Design: Exterior

Thankfully, Audi has resisted the industry's slide into design overkill, and the Q3 looks perfectly proportioned all the way from its new 3D mesh grille and sleek LED matrix headlights to the illuminated four-ringed logo on the tailgate. It has also grown in every dimension over its predecessor, and the surfacing shows it. Where rivals have leaned into aggressive, over-articulated surfacing that tries too hard, the Q3 holds a discipline that runs through every panel.

Design: Interior

The all-new cabin layout and dashboard design is a welcome sight after years of dealing with the archaic Audi architecture. The dual-screen dashboard curves toward the driver instead of sitting as a flat slab, a layout that reads as more usable than the triple-screen setups several competitors have adopted as a default. A rotary volume knob survives the transition, a small mercy in a segment eager to bury every control in a touch layer. One bewildering surprise is the decision to retain seat heating from the EU models and not include seat ventilation (cooling) for the India-spec variants.

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Cabin tech

The infotainment graphics are new, and the tiled icon layout is intuitive, though the presentation remains largely monochromatic next to rivals that massage the retinas with HDR colour. The 12.8-inch main display is responsive, and while internationally, this generation of the Q3 ships with ChatGPT integrated into its voice assistant, we won't know whether India-spec cars will get that sort of tech stack. The bigger upgrade is the 12-speaker Sonos premium sound system that replaces the outgoing stock setup. It comes with multiple surround modes and enough user-adjustable parameters to shift the soundstage from an intimate two-channel feel to something closer to a full surround presentation, depending on taste. It's a genuine step up, and one that buyers cross-shopping the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA will notice.

Switchgear carries Audi's usual quality signature with knurled finishes, tactile clicks, and fit and finish that hold to the brand's standards, and none of it feels cut to a price. The cabin also feels roomier, helped by moving the drive selector to a steering-column stalk and freeing up console space. Wireless charging, dual USB-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all finally standard fare, closing a gap the outgoing Q3 had left open for years. A head-up display debuts on the Q3 for the first time, handling navigation and speed readouts.

Drivetrain

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol producing 204hp and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, expected to remain standard fit. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229kph. Pricing is expected to open around Rs 60 lakh (ex-showroom) when the Q3 launches later this year.

On this early look, Audi's entry-level SUV finally feels like it has the design, cabin tech and powerplant to exceed the segment's asking price. Final judgement waits on India-spec feature confirmation and a proper road drive.

• The Nothing Buds Pro 2 could kickstart a new audio lineup for the company.
• The TWS could be launching initially in the USA.
• The Nothing Buds Pro 2's charging case could pack a 460mAh battery.

[/highlights]

Nothing has been prominently releasing audio products ever since the release of Ear (1), its first-ever product. While several of its TWS have launched under the 'Ear' branding, a report has revealed that the company is working on yet another TWS called Nothing Buds Pro 2. Along with the name, the report also details the product's model number, battery, and design of the charging case. More details below. 

Nothing Buds Pro 2 spotted on FCC listing

Per XpertPick's findings, the Nothing Buds Pro 2 will carry the model number B195, as revealed by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database. Subsequently, it could come with FCC ID 2AZEQ-B195C. The label artwork includes the Nothing Buds Pro 2 name.

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Upon further digging into the FCC documents, the source has found that the charging case is expected to house a 3.8V lithium-ion battery rated at 460mAh, delivering a total energy capacity of 1.748Wh. With input rated at 5V/0.6A and output at 5V/0.24A, it appears capable of wired charging of up to roughly 3W.

A design outline of the Nothing Buds Pro 2 has also been found in the documents, revealing that the charging case will sport a rounded rectangular shape, with dimensions listed as 26.45 x 16.92 mm. The design of the actual earbuds hasn't been revealed or hinted at.

Is Nothing possibly coming up with a new TWS lineup?

As noted earlier, Nothing's TWS have always been released under the 'Ear' branding, with the Ear (Open) being the brand's latest offering in India. The Buds Pro 2, on the other hand, could kick-start a new lineup to offer essential TWS features at competitive pricing, while the Ear lineup could be retained for launching high-end to premium audio products.

While CMF has been a prominent player under Rs 5,000 in the audio segment, Nothing may now want to carve out its own identity at higher or similar price points. This way, the CMF earbuds could cater to the affordable segment, the Nothing Buds to users seeking premium-level features, and the Ear series to offer the best sound quality and features the company has to offer. Since FCC filing is a mandatory step before selling commercial goods in the US, the Buds Pro 2 could launch in the US initially.

This move could be a smart strategic play by Nothing to diversify its audio offerings and capture a broader market segment, a necessary step in today's competitive TWS landscape

The Redmi Note 17 has already launched in India (review), while the Redmi Note 17 Pro is currently available in China. The Pro Max, meanwhile, hasn't yet launched in China and will make its first appearance globally in Malaysia. Notably, this is the first 'Pro Max' variant in the Note series, with previous generations having the Pro+ as the top model. Here's a quick recap of everything before tomorrow's launch.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max launch date

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is scheduled to launch globally on August 27th in Malaysia. Xiaomi has announced the date through its global website and is expected to reveal the remaining specifications, pricing and availability details at the event.

The smartphone's India launch date is currently unknown. A recent report citing a tipster claimed that Redmi could launch the Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max in India on September 15th, but Redmi hasn't confirmed this date or started teasing the phones for the Indian market. The reported timing would put the launch in a busy September period, with Apple's iPhone 18 series also expected to attract attention.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max design

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a flat-frame design with rounded corners and a relatively slim-looking profile. The rear panel shown by Xiaomi has a light, pearlescent finish with a pink-and-white cloud-like pattern that changes across the surface, giving the phone a more distinctive appearance than a conventional solid colour back. Xiaomi hasn't confirmed the complete colour lineup for the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. The images released so far show the phone in a light, pink and white finish.

The camera module is positioned in the top-left corner and uses a rounded rectangular shape with two large circular camera cutouts arranged vertically, alongside a separate LED flash. The module also carries the 50MP camera branding. The flat metallic-looking frame continues around the edges, while the bottom houses a USB Type-C port, speaker grille and SIM tray.

Another notable design element is the photochromic rear panel. Xiaomi has also highlighted certified drop resistance for the new Redmi Note series, along with IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. This makes durability one of the more prominent aspects of the Note 17 Pro Max.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max specifications

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max will feature a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution. The screen size is unchanged from the Redmi Note 17 Pro launched in China, which also gets a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED panel. The Pro Max is expected to offer a high refresh rate, although Xiaomi has yet to confirm the exact figure for the global model.

Under the hood, the smartphone is expected to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset and offer up to 12GB of RAM. A recent Geekbench listing showed a variant with 8GB RAM and Android 16, providing an indication of the hardware configuration, although the final memory options may vary by market.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is newer than the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 used by the Redmi Note 17 Pro in China. However, the chipset sits below Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 family, so its newer branding does not automatically mean it will outperform the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 used by the Redmi Note 15 Pro+. Buyers particularly interested in performance will therefore need to wait for real-world benchmarks before judging the upgrade.

The biggest hardware change comes in the battery department. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is confirmed to pack a huge 10,000mAh battery with support for 100W wired fast charging. This is substantially larger than the 9,000mAh battery and 67W charging on the Redmi Note 17 Pro in China. It is also a major jump over the previous-generation Redmi Note 15 Pro and Note 15 Pro+, which featured 6,580mAh and 6,500mAh batteries respectively. The Note 15 Pro+ supported 100W charging, but its battery capacity was still considerably smaller. The larger capacity in the new Pro Max has been made possible by the increasing adoption of silicon-carbon battery technology in smartphones.

For photography, Xiaomi has confirmed a 50MP primary rear camera. The phone is also expected to have an additional rear sensor, with earlier reports pointing to an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 32MP front camera. These camera specifications have not all been confirmed by Xiaomi yet.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max expected pricing

Xiaomi hasn't yet announced the global price of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. A recent tip suggested that the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max could launch in India at around Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 higher than their Redmi Note 15 Pro-series counterparts. For context, the Redmi Note 15 Pro launched in India at Rs 31,999, while the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ started at Rs 37,999. A similar increase would put the new models considerably higher, potentially taking the Redmi Note 17 Pro into the upper Rs 30,000 range and the Pro Max towards roughly Rs 43,000 - Rs 46,000, depending on the variant.

That would be a significant change from the pricing of earlier Redmi Note Pro models, which traditionally competed at much lower prices. The potential increase would also bring the Note 17 Pro Max into territory occupied by phones such as the OnePlus Nord 6, Nothing Phone (4a) and Vivo V70 FE.

The higher price, if confirmed, will make the choice more dependent on what the Pro Max offers beyond its enormous battery. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ already paired a 6,500mAh battery with 100W charging and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, so the Note 17 Pro Max's newer but less powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 will need to demonstrate that its battery, display and durability advantages justify the positioning.

With the global launch taking place on August 27, Xiaomi should reveal the remaining specifications and pricing shortly. For Indian buyers, however, it makes sense to wait for an official launch announcement before drawing conclusions on availability or price. The 10,000mAh battery and 100W charging make the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max particularly interesting for users who prioritise battery life and media consumption.

• Qualcomm's next-generation Oryon CPU reaches 5GHz, marking a first for mobile processors.
• Oryon FlexCache lets its CPU cores dynamically share available cache based on workload.
• The new architecture could help future Snapdragon flagships improve performance without relying on larger RAM configurations.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has announced a new milestone for smartphone processors and claims that its next-generation Oryon CPU is the first mobile CPU to reach a 5GHz clock speed. While clock speed is only one part of overall processor performance, the achievement gives Qualcomm a useful advantage as it looks to push smartphone performance closer to what you'd get from a laptop or desktop processor. Let's discuss this in more detail below.

