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Pixel 7a: Is it Worth the Wait as the Best Budget Android Phone?

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Google’s annual developer conference is quickly approaching and the company is set to unveil new hardware at the event. However, leaks continue to surface, revealing some of the surprises that the tech giant has in store. This year, the iconic range of Pixel phones is expected to expand with new category additions including the Pixel Fold, a Pixel Tablet, and the pocket-friendly Pixel 7a. The latter was recently leaked online after someone listed the phone for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

The seller, whose location is unknown, provided a phone number for discussions via WhatsApp that is registered in the West African nation of CĂ´te d’Ivoire, as reported by TechDroider. The listing includes pictures of a brand new, unused Google Pixel 7a in a bright blue color with a silver camera visor. Another listing from the same seller shows off the black variant of the phone, which resembles earlier hands-on leaks.

The leaked images confirm what previous leaks had suggested, that the new Pixel 7a has a missing mic hole beside the camera flash, which is the only visual aspect differentiating it from the Pixel 7, besides its obviously smaller size. Both devices have a gloss finish on the body and a matte metallic finish for the camera visor.

In addition to the blue color seen in earlier leaks by Steve Hemmerstoffer, it seems Google will also release the Chalk (white) and Charcoal (black) colorways, replacing the Pixel 6a’s Sage color. Although three colors are usually the norm for Pixel A-series phones, there are rumors of a new coral color this year, which would be a welcome addition. These colors are expected to also apply to the Pixel Buds.

Google has a history of struggling to keep its hardware a secret, with most of its recent hardware being leaked online before the official unveiling. While some of these may be internal prototypes, the hardware, and software are usually locked down at this stage, making it unlikely for any significant changes to be made.

If you’re interested in buying any of the devices that have been listed for sale online, it may not be the best idea. Google typically deactivates them as soon as they are spotted in the wild. However, if you’re patient, the Pixel 7a could prove to be one of the best budget Android phones.

Summary:

  • Google is expected to showcase new hardware at its upcoming developer conference.
  • The Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet are among the new additions.
  • Someone recently listed a brand new, unused Google Pixel 7a for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
  • The leaked images reveal a bright blue color with a silver camera visor.
  • The Pixel 7a has a missing mic hole beside the camera flash, which differentiates it from the Pixel 7.
  • Google is expected to release the blue, Chalk, and Charcoal colorways, replacing the Pixel 6a’s Sage color.
  • There are rumors of a coral color this year, which would be a new addition.
  • Google has a history of struggling to keep its hardware a secret.
  • Buying listed devices may not be a good idea, as Google typically deactivates them once spotted in the wild.

Nothing OS to Integrate Seamlessly with Android 14 Beta 1 on its Smartphone

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Nothing, the technology business known for its one-of-a-kind and original products, is set to provide Android enthusiasts with an alternative to Google’s Pixel phone. Although Nothing now only sells one smartphone, the firm aims to build a reputation for itself in the Android market.

The first beta version of Android 14 was recently released on Pixel phones, and Nothing has stated that the first beta version of the OS will soon be available for its smartphones as well. The company revealed in a press release that its product team would have early access to the forthcoming Android 14 Beta 1 upgrade to enable smooth and seamless integration with Nothing OS for a better user experience.

Although the exact date for the release of Android 14 Beta 1 on the Nothing Phone 1 has yet to be announced, the brand is expected to provide more information soon. The beta is expected to be launched during Google I/O 2023, which is scheduled for next month.

The Nothing Phone 1 is the first device outside Google’s Pixel line to be confirmed for Beta 1 availability. Android 14 Beta 1 includes new features such as a revamped back arrow for gesture navigation, location-based loyalty card suggestions, updated PIN animations, and more. However, it is not guaranteed that all of these features will be available on the Nothing Phone 1, as the company has its Nothing OS software for which the update will be tailored.

