Mini-version of G6 smartphone coming soon?

By Lee Min-hyung

LG Electronics is preparing for the launch of a compact version of its latest flagship G6 smartphone.

This rumor is going viral after overseas media reported that the company is planning to unveil a 5.4-inch handset, tentatively named G6 Mini, equipped with the same 18:9 display ratio as the G6.

Nothing specific has been confirmed over its launch, features and price.

But leaked images show the new model comes with a very similar design to the latest G series _ including dual rear cameras and a circular fingerprint scanner.

"We cannot confirm anything about any product that has not been launched," an LG Electronics spokesman said, Sunday.

The company declined to comment further.

The move is reportedly aimed at diversifying the firm's mobile product lineups with different display sizes, following the global premium handset trend led by Samsung and Apple.

Apple has launched two flagship iPhone models ― based on 4.7- a nd 5.5-inch displays in recent years. Samsung Electronics also has two different premium lineups ― the Galaxy and Galaxy Note series ― whose key difference is also the display size.

Even if LG also uses a two-track strategy by launching two models each year ― the G and V series ― the company has so far failed to leave a strong design identity in terms of display size between the two models.

The LG G6, unveiled this February at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), comes with a 5.7-inch full-vision display which the firm says offers an optimum viewing experience. The company did not add any eye-catching selling points to the device, but the latest model has so far received the most favorable initial market response in the firm's mobile history.

Last month, LG posted a record pre-order of some 80,000 here for the latest G series. LG is pinning hopes on the new device, seeking to revive its sagging mobile unit from years-long failures for its predecessors � �� the G5 and G4.

The launch of the G6 improved the firm's profitability by a huge margin, with its mobile unit reporting only a 200 million won ($175,000) operating loss in the first quarter. This is an outstanding performance, compared with a quarter ago when the division posted a 467 billion won operating loss.

The company attributed the G6 and the firm's realignment of its business structure to the improved earnings.

In the second quarter, the company said it would focus on diversifying sales channels of the G6 overseas, in a bid to increase its share in the global premium smartphone market.

Source: Mini-version of G6 smartphone coming soon?

Samsung will launch new flagship smartphone months after Galaxy S8

LG Electronics says first-quarter profit up 82 percent from year earlier

More than 50,000 Note 7 smartphones were reclaimed from consumers in Australia, where Samsung later crippled the smartphones with software updates and forced them off local phone networks.

Samsung Electronics might launch its upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8 during IFA 2017 just like its previous releases of Galaxy Note lineup. That raises hopes the corporation could make up for the misstep and the mammoth recall of the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7s past year.

About 300,000 units of the 3 to 4 million units that Samsung recalled will be sold in South Korea, though the Galaxy Note 7 that will be sold will come with certain changes.

The company during a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday said that it has conducted a detailed investigation on the reddish tint display issue. It was the most astounding quarterly income followed by the third quarter of 2013.

This aligns with what Samsung said in March: "The objective of introducing refurbished devices is exclusively to reduce and minimize any environmental impact", a Samsung spokesperson told Mashable. It might as well be the Galaxy Note 8. The activist fund had argued that Samsung was significantly overcapitalized and that such a cancellation could help optimize its balance sheet. It likewise reported a share in the buyback ranging up to $2.03 billion.

Another significant take away from this report is that the Korean electronics giant has promised to introduce a new flagship device in the second half of 2017. Samsung has been a big beneficiary of the industry dynamics, as it is the world's largest memory manufacturer. It will be interesting to see if this concept of the Note 8 actually portrays the look of the final retail version. A dual-camera setup is visible in the front, with 13MP sensors.

Following the Korean release, Samsung is expected to roll out the update soon across other countries worldwide.

This area was buoyed by price gains for both DRAM and NAND memory chips as supply growth constraints and demand for more firepower on devices such as smartphones and servers boosted margins, according to Reuters.

In case you were wondering whether Samsung will launch a new Galaxy Note model this year, you can rest assured that it's happening.

Source: Samsung will launch new flagship smartphone months after Galaxy S8

Samsung posts its second-best quarter ever, promises a new flagship release in late 2017

Today, Samsung Electronics has released its quarterly earnings report for Q1 2017, and it's looking pretty good: the company has posted profits of 9.9 trillion won ($8.7 billion) across all of its businesses. However, profits from its mobile division have actually fallen compared to those in Q4 2016, despite an increase of device shipments.

Or in other words: Samsung sold more phones, but earned less money from them. The fault, interestingly, may lie in consumers' great interest in the Galaxy S8, which launched just last week. To accommodate for … Comments

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Filed Under: Cell Phone Tagged With: 2017, flagship, late, Posts, promises, quarter, release, Samsung, secondbest

Source: Samsung posts its second-best quarter ever, promises a new flagship release in late 2017

Epic smartphone camera comparison: Galaxy S8 vs the rest

Yep, we're doing it. A massive camera comparison with every single high-end flagship smartphone we could get our hands on. Six handsets, seven different tests, and one table.

This is SoyaCincau's epic flagship smartphone camera comparison. Want to know which flagship smartphone takes the best photos? Well, now you can see and decide for yourself.

There will be six participating smartphones:

1. Samsung Galaxy S82. Apple iPhone 7 Plus3. Huawei P10 Plus4. ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom5. HTC U Ultra6. Sony Xperia XZs

These phones will be compared in seven different conditions:

1. Sharpness2. Colour reproduction3. Dynamic range4. Low light5. Macro ability6. Zoom7. Selfie

Which handset will reign supreme? Well, that's where you guys come in. Photography is about as subjective as it gets because everyone's definition of what makes a good photograph differs. Some might like it more saturated while others might like a more realistic colour profile. Some might prefer a little more post-processing to make the edges of the subject really pop while others might like it less.

I think you get the point.

So, for this test, we will be presenting each photo taken by each phone in each scene to you so you can compare them directly in identical location settings. Once you've done that, definitely let us know in the comments below which one was your favourite snapper.

Before we begin, here's a quick rundown of the specs for each handset's camera:

Related

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Source: Epic smartphone camera comparison: Galaxy S8 vs the rest

LG accepting pre-orders for latest smartphone

LG Electronics has begun accepting pre-orders for its latest flagship smartphone, the LG G6. Furthermore, it rolled out a first if its kind offer in Qatar, wherein customers pre-ordering the LG G6 will get a LG 43" LED TV for free.Pre-orders are accepted at all Jumbo Electronics showrooms, major retailers and leading hypermarkets in Qatar priced at QR2,699 and valid for the first 200 customers only.The LG G6 received many positive reactions at Mobile World Congress 2017 earlier this year, winning an unprecedented 36 awards from various industry publications.The smartphone features a 5.7-inch display in a compact body with minimal bezels for convenient one-handed operation without sacrificing screen real estate. With an immersive FullVision display that supports both Dolby Vision and HDR 10, the LG G6 is compatible with more HDR content than any smartphone currently available. The unique 18:9 screen aspect ratio of the FullVision display allows the screen to be divide d into two identical perfect squares, ideal for multi-tasking with the G6's camera UX, which was developed with social media users in mind.The LG G6 has the distinction of having met and passed the MIL-STD 810G standard for durability, conducted by independent testing and certification firm MET (Maryland Electrical Testing) Laboratories. The G6 passed the following 14 tests, the most categories among smartphones tested: Low Temperature, High Temperature, Humidity, Vibration, Solar Radiation, Low Pressure, Sand and Dust, Immersion, Temperature Shock, Salt Fog and Rain. It is also IP68 water and dust resistant.

