A listing on Amazon, which has since been taken down, showed us a device called the ‘OnePlus Mini’. According to the listing, this handset will come with a 5 inch display, along with a 1080 pixel resolution and will be powered by a MediaTek MT6795 processor. It will also house 32GB internal storage with 2GB of RAM. Here is what OnePlus India’s general manager, Vikas Agarwal has to say:
“We’re introducing a new device by the end of this year. Diwali would be the ideal time..”
The OnePlus Mini is also said to feature the Force Touch technology, similar to the 3D Touch display available on the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Apart from this leak, OnePlus has posted a new teaser on its India Facebook page showing off the OnePlus X that will be unveiled on the 29th of October, 2015.
Hence, taking a cue from the leak and the teaser, we can safely assume that OnePlus might announce two different smartphones by the end of this year. However, there have been no official reports about the OnePlus Mini, so we’ll just have to sit tight and find out what the Chinese smartphone maker has in store for us until the 29th of October.
Pacific Crest, an investment bank, revealed on Sunday that the latest Apple smartphone has so far sold less than the expected number analysts had in mind. The expected numbers are around 76 million while the shipments so far have been of around 67 million iPhones.
Within three days of its launch on 25th September, Apple had gone ahead to make an official statement of how the sales have been unprecedented in the history of iPhones with 13 millions devices sold by 28th September. In the light of these claims, Pacific Crest’s report comes as a surprise. The company claims that Apple has seen a drop in the demand of the phones since then, resulting in reduced orders being placed by Apple to its suppliers. Pacific Crest commented on it and said:
“In contrast to the launch of the iPhone 6 last year, we note: … less than 10% of the carrier stores we surveyed have been sold out of iPhones; last year, carriers didn’t have iPhone stock on hand until November…almost all carriers surveyed indicated that iPhone 6s sales were down y/y, compared to the iPhone 6.”
iPhone 6 had sold as much as 74.4 million devices, giving Apple the most profitable quarter any tech company had ever seen. Things don’t seem to be following the same pattern this year. Let’s see how the numbers stand for Apple by the end of this year.
Apple introduced the 3D Touch with their latest iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus. It is, without a doubt, one of the coolest technological improvements from the company in a long while. As you may know already, the 3D Touch makes navigating apps a whole lot easier with the ability to ‘Peek and Pop’, as Apple calls it.
Apps like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have already begun rolling out updates that make use of the 3D Touch feature. Now WhatsApp joins the list as well. The messaging service rolled out its latest version yesterday and the description mentions how you’ll be able to make use of the 3D Touch feature with your latest iPhone.
While not many found the previous update (starring a message by tapping and holding the message) all that useful, the new update is sure to be a treat for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users out there who want to get as much out of the 3D Touch feature as they can. As the update mentions, the 3D Touch feature will now allow you to quickly Peek and Pop pictures, videos, links, contact cards, and locations that you send and receive in chats.
Another update is not 3D Touch related but worth a mention. The WhatsApp interface is now mirrored and optimized for right-to-left languages like Arabic.
Yesterday saw the official launch of Google’s Nexus 5X with pre-orders having already begun on Amazon. By now you must be aware of what the Nexus 5X has to offer and the price of the phone as well. Just to refresh your memory, the Nexus 5X will come at a price of Rs. 31,990 for the 16 GB variant and Rs. 35, 990 for the 32GB variant in India.
From what the phone offers in terms of specs, the price is a bit steep, especially when you compare it with the China-only Xiaomi Mi 4c, The Mi 4c comes very close to the Nexus 5X, at least specs-wise. The Mi 4c has a 5-inch display and is powered by a 1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 64-bit processor, 2 GB RAM and USB Type-C port, all similar to the Nexus 5X.
On the camera front, the Mi 4c has a 13 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front, whereas the Nexus 5X features a 12.3 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front. On paper, the Mi 4c seems to have a better camera, however, the Nexus 5X has 1.55 micron pixels that allows for sharper images that can take on the iPhone 6 camera.
Xiaomi’s Mi 4c has a bigger battery at 3,080mAh when compared to the Nexus 5X’s 2,700 mAh battery. In terms of performance, you’ll find both the devices at par, giving a smooth and fast handling.
