• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and a new Redmi Note 17 Aura model are expected to launch in India in the first week of January 2027.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro could cost around Rs 1.5 lakh, with sales reportedly starting in the second week of January.
• The Xiaomi 18T is tipped to arrive in March or April 2027 with Leica-tuned cameras.

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Xiaomi appears to have an eventful start to 2027 planned for the Indian smartphone market, with new launches expected across its premium and mid-range segments. According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, the company is preparing to bring the Xiaomi 18 Pro and a new Redmi Note 17 Aura model to India in the first week of January. The Xiaomi 18T is also reportedly in the pipeline for March or April.

Xiaomi 18 Pro price tipped

The Xiaomi 18 Pro is expected to launch in India in the first week of January, with sales reportedly beginning in the second week. Yadav claims the smartphone could be priced at around Rs 1.5 lakh, putting it in direct competition with premium flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The reported plans are particularly interesting as the company brought only the standard Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra to India from its previous flagship generation. The Xiaomi 18 Pro could give Indian buyers access to a feature that has so far remained exclusive to the brand's Chinese flagships.

Its biggest talking point is the secondary display on the rear, positioned alongside the camera module. Xiaomi has demonstrated several uses for the screen on the global model, including Google Maps navigation and music controls for Spotify and YouTube Music. It can also display notifications and incoming calls, reducing the need to turn the phone around for basic interactions. This could give the Xiaomi 18 Pro a distinct advantage in design and functionality over conventional camera-focused flagships. However, at the reported price, buyers will also expect top-tier camera performance, processing power and long-term software support.

Redmi Note 17 Aura

The Redmi Note 17 Aura is reportedly another January launch, expected in the first week. Xiaomi already has three models in its Redmi Note 17 lineup in India: the Note 17, Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max. Their starting prices are Rs 27,999, Rs 36,999 and Rs 49,999, respectively. The Aura could give Xiaomi another option in the series, although its specifications and price remain unknown.

Buyers considering the existing models should compare their camera, performance and battery offerings before waiting for the Aura. We don't know whether it will be a more affordable variant or a higher-end addition.

Xiaomi 18T launch tipped for March or April

The Xiaomi 18T is reportedly scheduled to arrive in India around March or April 2027. Early leaks point to a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 8600 chipset and a Leica-tuned triple rear camera setup featuring a 200MP primary sensor. For context, the Xiaomi 17T launched in India at Rs 59,999 for its 12GB + 256GB variant with a Dimensity 8500-Ultra chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display and Leica-tuned cameras.

The Xiaomi 18T could potentially offer a more affordable alternative to the 18 Pro. Buyers looking for a premium Xiaomi phone without spending flagship-level money may find it worth waiting for.

• Xiaomi Clip was launched in China earlier this year.
• It's Xiaomi's first clip-on earbuds.
• It could see a global debut at Xiaomi's global event next week. 

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Xiaomi's first clip-on earbuds, the 'Xiaomi Clip, ' might get a global release soon. The wireless earbuds have been listed on Xiaomi's global website, hinting at an imminent launch. Xiaomi launched its first clip-on earbuds in China earlier this year, in May. It's expected to debut at the Xiaomi 18 Pro global launch event on November 17th. 

Xiaomi Clip global launch

Xiaomi Clip is listed on the company's official global website, with the product page covering everything from its design and features to specifications. However, pricing and availability details haven't been revealed. In China, the Xiaomi Clip is priced at CNY 849, which translates to around Rs 11,993. The earbuds come in Sand Gold, Pearl White, Frost Purple, and Graphite Black. It competes with rivals like the Huawei Free Clip 2. 

Xiaomi Clip features and specifications

The highlight of the Xiaomi Clip is its design, which takes a C-shape to sit around your ear for a comfortable fit and wear. This way, you should be able to wear it for a long time, compared to TWS earbuds that sit properly in the ear and block your ear canals. Xiaomi Clip also works for people who still want to hear what's going on around them or if someone's trying to talk to them with the earbuds plugged in. While that's helpful, people who prefer noise cancellation may not like this design since it won't do a great job at cancelling out background noise. 

The Xiaomi Clip features 11mm dynamic drivers with LHDC 5.0 codec, AAC and SBC support. It has a four-mic system with a bone-conduction voice pickup unit and wind-noise reduction, which should result in clearer calls and better sound with limited audio leakage. The earbuds have an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, so you should be able to use them for workouts and runs. 

It also comes with a feature that lets you start or stop recording by triple-pressing the case or earbuds. The Xiaomi Clip is compatible with Android and iOS devices, but Xiaomi phones have additional features such as audio sharing and seamless switching. There's a Xiaomi Earbuds app for customising controls. Xiaomi claims the earbuds can last for up to nine hours on a single charge, and a total of 38 hours with the case. It also supports quick charging, which gives 3.5 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge. 

The Xiaomi Clip is recommended to people who prefer an open-ear design for better comfort and the option not to block out surrounding sounds. But since there are several similar options available, buyers should check reviews and compare properly before making a buying decision. 

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ prices in India have reportedly increased by Rs 3,000 across all four variants.
• The tablet's starting price is Rs 33,999, up from Rs 22,999 at launch.
• The revised prices are now live on the Samsung website.

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Rising memory component costs are continuing to put pressure on consumer electronics prices in India, with Samsung increasing the prices yet again of another tablet in its lineup. The Galaxy Tab A11+, which debuted in November last year, now costs Rs 3,000 more across its Wi-Fi and cellular variants. The revision comes amid a series of price increases affecting smartphones and tablets in recent months, not only from Samsung but all OEMs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ new prices in India

Tipster Sanju Choudhary reported on X that Samsung has increased the Galaxy Tab A11+ prices by Rs 3,000. The hike applies to all four configurations, including the Wi-Fi and 5G models. The new prices are already visible on Samsung's website, though third-party sellers like Amazon are selling the tablet at a considerable markdown.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ specifications

The Galaxy Tab A11+ features an 11-inch TFT LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset. It's available with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Other features include an 8MP rear camera with autofocus, a 5MP front camera and quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The tablet packs a 7,040mAh battery with 25W wired charging. It also carries an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance.

At the revised starting price of Rs 33,999, the Galaxy Tab A11+ faces competition from tablets such as the Xiaomi Pad 7 and OnePlus Pad Go 2. The Xiaomi option offers a sharper, higher-resolution display and stronger performance, while OnePlus targets buyers looking for a larger-screen entertainment and productivity device.

The price increase makes the Galaxy Tab A11+ harder to recommend for obvious reasons, but its quad speakers, Samsung software ecosystem and cellular connectivity options remain useful advantages. However, anyone considering the tablet should compare current offers on competing models before paying the revised price. 

• Vivo X500 series box price starts at Rs 1,69,999.
• The lineup includes three phones with a photography kit.
• Box pricing for all three models has leaked. 

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Vivo is launching its flagship X500 series in India on November 26th. The lineup includes the Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. Vivo is also bringing its first smartwatch, the Watch GT 2, to India alongside the X500 series and the photography kit with the telephoto extenders and other accessories. Since the phones are already official in China, we know what they offer, but pricing remains under wraps. A new leak has revealed the box pricing of the Vivo X500 series, giving us an idea of what to expect. 

Vivo X500 series India box pricing (leak)

Tipster Sanju has shared images on X, believed to be of the Vivo X500 series. According to this leak, the Vivo X500 box price is Rs 1,69,999, while the X500 Pro's is Rs 1,99,999. The Vivo X500 Pro Max, which is the top-end model in the lineup, has a box price of Rs 2,14,999. Pricing is for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant for all three phones. 

Do note that the box pricing isn't the final pricing of the phones and is usually higher than the launch price. 

Pricing for the Vivo X500 series had already leaked before, with the X500 tipped to cost Rs 1,19,999. The X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max will reportedly cost Rs 1,49,999 and Rs 1,79,999, respectively. The photography kit will reportedly launch at Rs 2,29,999. This leaked pricing could be accurate if the box pricing is anything to go by. It would also put the Vivo X500 series at a slight advantage over rivals like the OPPO Find X10 series and Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models, since the former will be priced comparatively lower. 

This still doesn't take away from the fact that the Vivo X500 series will launch at a much higher price than its predecessor, the X300. It's understandable and not surprising given the memory crisis and rising costs in the industry. Since this is the reality now, interested buyers should brace for such high prices from other flagships too. 