Impressive 5GHz speed, but there's more

Qualcomm says it achieved the 5GHz milestone through a fully custom CPU design, allowing it to tune the architecture and wider CPU subsystem together. It is also introducing Oryon FlexCache, which is designed to help the CPU cores make better use of cache and reduce how often they need to access slower system memory.

A CPU's clock speed tells us how quickly it can run its processing cycles. Simply put, a 5GHz CPU can run up to five billion cycles per second. However, clock speed alone doesn't determine performance. Two processors can run at different speeds but deliver similar results depending on how much work they can complete in each cycle. This is where IPC (instructions per clock) can help. 

[caption id="attachment_712942" align="alignnone" width="814"] Source: Qualcomm News[/caption]

To put it simply, think of two cars. One may have a higher top speed, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will perform better in every situation. Acceleration, handling and how well it performs at high speeds also matter. Similarly, 5GHz tells us how quickly the CPU can operate, while its architecture and IPC determine how much work it can complete at that speed.

Qualcomm says the new Oryon CPU combines its 5GHz peak clock speed with high IPC, which should benefit everything from everyday apps and gaming to content creation and AI workloads.

The new FlexCache architecture

Qualcomm's new Oryon FlexCache architecture is another important part of the design of their next-gen chipsets. Cache is a small amount of very fast memory located close to the CPU cores, allowing them to access frequently needed data without repeatedly reaching into slower system RAM.

The new architecture that's shown uses two Prime cores and six Performance cores, with both types able to access a shared cache pool. Instead of being restricted to fixed portions, the cores can dynamically use more of the cache when a workload requires it.

This doesn't replace RAM, but it can reduce how often the CPU needs to access system memory, potentially helping maintain performance during demanding gaming, multitasking, AI and video workloads. 

How could this impact future Snapdragon flagship chipsets?

The new Oryon architecture could become particularly useful as smartphone makers deal with rising memory costs. RAM was not a major constraint for flagship phones in the past, but higher memory prices are now making manufacturers more cautious about how much memory they put into each device.

FlexCache technology could help Qualcomm improve performance without relying entirely on larger RAM configurations. By allowing CPU cores to share and dynamically use the available cache, more frequently needed data can stay closer to the processor, potentially reducing the number of trips to system memory.

It is too early to say how much this will translate into actual gains, but the approach has its merits and could give future Snapdragon flagship chipsets another way to improve sustained performance without simply adding more RAM. That could become increasingly relevant if memory prices remain elevated in the future. 

• Xiaomi 18 Fold is confirmed to launch in September with the company's in-house Xring O3 chipset.
• The leaked images show a wider design, horizontal camera module and a deep red finish similar to the iPhone 18 Pro's rumoured Dark Cherry colour.
• Xring O3 has reportedly scored 5.22 million on AnTuTu and 15,221 in Geekbench multi-core.

[/highlights]

The Xiaomi 18 Fold has appeared in what appear to be its first real-life images, giving us a good look at the company's upcoming foldable ahead of its September launch. The images leaked by MyDrivers, show a wider body, a horizontal camera module and a deep red finish that looks similar to the Dark Cherry colour reportedly coming to the iPhone 18 Pro. The phone also marks a significant change in Xiaomi's foldable naming, with the company moving away from the Mix Fold branding. Xiaomi has also confirmed that the 18 Fold will be the first phone powered by its new Xring O3 chipset, marking a shift from its association with Qualcomm for their flagship Snapdragon chipset.

Xiaomi 18 Fold design

Interestingly, the Xiaomi 18 Fold was previously expected to launch as the Mix Fold 5, following the Mix Fold 4. Xiaomi has instead named it the Xiaomi 18 Fold, bringing the foldable into the same naming family as its main flagship phones. The move appears intended to position the foldable as a top-tier member of the Xiaomi 18 lineup rather than as a separate Mix product line.

The design is also a clear departure from the Mix Fold 4. The older foldable had a taller, narrower shape and a large rectangular Leica camera island on the rear. The leaked Xiaomi 18 Fold appears wider and flatter, with a horizontal pill-shaped camera bar containing three cameras and an LED flash. Images of the side profile also suggest a slim body. The wider format brings Xiaomi closer to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which has helped make wider book-style foldables more mainstream. Apple is also expected to use a wider design for its first foldable iPhone. For buyers, the format could mean a more useful cover screen and a roomier inner display, although the wider body may be less comfortable for some one-handed use.

That red finish in the images is hard to miss. The leaked phone is shown in a deep red or burgundy finish, similar to the colour used on the Redmi K100 Pro Max. It also bears a resemblance to the Dark Cherry shade reportedly planned for the iPhone 18 Pro, which leaked a few weeks ago. Xiaomi has not suggested that the colour is inspired by Apple, but the timing makes the comparison interesting, particularly as the iPhone 18 Pro series is also due for launch in September. This won't be the first time Chinese OEMs draw inspiration from Apple, as Cosmic Orange from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup also started its own trend.

Xiaomi 18 Fold chipset 

The other major change is under the hood. The Xiaomi 18 Fold will be the first phone to use Xiaomi's Xring O3, the company's latest in-house flagship chip, marking a major shift from its association with Qualcomm. Xiaomi says it scored 5.22 million points on AnTuTu V11, while Geekbench 6.5 results have reached 3,945 in single-core and 15,221 in multi-core.

The 10-core chip uses two cores clocked at up to 4.35GHz, four at up to 3.68GHz and four at up to 3.15GHz. Xiaomi also claims up to an 85 percent graphics performance improvement over the previous Xring O1 and support for LPDDR6 memory with 113.8GB/s bandwidth.

The benchmarks still need independent verification, but the combination of a wider design, new naming strategy, distinctive finish and Xiaomi's own flagship silicon makes the 18 Fold one of the more interesting foldables to watch in September. India availability remains questionable, as Xiaomi hasn't brought any of its foldables to the country yet.

• The Vivo X500 Pro gets a 64MP periscope, while the X500 Pro Max will be equipped with a 200MP periscope lens.
• The Vivo X500 Pro will support a 400mm telephoto extender lens.
• The Vivo X500 series will be released in China in September.

[/highlights]

Vivo has confirmed that its upcoming X500 series will launch in China in September, comprising the standard X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. As online discussions about Vivo's next generation of flagships build up, the company's product manager Han Boxiao took to Weibo to share official details about the periscope cameras on the Vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. Apart from that, Vivo has also revealed the stabilisation capabilities of the X500 Pro Max's main camera.

Vivo X500 Pro series periscope lens details

The Vivo X500 Pro Max will feature a high-end 200MP Zeiss APO super telephoto camera. It pairs a 1/1.4-inch BluePrint design with Samsung's HPO sensor, the same combination previously used on the Vivo X300 Ultra. With hardware-based 4x in-sensor zoom (ISZ) technology, the sensor can deliver two stages of lossless zoom while maintaining strong detail.

The phone also supports a 400mm telephoto extender for even greater reach, making it well-suited for capturing distant subjects such as concerts, sports, or wildlife. Vivo has equipped it with CIPA 7.0-rated professional stabilisation and a Super Capture Engine capable of up to 30x zoom, helping freeze fast-moving action, such as performers on stage or active pets.

Meanwhile, the Vivo X500 Pro will be equipped with a 64MP Zeiss APO super telephoto camera with 85mm default focal length. It uses a BluePrint design combined with Sony's LYTIA 610 sensor and features an unusual pixel arrangement (GG 1×1 and RB 2×2) that aims to balance high resolving power with improved focusing performance.

Vivo says the updated lens design builds on the APO technology from the earlier X100 Pro while overcoming previous size constraints. The 85mm focal length and full 64MP resolution also allow for more flexible digital cropping. Additional features include CIPA 7.0 stabilisation, enhanced telephoto autofocus and subject tracking, 4K 120fps slow-motion recording, and 4K 60fps HDR video support.

With the X500 series, the company is clearly pushing the envelope in capturing zoom shots. The periscope lens on Vivo's flagship has always been a signature offering, especially with its partnership with ZEISS; it offers film-simulated filters and bokeh effects that make it stand out from others.

Vivo X500 Pro Max's main camera stabilisation capabilities

The Vivo X500 Pro Max's main camera supports a 3-degree wide-angle and a gimbal-level stabilisation system. Han claims the stabilisation range is twice that offered by last year's model. Furthermore, the CIPA 7.0 stabilisation rating is the same as X300 Ultra's periscope lens, except that this time it's used in the main camera.

The product manager says that since stabilisation goes beyond just keeping videos steady, when shooting images, better stabilisation can help maintain shutter speeds so that sufficient light enters the sensor, and accordingly the output is blur, noise, or smearing-free.

There are reports that Vivo is unlikely to launch the X500 Ultra, making the X500 Pro Max the best it has to offer in its next-generation flagship lineup. While the availability details aren't out yet, the standard Vivo X500 and X500 Pro are the most likely phones to launch in India by the end of this year. Therefore, if you've been holding out to grab a true camera flagship, the Vivo X500 series could be worth waiting for. However, with rising memory costs, these phones could fetch a significantly higher price tag than their predecessors.

• The new Mac mini gets M6 and M5 Pro chip options, while Mac Studio moves to M5 Max and M5 Ultra.
• The latest Mac mini starts at Rs 99,900, while the Mac Studio starts at Rs 2,79,900 in India.

