The latest Google Pixels are finally here and with them it brings a fresh wave of comparisons against the existing flagships. And what better way to kick it off than comparing the new Pixel 11 with perhaps the most famous flagship and its chief rival, the iPhone 17 (review). In this story, we'll break down what both the phones have to offer and answer which flagship is more suitable for you. Check it out below. 

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: price in India

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: design

Let's first talk of the design of both these phones and how they differ. The new Pixel 11 is thinner than its predecessor at 8.6mm and lighter at 197 grams. The iPhone 17, meanwhile, is just 7.95mm and weighs about 177 grams. From these specs alone you can surmise that the Pixel 11 will feel a bit chunkier compared to the iPhone in hand, although the difference here isn't very drastic. 

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

The Pixel 11 follows the iconic rear camera pill design and improves upon it by making it protrude less from the rear. The iPhone's camera island sits a lot closer to the rear panel so it would wobble a lot less compared to the Pixel. 

In terms of durability, the Pixel 11 comes with Corning gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and the rear panel, along with IP68 certification. The iPhone 17, meanwhile, uses Ceramic Shield Glass 2 at the front and Frosted Glass on the back, also with IP68 protection. 

There's no real way to compare which one is more durable since they both offer pretty decent protection against accidental drops and scratches. You should choose a device based on what appeals more to you, like the aesthetics, weight, form factor, etc. Both of them are evenly matched here, with the iPhone being the more ergonomic of the two.

The Google Pixel 11 comes in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian colour options, while the iPhone 17 comes in blue, pink, green, white, and black. 

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: display

Moving over to the front, both smartphones feature virtually identical screen sizes, but there are a few key differences. The Pixel 11 comes with a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels.

The iPhone 17, on the other hand, comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a slightly sharper 2622 x 1206 pixel resolution at 460 ppi. Both the phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, so even the day-to-day experience won't be all that different between the two.

Brightness won't be an issue on either device, as both panels can hit up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making outdoor legibility under direct sunlight effortlessly clear on both phones.

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: performance

Google equips the new Pixel 11 with its custom Tensor G6 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM right out of the gate. Apple, on the other hand, powers the baseline iPhone 17 with the new A19 Bionic silicon alongside 8GB of RAM.

On paper, Google offers more RAM upfront, which gives the Pixel 11 a slight advantage when it comes to keeping multiple heavy apps open simultaneously in the background without aggressive closing.

The Apple A19 chip, however, is a better performer in raw CPU and GPU performance, delivering higher peak power and superior energy efficiency. It is a known fact that Google's tensor lineup is yet to catch up to the current flagship chipsets from Snapdragon, MediaTek and apple in terms of raw power. 

In daily use, you won't notice any stutter or lag on either phone. Basic tasks like jumping between messaging apps, streaming high-res videos, and editing photos will feel exceptionally fluid on both.

Where you will notice the difference is under continuous heavy workloads or intense 3D gaming. The A19 inside the iPhone 17 runs will have a better output, whereas the Tensor G6, while vastly improved over its predecessor, prioritises Google's on-device AI model processing and Gemini capabilities over raw power. 

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: cameras

Turning our attention to optics, both phones use a dual-camera setup on the rear, but they differ slightly. The Pixel 11 comes equipped with a 48MP 1/1.56-inch primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 10.8MP OIS 3x telephoto lens. For selfies and video calls, Google equips the front with a 10.5MP sensor. 

The iPhone 17, on the other hand, sports a 48MP main "Fusion" camera paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, Apple has bumped up the selfie shooter to an 18MP sensor housed inside the Dynamic Island. Check out some camera samples from the iPhone 17 below:

[smartslider3 slider=1976]

On paper, both devices bring capable camera hardware to the table, with the Pixel's main advantage being its separate telephoto lens, which could improve human shots and portraits. 

However, specs alone don't tell us how these sensors will manage in the real-world conditions. We'll know more about how both camera systems actually perform during our full review.

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: battery

When it comes to power and charging, the Pixel 11 looks to be a clear winner on paper with a much bigger battery and more flexible charging options. Google packs a 4,985mAh battery inside the Pixel 11, giving it a huge advantage over the iPhone 17's smaller 3,692mAh capacity.

The Pixel 11 also offers reverse wireless charging to top up accessories like wireless earbuds on the go, as well as a bypass charging mode that powers the phone directly during heavy gaming to keep it from overheating. It supports 30W wired charging and 25W Qi2 wireless charging.

The iPhone 17, instead, opts to support faster wired charging speeds. It supports up to 40W wired charging, while wireless charging matches the Pixel at 25W via MagSafe.

Pixel 11 vs iPhone 17: software

Software is where the two phones diverge the most, with Google heavily incorporating AI into its OS, while Apple focuses on a visually refreshed, streamlined OS.

The Pixel 11 runs Android 17 and is built around deeply embedded Gemini features that claim to tackle real-world tasks. Here's a quick look at the new features on the Pixel 11:

• Rambler Voice Input, which strips out stutters and filler words ("ums" and "ahs") during voice typing
• Proactive App Cards, which pull contextual info like flight details from Gmail directly into your chat threads
• Agentic Multi-Step Tasks, allowing Gemini to carry out complex actions like ordering food or booking a ride across 40+ apps.
• AI camera features like Magic Capture for instant unblurred stills and Live Audio-Visual Translation. 

On top of all this, the Pixel 11 promises 7 years of software updates, the best currently in Android flagships. 

The iPhone 17 comes with iOS 26, introducing a fresh, translucent Liquid Glass design alongside a more contained suite of Apple Intelligence features. Apple focuses on core utility features, like offering system-wide Writing Tools for proofreading and rewriting text. 