Google I/O 2023, which will take place on May 10th, is expected to deliver exciting news and updates on Android 14 and other Google products. Manufacturers often disclose beta versions of the latest Android version at the event, and we expect more brands to make announcements before or during the expo.

Google Pixel 7a: Specs, Pricing and Color Options Revealed

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As the Google I/O 2023 event draws near, the internet is abuzz with rumors and leaks about the upcoming mid-range Pixel 7a. A detailed Pixel 7a dump recently revealed much information about the phone, including its battery capacity, RAM type, and more. Moreover, leaked renders have surfaced online, showcasing the Pixel 7a in three colors. A new high-resolution render has emerged online, featuring the phone in a bold coral.


Leaker @evleaks shared the coral Pixel 7a render on Twitter, which looks stunning. The phone’s entire back is drenched in an orange hue, while the camera bar uses a slightly lighter shade of orange. Even the volume buttons and the power key have been given an orange color. This new and fun color is a far cry from the usual white and black hues, and it should help the mid-range Pixel stand out in the crowded budget Android phone market.


Interestingly, this won’t be the first coral-colored phone from Google. The 2019 Pixel 4 series was also available in a similar “Oh So Orange” colorway and the Pixel 6 was offered in “Kinda Coral.” Additionally, you can get the Nest Mini in coral too.
Apart from coral, the Pixel 7a is expected to launch in three more colors: white, black/grey, and sky blue, all of which have been leaked in renders. This marks the first time Google will offer its Pixel phones in four hues, including two fun colors. However, it’s worth noting that the coral Pixel 7a may see a limited launch in selected markets, as Google has done previously with fun Pixel colors. Jon Prosser claimed the coral colorway would be exclusive to the Google Store.
It’s important to mention that all four color variants of the upcoming Pixel should have a black front, as per the norm with most phones in the market.


The Pixel 7a is expected to have significantly better specs than its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. This includes a faster Tensor G2 chip, an impressive 6.1-inch 90Hz OLED panel, 8 GB of RAM, and more. However, all these improvements will come at a cost, with the phone’s rumored price tag expected to increase by $50 to $400. The Pixel 7a is an exciting mid-range phone that will give other budget Android phones a run for their money.

POCO F5 Pro: A New Player in the Global Smartphone Market

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The POCO F5 Pro will be available globally on May 9, although it is unlikely in India. According to rumors, the phone will be a renamed version of China’s Redmi K60. However, according to Pricebaba’s leaked renders, user manuals, and specifications, there will be a minor difference between the two models.


According to the leak, the POCO F5 Pro will have a lower battery capacity than the Redmi K60, which has a total of 5,500 mAh. Aside from that, the specifications for both models are the same. According to the leaked renders, the POCO F5 Pro will have the same look as the Redmi K60, with photos of the phone in black and white.


The POCO F5 Pro will have a big 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 3200 x 1440 pixel (QHD+) resolution and a high refresh rate of 120 Hz. The screen will be protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and include an under-display fingerprint scanner.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU will power the smartphone, combined wi30 with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 5,160 mAh battery. The phone will enable wired charging u67 Wo 67W and wireless charging up to 30W. It will also include 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The POCO F5 Pro will have a triple rear camera arrangement with an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 2-megapixel sensor, as well as a flash.


Dual SIM, 5G (1/3/5/8/28/38/40/41/77/78 bands), WiFi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, and a USB-C port will be available as connectivity choices. In addition, the device will include a digital compass, a screen orientation sensor, and an acceleration (G-sensor). It will be an IP53-rated gadget with 162.8 x 75 x 8.5mm dimensions and a weight of about 204 grams.

Amazon is discontinuing its healthcare services. Halo is a brand name.

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Amazon just stated that it will discontinue its Halo-branded health services on July 31, 2023. This change will also result in the discontinuation of all Halo devices on August 1, 2023. The machines were primarily sold in conjunction with the Halo subscription service, which allowed users to monitor and manage their health-related data from the devices. The Halo devices and subscription pages have already been removed from the company’s website.