[/highlights]

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio mark Apple's latest refresh of its compact desktop lineup, bringing newer-generation silicon and improvements for both everyday users and professionals. The Mac mini gets M6 and M5 Pro options, while the Mac Studio moves to the more powerful M5 Max and M5 Ultra chipsets.

However, the new models arrive at a time when memory prices have risen sharply worldwide, pushing the cost of computing hardware higher than it used to be. Apple is not immune to this shift, and the latest Macs now sit at a much higher price point than some of their predecessors. Here's a closer look at what the new Mac mini and Mac Studio bring to the table.

New Mac Mini and Mac Studio: price in India

Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro

Apple has refreshed the Mac mini with two new chip options, bringing the M6 to the standard model and the M5 Pro to a higher-performance variant to cater to more demanding users. The M6 version gets a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, with Apple adding Neural Accelerators to each GPU core for the first time on the Mac mini.

Apple claims up to 4x faster AI performance and 2x faster graphics compared with the M4 Mac mini. The M6 also gets a new dual 16-core Neural Engine and up to 170GB/s of memory bandwidth. It starts with 16GB of unified memory and can be configured with up to 32GB.

The M5 Pro takes things further with up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, alongside up to 64GB of unified memory and 307GB/s of memory bandwidth. This version is clearly for users working with heavier workloads such as video rendering, 3D design, app development and local AI models. It also gets third-generation ray tracing and Thunderbolt 5, making it better suited to professional creative and technical workflows.

For a more general user, the standard M6 Mac mini should already provide plenty of performance for everyday productivity, creative work and on-device AI tasks. The M5 Pro, meanwhile, is better suited to users who regularly work with demanding applications and larger datasets, professional workloads.

Connectivity and software

Both Mac Minis now support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5GB Ethernet, with 10GB Ethernet available as an option. The front gets two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, while the rear houses HDMI, Ethernet and three Thunderbolt ports.

The Mac mini with M6 offers three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M5 Pro version offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports instead. The Thunderbolt 5 support on the M5 Pro model also allows multiple Mac mini systems to be connected for demanding on-device AI workloads.

Both models run the upcoming macOS 27, which adds new AI-powered features through Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, alongside improvements to apps such as Safari, Photos and Shortcuts.

Mac Studio gets a performance upgrade

Apple has also refreshed the Mac Studio, positioning it as the more powerful option for professionals who need a compact desktop for demanding workloads. The new model is available with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, bringing improvements in CPU and GPU performance, memory bandwidth and AI processing.

The M5 Max offers up to 1.5x faster CPU performance and 1.7x faster GPU performance compared with the previous-generation M4 Max, according to Apple. The M5 Ultra goes an extra mile with up to 1.6x faster CPU performance and 1.7x faster GPU performance than the M3 Ultra.

This should make the Mac Studio better suited to workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, software development and local AI processing. The higher memory configurations also allow professionals to work with larger projects and datasets without hitting memory limitations as quickly.

Apple has also upgraded connectivity, with Thunderbolt 5, HDMI and high-speed networking options giving users more flexibility when connecting displays, storage and other peripherals. The overall approach remains familiar, though, as the Mac Studio targets professionals who need exceptional desktop performance in a relatively compact form factor.

Should you buy the new Mac desktop series?

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio are ideal for users who can actually take advantage of the extra performance. Developers, creators and professionals already within the Apple ecosystem can get good value from the newer chips, especially if they are upgrading from M1 or M2-generation Macs, where the performance and AI improvements should be much more observable. 

They can also work well for new creators, developers and small teams setting up a Mac-based workstation. The Mac mini should cover most productivity, development and lighter creative workloads, while the Mac Studio is better suited to heavier video editing, 3D work, AI and other demanding tasks.

If you already have a relatively recent Mac system, however, the upgrade may not feel as substantial unless your workload has also become more demanding. 

• The Realme P4s 5G packs an 8,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support.
• It features a 144Hz 1.5K Samsung AMOLED display with 6,500nits of peak brightness.
• The Realme P4s 5G starts at Rs 34,999 in India for the 8GB + 128GB variant.

[/highlights]

The Rs 30-40K price bracket is getting increasingly crowded, with brands taking different approaches to win over buyers. With the Realme P4s 5G, the company appears to be sticking to a familiar formula, putting the main emphasis on battery life while balancing performance and everyday usability.

It also heavily advertises its gaming performance, with a dedicated graphics chip, a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display and a large cooling system. The Realme P4s 5G has now officially launched in India, and here's a more detailed look at what the device brings to the table.

Realme P4s: price, variants

The device is available for purchase in two colourways: Titanium Grey and Electric Cyan. Users can avail an introductory bank offer of Rs 3,000 and up to 12 months No Cost EMI options.

Realme P4s: features, specifications

The Realme P4 5G takes a fairly straightforward approach to its hardware, with the display, battery and gaming features getting most of the attention. It gets a 6.8-inch 1.5K Samsung M14 AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. realme claims up to 1,400 nits of HBM brightness, with peak brightness reaching 6,500 nits in specific scenarios. On paper, this should make the display one of the more appealing parts of the phone, particularly for watching content and gaming.

The phone runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra, paired with a dedicated Hyper Vision+ AI chip. The latter handles some of the visual processing, including AI frame interpolation, frame stabilisation and image reconstruction, while the main chipset takes care of the core performance. You get up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, alongside a 7,000mm² AirFlow VC cooling system to help manage heat during longer gaming sessions.

This is a decent combination for someone who spends a lot of time gaming, as the idea is to make gameplay smoother without putting all the load on the processor.

The 8,000mAh battery is considerably large and what we've come to expect on phones in this segment and should give the P4s plenty of endurance for regular use, gaming and travel. It supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, along with bypass charging and reverse charging. The bypass charging feature should also be useful for gamers, as it can power the phone more directly during demanding workloads and reduce the amount of heat generated by charging the battery at the same time.

On the camera front, the P4s gets a 50MP primary camera with an 8MP ultrawide lens, along with a 16MP front camera. It includes several AI-based tools, including AI Snap Mode, AI Perfect Shot and AI Edit Genie 2.0, which help simplify photography and editing. The ultrawide camera also gives it more flexibility than phones that rely solely on a primary sensor.

The phone comes with IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, covering everything from rain and accidental splashes to high-pressure water and temporary submersion. It also gets stereo speakers with 300 percent UltraBoom Audio, which makes the phone easier to hear in noisy surroundings and comes in handy when watching videos or playing games without headphones.

The Realme P4s runs realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16, with AI features built into areas such as communication and gaming. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.4. The phone uses a TransBox design and comes in Electric Cyan and Titanium Grey.

Realme P4s: should you buy it?

The realme P4s 5G makes the most sense for users who put battery life and gaming performance ahead of other aspects. The 8,000mAh battery should easily handle long gaming sessions, while the Dimensity 7400 Ultra, dedicated Hyper Vision+ AI chip and large cooling system help maintain performance during extended use.

This combination should appeal to power users, particularly students and professionals who want a phone that can comfortably handle demanding use without constantly worrying about charging or performance.

The vivo T5 Pro (review) is a natural alternative, especially for users who want even more battery capacity, with its 9,020mAh cell, while also offering a similar performance package. The iQOO Z11 (review), on the other hand, takes a more performance-focused approach with a smaller 7,050mAh battery. This makes the P4s sit somewhere between the two, offering a large battery without completely compromising on gaming hardware.

If long gaming sessions and dependable battery life are your main priorities, the P4s will suit you just fine. The device aims to offer enough performance alongside the battery capacity to make that performance useful for longer.

• iPhone 18 Pro could start at USD 1,199, marking a USD 100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro.
• The iPhone 18 Pro Max could rise to USD 1,299, also a USD 100 increase.
• However, higher-storage models could see larger price hikes of USD 150 to USD 200.

[/highlights]

It's August-end and we should be hearing about the iPhone 18 series' launch date any time now. However, before that, we have some scoop on its pricing from none other than the prolific Apple analyst, Mark Gurman. Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could cost more than its predecessor, but the increase may be smaller than some earlier forecasts suggested.

Rising costs for memory, storage and a new camera system had led to predictions that the phone could start at USD 1,299 (around Rs 1.24 lakh) or even USD 1,399 (around Rs 1.33 lakh), which is almost USD 300 (around Rs 29,000) more than the iPhone 17 Pro. A new report now suggests Apple could limit the increase to USD 100 (around Rs 9,600) for the entry-level Pro model, potentially keeping the price closer to that of competing flagship phones.

iPhone 18 Pro starting price tipped

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is considering how Samsung and Google have responded to higher component costs. Both companies raised prices on their latest flagship phones by around USD 100, and Apple could follow a similar approach. That would put the iPhone 18 Pro at USD 1,199 (around Rs 1.14 lakh), up from USD 1,099 (around Rs 1.05 lakh) for the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could similarly rise from USD 1,199 (around Rs 1.14 lakh) to USD 1,299 (around Rs 1.24 lakh). Indian buyers shouldn't take the conversions on face value as Apple generally prices the iPhones higher in the country. For context, both the Pixel 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26+ start at USD 1,099.

A USD 100 increase would represent roughly a 9 percent rise for the Pro model, but would be considerably less than the USD 200 - USD 300 increases some earlier forecasts had suggested. Apple is also facing higher costs for components and has warned about pressure on its margins, suggesting it may absorb some of the increase rather than pass all of it on to buyers.

