Smartphone News and Reviews, Latest Cellphones, Accessories, New Launches, Specifications, Details with Image and Video from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Moto, HTC, Xiaomi, Oneplus, Meizu, Sony, Lava, Micromax Yu Mobile and More.
Huawei has released a new smartphone in Beijing called the Honor 7i with a flip-up camera at the back.
The flip up camera at the back allows you to use the Honor 7i’s rear-facing camera as a front-facing camera as well. It can actually be set at any angle within 180 degrees and come with a 13MP sensor with a f/2.0 aperture. The special features include, Auto Exposure, Auto White Balance, Automatic Face Recognition and Auto Smile Shutter. The camera is also said to be able to provide low-light performance due to SLR grade iSP.
Another interesting feature is it’s side-placed fingerprint scanner. The other features of this phone also include a 5.2-inch 1080p LCD Negative display, along with 3GB of PDDR3 RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 616 64-bit octa-core processor and comes with a 3100 mAh battery. Other connectivity features include a dual-SIM and 4G LTE connectivity.
The Honor 7i is up for pre-order today starting at 1,599 Yuan (approx Rs.16,382). However, there are no reports suggesting if the company will release the product outside Asia or not.
We have covered Samsung’s newly released handsets – the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge+. Both devices created a frenzy before its release, however some users might have been disappointed when they found out that neither of the products came with a dual-SIM nor an expandable storage. Worry no more because according to reports, both these handsets will soon be available with a dual-SIM mode. But, there are no reports of the devices to include an expandable microSD slot yet. All other specifications will be the same.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Dual SIM is reportedly available for purchase on eBay, from a seller in Singapore. The seller also claims to have all four colour options in his stock and has priced the device at $999.99 (approx. Rs.65,469). The device will be shipped to the purchaser via FedEx, say reports.
There have been no official reports as to which markets will be getting the dual-SIM models however, going by the previous sales production techniques of Samsung, we can probably expect the dual-SIM versions to become available almost everywhere, soon.
Reports suggest that Asus will now launch a new smartwatch and a new smartphone at a press conference on the 2nd of September at IFA-Berlin 2015.
Asus has posted a video on their official Facebook page that shows new products, like a new monitor, a new smartphone and a new smartwatch. Reports suggest that the smartphone could be the ‘Z00TDA’ handset which is said to come with a 5.5-inch FHD display of 410ppi pixel density, an octa-core chipset paired with 2GB of RAM, and 16GB internal storage with support for a microSD card. This new device is also rumoured to be powered by the Android Lollipop and will come with 4G LTE connectivity and 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel camera sensors.
Apart from Asus, Samsung is also planning to launch its smartwatch Gear S2 while Sony gets ready to launch its next flagship smartphones – the Xperia Z5 and the Xperia Z5 Ultra. Other companies such as Huawei, Microsoft and Acer are also expected to launch products at this event. So watch this space for more details on the IFA-Berlin 2015 and more.
Here’s a very new and modern looking (by modern we mean quirky and awkward obviously) phone for you, playfully termed as the “FrankenBlackBerry”. BlackBerry has partnered with Android and come up with this device, so, it is basically a BlackBerry Android Phone! Didn’t see that coming did you?
A rendering of this device was leaked by Evan Blass on Twitter. The picture shows us a device that runs on Android with a 16:9 display as compared to BlackBerry’s traditional square screen. No, this phone does not look like a remote control. Never.
Further reports tell us that it’s even a slider, you know, so that the tall phone fits in your pocket, because – 2005. We all know how stylish a slider is, Gossip Girl taught us that, however, unfortunately the slide phone could be less durable, heavy, thick etc which would make typing slightly uncomfortable.
But then again, no pain no gain. If Samsung and LG can come up with Android supporting flip phones then why not? However, there have been no official announcements or reports about this device, though it could be a device that could work due to nostalgia – just like Terminator Genisys.
We told you that Google’s Project Ara had been delayed and now we know why. It turns out that the futuristic phone failed its drop test and caused the the Project Ara team to rework the phone’s current model, completely.
They themselves tweeted explaining why the delay was caused saying that the phone wasn’t fairing well, when dropped. This can pose to be a huge problem when phones today are made durable, at least for typical falls. Google will now have to see how to fix the Project Ara jigsaw, without it falling apart.
Project Ara’s creators now say they’re “testing a signature experience” to attach its modules. It’s not easy to put together a phone that allows you to interchange its core components and we hope that the team can demonstrate its revised design as soon as they’re done with finding the missing link.
The last phone that HTC released was its One M9, and we were expecting it to be called, One M10. But, if reports are to be believed, HTC might change the name of their upcoming smartphone range to O2.
This new handset is said to feature a 6 inch OHD display powered by a Snapdragon 820 chipset with 4GB RAM space. It is said to come in two storage variants – 64GB and 128GB with a 3,500mAh battery. The O2 could be environmentally sealed for water and dust protection.
Rumours also suggest that there might be another O2 model scheduled to release next year. This rumoured device could feature a 5 inch display and the unannounced Snapdragon 82x chipset.