Halo device owners will be able to access and download their data until August 1, 2023. Amazon will then delete all data from its servers. Furthermore, the company has ceased sales of its three Halo products and intends to lay off a portion of the Halo team. However, Amazon has assured customers that it will fully refund purchases of Amazon Halo View, Amazon Halo Band, Amazon Halo Rise, and Amazon Halo accessory bands made in the previous 12 months. Unused prepaid Halo subscription fees will be refunded as well.
Amazon advises Halo users to discard their devices and accessories through its recycling program, and the company will cover the shipping and recycling fees.


The Halo Band, the first product under the Halo brand, was released in 2020. Competitors such as Fitbit, Samsung, and Apple have already begun offering gadgets with more advanced functionality such as EKG and atrial fibrillation. Amazon followed up with a couple more products, including the Halo View, which was released in 2021, and the Halo Rise, a contactless sleep tracker that was released recently.
Summary:


Amazon has announced that it will stop its Halo-branded health services on July 31, 2023, and all Halo devices on August 1, 2023.
Halo device owners will be able to access and download their data until August 1, 2023. Amazon will then delete all data from its servers.
Amazon has discontinued sales of its three Halo devices and intends to lay off a chunk of the Halo crew.
Customers who purchased any Halo products or services within the previous 12 months will receive a full refund, as will any unused prepaid Halo subscription fees.


Amazon recommends that users recycle their gadgets and accessories through its recycling program, and the business will cover the shipping and recycling fees.

List of Samsung Phones in the US That Have Received the April 2023 Update

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Samsung has once again beaten Google in rolling out its devices’ latest monthly security patch. Unlike Google, which often follows an unpredictable schedule, Samsung typically follows a set pattern. The update usually goes live at the beginning of the month or even a day or two before that.

The Galaxy S23 series was the first Samsung lineup in Europe to receive the April 2023 patch. Meanwhile, in the US, the Korean tech giant is beginning the rollout of the April security patch with its 2022 foldable: the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4. With this update, Samsung has again provided some of its devices in Europe and the US with the latest monthly security patch ahead of Pixels.

Google was expected to release the April 2023 update for Pixels earlier this week, but only the security bulletin was published that day. This marks the second time Google has delayed the monthly update’s rollout for compatible Pixel phones.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4’s April 2023 firmware are currently available for devices on T-Mobile’s network. A wider rollout, which includes other carriers, should begin in the coming weeks.

The April 2023 security patch from Samsung addresses over 65 security vulnerabilities, including one for the Exynos modem issue, which was considered a significant threat. Of all the patched exploits, 55 were from Google, while 15 security flaws were specific to Samsung’s Galaxy devices.

For those interested, Samsung has released detailed release notes on the April 2023 security patch, which can be found here.
We have compiled a list of all the Samsung phones in the US that have received the April 2023 update below. We will update this list as new Galaxy devices receive the April patch.