However, there's a twist in the tale. The entry price may not tell the whole story as Apple could use higher storage tiers to recover more of its increased costs. Previous reports have suggested that while the 256GB versions of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could get a USD 100 increase, models with 512GB, 1TB or more storage could see increases of USD 150 or USD 200, as a direct consequence of the memory component price crisis. That would make the storage options an important consideration for buyers planning to upgrade. Anyone who normally buys a higher-capacity iPhone could face a noticeably larger increase than the headline USD 100 hike suggests.

For buyers, the entry-level iPhone 18 Pro could therefore remain relatively easy to justify if its expected camera and other hardware upgrades materialise. However, those who need more storage may want to compare the final prices carefully before upgrading, as the higher-capacity models could see steeper increases. Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 series in September.

• The POCO F9 Pro will utilise a binned version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• The POCO F9 Ultra scores over 40,00,000 on the AnTuTu benchmark.
• The POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra will be unveiled globally on September 1st.

[/highlights]

POCO is following its yearly tradition of bringing its flagship F-series smartphones to the global market. After teasing the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra for the past several days, the company has confirmed that these phones will be powered by Qualcomm's most powerful flagship chipsets. The launch is all set to take place on September 1st, where the pricing details will also be revealed for the markets the phones will launch in.

POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra chipsets revealed

According to an X post made by POCO's global handle (@POCOGlobal), the POCO F9 Ultra is confirmed to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the same processor that runs on the Xiaomi 17 series, while the POCO F9 Pro will rock the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V series processor. The key difference between the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the 8 Elite Gen 5 V series is that the latter carries fewer GPU slices and less High Performance Memory (HPM), resulting in slightly less graphics throughput.

In a subsequent post, POCO revealed that the F9 Ultra achieves an AnTuTu score of 41,65,108, putting it alongside or even above top-tier flagships such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Furthermore, the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra are heavily speculated to be the global variants of the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, respectively, which debuted in China earlier this month. These smartphones are also powered by the same pair of Snapdragon processors as the POCO F9 series.

What else do we know about the POCO F9 series?

The POCO F9 Pro will arrive in an Aurora Green colourway, while the F9 Ultra will flaunt the Dark Cherry shade. Apart from that, both smartphones will pack speakers tuned in collaboration with Bose. The POCO F9 Ultra even appears to feature a dedicated subwoofer on the rear for immersive sound, ideal for games and watching movies.

Furthermore, both smartphones will feature triple rear camera setups, including telephoto lenses for capturing distant subjects and portraits. Despite that, POCO is targeting these phones as "All-round performance flagships", indicating heavy emphasis on gaming and high-intensity tasks. Accordingly, the phones should have a decent level of cooling technologies in place to keep temperatures under check even under excessive load.

Since the POCO F8 Pro and F8 Ultra, and their predecessors, didn't make their way to India, the POCO F9 series could meet the same fate. While the standard POCO F9 could come, that also seems unlikely, since the POCO X8 Pro Max's price has already risen to Rs 48,999 due to memory price hikes, reaching Xiaomi's territory. If you're a heavy mobile gamer or power user considering an upgrade in the next few months, these phones might be worth waiting for; however, don't expect aggressive pricing given the ongoing memory crisis in the tech industry.

• Redmi 17C 5G has officially been launched in Singapore.
• Key specs include a high-refresh-rate display, 6,000mAh battery, 33W fast charging, 50MP rear cameras and more.
• The Redmi 17C 5G is priced at S$279, which is around Rs 19,000 in INR.

[/highlights]

The Redmi 17C 5G has officially been launched globally in Singapore. This comes just a month after the handset popped up on the Indian certification platform, BIS, hinting at its imminent launch. The budget offering from the Chinese OEM arrives with a different design and specifications than the Redmi 17C 4G, which was introduced in China a couple of months ago. Key specs of the Redmi 17C 5G include a 5G-capable MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, 6,000mAh battery, a tall 6.79-inch 120Hz display, and more.

Redmi 17C 5G price

The Redmi 17C has been introduced with a sticker price of S$279 (~Rs 19,000) for the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The handset comes in three colour options: Black, Brown, and Purple. The brown variant has a vegan leather finish, while the other two come with a standard matte finish.

The Redmi 17C 5G availability remains under wraps at the moment, and the company is yet to confirm if and when the device is making its debut outside Singapore in markets like India.

Redmi 17C 5G specifications

The Redmi 17C 5G is positioned as a budget 5G smartphone, with a large display, a sizeable battery and a MediaTek chipset. The handset boasts a 6.9-inch LCD display with an HD+ (1600×720p) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 810 nits of peak brightness in HBM mode. The display also supports DC dimming and carries TÜV Rheinland certifications aimed at reducing eye strain.

At the core of the smartphone lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A microSD card can further expand storage by up to 1TB. Powering the Redmi 17C 5G is a 6,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. However, the retail box includes a 15W charging adapter.

In optics, the Redmi 17C 5G sports a 50MP (f/1.8) main camera, accompanied by an auxiliary lens. This is backed by HDR, Night mode and Portrait mode, along with 1080p video recording at 30fps. For selfies and video calling, the smartphone relies on an 8MP snapper in the waterdrop notch setup.

Other features include dual-SIM support, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The phone runs Xiaomi's HyperOS 3 out of the box and measures 171.56×79.47×8.05mm in dimensions and weighs 211 grams. The handset is also IP64 rated for protection against dust and water splashes.

Should you wait for the Redmi 17C 5G launch in India?

There isn't any standout feature on the Redmi 17C 5G that makes it particularly exciting in the budget segment. Its hardware is fairly standard for the category, and competing phones are already offering larger batteries. For instance, the POCO M8x packs a 7,900mAh battery, while the OnePlus N6x gets a 7,000mAh cell.

As a result, the Redmi 17C 5G's appeal will largely depend on its India pricing. If Xiaomi can price it aggressively, the phone could still make a case for itself. Otherwise, there are already more compelling options in and around the Rs 20,000 price segment.

• The Vivo X500 Pro Max scored 2,653 in single-core and 7,516 in multi-core on Geekbench.
• The phone is expected to use the Dimensity 9600 Pro with two prime cores clocked up to 4.55GHz.
• The upcoming iQOO 16 scored 3,434 single-core and 9,334 multi-core with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.

[/highlights]

It's going to be flagship season soon again. While we're still wrapping our heads around the huge price hikes hitting all segments of the smartphone market, the next crop of flagships are already ready for launch. The upcoming Vivo X500 Pro Max has now appeared on Geekbench with an unreleased MediaTek processor, which is widely expected to be the Dimensity 9600 Pro.

The listing offers an early look at the chip ahead of MediaTek's expected September launch, including its CPU configuration and clock speeds. As the phone is still in development, the results should not be taken as a reflection of final performance.

Vivo X500 Pro Max Geekbench scores

The Vivo X500 Pro Max, listed as model V2610 (via), scored 2,653 points in single-core and 7,516 points in multi-core on Geekbench 6.7.1. The scores are lower than what we recorded when we tested the Vivo X300 Pro with the Dimensity 9500 processor last year. The X500 Pro Max's score, though, could be from an early build and we may expect higher performance numbers when the phone launches. The numbers are also lower than those recorded by the upcoming iQOO 16, which we spotted yesterday on the platform expectedly using Qualcomm's rival, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. That phone scored 3,434 in single-core and 9,334 in multi-core in its Geekbench listing.

However, the comparison comes with an important caveat. The Vivo phone is an engineering sample, and its two fastest cores were running at only 2.8GHz during the test. Earlier reports suggest these cores can reach up to 4.55GHz, meaning the final version could deliver substantially higher benchmark scores after further tuning. For context, the current iQOO 15 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 scored 3,621 in single-core and 10,579 in multi-core in an in-house Geekbench test. This means neither the Vivo nor iQOO 16 listing should be treated as a definitive measure of their final performance.

The leaked Dimensity 9600 Pro processor has eight cores arranged in three groups: two cores reportedly reaching up to 4.55GHz, three reaching 4.35GHz and three running at 3.10GHz. If confirmed, the two high-performance cores would mark a change from MediaTek's previous flagship chips, which used a single ultra-high-performance prime core. The chip is also expected to use a new Arm GPU and could be manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process. MediaTek hasn't officially confirmed the Dimensity 9600 Pro or its specifications yet.

The early results give the Snapdragon-powered iQOO 16 an advantage in Geekbench, but that could change once both phones reach the market. Buyers should also look at sustained performance, battery life, heating, cameras and software before choosing between them. However, Vivo generally places emphasis on the X-series camera prowess with their Zeiss-tuned lenses, so photography enthusiasts should wait for more announcements regarding the phone.

• GIGABYTE has launched the AORUS GeForce RTX 50 INFINITY series in India, including RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 models.
• The RTX 5090 INFINITY is priced at Rs 6,89,000, while pricing for the other models is yet to be revealed.

[/highlights]

GIGABYTE has launched its new AORUS GeForce RTX 50 INFINITY series in India, bringing the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 to the lineup. The new cards target users building high-end gaming PCs, with a focus on cooling, sustained performance and cleaner cable management. Let's check them out below.

GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 50 INFINITY series

For most buyers, the choice between these GPUs will come down to the resolution they plan to play at. The RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti make more sense for 1440p gaming, while the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 are better suited to users looking to play at 4K with higher graphics settings and frame rates. This makes the 70-series cards a more practical upgrade for someone with a 1440p monitor, rather than spending more on hardware that may not be fully utilised.

The INFINITY series uses GIGABYTE's WINDFORCE HYPERBURST cooling system, which features a double flow-through design that allows air to pass through both sides of the graphics card. It is paired with the company's patented Hawk fans, which GIGABYTE claims can increase air pressure by up to 53.6 percent and air volume by up to 12.5 percent.