The Vivo X500 series is only two weeks away from launching in India, so those interested in a camera flagship can consider waiting for it. 

• OPPO is reportedly developing a standalone pocket gimbal camera with a 200MP Sony LYT-901 sensor.
• The next OPPO foldable could feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and a crease-free inner display.
• OPPO is also said to be working on a conventional flagship smartphone with a 16:9 display and a 200MP primary camera.

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As RAM prices continue to hit record highs, making the smartphone business increasingly challenging for manufacturers, OPPO appears to be looking beyond conventional smartphones for its next big bets. The company is reportedly developing three new flagship products, including a standalone pocket gimbal camera, a next-generation foldable and a wide-screen smartphone.

The information comes from tipster Digital Chat Station (via), who has shared preliminary hardware details of all three products. While OPPO hasn't confirmed any of the devices, the pocket gimbal camera is reportedly the closest to launch.

OPPO pocket gimbal camera

The standalone camera is expected to debut around the end of 2026 and could feature a 200MP Sony LYT-901 sensor, according to earlier reports. It would compete with DJI's Osmo Pocket series, which has established itself in the compact handheld camera segment with its integrated gimbal stabilisation and vlogging-focused features.

Next OPPO Fold

The second product is reportedly the OPPO Find N7, which the tipster claims is already ready. It's said to use Qualcomm's 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, alongside a wide inner display with no visible crease and a 200MP camera with gimbal stabilisation.

The reported wider design also fits an emerging trend in foldables. Huawei's Pura X Max and Xiaomi's 18 Fold have adopted shorter, wider proportions, offering a more conventional smartphone experience when folded and a landscape-friendly display when opened. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 also has wider proportions, alongside the iPhone Duo. OPPO could be looking to follow this approach.

OPPO flagship

The third device is a conventional smartphone with a custom 16:9 display and narrow bezels. It is reportedly progressing faster through development and could feature a flagship Dimensity 9-series processor and a 200MP primary camera with a large sensor. OPPO would not be alone in exploring wider slab smartphones. Huawei has already introduced the Pura X View with a 16:9.5 display, while Xiaomi is reportedly developing a similar non-folding phone. OnePlus is also rumoured to be exploring a wider display for the OnePlus 17.

A wider screen could offer more comfortable video viewing, gaming and multitasking, although it could make one-handed use less convenient. The format will also need software optimisation to make better use of the additional horizontal space.

The developments suggest OPPO is exploring new form factors while continuing to build on its camera technology .For now, none of OPPO's three products has an official launch date or confirmed specifications. The pocket camera is the most immediate prospect, while the foldable and wide-screen smartphone could take longer to materialise. Buyers considering a flagship upgrade may want to watch these developments if they're interested in alternatives to conventional smartphone designs., though they're still some time away.

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro series features a rear AMOLED display up to 2.9-inches.
• The rear screen has gained support for multiple global apps.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro series is releasing globally on November 19th.

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While the Xiaomi 17 Pro series didn't make it to the global market, the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max are confirmed for international release on November 17th. Boasting the latest flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, large batteries, and an extensive LEICA-powered camera system, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series' major highlights revolve around the rear AMOLED displays. As the launch approaches, Xiaomi has unveiled several use cases and applications that can run on the rear displays.

Xiaomi 18 Pro series global variants to support multiple apps on rear screen

As part of its marketing campaign and push to highlight the unique propositions of the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, Xiaomi has published multiple posts on its social media handles detailing use cases for the rear display. This is an AMOLED LTPO display measuring 2.7-inches on the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 2.9-inches on the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max and features a resolution of 596 x 976 pixels and 120Hz refresh rate.

Per Xiaomi's X page, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series' rear display can be used for the following instances:

• View time, date, and weather: One of the most common uses of the Xiaomi 18 Pro's rear display is viewing the time, date, and weather temperature by tapping the screen.

• Everyday notifications: You can also access notifications that appear on the main front display from the rear screen. These include calls, emails, SMS, alarms, stopwatch, timer, and app notifications. However, to reply to messages, users may have to use the main screen.
• Live activities: Unlike the Chinese variants, the global Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will support live activities for multiple internationally available apps, such as viewing directions on Google Maps, running Gemini Live, and controlling music.
• Support for third-party apps: Apart from system-level use cases, the upcoming smartphones can run several global apps on the rear screen. For example, Xiaomi has partnered with Spotify and YouTube Music for custom music controls and UI design, Trip.com to view a flight's live status and track it, and Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation.

• Immense customisation: Borrowed from the Chinese variants, the Xiaomi 18 Pro will support multiple pet themes featuring custom-designed clocks, motion wallpapers, and even animate your images with the help of AI. When the device is laid on its back, this could add a sense of personalisation that others can notice.
• GenAI Apps: Users will be able to create their own use cases, mini apps, and tools for the rear display using GenAI. In my opinion, this could go a long way toward getting things done without going into specific apps from the main screen. Use cases could include a water tracker to log how much water you drink throughout the day, custom mini-games such as tic-tac-toe, or even custom themes.

Will the rear display be a strong reason to get Xiaomi 18 Pro series?

While the rear screens of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max set them apart from other smartphones, they aren't necessarily the only reason to get them. Under the hood, the Xiaomi devices pack noteworthy, flagship-grade hardware, including Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chipsets, a 200MP 1/1.28-inch primary camera, 200MP 1/1.56-inch periscope cameras, a 50MP ultrawide lens, massive batteries up to 8,500mAh, and razor-thin bezels on the main AMOLED screens.

While this hardware puts the phones in the premium flagship territory, Xiaomi has ensured users get the most of the Xiaomi 18 Pro series beyond the rear displays. This makes the smartphones suitable for photographers, power users, and professionals seeking top-of-the-line specifications. While the India launch is confirmed, the launch event is rumoured to be held sometime in December.

• Samsung's smart glasses are powered by Gemini.
• There are 30 styles available, designed by Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. 
• It's not confirmed yet whether the Samsung smart glasses will arrive in India.

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Samsung has announced its Intelligent Eyewear collection, developed in collaboration with Google and South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, and American brand Warby Parker—both catering to different style segments. The Gemini-powered smart glasses will debut in the US and South Korea on December 10th, with pre-orders now open. Google first unveiled the collection in May 2026 at Google I/O.

Samsung Intelligent Eyewear 

The lineup includes 30 designs across both brands, with Gentle Monster offering bold and fashionable styles and Warby Parker focusing on more traditional frames. The glasses weigh around 41 grams and feature a 12MP HDR camera, open-ear speakers, and a four-microphone array. They are powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform and offer up to nine hours of battery life, extending to 72 hours with the charging case.

[gallery link="file" size="full" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="721417,721418"]

With Google Gemini built in, Samsung's Intelligent Eyewear can answer questions about surroundings, identify objects, translate text, provide Google Maps navigation and summarise notifications. Users can also capture photos, record videos, make calls and respond to messages without reaching for their phones. The glasses include recording indicators and privacy safeguards, including automatic bystander face redaction when users ask Gemini about what they see. Samsung is also restricting usage to 18 years and older, with age verification required for device activation and app downloads.

Samsung's smart glasses compete directly with Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which already offer hands-free photography, video recording, audio playback, and Meta AI assistance. While Meta's glasses focus on capture and conversational AI, Samsung's offering adds deeper Google services integration, including Maps and Gemini-powered visual assistance. 

Pricing and availability

In the US, the Warby Parker Intelligent Eyewear starts at $395 (Rs 37,300 approx.), while Gentle Monster models cost between $449 (Rs 42,300 approx.) and $489 (Rs 46,100 approx.). Both collections will be available through their respective online and retail channels, with demonstrations at select Samsung stores. Samsung hasn't revealed whether the smart glasses will be available in India. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses already sell here at a starting price of Rs 39,900, which is around the same as what Samsung is offering in the US. 

Samsung's smart glasses could appeal to users who want hands-free AI assistance, navigation and translations without constantly checking their phones. It's also likely to appeal to creators, among whom the Ray-Ban Meta glasses have been quite popular. If you're someone who's into vlogging or making videos regularly, these eyewear might be good purchase, provided you keep people's privacy in mind. 

Compared to the OnePlus 15R, the OnePlus 16R could shake things up in the premium segment with several uncommon upgrades and advancements. On that note, here are the top five things that could make the OnePlus 16R a worthy pick for gamers and photographers.

