[highlights]

• Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and Galaxy Watch9 are now on sale in India.
• The devices launched at Unpacked last month and have registered record pre-orders.
• The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at Rs 1,99,999, while the wide Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at Rs 1,79,999.

[/highlights]

Samsung's latest foldables and smartwatches are now available for purchase in India. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 went on sale today across online and offline channels, following a strong start to pre-orders. The company says it received 2.7 lakh pre-orders within 72 hours of unveiling the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, signalling increased interest in the premium foldables despite their flagship pricing.

Pricing and features

The new Galaxy devices are available through Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart and retail stores across India.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 starts at Rs 64,999 for the LTE model, while the Galaxy Watch9 is priced from Rs 37,999 for the 40 mm Bluetooth variant. The smartwatch lineup is available in multiple Bluetooth and LTE configurations.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is Samsung's slimmest Fold yet at 4.1 mm when unfolded and features an 8-inch main display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, a 200MP primary camera, a new 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 focuses on portability with a weight of 201 gms. It has a redesigned Flex Titanium display structure for a "creaseless" display, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, dual 50MP rear cameras, and a 4,800mAh battery. The Galaxy Z Flip8 weighs 180 gms and brings a slimmer design, a 50MP primary camera, and camera features such as Flex Mode, FlipShot and Cover Screen Mirror.

On the wearable side, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, with features like Trail Run tracking, diving support, and Nutrition Alert, while the Galaxy Watch9 focuses on everyday fitness and health tracking with brighter displays and updated Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processors.

Launch offers

Samsung is offering multiple launch benefits across the new lineup. Buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 can choose from upgrade bonuses, bank cashback offers, and no-cost EMI options depending on the purchase platform and payment method.

For the smartwatches, the company is offering multi-buy discounts of up to Rs 9,500 on the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and up to Rs 6,500 on the Galaxy Watch9. Alternatively, buyers can opt for bank cashback offers of up to Rs 6,500 along with no-cost EMI for up to 24 months.

With foldables becoming competitive, Samsung is aiming to strengthen its lead in the premium segment against rivals such as Vivo, OPPO and Google. Buyers looking for the most advanced hardware may gravitate towards the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a lighter design at a lower price. The Galaxy Z Flip8, on the other hand, remains Samsung's option for those who prefer a more compact foldable without stepping up to the larger book-style form factor. Samsung's continued push for a 'creaseless' display on the Z Fold8 shows their commitment to refining the foldable experience.

[highlights]

• The global variant of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has appeared on Geekbench, confirming the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset.
• The same model recently received NBTC certification, suggesting the global launch could be approaching.
• The Chinese Note 17 Pro Max could come with different specifications.

[/highlights]

Redmi appears to be preparing to expand its Note 17 lineup beyond the Redmi Note 17 and Note 17 Pro. After reports suggested that the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is in development, the global variant has now surfaced on Geekbench, revealing its chipset, memory configuration, and software details ahead of an official announcement.

The benchmark listing comes shortly after the phone was spotted on Thailand's NBTC certification website, indicating that Xiaomi is moving closer to launching the device in global markets.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Geekbench listing

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has appeared on Geekbench 7 with the model number 2609FRA74G, where the "G" suffix indicates the global variant. The same model number was recently linked to the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max through NBTC certification. According to the listing, the phone is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset (SM6850). It features four performance cores clocked at up to 2.61GHz, four efficiency cores running at 2.02GHz, and an Adreno 812 GPU.

The benchmark also confirms 8GB of RAM and Android 16. In Geekbench 7, the phone scored 924 points in the single-core test and 2,923 points in the multi-core test. As with all benchmark listings, these scores should be viewed as an early indication of performance.

Notably, there was no "Pro Max" model in last year's Redmi Note 15 series as Xiaomi has traditionally kept the Pro+ as the top tier model. However, this year, it seems to have taken a liking to the moniker initially popularised by Apple for the iPhone, as multiple phones from the OEM, including the POCO X8 Pro Max, Redmi K90 Pro Max and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max carry the branding.

The predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, packed the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, which was more powerful compared to the 6 Gen 5 in the Note 17 Pro Max. Xiaomi is doing exactly what every manufacturer has done to counter the memory components price rise - give a downgraded chipset to keep the costs in check. However, despite that strategy, OEMs are still raising prices and we can expect similar treatment for the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

Expected specifications

Recent leaks suggest the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max could feature a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The phone is also tipped to be available with up to 12GB LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, although the 128GB variant is said to use UFS 2.1 storage. Other rumoured specifications include a 9,200mAh battery with 100W fast charging, a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. Additional features are expected to include an in-display fingerprint scanner, IP68/IP69K dust and water resistance, eSIM support, and HyperOS 3 based on Android 16.

Interestingly, reports suggest the Chinese version may differ significantly from the global model, with a MediaTek Dimensity 7500 chipset, a 200MP main camera, and a larger 10,000mAh battery.

If the leaked specifications are true, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max could stand out for its large battery and premium display, even though the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is aimed more at the upper mid-range segment than flagship-killer performance. That could put it in competition with phones from the POCO X7 Pro series, Realme 16 series, and the OnePlus Nord 6. The Note series is traditionally known for its "flagship killer" status, offering competitive specs at aggressive pricing, but that positioning could take a backseat as Xiaomi competes on battery and endurance.

[highlights]

• The Huawei MatePad SE 11 and MatePad 11.5 PaperMatte Edition are available for purchase in India
• The MatePad 11.5 PaperMatte Edition features an 11.5-inch 2.5K 120Hz display, a 10,100mAh battery, and comes with a keyboard at Rs 45,999.
• The MatePad SE 11 offers an 11-inch Eye Comfort display, quad speakers, M-Pen Lite support, and a 7,700mAh battery for Rs 25,999.

[/highlights]

The MatePad SE 11 and MatePad 11.5 PaperMatte Edition in India are available for purchase exclusively on Flipkart, starting today. The MatePad SE 11 is priced at Rs 25,999, while the MatePad 11.5 with keyboard costs Rs 45,999. These tablets target students, professionals, and everyday users who seek options focused on productivity and entertainment at different price ranges.

MatePad 11.5 PaperMatte Edition: the flagship of the two

The MatePad 11.5 features Huawei's PaperMatte Display, an 11.5-inch 2.5K 120Hz FullView panel. This display uses circular polarisation technology, which is said to reduce glare and visual fatigue during long reading and writing sessions. The paper-like writing experience is ideal for students and note-takers who spend a lot of time on screens. It comes with the upgraded HUAWEI Notes application for annotating documents and capturing ideas.

The battery has a capacity of 10,100mAh and supports 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge for all-day use. The keyboard bundle, priced at Rs 45,999, turns it into a more complete productivity package for users wanting a laptop-like setup on the go.

MatePad SE 11: versatile everyday option

The MatePad SE 11 offers a more affordable choice at Rs 25,999. Its 11-inch Eye Comfort FullView display focuses on visual comfort during extended use. A quad-speaker system powered by Huawei Histen 9.0 provides immersive audio for entertainment and video calls. The M-Pen lite stylus adds a note-taking and creative option, while the 7,700mAh battery, along with 22.5W fast charging, supports all-day use for most users.

At Rs 25,999, the MatePad SE 11 enters a competitive mainstream tablet market with the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Realme Pad 2. For buyers in this range, the Eye Comfort display and quad-speaker setup make it a strong option for entertainment and learning. The M-Pen Lite support adds value for students who take handwritten notes.

Meanwhile, the MatePad 11.5 PaperMatte Edition, priced at Rs 45,999 with the keyboard, competes directly with the ASUS Pad and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE in the mid-premium market. The PaperMatte display's anti-glare features and 2.5K resolution set it apart at this price.

This becomes important for those who read and write for long periods and want a display that minimises eye strain without losing visual quality. The 10,100mAh battery and keyboard bundle reinforce its appeal as a productivity-focused tablet in a market where many alternatives lean more toward entertainment. Both tablets are now available on Flipkart.

[highlights]

• iQOO Z11 will feature a curved display and edges.
• It will debut the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset in India.
• The chipset is claimed to have scored over 1.2 million on the AnTuTu benchmark. 

