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While Google’s Pixel 9 dominates with AI features, Realme just launched the GT7 with a different approach: solving real user problems. With a massive 7,000mAh battery, 120W charging, and competitive pricing, can this underdog challenge Google’s flagship?

The Underdog Smartphone That’s Rewriting the Flagship Playbook

In a smartphone market dominated by Samsung and Google, Realme just threw down the gauntlet with the GT7 – a device that dares to challenge the Pixel 9’s dominance with an audacious approach to battery technology and performance. While Google focuses on AI smarts, Realme is solving the problems that actually keep users up at night: dead batteries and slow charging.

Realme GT7 : The 7,000mAh Game Changer

The Realme GT7’s headline feature is impossible to ignore – a massive 7,000mAh battery paired with 120W fast charging. This industry-first combination delivers a full charge in just 40 minutes, making the Pixel 9’s charging speeds look prehistoric by comparison.

To put this in perspective, the GT7’s battery nearly doubles the Galaxy S25 Edge’s 3,900mAh capacity and significantly outpaces the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh pack. The phone also features bypass charging technology that powers your device directly during gaming or intensive tasks, protecting long-term battery health.

Performance That Competes

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e processor (essentially last year’s refined Dimensity 9300 Plus) delivers flagship-level performance that rivals premium Android devices. The 6.78-inch OLED display impresses with 2,780 x 1,264 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 6,000 nits peak brightness.

Camera System: Quality Without Compromise

The GT7’s camera setup holds its own against flagship competition:

• 50MP main sensor (IMX906) for detailed photography
• 50MP 2x telephoto lens for portrait and zoom shots
• 8MP ultrawide lens for expansive scenes
• 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls

Smart features include Lightning Snap for fast-moving subjects, 4K/60fps underwater mode, and AI Landscape Plus that reduces haze while correcting composition automatically.

Smart Software Integration

The standout AI Planner feature lets you double-tap the back panel to scan on-screen content and automatically create calendar events. Whether planning through WhatsApp or organizing from booking emails, it eliminates tedious manual entry. The phone promises four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.

Built for Real-World Use

With IP69 rating and Gorilla Glass 7i protection, the GT7 handles daily abuse. The innovative graphene layer beneath the rear cover provides six times better thermal conductivity than glass alone, keeping the phone cool during intensive use and comfortable in various weather conditions.

Realme GT7 : The Aston Martin Dream Edition

The GT7 Dream Edition features exclusive Aston Martin F1 branding with a striking green colorway, custom accessories, and unique software elements including themed wallpapers and icons.

Pricing: Premium Features, Smart Price

Standard GT7:

• 12GB/256GB: €649.99 (~$738) early bird pricing
• 16GB/512GB: €699.99 (~$794) early bird pricing

Dream Edition:

• 16GB/512GB: €899.99 (~$1,022)

Early bird pricing runs until June 9, making the GT7 significantly more affordable than the €899 Pixel 9.

The Trade-offs

The GT7 isn’t perfect – there’s no wireless charging support, and the four-year update commitment falls short of Google’s seven-year promise. However, you gain a telephoto camera, superior battery life, and blazing-fast charging that the Pixel 9 can’t match.

Realme GT7 : Final Verdict

The Realme GT7 proves that innovation doesn’t always mean following the crowd. While Google perfects AI features, Realme solved real user problems with industry-leading battery technology and competitive pricing. For users prioritizing battery life and value over brand prestige, the GT7 presents a compelling alternative that challenges flagship assumptions.

At this price point with these specifications, the GT7 isn’t just competing with the Pixel 9 – it’s redefining what consumers should expect from a premium smartphone experience.

Xiaomi XRING 01! The mobile processor wars just got a lot more interesting. Xiaomi has officially pulled back the curtain on their highly anticipated custom silicon, the XRING 01, and the specifications are nothing short of impressive. This isn’t just another chip entering an already crowded market – it’s a serious contender that could reshape the competitive landscape dominated by Qualcomm, MediaTek, and even challenge Google’s Tensor ambitions.

The Beast Underneath: Xiaomi XRING 01’s Powerhouse Architecture

What makes the XRING 01 truly stand out is its ambitious deca-core CPU configuration. Xiaomi hasn’t played it safe here – they’ve crafted a processor that pushes boundaries with a sophisticated core arrangement designed for maximum performance efficiency.