Gaming: built-in cooling fan

First, addressing the elephant in the room, the OnePlus 16R could be the company's first to rock a full-fledged physical cooling system aimed at significantly reducing temperatures when running games at peak graphical settings, globally. The handset is expected to be a rebranded version of the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro, which was introduced in China with a "Dual-Path Glacier Air-Cooling System", comprising dual channels and a cooling fan to draw in cool air and blow hot air away from the processor.

Located within the large camera module above the motherboard, the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro's cooling system is claimed to reduce heat by around 10 degrees Celsius. This is noticeably more than the OPPO K13 Turbo series' single-duct fan setup, which claims up to a 4-degree reduction, and it's the only smartphone launched in India recently to sport a cooling fan.

With the active cooling system in place, the OnePlus 16R could offer some of the best sustained performance on a smartphone in India, leading to lower surface temperatures for long-session comfort. With popular games like Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves, Arknights: Enfield, Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, and others that push devices to their absolute limits in high graphical and frame rate settings, the OnePlus 16R's advanced cooling system should help keep things cool and smooth.

Display: 185Hz refresh rate

With the OnePlus 15R already offering one of the fastest refresh rates on a smartphone in India, the OnePlus 16R could raise the bar with 185Hz. While the peak 185Hz refresh rate will be restricted for games, the handset should be fully capable of running all apps, both system and third-party, at 165Hz refresh rates.

As for how much smoother 165Hz feels in real-world scenarios compared to 120Hz or 144Hz, it can be subjective, but the fluidity is sure to improve the experience. After enabling 165Hz refresh rates through developer options on the OnePlus 15, which I currently use as my primary device, I noticed slightly smoother scrolling and flicks in X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, resulting in an overall perceived fluidity. What's more, the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro uses the same 6.78-inch 1.5K BOE X4 AMOLED panel as the OnePlus 16, delivering a flagship-grade viewing experience at a lower price.

Here's a list of popular games available globally that support 185Hz out of the box on the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro, which the OnePlus 16R should also be able to run at that refresh rate:

• Game for Peace (Battlegrounds Mobile India)
• Delta Force: Hawk Ops
• Valorant Mobile
• Arena Breakout
• Call of Duty: Mobile
• Temple Run
• Clash Royale
• Clash of Clans
• Brawl Stars
• Subway Surfers
• Hill Climb Racing, Hill Climb Racing 2
• 8 Ball Pool
• Minecraft

Performance: four dedicated chipsets

With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor at its core, the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro ups the stakes over the OnePlus Ace 6T (OnePlus 15R) by offering four chipsets. This includes the T3 Touch chip for improving touch response and reducing latency in games with support for high sampling rates, the G3 Network chip for better network stability and lag reduction in high-paced online games, and the P4 Display chip, which is partially responsible for delivering 185Hz refresh rates with minimal ghosting effects in games.

While the real-world implications of these chipsets may not be immediately noticeable, they should work in tandem in the background for well-optimised, reliable, interruption-free gameplay. Backed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the same chipset that runs on the OnePlus 15, one can expect an impressive gaming experience on the smartphone.

I can vouch for that since I've been playing a lot of Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat on the OnePlus 15 at 120FPS with maximum graphics settings lately. To my surprise, the phone steadily maintains the frame rate after around 30 minutes, even as internal temperatures reach 47 degrees Celsius.

[caption id="attachment_721392" align="aligncenter" width="2489"] Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat running on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered OnePlus 15[/caption]

Cameras: telephoto lens returns

With the OnePlus 15R skipping a telephoto lens, the OnePlus 16R could offer a breath of fresh air with a 50MP telephoto lens and 3.5x optical zoom, making it a viable option for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists seeking detailed images at higher focal lengths, such as 80mm optically. However, since the Ace 7 Pro doesn't carry an ultrawide lens, the OnePlus 16R could face the same fate, resulting in less flexibility for capturing wide-perspective shots.

Up until the OnePlus 15R, every 'R' series OnePlus device featured an 8MP ultrawide lens, but it looks like the OnePlus 16R won't have one, making way for a telephoto lens and a cooling system module within the camera island. While OnePlus China hasn't revealed the sensor details of the Ace 7 Pro's telephoto lens, it's highly likely to be the same 50MP 1/2.76-inch JN5 sensor from the OnePlus 15.

It's also worth noting that the Ace 7 Pro gets an upgraded 200MP sensor from the Ace 6T, though the 1/1.56-inch sensor size remains unchanged, for sharper details and better dynamic range control. Combined with OnePlus' DetailMax Engine, its proprietary imaging pipeline for the global market, photographers can expect decent, highly usable results from the upcoming OnePlus device.

Battery: massive 9,000mAh capacity

If the 7,400mAh battery on the OnePlus 15R wasn't enough, the OnePlus 16R could push capacity even further with a 9,000mAh cell. As noted in our OnePlus 15R long-term review, the device conveniently offered over 9 hours of screen-on time within a 24-hour charge cycle, so the OnePlus 16R should deliver rock-solid battery life even with heavy use that includes intensive gaming.

As a result, gamers can be reassured that their smartphone can last for hours on end without worrying about running out of juice. Bundled with the extremely efficient cooling system, the OnePlus 16R shouldn't face hurdles even when pushed to its limits.

Final thoughts

Overall, if the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro launches as the OnePlus 16R in India, it could give premium flagships like the iQOO 16, Motorola Signature 27, and even the OnePlus 16 (if it also releases here) a run for their money. The smartphone will go all out in every department except the processor, which, although last year's, will remain equally capable for years to come. While pricing may rise significantly from the OnePlus 15R (Rs 59,999) due to the ongoing memory crisis, it should still stay well below the said smartphones, which are all rumoured to cross Rs 1.2 lakh.

Along with the highly advanced cooling mechanism in tow, featuring a dedicated cooling fan and dual channels for maximum airflow, and a massive battery, the 3.5x telephoto lens acts as a cherry on top, making the OnePlus 16R highly suitable for casual users, gamers and photographers alike.

• The OPPO Reno 17 Pro will retain a 200MP main camera, while the standard Reno 17 gets four 50MP cameras.
• The Reno 17 will use the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, and the Pro model will run on the Dimensity 8550 Super.
• The series gets a distinctive 3D cat design on its blue Encounter Cat edition.

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OPPO is set to launch the Reno 17 and Reno 17 Pro in China on November 16th. Ahead of the event, the company has been revealing details in the rundown to the event and after revealing the quad camera setup on the vanilla Reno 17, they've confirmed the main camera on the Pro and the processors powering both phones.

OPPO is known to give the Reno series a distinctive design identity and this year, a cat embedded in the back panel is the choice OPPO has made for its Reno series. The Reno 17's Encounter Cat edition uses a 3D floating effect and a sparkly finish to make the feline graphic appear to change with the light. It's a more playful take on the decorative back panels seen on the Reno 15 and Reno 16, and gives the new series a visual identity beyond its specifications.

OPPO Reno 17 series specifications

The Reno 17 Pro will feature a 200MP primary camera, retaining the resolution used by the Reno 16 Pro. OPPO hasn't detailed the complete camera setup yet, although the Reno 17 is confirmed to feature four 50MP cameras, including its main rear sensor.

The standard Reno 17 will use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the Pro model gets the MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super. Both phones will run Android 17-based ColorOS 17. OPPO also claims the software will maintain smooth performance for up to six years, though this shouldn't be confused with a promise of six Android version upgrades.

Other details remain based on leaks. The Reno 17 is tipped to have a 6.5-inch display and an 8,000mAh battery, while the Reno 17 Pro could feature a smaller 6.3-inch screen and a 7,200mAh battery. OPPO has yet to confirm these figures.

The camera and chipset announcements suggest that OPPO isn't making major hardware changes to the Pro model. The Reno 16 Pro already had a 200MP main camera and the Dimensity 8550 Super, so the Reno 17 Pro appears to retain both. The standard Reno 16 sold in India also uses the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, which is the same chipset confirmed for the Reno 17.

The bigger change could be battery capacity, if the leaked figures hold true. The Reno 16 models sold in India have 6,700mAh and 7,000mAh batteries, depending on the variant. The Reno 17's rumoured 8,000mAh cell would be a notable increase. The cat-themed finish also gives OPPO something different to offer in a market where camera specifications and battery sizes often look similar across brands.