[/highlights]

iQOO recently confirmed that the iQOO Z11 will launch in India on August 24th. Now, the company has revealed that the smartphone will be the first in the country to feature the new MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset. The company is positioning the processor as a major upgrade for AI-powered features, smoother multitasking, and sustained performance under heavy workloads. This is the third phone in the series to launch in India after the iQOO Z11 Lite and Z11x. 

iQOO Z11 chipset details 

The MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset is an advanced 4nm octa-core processor built on the Dimensity 7500 architecture. It's equipped with the MediaTek NPU 850, designed to deliver more than double the AI performance of prior generations for on-device generative AI tools. It's expected to deliver better gains than its previous generations, including the Dimensity 7400 and Dimensity 7300. The chipset is claimed to have a score of over 1.2 million on the AnTuTu benchmark, suggesting capable mid-range performance. 

iQOO had previously teased the Z11's design and colour options. The handset will be available in Aurora Green and Celestial Blue colour options, featuring a new Skyline Camera Module with a horizontally aligned pill-shaped camera island, two prominent camera rings, a third sensor, and a circular LED ring light. The phone also appears to have a slim profile, a curved rear panel, and a quad-curved display with narrow bezels.

Leaks suggest the iQOO Z11 will pack a 1.5K 144Hz OLED display, a 7,000mAh to 8,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, a 50MP primary camera with OIS, a 32MP front camera, an in-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, and up to 12GB RAM. This combination could be a game-changer for iQOO in the fiercely competitive mid-premium segment, if priced aggressively. It's expected to compete with phones like the Redmi Turbo 5 and Motorola Edge 70 Pro. 

If these specifications prove accurate, the iQOO Z11 could stand out in the mid-premium segment by combining a high-refresh-rate OLED display, a large battery, and a capable chipset in a single package. Buyers planning to upgrade for gaming, multimedia, or long battery life may want to wait for the official launch for more details.

[highlights]

• Google will begin removing Google Assistant from Android devices on September 4th, with the rollout taking place gradually.
• The change applies to Android phones, tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, headphones, and Android Auto projected from a phone.
• Once the transition is complete, users will no longer be able to switch back to Google Assistant, as Gemini becomes the default assistant.

[/highlights]

Google has confirmed that it will begin shutting down Google Assistant on Android devices from September 4th, marking the next phase of its transition to Gemini as the company's default AI assistant. The move was expected after Google announced earlier this year that Assistant would be retired in 2026, but the company has now shared a concrete timeline for existing users.

Once the rollout begins, users will no longer be able to access or switch back to Google Assistant on supported Android devices. The change will happen gradually over several weeks.

Google Assistant to be phased out from Android devices

In an email (via) sent to existing users, Google said Google Assistant is "being discontinued" on mobile devices and that Gemini is now the default assistant experience on Android. The deprecation covers Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, headphones, and vehicles running Android Auto projected from a user's phone. Once the transition reaches a device, Google Assistant will no longer be available as an option.

However, not every platform is affected immediately. Google says cars with Google built-in will continue using Google Assistant beyond September 4th. The announcement also does not apply to Google TV devices, Google Home speakers, or smart displays yet, although Gemini is expected to arrive on those products in the future. It also remains unclear when Google's docked Pixel Tablet will make the switch.

Interestingly, the Gemini app still includes a "Switch to Google Assistant" option for now, but that choice will disappear once the phased rollout reaches users.

Google has spent the past year steadily replacing Assistant with Gemini across its ecosystem, calling the newer AI-powered assistant as a more capable tool for conversations, content creation, and productivity tasks. The company had originally planned to retire Assistant by the end of 2025 before extending the timeline to 2026.

For most users, the transition is unlikely to require any action if they have already switched to Gemini. However, those who still rely on Google Assistant's familiar voice commands or prefer its simpler interface will need to adapt once the change reaches their devices. Companies including Google, Apple, Samsung, and Amazon increasingly replacing traditional voice assistants with generative AI experiences. While Gemini offers more advanced AI capabilities, users who mainly use an assistant for quick tasks such as setting alarms, controlling smart home devices, or checking the weather may want to compare its day-to-day performance before fully embracing the transition.

[highlights]

• Xiaomi has introduced Mijia by Xiaomi as its dedicated home and lifestyle brand in India.
• The brand will cover existing home categories such as air purifiers and expand into large appliances.
• Mijia will form part of Xiaomi's Human × Car × Home ecosystem, connecting home products through Xiaomi's software and devices.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi has introduced Mijia by Xiaomi in India as its dedicated home and lifestyle brand. The move comes as the company marks 12 years in the country and looks to expand its range of connected home products beyond smartphones, TVs, tablets, and AIoT devices.

Mijia, which means "Mi Home", will bring Xiaomi's home and lifestyle products under a separate name in India. The brand will continue to follow Xiaomi's focus on connected devices, smart features, and easy control across products.

Mijia will focus on home products

Xiaomi already sells products such as air purifiers, smart TVs, security cameras, and other connected devices in India. Under the new Mijia branding, the company plans to strengthen these categories and also enter the large appliances segment.

Pleased to announce the introduction of the mijia by Xiaomi sub-brand in India.

It will be our lifestyle and home sub-brand that will sit alongside Xiaomi, REDMI and POCO.

In H1, we have focused on the Human side of our ecosystem, we're prepping to go deeper on the Home side. pic.twitter.com/JmgQvxwtlC

— Sandeep Sarma (@sandeep9sarma) August 7, 2026

The company has not yet shared details about the first large appliances that will launch under Mijia in India. However, the new brand could eventually include products such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and other home appliances, depending on Xiaomi's plans for the market.

Xiaomi says these products will work as part of a connected home setup. This means users should be able to manage different devices through Xiaomi's software and ecosystem, instead of treating each product as a separate appliance.

The launch of Mijia is linked to Xiaomi's Human × Car × Home strategy, which the company introduced globally in 2023. The idea is to connect personal devices, cars, and home products through Xiaomi HyperOS.

In India, Xiaomi has already built a large "Human" portfolio with smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other personal technology products. The company is now putting more focus on the "Home" part of this plan with Mijia.

Xiaomi will continue to use its own name for flagship products, while Redmi and POCO will remain separate brands within the company's portfolio. Home and lifestyle products will now carry the Mijia by Xiaomi branding.

Xiaomi expands beyond smartphones

Xiaomi entered India in 2014 as a smartphone brand, but it has since expanded into several consumer technology categories. The company now sells products across smartphones, televisions, tablets, smart home devices, and accessories.

The introduction of Mijia gives Xiaomi a clearer identity for its home products. It also shows that the company wants to compete more seriously in India's home appliance market, where brands such as LG, Samsung, Haier, Panasonic, and newer smart home companies already have a strong presence.

For consumers, the main change will likely be the branding on future home and lifestyle products. Xiaomi says Mijia products will continue to follow the group's existing standards for innovation and quality

The brand will have to do more than offer connected features to truly stand out in India. Competitive pricing, reliable after-sales service, and smooth integration between devices will be important if Xiaomi wants Indian consumers to trust Mijia with larger and more expensive home appliances.

[highlights]

• Pixel users running Android 17 are reporting parts of the display becoming unresponsive while gaming or using certain full-screen apps.
• The issue appears to be software-related, as users can often still use navigation gestures and the notification shade.
• Google hasn't acknowledged the issue as a bug or announced a fix.

[/highlights]

Google's Android 17 update introduced several new features and refinements for Pixel phones, but some users say it has also brought back touchscreen issues. Nearly two months after the stable rollout, multiple Pixel owners are reporting (via) that parts of the display become unresponsive while using certain apps, particularly games and full-screen content.

The reports appear to describe a different issue from the touchscreen bug that surfaced shortly after Android 17 was released, suggesting Google may still have some software-related issues to iron out.

Pixel 17 touchscreen issues

According to posts on Reddit and Google's community forums, the problem mainly appears when an app takes up the entire display. Several users say they've encountered it while gaming, while others report similar behaviour when watching videos in full-screen mode on apps like YouTube.

The severity appears to vary between devices. Some users say only a small portion of the display, often a corner, stops responding to touch, while others claim the issue affects much larger areas of the screen. Interestingly, most affected users say they can still pull down the notification shade or use navigation gestures, suggesting the display itself is still detecting touch input outside the app.

One user also noted that the unresponsive area changes position when the phone is rotated, adding weight to the theory that this is a software bug rather than a hardware fault. Some community members have speculated that the issue could be linked to Android's back gesture buffer zones, although there is no evidence to confirm this.

Google hasn't confirmed a fix yet

Google hasn't officially acknowledged the issue as a bug or shared details about a fix. In responses on the Pixel Community forums, the company's support team has instead asked affected users to check whether the problem persists after restarting their phone in Safe Mode. Some users also report that a normal reboot temporarily restores touchscreen functionality, although the issue may return later.

For Pixel owners who haven't updated to Android 17 yet, there's no immediate reason to delay the upgrade based on these reports alone, as the issue doesn't appear to affect every device. However, if you regularly play games or spend a lot of time in full-screen apps, it may be worth keeping an eye on user reports over the next few weeks. Google has a track record of addressing software bugs through monthly Pixel updates, so affected users will likely be hoping for an official fix in an upcoming release.

