• Qualcomm has launched Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 with stronger on-device AI.
• The new platform delivers up to 2x AI performance with lower power consumption.
• Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 supports earbuds, audio glasses and camera-enabled wearables.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 Platform, a new platform for audio wearables that combines high-quality sound with on-device AI and low-power connectivity. It is designed for a new generation of earbuds, headphones, audio glasses and even camera-enabled wearables that can respond to users and their surroundings in real time. Here is what the new platform brings to the table.

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 focuses on AI-powered audio

The new platform delivers up to 2x greater AI capability than the previous generation, allowing multiple AI tasks to run at the same time. Qualcomm also claims up to 40 percent lower power consumption and a 30 percent smaller footprint, which should help manufacturers build smaller wearables without giving up much battery life.

One of the bigger changes is the addition of micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, which lets compatible wearables connect directly to the cloud without depending entirely on a paired smartphone. Qualcomm says this could allow users to access AI assistants and other services directly from the wearable, while also making it easier to add new features over time.

The platform is designed for more than just listening to music. Qualcomm highlights use cases such as real-time translation, contextual assistance, personalised hearing and multimodal AI, where audio can work together with information from cameras and other sensors.

Better sound and clearer voice capture

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 also builds upon Qualcomm's existing audio technologies. It supports aptX Lossless for high-quality wireless audio and XPAN for extending connectivity beyond the limits of traditional Bluetooth.

Qualcomm has also upgraded its audio processing with fifth-generation ANC, cVc technology and support for more advanced microphone setups. These improvements should help devices block out background noise more effectively and pick up the user's voice more clearly, which becomes increasingly important when wearables have to interact with AI assistants.

The new Snapdragon Audio Sense Solution also combines microphones with dedicated algorithms to help devices better understand both the user's voice and surrounding sounds. This could be especially useful for wearables that need to react to what is happening around the user rather than simply play audio.

Qualcomm says Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 will support a wide range of designs, including earbuds, headphones, open-ear and hybrid devices, audio glasses and camera-enabled earbuds. The company also sees the platform being used in future multimodal wearables that combine audio, vision and AI.

What products can we expect from Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2?

Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 moves the platform beyond regular earbuds and headphones. Qualcomm says it will support earbuds, headphones, open-ear devices, audio glasses and camera-enabled wearables, with AI, voice processing and low-power Wi-Fi built into the platform.

We have already seen parts of this with Snapdragon Sound products such as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, which uses XPAN for Wi-Fi-based audio connectivity, while products such as the EarFun Air Pro 4+ show the platform's focus on sound quality and call clarity.

With Elite Gen 2, Qualcomm is now targeting more advanced use cases such as real-time translation, contextual AI assistance and personalised hearing. Camera-equipped wearables could also adopt this by combining what a user hears with what they see, while direct Wi-Fi connectivity could allow these devices to access AI services without relying as heavily on a phone.

Qualcomm wants earbuds and other audio wearables to become everyday AI interfaces, rather than devices mainly used for listening to music and taking calls. If that is achievable, and if so, how long it will take to happen remains to be seen. 

• The 1TB and 2TB iPhone 18 Pro models reportedly use QLC storage, while the 256GB and 512GB variants use faster TLC flash.
• Homolab found sustained write speeds on the QLC storage could fall to 79.4MB/s, with dips as low as 25.6MB/s after the caches fill up.
• The storage difference is unlikely to affect everyday use but could matter during large file transfers, 4K/ProRes recording and backup restores.

[/highlights]

Apple's highest-capacity iPhone 18 Pro models appear to be making an unusual storage trade-off. The 1TB and 2TB versions reportedly use slower QLC flash memory, unlike the 256GB and 512GB models, which use faster TLC memory. Tests suggest the difference can become significant when the phone is handling large amounts of data continuously, although it is unlikely to affect everyday tasks.

This is also a change from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which used TLC storage across their 1TB and 2TB configurations.

iPhone 18 Pro storage slows down once caches fill up

The difference comes down to how much data each type of flash cell can store. TLC stores three bits of data per cell, while QLC stores four. QLC allows manufacturers to fit more storage into the same physical space, potentially reducing the cost and footprint of high-capacity storage, but the trade-off is lower sustained performance.

According to tests by Bilibili channel Homolab, the 1TB iPhone 18 Pro Max uses QLC storage with multiple layers of caching designed to mask that limitation. When the phone is writing data, it first uses an SLC cache that can reach around 3,000MB/s. Once that fills, writing moves to a TLC cache at around 578MB/s. After both caches are exhausted, the phone writes directly to the underlying QLC storage.

At that point, sustained write speeds reportedly fall to 79.4MB/s, with dips as low as 25.6MB/s. The situation becomes more pronounced as the storage fills up. At 60 percent capacity, Homolab measured the SLC cache at just 58GB, while direct QLC writes reportedly averaged around 45MB/s and could briefly fall to 1.1MB/s.

Apple hasn't explained the change, so the reason remains speculative. One likely factor is the rising cost and supply pressure around NAND flash and other memory components, particularly as Apple expands the iPhone's higher-capacity storage options. QLC can provide more storage density, potentially allowing Apple to produce 1TB and 2TB models more efficiently without increasing the physical space allocated to NAND.

There is another practical consideration: most users will not continuously write hundreds of gigabytes of data. The SLC and TLC caches can therefore hide much of QLC's slower underlying speed during normal use. That could allow Apple to offer larger storage capacities without a noticeable difference for typical users. However, it's worth noting that this is an inference, not a reason Apple has officially given.

Does the slower storage matter in everyday use?

The QLC model was also reportedly 38 percent slower in 4K random reads than the 512GB TLC model at low queue depths. The difference narrowed to 12 percent under heavier workloads, but the QLC version remained slower. These are synthetic tests that deliberately stress the storage, so most users browsing, messaging, gaming or taking regular photos are unlikely to notice the difference. The trade-off is more relevant to people recording 4K or ProRes video, transferring very large files or restoring large backups.

For most buyers, the extra capacity of the 1TB and 2TB models will matter more than the underlying NAND type. However, professionals paying a premium for the highest-capacity iPhone may want to factor in the storage technology too, especially if their reason for buying 1TB or 2TB is to handle large files rather than simply keep more photos and apps on the phone.

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 series starts at Rs 29,990.
• The headphone features a new and compact design.
• The new Sennheiser products will be available for purchase on October 1st. 

[/highlights]

Sennheiser has launched its latest flagship audio lineup in India, which includes headphones and a TWS. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones and MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 TWS have launched in India for under Rs 40,000. The new Sennheiser products come with Dolby Atmos, advanced ANC, and user-replaceable batteries. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless series price in India

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones are priced at Rs 39,990. The MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is priced at Rs 29,990. The MOMENTUM 5 Wireless is available in Black and Denim, while the True Wireless 5 comes in Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, and Lavender.

Both products can be pre-ordered starting today via Sennheiser's official website, leading online platforms, offline stores, and outlets. Some pre-order benefits include a complimentary Sennheiser BTD 600 Bluetooth USB dongle, worth Rs 5,990. The official sale starts on October 1st. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless series: what's on offer?

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless 

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones feature HD 600-inspired 42mm drivers, Dolby Atmos spatial tracking, and Lossless codec support. The headphones come with an 8-microphone hybrid ANC system, which is said to deliver up to 3x stronger midrange noise suppression over its predecessor, the MOMENTUM 4.

In terms of battery life, the MOMENTUM 5 is said to last for up to 57 hours on a single charge. It also supports fast charging. You also get replaceable batteries and ear pads with the MOMENTUM 5. The new Sennheiser headphone competes directly with the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is priced the same and also offers similar features. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 is a pair of wireless earbuds featuring a compact design, different from its predecessor, the True Wireless 4. The ear wings are gone, and now you have a cleaner design, which personally looks much better. The TWS comes with TrueResponse transducers delivering 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio and Dolby Atmos 3D sound. It's also equipped with a hybrid adaptive ANC system, which is said to counter both ambient noise and wind. There's a Natural Transparency mode too, which keeps you aware of your surroundings. 

Like the headphones, the TWS also comes with user-replaceable batteries, which means they're secure for long-term use. It also features an expanded mic array, AI speech enhancement, and a new 8-band EQ with customisable features, which can be accessed in the app. 

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless headphones are a flagship product and are meant for buyers who want a premium audio product. If premium and pricey headphones with good audio quality and ANC are your priorities, the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless can be considered. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are also a highly premium option for TWS, but you might want to check alternatives from brands like Sony and Bose that are more affordable and offer similar features. 

• Vivo S2 FE could launch alongside the Vivo V80, which is debuting on October 6th in India.
• The Vivo S2 FE 6GB + 128GB variant is tipped to have a Rs 39,999 box price.
• The phone is tipped to feature a 10,000mAh battery and Dimensity 7300e chipset. 