Source: LG accepting pre-orders for latest smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S8 Smartphones: Early Test Results

Consumer Reports is testing Samsung's new flagship phones, the Galaxy S8 and S8+. This is the company's first significant phone launch since the Note7 recall. Our initial results include dunk, scratch and camera tests.

READ MORE SEE LESS

Source: Samsung Galaxy S8 Smartphones: Early Test Results

Xiaomi launches flagship Mi 6 smartphone in China

Xiaomi has officially launched its flagship phone for 2017, the Xiaomi Mi 6.

It's powered by an octa-core 2.45GHz processor and features a whopping 6GB RAM, and an Adreno 540 graphics processing unit which it claims to offer 25% performance improvement, and supports the latest Vulkan graphics API (Application Program Interface) commonly found in the latest generation flagship devices.

Xiaomi Mi 6 smartphone will certainly be popular as it offers a high-end chipset and plenty of new features and does so while having an affordable price tag.

There's no 3.5mm headphone port onboard, so you'll need to either connect a pair of headphones to the USB Type-C port, or use a wireless Bluetooth pair. In terms of Camera the Xiaomi Mi6 is having a dual-lens setup which is very anicipated and 12MP wide, angle with a 12MP Telephoto camera which allows the user to have 2 times zoom lossless.

Xiaomi is set to introduce the new Mi 6 smartphone in China tomorrow. I mean you take the features, the price structure, etc it's killing the Indian market as in the market of the other big brand smartphone's, don't take me the other way! If we were to judge from what we've previously seen from Xiaomi, then we think the Mi 6 will truly live up to its reputation. The story is not different with this year's Xiaomi Mi 6 as far as the Galaxy S8 is concerned.

There's also optical image stabilization and 4K video recording. As detailed earlier, the smartphone is available in Black, White and Blue color standard versions as well as two special versions, Ceramic and Silver. The battery capacity is 3350 mAh. As for selfies, an 8-megapixel camera should be enough for snapping great self-portraits.

The fingerprint sensor is embedded underneath the front glass layer. The Xiaomi Mi 6 will be up for grabs from April 28 in China, and it will be accessible through Mi.com, Mi Home stores and some of Xiaomi's retail accomplices. Today the company announced its latest flagship smartphone, the Mi 6, which rivals flagships from LG, Samsung, and Apple.

A Mi 6 variant with a ceramic back panel and 128GB of storage will sell for 2999 yuan ($435).

It will, of course, run Android 7.1.1 Nougat with the company's own MIUI on top.

Source: Xiaomi launches flagship Mi 6 smartphone in China

Why Galaxy S8 can possibly rule the flagship segment in India

Why Xiaomi Redmi 4A is the best smartphone under Rs 6,000

Here are the 5 most exciting features of Xiaomi Mi 6

Samsung Galaxy S8 Hands On: Hard to get over that beauty

Xiaomi Mi 6 with 6GB RAM and dual-camera launched in China

Samsung launches Galaxy S8, S8+ in India: Here is everything you need to know

Source: Why Galaxy S8 can possibly rule the flagship segment in India

Xiaomi launches flagship Mi 6 smartphone in China

French shares outperform as polls show narrow Macron leadThe Nomura analysts noted the combined chance of either Le Pen or Melenchon winning the first round is around 40 percent. Fillon had been scheduled to go to the French Alps for a campaign event but told France 2 television he would not go.

Serena Williams is pregnant first child with Alexis OhanianThe most telling sign that the tennis player is indeed pregnant is her caption, which simply read "20 weeks", noted Buzzfeed . Similarly, two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka left the court previous year and gave birth to a son, Leo .

Change your style of working: PM tells bureaucratsModi said that senior officers should introspect if their experience is becoming a burden. "Things have changed vastly in the last 15-20 years".

French frontrunner Macron calls on France to unite and reject "fear"Far-left candidate Philippe Poutou blamed French politics for the deadly attack on the French capital's famous boulevard. We are at war. "I hear Madame Le Pen. anyone who says that they can make it otherwise is both irresponsible and a liar".

Colbert hilariously bids his final farewell to Bill O'ReillyWith Stewart gone, Noah was given the chance to put the final nail in the coffin. Inarguably, "The Daily Show" has the richest history with Bill O'Reilly.

Serena to go on Maternity leave all through 2017 Tennis SeasonThe publicist also added that Serena will sit out the remainder of the 2017 season and return in 2018. Other female tennis players have had children and returned to the tennis circuit with great success.

Kashmir: Colleges remain shut in Valley after students protestIn some places, the security forces fired teargas canisters and swung bamboo sticks in order to contain protests. Meanwhile, influential Kashmir University Students Union (KUSU) called for "resumption of class work".

Twitter takes U.S. government to court over anti-Trump accountIt's not the first time Trump - who has always been very vocal on Twitter - has tried to shut down social media dissent. Identifying the user "would chill the expression of particularly valuable political speech", Twitter says.

Facebook Finally Has A Virtual Reality ProductSo if your company doesn't need to employ these additional tools , you would then be able to use the Workplace's service for free. The Facebook Spaces experience is now available to anyone in possession of Oculus Rift VR goggles and its Touch controllers.

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PM's image 'unassailable asset' for BJP: Amit ShahThis is contrary to the Odia culture where a guest is treated like god, said State BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty. For three terms now, chief minister Biju Patnaik has been in power, leading a regional party.

SThree Plc (STHR) Insider Buys £185.25 in StockLiberum Capital's price target would indicate a potential upside of 32.80% from the company's previous close. The Trust's investment objective is to seek a high level of current income and to seek capital appreciation.

Source: Xiaomi launches flagship Mi 6 smartphone in China

Meet Xiaomi Mi 6 Smartphone or the Galaxy S8 almost rival

Xiaomi's new flagship smartphone, the Mi 6, has been shown off to the public. The specs of the phone are great for the price, ideal for users who want a device that works without all the bells and whistles.

Mi 6 Specs

The specs of the Mi 6 are still waiting for a full release, but what's known looks good so far. The CPU is the Snapdragon 835 with an Adreno 540 GPU. The display is 5.15" with a possible resolution of 1080p (Resolution is still a secret). Internal storage looks to be in 64GB or 128GB sizes with 6GB RAM. The battery is a decent 3,350mAh with USB Type-C charging. There is an IR blaster, fingerprint sensor, NFC, stereo speakers and the device is splash resistant.

Xiaomi is proud of their camera and is highlighting the specs they think are special. The rear camera is a 12MP wide-angle + 12MP telephoto rear, 4-axis OIS, 2x optical/10x digital zoom. Having a good camera on an affordable phone is a plus for Xiaomi as they attempt to move into markets beyond China. There will be improvements in the depth of field and beautifications features from the previous Mi 5 model.

Other Features

The Android version looks like being Nougat, but no formal announcement has on this. Xiaomi is excited about their blue light filter. According to studies, the bright lights of a display harm your eyes in low light, and a blue light filter changes the light emitted.  Usually, these filters give the screen a yellow tinge, but Xiaomi's filter comes without that discolouration.

The device follows the lead of Apple who removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the newest iPhones. Many customers still don't like the removal of the jack, but how much the jack is a making or break feature of a phone is yet to be seen.