[highlights]

• Redmi K100 Pro Max will launch alongside the K100 Pro.
• The handset will feature a 5x telephoto camera.
• It's confirmed to house a 9,070mAh battery. 

[/highlights]

Redmi is steadily revealing more about the Redmi K100 Pro Max ahead of its China launch on August 11th, with the latest teasers focusing on two of the phone's biggest highlights: its massive battery and next-generation display. The smartphone will join the Redmi K100 Pro as part of the brand's latest performance-focused flagship lineup. 

Redmi K100 Pro Max key specs revealed

Redmi has confirmed that the K100 Pro Max will feature a 9,070mAh battery, making it one of the largest batteries to appear in a mainstream flagship smartphone. This 9,070mAh battery dwarfs the 7,560mAh found in last year's K90 Pro Max and most flagships in the market right now. Despite the large capacity, Redmi is pairing it with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, while also offering 27W wired reverse charging and 22.5W wireless reverse charging, allowing the phone to double as a power bank for other devices. 

On the display front, the Redmi K100 Pro Max is confirmed to feature a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with a 185Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness. The upcoming OnePlus 16 is also expected to feature a 185Hz display. Redmi also claims the panel is 20 percent more power-efficient than previous generations, thanks to improved luminous efficiency and a full RGB lossless pixel arrangement. The Redmi K100 Pro's screen is also claimed to deliver sharper visuals than a conventional 2K display while consuming less power than a typical 1.5K panel, although these claims will need real-world testing.

The Redmi K100 Pro Max is also confirmed to house a 200MP ultra-clear main camera paired with a 5x periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. This camera setup is well-equipped, and the 5x optical zoom is sure to interest photography enthusiasts. 

The company has also showcased the K100 Pro Max in a new Gold White finish. Redmi has already confirmed the phone will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and feature a Bose-tuned speaker system. 

With a combination of a huge battery, high-end display, flagship chipset, and fast charging, the Redmi K100 Pro Max appears to be aimed at power users and mobile gamers. If you currently own a K90 Pro Max, the battery and display upgrades alone might justify an upgrade, especially if you're a heavy user. Buyers looking for a premium Android flagship may want to wait for the official launch, where Redmi will reveal pricing, availability, and the remaining specifications.

[highlights]

• The Vivo X200T features the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ and 50MP triple rear cameras.
• It's among the only few phones to feature a 50MP periscope lens in its price range.
• The Flipkart Freedom sale begins tonight for Plus and VIP members.

[/highlights]

Launched earlier this year, the Vivo X200T (review) is the company's high-end smartphone, sitting between the Vivo V70 Elite and Vivo X300, providing a great balance of camera optics, flagship-level performance, and practical battery endurance for everyday use. While the X200T's base 12GB + 256GB storage variant is no longer available, the 12GB + 512GB variant will sell for Rs 62,999, down from Rs 69,999 during the Flipkart Freedom Sale.

Vivo X200T deal for Flipkart Freedom Sale

The Flipkart Freedom Sale is set to begin tonight at midnight for Flipkart Plus and VIP members, while others can have access to the sale starting tomorrow, i.e. August 8th. As for the deal, the Vivo X200T (512GB) is currently listed for Rs 69,999, which can be grabbed at Rs 62,999 using bank offers, such as an SBI Bank credit card, during the sale.

If you've placed 15 orders in the last one year, you would already have been given a Flipkart Plus membership. Paying Rs 399 for the BLACK membership upgrades your profile to VIP membership.

Is the Vivo X200T worth buying during the Flipkart sale?

If you've been seeking a near-flagship smartphone, you can't go wrong with the Vivo X200T, especially at its offer price of Rs 62,999. Powered by the Dimensity 9400+, it should offer a similar level of performance to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, found on phones like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13.

Achieving over 28,00,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark in our in-house tests, the Vivo X200T should be able to handle anything thrown at it, including high-end gaming, recording 4K videos for long durations without stutters, or editing and rendering high-resolution videos. On to the optics, it's among the only few phones under Rs 70,000 this year to feature a periscope lens and 50MP triple rear cameras. What sets the 50MP 3x periscope apart is its ability to capture true macro shots, thanks to a short minimum focus distance.

Running on Android 16-based OriginOS 6 software, the phone runs smoothly without hiccups while rendering animations and blur details in an appealing manner. The X200T is promised five OS upgrades, faring better than the likes of the OnePlus 15R, which is set to receive four Android updates. While it should easily offer a day's worth of battery backup, the 6,200mAh battery falls short of the competition, as batteries of at least 6,500mAh have become common in the Android camp.

Overall, the Vivo X200T is an excellent grab for the offer price for all kinds of users, whether you're a heavy multitasker, gamer, photographer, or a working professional wanting a reliable no-nonsense smartphone.

Spending the better part of two decades arguing that flagship picture quality shouldn't need a flagship price tag, Vu's newest television, the Glo Mini-LED, makes that case more sharply than anything the brand has shipped before. It brings QD Mini-LED backlighting with Full Array Local Dimming, the exact technology most cinephiles look for in a high-quality display and assume that they'll be paying an OLED premium for, but the new Glo range starts at Rs 42,500!

Panel discussion

Local dimming zones let a panel control brightness independently across different sections of the screen, delivering much deeper black levels and tighter contrast compared to edge-lit LEDs. Vu claims up to 600 nits of HDR brightness, with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG on board, while processing comes from a new VuON AI chip handling upscaling, colour, and contrast in real time, backed by modest G52 graphics, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage. The standard GloLED series tops out at 400 nits on a conventional panel with no zone dimming. Only the Masterpiece Glo QLED flagship has had local dimming until now, and even that uses a coarser Full Array backlight rather than Mini-LED, at a claimed 800 nits. The new set sits deliberately between the two but with finer dimming granularity than even the flagship, at under half the flagship's price!

Sonically speaking

Audio is handled by a 50W 2.2-channel VuFX system featuring two full-range drivers plus two dedicated woofers. Dolby Atmos, a dialogue enhancer and a surround mode comfortably beat most sub-Rs 50,000 sets in terms of sonic enhancements. Gamers will appreciate the better 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM, and a dedicated game mode, arriving on an entry Glo set for the first time. It runs on Google TV, so set-up should be a doddle, and it comes with Chromecast, AirPlay, and HomeKit built in.

Buy one, get one free!

Interestingly, two Bluetooth voice remotes ship in the box as standard, a decision Vu frames as practical rather than promotional. "We ship this TV with two remotes so the customer can have a trouble-free viewing experience even years after the initial purchase because the remote control is one of the most likely components to develop a fault caused by mishandling or wear and tear," said Raj Saraf, Group Founder, Vu Televisions.

Pricing for the people

Finally, on the design front, its three-sided bezel-less build, single-wire installation, Charcoal Grey finish, and a Personalised Photo Frame mode turn the idle screen into rotating digital art. The Glo Mini-LED goes on sale August 7 via Amazon and Vu's retail network, across four sizes priced from Rs 42,500 for the 43-inch model, Rs 47,200 for the 50-inch, Rs 53,000 for the 55-inch, and Rs 66,600 for the 65-inch model.

• Realme 16x is set to launch in India on August 12th.
• The Realme 16x 6GB+128GB variant is tipped to carry a box MRP of Rs 54,999.
• The phone is confirmed to feature a 6.8-inch 144Hz display, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and 7,000mAh battery.

[/highlights]

Realme is set to expand its budget smartphone portfolio in India with the launch of the Realme 16x later this month. While the company has already confirmed several key specifications, a new leak from tipster Sanju Choudhary now hints at the phone's box price and selling price, giving a better idea of what to expect.

Realme 16x India price and launch details

According to the tipster, the Realme 16x with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will carry a box MRP of Rs 54,999 when it launches on August 12th at 12 noon. However, the actual selling price is expected to be much lower. Since the Realme 16x is positioned as an offline-focused model, the tipster says it could go for under Rs 30,000. The phone will succeed the Realme 15x, which debuted in India last October at a starting price of Rs 16,999. that's quite a jump for the series, but not surprising considering almost all successors have up-segmented this year without a magnanimous change in specs.

Realme has confirmed that the phone will be available via Flipkart, the company's official website, and mainline retail stores. The phone will be offered in Endurance Brown and Glory White colour options, both featuring a patterned rear panel, a vertically aligned camera module, and an LED ring below the camera sensors.

Specifications

The leaked specifications also suggest that the Realme 16x is largely based on the Realme P4R, although it is said to feature a smaller 7,000mAh battery instead of the larger unit found on that model. The Realme 16x is confirmed to feature a 6.8-inch HD+ LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness. It will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. Realme has also confirmed support for up to 14GB Dynamic RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. The chipset has traditionally been found in budget 5G phones but lately Realme gave it in the Realme 16T which is priced just under Rs 30,000 currently.