Keeping these specs in mind, we come to the prices. If the Mi 4c launched in India, the price of the device would have been around Rs 13,500 for 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, and around Rs 15,500 for 3GB RAM and 32GB internal. In comparison, the Nexus 5X starts at Rs. 31,990 for the 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal. Clearly, the Mi 4c offers almost the same specs but at half the price.
Xiaomi is all set to launch its next-gen flagship phone, the Mi5, at an event on October 19 in China. The company announced the event on Weibo. The event may also see the launch of the rumoured Mi Band 2.
From what we know so far, the Mi5 will have a Helio X20 chipset and will not come with the Snapdragon 820 as production of the chipset has been delayed. Other features expected in the Mi5 include 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440×2560) AMOLED display, 4GB RAM and 16/64GB of Internal storage.
The Mi5 is also rumoured to sport a 16MP rear camera with dual LED flash, 8MP front camera and a battery of 3,030mAh capacity. A fingerprint sensor can also be expected as many new devices are now coming out with the feature. The expected price of the Mi5 is around 1,999 Yuan (Rs. 20,500 approx.)
You can also expect some news regarding Windows 10-powered laptops and tablets from Xiaomi. Earlier, the company stated that it would start production of its laptop in the first quarter of 2016. Follow this space for more on Xiaomi’s event.
Update: Sorry folks, it turns out the Mi5 will not be unveiled on Monday. The company denied the rumours on Weibo.
Lenovo has released an invite that doesn’t reveal much except that an event is set to take place on the 21st of October at 11 am in New Delhi. The event is most likely for the launch of Lenovo’s smartphones in India that include the Vibe P1 and the Vibe P1m.
The phones were unveiled at IFA last month, which also saw a host of other Lenovo devices such the iDeaPad, Moto 360, and Lenovo PHAB Plus.
The Vibe P1 smartphone comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by a 1.5GHz Snapdragon 615 64-bit octa-core processor, 5000mAh battery, OneKey Power Saver and Rocket Charge. It also supports the 5G WiFi with its very own WiFi Boost. The talking point of both the P1 and P1m phones is the massive battery and quick charging capabilities.
The Vibe P1m sports a 5-inch HD (1280×720 pixels) display and is powered by 1GHz MediaTek MT6735P processor paired with 2GB of RAM. It also features a slightly smaller 4000mAh battery. One of the main talking points here is the massive battery and quick charging capabilities found in both the phones.
The expected pricing of the Vibe P1 is $279 (Rs 18,167 approximately), while the Vibe P1m is priced at $159 (Rs 10,353 approximately).
Mark 21st October on your calendars, because that is the day Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Premium are all set to make an appearance in the country. Yes, it’s the same day when the Google Nexus devices go on sale here.
Sony had unveiled these devices, along with Xperia Z5 Compact at IFA earlier this year in September. And now they are being readied to be launched in India. However, Xperia Z5 Compact may not make it to the country. No news of its arrival has reached us yet.
The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium is the worlds first 4k display equipped smartphone. Sony has also included a new fingerprint scanner at an innovative location, right on the power button. The company has not done much about the design apart from adding a matte finish on the Z5 and a ultra glossy finish on the Z5 Premium which will be available in Gold or Chrome. The remaining design is based on the use of metal as a structure and Gorilla Glass 4 on the front and back of all the devices.
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
The two phones are estimated to cost around Rs. 51,000 – Rs. 60,000. You can check out our hands on of the two devices here. Find the specs of Sony Xperia Z5 and Z5 Premium below:
Specification
Sony Xperia Z5
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
Display
5.2 inch display
5.5 inch 4K Ultra HD
Resolution
1920 x 1080p
4k – 806ppi
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
Processor
Octa Core – 64 bit
Octa Core – 64 bit
GPU
Adreno 430
Adreno 430
RAM
3GB
3GB
Storage
32GB internal memory
32GB internal memory
Expandability
–
200 GB
Rear Camera
23MP sensor, F2.0 G Lens, 1/2.3 Exmor RS
23MP sensor, F2.0 G Lens, 1/2.3 Exmor RS
Rear Camera Video
4k
4k
Front Camera
5MP
5MP
Front Camera Video
1080p
1080p
Battery
2 days stamina with Qualcomm Quick Charger
3430 mAh battery lasting for up to two days, with quick charge
Operating System
Android 5.1
Android 5.1
Connectivity
4G LTE, Single SIM and Dual SIM
Single SIM and Dual SIM
Miscellaneous
Fingerprint sensor, Colours: White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green
Airtel has come up with its exclusive ‘iPhone Infinity Plans’ offering free 4G data worth Rs. 15,000/- for 12 months. Additionally, Airtel also announced today that starting this Friday, 16th October, the company will also be selling iPhone 6s and 6s Plus through 235 of its stores across the country. Out of these 57 of these stores will stay open the entire night so that customers don’t have to wait to get to lay their hands on the new iPhones.