The China launch event is scheduled for 7 pm local time on November 16th, or 4.30 pm IST. The OPPO Watch 5 and Pad Air 6 will debut alongside the phones. India availability remains unconfirmed. OPPO launched the standard Reno 16 and Reno 16c here in July, but didn't bring the Reno 16 Pro to the country. Buyers waiting for the Reno 17 Pro should therefore not assume it will arrive in India. Those using a Reno 16 may also want to wait for the full specifications and pricing before considering an upgrade.

• Redmi Note 18 series has been spotted with 67W charging support.
• The Note 18 Pro Max is tipped to house a 10,000mAh-level battery.
• Redmi Note 17 series launched in July this year. 

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The Redmi Note 17 series could be getting its successor lineup soon. The smartphone has allegedly appeared on China's 3C certification site, revealing its charging details. According to a new leak, new Redmi phones are tipped to be launched before the end of this year, but we're yet to get official confirmation on this. 

Redmi Note 18 3C certification 

A new Redmi smartphone with the model number M841EE  has been spotted on the 3C database, with tipster Digital Chat Station speculating that it belongs to the Redmi Note 18 series. The said handset will come with 67W fast charging support. If this is the Redmi Note 18, then it would be an upgrade compared to the Redmi Note 17, which supports 45W fast charging. 

The tipster adds that three Redmi Note 18 series models have been registered. The Redmi Note 18 Pro Max, which will be the top-end model, is tipped to house a 10,000mAh-level battery and also come with good drop resistance and durability. The Redmi 17 Pro Max already offers a 10,000mAh battery, so an upgrade would be increasing the capacity. The mid-range segment has been seeing large batteries as a major trend and Redmi has been offering the same. We expect this to be elevated in the future models. 

More Redmi phones are said to launch before the new year, but we're yet to confirm whether it's from the Note 18 lineup or another series. 

It's still quite early for the Redmi Note 18 series, since the Note 17 lineup launched in July this year. So, we'd still have to wait a few more months for the Redmi Note 18 series. There's not much to speculate on the upgrades, either, since we don't have any other details regarding the Redmi Note 18 series. With no official confirmation and a long wait, it would be better to go ahead and purchase the Redmi Note 17 series or an alternative if you need to get a mid-range phone soon. 

• The OPPO Pad Air 6 will launch in China on November 16th with a 12.1-inch 120Hz display and Dimensity 7360 Super chipset.
• A separate tablet, believed to be the OPPO Pad 6F, has appeared on India's BIS certification database.
• The Pad 6F could feature a 144Hz display and Dimensity 9500s chip.

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OPPO has two new tablets in the pipeline, but only one has a confirmed launch date. The OPPO Pad Air 6 is set to debut in China on November 16th alongside the Reno 17 series, with the company listing its full specifications ahead of the announcement. Meanwhile, a tablet bearing model number OPD2605 has appeared on India's BIS certification website. It's believed to be the OPPO Pad 6F, suggesting the company could have another model planned for the Indian market. The Pad Air 6 is an update to OPPO's mid-range Pad Air lineup, while the Pad 6F could sit closer to the company's higher-performance Pad 6 series.

OPPO Pad Air 6 specifications

The OPPO Pad Air 6 has a 12.1-inch LCD with a 2,800 x 1,980-pixel resolution, 7:5 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate. The tablet is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 7360 Super processor, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. Buyers will get 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB options in China, alongside Wi-Fi and 5G variants. A 10,050mAh battery with 33W SuperVOOC charging, quad speakers and 8MP cameras on both sides complete the package. The tablet runs Android 17-based ColorOS 17 and weighs around 603 gms.

If you think the spec sheet looks familiar, that's because the Pad Air 5 already offered the same display resolution, refresh rate and battery capacity, along with 33W charging. Its Dimensity 7300 Ultra chip is the main component being upgraded. OPPO also brought the Pad Air 5 to India as the Pad 5, starting at Rs 26,999. That makes an India launch for the Air 6 possible, but the company hasn't confirmed it.

OPPO Pad 6F spotted on BIS

Meanwhile, the BIS listing for model OPD2605 was spotted on November 9th but it doesn't reveal any name or specifications. The same model number earlier appeared on Malaysia's SIRIM database with the Pad 6F name, so we establish that correlation, while Thailand's NBTC listing points to 4G connectivity.

Leaks suggest a 12.1-inch LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate and MediaTek Dimensity 9500s chipset. These details are still unconfirmed. The Pad 6F is also not the same device as the OPPO Pad 6, which launched in China in May with a 144Hz display, Dimensity 9500s processor and 10,420mAh battery supporting 67W charging.

If the Pad 6F does arrive in India with those rumoured specifications, it could compete in a more performance-focused segment against tablets such as the Xiaomi Pad 8. The Pad Air 6, meanwhile, would face more direct competition from the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G and OnePlus Pad Go 2, both of which offer 12.1-inch 120Hz displays.

OPPO hasn't announced prices for the Pad Air 6 or an India launch date for either model. Buyers looking for a tablet in the Rs 25,000 - Rs 35,000 range already have capable options from Redmi and OnePlus. It would be worth waiting for OPPO's India plans, particularly for the Pad 6F, but the BIS listing alone is not confirmation of an imminent launch.

• This is an add-on voucher and not a recharge plan.
• Vi lets users choose two OTT platforms.
• The OTT subscriptions last for 28 days. 

[/highlights]

Vi (Vodafone Idea) has launched a new data voucher in India. This data voucher is priced at Rs 35 and gives Vi users access to 1GB of 4G/5G data for a week. In addition to the data, this voucher also comes with OTT subscriptions for 28 days. So, even if the 1GB data might seem less, interested users can get access to OTT subscriptions at a much lower price than usual.

Vi Rs 35 data voucher details 

This recharge top-up is priced at Rs 35 and can be purchased as an add-on to your existing prepaid plan. It offers 1GB of 4G or 5G data, depending on your device's compatibility, for 7 days. If there's any data remaining after 7 days, it will expire. A more exciting benefit of this prepaid voucher is OTT subscriptions for 28 days. So, even after the seven-day period is over for the 1GB data benefit, the OTT subscriptions will continue for 28 days. 

With this voucher, Vi users can choose two premium OTT platforms available in the Vi Movies & TV application. There are several OTT platforms available in this app, ranging from Hindi and English to regional content. Some of these include Sony Liv, Jio Hotstar, Shemaroo, Playflix for K-dramas, and more. You can then watch content on the OTT platforms that you choose for 28 days straight. Do note that this premium streaming access is restricted to mobile only. 

As mentioned above, this data voucher is an add-on and not a recharge plan. So you'd need to have an active recharge plan with validity to use this top-up. It's an affordable data voucher that you can use to watch OTT content without having to subscribe separately and pay extra. So if you're someone who watches movies and TV shows on your phone, this voucher makes sense. However, the OTT platforms might seem limited, so if you want to watch more content on different streaming platforms, alternative recharge plans would be better. 

In comparison, Jio offers a 5GB data plan priced at Rs 103 with access to three OTT bundles (Hindi, international, regional) with validity for 28 days. Airtel's is a bit expensive at Rs 200, with 28 days' validity and access to Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5 Premium, SonyLIV, YouTube, and 18+ other OTT platforms through Airtel Xstream Play.

Pricing and availability

The 8TB model costs $699, and the 20TB model costs $899. Both are available now on Seagate's online store and through authorised partners, though availability varies by market. The release is date-limited to India but lists prices only in US dollars, so Indian pricing and stock are not yet confirmed.

How it works

Seagate says external storage has forced a choice between fast and small (SSD) or big and slow (hard drive). The Forge is meant to remove that choice. Alkemi supposedly learns in real time which files you use often and moves them to the SSD. In practice, you should never have to decide where files go. You see one drive, and the software handles the rest. Seagate also points to IDC's forecast that global data creation will rise from 218 zettabytes in 2025 to over 718 zettabytes by 2030, which is why it believes people need both fast access and large capacity.

The Forge reaches up to 2,500MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write over USB4. It comes in 8TB and 20TB capacities with an upgradeable hard drive, and it supports Windows 11 and macOS 26 and later. The SSD is not included, and Seagate says you must provide one for the drive to work.

What Seagate has not said

Seagate has not shared the cache size, how quickly Alkemi adapts, or what happens when the SSD fills up. It also gave no hard drive speeds and no list of compatible SSD sizes or brands. These details will matter for real-world use.