The Realme 16x packs a 7,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, bypass charging, and reverse charging support. The company claims the battery can offer up to two days of usage and retain its health for up to six years. For most users, the large battery should comfortably last a full day or more between charges.

For gaming, the phone will include Realme's GT Boost optimisation engine and a 5,300 sq mm AirFlow VC cooling system, which should help deliver more stable performance during extended gaming sessions.

On the camera front, the Realme 16x is confirmed to feature a 50MP primary rear camera with AI-powered features such as AI Eraser, AI Ultra Clarity, Motion Photo, and Dual-View Video. The phone will also offer an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, along with military-grade shock resistance.

Based on the confirmed specifications, the Realme 16x is likely to compete with phones such as the Redmi Note 17, Moto G77 Power and other battery-focused devices in the sub-Rs 30,000 segment. The 7,000mAh battery, 144Hz display, and 45W charging are standout features in this segment and should appeal to heavy users. However, the Dimensity 6300 is still a mid-range chipset, and the camera setup is fairly basic compared to some rivals. So overall, it looks promising for users who prioritise battery life, smooth display performance, and durability, but not necessarily for those expecting high-end gaming or flagship-level photography. Buyers should still wait for the final pricing to see how well it really stacks up against competitors.

[highlights]

• iQOO Neo 11 Ultra is set to launch as the next Neo series smartphone.
• It's tipped to house a 9,000mAh battery.
• The handset has been officially teased to launch next week. 

[/highlights]

Following earlier speculations that the iQOO Neo 11S would launch soon as the next Neo smartphone, the brand has now officially confirmed that its next Neo-series smartphone will be called the iQOO Neo 11 Ultra. The handset is scheduled to debut in China on August 10th. While iQOO has only revealed the name and launch date, previous certifications and leaks have already painted a fairly detailed picture of what to expect.

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra China launch

The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra launch has been teased in China, with a brand executive suggesting the handset will offer upgrades in the screen, battery life, and gaming experience. 

The smartphone, believed to have the model number V2545A, recently appeared on Geekbench with Android 16, 16GB of RAM, and a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Reports suggest it could use a customised version of the processor, potentially offering performance tweaks over the standard chip. A separate 3C certification also points to 100W fast charging support. The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra could compete with the upcoming Redmi K100 series. 

The Neo 11 Ultra is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch flat OLED display with a 2K resolution and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, positioning it as a premium gaming and multimedia-focused device. The biggest highlight, however, could be its rumoured 9,000mAh battery, which would make it the largest battery ever fitted inside an iQOO Neo-series smartphone. If accurate, it would be a significant jump over previous Neo models and could appeal to gamers and power users looking for extended battery life without frequent charging.

The phone is also expected to feature a metal frame and an IP68 rating, bringing improved durability to the Neo lineup. Storage options are tipped to include 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 256GB, and 16GB + 512GB, with Light White, Shadow Black, and Wind Chaser colour variants.

With the launch just days away, buyers may want to wait before picking up a performance-focused flagship. If the leaks hold, the Neo 11 Ultra could emerge as one of the most compelling premium smartphones in its segment, especially for users prioritising battery life and flagship-grade performance.

[highlights]

• A Google Play Supported Devices listing suggests the Vivo V80 Lite 5G could be a rebranded Vivo S2 in select markets.
• The phone is expected to feature a 6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a 7,050mAh battery.
• The Vivo V70 Lite did not launch in India.

[/highlights]

The Vivo V80 Lite 5G has surfaced once again ahead of its expected debut, and the latest listing hints that it may not be an entirely new device. A new appearance (via) on the Google Play Supported Devices List suggests the phone could be a rebranded version of the Vivo S2 in select markets.

This comes shortly after the V80 Lite was spotted on Geekbench, TUV and Bluetooth SIG certification, adding to a list of regulatory appearances that indicate the phone could launch soon.

Vivo V80 Lite 5G expected specifications

The Google Play Supported Devices List includes the Vivo V80 Lite 5G under model numbers V2643, V2644 and V2576. Notably, the V2576 model number is also associated with the Vivo S2, pointing to a possible rebranding strategy for international markets. If that is the case, the Vivo V80 Lite is expected to borrow much of the Vivo S2's hardware. The phone could feature a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Earlier reports suggested the phone would use the Dimensity 7360-Turbo, but a recent Geekbench listing for model number V2626 points towards the Dimensity 7300e instead. The same model has also appeared on TUV certification with support for 44W fast charging.

For photography, it's tipped to include a 32MP selfie camera and a rear setup led by a 50MP Sony IMX852 primary sensor, accompanied by a secondary camera and Vivo's Aura Light LED. The phone is also expected to pack a 7,050mAh battery despite measuring just 7.39 mm thick. Other rumoured features include dual stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner and Android 16-based OriginOS 6.

Launch and availability

The Vivo V80 Lite has also appeared on Malaysia's SIRIM and Europe's EEC certification websites under different model numbers, suggesting Vivo may introduce regional variants depending on the market. Rebranding phones across regions is not unusual for smartphone brands, allowing companies to tailor product lineups without developing entirely new hardware. If the Vivo V80 Lite is indeed based on the Vivo S2, buyers can expect a device that focuses on battery life, display quality and slim design rather than flagship-level performance.

The V-series has traditionally targeted users looking for stylish smartphones with capable cameras, and the V80 Lite is expected to continue that. At the same time, ongoing memory shortages continue to put upward pressure on smartphone prices, which means the device could launch at a higher price than its predecessor.

The latest listings offer an early look at what the Vivo V80 Lite could bring, but it may be worth waiting for the official announcement. Vivo has yet to confirm the specifications, and details such as the processor, regional hardware differences and pricing are still expected to vary across markets.

[highlights]

• The HP OmniPad 12 is a 2‑in‑1 Android tablet built for students, first‑time users, and small businesses.
• It runs on a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
• The tablet is priced at Rs 48,999 in India, available in Denim Blue and Meteor Silver colour options. 

[/highlights]

HP has launched the OmniPad 12 in India as a 2‑in‑1 device that tries to mix the feel of a tablet with the basic productivity of a laptop. It runs Android, uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and comes with a detachable keyboard, so you can switch between touch‑first tablet use and more traditional typing when you need to get work done.

It seems to be made for students, first‑time users, small businesses, and young professionals who want something light, familiar, and easy to carry around. If your routine involves online classes, basic office work, content watching, and everyday apps, the OmniPad 12 is trying to be that "one device" you can take anywhere. Let's look at it in more detail below. 

HP OmniPad 12: price and availability

The HP OmniPad 12 is priced from Rs 48,999 in India and comes in Denim Blue and Meteor Silver. It's available through HP's online store, Amazon, Flipkart, Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales, and HP World stores.

At launch, HP is offering Rs 5,000 cashback on select credit cards, which brings the effective starting price closer to Rs 43,999 for eligible buyers. There is also a one‑year free subscription bundle worth Rs 96,000 that includes access to popular AI tools like GPT‑5, Claude 4, Gemini 2.5, Perplexity, Grok 4, and DeepSeek. If you're curious about AI and plan to use these services regularly, that bundle is good value over the first year.

HP OmniPad 12: specifications, features

The OmniPad 12 has a 12‑inch 2K multi‑touch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, up to 400 nits brightness, and a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. This should give you a sharp, bright screen with a bit more vertical space than a regular 16:9 tablet, which helps with reading notes, working on documents, and viewing long web pages. The 90Hz refresh rate should also make scrolling and animations feel smoother.

The tablet part weighs about 600g and is fairly slim, which makes it easy to carry between classes, meetings, or around the house. Once you attach the detachable keyboard, it turns into a small laptop‑style setup that you can use on a table or desk. The keyboard connects via POGO pins and includes a trackpad, so you can click, scroll, and type like you would on a regular notebook.

Inside, HP is using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset with Adreno graphics, paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS storage, plus a microSD slot for up to 1TB extra storage. For the target user, this combo is mainly about smooth everyday use like video calls, office apps, web browsing, streaming, and basic content creation. You won't get as much performance output in heavy games or editing, but it will still perform well enough for most users. 

HP claims up to 18 hours of battery life from the 31Wh battery, which, if it holds up in real use, should comfortably cover a full day of classes or work without needing to plug in midway. It charges via the included 33W adapter, so top-ups between sessions should be reasonably quick.

For calls and content, the OmniPad 12 offers a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. The front camera should be enough for online classes, meetings, and casual video chats, while the rear camera is there for scanning documents, recording quick clips, or capturing basic photos.