[/highlights]

Vivo recently revived the S-series in India with the launch of the Vivo S2 in August. The company is now preparing to add another phone to the series, with the Vivo S2 FE reportedly lined up for an India launch alongside the Vivo V80. The latter is already confirmed to arrive in the country next month, while the S2 FE has yet to be officially acknowledged by Vivo. A new leak has now revealed details about the unannounced phone, including its expected price and specifications.

Vivo S2 FE India launch and price tipped

According to information shared by a tipster on X , the Vivo S2 FE could launch alongside the Vivo V80, which is confirmed to debut in India on October 6th. He has also shared images and specifications of the phone, showing it in black and green finishes. Further, Xpertpick has shared the box price and colour options, reportedly named Stellar Green, Zen White and Titan Black.

The 6GB+128GB variant is said to have a box price of Rs 39,999. This is the maximum retail price rather than necessarily the phone's actual selling price, so the eventual retail price could be lower. The Vivo S2 was launched at Rs 39,999, so the FE variant will be a couple of thousands cheaper than that.

Vivo S2 FE specifications

The Vivo S2 FE is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits HBM brightness. It could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300e (revealed on Geekbench), paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. A 3,800 sq mm VC cooling system is also expected. The biggest hardware highlight is expected to be a 10,000mAh battery, supported by 44W charging. The phone is reportedly 8.75 mm thick and weighs 225 gms despite the large battery, while IP68 and IP69 ratings would provide stronger water and dust protection.

The camera setup could include a 50MP Sony IMX852 primary sensor and a 2MP secondary camera, with a 32MP front camera. Vivo is also tipped to provide three years of OS updates and five years of security updates.

The specifications closely resemble those of the Vivo V80 Lite 5G, which launched in Malaysia with a Dimensity 7300e, 10,000mAh battery, 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display and 44W charging. The S2 FE could potentially be a reworked version of that phone for India, but that connection remains unconfirmed.

Like all other smartphones from all other brands, the Vivo S2 FE is making battery endurance the more important part of its pitch and relatively compromising on performance. However, pricing will be key as even 10,000mAh phones like the Realme P4 Power are available below Rs 30,000 in India. However, the Vivo S2 FE might have a slimmer profile than the Realme phone, so those worried about ergonomics might find it to be the safer pick.

• The Mivi One 5G goes on sale on Flipkart in early October.
• The brand claims to have opened 500 service centres across India.
• The Mivi One 5G competes against the Lava Virat V1 5G under Rs 15,000.

[/highlights]

Mivi has officially unveiled the Mivi One 5G in India, the brand's first-ever smartphone after catering to the audio products segment for over a decade. Packing a 5G Snapdragon processor under Rs 15,000, the phone aims to deliver fast internet speeds at an affordable price in a stylish, trendy colourway. The phone directly competes with the recently released Bollt Ace 5G, a smartphone from yet another Indian-based brand known for selling smartwatches and audio products.

Mivi One 5G price, availability, sale

The Mivi One 5G starts at Rs 12,999 for the base 4GB RAM and 128GB storage and goes up to 8GB RAM. The phone comes in Blue, Burgundy, Green, Dark Blue, and Pink.

The smartphone goes on sale on October 8th on Flipkart, coinciding with the platform's upcoming Big Billion Days sale 2026. As part of the launch offers, the company is offering an instant Rs 1,000 off to Axis, HDFC, ICICI, and SBI Bank cardholders.

Mivi One 5G specifications and features

The Mivi One 5G flaunts a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. While budget-oriented phones are notorious for limiting peak refresh rates to first-party apps, a high-refresh-rate panel ensures smooth scrolling in various scenarios.

The device runs on the 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, the only phone to carry a Snapdragon chipset under Rs 15,000, since most brands have started relying on Unisoc processors for 5G. While the processor may be several years old, it outputs 478,134 score on the AnTuTu benchmark. Since we last tested the Vivo Y300 with this chipset on an older AnTuTu version, the phone may score higher in today's test.

For optics, the Mivi One gains a Samsung ISOCELL 50MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and an 8MP front camera. At this price, expect modest camera results, while the selfie camera may be suitable for video calls. A 6,000mAh battery powers the phone, packed into a 9.15mm-thick body, with up to 18W fast charging support, and the adapter is bundled with the phone. The phone runs Android 16 out of the box with no bloatware and is promised two OS upgrades.

Mivi Care+ service

To make its first smartphone launch more attractive, Mivi will offer Mivi Care+ free with the purchase of the Mivi One. This service ensures users receive after-sales support from the comfort of their home: if any issue arises, the company will arrange the phone's pickup, repair it, and send it back to the customer. Similarly, there's a seven-day replacement period if repairs aren't completed within the designated timelines. Mivi has set up 500 service centres across India, likely in tie-ups with authorised service providers. This is meant to build buyer trust, since people may hesitate to buy from a brand that has just entered the smartphone market.

Should you buy the Mivi One 5G when it goes on sale?

One of the biggest highlights of the Mivi One is its 128GB base storage across all variants. This gives it a major advantage over the Lava Virat V1 5G, which is currently offering 4GB RAM and 64GB storage at Rs 13,499. If you're looking for a 5G budget smartphone, the Mivi One 5G could be worth a look for its large 6,000mAh battery and clean, bloatware-free software, as long as you're okay investing in a debutant brand.

• The iPad Air M4 gets an 11-inch Liquid Retina Display with Apple Pencil support.
• The Amazon Great Indian Festival sale begins October 8th.
• The iPad Air M4's price was recently hiked from Rs 64,900 to Rs 89,900.

[/highlights]

After announcing the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2026 start date, the e-commerce platform has officially begun teasing deals. With Apple products typically generating high interest, the iPad Air M4 (review) is set to be sold for under Rs 69,999 during the sale, giving buyers a powerful machine for heavy multitasking and an entertainment experience on a large yet portable screen. The iPad Air M4 is currently listed for Rs 89,900 on Amazon India.

iPad Air M4 deal for Amazon GIF Sale 2026

Per multiple deal accounts on X, Amazon has put up a banner under the Great Indian Festival Sale 2026 header, revealing that the Apple iPad Air M4 will be available at "Rs 6_ ,_ _ _" down from Rs 89,990 for the 128GB base variant. While the exact deal details aren't known, the device could be priced at Rs 69,999 or less.

On top of this, Amazon has already confirmed that SBI credit and debit cardholders can get an 10 percent instant discount on EMI and non-EMI transactions, while Prime members can enjoy up to 10 percent extra discount on their purchases made during the Great Indian Festival.

Apple launched the iPad Air M4 in March this year at Rs 64,900. However, Apple hiked the tablet's price to Rs 89,900 at the end of June. So the upcoming Amazon sale could be a great opportunity to grab the iPad Air if you couldn't earlier.

What the iPad Air M4 offers

The iPad Air M4 features Apple's M4 chip with 12GB of RAM, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It comes with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360 × 1640 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. For power users and heavy multitaskers, the iPad should offer enough power to run several apps at a time, play high-intensity games, and edit videos on the go. The iPad Air also supports Apple Pencil for creators, artists, and designers to sketch, draw, and jot down diagrams quickly.

However, the 60Hz refresh rate may not deliver a smooth scrolling experience, and the 128GB storage on the base variant could feel limiting down the road when you install many apps and load tons of media. As an alternative, if you're not deep into the Apple ecosystem, the OnePlus Pad 4 may offer better value at Rs 62,999, the current non-offer price listed on Amazon. It offers the equally capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a massive 13.2-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

• OnePlus 16 will feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, alongside 50MP periscope and ultrawide cameras.
• OnePlus is adding Master Mode, High-Pixel Mode and 65:24 Widescreen Mode for more control over image output.
• The OnePlus 16 is set to launch in China in October while India and global availability remains unconfirmed.

[/highlights]

The OnePlus 16 is due for launch in a few days and fans have reason to cheer as the rumoured camera upgrade is now official. OnePlus has confirmed a 200MP primary sensor and new professional imaging modes for its new flagship, which should remove, at least on paper, the underwhelming camera complaints associated with the OnePlus 15. The details arrive a day after the upcoming flagship appeared on AnTuTu with a score of over 5.38 million, indicating the expected performance gains from its new Snapdragon chipset. The camera system suggests OnePlus is also emphasising imaging equally with its next-generation flagship.

The OnePlus 16 is expected to be announced in China in October. OnePlus has already confirmed its chipset and display, while other specifications have emerged through certifications and leaks.

OnePlus 16 camera specifications

The company has confirmed the OnePlus 16 will feature a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and f/1.6 aperture. It will be accompanied by a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera with a 116-degree field of view. The front camera is also a 50MP unit with autofocus.

The move to a 200MP main camera is the biggest change from the OnePlus 15, which has a triple 50MP rear camera setup. The OnePlus 16 also introduces a periscope telephoto camera and retains 50MP resolution for the ultrawide and front cameras. Alongside the hardware changes, OnePlus is adding three new imaging modes - Master Mode, which is designed for a film-inspired look and more natural light rendering; High-Pixel Mode, focused on detail and clarity; and 65:24 Widescreen Mode, which uses a much wider aspect ratio for a cinematic look. The OnePlus 15 was criticised for hardware downgrades, the end of the Hasselblad partnership, and inconsistent real-world photo processing and the company would hope to remove that impression now.