The chip features a carefully orchestrated symphony of processing power:

• Two Cortex-X925 performance cores running at an aggressive 3.9GHz
• Four Cortex-A725 cores operating at 3.4GHz for balanced workloads
• Two additional Cortex-A725 cores clocked at 1.9GHz for moderate tasks
• Two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 1.8GHz for background processes

This architecture is complemented by an intelligent caching system where the flagship cores enjoy 2MB of L2 cache each, the A725 cores get 1MB each, and the efficiency cores share 512KB – ensuring smooth data flow across all performance tiers.

How Does It Stack Against the Competition?

When comparing the XRING 01 to MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9400, the differences become immediately apparent. While MediaTek relies on a single Cortex-X925 core paired with older X4 and A720 architectures, Xiaomi has doubled down on the latest X925 technology and maintained consistency with modern A725 cores throughout most of the configuration.

The real battleground will likely be against Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. While single-core performance might favor Qualcomm’s optimized approach, Xiaomi’s deca-core strategy could deliver devastating multi-threaded performance that appeals to power users running demanding applications, gaming, and productivity workflows simultaneously.

Graphics Performance: Aiming for the Top Tier

Xiaomi hasn’t neglected the visual experience either. The XRING 01 integrates ARM’s cutting-edge Immortalis-G925 MC16 GPU, featuring a full 16 shader cores. This gives it a numerical advantage over the Dimensity 9400’s 12-core variant of the same GPU architecture.

However, raw core count doesn’t tell the complete story. Clock speeds, thermal management, and optimization will ultimately determine real-world gaming and graphics performance. What we can say is that Xiaomi has chosen premium components that position the XRING 01 as a serious gaming-focused processor.

Manufacturing Excellence and Advanced Features

Built on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, the XRING 01 benefits from the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing available today. This translates to improved power efficiency, better thermal characteristics, and higher transistor density – crucial factors for smartphone performance and battery life.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the integrated “fourth-generation” imaging processor, specifically engineered for enhanced low-light performance and 4K night video capabilities. This suggests Xiaomi is targeting the premium smartphone segment where camera quality often determines purchasing decisions.

Real-World Impact: Where You’ll Find the Xiaomi XRING 01

The processor makes its debut in two compelling devices. The Xiaomi 15s Pro smartphone and the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra tablet, both launching initially in the Chinese market. This dual-device approach demonstrates Xiaomi’s confidence in the chip’s versatility across different form factors and use cases.

The Bigger Picture: Industry Implications

The XRING 01 represents more than just another processor launch – it signals Xiaomi’s serious commitment to vertical integration and reduced dependence on external chip suppliers. By developing custom silicon, Xiaomi joins an exclusive club alongside Apple, Google, and Samsung in controlling their entire hardware stack.

For consumers, this competition benefits everyone. More players in the premium processor space means faster innovation cycles, better price-to-performance ratios, and more diverse feature sets across different brands.

What This Means for Google’s Tensor Ambitions

Perhaps most intriguingly, the XRING 01 appears positioned to outclass Google’s Tensor lineup significantly. With newer CPU architectures, a more advanced GPU, and cutting-edge manufacturing, Xiaomi’s first custom chip could deliver the performance that Tensor has struggled to achieve while maintaining better efficiency profiles.

Xiaomi XRING 01 : The Road Ahead

While specifications on paper look impressive, the true test will come through real-world usage, benchmark comparisons, and long-term reliability assessments. The mobile industry has seen promising chips falter due to thermal issues, software optimization challenges, or manufacturing inconsistencies.

However, Xiaomi’s track record with hardware engineering and their partnership with TSMC’s proven manufacturing capabilities suggest the XRING 01 has strong foundations for success.

The smartphone processor landscape just became significantly more competitive, and consumers worldwide should benefit from the increased innovation and performance options this new player brings to the table.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge! Samsung surprised tech enthusiasts earlier this year when they teased their ultra-thin addition to the Galaxy S25 lineup during January’s Unpacked event. After months of anticipation and what industry insiders suggest was a delayed release, the Galaxy S25 Edge has finally arrived—and it’s available for pre-order right now.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge : Familiar Core, Slimmer Package

At its heart, the Galaxy S25 Edge shares the same DNA as its siblings in the S25 family. You’ll find the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a vibrant AMOLED display, and the latest One UI 7 with Samsung’s full suite of Galaxy AI features. For those tracking the usual specifications, the Edge largely aligns with the rest of the S25 series regarding storage options, RAM configurations, and Samsung’s industry-leading update policy.