You also have Visual Intelligence for quick screenshot lookups, basic cleanup, photo editing, and an updated Siri with better on-screen awareness. You also get quality-of-life additions like AI Call Screening, Hold Assist, and 3D lock screen effects.

While Apple delivers a polished, modern, and easy-to-use software experience, Google gives you a significantly more capable set of AI tools and systems right out of the box.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between these two flagships comes down to what you want in your day-to-day smartphone experience. The Pixel 11 offers a much richer software suite paired with a clean, stock Android experience and Google's latest AI features. It is an ideal pick for productivity-focused professionals and tech enthusiasts who love tweaking their devices and exploring new use cases.

Its raw performance, however, falls behind the iPhone 17, so you will likely miss the power when it comes to resource-intensive tasks like heavy mobile gaming or high-resolution video rendering.

The iPhone 17 (review), on the other hand, targets lifestyle users who want a phone that simply does everything right across the board. It delivers top-tier processing power and reliability, with plenty of options for users who eventually want to explore its deeper capabilities. Price-wise, Apple also holds the advantage here, starting lower at Rs 82,900, compared to the Pixel 11's higher starting price of Rs 89,999, making the iPhone 17 a remarkably value flagship for its price point. 

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• The teaser shows the iQOO Buds will be released in a black colourway.
• No hints regarding price or specifications have been dropped.
• The TWS will be sold on Amazon in India.

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Every once in a while, iQOO caters to the audio segment by introducing a new TWS. Today, the brand officially teased the release of the iQOO Buds, giving us a glimpse of their design. The teaser confirms that the TWS will be available on Amazon, just like the upcoming iQOO Z11, with both launching on August 20th.

iQOO Buds design and colourway

Per iQOO India's post on X, the iQOO Buds' case and TWS will flaunt a deep black colour, with subtle hints of yellow on the inner casing of the charging case. While other colour options may be in tow, the iQOO Buds feature a standard pebble-like design, with oval-shaped earbuds. The teaser image also reveals a tiny charging LED light and a charging point, likely Type-C, towards the bottom.

Every playlist deserves better. 🎧⚡

Meet the all-new iQOO Buds built to keep up with every beat, every session, every moment.

Launching on 20th August. 👀#iQOO #iQOOBuds #Audio #WirelessEarbuds #Music #Gaming #Tech #ComingSoon

[ Earbuds, Audio, Music, Gaming, Wireless ] pic.twitter.com/7YVDSIsY0R

— iQOO India (@IqooInd) August 14, 2026

Apart from this, the post states "Engineered for Every Beat", which likely indicates that the iQOO Buds have been tuned for various musical beats, notes, and rhythms. It could also mean an emphasis on tight, impactful bass, which has been the case with most budget TWS released as of late. In the coming days, the brand will hopefully reveal more details about the upcoming TWS, especially key specifications, so potential buyers know what to expect.

Since no hints regarding the pricing of the iQOO Buds have been dropped, it's difficult to determine its direct rivals. Recently, OnePlus unveiled the Nord Buds 4 for Rs 3,299, while Realme had released the Buds Air8 way back in January for the same price. If you're on the hunt for a TWS right now, it could be worth waiting for the iQOO Buds launch to see how it stacks up against the competition in terms of features and price.

In other news, the iQOO Z11 is confirmed to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo processor, a 50MP Sony primary camera with OIS, and a decently large 7,050mAh battery. Going by the specifications, it could rival the OnePlus Nord CE 6, which currently retails for Rs 35,999.

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• iQOO 16 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro SoC. 
• The flagship could pack an 8,500mAh battery.
• It's also expected to feature a 165Hz display. 

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iQOO 16 is the brand's upcoming flagship smartphone, and it's expected to launch later this year in September or October. The smartphone has been appearing in leaks and rumours too, giving us an idea of what to expect from the flagship. A new leak reveals more about the iQOO 16's display and chipset specifications. The leak suggests major upgrades over last year's flagship, the iQOO 15.

iQOO 16 display and chipset specifications

Tipster Digital Chat Station has shared details about a new flagship phone, believed to be the iQOO 16. According to the post, the iQOO 16 is tipped to feature a large 6.85-inch 2K Samsung flat display with a 165Hz refresh rate. This would be an upgrade over the iQOO 15's 144Hz refresh rate, which should mean smoother frame rates and animations. The iQOO 16 is also expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, an upcoming flagship chipset. 

The iQOO 16 is also said to go through a design change, if the post turns out to be accurate. The smartphone will retain its flat design with small corners, but the rear camera design could change into a small square shape in the upper-left corner. The iQOO 15 also features a square-shaped camera module, but it could be a smaller one on the iQOO 16. This might give way to a more minimalist and cleaner look on the upcoming iQOO flagship. 

There have been previous leaks about the iQOO 16 too. It's expected to house an 8,500mAh battery with 100W charging support. This would be a significant upgrade over the iQOO 15's 7,000mAh battery, suggesting longer endurance for gamers and power users. The move to a 165Hz display and an 8,500mAh battery reflects a broader industry push for extreme performance and endurance, particularly in the flagship segment.

Based on the leaks so far, the iQOO 16 appears to bring upgrades over its predecessor. That way, the iQOO 16 could make sense for people looking for a flagship for performance, battery life, and a vibrant display. It might be more appealing to those who are moving from an older flagship rather than iQOO 15 users, as this phone is still one of the top Android performers in the flagship segment. We should still wait for official details as there's a lot of time until the phone debuts. 

Fireflies.ai has just announced a new feature called Email Assistant. It's an AI inbox tool that triages incoming email, drafts replies, and sends follow-ups by drawing on context from both email threads and past meetings. Available today on all Fireflies plans, including free. The launch marks the platform's expansion from meeting notes into the broader daily workflow.

