1080 x 2342 pixels) with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,400 nits HDR and 3,600 nits peak brightness. Once you unfold it, you get an 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED display (2076 x 2152 pixels) with Ultra Thin Glass protection, the same brightness level and refresh rate as the cover screen. 

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold packs a 4,750mAh battery with 30W wired charging and the same wireless charging features as the other models. For photography, you get a 48MP wide,  10.5MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and a 10.8MP 5x telephoto camera with Super Zoom up to 30x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold gets a 10MP front camera for selfies.  

It has been launched in a single Olive finish with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. 

Based on what has been revealed so far, the Pixel 11 series could be a good option for those who want a new camera flagship with the most advanced on-device AI, a fast chipset, and a clean Android experience. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold might be compelling for those who are looking to upgrade to a foldable. If you own a Pixel 9, the Pixel 11 Pro offers significant performance upgrades, making it a worthwhile jump. However, if you have a Pixel 10, the improvements might be incremental. It's still advisable to compare and check with rivals in the same price segment before making a buying decision.

[highlights]

• Google Pixel Watch 5 has launched alongside the Pixel 11 series in 41mm and 45mm sizes.
• The Watch 5 comes with up to 30 hours and 40 hours of battery life, respectively, for the two sizes.
• Key upgrades include blood pressure and insulin resistance trend tracking, dual-frequency GPS, Sleep Breathing Quality and Gemini-powered Health Coach.

[/highlights]

Google has launched the Pixel Watch 5 alongside the Pixel 11 series, updating its smartwatch lineup with a familiar circular design and a greater focus on health, fitness and AI-powered assistance. The new watch comes in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes, with Google adding new health insights, a more capable workout experience and deeper Gemini integration.

The Pixel Watch 5 also gets a brighter display, newer internals and longer battery life on the larger model. 

Pixel Watch 5 price and availability

The India price and availability of the Pixel Watch 5 has been announced. The 41 mmm variant costs Rs 42,900 while the 45 mm variant is for Rs 45,900. The previous-generation Pixel Watch 4 started at Rs 39,900 for the 41 mm Wi-Fi model.

The Pixel Watch 5 will be available in 41 mm and 45 mm variants, with colours including Obsidian, Fog, Olive and Canyon. The 45mm model also gets a Stephen Curry Special Edition in the US. 

Pixel Watch 5 design and display

The Pixel Watch 5 is available in 41 mm and 45 mm versions. The 41 mm model weighs 31 gms without the band, while the 45 mm version weighs 36.7 gms. The 45 mm model gets a 465mAh battery and up to 40 hours of battery life with the Always-On Display enabled, while the 41 mm version has a 332mAh battery and is rated for up to 30 hours.

The design stays close to the Pixel Watch 4, with Google retaining its circular case and domed display. The watch uses a 100 percent recycled aluminium housing. Both models feature an Actua 360 AMOLED LTPO display with 320ppi resolution, a 1-60Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. The display is protected by 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The watches are rated IP68 and 5 ATM for water resistance.

Features and how it compares with the Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 5 gets Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip with a Cortex-M55 co-processor, 64GB of eMMC storage and Wear OS 7. Google claims 12 percent more CPU processing power, 50 percent more RAM and 20 percent faster performance with expanded on-device intelligence. Its connectivity options include Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB and LTE.

Health tracking is getting more ambitious. The watch can track blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance trends, alongside ECG, heart-rate, SpO2, skin-temperature and stress-related measurements. The blood pressure and insulin resistance features are scheduled for September 2026 and are intended for general wellness rather than medical diagnosis.

Fitness is the bigger upgrade. The Pixel Watch 5 supports more than 50 exercises and adds a Readiness Score, Workout Builder, audio cues, rest timers and weight and rep tracking. Its dual-frequency GPS is designed to maintain a better lock on routes through trails and dense city areas.

Sleep tracking adds Sleep Breathing Quality, Smart Wake Alarms, Sleep Scores and a Morning Brief. Google Health Coach, built with Gemini, can create personalised fitness and recovery plans, although it requires a Google Health Premium subscription after the included three-month trial.