Growing in confidence

Lei Jun, founder, and CEO of Xiaomi says the "Mi 6 is the culmination of our seven years of research and development in the smartphone industry, and represents the pinnacle of our journey thus far. Besides being a performance beast that is powered by Snapdragon 835, Mi 6 also demonstrates how we are constantly refining our design and pushing the boundaries of materials technology with the use of four-sided 3D curved glass and ceramic. I'm really excited to join our Mi fans today to introduce Mi 6, which once again defies price expectations, and I'm looking forward to unveiling even more amazing products in the year to come."

The Mi 6 comes in black, blue, silver and white, plus a deluxe ceramic edition. The pricing is good for those who want a quality phone and are willing to forgo (Sometimes unneeded and battery draining extras) specs. The 64GB model is $363US. For the 128GB device is $421US. The ceramic edition is only available in the 128GB configuration and will set you back $435US.

The Xiaomi Mi 6 is due for release in China on April 28th. The worldwide release will happen soon after.

Source: AndroidPolice

Source: Meet Xiaomi Mi 6 Smartphone or the Galaxy S8 almost rival

Galaxy S8, S8+: Samsung launches new flagship phones in India

In any case, somebody from Samsung figured out how to keep the Galaxy S8's battery from bursting into flames. These smartphones will be available from Flipkart and Samsung Shop. "With the new Samsung Galaxy S8 series, there is definitely more room for everything, from office documents, games, to videos and photos", Lee said. Other features of the camera are Pro Mode, Selective Focus, Filtered Moments and a Food Mode.

Without a doubt, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ seem to have an evolutionary better curved display called Infinity Screen.

The Galaxy S8 Plus would be more interesting to buyers if it comes equipped with a dual camera setup. The S8, on the other hand, gets a smaller, 5.8-inch display with the same resolution.

The device launched in India will be powered by an Exynos chipset, unlike the variant offered in U.S. which features a Snapdragon 835 chipset. And as far as the storage is concerned, the device might bear a 2 GB of RAM and a 16GB internal space. The bigger Galaxy S8+ price in India will be Rs. 69,000 (MRP), and the MOP is Rs. 64,900. Powering the S8 is a 3000mAh battery, whereas the S8 Plus is a slightly larger 3500mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy S8+ runs Android 7.0 Nougat. In terms of color options, the Galaxy S8 will be available in Midnight Black and Maple Gold colors while the Galaxy S8+ will additionally be offered in Coral Blue. The home button has been replaced with a pressure-sensitive section embedded under the screen.

Another key detail that can be gleaned from this is the location of the fingerprint sensor.

Samsung is the leading name when it comes to global smartphone markets.

There's also an upgraded processor, improved cameras and the introduction of facial/iris recognition which unlocks the S8 just by looking at it. But apparently, they changed their mind and now that button is simply for Bixby so Samsung can lock in the users within their system and not use any of their competitors.

Source: Galaxy S8, S8+: Samsung launches new flagship phones in India

Specifications of Andy Rubin’s “Essential” Smartphone Revealed on GFXBench

Andy Rubin of the Android fame is in the news once again and this time around a majority of the specifications of his upcoming smartphone have been revealed. The first teaser gave away the fact that the phone will come with the bezel-less screen. The phone is apparently dubbed as "Essential" and has now surfaced on the GFX Benchmark tests.

The Essential FIH-PM1 made its mark on the GFXBench and what this means is that we can finally have a sneak peek at the specifications of this mysterious smartphone. Powering the device is a Snapdragon 835 clocked at 2.2GHz. The choice of the processor somewhat indicates the possibility that the Essential is a flagship or a high-end device. Furthermore, the device is fitted with a 4GB RAM and on the imaging front, it offers a 12-Megapixel primary sensor which is capable of recording a 4K video. The secondary camera is an 8-Megapixel sensor which is also capable of recording 4K.

The 2560×1312 px resolution is a telltale sign of a bezel-less display which is most likely to be a 5.5-inch unit. Deducing the display resolution, it's clear that the screen is wider than most of the other smartphones and this once again a subtle hint at an edge to edge display. The listing divulges further specifications including a 16GB internal storage and an accompanying microSD card slot. Andy Rubins, Essential is further expected to run on the Android Nougat out of the box and it's also safe to assume that the operating system will be devoid of a heavy overlay or bloatware of any kind.

Despite what we have seen at this GFXBench listing, the chances are that there might exist more than one prototype of the Essential smartphone and it's quite possible that the production variant may come with slightly varied specifications. That apart, it will be interesting to see how the Essential will pit against the other bezel-less contenders including the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the upcoming iPhone 8.

Source: Specifications of Andy Rubin's "Essential" Smartphone Revealed on GFXBench

Nokia 8 flagship Android phone: Release date, rumours and specs

Nokia announced three Android handsets at Mobile World Congress 2017, marking the company's return to smartphones. It also announced the new Nokia 3310.

Missing from this line-up of devices is anything that breaks out of the affordable end of the market. The Nokia 6 offers premium design, but in many cases the specs don't climb out of the end of the market that's entry- or mid-range.

Prior to the launch of the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3, there were plenty of rumours of a high-end device. With that device not seeing launch at MWC 2017, we've been keeping track of where all the rumours now sit for Nokia's future flagship.

Nokia 8, Nokia 9 or Nokia P1: The name

Formerly Nokia P1

Now known as Nokia 8

Nokia has done a good job on keeping its device names quiet. Rumours originally focused on the D1C and the P1, with the thinking that the D1C become the Nokia 6. The Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 didn't feature in rumours, but that could be because lower tier phones are often ignored, while flagship phones are often over inflated by expectation.

The name Nokia 8 first came from a leak claiming to be the forthcoming handset, but it was firmly rebuked by Qualcomm, who said this was just a Snapdragon prototype. But the Nokia 8 name stuck. Nokia Power User then obtained information from an unnamed source, which referred to the new flagship as the Nokia 9, while another Nokia Power User post said the Nokia 8 will in-fact be a premium, mid-range device instead. 

In reality, we have no idea exactly what Nokia's future device will be called.

Additionally, it's worth pointing out that P1 was never clarified either: it could easily have been the working name for Nokia 5. We'll stick to Nokia 8 for the sake of clarity and update as things evolve.

Pocket-lintNokia 8 design

IP68 protection suggested

Metal build rumoured

In terms of design, it's said that the Nokia flagship phone will offer a premium metal design. In terms of details, apart from metal, there's been talk of IP68 water and dust protection in the Nokia 8 flagship device.

All the Nokia Android phones so far have started life as a block of 6000 series aluminium, so we'd expect a flagship to be exactly the same to maintain the same story about quality that HMD Global - the company making the new Nokia phones - has been telling. Some of the early rumours about Nokia 8 were based on Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 shell leaks, so there's currently very little to go on when it comes to design. 

There's an unsubstantiated rumour that it will be based on the Sharp Aquos P1 - hence that codename that's been circulating - but that seem very unlikely: with HMD putting so much work into the entry-level devices, it's unlikely to rebadge a Sharp phone for the flagship.

There's also a continuing rumour that the Nokia flagship will come in two sizes with similar specs, taking a similar approach to Apple, Huawei and Samsung.

YouTube user Concept Creator has posted a video showing an in-depth look at what they he expects the Nokia 8/P1 to look like. It's certainly a gorgeous design, combining glass and metal to produce a high-end, premium device. It places the SIM-card and Micro SD card tray on the bottom left edge and a complex camera on the back with a glass covering - but it's just fan art for the time-being.

Nokia 8 hardware specs

2560 x 1440 pixel display

5.5-inch display, could be two sizes

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

4 or 6GB RAM

There's a possibility that the Nokia will come in different sizes, although a rumoured 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 resolution display will put this device in flagship contention. The existence of two different sizes has been suggested a number of times, although there may be been confusion caused by the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5.

