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Why the iQOO 16’s Future Is Suddenly Uncertain Amid Soaring Memory Costs

Tech, Tech News / July 12, 2026

iQOO built its reputation on a simple, highly effective formula: delivering top-tier smartphone performance at prices that undercut the biggest names in the industry. But as we move deeper into 2026, that formula is cracking under the pressure of severe global supply chain realities. Recent leaks and industry insider reports suggest that the highly anticipated iQOO 16 might not see a global launch—and its release in key markets like India could be scrapped entirely. iQOO’s product strategy is shifting amid component price surges.. Source: iQOO Here is a breakdown of why the iQOO 16’s future is suddenly in doubt, and what it signals for the broader smartphone market. The ₹85,000 Problem The core issue disrupting iQOO’s roadmap isn’t a lack of demand or a failure in engineering; it’s the surging cost of memory components. The Component Crisis: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, the booming AI hardware market, and a lack of pricing regulation have caused memory chip prices to skyrocket globally. The Price Ceiling: According to prominent tipsters, maintaining the iQOO 16’s planned specifications (including up to 16GB of RAM and massive storage limits) would push the base variant’s retail price in India beyond ₹85,000. Loss of Identity: At ₹85,000, the iQOO 16 would sit directly next to established premium flagships from Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus. Competing purely on specs without a significant price advantage destroys the brand’s unique selling proposition. For context, the iQOO 13 launched at ₹54,999 just a couple of years ago. The recent iQOO 15 already saw a price bump up to ₹72,999. Pushing the next generation near the ₹90,000 mark is a leap the brand appears unwilling to take. A Drastic Shift in Strategy With flagship pricing becoming untenable, Vivo’s gaming sub-brand is being forced to adapt its entire 2026 product roadmap. 1. The “Ultra” is Out Reports indicate that iQOO is streamlining its flagship lineup in China by entirely scrapping the iQOO 16 Ultra. Instead, the company will focus solely on the standard and Pro models to avoid internal competition and reduce manufacturing overhead. 2. Pivoting to the Z-Series With the flagship 16-series delayed or cancelled in regions like India, iQOO is shifting its marketing weight toward the mid-range. The company has already begun officially teasing the iQOO Z11, a sub-₹35,000 device expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity chipset and a massive 7,200 mAh battery. For the remainder of the year, this budget-friendly lineup may be the only new hardware iQOO brings to the global market. What This Means for Consumers iQOO isn’t the only brand feeling the squeeze—companies like Nothing and CMF have also reportedly shelved or delayed phone models this year due to the exact same component cost issues. The takeaway for buyers in 2026: Hold Onto Your Current Phone: The era of the “affordable flagship killer” is facing intense headwinds. If you currently own an iQOO 13, 14, or 15, there is little financial incentive to upgrade right now. Expect Price Hikes Across the Board: If a brand known for aggressive pricing can’t absorb these memory costs, mainstream manufacturers will almost certainly pass these hikes onto the consumer by late 2026 and 2027. The iQOO 16 was poised to be a powerhouse featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. Whether it ever makes it out of China remains to be seen, but its struggles perfectly illustrate how vulnerable the tech industry remains to volatile supply chains. Also read: Is the OnePlus Pad Go Still Worth Buying in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know Also read: Xiaomi Cancels 18 Ultra, Shifts 200MP Camera to Mix Fold 5

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Is the OnePlus Pad Go Still Worth Buying in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tech, Tablets / July 11, 2026