But where this device truly stands out—and warrants closer examination—is in three crucial areas: design philosophy, camera capabilities, and battery capacity.

Slimming Down: Design Innovation or Familiar Territory?

The standout feature of the Galaxy S25 Edge is undoubtedly its svelte profile. At just 5.8mm thick, it shaves approximately 1.5mm off the S25+ while maintaining an impressive 6.7-inch display. Perhaps more remarkably, it weighs only 163 grams—comparable to the much smaller 6.2-inch standard S25 (162g) or the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 (170g).

However, this ultra-thin design isn’t the groundbreaking achievement Samsung’s marketing might suggest. Tech enthusiasts with longer memories will recall that Motorola’s original Moto Z from 2015 measured an even more impressive 5.2mm while supporting the company’s modular accessories system. Samsung’s achievement, while noteworthy in today’s market, treads ground that smartphone manufacturers explored nearly a decade ago.

Camera Compromises: Quality in a Slimmer Package?

The Galaxy S25 Edge takes a surprising approach to its camera system by including just two rear lenses—a configuration more commonly found in mid-range devices than premium flagships.

The main 200MP sensor incorporates Samsung’s ProVisual Engine technology, matching its S25 counterparts on paper. However, given the space constraints of the thinner chassis, performance may align more closely with Samsung’s foldable Z-series than with traditional S-series devices.

The secondary ultra-wide lens completes the camera array—a sensible choice over a low-magnification telephoto. However, with digital zoom capabilities capped at 10x, capturing distant subjects could prove challenging. This represents a significant compromise compared to the more robust camera systems in similarly-priced devices, including Samsung’s own S25+.

Battery Concerns: Will It Last?

Perhaps the most significant question mark hangs over the Edge’s 3,900mAh battery. For a device sporting a 6.7-inch display and flagship-class processor, this capacity falls noticeably below industry standards for phones of comparable size.

Unlike clamshell foldables with similar battery sizes, the Edge doesn’t have a secondary low-power display to offset power consumption. Samsung promises “all-day” battery life, but real-world performance remains to be seen. For power users, this could be the deciding factor that determines whether the Edge’s striking design justifies its functional compromises.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Pricing and Availability

If you’re undeterred by these potential limitations, the Galaxy S25 Edge is available for pre-order now through Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung’s website, and major carriers. The base 256GB model starts at $1,100, while the 512GB variant costs $1,219.

Color options include Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Icyblue—a notably conservative palette compared to the vibrant options sometimes available in Samsung’s lineup. The device officially releases on May 30th.

Pre-orders through Samsung’s store can save up to $630 with eligible trade-ins, plus an additional $50 discount and a free storage upgrade for early adopters.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge : Key Specifications at a Glance

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Display: 6.7″ QHD+ AMOLED
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB
• Battery: 3,900mAh
• Charging: 25W wired, wireless supported
• Main Camera: 200MP f/1.7 with up to 10x digital zoom
• Secondary Camera: 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
• Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2
• Dimensions: 75.6 x 158.2 x 5.8mm
• Weight: 163g
• Water/Dust Resistance: IP68
• Software: Android 15 with One UI 7

The Verdict: Form Over Function?

The Galaxy S25 Edge stands as Samsung’s statement piece—a testament to the company’s engineering capabilities in creating ultra-thin devices. However, its compromises in camera versatility and potentially battery life raise important questions about prioritizing design aesthetics over practical functionality.

For those enchanted by its slim profile and lightweight construction, the Edge represents a unique option in today’s smartphone market. For others, the standard S25+ might provide a more balanced experience with minimal additional bulk.

As always, the true test will come when this device faces real-world usage scenarios. We’ll be putting the Galaxy S25 Edge through comprehensive testing to determine whether Samsung’s latest innovation truly delivers on its promises.

Samsung is speeding up its software timeline, with the first One UI 8 beta likely arriving before May ends. This quick turnaround represents a major change from past release schedules and could give Galaxy flagship owners early access to Android 16 features soon.