Since Airtel is the only telecom network offering 4G data in the country, Airtel has clubbed the launch of the iPhones with its 4G data plans. All buyers of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will also be able to avail the iPhone Infinity plans, which include 60GB of free 4G data over twelve months. The company claims this will enable customers to save Rs.15,000 on their monthly bill.
For more details of the offers and plan, buyers can visit Airtel’s online store. In order to activate the Infinity plan, users can log on to offers.airtel.in from their iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
Google’s Nexus 6P has officially launched in India today. The company had sent out invites for the event starting at 11 am. The Huawei-made Nexus 6P and the LG-made Nexus 5X released ahead of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launch that is set to hit the markets on the 16th.
The Nexus 6P will be made available exclusively for Flipkart. Pre-orders for the phones will start tonight and the devices will begin shipping from October 21. Those who pre-order the Nexus 6P will get a Chromecast dongle worth Rs. 2,999 from Flipkart. The devices can also be purchased later on from select offline retailers such as Croma, The Mobile Store, among others.
The Nexus 6P is priced at Rs. 39,999 for the 32GB, Rs. 42,999 for the 64GB, and Rs. 47,999 for the 128GB variant. The 6P features a 5.7-inch QHD touchscreen, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 chipset, with 3 GB RAM, a 3450mAh battery, and a USB Type-C port. The camera sports a 12.3MP sensor with laser autofocus, dual-LED flash at the rear and a rather impressive 8MP on the front. This pure Android phone will run on the latest Marshmallow operating system.
Our initial reactions towards the 6P were quite favorable. One of the main highlights of the Nexus 6P is the Nexus Imprint. The fingerprint sensor on the back is fast and fluid in accessibility, which according to Google only “gets better over time” as it learns more about your unique fingerprint. Another major improvement is the camera. The 12MP rear camera takes crisp and clear pictures even in low light due to the 1.55 micron pixels, which is greater than the iPhone 6s Plus.
Compared to the Nexus 5X, the 6P has a more premium look to it. It has a full-metal body, built out of aluminium with diamond chamfers around the edges. The metallic finish of the body is smooth and feels comfortable in your hand, but is heavier than the Nexus 5X, which comes with a plastic body. One concern that arose regarding the leaked images of the Nexus 6P was just how much the black camera bar on the top would put off users. However, on using the Nexus 6P, the bar seemed like a welcomed change and does not stick out as much as one would think.
The Nexus 6P is on the expensive side, but some improvements especially on the camera front make it worth buying if you’re looking at the market for premium handsets. As mentioned, the Nexus 6P will be available for pre-order tonight on Flipkart.
The latest devices by Google have finally arrived in India. Starting today at 2 PM, Amazon has begun pre-orders for Google Nexus 5X in the country. The smartphone will be finally available on the 21st of October.
The device was first introduced to us last month by Google in their official event, and is now marked at a price of Rs. 31,990 for the 16 GB variant and Rs. 35, 990 for the 32GB variant in India.
The Nexus 5X comes with a 5.2-inch FHD display, USB Type-C which allows almost 4 hours of battery post a 10-minute charging routine, and is available in three colours – Carbon black, Quartz white and Ice blue. The company will also be bringing in a range of covers to India, along with the handsets, priced at Rs. 2,800.
We checked out the Ice Blue variant. The back of the smartphone comes with a smooth matte finish. The size of the device feels just right in the hands.
On the camera front the smartphone comes equipped with a 12.3 MP rear camera and a 5 MP selfie camera. The smartphone is capable of capturing 4K and slow-motion videos, making this phone the most advanced multimedia Nexus device to date.
As opposed to the all-metal body of the Nexus 6P, 5X comes in a plastic body of size 147 x 72.6 x 7.9 mm, and weighs 136 g. The device also has Nexus Imprint, a fingerprint sensor located on the back of the body. A single touch of the sensor would power on and unlock Nexus 5X for usage.
It is further packed with a 2 GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset and OS Android Marshmallow 6.0. The stock Android is seamless as always; Google has provided minimal bloatware – a move which will be appreciated.
Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X
That’s all for now, we will be bringing you an in-depth review of the device shortly.
There’s brilliant news in store for Google fans out there – the new Nexus 5X goes on sale today at 2 PM on Amazon. The device was first introduced to us at a Google nexus event last month, along with Google Nexus 6P.
Google Nexus 5X
The LG Nexus 5X is priced at Rs 31,990 for the 16GB variant, and Rs 35,990 for the 32GB variant. We’ll keep you updated on all the latest news about Google Nexus devices. We also have the confirmed prices of the Huawei Nexus 6P which are Rs. 39,999 for the 32GB variant, and Rs. 42,999 for the 64GB variant.
Even the Nexus 6P will be available for pre-order on Flipkart starting right now, while the phone will go on sale by the 21st of October.
In a very interesting twist of events, the Metropolitan Police (MPS) in the UK have declared riding of hoverboards in public illegal in accordance with a law issued in -brace yourself- 1835.
The law, which was passed 180 years ago and made taking a “horse, ass, sheep, mule, swine, or cattle” on pavement illegal, has now also added a two-wheeled Segways to the list.
Users can now ride hoverboards only on private property with the landowner’s permission. The MPS Specials account tweeted on Sunday, declaring the “the self-balancing scooters,” banned from public pavements and parks.
Using them in public would contravene section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 in England and Wales and section 129(5) of the Roads Act 1984 in Scotland.
Needless to say, there was a huge backlash against the ludicrous law, reminiscent of the pre-penny farthing years in Britain. From beef to hoverboards -the list of absurd bans in the contemporary world just don’t end.
OnePlus has just announced on their Twitter handle that the open sale still continues. If you thought you missed the hour long window between 12-1 PM today, check again. There’s still time to grab that OnePlus 2 without an invite.
If you'd like to buy the #OnePlus2 invite-free, the open sale is still ongoing!
There has been some trouble in trying to log on to the site, most likely because of all the traffic it must be getting right now. But hey, don’t give up hope just yet if you think a OnePlus 2 is worth it. For specs, review and other details of the smartphone, click here.
Over the past few weeks, rumours have been on overdrive regarding Samsung’s next flagship, the Galaxy S7. In our previous post regarding the rumoured S7 launch, we told you that the phone will come in two models, one featuring the new quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and the other having the octa-core Exynos.
There have been rumours in the past suggesting that three S7 devices will be launched instead of two, and that two of them will have the curved display (like the S6 Edge and S6 Edge+) while one will have a flat screen. These rumours, however, have been dismissed as of now. Latest speculation is that Samsung will have only two S7 versions, where one will be the ‘Edge’ version and the other will have a flat display.
However, it looks like the S7 will come in three CPU variants. If rumours are to be believed, the China and US model will receive the new Snapdragon 820 processor. Europe, Japan and South Korea will come with a Samsung Exynos 7990 processor and the final model, rumoured to have an Exynos 7422 will launch in India.
Samsung is looking to get ahead of its competition by having a January announcement and a February launch. The S7 will also likely be the first Android Marshmallow handset for the company. Follow this space for more on the Galaxy S7.
In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative, OnePlus will start local production of its smartphones in India by the end of 2015. OnePlus will set up shop through contract manufacturing at ‘Foxconn’s Rising Stars’ factorywithin the Sri City Integrated Business City in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
“We are excited to add another significant chapter in our India journey as we look forward to starting local production of our smartphones within a year of our launch in the country. Local production will not only make our operations more efficient in terms of cost and working capital requirements but also help us in making our products available for sale much faster than ever before,”Vikas Agarwal said at an official event in Bangalore that saw representatives of the Government of Andhra Pradesh today.
He futher added that, “Ever since OnePlus debuted in India, we have been deluged with requests for invites to buy our products, with more than 5 million registrations worldwide for our latest release – the OnePlus 2 – alone! With the best of our intentions of fastening up the availability process, we have been constrained by a few supply chain related challenges in meeting consumer demands. The local production will help to address this issue and better cater to the fast growing demands for OnePlus products in India.”
Local production of OnePlus’ upcoming devices will start by the end of this year at the 60,000 sq.ft facility at Foxconn’s Rising Stars factory. The facility is likely to produce up to 500,000 units per month to fulfill the growing demand for OnePlus’ smartphones in India.