However, these facts have not been confirmed as yet. So watch this space for more updates.
Xiaomi has announced, as part of its MIUI 7 global launch event in New delhi, that the Mi 4i Limited edition will go on sale on the 25th of August 2015. This new device will come in three variants – pink, blue and yellow. However, the price of this limited edition device has not been announced.
Currently, the Mi 4, launched in June, is available in two variants – white and dark grey and also comes with a 16GB and 32GB storage capacity. They are priced at Rs.12,999 and Rs.14,999 respectively.
The new Mi 4i Limited editions is said to come with a 5 inch full HD (1920×1080 pixels) IPS OGS display and comes with a second-generation 1.7GHz Snapdragon 615 octa-core 64-bit processor and 2GB of RAM.
On the camera front, it has a 13-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel selfie camera all supported by a 3,120mAh battery with quick charge support. Other connectivity features include dual-SIM card slots, LTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS. On the software front, this device will run on the MIUI 7.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is the company’s first big S series phone, as an add-on to the Galaxy S line of devices. Last year the company thought it better to launch an edgier Note in the form of a Note Edge. However, this year Samsung found it more favourable to make a bigger S6 edge.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ also marks a new chapter, one where the line between a smartphone and a phablet is basically blurring out. Samsung has slowly killed the category it created with the Note in 2010. Large screen phones are now mainstream and Samsung is basically reinforcing that with the S6 edge+.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ is designed to one up the iPhone 6 Plus in terms of specifications and hardware. The Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge both had huge success in the global markets and Samsung expects no less from the Galaxy S6 edge+.
The elder and bigger sibling is identical to the Galaxy S6 Edge, so identical that you won’t be able to tell them apart unless you put them together. There is a massive screen size different however a minor change in actual dimensions. The S6 edge+ just like the S6 Edge is flanked on both sides with edge displays.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ does become slightly more difficult to handle, and hence Samsung has added one handed operation and screen size reduction, similar to Apple’s double tap to pull down screen on the iPhone 6 Plus. This feature was also seen on the recent Galaxy A8 from Samsung.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ is actually slimmer at just 6.9mm vs the 7 mm of the Galaxy S6 and the feel in the hand is very premium. Samsung has really done a good job with the design of the S6 Edge and hence they, didn’t change anything, but make the phone bigger with the S6 edge+.
Everything from the display resolution to chipset and cameras are identical to the Galaxy S6 Edge, however thanks to the new large display of the S6 edge+ the pixel density drops to 515 ppi vs the mammoth 577 ppi on the S6 Edge. The Edge Plus variant also sports a larger 3,000 mAh battery to combat the drain from the larger QHD Super AMOLED display. An additional 1 GB of LPDD4 RAM, takes it upto 4 GB on the edge+ however the phone is missing the 128GB storage option as only the 32 and 64 GB variants will go on sale.
The software department on the edge+ too remains same as the S6 and the S6 Edge, with a cleaner and simplified UI and new apps window to the edge display Samsung is trying to leverage the screen real-estate. You will also still get a Flipboard news feed to the left of the home screen and gestures like flipping a ringing phone to mute the call. Double clicking the home button will quickly launch the camera.
You still get the fingerprint scanner and ability to remember internet passwords and Samsung Account details using your fingerprint as a security mechanism.
Some would argue that the Galaxy S6 Edge was the right size handset and that it fit well in almost all departments. Whether you were an executive or college student, the S6 and the edge variant seemed to be the right size for your hands.
With the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ the company is trying to reach to those who liked the iPhone 6 Plus and those who loved the Note category but found it to be a niche. With the S6 edge+ Samsung is trying to make the page size phone more mainstream, and by the looks of it, it seems to be headed in the right direction.
Stay tuned for our Full Review of the Galaxy S6 edge+
The second edition of Silent Circle’s privacy-focused handset, called Blackphone 2 has been made official. This device is now available for pre-order, however, the price has not been announced as yet.
The original Blackphone had been priced at $629 (aprrox Rs.41,044), although this device is said to be far superior than the first edition. It features a 5.5 inch 1080p display and is powered by an octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This phone is run on an Android-based platform called PrivatOS which includes secure apps, including ones for encrypted messaging and voice calls.
The device is expected to arrive in September, however no further details about this phone are known.
We have been covering Meizu quite regularly here at iGyaan. Today we bring you more updates about this smartphone brand – Meizu has exclusively partnered with Snapdeal for its flagship model, MX5.
You can preorder this smartphone on Snapdeal, however, the price of this product is yet to be announced. The specification of the MX5 include an AMOLED display from Samsung that comes with an infinite contrast range while producing more vivid pictures and clearer text. The mCharge for quick charging, the mTouch 2.0 which makes the identification sensing technology faster, it has a full metal body, 12-gun 3D sand blasting,and comes with a 5 step anodizing process.