Pricing and availability

Email Assistant is available now on all Fireflies plans. The free plan includes access, with Pro starting at Rs 955 per seat per month billed annually. Users can connect a Gmail or Outlook account through the Email Connector inside the Fireflies dashboard.

Microsoft's 2025 Work Trend Index found that the average worker receives 117 emails a day. Email has become the work that gets squeezed around meetings or left late at night, what Microsoft has called the infinite workday. Brand says for professionals with meeting-heavy schedules, the inbox falls behind precisely when it matters most. Fireflies Email Assistant is supposedly built to address that gap. By using the same meeting context the platform already captures to make inbox management faster and less repetitive.

What it does

• Email Assistant connects to Gmail or Outlook and works across five core functions.
• Auto Labels triages and labels incoming emails as they arrive. It supposedly surfaces priorities without modifying existing workflows or rules.
• Auto Draft Replies generates replies using the email thread plus past meeting context with the relevant person, in a writing voice set by custom instructions. Nothing sends without user review.
• Follow-Ups drafts a follow-up in the original thread when a sent email goes unanswered after a configurable waiting period.
• Daily Briefs consolidates email insights and action items alongside meeting and Slack summaries into a single daily overview.
• AskFred allows plain-English queries to find emails, summarise threads, or pull action items from the week.

The meeting context layer is what differentiates Email Assistant from standalone inbox AI tools. When a prospect or client follows up on something discussed in a previous call, Fireflies can surface that conversation and draft a contextually accurate reply. It is all done without the user needing to reconstruct the full history manually.

Fireflies mentions that it does not use customer data to train its models, keeping email and meeting content private by design.

Fireflies is making a deliberate transition from a single-purpose meeting notetaker into a broader AI work assistant. It ranges over meetings, email, Slack, and CRM. The email launch is the most visible step in that direction. The competitive landscape for AI email tools includes Superhuman, Microsoft Copilot for Outlook, and Google's Gemini for Gmail. All of this works primarily within the inbox.

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• Google's Tap to Share is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer phones.
• Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8 are next in line for the feature, with wider Android support planned by the end of 2026.
• Tap to Share uses Quick Share and proximity/NFC technology to simplify device-to-device sharing.

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Google is making it easier to share a contact card, photo or video between two Android phones without having to hunt through menus first. The new Tap to Share feature is rolling out to Pixel 6 and newer phones, while support is also coming to Samsung's latest foldables. It's essentially Google's answer to Apple's NameDrop, but with support for more than just contact information.

Google Tap to Share: availability and compatible phones

Tap to Share is available on the Pixel 6 series and newer models, including the Pixel 11 lineup. It's also rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Google says it plans to bring the feature to more Android phones by the end of 2026, potentially making it a standard part of the Android sharing experience rather than a Pixel-only trick.

Android has had Quick Share for years, but the experience has traditionally involved opening the share menu, finding the other device and waiting for the recipient to accept. Google is now trying to make that interaction feel more natural, similar to the simplicity Apple offers with AirDrop and NameDrop.

Google has also been working with Samsung and other manufacturers to make Quick Share more consistent across the Android ecosystem. The two companies previously combined their respective sharing systems under the Quick Share name.

How does Tap to Share work?

For contact sharing, both phones need to be unlocked and on their home screens. Users simply bring the compatible devices close together, after which they can choose which contact details to share. The exchange can be two-way, or users can choose to receive the other person's contact card without sharing their own.

Photos and videos work slightly differently. Users first select the content through the existing Share Sheet, choose Quick Share and then bring the two phones close together to complete the transfer. Google says the feature uses a temporary peer-to-peer connection for the exchange. Users who don't want the feature can also disable Tap to Share through Quick Share settings.

Is Tap to Share useful?

It's a small feature, but one that could make Android phones feel less fragmented. Quick Share already handles file transfers across Android devices, and Google has also expanded it to work with Apple's AirDrop on supported phones. If Google gets OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo and other Android brands on board as planned, tapping two phones together to exchange a contact or photo could soon become one of those features that makes the old way of doing things feel unnecessarily complicated.

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• Google has confirmed seven years of spare part support for the Pixel 11 series, matching its seven-year software update commitment.
• The policy covers repairs such as battery and screen replacements and applies to all markets where the Pixel 11 is sold.
• Google first introduced a seven-year spare part commitment with the Pixel 8 series in 2023.

[/highlights]

Google is giving Pixel 11 buyers another reason to hold on to their phones for the long haul. Alongside the seven-year software update promise, the company has confirmed that the Pixel 11 series will also get spare part support for seven years. That means essential components should remain available for repairs well beyond the usual smartphone upgrade cycle.

Pixel 11 series gets seven years of spare parts

Google confirmed the spare part commitment during the Pixel 11 series' India launch. The policy applies across markets where the phones are sold. This isn't a new promise for Google. The Pixel 8 series, launched in 2023, was the first Pixel generation to receive seven years of software support as well as a seven-year hardware and spare-part commitment. Google has now carried that forward with the Pixel 11 family. The company's current support policy also confirms seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates for Pixel 8 and newer phones.

A seven-year software promise is only useful if the hardware can realistically last that long. Batteries are the obvious example. Google rates Pixel batteries for 1,000 charging cycles before they are expected to retain 80 percent of their original capacity. For someone keeping a phone for several years, battery replacement can therefore become just as important as getting the latest Android version. The same applies to accidental damage. A cracked display or damaged rear panel several years into ownership can otherwise turn a perfectly usable phone into an expensive repair job, or simply push the owner towards buying a new device.

Samsung and other major brands have extended software support on their premium phones, while manufacturers are increasingly competing on how long their devices can remain usable. Samsung also publishes spare-part pricing and repair information for its phones in India, although its support commitments vary by product.