There is also an intelligent Overdrive Fan positioned at the centre of the card. It automatically activates under intensive workloads to provide additional airflow when required. For users who spend long periods gaming or running demanding workloads, this should help the cards maintain stable performance without relying entirely on higher fan speeds.

GIGABYTE has also focused on the physical design of the cards. The power connector has been moved to the rear, allowing users to route the cable behind the chassis for a cleaner-looking build. A magnetic cover hides the connector, further reducing visible cables.

The cards also feature RGB Halo lighting and an outer light ring, which can be customised and synchronised with other compatible hardware. This should appeal to users who put as much emphasis on the appearance of their PC as they do on the hardware inside it.

GIGABYTE is also introducing the AORUS GeForce RTX 5080 INFINITY WOOD, which adds wood-grain elements to the graphics card. It is designed to complement GIGABYTE's WOOD-themed motherboard lineup and offers an alternative for users looking to build something different from the usual RGB-heavy gaming PC.

Should you buy the AORUS GeForce RTX 50 INFINITY series?

The biggest question here will be pricing, particularly for the higher-end models. The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 INFINITY is priced at Rs 6,89,000 in India, making it an extremely expensive proposition even for enthusiasts looking for the best possible gaming performance. Pricing for the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 variants has not been announced yet.

It is also worth keeping in mind that graphics cards, particularly high-end models, are rarely available at their official MSRP. Limited availability and demand can push retail prices considerably higher, so the actual price you pay can be quite different from the advertised one. If you have already been planning a GPU upgrade, it may therefore be worth considering a good deal when you find one rather than waiting indefinitely for prices to fall.

For most users, the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti should make more sense for 1440p gaming, while the RTX 5080 is better suited to those looking to play at 4K. The RTX 5090, meanwhile, is firmly for enthusiasts who want the highest possible performance and are willing to pay a substantial premium for it.

The Made in India push is part of a broader trend taking shape across the industry. GIGABYTE recently launched the GAMING A16, its first locally manufactured gaming laptop. It was built in partnership with Dixon Technologies and powered by AMD Ryzen X3D processors. This supposedly signals that global PC brands are increasingly treating India not just as a sales market but as a manufacturing base.

Price and Availability

TUF Gaming 16: the new addition

The TUF Gaming 16 is the main product launched, featuring a 16-inch design based on the Intel Core i7-14650HX processor and an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. It provides support for up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage, allowing customers to expand their system in the future. A dual-fan cooling system with a big rear exhaust keeps the temperature under control at a level of about 40 dB, quiet enough to be suitable for use in a classroom or office. The device has MIL-STD-810H military-standard durability, a 180-degree hinge, rear-facing connectivity options such as USB-C with Power Delivery and HDMI 2.1. The starting price is Rs 1,79,990.

Made in India TUF Gaming A15

ASUS is extending its initiative towards local manufacturing by now offering versions of the TUF Gaming A15 designed for India. This model is based on an AMD Ryzen 7 170 processor and features NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and it offers support for up to 32GB of RAM as well as 2TB of SSD storage. The device is available from Rs 1,24,990 and can be purchased through Vijay Sales, Flipkart and authorised ASUS retailers.

The rest of the lineup

The updated TUF Gaming A16 is now equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor and an RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, and it supports up to 64GB of RAM and a 4TB SSD together with a full-width heatsink and a dual-fan cooling system. It starts at Rs 1,99,990.

The Intel Core 5 Processor 210H, with up to 64GB of RAM and support for a 4TB SSD, dual-fan cooling, and full connectivity featuring LAN, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with Power Delivery, is what the TUF Gaming F16 is aimed at for campus users, and it starts at Rs 1,35,990.

The updated TUF Gaming A15 is the most affordable model at a price of Rs 1,15,990 and is based on the AMD Ryzen 7 155 with an RTX 3050, supporting up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.

On paper, the TUF Gaming 16 (Rs 1,79,990) presents a compelling hardware package with its RTX 5060 GPU and extensive expansion headroom, supporting up to 64GB RAM and a 2TB SSD. If this checks all your spec requirements, options like the HP HyperX OMEN, with identical specs, are also worth checking out. Alternatively, something like the Acer Predator Helios 16, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor paired with the RTX 5060 and featuring a much slimmer form factor, could be an exciting option, especially if you plan to carry this laptop around with you. Moving to AMD options, the TUF Gaming A16 (Rs 1,99,990) distinguishes itself from segment rivals like the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 9 and Acer Nitro V 16, primarily through its newer RTX 5060 silicon, suggesting strong long-term graphics capabilities.

Meanwhile, the localised Made-in-India TUF Gaming A15 (Rs 1,24,990) relies on its proven chassis design to stay relevant alongside the Acer Nitro V 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, though its entry-level RTX 3050 GPU keeps its performance expectations firmly in check.

However, stepping up to the TUF Gaming F16 (Rs 1,35,990) unlocks an Intel Core 5 210H processor for a far more versatile student and gaming hybrid setup. Meanwhile, the base TUF Gaming A15 refresh (Rs 1,15,990) serves as an economical entry point, making it ideal for esports and older titles even if it struggles with demanding modern AAA releases.

• Nothing OS 5.0 introduces multiple new widgets and clock styles.
• The Nothing Phone (4a) series will receive the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update in early November.
• The update bundles core features of Android 17, such as exchanging with iPhone users via Quick Share

[/highlights]

After teasing the update for several days, Nothing has officially unveiled the next iteration of Nothing OS. Based on Android 17, Nothing OS 5.0 aims to bring a refined design language, more customisation options, and purposeful AI use cases for everyday fun and productivity. As with every major Android release, the update will first roll out to Nothing's highest-end device, the Phone (3), followed by mid-tier devices such as the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) series.

Nothing OS 5.0 major changes and improvements

UI redesigns and revamps

Translucent theme: Starting with the homescreen, Nothing OS 5.0 incorporates translucent widgets and a search bar, adding depth and layering to the overall look.

Gallery app changes: The Gallery app includes blur effects at the top and bottom for a premium feel.

Adaptive colours: The icons, widgets, and even the lockscreen clock can now fully adapt to your wallpaper's colour, resulting in a cohesive look across the system.

Status bar changes: The icons in the status bar animate when enabled, such as Aeroplane mode; the icon flies in from the bottom of the status bar before settling.

Other UI design changes: The Camera app has also received subtle spacing and animation changes. A new typeface makes the cut in Nothing OS 5.0, with revised text sizing, alongside unified blur effects and improved iconography.

Better customisation

New clock styles: Gooey and Micrographics lockscreen clock styles have been introduced. The former uses bold, fluid shapes to display the time, while the latter shows several pieces of information at once, including date, time, weather and upcoming meetings.

New widgets: The Collector widgets allow users to add images in a single place on the homescreen, and the Away Time widget tracks how long the user has stayed off their phone and serves as a motivational reminder to use their phone less.

Options for quick settings: NOS 5.0 has finally introduced a Separate quick settings panel, where notifications can be accessed by swiping from the top left, while retaining the Combined style.

Batch homescreen editing: Much like ColorOS 16, users can now select and move multiple apps and widgets at once, saving time and effort when overhauling the homescreen.

Glyph Interface app: Earlier tucked within the Settings app, Glyph Interface now has its own app for easy access, while the Glyph Timer widget has been added to start a timer right from your homescreen

Performance improvements

Under the hood improvements: Touch response, background app retention and system
resource management have been improved, resulting in better daily performance. On-device intelligence learns which apps are used most and keeps them ready to launch.

Better animations: System animations have been expanded and refined across apps, folders, widgets, multitasking and shortcuts.

Other improvements: Bluetooth controls have been redesigned in Quick Settings, making it easier to find, connect and disconnect nearby devices in fewer taps. The camera also keeps detected QR codes fixed on screen, making them easier to tap without rescanning.

Essential AI tools

Essential Voice: It is now faster and delivers cleaner, better-formatted transcriptions, while better understanding when to turn speech into a list or leave it as a paragraph.
reducing.

Real-time transcription now shows words as you speak, and you can now also capture
audio directly from the Ear (3) case with SuperMic.

Essential Space changes: Essential Space introduces Smart Collections, which organise scattered memories by recommending content for new and existing collections.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) support allows other AI tools to search and read selected Essential Space data, while the Essential Key captures content in a simpler and consistent manner across the lockscreen, home screen and apps.

Essential Apps Builder: This is a dedicated app for deploying AI-powered widgets and apps without visiting the Nothing Playground website.

Apart from this, Nothing OS 5.0 brings core Android 17 features, such as brand-new 3D emoji designs, support for sharing with iPhones via Quick Share, and more prominent indicators when the location, camera, or microphone is in use.

Nothing OS 5.0 eligible devices and release schedule

Here's when you can expect your Nothing smartphone to receive the Open Beta and stable Nothing OS 5.0 update:

From the looks of it, Nothing OS 5.0 appears to be a major update with changes and enhancements across all key areas, such as customisation, AI, connectivity, and privacy. The brand also instils the notion that it continues to add new features and improvements while sticking to its signature design language, providing users with a completely different experience from what's already out there.

• Philips is set to launch a smartphone in India with 5G connectivity and up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
• The phone will feature a  64MP primary camera and 16MP selfie camera.
• The device is likely to be priced affordably and could launch under Rs 20,000. 

[/highlights]

Philips is set to enter the Indian smartphone market with a new device, with the company teasing an upcoming launch on its website and social media channels. The teaser does not reveal the phone's name or launch date yet, but it does confirm some of its key specifications and features. Let's check it out below. 