When the OnePlus Pad Go launched in late 2023, it disrupted the budget Android tablet market. Offering a sleek design, a great screen, and a massive battery for under ₹20,000, it was the easy recommendation for students and casual media consumers. But three years is a long time in tech. In 2026, OnePlus has expanded its lineup with heavy hitters like the OnePlus Pad Go 2 and the budget-friendly OnePlus Pad Lite LTE. So, if you spot a heavily discounted OnePlus Pad Go online or in a refurbished store today, should you pull the trigger? Let’s break down where it still shines and where it shows its age. OnePlus Pad Go. Source: OnePlus India Where the Pad Go Still Shines Even by 2026 standards, the hardware foundation of the original Pad Go holds up remarkably well for basic tasks. The Display: The 11.35-inch 2.4K LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate remains excellent for reading, browsing, and watching Netflix. The 7:5 aspect ratio is much better for viewing documents than the traditional widescreen format found on older budget tablets. The Battery Life: The 8,000mAh battery paired with 33W fast charging is still a beast. Because the internal processor isn’t pushing extreme gaming graphics, this tablet easily survives days of casual use on a single charge. The Build Quality: OnePlus gave this budget tablet a premium feel with its two-tone “Twin Mint” finish and curved edges. It doesn’t look or feel like a three-year-old budget device. Where It Shows Its Age The compromises made in 2023 are much more noticeable against today’s entry-level standards. The Processor: The MediaTek Helio G99 was a decent mid-range chip at launch, but in 2026, it is strictly for casual use. It handles web browsing and YouTube perfectly fine, but you will feel the stutter if you try multitasking with heavy apps or playing modern 3D games. Software Updates: Launching with Android 13 (OxygenOS 13.2), the original Pad Go has likely reached the end of its major software support lifecycle. While it will still run your apps, you will miss out on the latest OxygenOS 16 AI features. No Stylus Support: Unlike newer models that support advanced active styluses for note-taking, the original Pad Go is best used with just your fingers. The 2026 Alternatives Before you buy a discounted Pad Go, you need to know what else OnePlus is offering this year. The landscape has shifted dramatically. OnePlus Pad Series Comparison Model Chipset Display Battery Price Pad Go Helio G99 11.35″ 90Hz 8000mAh ₹17,999 Pad Lite LTE Helio G100 11.0″ 90Hz 9340mAh ₹20,49 If your budget is tight, the OnePlus Pad Lite LTE (released in late 2025) offers a slightly better Helio G100 processor and a much larger 9,340mAh battery for around ₹20,499. If you want a true upgrade with 5G support, stylus compatibility, a massive 12.1-inch 120Hz screen, and a significantly faster Dimensity 7300-Ultra chip, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the current king of the lineup starting at ₹28,499. The Bottom Line Is the OnePlus Pad Go still worth buying in 2026? Yes, but only if the price is right. If you find it new or refurbished for under ₹12,000, it remains a fantastic, reliable screen for media consumption and light reading. However, if the price is hovering anywhere near its original ₹17,999 MSRP, you are much better off spending a tiny bit more for the OnePlus Pad Lite LTE, or saving up for the vastly superior OnePlus Pad Go 2. Also read: OnePlus N6 Battery: Everything You Need to Know About the 8,000mAh Powerhouse

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Xiaomi Cancels 18 Ultra, Shifts 200MP Camera to Mix Fold 5