The upgrades (via) give OnePlus more room to compete with camera-focused flagships from Samsung, Xiaomi and Vivo, particularly in high-resolution photography and long-range shots. However, the 200MP specification alone will not determine image quality, and OnePlus will still need to get the processing right to translate the hardware upgrade into consistently better photos.

OnePlus 16 specifications

The camera announcement comes a day after the OnePlus 16 appeared on AnTuTu with a 5.38 million score. The tested configuration included the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1 storage and Android 17-based ColorOS 17. The listing showed a 185Hz refresh rate, although OnePlus has officially confirmed a 165Hz display.

The phone is also expected to pack a 9,000mAh battery, a sizeable increase over the OnePlus 15's 7,300mAh battery. China's 3C certification has confirmed 100W wired charging, while 50W wireless charging is expected to be retained.

For OnePlus 15 owners, the camera is among the bigger changes in the new model, rather than a routine resolution bump. The larger primary sensor, periscope telephoto and new shooting modes give the OnePlus 16 a broader imaging toolkit. Buyers considering it, however, will need to wait for its China pricing and eventual global availability, which remains unconfirmed, to see how that upgrade compares with rival camera flagships.

• Google Fitbit Air could launch in India on October 2nd, with pricing tipped at Rs 12,999-Rs 13,999.
• The screenless fitness tracker features heart-rate, SpO2 and skin-temperature sensors, 5ATM water resistance and up to seven days of battery life.
• The tracker was launched in the US in May and confirmed in August that it'll launch in India in October.

[/highlights]

Update: The Fitbit Air is now listed with a "coming soon" tag on Flipkart in India at Rs 13,999 in multiple colour options. However, we still don't know the official sale date.

Original story follows...

Screenless fitness trackers are increasingly becoming a more visible alternative to smartwatches, and Google entered the category this year with the Fitbit Air. The wearable does away with the display altogether, instead focusing on passive health and fitness tracking through the connected smartphone. Google had earlier confirmed that the Fitbit Air will launch in India in October, and a new leak now claims to have revealed the launch date and expected price.

Fitbit Air India launch date, price tipped

According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Fitbit Air could launch in India on October 2nd, with an expected price of Rs 12,999 to Rs 13,999. Google hasn't confirmed either detail yet. The company confirmed the India launch during its Pixel 11 launch event in August, but stopped short of revealing the exact date or Indian pricing.

The tracker also reportedly started appearing at retail stores back then only in August. Images shared online show what appears to be the Fitbit Air in black, blue and red variants, while one retailer is said to be selling it for around Rs 16,000. Notably, there are some listings of the Fitbit Air on Amazon India but they aren't being sold via authorised sellers.

For context, the Fitbit Air starts at USD 99.99 (around Rs 9,600) in the US, while the Stephen Curry Special Edition costs USD 129.99 (around Rs 12,500).

Fitbit Air specifications and features

The Fitbit Air is quite different from Fitbit's earlier fitness bands and smartwatches because there's no screen or buttons. The small pebble-shaped module uses haptic feedback and a status light, while health data, activity reports and coaching features are viewed through the Google Health app.

The tracker is tipped to feature an optical heart-rate sensor, SpO2 and skin-temperature sensors, along with a three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope. It also has a vibration motor and 5ATM water resistance. Battery life is rated at up to seven days, with magnetic charging. Google says the device supports 24/7 heart-rate and heart-rhythm tracking, AFib alerts, HRV, resting heart rate, sleep-stage tracking and automatic workout detection.

Unlike an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, it's not designed for users who want notifications, apps or live workout metrics on their wrist. At the same time, it offers a simpler entry point into screenless tracking than Whoop or Oura, particularly for users who do not want a recurring subscription for basic health tracking.

If the tipped Rs 12,999 - Rs 13,999 price turns out to be accurate, the Fitbit Air will therefore be aimed at people prioritising continuous health and sleep tracking over smartwatch functionality. Buyers looking for a screen and real-time exercise data would have more reason to consider a conventional fitness band or smartwatch instead.

• Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max both feature a privacy display.
• The 18 Pro Max houses an 8,500mAh battery.
• Both phones also come with rear displays. 

[/highlights]

Xiaomi 18 Pro series has made its debut in China as the company's latest set of flagship smartphones. The lineup includes two phones: Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Both phones come with Leica cameras, secondary rear displays, and Qualcomm's latest flagship chipsets. Xiaomi has even added a privacy display on the 18 Pro series that prevents others from peeking at your screen. 

In addition to the China debut, Xiaomi has also confirmed the 18 Pro series will be available globally. Xiaomi India's X handle also posted the global launch announcement, suggesting the flagship lineup is headed here too. 

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max specifications

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the more premium model of the two, and it differentiates itself with its large 6.9-inch (2624 x 1208 pixels) OLED display that supports 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to 4,000 nits peak brightness, Xiaomi's Super Pixel 2.0 and M11 OLED technologies. Xiaomi has also equipped the phone with a privacy layer that will prevent others from seeing what's on your screen from the side and also protects sensitive apps and content. The rear display is a 2.9-inch screen on the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, which also has a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits brightness. It displays notifications, quick controls, mini-games, and AI-generated custom cards.

Powering the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. This is Qualcomm's fastest mobile chipset yet, designed to deliver significant performance improvements over its predecessor. The handset is also equipped with a 5,513 mm² heat dissipation area for cooling when gaming or doing intensive tasks. 

For photography, the 18 Pro Max houses a Leica-branded camera setup featuring a 200MP primary camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Xiaomi has upgraded the primary and telephoto cameras from the 17 Pro Max. The 200MP camera with 3.2x optical zoom will appeal to users who frequently capture distant subjects or want highly detailed crops. The handset also supports up to 12.8x lossless zoom, 75mm portraits, and 12cm macro photography, along with Xiaomi's new Legendary Moment imaging system, which offers on-device and cloud processing with three dedicated camera styles. 

The new Xiaomi flagship packs an 8,500mAh battery with 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 27W wired reverse charging support. This is a notable upgrade over the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max's 7,500mAh battery. On the software front, it runs HyperOS 4 based on Android 17 out of the box. The phone is also equipped with an AI button that can be customised for privacy controls, voice notes, and more.

Xiaomi 18 Pro specifications

Xiaomi 18 Pro is quite similar to the Pro Max but with some key differences. Its display hardware is the same, but you get a smaller 6.4-inch 2436 x 1120 display and a 2.7-inch rear display. The smartphone also gets the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, which is part of the flagship lineup but a tier below the Extreme model. Battery capacity is also smaller on the 18 Pro, as it houses a 7,000mAh unit, but with the same charging support as the Pro Max.

The rest of the specifications are the same, including the camera, software version, and AI key. Both phones also come with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are both very strong Android flagships with promising cameras, large batteries, and the latest flagship chipsets. Both phones also add to the experience with the rear displays and the privacy display. If you prioritise privacy and unique features, the 18 Pro series offers a distinct proposition, making it a 'buy now' if those are your key drivers. But you should still compare them with other competing flagships like the Vivo X500 series and the OPPO Find X10 phones. 

Xiaomi 18 Pro starts at CNY 5,999 (Rs 85,800 approx.) for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the 18 Pro Max has a starting price of CNY 6,999 (Rs 1,00,001 approx.). 

• Microsoft has launched the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X2 Plus.
• The new Surface devices offer faster graphics, local AI processing and better battery efficiency.
• The Surface Pro starts at $1,149.99, while the Surface Laptop starts at $1,199.

[/highlights]

Microsoft has announced the next Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, both powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 Plus processor. The new models focus on better performance and battery life while keeping the thin and light designs that the Surface lineup is known for.

Let's take a closer look at what has changed with the new Surface devices below.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: price and availability

The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $1,149.99 (approximately Rs 1,10,000), while the Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $1,199 (approximately Rs 1,15,000). Both devices are available from October 13 in select markets. The company has not provided India-specific pricing or availability in the material shared with us.

Microsoft will also offer an optional 5G configuration of the Surface Pro 12-inch for business customers, giving mobile users another connectivity option without depending on public Wi-Fi.

Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: features, specifications

Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro 12-inch is the convertible option, with a detachable keyboard and Surface Slim Pen support for users who want to move between tablet and laptop use. Microsoft says the new model keeps its fanless design while adding a 25 percent brighter 500-nit PixelSense touchscreen, which should make the display easier to use in brighter surroundings.

The brand also claims that the Snapdragon X2 Plus brings up to 17 percent faster Microsoft Office performance, 18 percent better battery efficiency and 95 percent faster local AI processing compared with the previous generation. As per the company, the Pro can also gain an extra hour of active web browsing, although actual battery life will vary by usage.