Philips teases new smartphone launch in India

Based on the teaser available on the Amazon microsite, the smartphone will offer a 6.67-inch HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. For optics, you get a 64MP primary camera, along with a 16MP front camera. 

📷 Philips Mobile – Something Exciting is Coming Soon!Innovation meets elegance!#ComingSoon #PhilipsMobile #InnovationAndYou #ZenotelIndia #PhilipsSmartphone #NextGenTech #LaunchAlert #TechReimagined #PhilipsIndia #FutureIsCalling pic.twitter.com/GjUwARtHbU

— Philips Mobile India (@philipsconnects) October 29, 2025

Philips is also highlighting dual stereo speakers with an "Ultra Max" tag and an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. The phone will be available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB of storage, along with 5G connectivity.

Philips is currently promoting the smartphone with its "Innovation You Can Trust" tagline, although it remains to be seen how the company plans to position the device in India's competitive smartphone market. More details, including its name, launch date and pricing, are expected to be revealed closer to the launch.

Based on the specifications revealed so far, we can expect the smartphone to be priced under Rs 20,000, where it will compete with established rivals like the OnePlus N6x, Realme C100x, and more. 

Philips' entry into the smartphone market is an interesting move, particularly at a time when several established brands are moving away from the budget segment. Its established presence in consumer electronics could give it some familiarity among Indian buyers, which may help the brand attract users looking for a more dependable alternative in the value segment.

Entering this market, however, will be far from easy. Philips will have to compete with brands that have spent years building smartphone-specific software, distribution and after-sales networks. Competitive specifications alone may not be enough, especially if the company relies on an ODM-led approach for its hardware.

A new renaissance in the Indian smartphone market

India's budget smartphone market is going through an interesting shift at the moment. While established brands such as realme, Redmi, OnePlus, OPPO and vivo have increasingly moved away from the lower end of the market, a new crop of brands appears ready to fill the gap. Fire-Boltt has already entered the smartphone space, Mivi is teasing a new device, AI+ has launched phones in the segment, and Micromax is also rumoured to be preparing a return.

Smartphone prices have climbed sharply this year, with rising RAM and storage costs pushing up the bill of materials and making it harder for brands to maintain the aggressive pricing that once defined the budget segment. As a result, some of the biggest smartphone makers have shifted their focus towards more profitable price bands, leaving a gap at the entry level and budget segment.

That gap is now attracting brands that were previously better known for other consumer electronics products. For them, the opportunity is fairly straightforward, as there is still a large pool of Indian consumers looking for affordable smartphones, but fewer established players are fighting for their attention. The challenge will be turning that opportunity into something sustainable.

Most of these new entrants will have to rely on established manufacturing partners, potentially bringing in existing hardware and selling it under their own brand. That can help them keep costs low, but it also makes differentiation difficult in a segment where several phones can already look and perform very similarly. The other route is to follow the approach taken by companies such as Lava and build a stronger local manufacturing and product ecosystem, although that requires considerably more investment and time.

The budget segment may have become less attractive for the established smartphone brands, but it has not disappeared entirely. If anything, the vacuum could give smaller and returning brands a chance to establish themselves with a new generation of value-focused smartphones.

• Ai+ has revealed the Nova 2 Power through its Project Open Review 2.0 programme, ahead of its launch.
• The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 and comes in Blue Fusion and Golden Blue Fusion finishes.
• Project Open Review 2.0 adds ethical hackers to reviewers, creators and journalists, allowing independent testing of the phone's performance.

[/highlights]

Ai+ is preparing another addition to its Nova 2 lineup, but this time it is opening the phone up to outside scrutiny before putting it on sale. The company has revealed the Ai+ Nova 2 Power smartphone through Project Open Review 2.0, giving reviewers, creators and ethical hackers early access while keeping a few details of the phone under wraps.

The programme is part of Ai+'s attempt to build credibility around a relatively new smartphone brand by allowing people outside the company to test its hardware and software before consumers can buy it.

Ai+ Nova 2 Power design, specifications

The Ai+ Nova 2 Power has a flat frame and a dual-tone rear design, with the company showing it in Blue Fusion and Golden Blue Fusion finishes. The Blue Fusion version transitions from a light blue at the top to orange towards the bottom, while Golden Blue Fusion combines a blue upper section with a gold-toned lower half. Both versions have a raised, rounded camera module containing two large camera rings, a flash and another circular element. The rear also carries Ai+'s branding, while a red power button adds a contrasting detail to the Golden Blue Fusion model.

Under the hood, the Nova 2 Power is revealed to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100, a 6nm chipset. Ai+ has not yet disclosed the phone's display, cameras, battery, RAM or storage, so its position within the Nova 2 range remains unclear. However, with the suffix "Power", we expect it to go heavy on battery capacity, much like many phones launched in the mid-range recently. The chipset choice is notable because the existing Ai+ Nova 2 Pro already uses the Dimensity 7100. It launched at Rs 15,999 in June but is now available for Rs 17,999, with a 6.9-inch 144Hz display and 6,000mAh battery.

Project Open Review 2.0

Newly launched smartphone brand Ai+ is expanding its Project Open Review initiative rather than relying solely on conventional launch reviews. The first edition attracted more than 700 registrations. The second edition adds ethical hackers to reviewers, journalists, creators and technology enthusiasts. Participants will be able to test the phone's performance, security and NxtQuantum OS software without being given a script or an expectation of a positive verdict. For Ai+, this creates an opportunity to identify problems before wider sales while also putting its claims about the device in front of independent testers. Community review programmes are becoming common with new players in the market, as Nothing also tried something similar with the Nothing Phone (4a) series.

For buyers, that could make the Nova 2 Power worth watching, but there is little reason to judge its value yet. We should wait for the company to reveal more details closer to launch.

• Motorola's Android 17 update carries design refinements and changes in several areas.
• Motorola has already initiated the beta testing programme for several devices.
• The update will gradually roll out to more devices in Motorola's portfolio.

[/highlights]

Just after publishing a list of devices eligible to receive the Android 17 update on Lenovo forums a couple of weeks back, Motorola has begun rolling out the firmware to its flagship device, the Signature. While other devices are confirmed to follow soon, the company notes that Android 17 is designed to make interactions smarter, more intuitive, and more personalised. As a result, users can expect redesigned interfaces, better customisations, and enhanced privacy and security features after the update.

What's new on Motorola's Android 17 update

According to Motorola's official press release, the following changes and improvements have been made with the Android 17 update:

Redesigned quick settings panel: The quick settings panel has received a refreshed look, as seen on newer Android 16-based Motorola phones, such as the Moto Edge 70 Max and Moto G77 Power. The new panel will now be rolled out to all eligible Android 17 Motorola phones.

Refreshed Settings app: The Settings app carries larger buttons and improved navigation for a more intuitive experience. Furthermore, under the display settings, users will find richer HDR brightness controls.

Enhanced personalisation: Several additions have been made to the homescreen customisation front, including new widgets and the themed icon setting now applying to every app. Enlarged folders have also been introduced, as previously seen on ColorOS, One UI, OriginOS, and others.

Accessibility Improvements: As part of the core Android 17 changes, Vision settings, Display Size, and Magnification features have been streamlined to provide clearer controls and easier navigation.

Connectivity enhancements: Sharing internet via Instant Hotspot is now easier, while Nearby Audio Streams enhance the connected-device experience.

Device Diagnostics: The update introduces a new Device Diagnostics menu that lets users check component health and access device-related diagnostic information.

Quick Share with iPhone users: Thanks to Google's native support for sharing media via Quick Share, Motorola devices on Android 17 will be able to exchange files with iPhone users provided AirDrop is enabled on the iOS device.

Security and privacy improvements: Security features now include a Failed Authentication Lock, along with updates to PIN protection and other privacy and security controls.

Notification summaries and organization: These features allow users to handle notifications more efficiently, while sensitive alerts get extra protection on the lock screen.

Messages scam detection: In Google Messages, security has been improved to scan for potentially suspicious messages in advance.

Photo nudges: Working in tandem with Google Photos, the device will suggest sharing only the specific set of photos of the person you're chatting with on Google Messages.

The Android 17 update will gradually roll out to the Motorola Signature if you haven't received it yet. Since the company has already been publicly beta testing Android 17 on multiple devices, including old and new, it wouldn't be long until the stable update starts hitting more devices, such as the Motorola Edge 70 series, Edge 60 series, and newer releases under the Moto G lineup, like the Moto G Max and Moto G77 Power.

The list of all eligible Motorola smartphones confirmed to get Android 17 can be found here. With most brands such as OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, and iQOO only just beginning to roll out the Android 17 beta update for their respective custom skins, Motorola was quick to push out the stable update, placing it behind only Google and Samsung. This also somewhat improves the brand image, which previously was criticised for delayed updates even for its high-end devices.

• Mijia, a sub-brand from Xiaomi, debuts with two air purifiers in India.
• Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact are aimed at different room sizes.
• Both air purifiers come with smart controls, real-time air-quality monitoring, and multiple purification modes.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi's home appliances brand Mijia has finally debuted in India. While it does not bring the extensive portfolio available in China, the sub-brand has entered the country with air purifiers aimed at tackling indoor air pollution, especially during the winter months. The lineup includes the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact, which are designed for different room sizes. Key features include smart controls, real-time air-quality monitoring, multiple purification modes, and more.

Alongside these models, Xiaomi has also reintroduced the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite in India.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 and Purifier 4 Compact price in India, availability

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is the flagship model, priced in India at Rs 19,999, while the Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact is the entry-level model, costing Rs 7,999. The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite bridges the gap between the two with a sticker price of Rs 12,999.