Tech, Tech News / July 11, 2026

Xiaomi may be making one of its boldest flagship decisions in years. According to recent supply chain leaks and industry insiders, the company has reportedly halted development of the Xiaomi 18 Ultra as a traditional slab smartphone. Instead, the cutting-edge hardware originally planned for the device could debut in the upcoming Xiaomi Mix Fold 5. If the reports are accurate, Xiaomi isn’t abandoning its flagship ambitions. Rather, it’s choosing to make its next foldable the true showcase for its latest innovations. Why Xiaomi May Have Dropped the 18 Ultra For months, rumors suggested that the Xiaomi 18 Ultra would arrive as the company’s most advanced camera phone yet. However, newer reports indicate that rising component costs forced Xiaomi to rethink its strategy. High-end memory, premium camera hardware, and next-generation components have become significantly more expensive, making it increasingly difficult to build an Ultra device without pushing the retail price into uncomfortable territory. Instead of releasing a flagship that compromises on features—or one that becomes too expensive for most buyers—Xiaomi is said to have paused the project entirely. Some reports suggest that certain ideas from the canceled device could eventually appear in another premium model, possibly under a different name. However, the company’s immediate focus now appears to be the Mix Fold lineup. The Mix Fold 5 Could Become Xiaomi’s True Flagship Foldable phones have improved rapidly over the past few years, but many still make sacrifices in areas such as camera quality, battery capacity, or sustained performance. That could change with the Mix Fold 5. Rather than treating the foldable as a secondary flagship, Xiaomi reportedly plans to equip it with hardware originally developed for the 18 Ultra, potentially creating one of the most capable foldable smartphones ever released. A 200MP Main Camera Perhaps the biggest upgrade is the rumored 200-megapixel primary camera. If accurate, this would place the Mix Fold 5 among the few foldables capable of competing directly with traditional Ultra flagships in photography. A larger, high-resolution sensor could deliver sharper images, better dynamic range, and stronger low-light performance while offering greater flexibility for digital zoom. For years, foldable phones have lagged behind standard flagship devices in camera quality. Xiaomi may finally be looking to change that. A Massive 6,000mAh Battery Battery life has long been one of the biggest challenges for foldable devices because of their thin designs and dual-display construction. Leaks suggest the Mix Fold 5 could feature a battery approaching 6,000mAh, which would be remarkable for a foldable smartphone. If Xiaomi manages to fit such a large battery without making the device significantly thicker, it could set a new benchmark for endurance in the foldable segment. Xiaomi’s Custom XRing O3 Chip Could Take Center Stage Another major highlight is the expected debut of Xiaomi’s next-generation in-house processor, the XRing O3. The chip is rumored to be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, offering notable improvements in both performance and power efficiency. Early reports also point to a redesigned CPU architecture aimed at delivering stronger sustained performance while keeping temperatures under control—an especially important factor for foldable devices, where thermal management is often more challenging than on conventional smartphones. If these claims prove accurate, the XRing O3 could become Xiaomi’s most ambitious custom chipset to date and further reduce the company’s dependence on third-party silicon. A Shift in Xiaomi’s Flagship Strategy Rather than launching separate flagship slab and foldable phones with different priorities, Xiaomi may be consolidating its best technologies into a single premium device. That would represent a significant change in strategy. Instead of asking consumers to choose between the best camera phone and the best foldable, Xiaomi could be aiming to deliver both in one package. If successful, the Mix Fold 5 would stand out not only against competing foldables but also against premium flagships from other manufacturers. What This Means for Buyers Nothing has been officially confirmed by Xiaomi, so these reports should be treated as rumors until the company announces its future plans. However, if the leaks accurately reflect Xiaomi’s direction, the cancellation of the 18 Ultra may not be bad news after all. Instead, it could signal the beginning of a new flagship era where foldable phones receive the company’s most advanced camera system, biggest battery, and newest processor. The Mix Fold 5 could end up being far more than Xiaomi’s next foldable. It may become the company’s most ambitious smartphone yet—and one of the most powerful premium devices of 2026. Also read: Global Redmi Note 17 Series Chipsets Leaked: Here’s What the Note 17, Pro, and Pro Max Could Use

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Why the $2,300 iPhone Ultra is the Most Overpriced Foldable Yet

Tech, Tech News / July 10, 2026

Apple’s first foray into the foldable market is finally dropping this September. But instead of generating excitement, the iPhone Ultra is bringing sheer sticker shock. At a jaw-dropping $2,300, Apple is asking buyers to fund a massive, incredibly expensive beta test. Here is exactly why you should keep your wallet closed. The MacBook Pro Reality Check When a phone costs more than two grand, it is no longer competing with other smartphones. It is competing with professional-grade computers. For $2,300, you have two very different options: A high-end MacBook Pro that will crush intensive workflows and last you for the next five years. A fragile, first-generation folding phone with an inevitable crease down the middle. If you are dropping laptop money on a smartphone, it needs to completely replace your laptop. The iPhone Ultra simply does not. Paying More to Get Less The most frustrating part of the iPhone Ultra’s price tag isn’t just the sheer number—it is what you aren’t getting. Early adopters are going to pay a massive premium to actually lose staple flagship features. Here is what you are sacrificing for that folding screen: Inferior Cameras: The ultra-thin chassis means there is no room for the advanced periscope telephoto lenses found on the standard Pro models. Durability Concerns: This is Apple’s first attempt at a folding hinge and flexible glass—components that notoriously fail in early generations. Subpar Battery Life: Powering a massive internal display with a battery split across two incredibly thin halves is a recipe for mid-day charger panic. The Competition is Simply Better The iPhone Ultra is walking into a market that other brands have been iterating on for over half a decade. Competitors have already worked through the awkward growing pains of foldable tech, and they charge significantly less for a much better, more refined experience. Feature Apple iPhone Ultra Samsung Galaxy Z Fold OnePlus Open Price $2,300 $1,899 $1,699 Generation 1st Gen Mature Refined Cameras Compromised Pro-level Zoom Elite Array Apple is demanding a $400 to $600 “Apple Tax” for a device that is functionally years behind the competition in the foldable space. The Final Verdict The iPhone Ultra is a pure status symbol. It is designed for people who simply want to flex an Apple logo on a folding chassis, regardless of the cost or the compromises. If you genuinely want the best foldable experience, other brands have you covered for hundreds of dollars less. And if you just have $2,300 burning a hole in your pocket for top-tier Apple hardware? Go buy a MacBook Pro. Alsso read: Did iOS 26.4 Fix Battery Drain? Early Users Report Big Improvements