The Nokia 8 will likely opt for something powerful under the hood like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, a new chipset for 2017, and that's a rumour that's already appeared, backed by 6GB of RAM. This rumour continues, although Snapdragon 835 is turning into the holy grail of chipsets in 2017 and its longer development cycle is thought to be governing the scheduling of a number of devices.

There's talk of different RAM quantities too and there's some logic there perhaps: when launching the Nokia 5, the company said it didn't need 3GB of RAM because of the size (unlike the Nokia 6). The Nokia 6 has 3GB RAM, but the Nokia 6 Arte Edition has 4GB of RAM, so we can already see a trend of fluctuating the RAM around devices.

Nokia's current Android devices all feature Micro-USB, but most other recent launches have moved to USB Type-C. The existing Nokia Android phones also all offer microSD card slots, so we'd imagine that convenience feature will be on the Nokia 8 too, perhaps with dual SIM as standard too. 

However, the unnamed source that leaked the supposed full specs of the new flagship, didn't mention a microSD card slot at all, and also claimed the battery would be non-removable. It's possible the Nokia 8 will therefore have a unibody design. 

Pocket-lintNokia 8 camera

23 or 24-megapixel camera

Zeiss optics?

There's a passing mention of a 22.6-megapixel camera early on in Nokia rumours, although the rest of the specs are wildly out of touch. However, this rumour has since been repeated in the form of a 23-megapixel camera, likely to be the Sony hardware launched in the Xperia Z5. That has since been replaced by a 19-megapixel sensor in the Xperia XZ Premium, which would appear to be more advanced.

Nokia's Symbian swansong before the whole Microsoft thing was the 808 PureView. In some ways this was demonstrative of everything that was going wrong at Nokia, presenting a slightly under-specced phone that was too expensive, sitting on an operating system that lacked the consumer ease of the iPhone and the maturing Android (we're talking 2012, remember the burning platform?)

But it gave us the 41-megapixel PureView camera and that trumped everything else around at the time. PureView, with Zeiss lenses, continued into the Lumia line and the next big hit was the Lumia 1020 (pictured above) again punching hard with the camera in 2013. PureView is a Microsoft trademark, however, and still appears to be registered to Microsoft.

Aside from the talk of a 23-megapixel sensor, there's some flip-flapping around Zeiss. Zeiss lenses were a common feature on Nokia phones and as Zeiss still provides plenty of lenses, there's nothing to stop Nokia exploring this option. When asked on Twitter, Nokia clarified that its current phones don't have Zeiss lenses, but didn't go as far as confirming that they will be on future phones.

Pocket-lintNokia 8 software

One of the underlying themes of the new Nokia phones is that they all run pure Android Nougat, with Google Assistant. Nokia was keen to point this out and Google was keen to say how happy the were that Nokia was doing this. They even made a special pin badge to celebrate.

On the Nokia 6, 5 and 3, the only change from stock Android is the tweaked camera. There's no bloatware, no pre-installed apps or anything else. We'd expect the Nokia 8 to be exactly the same.

Nokia 8 release date and price

With Nokia launching three handsets already in 2017, all due for launch in Q2 2017, there are few rumours around about when to expect a flagship device launch.

However, rumours have fallen into line with the rest of the Snapdragon 835 rumours, suggesting June. There's also a price of 4000 yuan for the smaller handset and 4500 yuan against the larger, suggesting that this phone might be launched into China first.

An unnamed source has told Nokia Power User that the Nokia 8 will be released in Q3 of 2017, perhaps July or August, with an asking price of €749/$699.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for rumours and update you when we know more.

Source: Nokia 8 flagship Android phone: Release date, rumours and specs

The first image of HTC's upcoming flagship leaks

HTC unveiled their latest smartphones earlier this year, the U Play and U Ultra, but they are yet to unveil a worthy successor to the HTC 10. Although it has been rumored that the device will be named the HTC 11, trustworthy leaker Evan Blass confirmed that HTC chose a rather simple name for their upcoming device - HTC U.

 

The famous leaker unveiled the specs of the device last month, and now, he has posted the first image of the upcoming flagship.

 

 

The image reveals what looks to be glass on both front and the back of the phone. It is also apparent that the phone will have significant bezels, unlike LG's and Samsung's recently unveiled flagships. The fingerprint sensor will remain on the front of the phone, and in case there were some doubts - there is no dual camera.

 

Last month, Blass also published specs of the HTC U. The device will feature Qualcomm's latest processor Snapdragon 835. It will come will a 5.5-inch QHD display, and it will run Android 7.1 Nougat underneath HTC Sense 9.

 

The HTC U should offer 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. As for the camera, the HTC U will rock a Sony IMX362 sensor on the back with 12MP, while the selfie shooter will be a massive 16MP IMX351.

 

 

The phone will come with Edge Sense feature, which will allow you to control a number of customizable actions with gestures that you perform on the U's metal frame (instead of the screen).

 

The new HTC flagship will be unveiled in mid to late April, meaning a year after the HTC 10, and it should hit global markets in early May.

Source: The first image of HTC's upcoming flagship leaks

HTC U (Ocean) pictured for the first time – is this HTC's true flagship for 2017?

Back in January, HTC said that it was not planning to release an HTC 11 smartphone. This, however, doesn't mean that the U Ultra – available in the US since last month – will remain the company's only high-end handset throughout 2017, as an HTC U (codenamed Ocean) is expected to be launched in the near future.

Thanks to Evan Blass (aka @evleaks), we now have what's likely the first legit photo showing the HTC U. The upcoming smartphone seemingly has a glossy finish, a small fingerprint scanner on the front, plus rounded corners and edges. The device kind of looks like a smaller HTC U …

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Source: HTC U (Ocean) pictured for the first time – is this HTC's true flagship for 2017?

Galaxy S5 Is the Most Popular Samsung Smartphone in the US

Samsung has just released two flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, but a recent study by Kantar World Panel reveals some interesting facts about the company's evolution in one of the biggest markets in the world.

In the US, the South Korean company's most popular smartphone is the Galaxy S5, with a 15.6% share of Samsung's installed base in February 2017. The smartphone is followed by the Galaxy S7 with 11.5%, and the Galaxy S6 with 11.4%. Surprisingly, the Galaxy S8 edge accounted for 5.8% of the company's installed base in one of the biggest smartphone markets in the world.

28% of consumers in the US who previously owned a Samsung device upgraded to a new Samsung smartphone in the previous year. This would mean that Samsung managed to retain a part of its loyal consumer base, following the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, which affected its image and caused financial loss. Out of the 28% of consumers, 52% opted for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, while 10% of them went with the Galaxy S6.

The remainder of consumers bought one of the 48 Samsung smartphones available in the US. The numbers clearly show that Samsung's previous flagship was the most attractive to customers who were looking to upgrade and continue using Samsung smartphones.

Some Galaxy users are looking to upgrade

The study also shows that 20% of Galaxy S7 owners intend to upgrade in the next year, with 40% of Galaxy S6 owners and 55% of Galaxy S5 users intending to do the same. The Galaxy S8 could be on the wishlist of many, while some will choose to wait for the Galaxy Note 8.

64% of current Galaxy S6 owners said they intend to purchase a Samsung smartphone again, compared to 76% of Galaxy S5 owners. Aside from Samsung, consumers are also interested in buying Apple smartphones, and the red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus could be on their list. Let's not forget that Apple is planning to release an anniversary iPhone 8 this fall, with a more appealing design and exciting new features.