A portable SSD in the 4TB to 8TB range costs far more per terabyte, so the Forge's pitch is much more capacity at a lower price per terabyte, with SSD speed for the files you use most. A regular external hard drive in the 8TB to 20TB range is cheaper, but its speeds are typically around 200 to 250MB/s, so the Forge is a big step up, though only for data that is on the SSD at that moment. You could also build a similar setup with a separate SSD and hard drive and manage files yourself. Seagate's value is automatic management inside one enclosure.

The Forge suits gamers with large libraries, video editors working with 4K projects, and anyone who wants one big drive that feels fast for everyday files. Remember that the $699 and $899 prices do not include the SSD, so the real cost is higher.

The 2,500MB/s figure applies to data on the SSD. A file you have not used for a while may load from the hard drive and feel slower, so how well Alkemi predicts your habits will decide how good the drive feels. You will also need a USB4-capable computer to get the full speeds, since older ports will cap performance. Because Alkemi is new, it is worth waiting for independent reviews.

• Samsung is reportedly testing a sliding display that extends upwards rather than sideways.
• A recently published patent describes two sliding sections connected by a flexible screen.
• Samsung's first commercial rollable phone is tipped to arrive in the first half of 2028, although it's unclear whether this is the same device.

[/highlights]

Samsung was instrumental in making foldables mainstream as we know them, with the original Galaxy Z Fold launched in 2019. Then the company started the compact, wide trend with this year's Galaxy Z Fold 8, and now it seems to be taking its first steps to kick off another category. Samsung could be exploring another way to make smartphone screens larger without making the device bulkier. A new leak suggests the company is developing a phone with a vertically sliding display that changes from a 16:9 aspect ratio to 21:9 when extended. The design would be different from the sideways-expanding rollable phones demonstrated by several manufacturers so far.

Samsung slidable phone

The information comes from tipster Ice Universe, who has shared concept images of the alleged device. Samsung hasn't confirmed the project, so everything should be treated as leaks for now. However, there's some history behind the idea. At MWC 2026, Samsung Display showcased a Mobile Slidable concept that expanded upwards, taking its screen from 5.1 inches to 6.7 inches. The panel moved from a 16:9 format to 22:9 when extended. However, the prototype was still under development and didn't have a motorised mechanism.

Samsung is developing a phone with a display that can extend from 16:9 to 21:9. Some people prefer a wider screen, while others like a taller form factor. This design could accommodate both, letting users adjust the proportions to suit what they're doing. If Samsung can make it work, it could be a very appealing solution. Battery capacity is the big challenge, though. The sliding mechanism would take up a considerable amount of internal space, leaving less room for the battery. How much capacity could Samsung fit inside? And would it deliver enough battery life with the screen fully extended? Those are questions it needs to answer before this becomes a practical everyday device.

— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) November 11, 2026

A Samsung patent published in October offers another clue. It describes a device made up of two housing sections that slide relative to each other, with a flexible display connecting them. The arrangement is broadly in line with the latest leak, although a patent doesn't mean Samsung intends to sell a phone based on it. The 16:9 and 21:9 figures may also have been inferred from the leaked concept images.

Samsung has experimented with expandable displays for years. Its earlier Flex Hybrid concept combined folding and sliding technology, while the Rollable Flex prototype demonstrated how an OLED panel could expand considerably beyond its original size. These were Samsung Display demonstrations, however, and not commercial smartphones.

A sliding screen could give users a more compact phone for everyday use and additional display space when needed. The shorter format may suit basic tasks, while the extended screen could be useful for reading, browsing and watching widescreen content. Getting that mechanism into a phone is another matter, of course. Motors, rails and the flexible display would take up internal space that could otherwise accommodate a larger battery or other components. The mechanism would also need to withstand repeated movement without damaging the panel. Samsung would have to address these concerns before the design could become a practical alternative to conventional foldables. Motorola and OPPO have also demonstrated rollable phone concepts, including designs that expand sideways. However, these experiments have not resulted in widely available commercial smartphones.

Separately, reports have suggested Samsung is targeting the first half of 2028 for its first commercial rollable smartphone. The device could be marketed as the Galaxy Z Roll, though Samsung has not confirmed the name or launch timeline. It's not clear whether the phone in Ice Universe's latest leak is this same project or a separate design. There's no confirmed price, launch date or India availability for either device. Anyone considering a premium Samsung phone today would be better served by looking at the existing Galaxy Z Fold lineup rather than waiting for a concept that may still be years away.

• Vivo X500s will be the fourth phone in the flagship lineup.
• It's expected to launch as the most affordable model.
• It could house a large 6.85-inch display. 

[/highlights]

Vivo's flagship X500 lineup features the standard X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. Another model could join the lineup, which is rumoured to be the Vivo X500s. It will most likely be offered as an affordable alternative to the flagship X500 lineup. This handset will also succeed the Vivo X300s, which debuted earlier this year in March. A new leak reveals key specifications of the X500s. Here's what to expect. 

Vivo X500s specifications (expected)

A new leak by tipster Digital Chat Station talks about an S-series flagship, believed to be the Vivo X500s. Going by this speculation, the Vivo X500s could feature a 6.85-inch 2K+ flat display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an LTPO panel. In comparison, the X500s would be slightly bigger than the X300s and have a higher resolution. It's tipped to house a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, which would be an upgrade over the X300s' 50MP camera.

The smartphone is also said to use the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series chipset. This means that the X500s will deliver flagship performance. The Vivo X300s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. 

According to the tipster, this smartphone is meant to offer an all-around large-screen flagship phone. So you're essentially getting the same screen size as the Vivo X500 Pro Max and the same chipset as the flagship lineup. The camera specs might be toned down, but you'd still get a similar experience and, most likely, Zeiss optics. 

Based on what has leaked so far, the Vivo X500s seems like a good option for buyers who want a large-screened flagship with good cameras and fast performance. If these are your requirements, the Vivo X500s could be worth waiting for. The Vivo X500s could also be offered as an affordable flagship for buyers who don't want to pay a premium for the other X500 models. Since Vivo hasn't officially teased the X500s yet, those in a hurry might want to go ahead with available options like the Vivo X300s. 

Availability

The range comes in 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 and 115-inch sizes, starting at Rs 75,000 for the 55-inch. It is on sale from November 12, 2026, at leading retail stores.

How the eye comfort system works

Vu says eye strain comes from the gap between the screen and the room, not from brightness alone. A bright screen in a dim room forces the eyes to keep adjusting, and sudden cuts from dark scenes to bright ones add to the strain. The AEye TV runs a continuous loop, frame by frame:

• Senses the room: the sensor measures the room's brightness and the colour of its light.
• Reads the scene: the AI recognises whether a frame is a dark thriller, a bright sports broadcast or a sunlit travel show.
• Balances the two: brightness, contrast, gamma, colour temperature, HDR intensity and local dimming are tuned to the room.
• Smooths the jumps: dark-to-bright cuts are eased so the eyes are not jolted.
• Warms up at night: the picture shifts to warmer tones later in the evening.

The brand argues that most people never change their TV's brightness settings after setup, so the TV does it for them. Which I think is true: a layman doesn't really care about the settings once the setup is complete.

Picture and sound

Display: RGB MiniLED with 100% BT.2020 colour coverage.

Brightness: up to 2,500 nits XDR on the 55- to 98-inch models, and 3,000 nits on the 115-inch.

Local dimming: up to 2,000 zones, and 2,696 on the 115-inch.

Motion: 288Hz Fluid Motion with a Hyper-Motion AI engine.

Audio (55 to 98-inch): a 110W VuFx system with 4 speakers and 2 rear woofers.

Audio (115-inch): a 240W, 10-driver system with 8 speakers and 2 rear subwoofers, with top, side and down-firing drivers.

Sound features: Dolby Atmos and a Dolby AC-4 Dialogue Enhancer.

Smart features: Google TV with Gemini AI, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage and two Bluetooth voice remotes.

Design: an aluminium-alloy body and the signature Armani Gold finish. Personalised Frame Mode turns the screen into a digital art display when it is off.

Pricing

RGB MiniLED is still rare in India. Hisense's UR8S RGB MiniLED series starts at Rs 1,19,990 for 55 inches. At Rs 75,000, Vu's 55-inch AEye TV is much cheaper for similar technology. The Hisense peaks at 3,500 nits, above Vu's 2,500 nits at this size. The 115-inch is a statement product. At Rs 13,00,000, it sits next to LG's 100-inch Micro RGB evo at Rs 12,99,990, but it is 15 inches larger.