  • Galaxy S20 series
  • AT&T
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Comcast
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Sprint
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • T-Mobile
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Verizon
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Xfinity
  • Galaxy S20: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20+: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: G98xU1UES4HWCB, released April 20th
  • Galaxy S21 series
  • Unlocked
  • Galaxy S21: G99xU1UEU6EWCA, released April 6th
  • Galaxy S21+: G99xU1UEU6EWCA, released April 6th
  • Galaxy S21 Ultra: G99xU1UEU6EWCA, released April 6th
  • Galaxy S21 FE: G990U1UES5EWC2, released April 12th
  • T-Mobile
  • Galaxy S21 FE: G990USQS6EWC3, released April 11th
  • Galaxy S22 series
  • Unlocked
  • Galaxy S22: S90xU1UES2CWCC, released April 6th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xU1UES2CWCC, released April 6th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xU1UES2CWCC, released April 6th
  • AT&T
  • Galaxy S22: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Sprint
  • Galaxy S22: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • T-Mobile
  • Galaxy S22: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Verizon
  • Galaxy S22: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Xfinity
  • Galaxy S22: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22+: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S22 Ultra: S90xUSQU2CWCF, released April 17th
  • Galaxy S23 series
  • Unlocked
  • Galaxy S23: S91xU1UEU1AWC8, released April 11th
  • Galaxy S23+: S91xU1UEU1AWC8, released April 11th
  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: S91xU1UEU1AWC8, released April 11th
  • Galaxy Note 20 series
  • Unlocked
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • AT&T
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Comcast
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Sprint
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • T-Mobile
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Verizon
  • Galaxy Note 20: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: N98xU1UES4HWC9, released April 7th
  • Galaxy Z series
  • T-Mobile
  • Galaxy Z Flip 4: F721U1UES2CWC9, released on April 4
  • Galaxy Z Fold 4: F936U1UES2CWC9, released on April 4
  • Galaxy A series
  • Unlocked
  • Galaxy A52 5G: A526U1UES8EWC2, released April 13th
  • Galaxy A53: A536U1UEU4CWC4, released April 5th
  • Comcast
  • Galaxy A53: A536USQS4CWC8, released April 12th
  • Xfinity
  • Galaxy A53: A536USQS4CWC8, released April 12th

How MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200 Plus will affect the smartphone market

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MediaTek, the Taiwanese-based chip maker, has announced the launch of its latest flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9200 Plus, on May 10th in China. This new chipset is expected to be an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Dimensity 9200, which currently powers several flagship devices from Vivo and OPPO.

The first smartphone to feature the Dimensity 9200 Plus will likely be the iQOO Neo 8 Pro, recently spotted on benchmarking platforms with the upcoming chip. The listing has confirmed some of the critical specifications of the Dimensity 9200+, including a 1 x Cortex-X3 core operating at 3.35GHz, 3 x Cortex-A715 cores working at 3.00GHz, four Cortex-A510 cores clocking at 2.00GHz, and Immortalis-G715 MC11 graphics.

The Dimensity 9200+ is reported to have achieved an impressive score of 1,368,597 on AnTuTu benchmarking platform, which is higher than Qualcomm’s most powerful chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This suggests that the Dimensity 9200+ may offer better performance than its competitors.

The iQOO Neo 8 Pro is expected to be the first device to feature this new chipset, followed by the iQOO 11S and Vivo X90 Plus in the year’s second half. Moreover, AnTuTu’s Weibo post indicates that Redmi and ROG will also release smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9200+.

Launching the Dimensity 9200 Plus is anticipated to bring substantial improvements in performance and speed to the smartphone market. It will be fascinating to see how this upcoming chipset stacks up against its competitors and how it will affect the market share of its major rivals, such as Qualcomm and Samsung.

Summary:

  • MediaTek is launching its latest flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9200 Plus, in China on May 10th.
  • The Dimensity 9200+ is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Dimensity 9200.
  • The chipset is expected to perform better than its competitors, including Qualcomm’s most powerful, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
  • The iQOO Neo 8 Pro will likely be the first device to feature this new chipset, followed by the iQOO 11S and Vivo X90 Plus.
  • Redmi and ROG will also release smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9200+.

Nokia XR20 Sequel Leaks: Nokia XR21 Specs and Features Revealed

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HMD Global is gearing up for the release of its upcoming Nokia XR21, the sequel to the Nokia XR20 which was a major release for the company as it ventured into the rugged phone market. German tech outlet, WinFuture, has leaked detailed specs and renders of the upcoming device, revealing that it is likely to feature a similar plastic rear cover and thick bezels as its predecessor, with black and green color options.

The core features of the Nokia XR21 are expected to include a budget-tier Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.49-inch FHD+ LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 4,800mAh non-removable battery, and 33W wired charging. The device is also expected to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, three years of major OS updates, and four years of security patches.