The study concludes that if Samsung wishes to increase its customer base and make sure that it doesn't lose consumers to the competition (mostly Apple), then the smartphone maker should focus on keeping consumers within the Samsung ecosystem and offering them other products as well. Samsung already started doing that with the launch of a new Gear VR, virtual assistant Bixby, DeX Station, and even Samsung Connect.

Source: Galaxy S5 Is the Most Popular Samsung Smartphone in the US

The next OnePlus Flagship maybe called OnePlus 5

Many of you guys know that OnePlus is definitely one of the best Android phones maker, here we come with a great news which is about the next OnePlus flagship.

Next OnePlus FlagshipL: OnePlus 5 specs?

The next OnePlus flagship which is rumored to be the OnePlus 5 just leaked, and it has been one of the hottest rumor for the past few days. The official model number of this beast was also revealed on Twitter from the Krispitech Twitter page. The leaks also proved that the phone will be a wireless powered smartphone, this means that you will be able to charge your phone without needing the charger.

As we just mentioned, the model number of this smartphones was identified as OnePlus A5000. Just to refresh your memory, the original OnePlus device that first launched was identified as A0001, followed by the OnePlus 2 with the A2000 model number. Finally, the OnePlus 3 used the A3000 model number. Let us tell you a bit about the OnePlus 5 specs, the phone will have 5.5-inch QHD display supported by a strong resolution.

It will also be powered by the latest processor which is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. This next OnePlus flagship will run on Android 7.1.1 with a 3000mAH battery non-removable. For OnePlus 5 cameras, we only know that it will bear a 23 Megapixel primary shooter, and the secondary camera has not been leaked yet. The phone will have an advanced fingerprint sensor which will be able to unlock very fast as soon as you touch the sensor.

Next OnePlus Flagship: The OnePlus 5!

Keep in mind that none of these leaks, including the model number, have been confirmed by OnePlus, we also hope to get the very clear rumor of this phone and share it with you guys, stay tuned for more upcoming news. Share with us what you think about this phone?

Source: The next OnePlus Flagship maybe called OnePlus 5

Taiwan market: Huawei launches flagship smartphone P10 Plus

Taiwan market: Huawei launches flagship smartphone P10 Plus

Steve Shen, DIGITIMES, Taipei [Wednesday 12 April 2017]

Huawei has launched its new flagship smartphone, the Huawei P10 Plus, in the Taiwan market, priced at NT$23,900 (US$780) unlocked. The availability of the model will begin on April 15.

Huawei looks to double the sale of its P- and M-series smartphones in the local market in 2017, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report, citing Gary Tsao, president of wireless device business unit of Xunwei Technologies, Huawei's sole distributor in Taiwan.

The P10 Plus comes in less than one month after Huawei launched its Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro in mid-March, priced at NT$22,900 and NT$26,900, respectively, unlocked.

Huawei currently accounts for less than 1% of Taiwan's smartphone market, compared to a 4% share held by rival China-based brand Oppo, indicated the paper.

Source: Taiwan market: Huawei launches flagship smartphone P10 Plus

Nokia 9 2017 Flagship Android Smartphone, To Have Dual Carl Zeiss Camera?

Rumors about the first flagship smartphone of HMD Global - which calls itself 'The New Home of Nokia Phones' - are starting to surface online.

So far, Nokia's licensing partner had only released the midrange powerhouse Nokia 6 in China, which is now enjoying some level of market success in the said territory.

Following that model, HMD Global is set to release the budget-friendly Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 in even more territories - including the Philippines - within Q3 2016.

While Nokia 6, 5, and 3 are all interesting and note-worthy smartphones in their own right, I'm sure big fans of the Finnish brand are waiting for HMD Global to unveil the top-of-the-line model this year, which will have the best design, build, imaging prowess, and set of technical specifications.

If you're a fellow Nokianatic, you'd be glad to know that information about the upcoming Nokia 9 high-end Android phone are now being shared by tech bloggers and various news agencies covering technology.

It all started when reliable Nokia device 'leaker' Nokibar shared his sketch - shown in the photo above - of the purported flagship handset earlier this week.

Looking at the image, it appears that Nokia 9 will have a design language that's largely similar to that of Nokia 6 -- albeit rounder and with more tapered sides.

There are two elements in the sketch, however, that got me totally excited. First, the Dual Camera module at the back of the device. And second, the word 'Zeiss' beside the optics, which indicate that they will be made by Nokia's long time imaging partner, Carl Zeiss!

If these details are accurate and if HMD Global as well as its OEM partner in China are keen on making sure that this model would live up to Nokia's lofty standards in crafting a cameraphone, then Nokia 9 could very well be the imaging powerhouse to watch out for this year!

I own a Nokia 808 PureView and Nokia Lumia 1020 (both are still working) and if there's anything I can tell you, it's that the Finnish Giant sure knows how to make incredible cameraphones. That said, I can only hope that the upcoming Nokia 9 would - in more ways than one - be a solid follow-up to these amazing handsets. After all, Nokia did say back in May 2016 that they'll be guiding HMD to make sure that new devices bearing their legendary name would exemplify what consumers have come to expect from the brand.

Apart from the sketch, Nokibar had not disclosed any other information about Nokia 9. Nonetheless, various sources are now claiming that the 2017 flagship would come with a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, and a price tag of $700 or around Php 35,000 when it hits store shelves in key markets come Q3 2017.

These are surely exciting times for big Nokia fans. I personally can't wait to learn more about this particular model. Intriguing, definitely.

Labels: HMD Global Nokia Nokia 9 Nokia 9 2017 Nokia 9 Android Smartphone Nokia 9 Philippines

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Source: Nokia 9 2017 Flagship Android Smartphone, To Have Dual Carl Zeiss Camera?

Nokia 9 flagship smartphone specs and pricing leaked

Nokia just made a massive re-entry into the smartphone industry earlier this year. However, the company doesn't seem to be planning on taking it slow and may be working hard to get its line-up into the market.

According to sources, Nokia is currently working on its flagship Nokia 9. A reports now reveals the detailed specs and pricing of the upcoming handset. For starters, the smartphone is said to have a premium design with an iris scanner. The handset is expected to have a massive 5.5 inch Quad HD OLED display.

Interestingly, the flagship Nokia 9 is said to be powered by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and would come with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage on-board. Another major highlight of the device is the 22 MP dual rear camera setup with Carl-Zeiss lens.

The report reveals that the flagship Nokia 9 is expected to be released towards the end of Q3 2017. As such we can expect the announcement in July or August. The smartphone is expected to be priced at $699, whereas in India it is expected to retail at Rs. 44999.

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Source: Nokia 9 flagship smartphone specs and pricing leaked

LG launches flagship G6 smartphone in UAE

LG Electronics (LG) today launched its flagship G6 smartphone in the UAE. It features a bold new display format complimented by a cinematic viewing experience, exceptional screen to body ratio and wide-angle camera.

Designed in response to consumer feedback and user opinions, the G6 is a back-to-basics approach to premium smartphones, with a focus on the features consumers want, most notably a big screen that actually fits in one hand, the company said.

"The first response from global consumers and our regional partners to the LG G6 has been phenomenal. We are very excited about the LG G6 availability in the UAE, and we are confident local consumers will enjoy a phone that truly puts the user first with its design, durability and innovative features that truly create an immersive mobile experience," said Yong Geun Choi, president of LG Electronics Gulf.