For Pixel 11 buyers, the seven-year spare-part promise makes the long software support policy feel more practical. It doesn't mean every repair will be cheap, nor does it guarantee that every component will be available at the same price throughout those seven years. But it removes one of the biggest uncertainties around keeping a phone for that long. That makes the Pixel 11 series particularly worth considering for buyers who prefer keeping a phone for five to seven years rather than upgrading every two or three. If you're buying the Pixel 11 primarily for longevity, Google's hardware support commitment is arguably as important as the new Tensor G6 chip or camera features.

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• iQOO Neo 11 Ultra will be the second phone in the lineup.
• It's confirmed to feature a new customised chipset.
• The handset will also pack a large 9,100mAh battery. 

[/highlights]

iQOO is slated to launch a new Neo series smartphone in China on August 18th. The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra will be a more powerful version of the Neo 11, the other phone in the lineup. Speaking of which, iQOO has confirmed the Neo 11 Ultra will use the new MediaTek Dimensity 9500M processor. This is a new 3nm chipset, designed to deliver flagship performance. 

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra chipset details

The Dimensity 9500M chipset has been co-developed by iQOO and MediaTek. It's built on the 3nm process and features an all-big-core CPU design housing the next-generation Monster Super Core Engine. The chipset is said to have been specially tuned for the Neo 11 Ultra and is designed to deliver peak performance while maintaining better energy efficiency. 

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra specifications

The iQOO Neo 11 Ultra is confirmed to feature a new 2K display with a new Circular Polarized Light 2.0 technology designed to make the display look more natural while reducing strain at the same time. The smartphone is confirmed to house a large 9,100mAh battery, which is claimed to deliver 13.7 hours of uninterrupted gameplay in popular MOBA titles and 23 hours of continuous short video playback. This is also much bigger than the Neo 11 Ultra's 7,500mAh battery. 

iQOO has also revealed the Neo 11 Ultra's design. It has an interesting camera design, with the two camera sensors placed horizontally. The smartphone is also confirmed to feature a metal frame and a matte finish with a 3D flowing light effect at the back. It will come with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. 

The Neo 11 Ultra is shaping up to be a performance-focused smartphone with a large battery and customised chipset. It could appeal to users who want a gaming phone or a powerful phone for intensive tasks without having to worry about battery life. If you're currently using a Neo 9 or an older gaming phone, this might be a compelling upgrade. You should still wait and check for reviews before making a buying decision. 

[highlights]

• The Moto G Max offers two OS upgrades, a first in a while for a Moto G smartphone.
• The phone rivals the Redmi Note 17 5G and Vivo T5x in the sub-Rs 30,000 segment.
• Moto G Max goes on sale starting August 20th.

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Following the release of the Motorola Edge 70 Max just a few weeks back, Motorola has added yet another "Max" smartphone to its 2026 lineup, the Moto G Max. Priced at Rs 27,999, the device seemingly marks the beginning of a new lineup that puts OS upgrade longevity and performance at the forefront compared to the previously released Moto G phones.

Moto G Max price, sale, availability

The Moto G Max price in India starts at Rs 27,999 for the sole 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. It comes in three colourways, all featuring a Satin-inspired finish, including PANTONE Stargazer, PANTONE Alaskan Blue, and PANTONE Malaga.

As for the first sale, the Moto G Max will be available to purchase starting August 20th at 12 PM. As part of the early-bird offers, buyers can grab the phone at Rs 26,999 with a Rs 1,000 instant discount on ICICI and Axis Bank credit cards.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="711730,711728,711729"]

Moto G Max specifications overview

The Moto G Max features a 6.72-inch LCD display with a Full HD+ (2400p × 1080) resolution. Tagging along is a 120Hz refresh rate, while Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the panel from scratches that may be incurred during daily use. On to the design, while the Moto G Max appears similar to the Moto G37 Power and G77 Power, its camera lenses protrude out more. The build is MIL-STD-810H-certified and protected by an IP64 rating to prevent damage from minor water exposure.

Running on the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, the same chipset that powers last year's Moto G57 Power. It is paired with UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5X RAM. In our in-house tests, the processor scored 8,17,331 on AnTuTu and 2,931 on Geekbench's multi-core test. These scores place the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 well above the Dimensity 6400 present in the Moto G77 Power, indicating superior raw performance for daily use and gaming.

On to the cameras, the Moto G Max retains the Moto G77 Power's setup, comprising the 50MP LYT600 primary camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 32MP selfie shooter. It also houses an ambient light sensor for depicting accurate skin tones. The software is handled by Moto's proprietary Hello UI skin based on Android 16, with the phone promised to get two OS upgrades and three years of security patches. Since most of the previously released Moto G phones are slated to get just one Android upgrade, the Moto G Max receiving two is a breath of fresh air.

Lastly, the Moto G Max features a 7,000mAh battery and up to 30W fast charging. Some nifty additions on the device include a 3.5mm headphone jack, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, FM radio, and a side fingerprint scanner for unlocking the phone and making payments.

Where does the Moto G Max stand among the competition?

At Rs 27,999, the Moto G Max goes head-to-head with the recently released Redmi Note 17 5G and the online-centric Vivo T5x. While the Note 17 features a brighter, more vibrant AMOLED panel and a larger 8,000mAh battery, the Moto G Max gains a performance advantage thanks to the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4's superior CPU and GPU combination over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4.

Therefore, if you value raw performance more than display experience, the Moto G Max could be an ideal pick. On the other hand, the Vivo T5x often sells for around Rs 24,999, giving it a pricing advantage over the Moto G Max while offering a similar performance, display, and battery experience.