For existing Pixel Watch 4 owners, the upgrade case rests primarily on these new health, fitness and AI capabilities rather than a redesigned exterior. New buyers, meanwhile, should wait for the India price before deciding between the two generations, particularly if the older Watch 4 gets discounted.

Hisense India has launched the UR8S RGB MiniLED TV Series. With the launch, the brand brings its proprietary RGB MiniLED display technology to mainstream screen sizes. It was first introduced through the UX Series for ultra-large screen buyers. The UR8S targets users looking for premium display performance at a more accessible price point than the brand's flagship lineup.

Launch offer and availability

With a starting price of Rs 1,19,000, the UR8S is targeted towards more price-conscious TV buyers. It features more mainstream screen sizes such as 55, 65, and 75-inch variants. The UR8S is available through retail partners including Satya, Nandilath, MyG, Great Eastern, Patra Electronics, and Khosla, as well as Amazon and Flipkart.

To mark the launch, Hisense is running an RGB Special Sellout Offer covering cashback of up to Rs 10,000, a two-year comprehensive warranty, one free EMI, zero down payment, and fixed EMI options.

Display and picture quality

Hisense brands itself as the originator of RGB MiniLED technology, which uses separate red, green, and blue LED light sources rather than a conventional white LED backlight. The result is a wider colour gamut, more precise local dimming, and higher colour accuracy than standard MiniLED implementations. The UR8S peaks at 3,500 nits of brightness, features a native 180Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, and includes Anti-Reflection and Glare-Free technology for daytime viewing in bright rooms. An AI RGB Light Sensor adjusts picture settings automatically based on ambient lighting conditions.

Picture processing is handled by the Hi-View AI Engine RGB, Hisense's most advanced AI processor, which optimises colour, brightness, and contrast in real time. The panel supports Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode for content-accurate playback.

Audio and smart platform

Audio is handled by a 2.1.2 Multi-Channel Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos support. The UR8S runs on VIDAA, Hisense's proprietary smart TV operating system. This system is independently recognised as the fastest Smart TV OS in the market based on the WEKA Media Publishing TVOS Benchmark Report from August 2025. The platform also supports Hands-free Voice Control, VIDAA Voice, Alexa Built-in, Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and Apple Home. The ultra-slim bezel-less design completes the premium aesthetic.

The UR8S enters a competitive premium TV segment alongside LG's QNED evo Mini LED and Samsung's Neo QLED range. Hisense's RGB MiniLED approach differs from conventional MiniLED in using tri-colour LED sources, which delivers a measurably wider colour gamut than white-LED MiniLED implementations at equivalent brightness levels.

At Rs 1,19,990 for the 55-inch entry point, the UR8S is priced competitively against LG's QNED85 and Samsung's QN85D in the same size. The UR8S is worth looking at if colour quality and brightness matter more to you than buying a well-known brand. With 3,500 nits of brightness and a 180Hz refresh rate, HDR movies and fast-moving sports look incredible. Plus, the fast VIDAA smart platform makes daily navigation feel noticeably quicker than its rivals.

Noise, the leading connected lifestyle and wearable brand in India, is now entering a new market sector. The company has introduced Clutch, a range of gaming audio products that the brand has specifically designed for India's gaming community. The first product in the range is the Clutch HP-P01, a wireless gaming headphone. The brand says it is designed for use in competitive gaming on mobile devices, personal computers, and consoles.

Price and Availability

Noise currently offers the Clutch HP-P01 for pre-booking exclusively on gonoise.com at an introductory price of Rs 4,999. The headphone launches in India on August 27, with deliveries beginning around the same time. It is available in three colourways: Black and Red, Purple and Gold, and Grey and Green.