You also get Ink Canvas on the new Surface Pro, which is a pen-first tool that uses AI to help users sketch, annotate, generate images and summarise text directly on the canvas. It will come pre-installed on the new Pro 12-inch and will also reach other supported Windows devices through the Microsoft Store from October 13.

Surface Pro 12-inch: key specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core), with Qualcomm Hexagon NPU offering up to 80 TOPS
  
• RAM and storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, with 256GB or 512GB UFS storage
  
• Display: 12-inch PixelSense LCD, 2196 x 1464 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, up to 90Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
  
• Dimensions and weight: 274 x 190 x 7.8mm, weighing 0.69kg
  
• Battery and charging: Up to 15.5 hours of local video playback or 13 hours of active web use, 60W USB-C fast charging support. 

Surface Laptop 13-inch

The Surface Laptop 13-inch is the more traditional of the two and comes with a full-size backlit keyboard, precision touchpad and a 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen. Microsoft claims up to 22.5 hours of battery life, while the regular Surface also includes a 500-nit display. 

Both machines use Snapdragon X2 Plus as their common hardware platform, allowing Microsoft to focus on efficiency and local AI without adding a fan to these compact designs. They also support Windows and Copilot features, with Microsoft highlighting the ability to run supported AI tasks on the device, in the cloud or through a mix of both.

Microsoft has also announced a new Surface Mouse with haptic feedback, a customisable Copilot button and Bluetooth 6.0. It starts at $79.99 and will be available from October 13 in Black and Platinum colourways.

• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core), with Qualcomm Hexagon NPU offering up to 80 TOPS
  
• RAM and storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, with removable 256GB or 512GB UFS storage
  
• Display: 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 1920 x 1280 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, up to 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness
  
• Dimensions and weight: 285.65 x 214.14 x 15.6mm, weighing 1.23kg
  
• Battery and charging: Up to 22.5 hours of local video playback or 18 hours of active web use, 60W USB-C fast charging

Should you buy the new Surface series?

Surface laptops have always occupied a fairly niche part of the PC market. They are suitable for users who value portability above almost everything else, especially with the Surface Pro 12-inch, which packs a full Windows experience into a tablet-sized form factor. The Snapdragon X2 Plus should also help with battery life and everyday AI tasks, making these machines useful for people who spend long hours away from a desk and want easy access to a lightweight Windows machine.

The pricing, however, makes the regular Surface Laptop a tough sell in the current market. The new Surface Pro starts at $1,149.99, compared with $799 for the first-generation model launched in 2025, while the Surface Laptop starts at $1,199, up from $899. That is a substantial increase, and it's due to the sky-high memory and storage costs due to the ongoing shortage. 

The Pro 12-inch has a more unique appeal to it, because few Windows laptops offer this level of portability and flexibility. The regular Surface Laptop faces tougher competition, though, with capable Windows machines using both x86 and ARM processors, alongside Apple's MacBook lineup using its own ARM-based chips.

Snapdragon X2 Plus improves on the previous generation, but Microsoft still has to justify why buyers should pay a premium for this particular form factor and Windows experience. These machines may not be as appealing for users who simply want the most performance or value for their money, especially at these higher starting prices.

• Vivo X500 series is making its global debut in Europe.
• The lineup is set to launch on October 27th.
• The X500 series just made its debut in China. 

[/highlights]

Vivo X500 series was launched in China earlier this week. The flagship lineup features three phones: Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The Pro models are also the first smartphones announced with the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. Vivo has now confirmed the global release of the X500 series with a dedicated microsite on the Vivo Austria website. 

Vivo X500 series global launch

According to the Vivo Austria website, the X500 series EU launch will take place on October 27th. The smartphones are set to go on sale on November 5th. Those interested can register and get a voucher for the X500 series. This will mark the global debut of the Vivo X500 series. It's expected to arrive in more markets, including India. It hasn't been specified, though, whether Vivo is bringing all three phones to Europe. 

There could be one change in the global variants compared to their Chinese counterparts. This is based on the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) listing for the Vivo X500 series' battery capacities. According to this database, the Vivo X500 could pack a 5,300mAh battery, the X500 Pro might get a 6,500 battery, while the Pro Max launches with a 6,800mAh battery. 

In comparison, the Vivo X500 in China has a significantly larger 7,500mAh battery. The X500 Pro won't make a difference, as the Chinese variant has a 6,510mAh battery. The Pro Max, however, has an 8,000mAh battery, the biggest in the lineup. It's a notable upgrade over the X300 series. The reduction in battery size could be due to specific requirements in that particular region. However, it's not official yet, so it's best to wait before jumping to conclusions. 

The Vivo X500 series stands out for its camera setup, offering a 3.5x periscope lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects without losing detail, and overall strong hardware. The lineup also comes with MediaTek's new flagship chipsets and large batteries. If you're waiting to purchase a new Android flagship, the Vivo X500 series makes sense, especially for its cameras. We'd still advise waiting for official specs before making a buying decision. 

• Devialet has launched the Phantom Ultimate Pulse Blue in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar.
• Key features include a compact form factor, acoustic performance, up to 24-bit audio processing, and wide compatibility.
• The speaker can be placed on a tabletop or a stand, which is sold separately at Rs 37,999.

[/highlights]

Devialet has launched a new variant of the Phantom Ultimate 98dB, called Pulse Blue. Developed in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar, the portable speaker draws inspiration from his team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, both in its colour and name. The Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue joins the Deep Forest, Light Pearl, and Opera De Paris variants, which were launched earlier this year. Key features of the speaker remain unchanged.

Despite its compact form factor, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB delivers 400 Watts of power, which should be more than enough to fill a large room with sound. But loudness isn't the only focus here. The speaker has a frequency response ranging from as low as 18Hz for deep bass to 25kHz for higher frequencies, allowing it to reproduce a broad range of sounds while retaining detail across the spectrum. Furthermore, the speaker features a co-spherical wideband driver design to help create a wider, more immersive soundstage while maintaining clarity. 

The audio experience is backed by several proprietary technologies, such as ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid), which uses analog Class A amplification for linearity with digital Class D for compactness. It is claimed to improve thermal dissipation and high-frequency precision. Then, there are SAM (Speaker Active Matching) - an algorithm to adapt the signal in real-time to the speaker's characteristics, HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) to produce ultra-low frequencies in a small enclosure, and AVL (Adaptive Volume Level) to dynamically adjust volume in real-time based on the content.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v5.3. iPhone users will be able to cast to the speaker via AirPlay, while Android users can use Google Cast. Other streaming features include Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP. The speaker comes with app support, which lets you tweak its EQ and audio modes.

While the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue can be comfortably placed atop a table or flat surface, the company has also launched a stand - sold separately. The Pulse Blue is priced in India at Rs 2,40,000, which is more expensive than its other variants. The tree stand costs an additional Rs 37,999.

Devialet's India partner manager, Henry Herve, defends the pricing with the product's uncompromising performance and striking design. Herve also believes that India is an increasingly important market for Devialet "...with a growing appreciation for innovation, design and exceptional sound. The exclusive edition - Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue - is a celebration of that journey, bringing together uncompromising performance, striking design and the power of sound to create emotion." 

"With Pulse Blue, we invite listeners to experience music not simply as sound, but as an extraordinary expression of entertainment, emotion and excellence," he further added.

If you are looking for a compact portable speaker that delivers a premium listening experience, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue is worth considering. While several competing speakers offer similar features at a fraction of the price, Devialet's proposition goes beyond the feature list, combining powerful acoustics, sophisticated audio processing, distinctive design, and premium build quality in a compact form factor.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue will be available for pre-order starting September 23rd through partnered Luxury Personified outlets.

• Xiaomi has teased what seems like a transparent-back version of the Xiaomi 18 series hours before its China launch.
• It could be potentially reviving a design last seen on the Mi 10 Ultra.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are launching in China tonight.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi appears to have saved a more interesting design twist for the end of its Xiaomi 18 Pro series launch. Hours before the flagship phones are set to debut in China, the company posted a teaser on Weibo calling it "one more thing", showing what appears to be a transparent back on one of the Pro models.

The phrase has long been associated with Apple, which popularised it as a cue for an unexpected final reveal at the end of its product launches. Xiaomi is seemingly borrowing that for a design making a comeback in its smartphones.

Xiaomi 18 Pro transparent back teased

Xiaomi has experimented with transparent phones before. The Mi 8 and Mi 9 series had transparent editions, followed by the Mi 10 Ultra Transparent Edition in 2020. The company has not used the treatment on a flagship since then, making the Xiaomi 18 teaser interesting.

[caption id="attachment_716304" align="alignnone" width="554"] Mi 10 Ultra[/caption]

Transparent smartphone designs have found a second life through Nothing, whose phones have made exposed-looking internals and transparent rear panels a core part of their identity. The design has subsequently appeared on several more affordable phones, including models from CMF and other brands. In recent years, it has therefore become much easier to find a transparent-looking phone in the mid-range than at the flagship end.