[highlights]

• The iQOO 15's price is now on par with the OnePlus 15.
• The iQOO 15R's price sits closer to the Motorola Edge 70 Max and OnePlus 15R.
• The iQOO Neo 10 now retails for Rs 10,000 more than its original price.

[/highlights]

Like every other Android smartphone brand, iQOO has hiked prices of its high-end and premium smartphones in India today, particularly the iQOO 15, iQOO 15R, and Neo 10. While the revised prices are already live on iQOO's online store, the sudden hike is likely due to the memory shortage crisis affecting almost every smartphone player in the market. Also, it isn't the first time these handsets are seeing a price hike.

iQOO 15, iQOO 15R, Neo 10 revised prices

The iQOO 15 was originally launched at Rs 72,999 late last year, and it now costs Rs 85,999 after today's price hike, a Rs 13,000 increase. Similarly, the iQOO 15R debuted at Rs 44,999 and now starts at Rs 53,999 for the base variant. The iQOO Neo 10, which is almost a year old, was launched at Rs 31,999 with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 will now retail for Rs 10,000 more than its original price.

Are these phones still worth purchasing?

iQOO 15

The iQOO 15 at Rs 85,999 is on par with the OnePlus 15, which also features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in its base variant. For this price, both handsets offer the incredibly powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, massive batteries of 7,000 mAh or more, and high-end cameras. Even though the iQOO 15's display refresh rate is limited to 144Hz, it has an advantage up its sleeve: a 2K resolution panel, compared to the OnePlus 15's 1.5K display with a 165Hz refresh rate.

Since performance is equally good on both, choosing between the iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 comes down to your software preference. OxygenOS 16 on OnePlus offers sleek animations and extensive customisation options, while OriginOS 6 on iQOO offers appealing glass effects and visuals across several parts of the UI, along with a nifty ecosystem and AI features. On the other hand, if cameras are your top priority, the Vivo X300 FE or OPPO Find X9s may be better suited.

iQOO 15R

Now coming at Rs 53,999, the iQOO 15R has seemingly lost its pricing advantage, even though its base variant comes with 8GB RAM. The pricing is now closer to the Motorola Edge 70 Max at Rs 54,999 and the OnePlus 15R at Rs 59,999. However, the 12GB + 256GB variants of the iQOO 15R and OnePlus 15R retail for the same price.

Despite the price increase, the iQOO 15R carves out its own identity by featuring a compact-ish 6.5-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, making it one of the top choices for users seeking a handy, sizeable device with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Both the Moto Edge 70 Max and OnePlus 15R feature tall displays of over 6.8-inches.

iQOO Neo 10

Just like the iQOO 15R, the iQOO Neo 10 has lost its pricing advantage over the OnePlus Nord 6, which sells for Rs 44,999, just Rs 2,000 more than the Neo 10. For a higher price, the Nord 6 features a much larger 9,000mAh battery compared to the Neo 10's 7,000mAh cell, while the camera setups are largely similar on both, with a 50MP LYT600 primary and an 8MP ultrawide rear camera.

However, if you're looking for a camera-centric device, the Nothing Phone (3a) at Rs 42,999 or the Motorola Edge 70 Pro at Rs 39,999 could offer better outputs and photography flexibility.

[highlights]

• Xiaomi is set to launch new smart air purifiers in India under its Mijia sub-brand by late August 2026.
• The upcoming Mijia Air Purifier 6 could come with PM1 detection, UVC virus sterilisation, and quieter operation.
• It will likely be priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 and compete with popular options like the Coway Airmega 150, etc. 

[/highlights]

Just a week ago, Xiaomi officially introduced its Mijia sub-brand in India, with a focus on smart home products and appliances. With its official introduction, we knew Xiaomi's upcoming smart home products would carry the Mijia label, and recent online leaks reveal that the first launch might happen sooner than expected. Let's look at it in more detail below.

New Air purifiers might be launching soon

A recent X post by tipser Abhishek Yadav claims that Xiaomi will introduce new air purifiers under the Mijia sub-brand in late August 2026. That claim seems to be likely too, based on the timeline since Xiaomi's last Air Purifiers launched back in April 2023, named Smart Air Purifier 4 and Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite. 

EXCLUSIVE: Xiaomi will launch its first products under the Mijia sub-brand later this month. They will introduce new air purifiers. pic.twitter.com/4MlyS82mK8

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) August 13, 2026

These purifiers have been rather popular across the consumer base, particularly those living in North Western Indian states, Delhi NCR and other metro cities which end up engulfed in extremely polluted air during the winters. 

The upcoming device could be the Mijia Air Purifier 6 that's already available for purchase globally. If that proves to be true, we already have all the information about the device available. 

The Mijia Air Purifier 6 offers good upgrades over the Smart Air Purifier 4, with a clean air rate of 443 m³/h for dust and smoke and 218 m³/h for formaldehyde. That should be fast enough to refresh the air in a normal bedroom in around four minutes and can also cover larger rooms up to 50 square metres. The biggest upgrade over the older Air Purifier 4 is its new 5-sensor system.

It also includes a special PM1 sensor alongside standard PM2.5, pollen, temperature, and humidity tracking. This PM1 sensor detects micro-pollutants so small they can enter your lungs, giving you a complete picture of your indoor air during the harsh winter season.

Inside the unit, Xiaomi uses a 5-layer filter system to trap dust, pet hair, and bad smells. It also features a built-in UVC light and a negative ion generator. These two tools claim to actively kill viruses like H1N1 and airborne bacteria instead of just trapping them on the filter surface. Even with stronger airflow, Xiaomi says the Sleep Mode runs at just 32 dB; that means you can leave it running all night without any loud motor hum disturbing your peace. 