Specifications and features

The HP-P01 features a 50mm driver designed for precise sound direction and footstep detection, which are essential for competitive gaming in titles like BGMI, Valorant, and Call of Duty. It has a wireless latency of 24ms, ensuring the audio is closely synced with the action on screen. It supports four connectivity options: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 6.0, and a 3.5mm wired connection, making it compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The battery life lasts up to 40 hours with RGB lights off and 20 hours with RGB lights on.

The full-metal frame and cushioned fabric are made for durability and comfort, having passed drop, tumble, and vibration tests. A detachable boom microphone and 7.1 virtual surround sound facilitate squad communication, while multi-mode RGB lighting enhances the look for streaming setups. The headphones weigh 300g and are available in Black and Red, Purple and Gold, and Grey and Green.

At Rs 4,999, the HP-P01 competes with the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, Zebronics Orion, and boAt Immortal 1000D in the entry-level gaming headphone market. Many alternatives in this price range offer either wired-only connections or Bluetooth without low-latency support. The HP-P01's 2.4GHz wireless feature with 24ms latency, 40-hour battery life, and four connectivity modes give it a strong advantage over most direct competitors in the same price range.

For Indian gamers seeking a capable wireless gaming headset under Rs 5,000 that works across mobile, PC, and consoles, the HP-P01 sounds like a good option. A hands-on review will show how the 50mm driver performs in actual games, especially in terms of positional audio, which is crucial for competitive play.

• Airtel has discontinued its Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 prepaid plans in India, with some plans being pulled out in specific circles.
• The Rs 349 pack is now the entry price for a 28-day daily-data recharge.
• Airtel has also increased the Rs 859 plan to Rs 899.

[/highlights]

Airtel is quietly making its prepaid portfolio a little less friendly to budget-conscious users. The telecom operator has withdrawn four prepaid plans priced at Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649, with the packs disappearing from its website and Airtel Thanks app. The changes were reported by tipsters on X today and appear to be part of a broader reshuffling of Airtel's recharge lineup.

Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 Airtel prepaid plans gone

The Rs 299 plan is the most significant removal. It offered 1.5GB of daily data, unlimited calls and SMS benefits for 28 days, making it one of Airtel's more affordable monthly options. The Rs 349 plan is now the most affordable daily data plan, which offers 2GB of data per day for 28 days.

That means Airtel users who previously spent Rs 299 every month now have to pay Rs 50 more for a comparable daily-data plan. The increase works out to around 17 percent, although the Rs 349 pack also comes with more daily data.

The Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 plans catered to users looking for longer validity without moving to an annual recharge. Their availability has also been inconsistent across circles in recent weeks, suggesting Airtel may be rolling out the changes in stages rather than applying every removal uniformly.

Airtel has also raised the price of the Rs 859 plan to Rs 899 without changing its benefits, according to reports. Other reports have flagged additional plan removals, so the company's prepaid lineup could see further changes.

The Rs 349 price point is becoming increasingly important across telecom operators. Jio currently offers a Rs 349 plan with unlimited voice calls, 2GB daily data and 28 days of validity, while Vi lists Rs 349 and Rs 365 options with 1.5GB daily data for the former and up to 2GB daily data for the latter, both keeping a uniform 28-day validity.

If you currently use one of the discontinued plans, check the Airtel Thanks app before your next recharge rather than assuming the same pack will return. Users who need daily data and unlimited calling will likely have to move to Rs 349 or a higher-priced option. Airtel's entry point is a Rs 199 option, but that only offers 2GB of bulk data for the full duration.

There is also no confirmed industry-wide tariff hike yet. Reports have pointed to possible 12-15 percent increases from Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea, but the latest changes should not be treated as proof of an imminent blanket hike.

[highlights]

• Vivo X300 FE is now available in an 8GB + 256GB variant.
• This is the most affordable variant in the lineup.
• The X300 FE now comes in three memory variants. 

[/highlights]

Vivo X300 FE just saw its price increase by Rs 10,000 in India. Now, the brand has launched a new memory variant of the X300 FE. The compact flagship comes in a new 8GB + 256GB variant, making it the most affordable one in the lineup. Vivo launched the X300 FE in India earlier this year, in May. A more affordable variant of the X300 FE comes amid ongoing price hikes, which the X300 FE has also faced. 