Xiaomi bringing the idea back to its premium lineup could be a way to give the Xiaomi 18 Pro series a visual identity beyond the usual camera and performance upgrades. It also lets the company connect a current flagship to its own history while tapping into a design language that has become more recognisable thanks to Nothing.

It's still unclear whether the teased model is based on the Xiaomi 18 Pro or Pro Max, or whether it will be sold alongside the regular versions or as a limited edition. For anyone considering the series primarily for its design, this is one version worth waiting for before making a decision and seeing whether it'll be available globally.

Xiaomi 18 Pro, Pro Max specifications and features

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a Leica-branded dual 200MP rear camera system. Both get a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto using a 1/1.56-inch sensor. Both phones will also come with Xiaomi's Super Pixel Display 2.0, a similar hardware-based privacy display that we saw on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will pack 7,000mAh and 8,500mAh batteries, respectively, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. They will use different versions of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, with the higher-tier version reserved for the Pro Max.

Xiaomi is launching the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max in China today and global availability, including India, remains unannounced. That makes it too early to judge the transparent version on value, especially if Xiaomi positions it as a limited premium edition. For Indian buyers, the bigger question is whether Xiaomi brings the Pro models here at all, since the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max skipped India.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: price in India

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 49,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is not only cheaper at Rs 47,999, but it also offers more RAM and storage (12GB + 256GB). For the same memory configuration, the Note 17 Pro Max is available at Rs 55,999. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: design, display

The two phones differ quite a lot when it comes to design, making it easy to distinguish between them. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a flat design with a striking back panel that shows shifting clouds on the Secret Sunrise variant. The handset comes in Matcha Green and Stealth Black colours as well. The Note 17 Pro Max is quite durable against dust and water with IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, on the other hand, has a slim design with curved edges and a curved display. It comes in three Pantone colours with different finishes, such as wood and fabric-like. For durability, the Edge 70 Pro+ comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings, and the MIL-STD-810H military standard. 

When it comes to design, the decision is more on the buyer and what finish or style they prefer. It's still worth mentioning that a curved design offers an immersive viewing experience. 

Display specs are also different for both phones. With the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, you get a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness. The Edge 70 Pro+ offers a similarly priced 6.8-inch 1.5K ‘Extreme AMOLED display' with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5,200 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. So you're getting a higher refresh rate and brightness with the Motorola phone, which would be a slightly better visual experience overall. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: chipset, battery

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. While the chipset should be capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, it feels underwhelming for this price segment and represents a downgrade from its predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, which is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Users who regularly perform intensive tasks or demanding workloads may find the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 limiting.

In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, alongside LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The more powerful chipset offers better performance and is better suited to gaming, multitasking, and other power-intensive workloads.

Battery endurance is where the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max overpowers with its massive 10,000mAh battery. This comes with 100W wired and 27W reverse charging support. With this battery capacity, there's no anxiety over your phone dying or needing a quick charge. Battery is one area companies have been focusing on, in the mid-range segment. In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ carries a modest 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired and 15W wireless charging. While not as large as the Note 17 Pro Max, it should still be sufficient for an entire day's usage. 

If battery endurance is key, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is a no-brainer. But if that isn't a requirement, then the Edge 70 Pro+ should do just fine. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: cameras

For photography, you get a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens on the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. Selfies are handled by a 32MP front camera. The camera setup is decent for casual photography, but it might seem less versatile compared to the Edge 70 Pro+. This phone has a triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope lens with 3.5x optical zoom. It also has a 50MP front camera for selfies. 

Just based on specs, we can say that the Edge 70 Pro+ has an advantage with superior sensors and a telephoto lens. If photography is your thing, the Edge 70 Pro+ is the smarter choice here. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: software

On the software front, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max runs HyperOS 3 with Android 16 out of the box. HyperOS 3 offers an interactive and customisable UI with over 100 refined animations, ‘HyperIsland', a notification pill that shows updates for charging, timers, reminders, and more features. HyperOS 3 also offers AI Cinematic Lock Screen and Dynamic Wallpapers, and a redesigned home screen with new icons. The smartphone will also get 4 OS upgrades and six years of security updates. 

In comparison, Motorola phones offer a clean and near-stock Android experience with a bunch of AI features tailored for personal and professional use. The Edge 70 Pro+ also runs Android 16 out of the box with 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches promised. 

If you want more control over your UI and need longer software support, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is the better choice here. But if a clean and clutter-free UI is what you prefer, the Edge 70 Pro+ might make more sense. 

Summing up

If we consider only the specifications, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ has the upper hand in terms of performance and cameras. It's also more affordable while offering more RAM and storage for less. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets an advantage in battery reliability and software support. If you're currently using a phone from 2024 or earlier, the performance and camera upgrades in the Edge 70 Pro+ would be significant, while the Note 17 Pro Max offers a substantial leap in battery life and software longevity.

• Samsung has increased the prices of the Galaxy S26 series in India by up to Rs 25,000, with the lineup now starting at Rs 1,02,999.
• The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra have all received price revisions effective September 23rd, according to a retail document.
• The price hike comes shortly after Apple increased the iPhone 17's India price to Rs 99,900.

[/highlights]

Samsung has increased the price of its flagship Galaxy S26 series in India, marking the first price revision for the flagship lineup since its launch earlier this year. The Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra have all received price increases, with the hike ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on the variant. Notably, the increase comes shortly after Apple raised the price of the iPhone 17 in India following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Duo.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series new prices

According to a price revision document circulated through Samsung's retail channels, the revised prices are effective from September 23rd. The regular Galaxy S26 now starts at Rs 1,02,999, while the Galaxy S26+ starts at Rs 1,34,999 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at Rs 1,54,999.

The price revision is particularly notable for the Galaxy S26 Ultra 16GB + 1TB, which has crossed the Rs 2 lakh mark following a Rs 25,000 increase. The other variants across the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra lineups have received a Rs 15,000 hike.

Apple recently raised the India price of the iPhone 17 from Rs 82,900 to Rs 99,900 following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Duo. That puts the entry-level Galaxy S26 at Rs 3,099 above the iPhone 17's revised starting price. The Galaxy S26 had originally launched at Rs 87,999, giving Samsung a short-lived price advantage after the Apple price hike. That gap has now effectively disappeared, with both companies having revised their flagship pricing in India. Notably, Apple and Samsung are among the last OEMs to raise prices of their current flagships, as other Chinese manufacturers have already done so multiple times in the past.

Samsung Galaxy S26 specifications

The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the Exynos 2600 in some markets, while other regions get a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. India gets the Exynos version while the US gets the Qualcomm chipset. The phone comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage, along with a 4,300mAh battery, 25W wired charging and wireless charging. Its triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide camera and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Other features include Android 16 with One UI, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, an Armor Aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Just like the iPhone, India is not the cheapest market for the Galaxy S26 series. At launch, the US price started at USD 899.99, which was roughly Rs 82,000 when converted, while the UK and European prices were higher. The UAE was closer to India's pricing. The latest hike further widens the gap with the US, although direct currency conversion does not account for taxes, duties, warranty coverage or regional pricing strategies.

For buyers considering the Galaxy S26 series, existing stock at original pricing becomes more relevant. The new prices are still not live on Samsung's website at the time of writing, so any remaining units sold at their earlier prices could offer a meaningful saving, particularly on the Ultra variants.

• OPPO K14 Plus is launching in India next week.
• It will be the fourth phone in the series and the most expensive yet.
• OPPO has revealed several key details about the K14 Plus. 

[/highlights]

OPPO K14 Plus was officially teased in India last week, and now the official launch date has been revealed. The K14 Plus will launch as the fourth phone in the lineup after the newly launched OPPO K14 Lite, K14, and K14x. As speculated earlier, the Plus branding here did mean a large battery, as the OPPO K14 Plus is confirmed to pack a massive 8,000mAh battery. OPPO has revealed more details about the upcoming phone. 

OPPO K14 Plus India launch details 

The OPPO K14 Plus is set to launch in India on September 29th. It will be available exclusively on Flipkart Unique, with offers during the Big Billion Days, which is set to start on October 9th. More details are expected to be revealed soon. 

OPPO K14 Plus specifications

The OPPO K14 Plus's highlight is its 8,000mAh battery, which is expected to deliver multi-day power even with intensive usage. This would make the phone an ideal choice for power users and gamers. The smartphone is also confirmed to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX, claimed to have delivered an AnTuTu score of over 1 million. This suggests capable performance for everyday usage involving multitasking, gaming, and such. It's also getting a 5000mm² VC cooling system for better heat dissipation. 

Up front, the K14 Plus will house a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 3,600 nits peak brightness. The display specs are solid, as it would not only deliver a smooth scrolling experience but also sufficient brightness for outdoor use. The smartphone is getting a 50MP OIS main camera with 4K video recording and a 16MP Sony IMX480 selfie camera. 