There's no word yet if it's a single purifier launch or if there will also be a lite model, and we'll know more as we head closer to the launch. 

Should you wait for the new purifiers?

If you are looking to purchase an air purifier or want to upgrade to a newer model, the new Mijia Air Purifier looks to be a decent product, at least if the specifications match the global variant. Air purifiers are increasingly becoming an essential product, especially across the northwestern states where smog and pollution levels regularly stay at hazardous levels.

This makes a device that can clean the air a true necessity. It not only helps safeguard you against infections and lung diseases, but the consequences of breathing toxic air are extremely severe, so we do recommend getting one if you live in regions that suffer through this issue during winter.

It is likely that the new purifiers will be priced around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, given how scarce they become in winter when everyone rushes to buy one. However, if you need one right away, popular alternatives like the Coway Airmega 150 fall in a similar budget and perform just as well. While the Coway Airmega 150 lacks a digital AQI monitor, it remains a great choice if you prefer a simple, proven option over waiting for Xiaomi's latest launch.

[highlights]

• The POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra are tipped to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 16GB RAM and 200MP primary cameras.
• The F9 Pro could pack a 6,330mAh battery, while the F9 Ultra may get an 8,050mAh cell, both with 100W charging.
• The F9 Pro is reportedly priced at at least EUR 799, while the F9 Ultra could start at EUR 999, although the pricing remains unconfirmed.

[/highlights]

POCO appears to be preparing two new flagship smartphones for global markets, with a major leak revealing renders, specifications and tentative pricing for the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra. The leak also suggests that both phones will closely follow their Chinese Redmi counterparts, although with smaller batteries.

POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra design leaked

The leaked renders by WinFuture show the POCO F9 Pro and F9 Ultra following a similar design language, with flat displays, slim bezels and flat metal frames. Both phones are shown with a large, rounded-rectangle camera module on the rear, housing the triple-camera setup. The Pro appears to have a more compact footprint, while the Ultra gets a larger body to accommodate its 6.9-inch display.

Both models are tipped to use Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, metal frames and fibreglass-reinforced plastic rear panels. They are also expected to carry IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. The Ultra is said to get an LED ring around its rear camera module, adding a visual element to notifications and other phone functions. Bose speakers are reportedly present on both models.

The design and hardware are not entirely new, though. According to WinFuture, the F9 Pro is essentially a global version of the Redmi K100 Pro, while the F9 Ultra is based on the Redmi K100 Pro Max. The main hardware change is expected to be the battery capacity.

POCO F9 Pro, F9 Ultra specs and price leaked

The POCO F9 Pro is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 1,156 x 2,510-pixel resolution, 185Hz refresh rate and up to 4,500 nits peak brightness. The F9 Ultra is expected to step up to a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with a 1,200 x 2,608-pixel resolution while retaining the same refresh rate and peak brightness.

[gallery link="file" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="711722,711723,711724,711725,711726"]

Both phones are said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, with 12GB or 16GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage. The Pro could get a 200MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The Ultra is expected to feature the same 200MP primary camera but a 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Both could have 32MP selfie cameras.

Battery capacity is where the global versions reportedly take a significant step back, presumably due to regulations. The F9 Pro is tipped to pack a 6,330mAh battery, compared with 8,580mAh on the Redmi K100 Pro, while the F9 Ultra could get an 8,050mAh cell instead of the K100 Pro Max's 9,070mAh battery. Both are expected to support 100W charging.

The F9 Pro is reportedly expected to start at EUR 799 (around Rs 88,000), while the F9 Ultra could cost at least EUR 999 (around Rs 1.09 lakh). However, these figures are not confirmed, and the source itself describes the "at least" pricing as an estimate rather than a firm retail leak.

If the specifications carry over to global markets, the F9 series will be aimed at performance-focused flagship buyers. The Ultra's 5x periscope camera and larger display give it a more complete setup, while the Pro could appeal to those who want flagship performance in a smaller form factor. The F9 Ultra could be a strong contender for users prioritising camera zoom and a large display, while the Pro offers a more compact flagship experience. However, potential buyers should wait for official reviews to assess real-world performance and battery life, especially given the reduced battery capacity compared to the Redmi versions.

[highlights]

• Vivo X500 Pro Max is expected to be the top model in the flagship lineup.
• The handset could pack an 8,000mAh or larger battery.
• The X500 Pro Max would succeed the X300 Ultra. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's upcoming flagship series has been appearing in leaks and rumours lately. This time, there could be some changes to the number of models in the flagship lineup and the naming scheme. Vivo's flagship lineup for 2026 could include the Vivo X500, Vivo X500e, Vivo X500 Pro, and Vivo X500 Pro Max. The branding has also changed, with Vivo replacing the Ultra model with the Pro Max. This is all speculation for now, though, and nothing has been officially confirmed yet. 

Adding to the leaks, the Vivo X300 Pro Max has now been spotted on the 3C Certification platform, giving us an idea of its charging speed. 

Vivo X500 Pro Max 3C charging details

A Vivo smartphone with the model number V2602DA has appeared on China's 3C certification platform. This model number is believed to be the Vivo X500 Pro Max. The 3C listing shows that the handset supports 5VDC ЗА ог 9VDC 2A or 11VDC 8.2A Max charging, which suggests 90W fast charging support. 

In comparison to the Vivo X300 Ultra, which could be its predecessor, it's a small downgrade, as the handset supports 100W fast charging. Still, it shouldn't make much of a difference in real-world scenarios. 

Vivo X500 Pro Max specifications

According to leaks and rumours, the Vivo X500 Pro Max will feature a large 6.85-inch flat AMOLED 2K display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It could be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, an upcoming flagship chipset. The flagship is expected to house a 50MP Sony LYT838 primary camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The setup is strong and versatile, like the Vivo X300 Ultra. 