Early Access Coming Soon

Based on recent Sammobile reports, Samsung’s One UI 8 beta—running on Android 16—might roll out in just weeks. Some Galaxy flagship users in certain regions could see the beta as early as mid-May, which is surprising since many have only just updated to stable Android 15 versions.

This schedule contradicts previous claims from tipster Tarun Vats, who had pointed to a June beta release followed by stable versions in late summer.

What’s New in One UI 8

Although Samsung hasn’t officially announced any release dates yet, experts believe One UI 8 will be a smaller update compared to its feature-packed predecessor. The previous One UI 7 brought many changes, which is why it took longer to develop.

Leaked builds suggest One UI 8 will mostly polish existing features instead of completely redesigning the interface. Users can expect upgrades to:

• Now Bar functions
• Secure Folder design
• Samsung DeX experience
• New Android 16 features

Who Gets Access First

Remember that the beta program won’t be available for everyone. Samsung usually limits early access to:

• Top-tier devices (probably starting with S24 models)
• Certain markets (typically including the US, South Korea, and some European countries)
• Users who sign up through the Samsung Members app

If you’re interested, keep checking the Samsung Members app for notifications when the beta launches in your area.

With this faster schedule, Samsung seems eager to streamline updates and reduce delays between Google’s Android releases and their own customized version. Now, the question remains: will this quicker approach still deliver the reliable experience Galaxy users expect?

After a three-year hiatus, OnePlus has revived its beloved T-series with the launch of the impressive OnePlus 13T. This compact powerhouse brings premium features in a more manageable form factor, delighting fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of this mid-cycle refresh option.

OnePlus 13T : Sleek Design with Premium Display

The OnePlus 13T embraces a more pocket-friendly design compared to its bigger sibling. Featuring a gorgeous 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1.2K resolution (2640 x 1216 pixels), this compact flagship delivers stunning visuals without requiring two-handed operation. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from an energy-efficient 1Hz to a buttery-smooth 120Hz, ensuring both battery efficiency and exceptional scrolling performance.

Protected by Crystal Shield Glass, the display supports HDR10 and HDR10+ content, bringing your streaming experiences to life with vibrant colors and excellent contrast.

Extraordinary Battery in a Compact Body

Despite its smaller footprint, the OnePlus 13T surprisingly houses a massive 6,260mAh battery – even larger than the one found in the standard OnePlus 13. This powerhouse is complemented by 80W fast charging technology, ensuring minimal downtime between charges.

To maintain optimal performance during intensive tasks, OnePlus has implemented an impressive 4400mm² vapor chamber cooling system that effectively manages both processor and battery temperatures.

Cutting-Edge Performance

At the heart of the OnePlus 13T lies Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, delivering exceptional processing power with clock speeds up to 4.32GHz. This processing beast is paired with the Adreno 830 GPU and up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming experiences.

The device comes with up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing lightning-fast data access while offering ample space for apps, photos, videos, and games.

Reimagined Camera System

OnePlus has redesigned the camera island on the 13T, housing a powerful dual-camera setup that promises excellent photography capabilities:

• 50-megapixel main camera featuring Sony’s IMX906 sensor with f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and optical image stabilization
• 50-megapixel 2x telephoto lens with PDAF for high-quality zoom shots

Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 16-megapixel front-facing camera that delivers crisp, detailed self-portraits.

Innovative Controls with Modern Software

The OnePlus 13T introduces a new programmable Shortcut Key that replaces the iconic Alert Slider. This customizable button allows users to quickly access their favorite functions or applications with a simple press.

On the software front, the device ships with Android 15-based ColorOS 15, offering a refined user experience with the latest features and optimizations from both Google and OnePlus.

Comprehensive Connectivity Options

The OnePlus 13T doesn’t compromise on connectivity, featuring:

• WiFi 7 tri-band support
• Bluetooth 5.4
• 5G capabilities
• IP65 dust and water resistance
• Under-display fingerprint scanner
• Stereo speakers
• IR Blaster for controlling home appliances
• NFC for contactless payments

OnePlus 13T : Pricing and Availability

The OnePlus 13T is available in elegant Pink, Gray, and Black color options, with various configurations to suit different needs and budgets:

• 12GB/256GB: CNY3,399 (~$480)
• 16GB/256GB: CNY3,599 (~$510)
• 12GB/512GB: CNY3,799 (~$540)
• 16GB/512GB: CNY3,999 (~$565)
• 16GB/1TB: CNY4,499 (~$635)

International release details will be announced soon, giving global OnePlus enthusiasts something exciting to look forward to.