OPPO has also promised 6-Year Smoothness Protection with the K14 Plus. The phone is equipped with IP69K durability and a Damage Proof 360 Armour Body. It also gets dual stereo speakers with an Ultra Volume mode. The smartphone will most likely launch with ColorOS 16 out of the box.

Based on what has been revealed so far, the OPPO K14 Plus is shaping up to be a well-rounded mid-range phone focusing on battery life, reliable performance, and a durable build. It also looks like the K14 Plus will hold the top position among the other OPPO K14 phones, judging by its specifications. This would give OPPO a bigger presence in the mid-range segment with a new battery-focused option. 

If you're coming from a 2-year-old mid-ranger, the K14 Plus might offer significant improvements in battery, performance, and durability. And with offers teased for the Flipkart sale, it would be a good opportunity to purchase the phone. 

• Apple has refreshed the Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options in India.
• The new Mac Studio gets M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips for professionals.
• The Mac mini starts at Rs 99,900, while the Mac Studio starts at Rs 2,79,900.

[/highlights]

Apple has refreshed its compact desktop lineup in India with the new Mac mini and Mac Studio, bringing its latest M6, M5 Pro, M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips to the range. The Mac mini targets casual users, students, developers and aspiring creatives, while the Mac Studio caters to professionals with more demanding work.

Both desktops also bring Apple's latest on-device AI features, improved performance, and connectivity options. Here's what the new Mac mini and Mac Studio offer.

Mac mini, Mac Studio: price in India

The new Mac Mini gets M6 and M5 Pro

Apple's Mac mini comes in two chip options, the M6 and M5 Pro, giving users a choice between everyday performance and more power for demanding work. The standard M6 model uses a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators in every GPU core for AI and graphical tasks.

The M6 also gets a dual 16-core Neural Engine and up to 170GB/s of memory bandwidth. It starts with 16GB of unified memory and can go up to 32GB. Apple claims up to 40 percent faster CPU performance, 2x faster graphics and 4x faster AI performance compared with the previous Mac mini. For most users, this should mean smoother multitasking and better performance in creative apps and AI features.

The M5 Pro is more powerful, with a 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU and 64GB of unified memory. It also offers up to 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, making it better suited to heavier tasks such as video editing, game development, and software work which may require large file transfers often.

Both models support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet, with a 10Gb Ethernet option. The M5 Pro also comes with Thunderbolt 5 ports, which can help users connect faster external storage and other high-speed accessories.

Mac Studio now offers M5 Max and M5 Ultra

Apple has also refreshed the Mac Studio with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, targeting professionals who work with demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D design, software development and AI. The M5 Max has an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, while the M5 Ultra goes even further, to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU.

The M5 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory, while the M5 Ultra can go all the way up to 512GB with memory bandwidth of up to 1.2TB/s. Apple says the Mac Studio can deliver up to 4.3x faster AI performance and 1.8x faster graphics, depending on the configuration. For professionals, the extra memory and graphics power should help when working with large video files, complex 3D projects or AI models directly on the Mac.

The device comes with Thunderbolt 5 ports, with data speeds of up to 120Gbps. The Mac Studio can support up to eight displays, including up to four Studio Display XDR monitors running at 5K and 120Hz. For users running AI workloads, Apple also supports connecting multiple Mac Studio systems through Thunderbolt 5 and RDMA, which the company says can deliver up to 3x faster distributed AI inference than what a single system can achieve.

Should you buy the new Mac mini and Mac Studio?

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio target different users, so the choice mostly comes down to how much performance you actually need on a daily basis. The Mac mini M6 should be more than enough for students, regular users, developers, small businesses and aspiring creatives, especially for office work, coding, light editing and general AI tasks. The M5 Pro version is more suitable for users who regularly handle heavier creative or technical workloads.

The Mac Studio is a more specialised machine and caters to a specific crowd. The M5 Max and M5 Ultra models target professionals working with heavy video, 3D, music and AI workloads where the more powerful CPU, GPU, and memory configurations can save a lot of time. The ability to configure up to 512GB of unified memory also makes the M5 Ultra relevant for users running very large AI models locally. =

For most buyers, the Mac mini is simply the more practical option because it offers plenty of performance in a much smaller and cheaper package. The Mac Studio is mainly when your work can actually take advantage of its higher performance and memory limits. Apple also offers education pricing from Rs 88,900 for the M6 Mac mini, which makes it a more approachable option for students and educators.

• These phones are confirmed to receive the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update in early November.
• The update introduces multiple new widgets and lockscreen clock styles.
• Users finding the firmware problematic can roll back to Nothing OS 4.1.

[/highlights]

Staying true to its promise, Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta is now available for the Phone (4a), Phone (3a), and Phone (3a) Pro. As seen on the Nothing Phone (3) and Phone (4a) Pro, the update brings a number of customisation options, a split quick settings panel, widgets, and quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience. Interested users can download and install the update through the Nothing Beta Hub v2.0 APK.

How to download Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta on Phone (4a), Phone (3a), Phone (3a) Pro

Ensure your device is running the latest Android 16 firmware (Nothing OS 4.1) before updating to the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta. Once that's confirmed, follow these steps to download and install the NOS 5.0 beta:

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you run into bugs or find the beta unstable, you can request a rollback through the Nothing Beta Hub in Settings. Previously, Nothing has confirmed that the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update will be available by early November 2026.

Key features and improvements on Nothing OS 5.0

Nothing OS 5.0 debuts a duo of fresh lock-screen clocks, Gooey and Micrographics, plus clock colours that automatically match your wallpaper. It also introduces three new widgets (Collector, Away Time and Glyph Timer) and a translucent Lucent theme. The added clock styles deliver a satisfying dose of personalisation, while the software continues to stand out for its distinctive design language across fonts, widgets, and clock aesthetics.

[gallery link="file" columns="7" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="713940,713944,713941,713943,713932,713934,713945"]

The update also adds a dedicated Glyph app, multi-app drag-and-drop on the home screen, a split Quick Settings toggle, adjustable torch brightness, the Geist typeface, refreshed icons, and tighter spacing throughout Settings. Anyone seeking a modestly refreshed interface will find Nothing OS 5.0 hits the mark.

Essential AI gets faster voice transcription, Smart Collections, and simpler AI app-creation tools. System performance improves overall, and the build brings Android 17 additions such as 3D emojis, a refined Dark Theme and iPhone Quick Share compatibility. We've already covered the software in depth, head over to our hands-on review for the complete picture.

Because this remains a beta, install it only if you're comfortable with potential bugs or have a secondary device to test on. For your daily driver, it's wiser to wait for the stable Nothing OS 5.0 release, which Nothing expects to arrive in early November.

• Beats 360 are the brand's first over-ear headphones with interchangeable ear and headband cushions.
• They offer up to 32 hours of battery life, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, ANC and personalised Spatial Audio.
• The headphones are priced at Rs 42,900 in India.

[/highlights]

Apple-owned audio brand Beats has launched the Beats 360, its new flagship over-ear headphones and the first from the brand to feature interchangeable ear and headband cushions. The new model combines the customisation with what Beats says is their strongest Active Noise Cancellation system yet, a new acoustic platform and up to 32 hours of battery life. It is made for users who want one pair of headphones for commuting, travel, work and workouts.

Beats 360 specifications and features

The Beats 360 use custom-designed dual-magnet dynamic drivers, a high dynamic range amplifier and Adaptive EQ. They support Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. There are nine microphones in total, including eight used for ANC and three for voice pickup.

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 and Beats' proprietary chips in each ear cup. They also have an accelerometer and gyroscope for head tracking, along with physical controls on the ear cups. Battery life is rated at up to 32 hours, including with ANC and personalised Spatial Audio enabled. A five-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to one hour of playback.

The interchangeable cushions are the main novelty. The headphones come with colour-matched Performance Knit cushions, while separate kits let users switch to different colours or UltraPlush cushions. Performance Knit uses breathable fabric over memory foam and is positioned for active use, while UltraPlush uses engineered leather for longer listening sessions.

The Beats 360 are also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them more practical for workouts than many conventional premium over-ear headphones. The design folds flat and comes with a woven ripstop case. Beats claims up to 1.75x more total noise cancellation than the Beats Studio Pro. Apple and Android users are both supported, with features such as one-touch pairing and automatic switching on Apple devices, and Fast Pair, Audio Switch and Find Hub on Android.

Price and availability

The Beats 360 costs Rs 42,900 in India and is available to order through Apple, with retail availability starting September 24th. It comes in Black, Cloud, Pink and Sky, with matching Performance Knit cushions. Additional cushion kits cost Rs 6,900 in India and are available in Performance Knit across six colours and UltraPlush in Black and Cloud.