All three air purifiers come in white colour and will go on sale in India from September 2nd onwards. They will be available through mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Xiaomi Retail and Xiaomi Exclusive stores.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6: features and specs

[caption id="attachment_712805" align="alignnone" width="2032"] Built-in display for actively monitoring the air quality[/caption]

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 is Xiaomi's more powerful option in the new lineup, designed for larger spaces of up to 940 sq ft. The purifier offers a Particle CADR of 443m3/h and a Formaldehyde CADR of 218m3/h, putting the focus on both particulate matter (PM) and indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde.

Users can actively monitor the air quality on the device using a large colour display, reflecting both PM2.5 and PM10 levels, along with temperature, humidity and overall air-quality indicators. There is an option to connect the purifier with the Xiaomi Home app to remotely monitor the quality, as well as adjust settings, schedule purification cycles, and check filter life.

The purifier uses what Xiaomi calls its PentaClean purification system, which combines five-stage filtration with activated carbon, UV-C light and negative ion technology. Xiaomi claims it can circulate clean air through a 108 sq ft room in around 3.5 minutes under its test conditions.

Other features include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support for compatible voice-control functions and a Sleep Mode, reducing the noise to as low as 32db and making it suitable for use overnight.

Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact: features and specs

[caption id="attachment_712804" align="aligncenter" width="874"] Touted to provide largest cover area in its segment.[/caption]

The Mijia Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact is designed for smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, kids' rooms, study areas and home offices. The device is rated for rooms of 400+ sq ft and features a 3-in-1 filtration system that is claimed to capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

The Purifier 4 Compact also carries TÜV Rheinland Allergy Care Certification and is designed to filter common airborne allergens such as pollen and dust. A four-colour air-quality indicator provides a quick visual reference, with green indicating good air quality and yellow, orange and red representing increasing pollution levels.

Additionally, the purifier features Auto, Sleep and Manual modes. Notably, its Sleep Mode operates at 20dB, making it quieter than its elder sibling, while the display switches off during operation.

The device weighs 2.2kg, making it easy to carry around or even place on a desk or side table. Similar to the flagship Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6, the entry-level model also supports the Xiaomi Home app, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls.

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite: features and specs

As for the reintroduced Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, it offers up to 360m3/h Particle CADR and covers 269–463 sq ft. The purifier uses a three-layer filtration system comprising a primary filter, high-efficiency filter and activated carbon. Other highlights include TÜV Rheinland Allergy Care Certification, a 33.4dB Night Mode, real-time air-quality monitoring and Xiaomi Home app support.

• The Vivo T5 microsite is already live on Flipkart.
• The phone will come with a pill-shaped camera module.
• The design and specs are similar to the iQOO Z11 Indian variant.

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Vivo has confirmed it is launching the Vivo T5 in India on September 2nd, bringing a slim design, curved AMOLED display and a 7,050mAh battery to its T-series lineup. The phone will also use the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, much like the recently launched iQOO Z11, also from the house of Vivo.

The Vivo T5 will join the T5 Lite, T5 Pro, T5e and T5x in India in the mid-range T-series. Vivo had earlier revealed the T5's price range, and has now shows its design along with key hardware.

Vivo T5 design and specifications

The Vivo T5 will come in Royal Bronze and Silver Green and measures 7.99 mm thick. Vivo says it is the slimmest phone in its segment with a battery capacity above 7,000mAh. It features a 6.83-inch 1.5K 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo processor. The phone will run OriginOS and will include an NPU for generative AI features.

The rear design is notable because the Vivo T5 and iQOO Z11 appear to use the same design, with the differences largely coming down to colour options and branding. Both have the same pill-shaped camera housing, the same placement of the circular flash and a similarly shaped rear panel and frame. The T5's Royal Bronze and Silver Green finishes give Vivo's version its own visual identity, while the Z11 is available in its own colour variants of Aurora Green and Celestial Blue.

The resemblance extends beyond the exterior. The iQOO Z11 also has a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset and a 7,050mAh battery with 44W charging.

Vivo has taken a liking to the pill-shaped camera module design. It appeared on the Vivo X300 FE, the Vivo S2, and now the T5. Vivo hasn't disclosed the T5's complete camera setup, so it's early to say whether it will match the Z11's 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with OIS, 8MP ultrawide and 32MP selfie camera.

Expected price in India

Vivo hasn't announced the T5's price, but has stated on the Flipkart microsite it will land in the Rs 34,999 to Rs 49,999 segment. However, given the specs, we expect it to sit below Rs 40,000. The Z11's Rs 34,999 starting price can be a benchmark given how closely the two phones are positioned.

The Vivo T5 Pro now costs Rs 41,999, up from its Rs 29,999 launch price, while the T5x starts at Rs 24,999. The T5 could fill the gap between them, but its pricing will need to account for the Z11's near-identical hardware and design. Vivo will need to price the T5 competitively or offer advantages in cameras, charging or other features to give buyers a reason to choose it. Launch offers may also sweeten the deal, so prospective buyers should keep an eye out.

• The smartphone in question could flaunt a green colourway.
• Mivi's close rival, Fire-Boltt, has also just released its smartphones under the Boltt branding.
• The launch date and specifications of the smartphone remain under wraps.

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Audio brand Mivi is seemingly preparing to expand beyond earbuds and speakers with its debut smartphone in India. A promotional poster that recently went live on Flipkart teases the corner of a smartphone, giving us the first official glimpse of the device. This comes after Mivi's close rival, Fire-Boltt, debuted its smartphone sub-brand with Boltt. The company has not yet shared the phone's official name, exact launch date, full specifications, or pricing. These details are expected to be revealed closer to the official announcement.

Mivi smartphone teaser goes live on Flipkart

According to the teaser, Mivi's first phone will be sold through Flipkart, at least initially. The marketing material shows the handset in a green colour option and highlights a clean design featuring a flat back panel with gently rounded corners. The strategy of targeting the online-first segment with potentially aggressive pricing is a tried-and-tested path, but Mivi's success may require going beyond just differentiating by cost.

Mivi is known for offering affordable audio products, including true wireless earbuds (TWS), Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and AI-powered devices. The move into smartphones marks a significant expansion for the audio brand. The teaser arrives shortly after reports that Mivi had onboarded Himanshu Tandon, who previously worked with POCO and CMF by Nothing, signalling serious intent in the competitive smartphone space.

Interestingly, Mivi's entry comes around the same time as that of another wearable-focused brand, Fire-Boltt, which has launched its own smartphones under the Boltt sub-brand today, starting at Rs 9,999. Both companies appear to be targeting the online-first segment of the Indian market and will rely on Flipkart for distribution. Boltt has confirmed it's set to target the sub-Rs 20,000 segment with the release of two smartphones, Boltt Evo 4G and Boltt Ace 5G, both of which are confirmed to feature bloatware-free, stock-like Android software.

Where does Mivi fit in the highly competitive phone market?

With major brands such as OPPO, Vivo, Realme, and others releasing 4G phones starting at above Rs 15,000 and 5G phones touching Rs 20,000, this leaves newcomers like Mivi and Boltt to fill the gap and try to get a piece of the pie by releasing phones at attractive prices. This opportunity comes amid the ongoing memory price crisis, in which legacy brands are unable to keep up with rising component costs, forcing them to continually raise prices on both new and old models.

On the other hand, after-sales service, a refined software experience with regular updates, and sufficient availability of spare parts matter equally to the success of a new brand. Therefore, only time will tell how well Mivi and Boltt will fare in these respects and, accordingly, build a customer base.

• The Sony IER-M500 wired in-ear monitors have launched in India at Rs 10,990.
• They feature 5 mm dynamic drivers, passive noise isolation and a 10Hz-40,000Hz frequency response.
• The IER-M500 weighs 6.9 gms without the cable and includes multiple ear tips, fitting supporters, a cable clip and carrying pouch.

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Sony has launched the IER-M500 wired in-ear monitors in India, targeting musicians, performers and listeners who prefer a wired connection for monitoring and playback. The earphones use a compact 5 mm dynamic driver and a sealed design for passive noise isolation, with Sony also including fitting accessories intended to keep them secure during movement.

Sony IER-M500 price, availability

The Sony IER-M500 costs Rs 10,990 in India and is available in Black, Clear, Red and Blue finishes. It can be purchased through Amazon, Flipkart, Real Image, Sound Glitz, Headphone Zone and other offline retailers.

At this price, the IER-M500 sits in a segment where buyers can choose between wired IEMs designed primarily for monitoring and more feature-heavy wireless earbuds. The Sony model gives up conveniences such as active noise cancellation and Bluetooth in favour of a direct wired connection, which can be preferable for musicians and users who prioritise consistent wired playback.

Features and specifications

The IER-M500 uses a 5mm dynamic driver with a claimed frequency response of 10Hz to 40,000Hz. It has a 16-ohm impedance at 1kHz and sensitivity of 103dB/mW. Sony uses a sealed housing and internal acoustic structure designed to reduce external noise without electronic noise cancellation. The package includes multiple noise-isolating ear tips, along with fitting supporters that help keep the earphones securely positioned while moving.

The earphones connect through a 1.6-metre Y-type cable terminating in an L-shaped stereo mini plug. Sony has also included an adjustable cable clip to reduce cable movement and contact noise, which can be useful during live performances. The company says the cable has been tested for repeated bending and the earphones have undergone water-resistance testing for stage use.