Complete OnePlus 13T Specifications

OnePlus 13T : Conclusion

The OnePlus 13T strikes an impressive balance between compact design and flagship performance. With its exceptional battery life, powerful processor, capable cameras, and reasonable price point, this T-series revival demonstrates OnePlus’s commitment to offering premium experiences at various form factors and price points.

What do you think about the return of the OnePlus T-series? Will you be picking up the 13T when it launches internationally? Let us know in the comments below!

Google Pixel 7a battery issues? Is your Pixel 7a looking a bit bulkier than usual? You might be eligible for a free battery replacement from Google.

Google Launches Extended Repair Program for Pixel 7a

Google has acknowledged that certain Pixel 7a units may experience unexpected battery swelling issues, prompting the tech giant to introduce an Extended Repair Program for affected devices. This comes just months after similar battery-related problems with the Pixel 4a, suggesting a concerning pattern in Google’s recent hardware offerings.

Google Pixel 7a battery issues : How to Check If Your Pixel 7a Qualifies

To determine if your device is eligible for a free battery replacement, you’ll need to enter your phone’s IMEI number on Google’s official verification page. The company will then provide specific instructions based on your device’s status. Here’s the assessment tool!

However, there’s a catch – your phone’s physical condition matters. Devices with significant damage or evidence of liquid exposure may not qualify for the free replacement service.

Google Pixel 7a battery issues : Warning Signs Your Pixel 7a Battery Is Affected

Keep an eye out for these symptoms that indicate your Pixel 7a may be experiencing battery swelling:

• Visible device swelling – Your phone appears thicker than normal or the back panel shows noticeable bulging
• Cover separation – Gaps or openings appearing along the edges where the phone’s casing should be sealed
• Rapid battery drain – Your battery life has significantly decreased, even with minimal usage
• Charging difficulties – The device fails to charge properly or at all

Replacement Options Available Worldwide

Google is offering various solutions depending on your location:

• In-person repair services are available in the United States, India, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore
• Alternative compensation is provided in regions where battery replacement isn’t offered

What If Replacement Isn’t Available in Your Region?

For customers in Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, EEA countries, and Switzerland where battery replacement isn’t an option, Google offers:

• A one-time payment of $200 (in local currency)
• $300 in Google hardware or Google Store credit toward another Pixel phone or Google product
• For in-warranty devices in regions without mail-in or walk-in repair options, a one-time payment of $456 (excluding the US and India)

This repair program is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to address hardware issues across its Pixel lineup, as the company continues to compete in the premium smartphone market while working to maintain customer satisfaction and trust.

Have you experienced these issues with your Pixel 7a? Check your eligibility today to take advantage of Google’s replacement program before potential battery problems affect your device.

Cruise Ship Connectivity? Stay connected on your cruise vacation without breaking the bank

Gone are the days when setting sail meant completely disconnecting from the digital world. Both AT&T and Verizon have just rolled out revamped cruise connectivity options that make staying in touch while on the high seas significantly more affordable and straightforward.

Cruise Ship Connectivity : What’s New for Cruise Travelers

Starting April 16, AT&T and Verizon customers can enjoy enhanced connectivity on cruise ships for a flat rate of $20 per day. This price point represents a welcome reduction from previous offerings and simplifies the process of staying connected during your ocean adventure.

AT&T’s Enhanced International Day Pass

AT&T has expanded its popular International Day Pass to include more than 400 cruise ships worldwide. For $20 per 24-hour period, passengers receive:

• 500MB of high-speed data daily
• Unlimited texting
• Unlimited talk

One of the most customer-friendly features is that there’s no additional charge if you use your phone both on the ship and on land during the same day. This means you can stay connected whether you’re lounging by the pool deck or exploring a port of call, all under the same daily fee.

This new offering replaces AT&T’s previous Cruise Basic and Cruise Plus plans, which offered less value for a higher price. If you activated one of these older plans before April 16, note that they’ll expire 30 days after activation.