Meanwhile, Beats has reduced the price of the Studio Pro to Rs 32,900, leaving a Rs 10,000 gap between the two models. For buyers, that makes the Studio Pro the more affordable Beats option, while the 360 is aimed at those who specifically want the newer acoustic system, longer ANC battery life, IPX4 protection and interchangeable cushions.

At Rs 42,900, the Beats 360 enters a crowded premium segment. Sony's WH-1000XM6 (review) is currently priced at Rs 39,990 in India, while Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are listed at Rs 49,900. Sony's model puts considerable emphasis on advanced adaptive noise cancellation, while Bose continues to focus on comfort and immersive audio.

The Beats 360's differentiator is combining ANC and Spatial Audio with a customisable, sweat-resistant design and strong integration across Apple and Android. For buyers already invested in Apple's ecosystem, features such as automatic switching, Find My and personalised Spatial Audio add value. Android users aren't left out, although some Apple-specific features naturally don't carry across.

• OPPO's 2026 flagship lineup includes three phones.
• The Find X10 E is a new addition to the lineup.
• All three phones have been launched in China. 

[/highlights]

OPPO has taken the wraps off its latest flagship phones in China. The lineup includes OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, Find X10, and Find X10 E. We've already talked about the Find X10 Pro Max in detail, which is the most premium and expensive model in the lineup. The Find X10 is the standard model, while the Find X10 E is the toned-down version, aimed at giving users the flagship experience but at a more accessible price. All three phones have been launched in China, with the Find X10 Pro Max confirmed for a global release. 

OPPO Find X10, Find X10 E price, availability

The Find X10 starts at CNY 5,499 (approx. Rs 78,500) for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The handset comes in Ice Blue, Clear Orange, and Light Titanium. The Find X10 E starts at CNY 4,999 (approx. Rs 71,400) for the base 12GB + 256GB variant. The smartphone is available in two colours: Ice Blue and Light Titanium. 

OPPO Find X10 specifications

The OPPO Find X10 features a 6.59-inch FHD+ (1272x2768 pixels) display with a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The smartphone is powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600M chipset, built on a 3nm process. It houses a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with up to 2.8x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. There's a 50MP front camera for selfies and video calls. The primary and telephoto cameras have been upgraded compared to the Find X9's 50MP duo setup. 

The Find X10 packs an 8,000mAh battery with 80W charging and 50W wireless charging support. It's much bigger than the Find X9's 7,025mAh battery, and should result in multi-day usage comfortably. The smartphone also comes with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. On the software front, the Find X10 runs ColorOS 17 based on Android 17 out of the box. 

OPPO Find X10 E specifications

The Find X10 E also comes with a 6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800 nits peak brightness. Powering the handset is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s from the previous generation, but it still delivers flagship-level performance. It's a 50MP triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Find X10 E has a 32MP front camera for selfies. 

Battery capacity is slightly toned down too, with 7,025mAh on the Find X10 E. It comes with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging support. Although a smaller capacity, it's still more than enough to last longer than a day. 

OPPO's Find X10 series is expected to compete with new flagships like the Vivo X500 series and the upcoming OnePlus 16.

When it comes to buying guidance, between the two, the Find X10 is for buyers who want the latest Android flagship experience with powerful cameras, fast performance, and a massive battery. The Find X10 E should deliver a similar experience but with a few limitations. It's more accessible, though, so the ultimate decision will depend on your budget. However, if you're using a Find X9 series phone, you might want to compare properly before planning to upgrade. 

• OnePlus 16 reportedly scores 5.38 million on AnTuTu V12 with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• It is reportedly the second-highest score on the platform.
• OnePlus 16 is expected to launch in China in October, with wider availability yet to be confirmed.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 yesterday as its most powerful mobile chipset yet, and the first official benchmark result from a phone using it is already here. The upcoming OnePlus 16 has reportedly scored over 5.38 million points on AnTuTu V12, offering an early look at what the new 2nm flagship chip can deliver in a smartphone. This is one of the highest recorded scores on the benchmarking platform, probably behind only the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max with the Xiaomi XRING O3 chipset.

The result comes as the next generation of Android flagships start arriving, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 also set to power phones including the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, iQOO 16, Honor Magic 9 Pro Max, and others.

OnePlus 16 AnTuTu score

The upcoming OnePlus 16 has reportedly scored (via) 5,384,433 points on AnTuTu V12. The  result includes 1,458,283 points for CPU, 2,010,584 for GPU, 766,362 for memory and 1,149,204 for UX. The tested configuration reportedly has 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, with the phone running Android 17-based ColorOS 17.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is built on a 2nm process and uses Qualcomm's Oryon CPU with two Prime cores reaching up to 5GHz and six Performance cores at up to 4GHz. Qualcomm also claims a 44 percent GPU performance improvement over the previous generation, while its new Adreno Neural Fusion system combines AI processing with features such as super resolution and frame generation for supported games.

That puts Qualcomm in a strong position for graphics-heavy workloads, although an AnTuTu score should not be treated as a direct measure of real-world performance. Apple's A20 Pro and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro will be the other major chips to watch at the high end, particularly once retail phones using all three platforms can be tested under the same conditions. We'll update you on the results once we get everything in-house.

The performance-focused hardware of the OnePlus 16 is expected to be accompanied by substantial changes elsewhere. The OnePlus 16 is tipped to feature a 9,000mAh battery, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. That would be a major increase over the OnePlus 15's 7,300mAh battery. The camera system is also reportedly moving from the  triple 50MP setup to a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, alongside 50MP ultrawide and periscope telephoto cameras. The display is officially confirmed to support 165Hz, while leaks point to up to 185Hz in compatible games.

OnePlus has also confirmed three colours: Tomorrow's Starlight, Dark Forest and Mars Masterpiece. The first features an "Interstellar Light Effect" that uses rear lighting for calls, notifications, music, charging and games.

For buyers primarily interested in gaming, sustained performance and heavy multitasking, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 makes the OnePlus 16 worth watching. OnePlus is expected to launch the phone in China in October. Its wider availability remains unclear, so buyers outside China may need to wait for an official global launch announcement before considering it as an option.

• Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Extreme Gen 6 chipsets.
• The Extreme Gen 6 reaches up to 5.0GHz and adds stronger on-device AI capabilities.
• Qualcomm's new flagship chip will power next-gen Android flagships like the OnePlus 16, iQOO 16, and more. 

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has officially unveiled its next-generation flagship mobile chipsets, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, which will act as the backbone of the next wave of premium Android smartphones. These are the chips we are likely to see inside some of the biggest flagships of the coming year, including the expected Motorola Signature 27, OnePlus 16 and iQOO 16, making this an important launch for anyone following high-end Android phones.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 targets flagship phones, while the 8 Elite Gen 6 pushes performance and AI capabilities further for the most powerful devices. Qualcomm is also putting much greater emphasis on agentic AI, gaming and on-device processing this time around. Here's what you need to know.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 vs 8 Elite Gen 6

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is Qualcomm's new flagship platform for premium Android phones, bringing faster performance, improved gaming and a bigger focus on on-device AI. It can reach speeds of up to 5.0GHz, while its new Hexagon NPU is designed to handle more AI processing directly on the phone, including understanding user context and adapting to how the device is used.

Sitting above it is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which Qualcomm positions as its most powerful mobile platform this generation. It includes all the capabilities of the standard 8 Elite Gen 6, while adding faster AI processing, a larger shared memory pool and more advanced gaming features. One of the biggest additions is Adreno Neural Fusion, which uses AI to improve frame generation and image quality in games.

Both chipsets bring improvements to gaming, cameras and connectivity, but the difference is mainly about how far they can push those capabilities. The standard Gen 6 should cover the needs of most premium smartphone users, while the Extreme Gen 6 sets its sights at the highest-end flagships and users who want the absolute maximum performance Qualcomm can offer.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6: what's inside

Based on the official press material Qualcomm shared with us, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 features 2 Prime Cores and 6 Performance Cores. The Prime Cores can reach up to 5.0GHz, while the Performance Cores are rated at up to 4.0GHz. Qualcomm has not shared the finer breakdown of those six performance cores yet, so the complete CPU configuration is still not available.

An Android Authority report suggested a 2+3+3 CPU layout, with two Prime Cores clocked at up to 5.01GHz, three Performance Cores at around 4.03GHz and three efficiency-focused cores at around 3.74GHz. This remains unconfirmed, so we will have to wait for Qualcomm's final specification sheet to know whether this is the exact configuration used on retail devices.

Qualcomm's official material also highlights several changes to the AI hardware. The Extreme Gen 6 gets a new Sensing Hub with dual Micro NPUs, which the company says delivers up to 85 percent more performance and 20 percent better efficiency. It is designed to handle more contextual tasks, including understanding information from messages, emails and conversations.

[caption id="attachment_716194" align="aligncenter" width="572"] *over Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5[/caption]

The main Hexagon NPU also gets a new Element Accelerator, along with support for longer context windows of up to 32K. Qualcomm says the chipset can support AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, while its shared memory is 50 percent larger than before.