The biggest upgrade could be in the battery capacity, as the X500 Pro Max is rumoured to feature an 8,000mAh or more capacity. This would be a major upgrade over the Vivo X300 Ultra's 6,600mAh battery, and even among flagships, it would possibly offer the biggest battery capacity. Vivo could be working on offering a complete flagship that doesn't compromise on key areas like battery capacity.

The Vivo X500 Pro Max is shaping up to be another camera flagship in 2026, but with a focus on a large battery capacity as well. Combined, the X500 Pro Max could hold more authority over rivals in the premium flagship segment. Based on what we know so far, the Vivo X500 Pro Max could be a good option for those who want a camera flagship with a massive battery. If you're currently using an X300 Ultra and battery life is your primary concern, the rumored 8,000mAh capacity could make this a compelling upgrade, but consider waiting for reviews to confirm real-world performance. It would still be advisable to wait for official details, as these are only speculations. 

This September, Apple will see not just a change in leadership but also a major shift in its best-selling product category: the iPhone. With Tim Cook stepping down as CEO and John Ternus taking over on September 1st, the company appears set to rethink the iPhone launch strategy it has followed over the past five years.

For the first time since 2021, Apple is reportedly moving away from its four-iPhone strategy. The iPhone 18 launch event in September could feature just three models, with the vanilla iPhone 18 potentially sitting out this year. Meanwhile, a completely redesigned iPhone could break all records, at least in terms of pricing.

Here's everything we know about the upcoming iPhones so far, per the leaks and rumours:

iPhone 18 and Air 2 launching in 2027

[caption id="attachment_698506" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image credit: MacWorld[/caption]

The base iPhone model has been a mainstay of Apple's fall launch event for years. However, that could change this year. Multiple reports suggest Apple may delay the base iPhone 18, along with the iPhone Air 2, to a separate launch event in early 2027. Several notable sources, including Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, former The Information reporter Wayne Ma, and Apple supplier Largan Precision, have backed the possibility.

Reportedly, Apple is splitting the iPhone launch to manage component shortages, smooth out supply chain pressure, and prioritise high-margin Pro models and the new foldable iPhone.

Only Pro models this year

With iPhone 18 and Air 2 out of this year's launch, the iPhone 18 Pro could become the new entry-level variant in the lineup. The handset will be accompanied by the iPhone 18 Pro Max for users who want a bigger screen and battery. Both smartphones are expected to look identical to their predecessors, with new colour options and minor under-the-hood improvements.

If reports that only the Pro models will launch this year are accurate, the annual iPhone upgrade could become considerably more expensive for users. This would come on top of the expected price hikes across the lineup, driven by rising component costs amid the ongoing memory shortage.

Pricier lineup than ever before

The long-running joke about selling a kidney to afford an iPhone might lose some of its relevance with this year's lineup. With a price hike already expected, buying the latest iPhone could require much more than a kidney, and this may not be a one-off increase. Besides the usual yearly price adjustments, Apple could also pass on the soaring cost of memory, which has skyrocketed over the past year.

[caption id="attachment_704873" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Alleged iPhone 18 Pro[/caption]

Since there is no vanilla model in the lineup for now, users could be forced to spend close to Rs 1,50,000 to get into the latest iPhone lineup. Rumours suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could cost between $1,200 (~Rs 1,14,409) and $1,300 (~Rs 1,23,943) in the US. For context, the iPhone 17 Pro started at $1,099 and is priced at Rs 1,34,900 in India. Even a $100 increase could push the iPhone 18 Pro's price in India close to Rs 1,45,000.

Additionally, it is believed that Apple could also increase the prices of its older iPhone models. The OEM previously increased prices of its MacBooks, iPads, HomePods, and more by up to Rs 1,00,000, citing an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage due to the rapid expansion of AI data centres.

New iPhone Ultra, new form factor

[caption id="attachment_693549" align="aligncenter" width="2140"] iPhone Ultra render[/caption]

One reason Apple may be skipping the vanilla iPhone 18 this year is the arrival of the all-new iPhone Ultra. There are rumours that the iPhone may be released early next year. The new model is rumoured to be Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone, giving the company a major new product to headline its premium lineup. The iPhone Ultra is expected to debut in the same passport-size foldable form factor as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8.

In fact, Apple is sourcing the foldable's display from Samsung itself. The iPhone Ultra is rumoured to debut with a 5.5-inch outer display and 7.8-inch inner display. Needless to say, it will be Apple's most expensive smartphone ever, reportedly starting at $2,000 (~Rs 1,90,700).

iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra specs roundup

All three smartphones are likely to be powered by the new TSMC 2nm A20 Pro SoC, which could bring improvements in performance and power efficiency, and run the latest iOS 27 out of the box. Other than that,

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max 

[caption id="attachment_698504" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image credit: MacWorld[/caption]

The smartphones are expected to remain similar in size to the iPhone 17 Pro models and to sport the same camera island. However, it is reported that the 18 Pros will feature triple 48MP rear cameras with variable aperture on the main sensor, giving users greater control over light entering the lens and potentially improving photography in different lighting conditions. The front camera could be the same 18MP snapper as last year.

The iPhone 18 Pro could flaunt a 6.3-inch OLED 120Hz display, while the Pro Max may ship with a 6.8-inch OLED 120Hz display. That said, the phones could offer more screen real estate than ever before. Apple is reportedly working on reducing the size of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 18 Pro models. Other features include a second-generation Apple C2 modem to enhance cellular connectivity and 12GB of RAM.

iPhone Ultra

The iPhone Ultra will sport dual displays (one 5.5-inch cover and the other 7.8-inch foldable) and measure around 9 to 9.5mm in thickness when folded and between 4.5 and 4.8mm when unfolded. As for cameras, the handset is expected to sport a dual-rear camera setup, minus the telephoto lens. Hopefully, the main, ultrawide and selfie sensors remain identical to the Pro models.