The tablet has quad speakers with DTS:X Ultra support and dual microphones. You can expect louder, clearer audio for movies and calls and better voice pickup when you're talking to people on video. Connectivity options include Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, a USB Type‑C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can plug in wired headphones or speakers if you want.

HP also preloads some education and producitvity apps like iPrep, Lexillion, and Brands.live, which can help students and small businesses get started on day one without hunting for basic tools.

Should you buy this?

The HP OmniPad 12 makes sense if you want a simple Android tablet that can double as a small laptop right out of the box. At Rs 48,999, it includes a full‑size detachable keyboard with trackpad, so you don't need to hunt for accessories or pay extra to get a proper typing setup.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and 12‑inch 2K display are more than enough for online classes, office apps, video calls, and everyday browsing. If your priority is a straightforward, portable work machine with a decent battery life and no extra accessory costs, the OmniPad 12 is the easiest "ready to use" option around this price.

If you care more about performance, display quality, or gaming, rivals like the OnePlus Pad 3, Xiaomi Pad 8, and the new ASUS Pad are better options. The OnePlus Pad 3 costs more and sells its keyboard separately but gives you a flagship chipset, a bigger 144Hz screen, and a huge battery. The Xiaomi Pad 8 is cheaper and powerful, but you must buy the keyboard and stylus separately.

The ASUS Pad offers a premium 144Hz OLED panel and good performance, but again, a pen and keyboard will cost you extra. So, choose the OmniPad 12 if you value the bundled keyboard and simplicity; choose the others if you want more power, better screens, and are okay building your own accessory kit.

[highlights]

• Redmi 17 5G has launched in China with a 6.9-inch 120Hz LCD display, Unisoc T8300 chipset and a 6,300mAh battery.
• The phone starts at CNY 999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant and runs HyperOS 3 out of the box.
• The global Redmi 17 5G will feature different hardware and design.

[/highlights]

Redmi has quietly unveiled the Redmi 17 5G in China as its latest budget smartphone. The new model focuses on delivering a large display, long battery life and essential features such as 5G connectivity and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while shipping with Xiaomi's latest HyperOS 3 software.

The launch comes amid rumours surrounding the global version of the Redmi 17 5G. Xiaomi is expected to offer different hardware and design for international markets, with alleged global variants already surfacing on certification platforms, including India's BIS database.

Redmi 17 5G specifications

The Redmi 17 5G features a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, DC dimming, TUV Rheinland triple eye protection certification and support for Wet Touch 2.0. It runs HyperOS 3 out of the box. Powering the device is the 6nm Unisoc T8300 chipset paired with up to 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage, along with a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion.

The phone houses a 6,300mAh battery with support for 15W wired charging, 7.5W reverse wired charging and PD/QC charging protocols. Xiaomi claims the battery is designed to maintain its health for up to four years. For photography, the Redmi 17 5G includes a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4 and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to last year's Redmi 15 5G launched in China, the new model appears to prioritise affordability, with cuts in several areas. The Redmi 15 5G offered a sharper FHD+ 144Hz display, Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset, larger 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, faster 33W charging and a 50MP primary camera. While the Redmi 17 5G retains a similarly large display and battery-focused approach, it scales back several hardware components to keep the costs in check.

The Redmi 17 global version is expected to differ in several key areas. Previous leaks have suggested the international model could feature a Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset, a larger 7,500mAh battery and a redesigned rear camera module.

Redmi 17 5G price and availability

The Redmi 17 5G is now available in China in Cold Mist Blue, Star Rock Black and Feather Mist White colour options. Pricing is as follows:

• 4GB + 128GB: CNY 999 (around Rs 14,100)
• 6GB + 128GB: CNY 1,199 (around Rs 17,000)

The Redmi 15 launched at the same price last year in China but the base variant was 6GB. The same price but downgraded specs are a direct result of the memory crisis that has hit the industry.

The Redmi 17 5G is aimed at users who value battery life and a large display over performance. However, those considering the phone outside China may want to wait for the global variant, as leaks indicate it could offer a noticeably different hardware package than the model announced today.

The Vivo S2 marks the return of Vivo's S-series to India after nearly six years. Positioned in the upper mid-range segment, the smartphone focuses on delivering a premium experience with its 3D curved AMOLED display, slim design, and large battery. However, it enters one of the most competitive price brackets, where it goes up against the Motorola Edge 70 Pro, a phone that offers strong hardware, a cleaner software experience, and a more versatile camera setup at a similar price.

So, which one offers better value? Here's how the two smartphones compare.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: price in India

The two phones start at the same price of Rs 39,999, but Motorola offers more storage on its base variant as compared to the Vivo S2. The same can be seen on the second variant, where the Edge 70 Pro has more RAM for less than Vivo's 256GB model, making it the better value on paper.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: design, display

The Vivo S2 features a 6.83-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K (2,800 × 1,260) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. The phone sports a horizontal camera module with a patterned rear panel and is available in Sapphire Blue, Regal Bronze, and Silk White. At 7.99mm thick, it remains slim despite housing a 7,050mAh battery, and it also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro takes a different approach, prioritising a thinner and lighter design. At just 6.9mm thick, it's sleeker in hand and comes in Pantone-inspired finishes such as Lily White, Titan, and Tea. Like the Vivo S2, it also offers IP68 and IP69 protection. Motorola offers a similar 6.8-inch Super HD (2772 x 1272 pixels) curved panel but with a smoother 144Hz refresh rate and an impressive 5,200 nits peak brightness.

While both displays are excellent for multimedia, Motorola's brighter panel and higher refresh rate give it a slight advantage.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: chipset

The Vivo S2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multitasking, but it isn't the fastest chipset in this price range.

[comparative-benchmark type="1" title="AnTuTu score" caption="AnTuTu assesses a smartphone's CPU, GPU, memory, and overall user experience (higher is better)" highlight="" products="42330,42052,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is equipped with the significantly more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset, along with faster LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The combination results in quicker app launches, faster file transfers, better sustained gaming performance, and more headroom for demanding users.

If gaming or long-term performance is a priority, the Edge 70 Pro is the clear winner.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: battery, charging

Battery life is one of the Vivo S2's biggest strengths. It packs a large 7,050mAh battery, one of the largest in its segment, paired with 44W fast charging. The phone easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, navigation, multitasking, and media consumption, with enough charge left over for most users.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro, meanwhile, features a smaller 6,500mAh battery but compensates with much faster 90W TurboPower charging. Interestingly, despite the difference in battery capacity, the Edge 70 Pro posted a PCMark battery benchmark score that was very close to the Vivo S2's. This suggests Motorola has done an excellent job with software and power optimisation, allowing it to deliver comparable endurance despite the smaller battery.

[comparative-benchmark type="3" title="PCMark Battery score (in hours)" caption="PCMark battery test measures phone battery life from 100% to 20% (higher is better)" highlight="" products="42330,42052,,," ][/comparative-benchmark]

Ultimately, if your priority is squeezing out every bit of battery life on a single charge, the Vivo S2 still holds the advantage. However, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro offers a more balanced package by combining strong battery optimisation with significantly faster charging speeds.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: cameras

The Vivo S2 features a 50MP main camera alongside a 2MP secondary sensor and a 32MP selfie camera. While the primary camera performs well in daylight, the lack of an ultra-wide camera limits its versatility. Low-light photography and colour consistency also leave room for improvement.

Motorola offers a far more capable camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP front camera. The additional ultra-wide lens makes the setup more versatile, while image quality is generally better across daylight, portraits, selfies, and low-light photography.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: software

The Vivo S2 runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and is promised three Android OS upgrades along with five years of security updates. The interface offers extensive customisation and useful AI features, but it also comes with a large number of pre-installed apps, making the experience feel cluttered out of the box.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro runs Hello UI based on Android 16 and offers the same software support policy. However, its near-stock Android experience, minimal bloatware, and clean interface make it feel lighter and more intuitive to use.

Users who enjoy customisation may prefer Vivo, while those looking for a cleaner software experience will likely favour Motorola.

Vivo S2 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro: which one should you buy?

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is the more complete smartphone overall. It offers a significantly faster processor, a brighter and smoother display, and a more versatile camera system, all while starting at the same price as the Vivo S2. For most buyers, especially gamers, photography enthusiasts, and performance-focused users, it's the easier recommendation.

The Vivo S2, however, still has a clear audience. Its premium design, excellent curved AMOLED display, and large 7,050mAh battery make it an attractive choice for users who prioritise multimedia, battery life, and aesthetics over raw performance. If you're looking for a phone that lasts longer on a charge and offers a more premium in-hand feel, the Vivo S2 remains a compelling alternative.