Verizon’s Comparable Cruise Daily Pass

Not to be outdone, Verizon launched its own Cruise Daily Pass last week with nearly identical pricing. Also priced at $20 daily, Verizon’s offering covers more than 200 ships across 25+ cruise lines and includes:

• 500MB of high-speed data (speeds throttle to 3G after this limit)
• Unlimited calls to the United States
• Unlimited text messaging

This represents significant savings compared to Verizon’s previous $30 cruise pass, which only included 50 minutes of calling time and charged customers additional fees for overages.

Cruise Ship Connectivity : What This Means for Cruise Enthusiasts

While onboard internet connectivity still has room for improvement, these new passes offer a more cost-effective alternative to often expensive ship Wi-Fi packages. Travelers can now share vacation highlights on social media, check important emails, or stay in touch with loved ones without worrying about shocking roaming charges upon return.

Cruise Ship Connectivity : How to Get Started

Planning a cruise vacation? You can verify your ship’s eligibility and add these passes before departure through:

• Verizon’s Trip Planner tool
• The AT&T app

With cruise season ramping up, these more affordable connectivity options arrive at the perfect time for vacation planners looking to balance digital connection with relaxation at sea.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series? After a two-year hiatus, Samsung has finally revitalized its popular midrange tablet lineup with the launch of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus. These new Fan Edition tablets bring impressive specifications and features that strike a balance between performance and affordability, giving tablet enthusiasts something to be excited about in 2025.

AI Features Across Both Models

Samsung has integrated several AI capabilities into both Tab S10 FE variants:

• Object Eraser for removing unwanted elements from photos
• Best Face for optimizing portrait shots
• Auto Trim for streamlined video editing
• Galaxy AI Key for quick access to AI features

With identical performance specifications and feature sets, your choice between these two models will primarily come down to your preference for screen size, battery life, and budget considerations.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series : Full Comparison

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series : Key Differentiators at a Glance

The main differences between the two models:

• Display Size: The Plus model offers a significantly larger 13.1-inch display compared to the standard model’s 10.9-inch screen
• Battery Capacity: The Plus variant packs a 10,090mAh battery versus the standard’s 8,000mAh
• Physical Size & Weight: The standard model is more portable at 500g, while the Plus weighs 668g
• Price Point: Approximately €170 (~Php10,700) price difference between comparable configurations

Both tablets offer the same processor, camera system, S Pen functionality, display technology (apart from size), and software experience.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series : Conclusion

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 FE series offers impressive value for midrange tablet shoppers. The standard model delivers portability and performance at a more accessible price point, while the Plus variant caters to those who prioritize screen real estate and extended battery life. With included S Pen, IP68 water resistance, and powerful internals, both tablets provide a premium experience without the flagship price tag. Whether for work, education, or entertainment, the Tab S10 FE series marks a welcome return to Samsung’s Fan Edition tablet lineup.

Qualcomm has officially unveiled its latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, positioning it as a compelling option for premium smartphones that won’t break the bank. This new processor brings several notable improvements over its predecessor while introducing an intriguing CPU configuration that could deliver impressive multi-threaded performance.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 : A Surprising Name and Architecture

Despite earlier rumors suggesting it would be called the “Snapdragon 8s Elite,” Qualcomm opted for the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 moniker for this China-launched processor. This naming decision likely stems from the chipset’s use of standard Arm Cortex CPU cores rather than Qualcomm’s custom Oryon technology found in the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The CPU configuration represents a significant departure from traditional smartphone processor designs. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 features:

• One Cortex-X4 core at 3.2GHz
• Three Cortex-A720 cores at 3GHz
• Two Cortex-A720 cores at 2.8GHz
• Two Cortex-A720 cores at 2GHz

Most notably, Qualcomm has eliminated the efficiency-focused “little” cores entirely, opting instead for an all-medium-and-big-core approach. While the processor shares the same big and medium cores as the 8s Gen 3, this architectural shift suggests we can expect substantially improved multi-core performance. Qualcomm claims a 31% CPU performance boost over last year’s model, though it hasn’t specified whether this refers to single or multi-core benchmarks.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 : Graphics and Gaming Upgrades

The Snapdragon incorporates an Adreno GPU featuring the same sliced architecture that debuted in the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite. According to materials from Qualcomm China, this GPU includes two slices (compared to the Elite’s three) and 12MB of dedicated memory.