Vivo X300 FE 8GB + 256GB variant price 

The Vivo X300 FE 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at Rs 84,999. It will be available starting today across Flipkart, Amazon, the Vivo India e-store, and all leading retail partner outlets. Vivo is offering a 10 percent instant bank discount, up to 24 months No Cost EMI, or a 10 percent exchange bonus. 

The X300 FE is available in two more variants: 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB, priced at Rs 89,999 and Rs 99,999, respectively. So now, there are three variants to choose from for the X300 FE. At this price point, the Vivo X300 FE goes up against similarly priced rivals like the OnePlus 15.

Vivo X300 FE: What's on offer?

The Vivo X300 FE stands out for its compact 6.31-inch LTPO 1.5K AMOLED display with a dynamic 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate and a horizontal camera bar. Under the hood of the phone runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a chipset known to offer flagship-grade performance. The smartphone packs a 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired FlashCharge and 40W wireless FlashCharge support. 

Like the premium X300 lineup, the FE model also features a Zeiss-backed triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 3x periscope telephoto unit. In addition to this, you get support for the telephoto extender kit, which is a bonus for photography enthusiasts. This way, you get to experience Vivo's flagship camera prowess without having to stretch your budget even more. 

For those considering the Vivo X300 FE, the handset offers a well-balanced package with its flagship-grade hardware. You're getting a compact design, versatile cameras, and gaming performance with the X300 FE. If you're currently using a phone from 2023 or earlier, the X300 FE could be a good compact flagship to upgrade to. However, if you want a bigger battery or even faster performance, there are alternatives like the OnePlus 15. So, while you can consider the Vivo X300 FE, it would still be wise to compare it with rivals in the same price segment.

[highlights]

• The Redmi Note 17 launched in India on August 6 with a starting price of Rs 27,999.
• The device features a massive 8,000mAh battery and a 6.99-inch AMOLED display. 
• The phone's official sale begins today, with discount offers worth Rs 3,000 on bank credit cards and EMI purchases. 

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 17 (review) launched back on August 6, 2026, and just a week later, its official sale begins today. The new Note brings with it a massive 8,000mAh battery, a huge 6.99-inch AMOLED display and a big long-term software commitment to appeal to consumers. In this story, we'll list all the key details, like the phone's retail price, purchase channels and answer if the device is worth its asking price. Check it out below. 

Redmi Note 17: price, availability

The Redmi Note 17 is available for purchase with an introductory offer, which includes an Rs 3,000 discount on Axis, SBI, and Kotak bank credit cards and EMI offers. The sale begins on 12pm, August 12, 2026. 

Redmi Note 17: key features

The Redmi Note 17 is a slightly bulky phone that measures 8.4mm thick and weighs 225g. For new users, it may feel a bit big and heavy in the hand. The phone uses a 6.99-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 2396 × 1080p. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, so scrolling and gaming should feel smooth.

Peak brightness goes up to 1,800 nits, which means the phone should stay readable outdoors in harsh sunlight. The display also includes an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and HydroTouch 2.0, which helps the screen stay responsive even when your fingers are slightly wet.

The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which should help reduce accidental damage from scratches and minor drops compared to cheaper glass or plastic. It has an IP65 rating to safeguard it against dust and water. 

Inside, the device runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset built on a 4nm process. This is an entry-level 5G chipset, but the 4nm process should make it more power efficient and better at heat management than older chipsets. You've also got a 10,416mm² vapor chamber to make it more efficient in dissipating heat.

The phone comes with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage and expandable storage up to 2TB. For everyday use, this combination should manage social media, streaming, messaging and light gaming without major issues.

On the software side, you get HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. The big promise here is long-term software support: the phone gets up to 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates. It's ideal for buyers who tend to keep their phones for longer.  