However, one disappointing aspect of the device is that it is said to come with Android 12, despite Android 13 being available for nearly eight months. The Nokia XR21 is expected to have a 64MP primary camera and an 8MP telephoto camera, but neither of them will have optical stabilization hardware. The Snapdragon 695 doesn’t support 4K recording either.

The front camera is a 16MP lens. The device is also said to have a 3.5mm port, eSIM support, an extra hardware key for Google Assistant, and a customizable button on the top. The Nokia XR20 received mixed reviews, with some users feeling there was room for improvement, including better camera quality, fingerprint scanner, and 5G capabilities on AT&T.

There is no word yet on the pricing for the Nokia XR21, but the Nokia XR20 retailed for $550, and it is hoped that the new device will be priced similarly or even cheaper.

Summary:

  • Nokia XR21, the successor to the Nokia XR20, is soon to be released.
  • WinFuture has leaked detailed specs and renders of the device, revealing a similar design to its predecessor, with black and green color options.
  • The Nokia XR21 is expected to feature a budget-tier Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.49-inch FHD+ LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 4,800mAh non-removable battery, and 33W wired charging.
  • The device is also expected to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, three years of major OS updates, and four years of security patches.
  • However, the device is said to come with Android 12 instead of Android 13, which has been available for almost eight months.
  • The device is also expected to feature a 64MP main camera, an 8MP telephoto camera, and a 16MP front camera.
  • There is no information yet on pricing, but it is hoped that it will be similar to or cheaper than the Nokia XR20.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8: More than Just a Fitness Tracker with its First-Party Accessories

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The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 was released earlier this month, with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Unlike its predecessors, the company’s latest fitness tracker features a trendy style that sets it apart from the rest of the fitness trackers.
Xiaomi Smart Bands, formerly known as Mi Smart Bands, are well-known for their practical designs. However, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has evolved, with the company opting for a more fashionable appearance.


The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has a novel strap mechanism that allows it to be utilized with a variety of unique-looking straps, including the option to wear it as a pendant. Several first-party accessories are now available in China, according to the company’s announcement.
Regular TPU bands and braided leather straps are available for $39 ($5) and $99 ($15), respectively. There are even more expensive variants, such as the hollow bracelet strap, double circular band, and pendant, all of which cost 149 ($20).


The stainless steel hollow bracelet strap is designed for women and is available in black or white. The black or white double-circle band is made of calfskin, PU leather, and stainless steel. Finally, the pendant has a plastic back cover and a stainless steel head grain. It includes a wax leather rope.


Similar to prior generations, the latest Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is likely to be distributed outside of mainland China in the coming months. It remains to be seen, however, whether the first-party accessories will be offered in other areas.

Samsung’s LSI Division Working on Re-Entry of Exynos Chips in Galaxy Series

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According to reports, Samsung is working on reintroducing Exynos CPUs into its Galaxy flagship handsets. This comes after the LSI section of the tech corporation reported severe losses in its semiconductor business in the first quarter of 2023. During an earnings call, a top executive at Samsung LSI responded to a question about the possibility of an Exynos variant for the Galaxy S24 series, saying, “The MX (Mobile Experience) division is a major customer and aims to develop business with a product lineup that can be applied to all segments of the Galaxy series.” We are also preparing for re-entry.”

While this statement does not confirm the return of Exynos chips to Galaxy S series phones, it strongly indicates that it will. This year, Samsung discarded Exynos CPUs for the Galaxy S23 family, instead opting for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoCs in its S series flagships. However, Samsung LSI intends to change that with its recent revelation.

According to a recent rumour, Samsung intends to equip the base Galaxy S24 model with the Exynos 2400, which will purportedly include a 10-core CPU, one prime Cortex-X4 core, five Cortex-A720 units, two of which will have a higher frequency, and four power-saving Cortex-A520 cores. If Samsung does reintroduce Exynos chips, it may limit the Snapdragon version of the Galaxy S24 phones to specific territories, such as the United States. In contrast, other regions, such as Europe, will be left with the Exynos form. It all comes down to Samsung’s mobile division in the end.