The LG G6 comes with a 5.7-inch QHD+ (2,880 x 1,440 resolution) FullVision display, and for the first time in a smartphone, an 18:9 screen aspect ratio. Compared to conventional 16:9 aspect ratio displays, the 18:9 format offers more viewing space and a more immersive experience when streaming videos and playing games, the company said.

Even with the large screen featured on the G6, the smartphone is easy to hold. And unlike other phones with a similar screen size, the LG G6 fits comfortably in one hand, giving you a big screen experience without the inconvenience of a big phone, it said.

The LG G6 is the first smartphone to feature Dolby Vision technology. But not only does it support Dolby Vision, the G6 also supports HDR 10, both of which are standards for High Dynamic Range (HDR), the picture quality technology which allows for a wider range of color and luminosity, wherein both the darkest and the brightest areas are more vivid, revealing greater detail for a truly immersive viewing experience.

And to view selfies, wefies, wide angle pictures and even the ones in t he new Square Camera Mode, recent LG G6 photos appear in one window in film mode which means users don't need to move to their gallery to review them. The G6 provides a Square Camera function which divides the 18:9 ratio display into two identical squares. The LG G6 can also take perfectly square photos in 1:1 ratio, ideal for Instagram, Snapchat and other social media apps. Users can also choose other ratios, such as 4:3, 16:9 and 18:9.

The LG G6 can go just about anywhere without worry thanks to its IP68 water and dust resistance that makes it safe to be immersed in up to 1.5 m of water for as long as 30 minutes. And the LG G6 not only meets international testing standards but also endures further tests for high temperatures and nail penetration and uses a proprietary technology that dissipates heat via an internal heat pipe, the first in an LG smartphone. And to further disperse heat inside the unit, LG engineers positioned the components most prone to overheating as far from each other as possible, the company added.

Available in astro black, ice platinum, and mystic white, the LG G6 retails for Dh2,599 at all major retailers across the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service

Source: LG launches flagship G6 smartphone in UAE

OnePlus 4, OnePlus 4 Edge Flagship Killer Specs & Features Rise Beyond Branded Phones Despite Beliefs Of Failing

(Photo : Gadgets Times/Youtube) OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 Edge smartphones reportedly coming this year after an announcement. Here are the reasons why these smartphones might fail or succeed.

OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 Edge rumors of failing emege lately. But, its specs and features will still compete with branded phones and aim for victory.

After rumors arise that there would be no release of OnePlus 4 smartphones in the market instead of jumping off the OnePlus 5, the company made a clear statement that the phone will be released this year. Concept Phones reported that the company will be competing for the OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 Edge flagship killer against the branded phones in the market like Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8.

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However, there are some pessimistic reasons why the OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 killer are believed not to become successful. Such reasons include its shortness of time getting marketed and not so well-known. Secondly, the Chinese company is said to have lacking an extremely stable reputation at the moment and it it's the OnePlus 4 which will about to face the Apple and Samsung's next smartphone products.

Meanwhile, according to Digital Trends, the OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 flagship is confident enough that its specs and features will go beyond the top and well-known brands. For instance, the flagship killer is said to have the Qualcomm cutting-edge 835 processor, a 5.5 inch Quad HD display and an 8GB of RAM instead of only 4GB.

Also, some reports claim that the OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 Edge which will be both coming this year will have a WQHD AMOLED display just like what other branded phones like iPhone have. Additionally, OnePlus 4 won't be a disappointment when it comes to a battery for it is expected to have either a 3,000mAh or a 4,000mAh battery pack suitable enough for its large screen and features the Dash Charge Technology.

Its camera is said to sport a 23MP main camera with LED flash and 16MP front camera perfect for selfies. However, it's the price of the OnePlus 4 and OnePlus 4 Edge which will also bring the smartphone flagship killer a success for OnePlus is known in maintaining affordable prices for its smartphones since 2014.

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Source: OnePlus 4, OnePlus 4 Edge Flagship Killer Specs & Features Rise Beyond Branded Phones Despite Beliefs Of Failing

New & upcoming Android phones (April 2017)

Hard to believe we are already a quarter into 2017, and there certainly hasn't been any shortage when it comes to major flagship announcements in the Android world. Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, Huawei, and even Asus have all laid out their cards for the first part of 2017 and we are really liking what we've seen so far.

In the first half of this post we talk about new Android phones that have either been formally announced or have been on the market for 90 days or less. In the second part we turn on our crystal balls and talk about phones that have yet to be confirmed, pointing out some of the biggest rumors we've been hearing so far.

So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most interesting upcoming and new devices heading our way in the hopefully not too distant future!

New Android phones Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8+

The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ were officially announced towards the very end of March and man are they stunning looking devices. The new Galaxy family takes on the first major design change we've seen since the Galaxy S6′ introduction, with Samsung really removing the physical keys in favor of on-screen buttons. The S8 and S8+ also offer curved 18:9 displays with no 'traditional' flat screen offered.

Spec wise, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are nearly identical with the only major difference being the screen size, 5.7 vs 6.2, and battery size with the smaller model coming in at 3,000 mAh and the bigger at 3,500 mAh. Other specs include a Snapdragon 835 processor (or Exynos in some markets), 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 12MP dual cam, 8MP front cam, water resistance, and Android 7.0 based software with TouchWiz.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are already up for pre-order in many markets, though it won't actually ship until towards the end of April.

Specs

5.8 or 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED, 18:9 ratio

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

4GB of RAM

64 GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion

Rear camera: 12 MP Dual Pixel sensor, f/1.7 aperture, OIS

Front camera: 8 MP sensor, f/1.7 aperture

Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery (3,500 mAh for S8+)

Android 7.0 Nougat with Touchwiz

S8: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm, 155 g

S8+: 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm, 173 g

Read more

Pre-order now

LG G6

Samsung wasn't the only one to make some big changes for 2017. The LG G6 was announced earlier this year ahead of Samsung's flagship, sporting a new design that centers around an 18:9 display. Unlike Samsung, LG's screen remains flat and not curved. Whether that's a good or bad thing? That comes down to preference.

As far as specs are concerned, the LG G6 isn't quite as impressive as the S8, opting for a Snapdragon 821 around the center instead of the 835. The reasoning for this was it meant they could ship the phone faster, but this could be a point of contention for some buyers. Other key specs include a 5.7-inch 18:9 QHD LCD display, 4GB RAM, 32 or 64GB storage, microSD, a dual 13MP main cam, 5MP rear cam, 3,300 mAh battery, IP68 water resistance, and Android 7.0 based software.

The LG G6 is available now through a number of carriers, priced at around $675.

Specs

5.7-inch Super LCD5 display with Quad HD resolution

2.15 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor

4GB of RAM

64/128GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion up to 2TB

12 MP HTC Ultrapixel 2 camera, 16MP front camera

Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat with Sense

162.41 x 79.79 x 3.6-7.99mm, 170g

Read more

Buy now

Sony Xperia XZs and Xperia XZs Premium

Sony has found it difficult find a footing in key smartphone markets around the world, but the company is hoping for a reversal of fortunes with their latest flagship offerings, the Xperia XZs and the XZs Premium.

The Xperia XZs remains quite close to its predecessor, the Xperia XZ, retaining the loop design and metallic build quality of the latter, as well as the 5.2-inch Full HD display, te Snapdragon 820 processor, and the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. As far as changes are concerned, the RAM has received a bump to 4 GB, and the camera package has been upgraded to Sony's new Motion Eye System.