The Redmi Note 17 uses a simpler camera setup, which includes a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and 5P lens, paired with a secondary sensor. On the front, you get an 8MP selfie camera. 

The battery, however, is one of the key highlights of this phone. Redmi uses an 8,000mAh cell, which is one of the highest in this segment. This capacity should easily get most users through around two full days of regular use.

Charging is handled by 45W wired fast charging, and the box includes the 45W compatible charger. There is also 22.5W wired reverse charging, which allows the phone to act like a power bank for other devices.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 17?

The Redmi Note 17 targets users who care most about battery life and a big display. It gives you a large AMOLED screen, an 8,000mAh battery, and long-term software support. Although, in aspects like camera, overall performance and weight. If you mainly stream content, scroll social media and want a phone that comfortably lasts around two days or more, this is the sort of device that fits that use case well. 

Talking about competitors, the Realme P4 Power (review), which is similarly priced, also delivers on the same core principles. It features a 10,001mAh battery, faster 80W charging, a higher‑resolution 144Hz AMOLED and a more advanced camera setup. If you want better hardware for endurance, display and camera, the Realme P4 Power will suit you better. If you prefer a big‑battery phone that's more comfortable in daily use and promises longer software support, the Redmi Noet 17 has an advantage. 

With the current launch offer and introductory pricing, now is the best time if you've been planning to upgrade to the Redmi Note 17. You can head on over to our comprehensive review to learn more about how the Note 17 performs in the real-world. 

[highlights]

• Samsung has increased discounts on the Galaxy S26 series, with the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra now available at Rs 79,999, Rs 89,500 and Rs 1,24,999 respectively.
• Samsung is also offering an additional Rs 4,000 off for a first purchase on its website and Rs 3,000 through referrals.
• Offline buyers may find better deals, with Galaxy S26 purchases at around Rs 72,000 with six months of no-cost EMI.

[/highlights]

With smartphone prices under pressure from rising memory costs, Samsung is bringing a breath of fresh air route with its latest flagship lineup. The Galaxy S26 series is getting deeper discounts in India, bringing the effective prices of all three models below their launch prices. The offers come at a time when several smartphone makers have raised prices or reduced the value offered by their latest devices.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series deal

The Galaxy S26 is currently available (via) at Rs 79,999 on Amazon, down from its Rs 87,999 launch price for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is also listed at Rs 1,24,999 on Amazon for the 12GB + 256GB model, compared with its original Rs 1,39,999 price.

The ongoing Amazon Great Freedom Sale has also made the previous-generation Galaxy S25 Ultra available at Rs 94,999, making it a cheaper alternative to the S26 Ultra. The older flagship still offers a premium display, flagship performance and S Pen support, while the S26 Ultra makes more sense for buyers who specifically want Samsung's latest hardware.

Samsung's own website is offering another set of discounts. The Galaxy S26 Ultra gets Rs 15,000 off, bringing it to Rs 1,24,999, while the Galaxy S26+ gets a much larger Rs 30,500 discount, taking it from Rs 1,19,999 to Rs 89,500. The Galaxy S26 gets Rs 8,000 off, reducing its price to Rs 79,999.

Samsung is also advertising an additional Rs 4,000 discount on a first purchase through its website and Rs 3,000 through its referral programme. No-cost EMI options are available on eligible purchases.

Offline deals

The online prices are not necessarily the lowest available. Some buyers have reported getting the Galaxy S26 for around Rs 72,000 through offline retailers, along with six months of no-cost EMI. That makes checking local Samsung stores and authorised retailers worthwhile before buying.

OnePlus, Vivo and iQOO have traditionally competed by undercutting Samsung on hardware, but Samsung's post-launch price cuts reduce that gap. The S26 at around Rs. 80,000 is now particularly interesting for buyers who want a compact flagship without paying Ultra-level prices.

For most buyers, the Galaxy S26+ at Rs. 89,500 is arguably the strongest value proposition of the three if the larger display and battery justify the extra cost. The S26 Ultra remains the pick for camera, S Pen and flagship features, while the standard S26 makes more sense for those prioritising size and price. With offline deals potentially going lower, comparing the final price across channels could save several thousand rupees.