It is also powered by the Mediatek Helio X10 is a 64-bit octa-core CPU and a 28nm HPM processor. Other connectivity features include, a dual SIM with dual-standby and dual 4G. On the camera front, it comes with a 20MP camera and a 6P lens. The MX5 runs on the advanced 64-bit Flyme OS 4.5 Popular Flyme system.
Panasonic has announced three new 4G LTE enabled smartphones today – the Eluga I2, Eluga L2, and T45 4G . All four phones are supported by the Android 5.1 Lollipop OS and priced at Rs. 8290, 9,990, and Rs. 6,990 respectively.
The Eluga models support a dual 8MP LED flash camera and a 2MP front facing camera. It also comes with an Oncell Touch panel and is powered by a 2500mAh battery and a 2000mAh battery in the L2 and I2 models, respectively.
The L2 comes with a 5.5 inch display and comes in a gray moondust or black leatherette finish while the I2 comes with a 5 inch display and come in a gold, silver or gray metallic glaze. All three models – the Eluga I2, Eluga L2, and T45 4G, come with a 1GHz Quad Core processer and offer 1GB RAM with 8GB internal memory expandable up to 32GB.
“The Panasonic smartphone range has become synonymous with innovation and foresight in India. We always keep a track of tech trends and advancement in the mobile market. With the launch of three additional gadgets in the 4G space, we will continue to expand our product offerings with the aim to provide an uncompromised smartphone experience, at very competitive prices.” – Mr. Manish Sharma, Managing Director, Panasonic India
The display also comes in a true-colour IPS resolution, while the T45 4G is equipped with a full connectivity package – Dual SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS – and is qualified with 21 regional languages to advance 4G LTE technology across India.
The phone will be available at all stores across the nation.
As we get closer to the release date of Apple’s newest iPhone, there are several speculative reports suggesting the tentative day we might be able to get our hands on the smartphone. A recent report suggests that major German carriers are planning to launch the iPhone 6s on September 18th 2015. However, the companies have not been identified yet, though it is known that O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile already carry the iPhone 6.
This indicates that people living in first-tier launch countries will be able to purchase the phone from stores on 18th September. While the announcement event of the phone remains unchanged for 9th September.
According to previous reports, Apple is expected to reveal two iPhones on the 9th of September 2015 and then ship them later that month. The phone will be shipped to Apple’s ‘first-tier’ countries – Germany, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S, and mainland China.
As a small recap – the device is rumoured to have a Force Touch display, an “A9” processor, and 2 GB of RAM. Watch this space for more updates.
New research from GfK suggests that the smartphones prices in India may fall by 11% in 2015 with the demand for 4G devices capturing 6% of the smartphone unit demand. This research also says that India would soon become the largest smartphone market, globally.
GfK, Germany’s largest market research institute has commented saying:
“4G unit share was 58 percent globally in the second quarter of 2015, up from 26 percent in the second quarter of 2014. This represents a unit growth of 129 percent year-on-year, with China leading the global 4G ramp up,”
As their forecasts suggest – the 4G smartphone sales will continue to grow at the expense of 3G smartphone devices, with GfK director Kevin Walsh stating that, “India is expected to be the largest contributor of absolute smartphone unit growth globally this year.”
They noted a regional difference in 4G take up stating price polarisation in North America, saturation in Western European markets, local brands tackling global players in India and China, and intense price competition in emerging markets.
Apart from this, we have also seen the interest of Chinese vendors in the Indian market, which has intensified the competition between international and local vendors in India.
However, they have mentioned a smartphone average selling price (ASPs) decline of 12% in India in the second quarter of 2015.
According to reports, Samsung is currently working on two new smartphones, called the SM-G550 and the SM-G600. These two new devices are said to be released under the new Galaxy O series. Therefore, it has been concluded that SM-G550 will most probably be named the Galaxy O5 and the the SM-G600 will be called the Galaxy O7.
In 2014, Samsung had begun improving their smartphones by grouping all the new launches under different letters of the alphabet such as – Galaxy J, Galaxy E, Galaxy A, Galaxy O, Galaxy S etc. The market is currently flooded with Samsung smartphones available in all sizes and prices. The only unchanged factor amongst the large variety of smartphones is its form factor. It is still to be seen whether the Galaxy O series comes with a new design that would be easier for users to differentiate it from other smartphones made by the company.
Apple on the other hand (Samsung’s direct competitor), has only one solid line of smartphones and more often than not, have higher profits than Samsung. This happens regardless of whether Samsung occupies a larger market share or not.
However, no confirmation about the specification or release date of the devices have been made by the company itself.
One of the most futuristic innovations till date, Project Ara, set tongues wagging all across the world due to its sheer concept. The fact that one could have a smartphone with detachable components that can be replaced, seemed novel and right out of a sic-fi movie. However, once Google took this initiative under its belt, there was no looking back.
Although, we were all waiting for this lego like phone to hit the markets starting in Puerto Rico, this year, it looks like we are going to have to wait at least another year. A launch Puerto Rico might not happen at all. Reports suggest that the prototyping phase of the phone has taken longer than was expected and Google is now looking at locations in the United States to launch the phone.