On the other hand, Sony returns to the classic metal and glass build with the Xperia XZs Premium, which looks absolutely beautiful. The phone is truly deserving of its "premium" moniker, featuring a 5.5-inch display with a 4K resolution, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processing package, as well as the dust and water resistance and Motion Eye System cameras seen with its smaller sibling.

Both smartphones, and the Xperia XZs Premium in particular, are impressive offerings from Sony, but whether they will be enough to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6 is something we'll have to wait to see as these devices make their way to consumers now.

Specs

Sony Xperia XZs

5.2-inch Triluminos display, Full HD resolution

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor

Adreno 530 GPU

4 GB RAM

32/64 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB

19 MP rear camera, 13 MP front-facing camera

2,900 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

146 x 72 x 8.1 mm, 161 grams

Sony Xperia XZs Premium

5.5-inch Triluminos display, 4K resolution

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor

Adreno 540 GPU

4 GB RAM

64 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB

19 MP rear, 13 MP front-facing camera

3,230 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

156 x 77 x 7.9 mm, 195 grams

Read more

Pre-order now

Huawei P10 and P10 Plus

Huawei took the wraps off of their latest flagship offerings, the P10 and P10 Plus, back at MWC 2017, and while these new devices can safely be considered incremental updates, upgrades to key aspects of the smartphone experience definitely make them worth picking up.

Both smartphones come with an identical full metal unibody design, are powered by Huawei's HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor, and feature the same Leica dual-camera setup on the rear. While both come with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, the P10 Plus is available in an iteration that comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Both feature expandable storage via microSD card for up to an additional 256 GB of space. The Huawei P10 features a 5.1-inch screen with a Full HD resolution,  while the larger P10 Plus features a 5.5-inch screen with a Quad HD resolution.

Like their predecessors, the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus are fantastic options for photography-enthusiasts, but the presence of the high-end camera package does demand a premium in the price that may not sit well with the average consumer.

Specs

Huawei P10

5.1-inch LCD display, Full HD resolution

HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor

Mali-G71 MP8 GPU

4 GB RAM

64 GB storage, expandable storage via microSD up to 256 GB

Leica Dual Camera 2.0 (12 MP and 20 MP rear cameras), 8 MP front-facing unit

3,200 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

145.3 x 69.3 x 6.98mm, 145 grams

Huawei P10 Plus

5.5-inch LCD display, Quad HD resolution

HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor

Mali-G71 MP8 GPU

4/6 GB RAM

64/128 GB storage, expandable storage via microSD up to 256 GB

Leica Dual Camera 2.0 (12 MP and 20 MP rear cameras), 8 MP front-facing unit

3,750 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

153.5 x 74.2 x 6.98mm, 165 grams

Read more

Pre-order now

HTC U Ultra

Things have been rough for HTC over the last few years, despite their best attempts to change the company's falling fortunes. Enter the HTC U Ultra. The Ultra breaks some of the company's traditions moving away from the HTC numbered nomenclature and ditching metal in favor of a glass-clad design.

While the HTC 11 is still expected to happen later in the year, the U Ultra currently stands as the company's flagship, with the U Play filling the mid-range niche. 

Spec wise, the HTC U Ultra offers flagship worthy specs including a Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM and a solid (on paper at least) camera package. Whether that is enough to gain HTC the much needed attention it is after? Only time well tell for sure.

Specs

5.7-inch Super LCD5 display with Quad HD resolution

2.15 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor

4GB of RAM

64/128GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion up to 2TB

12 MP HTC Ultrapixel 2 camera, 16MP front camera

Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat with Sense

162.41 x 79.79 x 3.6-7.99mm, 170g

Read more

Buy now

Asus Zenfone AR

The ZenFone line started out pretty modestly back in 2015 but over the years it has evolved quite a bit and this year it is set to climb even further heights. At CES 2017 Asus formally announced the ZenFone AR, the world's first high-end Tango-powered handset.

Powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor with a whopping 8GB of RAM, the ZenFone AR is the very definition of a powerhouse device. Other key specs include a 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, a 23MP rear cam, and all the special cameras and sensors required for Tango's AR functions. Additionally, the AR will be completely ready for Google's Daydream VR platform and will even offer its own VR headset that works with the standard.

As for when it is coming? That's a less easy to answer question. Asus is no stranger to announcing phones and then waiting forever to actually launch them. For Asus' part they currently suggest a Q2 launch, though exactly when in Q2 remains a mystery.  Nonetheless, this is certainly a phone worth looking out for.

Specs

5.7-inch 1440×2560 Super AMOLED

Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

8GB of RAM

32/64/128/256 GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion up to 256GB

23 MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, extra cameras and sensors included for Tango experience

Non-removable 3,300mAh battery

Android 7.0 Nougat

158.7 x 77.7 x 9 mm, 170g

Read more

Upcoming phones

Okay, so that's the new phones that are either available or about ready to ship. As for unannounced devices? We actually don't have a ton right now. We know that the Moto Z2, Pixel 2, and Note 8 are all in the works. Same with devices like the OnePlus 4. Unfortunately, there's just not enough details in the rumor mill now to talk much about them. That said, stay tuned as we'll be sure to add more details in the near future.

Are there any phones we didn't add to this post and you are looking forward to? Hit the comments and let us know! Also share your thoughts on the handsets listed above.

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Source: New & upcoming Android phones (April 2017)

Samsung unveils first new flagship phones since exploding phone debacle

Samsung showed off the Galaxy S8 and a larger screen model, Galaxy S8 Plus, along with new peripherals at a splashy media event in New York City.

Samsung plans to make Bixby available on all of its appliances, from air conditioners to TVs.

All Galaxy S8 units are compatible with cloud computing software, as well.

The crowning feature of the new handsets is what Samsung calls an "infinity display" - an elegant glass screen that covers the entire front of the phone and rounds nicely around its edges.

In fact, the home button has been moved to the bottom of the screen and is eerily similar to Apple's AAPL Force Touch. More importantly, to avoid any issues with the battery, Samsung has implemented an eight point safety check. A new video popped up on the interwebs, showing a Galaxy S8 seemingly getting fooled by a high-res picture of the face it's supposed to scan in real-life.

Samsung initially blamed faulty batteries, but some experts believe a design flaw may have been the cause. The new devices are coming as the industry's boom times... OLED displays offer richer colors, deeper blacks, a faster refresh rate and use less power than LCD screens.

The tech giant said the stores that have been opened to the public since Saturday are located in many Hi-mart stores, RT Land, its own Samsung Digital Plaza and outlets of local mobile carriers. Some replacement phones also caught on fire.

"That's a big bet that its phones will justify a higher price, whereas it could have used these new phones as a way to drive higher sales after a couple of years of stagnation", said Jan Dawson, an analyst with Jackdaw Research. The phone is also expected to pack the same speedy processors from the Galaxy S8, and it'll obviously come with Bixby integration. You'll have to buy an Apple Watch or another accessory if you want to measure your pulse using the iPhone. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have almost tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year.

Source: Samsung unveils first new flagship phones since exploding phone debacle

A First Look! Samsung's New Galaxy S8 Flagship Smartphones

The Galaxy S8 smartphone is displayed at Samsung Electronics Co.'s main shop in Seoul in this photo taken on March 30, 2017.

"It is important to reiterate that facial recognition, while convenient, can only be used for opening your Galaxy S8 and now cannot be used to authenticate access to Samsung Pay or Secure Folder".