[highlights]

• The Pixel 11 series could start at Rs 89,999 in India.
• Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 series later today.
• Prices of all three phones and the Fold have been leaked.

[/highlights]

The Pixel 11 series is set to launch today as part of Google's latest flagship lineup. The series includes four phones: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Just hours before the launch, a new report by Gizbot reveals the alleged India pricing of the Pixel 11 series. The report includes pricing for all four models, including the Fold. 

Pixel 11 series India pricing leaked

According to the report by Gizbot, the Pixel 11 will launch at Rs 89,999 for the base model. This would be Rs 10,000 more expensive than the Pixel 10, which launched at Rs 79,999 in India. The Pixel 11 Pro is said to cost Rs 1,19,999, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL will be priced at Rs 1,34,999. Both phones are getting a hike of Rs 10,000, if this leaked pricing is anything to go by. 

Coming to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, it will be the most expensive in the lineup with a launch price of Rs 1,86,999. In comparison, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launched at Rs 1,72,999. The price hikes are not surprising, considering the ongoing situation in the smartphone industry due to increased memory demand and costs. Since the pricing hasn't been revealed by Google yet, it's better to wait for official confirmation. 

The Pixel 11 series is expected to bring upgrades with the new TSMC 2nm Tensor G6 chipset, expected to deliver better efficiency and thermal performance, and advanced AI processing. Google is also rumoured to move from 16GB to 12GB RAM for the Pixel 11 Pro models, which sounds like a downgrade, but Google has reportedly optimised Android 17 for stronger optimisation and performance.  

There's also a new 'HiLight' feature, which is essentially an LED light with different colours to indicate notifications, alerts, and updates. This also adds a slight redesign to the camera island on the Pixel 11 series, which now looks more uniform than the Pixel 10 lineup. 

The Pixel 11 series launch is only a few hours away so we'll soon know the actual pricing details. The upcoming flagship lineup looks interesting for those who want a clean Android experience, one of the best on-device AI features, and advanced cameras. If you own a Pixel 9 or older, the upgrade might seem worth it, but Pixel 10 series users might want to compare properly before planning an upgrade. 

[highlights]

• The new Aspire 3 is for students, professionals and families who want a simple everyday laptop, starting at Rs 39,999. 
• The Aspire Pro focuses on AI‑ready productivity with Intel Core Ultra and Copilot integration, starting at Rs 69,999
• The Swift Pro is positioned as a premium thin‑and‑light option for professionals and creators, starting at Rs 79,999.

[/highlights]

Acer is refreshing its consumer laptop portfolio for 2026 in India, with new models across both gaming and non‑gaming segments. On the non‑gaming side, the Aspire 3, Aspire Pro and Swift Pro are meant to cover a wider user base, from students and families who need a simple everyday machine to professionals and creators looking for AI‑ready and premium thin‑and‑light options without going into gaming laptops. Let's look at these devices in more detail below. 

Acer Aspire, Swift series: price, availability

The new Aspire 3, Aspire Pro and Swift Pro laptops will be available via Acer Exclusive Stores, Acer E‑store, Amazon, Croma, Reliance and Vijay Sales.

Acer Aspire, Swift series: features, specifications

Aspire 3

Acer has introduced the new Aspire 3 in India as an entry-level machine for students, professionals and families who need a reliable everyday laptop. It runs on an AMD Ryzen processor and focuses on day‑to‑day tasks like online classes, office work, browsing and streaming. You get a standard 15.6‑inch Full HD IPS display, up to 16GB DDR4 memory (expandable to 32GB) and fast NVMe SSD storage. It's light enough with an 180‑degree hinge and USB Type‑C charging to make it easier to carry and use in hybrid setups.