[caption id="attachment_689391" align="aligncenter" width="2324"] Alleged iPhone Fold[/caption]

Similar to the iPhone 18 Pros, the iPhone Ultra could reportedly feature 12GB of RAM. The handset is also said to pack a 5,500mAh battery, which would make it the largest battery ever used in an Apple handset. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max reportedly has a 5,088mAh battery.

There are also reports that Apple is skipping Face ID on the Ultra to keep its form factor slim. Instead, the foldable may bring back Touch ID integrated into the side button. Additionally, the phone is rumoured to use a stainless steel and titanium alloy hinge, while high-density battery cells similar to those used in Apple's ultra-thin iPhone are also expected.

That's all we know about the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro specifications so far. But as for colour options, the iPhone Ultra is tipped to come in Silver White and Deep Indigo. The latter reportedly resembles the Deep Blue finish on the iPhone 17 Pro series. 

The iPhone 18 Pro models, meanwhile, could reportedly be available in Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Grey and Silver. Dark Cherry is expected to be the new signature colour, while the current Cosmic Orange finish is said to be discontinued.

Apple has yet to confirm any details, so take the news with a pinch of salt. The handsets are likely to launch in September, either on the 8th or 9th, per rumours.

[highlights]

• Redmi Turbo 5 prices have increased by Rs 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 in India.
• The Redmi Turbo 5 8GB + 256GB variant now costs Rs 41,999.
• The phone features a Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, 7,540mAh battery with 100W charging and a 6.59-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display.

[/highlights]

Redmi has revised the price of the Redmi Turbo 5 in India, with the smartphone now costing up to Rs 6,000 more than it did at launch. The phone, which debuted in June with a focus on performance and battery life, now sits at a higher price point where it faces competition from several mid-range smartphones, including the POCO X8 Pro.

This is the first hike for the Turbo 5, and pushes the price beyond the Rs 40,000-mark. Notably, this was the first phone to launch under the Turbo branding in India.

Redmi Turbo 5 new price

The Redmi Turbo 5 launched in India in June at Rs 37,999 for the 8GB + 256GB storage variant, while the 12GB + 256GB model was priced at Rs 40,999. The revised prices are:

At the new price, the Turbo 5 goes up against phones such as the POCO X8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A37, Vivo V70 FE and Nothing Phone 4a. The rivals may put greater emphasis on camera features, design or the overall lifestyle experience, but the Turbo 5 has a clear hardware advantage when it comes to processing power, storage technology, battery capacity and charging speeds.

Should you buy the Redmi Turbo 5?

The Redmi Turbo 5 has a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset. It gets LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, with a large 5,300 sq mm vapour chamber for thermal management. Redmi claims the phone scores more than 20 lakh on AnTuTu. The other big draw is its 7,540mAh battery, paired with 100W HyperCharge. The phone also carries IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. On the camera front, there is a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide and a 20MP selfie camera. The rear cameras also get customisable LED pixel rings for notifications, charging and other functions.

The price hike changes the equation. At Rs 41,999, the 8GB Turbo 5 is now significantly harder to recommend purely on value, especially when its closest sibling is sitting below it in price. The POCO X8 Pro is currently available for Rs 36,999 on Flipkart and uses the same Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, along with a 6.59-inch 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display and 100W HyperCharge. Its 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery is smaller than the Turbo 5's 7,540mAh unit, but it remains substantial for this segment. The camera setup is also broadly similar, with a 50MP primary sensor, 8MP ultrawide and 20MP front camera.

That makes the POCO X8 Pro the obvious alternative if performance is your priority. The Turbo 5's larger battery and additional storage options may justify paying more for some buyers, but at current prices, the POCO offers most of the same core hardware for considerably less.

One caveat: the two phones are close enough that another price revision would change the equation again. If you are choosing between them today, however, the POCO X8 Pro is the better value pick, while the Turbo 5 makes more sense only if its larger battery and specific configuration are worth the premium to you.

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

Specs at a glance

Pixel 11 vs Pixel 10 price in India

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

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

Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

Display

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

Performance and software

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

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

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

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

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

Battery

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

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

Cameras

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

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

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

Verdict

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Xiaomi HyperOS 4: what's new?

Performance improvements

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

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

"Soft Light Glass" interface and customisation changes

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

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

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

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

AI improvements

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

List devices eligible for HyperOS 4 update (China)

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

First HyperOS 4 beta rollout (August 14th)

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

Second HyperOS 4 beta rollout (August 27th)

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

Third HyperOS 4 beta rollout (September 17th)

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

boAt Aavante Bar Prime soundbar series

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

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

What we know about the Galaxy A07s

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

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

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

Price and availability

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

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

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

What makes the Anniversary Edition distinct

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

The underlying hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Hearing Aid feature availability and rollout

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

What is Hearing Aid and how does it work?

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

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

Hearing Test

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

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

Hearing Aid feature

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Alive Matrix Display on the POVA 8 Pro

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

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

POVA 8 Pro specifications

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

Specifications and features

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

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

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

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

Price and availability

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

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

Google Fitbit Air specifications, features

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

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

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

New POCO X series smartphone teaser

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

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

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

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

— POCO (@POCOGlobal) August 12, 2026

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

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

POCO X8 specifications (expected)

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

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

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

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

[highlights]

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

[/highlights]

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

iQOO Z11S display confirmed

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

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

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

iQOO Neo 11 Ultra Geekbench listing

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

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

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