We've contacted Microsoft to see if the "special" edition handset will be coming to the United Kingdom but we can't imagine it will, as the Samsung Galaxy S8 handset that we got our mitts on had a suite of Microsoft apps pre-loaded. We remind you that previous year, the Korean-based company was forced to discontinue and even recall every single Galaxy Note 7 unit that has sold.

The S8 and S8+ will also be able to work in conjunction with other Samsung products.

Interestingly, the device will have to be unboxed in-store and connected to the retailer's Wi-Fi, which will start loading Microsoft apps into the device.

While retaining the S7's 12MP sensor, the S8's camera has a new multi-frame processing capabilities, which rapidly takes multiple shots, picks the best one and uses the rest to reduce blur. Samsung says that software and processor efficiencies will let the new phones offer all-day battery life under normal use. It is clear that the future owners of the Galaxy S8 will not be disappointed with this camera. The Samsung Galaxy S8+ will be 6.2 inches, compared with Galaxy S7 Edge's 5.5 inches and the Galaxy Note 7's 5.7 inches.

Samsung claims its new voice assistant, Bixby, will do much more than rivals from Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon. When viewing a photo, just say "send this to Bob" to pull up messaging options and contact information for the Bobs you know.

Furthermore, the devices can be used with Samsung Dex - which transforms smartphones into a desktop-like experience - and work with Samsung Connect to manage IoT-enabled devices through one app.

And with the device's high dynamic range capabilities, you see exactly what a film's creator wants you to see. Other apps will be able to adopt Bixby, but Samsung has had a mixed track record in getting other companies to support its home-brewed functions, such as an "Air View" feature for showing pop-up previews of content.

Source: A First Look! Samsung's New Galaxy S8 Flagship Smartphones

Nokia’s flagship Android phone could make the Galaxy S8 look lame

The Galaxy S8 is the hottest Android handset that money can buy right now, but HMD and Nokia may be working on a flagship Android device that might deliver even better specs than Samsung's top phone.

According to a tip received by NokiaPowerUser , HMD's upcoming flagship might be called Nokia 9.

The phone may feature an iris scanner and a QHD OLED display measuring 5.5 inches. Other specs include Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB and 128GB storage options, 3800 mAh battery with support for Qualcomm's Quick Charge 4 technology, fingerprint scanner, IP68 water and dust certification, and Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

Assuming the report is accurate, the Nokia 9 may match some of the Galaxy S8's specs, while offering more RAM and a 128GB storage option. Most Galaxy S8 versions ship with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, aside from the Chinese version.

The exciting Nokia 9 features concern the cameras and sound experience.

The report says the phone will feature a 22-megapixel dual lens Carl-Zeiss camera on the back and a 12-megapixel front camera. Finally, the rumor indicates that the Nokia 9 may be the first smartphone to support Nokia OZO audio. That's a spatial audio technology with 3D capture and playback support, that's going to be ready to deliver immersive VR-ready sound — check out the demo below.

It's unclear at this time when the Nokia 9 will launch or how much it'll costs. In the meantime, you can always go for a cheaper Nokia Android phone, including the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and Nokia 6 that should hit stores soon.

Source: Nokia's flagship Android phone could make the Galaxy S8 look lame

HTC’s Next Flagship Smartphone’s Render Leaked

We've been hearing for quite some time now that HTC is working on a new flagship smartphone that it's going to unveil later this year. It kicked off 2017 by launching two new handsets and it's believed that there's another one in the pipeline. HTC hasn't said much about it as yet but we've already seen countless rumors and leaks. The latest leak brings us a purported render of this upcoming flagship smartphone from HTC.

Rumor has it that the new HTC flagship is called the HTC U and that it's going to have a 5.5 inch 1440×2560 pixel resolution display. It's rumored to be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 processor with Adreno 540 graphics processor, 4GB RAM and up to 128GB of storage. It may also feature a 12 megapixel rear and 16 megapixel front camera.

The render you see above claims to show off HTC's new flagship smartphone but something is amiss. For starters, it doesn't show a physical home button, a power button, or even volume controls. Where have all the buttons gone?

We can also see that the dual speakers at placed at the bottom of the handset with a USB Type-C port between them. However, it's the case of the missing buttons that's intriguing.

Has HTC found out a way to eliminate the need for these buttons or does this render not show the entire picture? To find that out for sure we'll have to wait and see what else comes up in the days leading up to the launch of this handset.

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Source: HTC's Next Flagship Smartphone's Render Leaked

Samsung unveils flagship smartphone Galaxy S8

Last year's Note 7 fire debacle, where battery problems caused some to combust, led to the device being banned from planes in the United States and forced Samsung to remove the handset from sale. The Microsoft Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is only available at Microsoft stores, which could limit the popularity of the device.

But battery capacity isn't increasing, despite the larger sizes, meaning more breathing room for the battery. The Note 7 pushed the engineering envelope with its battery, which contributed to a series of spontaneous smartphone combustions.

According to the company, DeX - when combined with Citrix Receiver - can convert the new Samsung Galaxy S8 into a desktop environment that includes an optimised UI for multi-tasking with keyboard and mouse support, resizable window capabilities, task bar pop-up notifications and more. Both models have screens that curve around the edges and get rid of the physical home button. The incident cost Samsung $5.5 billion in profit and dealt a heavy blow to its reputation. Though many customers remain loyal, any further misstep could prove fatal.

"We're in the process of earning back that trust", said Drew Blackard, a senior director of product marketing for Samsung. "But as long as the S8 does well and doesn't suffer from any of the same problems, the memories of the Note 7 issues will fade and Samsung will recover well".

Samsung recalled the phones and shipped replacements, but the newer batteries had welding defects and a lack of protective tape in some battery cells.

The company says phones will now go through multiple inspections, including X-rays and stress tests at extreme temperatures.

Samsung's AMOLED displays have always impressed, but the Galaxy S8's screen is lovely to behold; colours are rich and vibrant without appearing oversaturated, images are detailed and sharp, and video playback is very smooth.

- A Secure Grip for Comfortable Play: Even during the most active movements, the Controller's wrist strap offers a secure grip for comfortable and secure play. Additionally, the fingerprint sensor is easier to access in the Galaxy S8 Plus, and the device still delivers a 5.8-inch display, despite being easy to handle. In exchange for this minor niggle, purchasers of the Galaxy S8 Plus receive a smartphone with an outstanding screen that is still relatively compact compared to other devices with similar sized displays. It is perhaps somewhat surprising how popular the curved display has become in mobile technology, although Samsung has experienced significant success with this design feature in its television manufacturing.

The fingerprint reader has moved to the back of the phone next to the camera. "Certainly Apple remains the one to beat", said analyst Christopher Voce of Forrester Research. From there, the custom software and extra apps will be downloaded and installed.

The ultimate goal of Bixby is to fully control smartphones through voice commands, though touch and text commands will still be offered for user convenience. To work well, it will ultimately require apps to support larger displays. The S8 matches its rivals with a 12-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, which means pictures will look as good as those from any other up-to-date high-end phone on the market.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have a micro SD card slot on board. The worst thing though, Samsung's brand name was tainted.

Samsung just announced the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus flagship smartphones. It seems that Samsung attempted to increase the security options on this phone possibly in response to what they believe Apple's plans are for the next iPhone.

Included in the customization process is a download of several apps.

As Samsung is also a leading home appliances maker in the global market, the company hopes to apply Bixby to its refrigerators and televisions.

Source: Samsung unveils flagship smartphone Galaxy S8