Aspire 3 key specifications

• 15.6‑inch Full HD IPS display with Acer ComfyView, anti‑glare
  180‑degree lay‑flat hinge
• AMD Ryzen processors (Ryzen 3 / Ryzen 5 / Ryzen 7 options, depending on SKU)store.
• Integrated AMD Radeon graphicsstore.
• Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM, expandable to 32GB, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, expandable up to 1TB
• Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity
• USB Type‑C, USB Type‑A, HDMI, SD card reader and audio jack
• Approximate weight around 1.7–1.9 kg

Aspire Pro

The latest Aspire Pro AI laptop targets professionals, students and everyday users who want an AI‑ready machine without opting for a premium ultrabook. It uses an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 14‑inch display and a slim 1.3 kg chassis, with Windows Copilot to bring AI assistance into everyday work, meetings and study. It comes with sufficient RAM and storage to deliver in day‑to‑day tasks, while giving users enough battery life and connectivity to move around without worrying about charging.

Aspire Pro key specifications

• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor
• 14‑inch Full HD IPS display with Acer ComfyView, slim bezels
• Windows 11 Home with a dedicated Copilot key
• 16GB DDR5 memory, expandable up to 32G, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, expandable up to 1TB
• Up to 10 hours claimed battery life, 65W USB Type‑C charger
• Approx. 1.3kg weight, FHD webcam, dual stereo speakers
• Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, dual USB Type‑C, USB 3.2 Type‑A, HDMI, SD card reader, audio jack, Kensington lock
• Moisture‑resistant backlit keyboard, precision multi‑gesture touchpad

Swift Pro

The new Swift Pro targets professionals, creators and entrepreneurs who want a premium thin‑and‑light laptop that can keep up with work, learning and creative side projects. It combines an Intel Core Ultra processor, a 14‑inch 16:10 display and a lightweight metal chassis with Copilot integration to make everyday productivity, creative work and multitasking feel smoother while still offering enough battery life for easy portability.

Swift Pro key specifications

• 14‑inch WUXGA (16:10) display with narrow bezels, optional 14‑inch WUXGA OLED panel, up to 400 nits brightness
• Intel Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 H‑series processors, Intel Arc graphics
• Up to 32GB LPDDR5 memory, up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage
• Approx. 1.2 kg premium metal chassis
• 52Wh battery, up to 10.5 hours claimed battery life
• FHD webcam with privacy shutter, fingerprint reader, Backlit keyboard and 180‑degree hinge
• Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type‑C, HDMI 2.0, USB Type‑A, MicroSD card reader

Should you buy the new Acer consumer laptops?

You should consider the Aspire 3 if you want a simple, affordable notebook for school, basic office work, browsing and streaming at an affordable price point. The Aspire Pro suits users who want an AI‑ready work machine with Copilot and good performance but still want to keep pricing sensible. The Swift Pro is for those who care about design and portability as much as performance and want a more premium, thin and light machine for work and creative tasks on the go.

These machines cost roughly 20-30 percent higher than their predecessors due to the memory price inflation worldwide and thus require careful consideration in terms of your budget, needs and the features you want. 

[highlights]

• The Realme 16x is priced in India starting at Rs 25,999.
• Key specs include a 144Hz display, MediaTek chipset, 45W fast charging, and more.
• The Realme 16x sale starts August 13th via major offline stores, Flipkart, and Realme's official website.

[/highlights]

The Realme 16x is the fourth smartphone in the company's 16-series lineup, positioned just below the Realme 16T. Its biggest highlight remains the battery, packing a 7,000mAh cell paired with 45W fast charging. The rest of the Realme 16x specifications remain pretty much the same as the Realme 16T, including the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 144Hz LCD display, a 50MP rear camera, and Realme UI 7.0. As part of the launch offer, Realme has announced a Rs 2,000 discount on the smartphone, making it sell for under Rs 25,000.

Realme 16x price in India, availability

The Realme 16x is priced in India starting at Rs 25,999 for the base 4GB RAM variant, while the higher-end 6GB RAM options with 128GB and 256GB storage cost Rs 27,999 and Rs 30,999 respectively. The handset goes on sale in India starting August 13th via Flipkart and major offline stores, and until August 18th, it will be available for as low as Rs 23,999. The phone comes in two colour variants: Endurance Brown and Glory White.