[highlights]

• The Samsung Galaxy A18 4G will be aimed at users looking for a budget phone.
• The phone could launch with Android 17-based One UI 9.
• The Samsung Galaxy A18 4G's predecessor wasn't launched in India.

[/highlights]

Samsung could soon add a new member to its ever-expanding Galaxy A series with the release of the Galaxy A18 4G. The Galaxy A1x lineup has brought Samsung huge success over the years. Both the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy A17 ranked among the best-selling smartphones in their respective launch years; therefore, it makes sense for the brand to launch more models every year and cater to the budget segment. Since the Galaxy A18 4G has been spotted on Geekbench and even multiple certification websites, the launch shouldn't be far off.

Samsung Galaxy A18 4G Geekbench scores and processor details

Per a Geekbench listing, the Samsung Galaxy A18 4G has achieved scores of 738 and 2,025 on the benchmarking platform's single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. The listing also mentions the CPU (processor) model name, i.e. MT6789, which can be linked to the MediaTek Helio G99. This is a budget-oriented chipset featuring 6 cores at 2GHz and 2 cores at 2.2GHz paired with the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.

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Now here comes the interesting part: the Geekbench website also reveals that the phone is being tested on Android 17, which could make it one of the first phones after the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy Z Flip 8 to release with One UI 9 out of the box. As of now, One UI 9 has been rolled out in beta form just for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, with the Galaxy S25 series to be followed up shortly.

Previous leaks have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy A18 4G will carry the SM-A185F model number. Furthermore, the Galaxy A17 4G was launched in September last year, so there is a high chance the successor could be released during the same timeframe this year.

How will Samsung position the Samsung Galaxy A18 4G?

Considering it'll be a 4G-only smartphone, one can expect the Galaxy A18 4G to be priced nominally. However, given the significant rise in memory prices, the handset may not be priced as affordably as last year's model. With phones like the Realme C100x, featuring a 4G-based Unisoc processor, launched at Rs 14,999, the Galaxy A18 4G could be priced similarly or even more for added perks, such as a long-supported software policy. Though it's also worth noting that the Galaxy A17 4G wasn't launched in India.

The Galaxy A17 4G promised six years of OS upgrades, along with six years of security patch updates, and the Galaxy A18 4G could come with a similar update longevity, making it an ideal choice for users willing to keep their phones around longer.

As for the MediaTek Helio G99, it should offer enough performance for light to casual workflows, but don't expect anything extraordinary, such as running graphics-intensive games or high-resolution video editing.

[highlights]

• The Redmi Note 17 launched in India with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset with up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM.
• The phone comes with an 8,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging and 22.5W reverse
  wired charging support. 
• The device starts at Rs 27,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant; the sale begins on 12th August. 

[/highlights]

The Redmi Note 17 launched in India today and comes in as the latest entry point into the Redmi Note 17 series. The phone's quite different from its predecessor, the Note 15 (review), when it comes to specifications and instead prioritises battery life, display and long-term software support.

That change can be attributed to the ongoing memory shortage which has led to increased prices across the smartphone industry and thus the new Note is trying to bridge that gap by focusing on the core experience by offering a reliable, everyday smartphone. Let's take a deeper look at its price, specifications and features below. 

Redmi note 17: price in India

The Redmi note 17 is available in three colourways: Dark Night, Artic Blue, Starlight Purple. The sale begins on 12th August and Redmi is offering discounts up to Rs 3,000 on both variants in partnership with SBI, Axis, and Kotak Banks. 

Redmi note 17: features, specifications

The Redmi Note 17 is a slightly bulky phone that measures 8.4mm thick and weighs 225g. For new users, it will feel a bit big and heavy in the hand, especially if you are coming from a compact device.

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.

You've got a wide DCI-P3 colour gamut and TÜV eye protection that should keep colours vivid while reducing eye strain during long sessions. 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 handle 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. On the back, there is 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. Overall, the camera setup looks focused on reliable everyday shots and isn't the core focus of this device.

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.

For connectivity, the phone supports dual-band Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB Type‑C port. You also get an IR blaster, which lets you use the phone as a remote for TVs and other home electronics. These basics are enough for most users and match what we expect in this segment.

Should you buy the Redmi Note 17?

The Redmi Note 17 is clearly for users who care more about battery life and a big display. It gives you a large AMOLED screen, an 8,000mAh battery, long-term software support and some thoughtful extras like reverse charging and an IR blaster. However, it is a bit more basic in areas 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 simpler, more balanced big‑battery phone that's more comfortable in daily use and promises longer software support, the Redmi Noet 17 has an advantage on longevity and overall ease of use. 

[highlights]

• A teardown of the Google Contacts app suggests the Pixel 11's rumoured HiLight feature will support nine colour options for favourite callers.
• Code strings indicate users may be able to assign different colours to favourite contacts, with the rear light also expected to indicate Gemini activity.
• Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 11 series on August 12th.

[/highlights]

With Google's Pixel 11 series' launch event just a week away, leaks have already revealed much of the upcoming lineup's design, specifications and pricing. One of the few features that has remained relatively mysterious is the new rear lighting system, now expected to be called HiLight. A fresh app teardown suggests how at least part of the feature could work.

Code discovered by 9to5Google in version 4.85 of the Google Contacts app indicates that users may be able to assign different colours to favourite contacts, allowing the light on the back of the Pixel 11 Pro to glow in a specific colour when they call.

Google Pixel 11 Pro HiLight feature

According to the leaked code, HiLight, internally codenamed "glow", will support nine colours: Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, White and Yellow. One of the strings reportedly reads, "Tap to configure HiLight for favorite callers," reinforcing earlier reports from tipsters Dylan Roussel and Roland Quandt that Google has settled on the HiLight branding instead of the previously rumoured "Pixel Glow."

Previous leaks have also suggested the rear light could illuminate when Google's Gemini AI is active and the phone is placed face down. However, the latest findings indicate that the feature may initially have a fairly limited set of functions centred around call notifications and AI status indicators.

While Google hasn't officially confirmed the feature, the presence of HiLight-related strings in one of its own apps suggests software support is already being prepared ahead of the August 12th launch.

Rear notification lights are not entirely new to smartphones. Older Android devices, including some Nexus models, offered RGB notification LEDs that could signal missed calls, messages and app notifications. More recently, brands like Nothing have taken the concept further with programmable rear lighting systems that support multiple notification types and custom interactions. Based on current leaks, Google's implementation appears more restrained. If HiLight is limited to favourite callers and Gemini activity at launch, it may not offer the same level of customisation seen on competing devices with dedicated lighting systems.

That said, HiLight is unlikely to be the main reason to buy a Pixel 11 Pro. The upcoming series is expected to focus more on Google's AI software experience, camera capabilities and Tensor-powered features than on hardware redesigns. Recent reports also suggest the Pixel 11 lineup could see higher prices than its predecessors, while some models may trade larger batteries for slimmer and lighter designs.

With the official announcement only days away, buyers interested in the Pixel 11 Pro may want to wait for Google to detail exactly how HiLight works before treating it as a major selling point. If the feature proves to support broader notification customisation after launch, it could become a more meaningful addition. Otherwise, it may remain a niche convenience rather than a headline feature.

The Redmi Note series has been a bestseller for Xiaomi in India, and with the Note 17, the brand is counting on an 8,000mAh battery, an AMOLED display, and extended software support to keep that streak going. I caught up with Sandeep Sarma, Associate Director, Marketing & PR, Xiaomi India, and Sandeep Singh Arora, Chief Business Officer, Xiaomi India, to talk about what's changed with the Redmi Note 17, how buyer preferences are shifting, and where the Redmi brand is headed next. 

The Note series has a strong legacy behind it in India. How does the Note 17 carry that legacy forward?

Over the past 12 years, we've done 85 million Notes in India alone. That's staggering, considering there are brands out there that haven't done 85 million units across their entire lineup. Note is almost a brand in itself in India, something people trust and love to recommend. At one point, we tried pushing the series a few steps ahead of where the market actually wanted it to go, but the feedback from consumers, the market, and our fans was clear: the Note series is about being great at everything it does, not a one-trick pony. It has to be the best in display, battery life, and performance, because that's what makes it worth recommending in the first place. We've also seen ownership periods stretch out. Back in 2017, people held onto a phone for maybe 9 months to a year; now it's 3 to 3.5 years, and that number's only going up. So we need a device that gives people peace of mind and stays easy to live with over that much longer ownership window, and that's what keeps the Note legacy going.

The 8,000mAh battery is obviously the headline feature. What else stands out on this device?