Mid-sizes face crowded rivals. The 65- to 85-inch models compete with LG's QNED Mini LED and Samsung's Neo QLED ranges, which have stronger brand recognition and service networks. Vu's edge is the eye comfort feature, the design and the lower entry price.

The 55- and 65-inch models are the most compelling. They bring RGB MiniLED and the eye comfort features at prices well below the Hisense UR8S. Meanwhile, the 98- and 115-inch models suit buyers who want a showpiece. Check delivery, installation and service terms before buying at this price.

If you watch mostly at night or in dim rooms, the automatic brightness and warm-tone shift are the main reasons to choose this range.

A caution on the eye comfort claims

The press release says the system helps "minimise eye fatigue," but it does not mention any third-party certification or medical testing. This is Vu's own claim. Competing TVs already have ambient light sensors and auto-brightness, so how much better Vu's system is will need hands-on reviews. Vu has also not said whether the eye comfort features can be switched off or adjusted.

Vu is moving the AI pitch in TVs away from sharper pictures and better search and towards viewer wellbeing. If the system works well, it could set the Masterpiece range apart from similarly specced rivals. The aggressive pricing on smaller sizes shows Vu wants RGB MiniLED to reach more buyers than the very top of the market.

• Xiaomi's Paris event will cover wearables, open-ear audio and Mijia smart home products, beyond the Xiaomi 18 Pro phones.
• The Xiaomi 18 hasn't launched in China or anywhere yet.
• India availability remains unconfirmed for the ecosystem products.

[/highlights]

Xiaomi had confirmed its launching its next pack of flagship, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, globally at an event on Paris on November 17th. Now, it seems to be turning into a much bigger product event than initially expected. The company has revealed that it will showcase the Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm, Smart Band 11 and its first clip-on earbuds, called the Xiaomi Clip, alongside the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. New Mijia smart home appliances will also feature at the event.

Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm, Smart Band 11 and Clip: what to expect

The Xiaomi Smart Band 11 debuted in China in September and went on sale in Europe in October. The Watch S5 41mm appeared on Xiaomi's global website earlier this month, ahead of the Paris announcement. Both products are therefore known, and the event will confirm their pricing and regional availability.

The Xiaomi Clip are the company's first clip-on earbuds, which attach to the ear rather than sitting inside the ear canal. That puts them in the same emerging category as Huawei's FreeClip and Bose's Ultra Open earbuds. Comfort and awareness of surrounding sounds are key selling points in this segment, but sound leakage and how securely they fit will matter just as much.

Xiaomi has also promised new Mijia smart appliances. Reports point to products such as a multi-door refrigerator, washer-dryer and robot vacuum cleaners, although the company hasn't detailed the full range yet. The announcement is part of Xiaomi's effort to build a broader product ecosystem, rather than rely on smartphones alone.

Will the new Xiaomi products launch in India?

India availability of the devices is less certain. Xiaomi has a sizeable local ecosystem spanning smartphones, tablets, TVs, earbuds, smartwatches, air purifiers and robot vacuum cleaners. However, its global product range doesn't always make it to India.

The Smart Band 11 has the strongest case for an Indian launch. Xiaomi hasn't brought a new generation of its Mi Band series to the country since the Mi Band 6 in 2021. A recent tip from Yogesh Brar suggested that the fitness band lineup could return, although he didn't confirm the model or launch date. The Smart Band 11 would be a natural candidate, especially in a market where it would compete with other trackers such as Samsung's Galaxy Fit range and Google's Fitbit.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro has already been teased for India, but the Pro Max's local availability remains unconfirmed. The November 17th global event should not be taken as confirmation of an Indian launch for either model. The Watch S5 41mm and Xiaomi Clip have no confirmed India launch dates either. For anyone considering a new fitness band or open-ear earbuds, it may be worth waiting until the event for prices and availability details. But Indian buyers should hold off on assuming these products will arrive here immediately. Xiaomi's local rollout plans are still the bigger question.

• Vivo is bringing all three X500 phones to India.
• The Pro Max will launch with a bundled photographer kit.
• Pricing might cross 2 lakhs for the Pro Max model. 

[/highlights]

Shortly after teasing the Vivo X500 series in India, it has now confirmed the launch date. This is Vivo's flagship lineup, featuring three phones: Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. All three phones are confirmed to launch in India. Vivo is also bringing its first smartwatch, the Watch GT 2, to India alongside the X500 series. 

Vivo X500 series India launch date

The Vivo X500 series is scheduled to launch in India on November 26th. The launch event will take place at 12 pm, which will most likely be livestreamed for viewers in India. Vivo is launching the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max, and the Watch GT 2 as well, so it's going to be a power-packed event that day. The Vivo X500 Pro Max photographer kit and the Vivo Imaging grip kit are also launching in India. 

Vivo X500 series: what to expect

The Vivo X500 series includes three phones with the X500 as the standard model, the X500 Pro as the mid-tier variant, and the X500 Pro Max as the top-end model. Starting with the Vivo X500, it has a 6.59-inch 1.5K 144Hz OLED display, a Dimensity 9600M chipset, and a 7,500mAh battery. The X500 Pro is the compact model this time, with a smaller 6.36-inch 1.5K 144Hz LTPO OLED display. It also comes with the 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro processor and a 6,510mAh battery. Both phones have 50MP primary cameras and dedicated telephoto sensors.

The X500 Pro Max is the highlight here, boasting a 6.85-inch 2K 144Hz display, the Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, and an 8,000mAh battery in China. It offers the most versatile and advanced camera setup in the series with a 50MP main camera, a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and CIPA 7.0 stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP selfie camera. The X500 Pro Max also supports ZEISS Telephoto Extenders (Gen 2 and Gen 2 Ultra) for extended optical and digital range.

The Vivo X500 is tipped to cost Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the X500 Pro could launch at Rs 1,49,999. The X500 Pro Max will reportedly launch at Rs 1,79,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant. The photography kit, which comes with the telephoto extenders and other accessories, is tipped to launch at Rs 2,29,999. If Vivo does launch the X500 series at these prices, it would be lower than the Find X10 lineup, which starts at Rs 1,39,999 and goes up to Rs 1,99,999.

Vivo's flagship series is clearly aimed at photography enthusiasts, especially the X500 Pro Max with its telephoto extenders. The Vivo X500 and X500 Pro can still be considered by buyers who want a camera flagship with a compact form factor. However, we'd still advise waiting for official pricing and reviews to see if you should upgrade or not. 

• OPPO Find X10 Ultra has reportedly been cancelled.
• Its hardware is now said to be featured on another phone. 
• OPPO is already testing a new phone with the Find X10 Ultra's rumoured specs. 

[/highlights]

Rumours surrounding the OPPO Find X10 Ultra have been coming in thick and fast. Just as details about its specifications begin to emerge, another leak claims that the phone has been cancelled. However, a fresh leak now suggests that the hardware intended for the Find X10 Ultra could still make its way to another model. OPPO has yet to confirm any of these reports.

Cancelled OPPO Find X10 Ultra hardware details

Tipster Digital Chat Station has been revealing details about the Find X10 Ultra, especially its camera specifications. DCS later posted about the possibility of the Find X10 Ultra being cancelled. Although not officially confirmed, OPPO could be restrategizing its premium lineup as rising memory costs have led to phones launching at ultra-high prices. The tipster's latest post is more confident, as he mentions that the hardware of the Find X10 Ultra will be distributed among future models. 

According to DCS, the hardware that was supposed to be used for the Find X10 Ultra will now be considered for future OPPO models. The tipster adds that a major smartphone model is being tested with a large 6.89-inch 2K BOE display, a 100MP 1:1 square front camera, and a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.12-inch sensor. These specifications are what had been rumoured for the Find X10 Ultra. So it looks like we'll get the same or similar hardware but in another OPPO device. 

The Find X10 Ultra is also expected to feature a 10x periscope telephoto camera, but it's not clear if this will land on the new OPPO phone being tested. This is a key hardware feature that debuted on the Find X9 Ultra and separated it from competing flagships. The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max's 200MP periscope telephoto camera caps at 3x optical zoom, and you need the extender lens for 10x zoom support. 

OPPO has yet to officially confirm any of these rumours, so for now it all remains speculation. Also, there's enough time before the Find X10 Ultra's rumoured launch, which is expected to take place next year. OPPO has already launched the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro as part of its latest flagship offerings, but the Find X10 Ultra would be its ultimate camera weapon. Since we don't have concrete information yet, it's better to take all this with a pinch of salt. If you need a high-zoom camera now, look at the Find X10 Pro Max or Find X9 Ultra, rather than waiting for this rumored mystery device.