Realme 16x specifications

The Realme 16x specifications are identical to the Realme C85, launched last year. The notable difference remains the software and a slightly redesigned camera module. The Realme 16-series phone runs Realme UI 7, layered atop Android 16, out of the box. This is backed by two years of major OS upgrades and three years of security updates, keeping the phone relevant until 2029.

At the back, the Realme 16x sports a rectangular camera platform, which houses vertically-aligned 50MP+2MP sensors and a Pulse Light. The LED flash is placed next to the sensors, identical to the Realme Narzo 100x. On the front, the Realme 16x sports a 6.8-inch HD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. The combination should ensure smooth animation, graphics, and a decent multimedia experience. At its core lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, which is a reliable SoC for regular everyday activities.

In optics, the Realme 16x features a 50MP AI-powered rear camera and an 8MP selfie camera. Realme has also included AI-based editing features, including AI Edit Genie and AI Editor, elevating the overall experience. Keeping things running is a 7,000mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, which Realme claims can provide up to two days of usage.

The company also says the battery is designed to maintain its performance for up to six years. Charging is handled by a 45W fast-charging system, with Realme claiming that a five-minute top-up can deliver up to 1.5 hours of usage. The phone also supports 6.5W reverse charging.

Other highlights of the Realme 16x include an IP65 water and dust resistance rating, MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, and a 400 percent louder volume mode, which could come in handy when watching content without headphones.

With its large battery, 144Hz display, and MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, the Realme 16x appears a dependable choice for regular users on paper. The handset will be competing against the Redmi Note 17 (review), Moto G77 Power (review), and Motorola Edge 70 Fusion (review). The Motorola smartphone is a more balanced offering, but lacks the massive battery capacities that the G77 Power, Redmi Note 17, and Realme 16x bring to the table. 

[highlights]

• Vivo X500 is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch display.
• The handset could feature a different camera design.
• The lineup is expected to continue with a circular camera. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's upcoming flagship X500 series has been appearing in multiple leaks and rumours lately. The latest leak talks about the standard Vivo X500's camera design and display details. The Vivo X500 lineup is expected to continue with the circular camera module, but it may look slightly different on the standard model compared to the Pro models. 

Vivo X500 series camera design

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Vivo X500 Pro models are expected to retain the large circular camera module seen on the X300 series. The standard Vivo X500 is also tipped to feature a circular camera module, but with a different placement. Instead of sitting at the centre like on the Pro models, it could be positioned in the upper-left corner of the rear panel.

This would help the Vivo X500 stand apart from its Pro siblings and give it a more distinctive look. However, Vivo's flagship camera modules are typically quite large due to the sensors used, so it remains to be seen how the company will accommodate a similarly capable setup with this new placement. Also, it's not clear why Vivo plans to adopt a slightly different design for the X500. 

The Vivo X500 is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch display, which would be bigger than the X300's compact 6.31-inch screen. Instead, the Vivo X500 Pro will get the compact 6.37-inch display, while the Pro Max will offer a 6.85-inch display, the largest in the lineup. With three different screen sizes, the X500 models offer variety and options to users, depending on their preference and use case. The X500 lineup is said to feature extremely narrow bezels, suggesting a more immersive experience. The displays could support 1.5K or 2K resolution and refresh rates up to 144Hz. This would be an upgrade over the X300 series' 120Hz refresh rate. 

Vivo's flagship lineup is expected to debut later this year. This time too, three models are expected, but with slight changes, as mentioned above. Vivo is known for offering one of the best cameras on its flagships, and the same is expected from the X500 lineup. For now, the Vivo X500 series could be worth keeping an eye on if you're looking for a flagship camera phone. Given these are early leaks, waiting for official announcements and reviews is advisable before making any pre-order decisions.