Gamers will appreciate the substantial 49% graphical performance improvement over the previous generation. The chip also supports advanced features like ray tracing and Qualcomm’s Game Super Resolution 2.0 technology, bringing flagship-level gaming capabilities to more affordable devices.

AI and Computational Photography Advancements

The new processor doesn’t skimp on AI capabilities either. With an enhanced NPU and twice the shared memory of its predecessor, the Snapdragon delivers 44% faster AI performance according to Qualcomm’s benchmarks.

Photography enthusiasts will benefit from several camera upgrades, including:

• Support for 320MP snapshots (up from 200MP)
• 108MP single-camera capability with multi-frame processing
• Triple 36MP camera configurations
• 4K/30fps low-light video recording
• Up to 250 layers of real-time segmentation in photos and videos
• Real-time skin and sky tone correction
• Truepic authentication for verifying image authenticity

However, the chip does make some video compromises compared to Qualcomm’s top-tier offerings. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 forgoes 8K/30fps, 4K/120fps, and 720p/960fps capabilities, instead focusing on 4K/60fps and 1080p/480fps recording options.

While Qualcomm hasn’t yet announced which smartphones will feature the new Snapdragon, this chipset is positioned to power the next generation of premium mid-range devices that deliver flagship-like performance at more accessible price points.

POCO has long been recognized for its upper mid-range smartphones, but the new F7 Ultra represents a significant leap forward. This device, essentially a rebranded version of the China-only Redmi K80 Pro, promises flagship-tier features at a competitive price point.

Design and Build: POCO F7 Ultra – Fresh Take on Smartphone Aesthetics

The POCO F7 Ultra stands out with its distinctive design elements:

• Two-toned rear cover with a shiny circular camera housing
• Anti-glare glass back reminiscent of early Pixel phone designs
• Impressive IP68 rating, a rarity in the POCO lineup

Performance Powerhouse: Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the device offers intriguing performance characteristics:

• Conservative CPU performance profile focusing on battery efficiency
• Stable GPU performance with around 70% stability
• Smooth real-world performance in gaming and multitasking
• Ability to run demanding games like GRID Legends and Genshin Impact without significant issues

Thermal Considerations: Managing High-Performance Challenges

While the phone demonstrates impressive capabilities, it does come with some thermal management challenges:

• Peak temperatures ranging from 48.1 to 50.8 degrees Celsius during stress tests
• Despite high temperatures, real-world usage remains smooth and consistent
• Potential concern for users who push the device to its absolute limits

Camera System: A Versatile Photography Experience

The F7 Ultra introduces a compelling camera setup:

• 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera with OIS
• 50MP main camera (1/1.55-inch) with f/1.6 aperture
• 32MP ultrawide lens
• Notable features include:
  • 8K video recording
  • AI Zoom toggle
  • Long-exposure modes
  • Motion capture capabilities

Camera Performance Highlights

• Flagship-grade image quality
• Impressive 2.5x telephoto performance
• Lossless 5x zoom capability
• Limitations in ultrawide and macro photography modes

POCO F7 Ultra : Display and User Experience

The smartphone boasts impressive display specifications:

• 6.67-inch QHD+ OLED screen
• LTPO technology
• 120Hz refresh rate
• Peak brightness of 3,200 nits
• Ultra-fast ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor

Battery and Charging: Balancing Capacity and Speed

Key battery and charging specifications include:

• 5,300mAh battery
• 120W wired charging (100% charge in 34 minutes)
• 50W wireless charging
• Battery rated for 1,600 charging cycles

POCO F7 Ultra : Software and Additional Features

The device runs on Hyper OS 2 atop Android 15, offering:

• Reduced bloatware
• Four years of OS upgrades
• Six years of security patches
• Additional features like IR blaster and dual stereo speakers

Pricing and Value Proposition

Ultra Pricing

• 12GB/256GB variant: $649 (early bird price $599)
• 12GB/512GB variant: $699 (early bird price $649)

Pro Pricing

• 12GB/256GB variant: $499 (promotional price $449)

POCO F7 Ultra : Conclusion

The POCO F7 Ultra offers an impressive package for budget-conscious flagship seekers. While it isn’t perfect, its combination of performance, camera capabilities, and competitive pricing makes it a compelling option in the 2025 smartphone market.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Versatile camera system
• Strong performance
• IP68 rating

Cons

• High thermal performance under extreme stress
• No eSIM support
• Uncertain back glass protection