There is still more to learn about the chipset, particularly the exact CPU arrangement and some of the underlying hardware specifications. For now, Qualcomm's official material gives us a clearer picture of the direction of the Extreme Gen 6, with more of the focus shifting towards on-device AI alongside the usual performance improvements.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6: what will it compete with?

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 will compete directly with Apple's A20 Pro and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro, with all three sitting at the top end of the flagship smartphone market. Apple has traditionally held an advantage in CPU performance, while MediaTek tends to be more GPU-centric. Qualcomm appears to be addressing both areas with the Extreme Gen 6, particularly through its new Adreno GPU architecture, Neural Fusion technology and newer AI hardware.

The new GPU features could give Qualcomm an edge in areas such as frame generation, upscaling and ray tracing, although real-world testing will be needed to see how it compares with Apple's A20 Pro. MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro is likely to remain a close Android rival, especially in graphics and gaming.

For users, the most immediate improvements should come in gaming, on-device AI and sustained performance, since everyday tasks are already speedy on current flagship phones.

• Motorola Signature 27 will be available globally later this year.
• It's the first smartphone announced with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset.
• The handset also comes with audio from Bang & Olufsen.

[/highlights]

Motorola Signature 27 was unveiled today at the Snapdragon Summit as the second generation in the brand's premium lineup. The smartphone will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, which also made its debut today. Motorola Signature 27 is touted as the most advanced smartphone ever created by the brand. The flagship phone is also the first from the brand to use the final two digits of the coming year, for an easier way to distinguish the lineup going forward.

Motorola Signature 27: what's new?

Motorola Signature 27 is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which is the more powerful Qualcomm chipset launched alongside the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Motorola promises powerful on-device AI capabilities, enhanced camera experiences, responsive gaming, and faster download speeds on the new Signature 27. It's expected to compete with upcoming flagships like the OnePlus 16, which will also use the same chipset. 

The smartphone is also equipped with Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system, which uses a new diamond-infused thermal gel, liquid metal, copper mesh, and a redesigned 3D vapor chamber for better heat dissipation during AI use, gaming, and video performance. It's also 40 percent larger than the previous generation. 

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

Google's Gemini is also deeply integrated into the Motorola Signature 27. Users can turn a prompt, photos, or existing footage into a polished video with Gemini Omni, or generate music and soundtracks using Lyria. The smartphone is also getting seven years of OS upgrades. It will most likely launch with Android 17 out of the box. 

Motorola Signature 27 is also the company's first phone to feature Audio by B&O. The branding is etched on the phone's rear panel. Speaking of which, the Signature 27's design is unique for Motorola, with the large camera plateau housing four sensors and an LED flash. In terms of design, the Signature features an aluminium silhouette with contoured edges and is said to be 'elegantly thin'. The camera panel also uses ceramic and brushed
aluminum. 

The smartphone will be available in Pantone Coal Smoke, which has a woven texture to enhance grip and for better durability. It also comes in Pantone Capulet Green, which has a brushed textile-inspired finish. This was only an introduction of the Motorola Signature 27. Its complete specifications, pricing, and availability details haven't been revealed. However, Motorola says it expects the Signature 27 to come to markets globally this year. 

Motorola Signature 27 is definitely the flagship to look out for. Powered by Qualcomm's new flagship chipset, strong cameras, and advanced on-device AI, the Signature 27 seems worth waiting for if you're in the market for an Android flagship.

• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max ihas been launched in China along with the OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro.
• All three cameras support 8K Log video, while 4K 120fps Dolby Vision works across focal lengths.
• The phone starts at CNY 6,799 (around Rs 97,200) in China, with global availability yet to be announced.

[/highlights]

OPPO has launched the OPPO Find X10 Pro Max in China as the first Pro Max model in the Find series and, more importantly, the world's first smartphone with three 200MP rear cameras. The phone is also among the first to feature MediaTek's new Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, following the Vivo X500 Pro series.

The triple 200MP setup is the headline, but OPPO is also marketing the Find X10 Pro Max as a serious video camera, with 8K Log recording across all three lenses and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision at every focal length.

Specifications and features

The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max uses three 200MP Hasselblad-branded rear cameras. The 1/1.56-inch ultrawide has an f/2.2 aperture and 124-degree field of view, with OPPO claiming a 202 percent increase in light intake over the outgoing model. The main camera has an f/1.5 aperture and 17EV single-frame dynamic range, while the telephoto has the highest pixel count and largest aperture OPPO has used on a Pro Max telephoto, along with CIPA 7.5 stabilisation.

OPPO's second-generation Danxia colour reproduction lens works with its LUMO native light and shadow engine to maintain colour accuracy across different lighting conditions. The DeepPix sensor also increases full-well capacity by 60 percent, which is intended to retain more detail in high-contrast scenes.

For video, all three cameras support 8K Log recording, while 4K 120fps Dolby Vision works across focal lengths. Horizon stabilisation is also supported. OPPO has partnered with TILTA and Blackmagic Camera for Dolby Vision, O-Log2 and Open Gate recording.

The phone runs on the Dimensity 9600 Pro, MediaTek's 2nm flagship chipset, alongside ColorOS 17. OPPO's Tide Engine reduces the interval between 200MP photo captures to 0.7 seconds, while a new NPU developed with MediaTek powers AI features including Xiao Bu Space.

The Find X10 Pro Max also gets a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-nit minimum brightness, 3,600 nits peak brightness, 3,840Hz PWM dimming and 95 percent BT.2020 colour gamut coverage. A five-channel ambient light sensor adjusts brightness and colour based on surrounding lighting.

The design retains the squarish camera module from the previous generation, with a separate pill-shaped LED light module and Hasselblad-inspired details. The rear combines smooth metal with a woven texture and comes in Moon White, Warm Orange and Light Titanium. The phone has IP68, IP69 and IP66 ratings and a five-star SGS Switzerland drop and impact rating.

For camera-focused buyers, the triple 200MP setup gives OPPO a distinctive hardware proposition against flagships that typically reserve their highest-resolution sensor for the main camera. However, the practical advantage will depend on image processing and sensor performance.

Price and availability

The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max starts at CNY 6,799 (around Rs 97,000) for 12GB + 256GB. The 12GB + 512GB version costs CNY 7,499 (around Rs 1.07 lakh), the 16GB + 512GB variant costs CNY 7,999 (around Rs 1.14 lakh), and the 16GB + 1TB model is priced at CNY 8,999 (around Rs 1.29 lakh). OPPO hasn't announced global pricing or availability yet. For now, buyers outside China should wait for confirmation before treating the Find X10 Pro Max as an upcoming option in their market.

• Airtel has added Apple iCloud+, Apple TV and Apple Arcade to its Rs 999 and higher family postpaid plans.
• Airtel is currently the only Indian telecom operator officially bundling iCloud+ with its plans.
• Apple's iCloud+ plans start at Rs 75 per month in India, while Apple TV and Apple Arcade are now bundled with iCloud+ at no additional cost.

[/highlights]

Bharti Airtel has expanded the benefits of its Rs 999 and higher family postpaid plans by adding Apple's newly expanded iCloud+ subscription. Eligible customers will now get access to iCloud+, Apple TV and Apple Arcade, bringing cloud storage, entertainment and gaming into the same postpaid bundle.

The move comes after Apple recently expanded iCloud+ in India to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost. Airtel is now using that expanded bundle as another incentive for customers on its higher-value family plans.

Airtel Rs 999 family plan

Airtel's Rs 999 family postpaid plan covers three members and includes unlimited data with Fastlane technology, spam protection and entertainment subscriptions. The addition of iCloud+ gives customers a way to store, sync and back up photos, files, passwords and other information across Apple devices.

Apple TV provides access to Apple's original series, films and documentaries, including Ted Lasso, Severance, The Studio and CODA. Apple Arcade offers more than 200 games without ads or in-app purchases, with titles including Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sneaky Sasquatch and NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition.

iCloud+ starts at Rs 75 per month for 50GB in India and can be shared with up to five family members through Family Sharing. For households already using multiple Apple devices, the storage and backup component could therefore be more useful than the entertainment additions.

Airtel is currently the only Indian telecom operator to officially bundle Apple's iCloud+ with its plans. Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) do not offer an iCloud+ bundle, instead focusing their premium plans on their own cloud and entertainment partnerships. Jio, for instance, promotes its JioAICloud service alongside OTT benefits such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and JioStar. Vi's premium prepaid and postpaid offerings include multi-OTT access through its Vi Movies & TV platform. That gives Airtel a more direct proposition for Apple users, particularly families that already rely on iCloud for device backups and syncing.

For Airtel customers already considering the Rs 999 family plan, the expanded Apple bundle adds value without requiring another subscription. However, users should still compare the total postpaid cost with their actual need for family connectivity and Apple services. Someone who only wants 50GB of iCloud storage can get iCloud+ separately for Rs 75 a month, making the Airtel upgrade more relevant when the family plan's other benefits are useful too.