• The iQOO 16R/16s may carry a fairly compact display
• The iQOO 16R/16s could feature an upcoming sub-flagship-grade Snapdragon processor.
• The smartphone could sell under different names across international markets.

[/highlights]

The iQOO 15R made waves earlier this year not only as the first iQOO smartphone in India with a fairly compact 6.59-inch display, but also as the first 'R' phone in the lineup. Now, its successor, the iQOO 16R, which could also reportedly end up being called iQOO 16s, has received BIS certification. While iQOO confirmed the release of the flagship iQOO 16 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor in India during IMC 2026, the iQOO 16R's appearance on the BIS certification list suggests the smartphone could launch in the country.

iQOO 16R/16s bags BIS certification for India launch

According to an X post by Anvin (@ZionsAnvin), an iQOO smartphone named iQOO 16s (or 16R) with the model name I2606 has completed the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) process for launch in India. Through this procedure, the government mandates the quality and safety clearance required for all smartphones, feature phones, and wireless handsets manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

iQOO 16s (or 16R - I2606) has been received by the BIS authority in India. #iQOO #iQOO16R #iQOO16s https://t.co/IkWbA52AdV

— Anvin (@ZionsAnvin) November 11, 2026

Now, whether the upcoming iQOO 16s will directly succeed the iQOO 15R in India or the brand will stick with the iQOO 16R name, we'll have to wait and see, with more official and unofficial reports. In other news, the iQOO 16R was recently certified in Indonesia, indicating different naming for different markets. Apart from this, the BIS certification doesn't reveal any iQOdetails or specifications of the smartphone.

iQOO 16R/16s could end up being rebranded iQOO Z12 Turbo

If history is any guide, the iQOO 16R/16s is likely a rebranded iQOO Z12 Turbo in India, as with the iQOO Z11 Turbo, which launched here as the iQOO 15R. While earlier reports suggested that the iQOO 16R could share similar specifications with the newly launched iQOO Neo 12, that now seems unlikely since the Neo 12 sports a 6.83-inch display, which doesn't fit with the 'R' series' offering of packing a compact display.

That said, the iQOO Z12 Turbo hasn't been officially announced in China; however, key specifications have been revealed through leaks and reports. For starters, it could carry a 6.59-inch display with up to a 165Hz refresh rate, up from the 144Hz found on the iQOO Z11 Turbo (iQOO 15R). The device could be powered by the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Pro. Qualcomm has yet to launch these chipsets.

A recent leak from DCS suggests iQOO is testing 9,000mAh and 10,000mAh batteries for the iQOO Z12 Turbo, which would exceed the 8,400mAh cell in the iQOO 16, at least in the Chinese variant. Since the iQOO 16R, if launched in India, will compete against the OnePlus 16R (rumoured to be rebranded OnePlus Ace 7 Pro), it could match its 9,000mAh battery capacity.

With performance-oriented phones like the iQOO 15R, OnePlus 15R, and Motorola Edge 70 Max already featuring batteries over 7,000mAh, it isn't surprising to see iQOO pushing the boundaries to pack more mAh into next-generation smartphones. Apart from this, it remains to be seen what upgrades or improvements the upcoming iQOO sub-flagship brings in display, camera, and cooling. The iQOO 16R could be worth keeping an eye out for those seeking a performance-oriented device, though it may be priced noticeably higher than the iQOO 15R due to the ongoing memory crisis.

• The Indian certification listing of the Samsung Galaxy S27+ carries the model number SM-S956B/DS.
• It follows the Galaxy S27's BIS appearance earlier this month.
• Samsung is expected to expand the lineup with a new Galaxy S27 Pro, but it hasn't been spotted on BIS yet.

[/highlights]

We're heading towards the end of the year and Samsung's next Plus flagship has taken another step towards an Indian launch. Annually refreshed in January, the Samsung Galaxy S27+ has appeared on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website. The listing doesn't reveal any specifications, but it's an indication that Samsung is preparing the phone for India. The standard Galaxy S27 had appeared on the BIS database a few days earlier, but the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra are yet to show up.

Samsung Galaxy S27+ India launch details

The Samsung Galaxy S27+ was spotted with model number SM-S956B/DS, according to tipster Anvin. The November 2026 registration, R-85000280, lists Samsung India Electronics Private Limited as the manufacturer, with its address in Noida. The model number suggests this is the global dual-SIM version intended for markets including India. BIS approval doesn't reveal any more, but it puts the S27+ among the devices being prepared for the Indian market.

Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy S27 series at a Galaxy Unpacked event in January or February 2027. Some reports have pointed to an earlier January launch, although February remains possible. The company has expectedly not confirmed the event or the lineup so far.

Samsung Galaxy S27+: what to expect

As per leaks, the Galaxy S27+ is said to retain a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It could run on Samsung's Exynos 2700 or a Snapdragon 8 Elite-series processor, depending on the market. Other reported specifications include 12GB RAM, 256GB or 512GB storage, a 4,900mAh battery and 45W wired charging. The camera setup is expected to retail a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide camera and 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Android 17 with One UI is tipped for the software side. These details remain leaks, not confirmed specifications.

For context, the Galaxy S26+ launched in India at Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. It offers a 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Exynos 2600 in India, a 4,900mAh battery and 45W wired charging. The S27+ could therefore be an incremental upgrade on paper if the reported display, battery and camera specifications hold. A price increase looks likely though, with the ongoing DRAM shortage adding to the pressure on smartphone makers. The S27+ could therefore launch above the S26+'s Rs 1,19,999 starting price.

Since certifications have started appearing, it signals the launch is close and it would make sense for buyers purchasing in the segment to wait for more details.

Flagship: EPYC 9996

AMD calls the EPYC 9996 the world's best general-purpose server processor. Its claims, all from AMD's own testing:

• Up to 3.7x the performance of a system with Nvidia's Vera CPU
• Up to 2.2x the performance of Intel's Xeon 6980P
• Up to 2.0x the performance per dollar of the Xeon 6980P

AMD says this lets each server support more applications, transactions and users within the same power and space limits. The press release does not give core counts, clock speeds for the 9996 or pricing.

Agentic AI: three CPU roles

An AI agent is not just a model answering a question. It plans, calls tools, runs code, and reads databases. The GPU runs the AI model, but a lot of the surrounding work runs on CPUs. AMD says that work falls into three jobs, and each job needs a different kind of CPU.

• General-purpose services: These are the ordinary business servers around the AI, such as databases, web apps and APIs. AMD's EPYC 9996 is built for this.
• GPU host nodes: The CPU sits next to the GPU and feeds it data and instructions. If the CPU is slow, the GPU sits idle, and GPUs are the most expensive part. So AMD uses fast chips (up to 5.3 GHz) here. "1.8x LLM output throughput" means the AI model produces text up to 1.8 times faster than with the previous AMD generation.
• Agent sandboxes: When an agent runs code or uses a tool, it does so in a small, isolated environment, like a safe mini-computer. Thousands of agents means thousands of these. AMD uses chips with many cores here, so more agents fit on one CPU.

The numbers, in plain terms

• "3.3x agents per CPU watt": For the same electricity, AMD says its chip runs about 3.3 times more agents than Nvidia's Vera, and about 2.5 times more than Intel's Xeon 6980P.
• "1.18x agents per rack in a 35 kW limit": A rack can only draw so much power. AMD says its tuned power settings let a rack run about 18% more agents than default settings in the same power budget.

From server to rack

AMD sells whole racks called Helion, in three types:

1. Helion Liquid: water-cooled, for packing in the most agents. It is meant for very large deployments.
2. Helion Air: air-cooled, for companies that want to add agent capacity to data centres they already have.
3. Helion Air Inference: puts CPUs and GPUs in the same rack, so agents can run code and AI models together.

"73,728 threads in one rack" is the total number of tasks the rack's CPUs can handle at once. AMD uses it as a stand-in for "most agents in a rack," though one thread is not exactly one agent.

All of these comparisons are AMD's own claims. Real results depend on the workload and how the system is set up, so independent tests are needed.