8,000mAh is there to grab attention; it's the kind of number that gets a consumer to stop and look. But we also wanted to fix a longevity problem that's common in this segment, where support tends to get skimped on. We offer 4 years of software updates and 6 years of security patches, which nearly doubles what consumers typically expect from a device's lifecycle. In fact, we now think about the software and after-sales support first, before even finalising the hardware, because there's a certain baseline expectation from the consumer that everything has to be built around. On the hardware side, this is one of the rare devices in its segment with an AMOLED display. We've also worked on network connectivity, which is an underrated pain point. If you compare even flagship devices to the Redmi Notes, the difference in stability is noticeable, and that only becomes obvious after months of actual use. The chipset is built on a 4nm process, which combined with the larger battery makes it considerably more efficient. We've also added fast charging and 22.5W reverse fast charging, actually higher than the direct fast-charging speeds on plenty of other phones. The 8,000mAh battery gets people's attention, but every part of the device is designed around that same balance.

With a 7-inch AMOLED display and that big a battery as the focus, is there a sense that performance and cameras have taken a slight back seat this time?

Not really. The chipset is still a 4nm part, same generation as the predecessor. You might see slight deviations in synthetic benchmarks, but from a day-to-day usage standpoint, there's no meaningful difference. This one runs on Android 16 and HyperOS 3, and the experience should get even smoother with HyperOS 4. We've specifically gone with a 2026 chipset, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4, because using anything older would compromise how long we can promise updates for. We want a device launched in 2026 to still feel relevant in 2032, rather than launching something today and cutting support off by 2027, and that's really the difference we're going for. Beyond hardware, a lot of consumers now use their phone as their primary content-consumption device, so it's really the AMOLED display, the battery, the processor, and all the fine-tuning together that shape the overall experience, and that's what makes the Note the most recommended device in its segment.

Buyer preferences seem to be shifting alongside these longer ownership cycles. What other changes are you seeing?

Preferences have shifted quite a bit alongside ownership duration. Ten years ago, performance was almost always the top deciding factor, because every new generation brought a genuinely tangible leap. Now that baseline performance is high across the board, we're seeing durability, battery life, service, and software support become much bigger factors. We track this every quarter, and if you plotted it over a 5-to-10-year window, you'd see the priorities have almost completely inverted. Part of that is simply because people are holding onto devices for longer. With a one-or-two-year ownership cycle, most people were already onto their next phone before software support or after-sales became a real issue. It used to be more "use and forget." Now it's about extracting real value out of the device and having a good experience across the entire ownership period.

Can we expect more variants in the Note 17 lineup?

Yes. The Note series spans multiple price bands, and just like before, we'll have Pro and higher variants of the Note 17 as well, and we'll announce those in due course.

Xiaomi's Mi Fan community has always been a strong part of the brand. How much does community feedback actually shape these devices, on the hardware and software side?

I'd split that into hardware and software. On the hardware side, a lot of component choices come directly from community feedback. Fans tell us what they specifically want on a device, and while it might not make it into the current or even the next generation immediately, we do work toward incorporating it over time, since the broader consumer base tends to follow what our most enthusiastic fans (roughly that initial 10%) are asking for. A good example from the past is the Note 12: globally, the base Note didn't have an ultra-wide camera, but in India, usage data showed it was genuinely needed, so we added it here specifically. There's also an optimisation layer. We run what we call PPTGC testing (Power, Performance, Thermal, Gaming, and Camera), and until a few years ago this was done at a global level. We've since localised it further to capture more India-specific data: environmental conditions, network behaviour, and other factors unique to Indian usage. And then there's software. GetApps was a piece of consistent feedback we acted on, which is why we now have the Indus App Store instead. And since we're on the topic (this is probably the first time we're saying this publicly), we're also working on something for Diwali around watermarks, something fans have been asking for for a while. So it really plays out across three layers: hardware, optimisation, and software.

We're well into the second half of the year now. What can users expect from Redmi in the coming months?

Note is our most important franchise, and we're kicking off the festive season with the Note 17 launch. As we get closer to the festivities, we'll also be rolling out the higher variants of the Note series. So we're heading into the festive season with a set of new products designed to meet consumer needs, build genuine excitement, and come with the right ownership offers for buyers during that period.

Where is the Redmi brand headed overall, especially with the industry seeing consolidation and brands exiting certain markets?

We run three brands in the phones ecosystem. Redmi is our strongest: highest awareness, highest top-of-mind recall, and the largest user base. Xiaomi sits at the premium end, and POCO caters more to online consumers chasing performance. We intend to keep growing all three. Broadly, our direction is toward a stronger ecosystem, moving from a single device into the home, and eventually into a much larger ecosystem play. For Redmi specifically, we want to grow the franchise with a stronger ecosystem presence in phone-adjacent categories (you've already seen this with tablets, buds, and watches), while continuing to premiumise the core phone experience. Xiaomi, as our premium brand, will keep playing at the top end of phones, while also expanding our ecosystem beyond phone-adjacent categories, into areas like televisions and appliances.

[highlights]

• Vivo S2 has been launched in India at Rs 39,999.
• The handset features a 3D curved AMOLED display.
• It gets 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. 

[/highlights]

Vivo has brought back its S-series smartphones to India after nearly six years. The last S-series device to launch in the country was the Vivo S1 in 2019, after which the company shifted its focus to the V-series in the mid-range segment. With the new Vivo S2, the brand is reviving the lineup with a refreshed strategy, bringing a premium design inspired by the Vivo X300 FE to the upper mid-range category while focusing on battery life, curved AMOLED display, and more.

Vivo S2 price in India, availability

The Vivo S2 price in India starts at Rs 39,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. It comes in another memory configuration with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The smartphone is available in Sapphire Blue, Regal Bronze, and Silk White colour options.

Vivo S2 specifications

The Vivo S2 sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED display (2,800 × 1,260 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. The large AMOLED panel should offer vibrant colours, smooth scrolling, and improved outdoor visibility. For photography, the phone features a 50MP primary rear camera paired with a 2MP secondary sensor, while selfies and video calls are handled by a 32MP front-facing camera.

Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. It runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 out of the box, and the handset will get 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches. One of the biggest highlights is the 7,050mAh battery, which is among the largest in its class. The battery supports 44W fast charging and should comfortably deliver well over a day of usage for most users.

The Vivo S2 also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, making it more durable than many rivals in the upper mid-range segment.

The Vivo S2 is aimed at users who prioritise battery life, multimedia consumption, and design. The large AMOLED display, 32MP selfie camera, and premium build make it an attractive option for content consumers and social media users, while the 7,050mAh battery should appeal to heavy users who want a reliable battery life. 

However, buyers looking for gaming-focused performance or ultra-fast charging may find stronger alternatives in the same segment. Similarly, those who want an ultrawide camera or a more versatile rear camera setup may want to compare other options before making a decision.

[highlights]

• WhatsApp is rolling out poll deadlines, anonymous voting, editable poll questions, @all mentions and one-tap spin-off group creation.
• Polls can now have a voting deadline, hide voters' names and be edited for up to 15 minutes after creation.
• The @all mention notifies every member, including those who have muted the chat, while users can disable these notifications in Settings.

[/highlights]

WhatsApp is rolling out new features aimed at making group conversations easier to manage. The latest update introduces poll deadlines, anonymous voting, editable poll questions, @all mentions and quicker ways to create spin-off group chats, addressing clutter users face in groups. The additions build on a series of group-focused improvements introduced earlier this year, including group message history, member tags and event reminders.

WhatsApp polls get smarter, @all mentions arrive

Polls are receiving three upgrades. Users can now set a closing time so voting automatically ends once the deadline is reached, preventing late votes from changing the result. WhatsApp is also adding the option to hide voters' names, allowing members to vote without revealing their choices to the group.

Another useful addition is the ability to edit poll questions for up to 15 minutes after creating them. This lets users fix typos or clarify questions without having to delete and recreate the poll. Poll deadlines can help avoid confusion when planning events, anonymous voting may encourage more honest participation, and editable polls reduce unnecessary duplicate messages.

WhatsApp is also introducing @all mentions, allowing users to notify every member in a group with a single tag instead of mentioning people individually. The feature works even if members have muted the group, although users can turn off @all notifications in the app's notification settings. In groups with more than 32 members, only admins can use the feature.

The platform is also making it easier to create spin-off conversations. Users can now start a new group from an existing one with a single tap, eliminating the need to manually add participants again. The feature is designed for situations where a smaller group needs to discuss a specific topic without interrupting the main conversation.

The updates also bring WhatsApp closer to collaboration features already available on platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Discord, while remaining focused on consumer messaging. For users juggling large family, school or office groups, these additions should make discussions more organised and reduce the need to sift through long message threads to reach a decision.