The IER-M500 weighs around 6.9 gms without the cable, keeping the earpieces relatively light. A carrying pouch is also included. The IER-M500 makes more sense for a specific use case than as a general replacement for wireless earbuds. 

At Rs 10,990, the IER-M500 enters a competitive wired IEM segment. The Sennheiser IE 200, currently priced at Rs 9,990 in India, uses a larger 7 mm dynamic driver and offers a detachable cable with MMCX connectors, while its tuning is aimed at a neutral, detailed sound. Shure's SE215 is another established option for stage monitoring, with Sound Isolating technology rated to block up to 37dB of noise and a detachable cable that can be replaced or adapted for wireless use. Audio-Technica's ATH-E50 moves to a single balanced-armature driver and a detachable 1.6m cable, but costs more at Rs 16,999. The Sony therefore sits between these options on price, with its strongest case being the secure fitting system and stage-oriented design rather than the size of its driver alone. Its wired design, passive isolation and fitting system are useful for monitoring, while everyday users may find Bluetooth earbuds more convenient.

• Boltt has targeted the sub-Rs 20,000 segment with the release of Evo and Ace 5G.
• Boltt Evo and Ace 5G feature clean, bloatware-free software.
• The smartphones will be available on Flipkart.

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A few weeks ago, Fire-Boltt's spin-off smartphone brand, Boltt, officially debuted in the market. Today, the company has unveiled the first batch of phones, targeting the sub-Rs 20,000 segment. The Boltt Evo 4G features the Unisoc T7250, while the Ace 5G is powered by the Unisoc T8200. While priced aggressively, these smartphones' major highlights are the bloatware-free software, AI-enhanced camera tuning, and the inclusion of only the features users need.

Boltt Evo, Ace 5G pricing, availability, sale date

These smartphones will go on sale on Flipkart starting September 1st at 12 PM (IST) and will be available in multiple colour shades. The Boltt Evo comes in Sky Blue, Midnight Black, Lavender Bloom, Berry Red, and Arctic White, while the Ace 5G features Sky Blue, Midnight Black, Lavender Bloom, Burgundy Bliss, Forest Green, and Arctic White. As part of the special launch-day offer, both smartphones can be grabbed with an instant Rs 1,000 discount at checkout.

Boltt Evo, Ace 5G specifications and features

Starting with the display, both handsets feature a 6.79-inch HD+ (720 × 1640 pixels) display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centred punch-hole cutout to house the front 8MP camera. The displays can reach up to 600-nit peak brightness, which should make the on-screen content legible enough in shaded areas.

The 4G-only Boltt Evo is powered by the Unisoc T7250, while the Ace 5G packs the Unisoc T8200. We've previously seen these chipsets on multiple smartphones (Realme P4 Lite 4G with Unisoc T7250 and Lava Virat V1 5G with Unisoc T8200), and in our experience, they should offer sufficient performance for casual, light tasks such as running social media apps, watching videos, and web browsing.

[gallery link="file" columns="2" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="712769,712768"]

Coming to the optics, the Boltt Ace 5G is backed by a 64MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, while the Boltt Evo has a 50MP main camera. The duo come baked in with  Google AI imaging features, including Face Unblur and Night Mode. It'll be interesting to see how these handsets fare in photography, given that the onboard hardware won't be high-end.

Speaking of which, the devices run Android 16 out of the box and come with Circle to Search and Google Lens. The former is a major addition in this price range, as having tested several Lava smartphones, such as the Shark 2 5G and Virat V1 5G, both under Rs 15,000 at launch, miss out on Circle to Search, giving the buyers of Boltt phones a convenient way to look up stuff on the screen.

Powering the Boltt Evo and Ace 5G is a 6,000mAh battery with support for up to 18W fast charging. It's also worth noting that the Ace 5G supports NFC, allowing users to make tapless payments on the go with compatible apps such as Google Pay and Paytm.

Should you buy the Boltt Evo and Boltt Ace 5G?

The Boltt Evo, starting at Rs 10,999, rivals the itel Zeno 200 4G, which is currently selling for Rs 9,999 on Amazon. While both smartphones feature the Unisoc T7250, the Evo has an edge in offering a bloatware-free UI, a higher-megapixel primary camera, and a larger 6,000mAh battery, compared to the Zeno 200 4G's 5,000mAh. Though the itel smartphone comes with 128GB base storage.

If you're seeking clean, bloatware-free software with a sizeable battery, the Boltt Evo is worth your consideration, provided you've checked the availability of its service centre near your locality in case you run into issues or accidental damage. This applies to the Ace 5G as well.

Coming to the Boltt Ace 5G at Rs 13,999, it rivals another homegrown brand's smartphone, the Lava Virat V1 5G, which also packs the same Unisoc T8200 chipset. While the Virat V1 5G costs Rs 12,999 and offers just 64GB of storage, the Ace 5G comes with 128GB of storage, giving users more space for media files, games, and apps. In other aspects, both handsets offer similar specifications, such as a 6,000mAh battery and clean software.

• The POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra will launch globally on September 1st, with no standard F9 model announced.
• Both phones are tipped to use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips.
• The POCO F9 series is expected to be based on China's Redmi K100 Pro models

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POCO has confirmed that its next F-series phones will launch globally on September 1st, with the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra making up the lineup. The company is skipping the standard F9 model for now, with no information on if and when that model will arrive. The new phones are expected to be based on Xiaomi's Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, which are sold in China. POCO's flagships are generally rebrands of the Redmi flagships for the global markets.

POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra launch date

The POCO F9 series will be unveiled on September 1st at 8 pm GMT (1.30am IST) on September 2nd. The teaser shows the two phones in white and a dark red finish, with the latter resembling the Cabernet Sauvignon colour offered on the Redmi K100 series.

The rear panels also carry "Sound by Bose" branding much like the Redmi phones, suggesting the phones will feature audio tuning developed with Bose. Their designs are also closely related to the Redmi K100 Pro and K100 Pro Max, which launched in China earlier this month.

The launch will follow the POCO F8 Pro and F8 Ultra that debuted globally in November 2025. Neither F8 model launched in India, leaving the POCO F7 as the last F-series phone sold in the country. POCO hasn't confirmed whether the F9 series will come to India or not.

Expected specifications

The POCO F9 Pro is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch QHD+ Plastic OLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate, while the F9 Ultra could get a 6.85-inch panel with a 2608x1200 resolution. Both phones are expected to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, although the Pro could instead use a lower-binned Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V variant.

The Pro is tipped to have a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide and a 50MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS. The Ultra could add a 50MP 5x telephoto camera while retaining the same main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide.

Battery capacities could be a major step up from the F8 series. The F9 Pro is tipped to pack a 6,330mAh battery, while the Ultra could reach 8,050mAh, with both supporting 100W wired charging. For comparison, the F8 Pro had a 6,210mAh cell and the F8 Ultra 6,500mAh.

Read: POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra prices leak

If POCO maintains its usual aggressive pricing, which shouldn't be expected considering the memory crisis currently, the F9 Pro and Ultra could offer strong specifications against premium phones from OnePlus, Xiaomi and Samsung. While the specs look promising, potential buyers should wait for full reviews post-launch to assess real-world performance.

However, Indian buyers should not assume availability. POCO skipped India with the F8 series and has instead expanded its X-series locally, with the POCO X8 Pro Max becoming the company's highest priced phone at Rs 42,999. For buyers looking for a performance-focused POCO phone, the September launch is worth watching. In India meanwhile, POCO is preparing for the launch of two new X-series phones, presumably the POCO X8 and POCO X8 Power.

• The Realme C100i is set to launch in India on August 27th.
• The handset will be a battery-focused smartphone that will also prioritise smooth visuals.
• Key specs include a 6,500mAh battery and a 120Hz refresh rate display.

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After the C100x, Realme is gearing up to launch a new smartphone in its budget-oriented C-series lineup with the C100i. The OEM has teased the Realme C100i on Flipkart and confirmed that it is heading to India later this week. This comes after the Realme C100x price in India was increased due to component shortages, leaving the sub-Rs 15,000 segment void. The Realme C100i could fill that gap with a slightly smaller display. The Realme C100i will also boast a different design language than the C100x, which is currently selling in the country at Rs 16,999.

Realme C100x launch date in India & specifications

The Realme C100x is set to go on sale on August 27th, the Flipkart listing confirms. It's going to be the same day that the smartphone's price in India will also be revealed. The handset seems to be e-commerce exclusive and could come in a couple of colour options: silver and black. The official renders of the smartphone also confirm two individual camera rings at the back, a large plateau, and flat edges.

The Realme C100x confirmed specifications include a 120Hz refresh rate display. It's likely to be a waterdrop-notch display instead of a more modern-looking punch-hole. Powering the display is going to be a 6,500mAh battery, which is said to retain its charge even after five years of use. The handset is also touted with a 36-month warranty coverage and an ArmorShell protection.

The remaining Realme C100i specifications are still under wraps. However, its alleged association with model number RMX5399 suggests that it could feature 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. A handset bearing the same moniker has already debuted globally, but it appears to feature a different design from the teased Indian model and packs a larger 7,000mAh battery.

We will therefore have to wait for more details on the Realme C100i's chipset, display size, camera hardware and other specifications in India. As mentioned earlier, the handset could be positioned below the Realme C100x in terms of pricing. If that is indeed the case, it could be priced under Rs 15,000.

Whether you should wait for this smartphone will depend on your requirements. If you are looking for a phone with a large battery and a smooth display experience, the Realme C100i could be worth considering. It will all come down to its chipset, whether it can overpower the existing budget smartphones, such as Lava Virat V1, which also offer similar battery capacities.