Customers and availability

• Meta is a lead customer and is validating 6th Gen EPYC platforms ahead of deployment at scale.
• Microsoft Azure has HDv2 in preview (AI data processing, agentic AI, HPC), HXv2 for EDA and technical computing, and ND MI455X v7 (based on Helios) for AI inference.
• OCI will power its Compute E7 instances with 6th Gen EPYC.
• AMD also launched 6th Gen EPYC Embedded processors separately.

AMD's main targets are Nvidia's Vera CPU and Intel's Xeon 6980P. These are AMD's own numbers, and the footnotes with test setups were not included, so the real gains depend on workload and configuration. The "agents per rack" framing also overlaps with Intel's recent push for a "delivered agents per rack" metric. Both companies now argue that agentic AI should be judged by how many agents a rack can run, not by core count. Independent tests at a fixed latency target will show whose numbers hold up.

AMD is betting that AI agents will increase demand for CPUs, not just GPUs. Its pitch is that buyers can stay on x86, with one software and security stack, and pick the chip that fits each job. Meta, Azure, and OCI backing helps, but the performance leads still need external confirmation. India availability and pricing have not been announced.

• Vivo Y31e 4G is expected to launch as a new budget phone.
• The handset will be the fourth in the Vivo Y31 lineup.
• The Y31e's specifications haven't been revealed yet.

[/highlights]

Vivo Y31e could be an upcoming budget phone from the brand as part of its Y series. 91mobiles has spotted the handset on Thailand's NBTC certification site, suggesting its imminent launch. The Vivo Y31e would be the fourth phone in the lineup after the Vivo Y31, Vivo Y31 Pro and Vivo Y31t. This is the first time we're learning about the Vivo Y31e; although there was a Y31e 5G spotted online last year, the phone never launched. 

Vivo Y31e 4G NBTC certification

According to the listing, the Vivo Y31e carries the model number V2661. The certification confirms the phone's name and its launch in Thailand. While it doesn't reveal any Y31e specifications, the listing suggests the phone may support only 4G. This means that the Vivo Y31e would be a 4G smartphone, possibly sitting below the Y31 and Y31 Pro. While it may seem surprising that Vivo is launching a 4G phone in 2026, the ongoing memory crunch has led to a shift in the budget segment where brands have been launching 4G phones. 

Interestingly, there was a Vivo Y31e 5G spotted in the Bluetooth SIG database around October last year. However, the phone never launched, and we didn't hear anything about it further. It looks like the phone has been revived, and if Vivo intends to launch the Y31e soon, we should get to know more details about it. 

Both the Vivo Y31 and Y31 Pro are over a year old now, as they launched in India on September 15th, 2025. The Vivo Y31t 5G is still new, as it launched in September this year. It's priced at Rs 31,499 and comes with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, a 7200mAh battery, 50 MP + 2 MP rear cameras, and an 8MP front camera. If the Vivo Y31e does launch, it may offer similar hardware with a large battery, an entry-level processor, and a basic camera setup. Since it could offer only 4G, the Y31e is expected to be priced lower than the other Y31 models. 

It's still too early to say more about the Vivo Y31e since we're yet to learn its specifications. For now, you could keep an eye on the Y31e if you're on the lookout for a budget 4G phone from Vivo. 

OPPO Pad 6 NBTC details

The NBTC listing shows the OPPO Pad 6 with model number OPD2620. Like most regulatory listings, it doesn't include specs, pricing, or a launch date, and certifications can come weeks or months ahead of a launch.

It's worth treating the rebrand theory with some caution. The model number doesn't match the Pad Air6, which OPPO's China site lists as OPD2613 for the Wi-Fi version and OPD2614 for the SIM version. That doesn't rule out a connection, as regional variants often carry their own model numbers, but it means the certification doesn't prove the two are the same tablet.

There's also some confusion about the naming. OPPO already sells a different tablet called the OPPO Pad 6 in China with model number OPD2601. It launched in May with a 12.1-inch 3K 144Hz display, the Dimensity 9500s chipset, and a 10,420mAh battery, and starts at CNY 3,499. So the Thai listing could be that tablet heading overseas, or a global version of the Pad Air6 using the Pad 6 name, as the Pad Air5 did with the Pad 5. Until OPPO confirms, it's not clear which.

OPPO Pad Air6 specifications (as listed in China)

OPPO's China website lists the full specs of the Pad Air6, with a Book Now button but no price. Not much has changed from the Pad Air5. The tablet has a 12.1-inch LCD with a 2800 x 1980 resolution, a 7:5 aspect ratio, and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. OPPO lists a typical maximum brightness of 600 nits and a peak of 900 nits, with 100 percent sRGB coverage in Natural mode and 98 percent DCI-P3 in Vivid mode. As with its predecessor, there are also Soft Light editions with a matte display to cut glare. The tablet comes in Encounter Blue and Starlight Silver.

The Pad Air6 is powered by the Dimensity 7360 Super, an incremental step up from the Dimensity 7300 Ultra in the Pad Air5. It comes in 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB configurations with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, and in Wi-Fi and 5G versions.

The battery is the same 10,050mAh as before, with 33W SuperVOOC and UFCS charging, and the USB-C port is USB 2.0. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD, and there are four speakers and two microphones. The cameras are basic, with 8MP front and rear sensors that record 1080p video at 30fps, and there's face unlock but no fingerprint scanner. The tablet runs ColorOS 17, and OPPO highlights an updated Notes app with AI features. An optional stylus is supported.

At 6.89mm thick and around 603g, the Pad Air6 is slightly thicker and heavier than the Pad Air5, which is 6.83mm thick and weighs 597g in its Wi-Fi version.

Price and launch timeline

OPPO hasn't announced pricing for the Pad Air6 or any global launch plans, including for India. For context, the Pad Air5 launched in China in December 2025 at CNY 1,899 (roughly Rs 27,000) for the 8GB + 128GB Wi-Fi model. The Pad Air6 launches in China on Monday, November 16. We will have to wait and see if the Pad Air6 and the Pad 6 global model are the same device.

• The Vivo X500 lineup comprises a Pro Max variant for the first time, with an Ultra said to launch later.
• The Vivo X500 prices are tipped to start at Rs 1,19,999, with the Pro Max Master Set reportedly costing Rs 2,29,999.
• Vivo has also teased the Watch GT 2 and Zeiss telephoto extenders for the Indian market.

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We're in the midst of the Android flagship season in India and it's Vivo's turn now. The company could launch its Vivo X500 flagship series in India at the end of the month, with sales reportedly beginning in December, claims tipster Sanju Choudhary. The launch is also expected to include the Vivo Watch GT 2 and Zeiss telephoto extenders.

Vivo X500 series India launch date and expected pricing

Vivo has already confirmed that the X500 series is coming to India through its teaser campaign, but hasn't announced an event date. Earlier reports pointed to November 25th, but now, tipster Sanju Choudhary claims the phones will launch in India a day later on November 26th, and sales will begin on December 2nd. The series debuted in China in September and reached global markets in October.

According to Choudhary, the Vivo X500 could cost Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB + 256GB storage variant. The X500 Pro is tipped at Rs 1,49,999 for the same configuration, while the X500 Pro Max could start at Rs 1,59,999. The Pro Max is also expected to get a 12GB + 512GB variant priced at Rs 1,79,999. A Master Set, with its bundled accessories, is reportedly listed at Rs 2,29,999. The tipster claims exclusive discounts will be available at offline stores, although the exact offers haven't been disclosed.

These prices would mean a substantial increase from the X300 series. The Vivo X300 launched at Rs 75,999 for its 12GB + 256GB variant, while the X300 Pro started at Rs 1,09,999 for 16GB + 512GB.

Which Vivo X500 model should you consider?

The Vivo X500 Pro Max is the obvious choice for buyers who want Vivo's best camera hardware. Its 200MP periscope camera and compatibility with the Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, which offers a 400mm-equivalent focal length, give it a clear advantage for long-range photography. But that advantage comes at a steep price, and the extender is an additional purchase rather than something buyers should assume is included with the phone.

The standard X500 may make more sense for those who want a premium Vivo flagship without spending close to Rs 1.5 lakh. The Pro sits in an awkward middle ground at its rumoured price, so buyers will need to weigh its camera and hardware upgrades against the much cheaper standard model and the Pro Max's more ambitious camera setup.

Given the sizeable price jump over the X300 range, it may be worth waiting for official pricing and launch offers before placing an order. The claimed offline discounts could make a difference, particularly on the Pro and Pro Max. Buyers should also compare the cost of the phone and the camera accessory together, rather than judging the Pro Max on its starting price alone.