[highlights]

• ColorOS 17 Beta Testing is open to 300 users of the OnePlus 15 and 15R.
• Users will be required to pass a quiz before joining the beta programme.
• OPPO Find X9 Pro, Reno 15 Pro, and Realme GT 8 Pro users can also apply for ColorOS 17 Beta Testing.

[/highlights]

After formally announcing last month that eligible OnePlus devices will start receiving ColorOS updates going forward, starting with Android 17, the first glimpse of that transition is here. As with every major Android release, OnePlus is sending out closed beta invites to interested OnePlus 15 and 15R users to try the latest software iteration, except this time it's ColorOS instead of OxygenOS. While the application page doesn't state that it's the ColorOS 17 update, the timeline strongly suggests it is, since closed beta testing is typically reserved for major software releases.

How to apply for ColorOS 17 Closed Beta testing on OnePlus 15, 15R

The ColorOS 17 Closed Beta update is open to only 300 users of OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R, provided you complete and successfully pass the quiz when applying for the beta programme. Interested users must apply before August 7th, which is the deadline for the beta firmware.

Furthermore, as stated in OnePlus Community's official post, one may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and submit your personal details, such as phone number and OnePlus account username, to be eligible to try out the firmware even if you've passed the quiz.

With that out of the way, here's how you can apply for the ColorOS 15 Closed Beta testing programme:

Step 1: Go ahead and open Settings

Step 2: Open the System & Update menu

Step 3: Now select Software update

Step 4: Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Beta program

Step 5: Hit the 'Apply' button under the Closed beta section

Step 6: You can read the prerequisites for the beta update on the next page, agree to the necessary requirements and hit 'Apply'

Step 7: It'll ask you to continue with your OnePlus account. Once signed in, you'll be required to take a quiz comprising 15 questions

Step 8: You can take the quiz three times, and the highest score will be considered for your application

Step 9: Depending on the quiz result, you'll be notified whether you can participate in the ColorOS 17 Closed Beta testing or not within a few days

Additionally, the ColorOS 17 Closed Beta testing has also begun for OPPO Find X9 Pro, OPPO Reno 15 Pro, and Realme GT 8 Pro in India starting today. In an aim to centralise the operations and resources, OnePlus and Realme recently announced that both brands will utilise ColorOS going forward, with OPPO spearheading the two brands' software operations.

For users, this should hopefully result in even faster update rollouts, more frequent feedback addressing, and significantly improved software stability.

What to expect on ColorOS 17

OxygenOS 16, despite completely running on the ColorOS codebase, features minor exclusive details that separated it from ColorOS and Realme UI in terms of design and appearance. For instance, it had rounded sliders for volume and brightness in quick settings, along with the red-accented clock on the lockscreen, both of which were missing on ColorOS 16 and Realme UI 7.

With ColorOS 17 arriving on OnePlus phones, it remains to be seen whether such details are retained. As for the new additions, per leaks, a major design change could arrive in the form of rounded corners on every first-party element, such as pop-up menus and buttons. On the other hand, one can also expect improvements to OPPO's Lumious Rendering Engine, which is responsible for displaying real-time blur and light effects in various parts of the UI.

Besides that, ColorOS' Director confirmed a couple of months ago that ColorOS 17 prioritise improving the core experience, resulting in faster performance, better efficiency, and greater system stability. That being said, OnePlus has confirmed that it will offer the option to roll back to OxygenOS 16 even if you've installed the stable ColorOS 17 update later this year.

[highlights]

• Native M3 and M3 Pro are two new water purifiers from Urban Company.
• Unlike conventional ROs, the Native M3 series features filters designed to last up to three years.
• The Native M3 series price in India starts at Rs 22,999.

[/highlights]

India's home services provider, Urban Company, has launched two new smart water purifiers in the country: the Native M3 and Native M3 Pro. Succeeding the M2 series introduced in 2023, the new models aim to address one of the biggest pain points for buyers: maintenance, with an upgraded three-year warranty and continuous filtration, eliminating the need for routine servicing during the warranty period. Customers can save over Rs 26,000 over nine years through its long-life filters and reduced maintenance requirements, claims the company.

Native M3 and M3 Pro price in India

The Native M3 is priced in India at Rs 22,999, whereas the M3 Pro costs Rs 25,999. While there are a few more features on the M3 Pro, the core functionality of the water purifiers remains the same. The Native M3 series is available in Black shade across India on the Urban Company app and official website.

Native M3 and M3 Pro features

The Urban Company Native M3 series comes with several notable upgrades, including no filter replacement or routine servicing for the whole three years. This is attributed to the company's long-life filtration technology, which could be a game-changer, challenging the established norms of the industry. The purifiers also ensure 100 percent RO purification, with all incoming water passing through the RO membrane to remove heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants.

The M3 Pro feature a food-grade stainless-steel storage tank, while advanced mineralisation and pH balancing are designed to improve the taste of drinking water and restore essential minerals. Both models benefit from bigger filters compared to their predecessors, along with Smart Rinse and RO Life Booster technologies. As for the smart features, the M3 series is compatible with the Urban Company app, which can be used by users to monitor filter health, water quality, and other performance metrics in real time. 

The Native M3 Pro, meanwhile, also features a dot-matrix smart display that provides on-device status updates, such as water dispensed, TDS level, weather outside, and more. The company says the Native lineup combines its smart appliances with professional installation, app-based monitoring, and its after-sales service network to offer a more reliable ownership experience, moving beyond the traditional one-time appliance purchase model.

"For years, the water purifier industry has normalised frequent servicing, filter replacements and high maintenance costs. We believe customers deserve a better ownership experience. Native M3 Pro is designed to solve these pain points through long-life filtration, connected monitoring and dependable after-sales support, all backed by an unconditional three-year warranty. This launch reflects our philosophy of building products that are durable, thoughtfully designed, easy to use and smart," said Varun Khaitan, Co-Founder and COO, Urban Company.

The Native M3 series could be a good buy for users looking for a water purifier without the recurring maintenance cost.

[highlights]

• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will be available for Rs 49,999 on Flipkart during the Freedom Sale, down from its launch price of Rs 59,999.
• The phone offers seven years of Android OS and security updates.
• The Flipkart Freedom sale starts on August 8th for all users.

[/highlights]

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be nearly a year old, but Flipkart's Freedom Sale deal is bringing it back into the spotlight. The smartphone will be available for Rs 49,999, making it Rs 10,000 cheaper than its launch price of Rs 59,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant. The sale starts on August 8th at 12 am (early access on August 7th for Black and Plus members) and the discounted price most probably involves a coupon and additionally a bank offer, so interested users may want to check out the finer details once Flipkart makes them available.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: specifications and what to expect

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE packs a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz. It's powered by Samsung's Exynos 2400 chipset paired with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. Other highlights include a 4,900mAh battery with 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus+, an Armor Aluminum frame, Samsung DeX support, a USB 3.2 port, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.

The phone also carries several Galaxy AI features, including Audio Eraser, Now Brief, Now Bar, AI ProVisual Engine, smart Object Remover, Circle to Search, Generative Edit and Instant Slow-Mo. Samsung has also added camera features such as Precise Nightography video, alongside a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide camera and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

One of the biggest long-term advantages is Samsung's software commitment. The Galaxy S25 FE is eligible for seven years of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, which remains among the longest support policies available on any Android smartphone.

Should you buy the Galaxy S25 FE?

While several newer smartphones have arrived in the premium mid-range segment over the past year, the S25 FE continues to stand out by offering features typically reserved for Samsung's flagship S-series. At its discounted price, it'll compete with sub-flagships and premium mid-rangers like the Vivo V70 series, Motorola Edge 70 Max, iQOO 15R and OnePlus 15R. Buyers will find these newer Android phones offering larger 6,000mAh to 7,000mAh batteries and faster charging. However, many of those devices prioritise battery capacity or cameras over an all-round flagship experience.

The Galaxy S25 FE still offers a stronger overall package if camera quality, long-term software support and premium features matter more than having the biggest battery. Compared with many rivals in this price segment, it brings a more capable flagship-grade chipset, faster UFS 4.1 storage, Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity, a faster USB 3.2 port for data transfers and a more versatile camera system that includes a dedicated telephoto lens.

The phone's AI feature set has also aged well, and many of the Galaxy AI tools available on Samsung's latest devices are already supported on the S25 FE. That means buyers are not missing out on key software experiences despite choosing a device that launched last year. For users considering premium mid-range smartphones in this sale period, stretching to the Galaxy S25 FE at Rs 49,999 could be a smarter long-term purchase. It remains one of the few devices in this price range that combines flagship-level performance, a versatile camera setup, premium hardware and industry-leading software support in a single package.