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Global Redmi Note 17 Series Chipsets Leaked: Here’s What the Note 17, Pro, and Pro Max Could Use

Tech, Tech News / July 10, 2026

The mid-range smartphone market is about to get a massive shakeup. A major new leak has revealed the global system-on-chip (SoC) lineup for the highly anticipated Redmi Note 17 series. Xiaomi is taking a highly calculated approach this year, splitting its lineup between Qualcomm’s latest 4nm Snapdragon chips and MediaTek’s AI-focused Dimensity silicon. Here is a quick look at the leaked lineup before we dive into what these changes mean for real-world performance, battery life, and gaming. The Redmi Note 17 Lineup Model Leaked Chipset Manufacturing Node Core Focus Redmi Note 17 Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 4nm (Samsung) Efficiency & Battery Life Redmi Note 17 Pro Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 4nm (TSMC) Balanced Performance & Gaming Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Dimensity 7500 4nm (TSMC) On-Device Generative AI & Cameras The Redmi Note 17 Lineup 1. Redmi Note 17 (Base Model) — The Battery Champion Chipset: Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 (4nm) Target Audience: Everyday users who value long-lasting endurance over heavy gaming. The standard Redmi Note 17 is built to maximize value. By moving to a 4nm architecture for its entry-level tier, Xiaomi is prioritizing extreme power efficiency. The Hardware: An octa-core setup featuring 2× Cortex-A78 performance cores (2.4 GHz) and 6× Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (2.0 GHz). Daily Performance: Qualcomm’s Smooth Motion UI tech delivers up to 43% faster app launches, drastically reducing UI stutter. The Catch: It maxes out at Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 to keep costs down. The Takeaway: Expect easily reachable two-day battery life under normal use, paired with smooth scrolling for social media and daily tasks. 2. Redmi Note 17 Pro — The Sweet Spot for Gamers Chipset: Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 (4nm TSMC) Target Audience: Mobile gamers and heavy multitaskers looking for high performance without a flagship price tag. The “Pro” variant is usually the most popular model in the lineup, and this year’s chip choice shows why. Built on TSMC’s highly stable 4nm process, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 introduces modern Armv9 architecture to the mid-range. CPU & Graphics: Uses 4× Cortex-A720 performance cores (2.6 GHz). Paired with a 21% faster Adreno GPU, it handles popular competitive titles smoothly. AI & Thermals: Features Snapdragon Game Super Resolution to upscale resolution without overheating or destroying battery life. Flagship Connectivity: This model gets a massive upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, making it completely future-proof. 3. Redmi Note 17 Pro Max — The AI Flagship Killer Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7500 (4nm TSMC) Target Audience: Power users, mobile photographers, and tech enthusiasts who want cutting-edge features. For its top-tier model, Xiaomi is pivoting to MediaTek’s newly minted Dimensity 7500. This chip focuses heavily on high-end display support and on-device machine learning. Next-Gen CPU: Utilizes Arm’s new C1 architecture (4× C1 Pro cores at 2.6 GHz and 4× C1 Nano cores at 2.0 GHz). The AI Edge: Packed with the MediaTek NPU 850, offering double the AI processing speed of previous generations. This enables on-device voice translation and smart text summarization without relying on cloud servers. Premium Media: Built-in hardware support for 1.5K displays at 144Hz and massive 200MP camera sensors. Summary: Which One Should You Wait For? Xiaomi’s strategy clearly differentiates each phone based on your specific needs: Choose the Redmi Note 17 if you want budget reliability and incredible battery life. Go for the Redmi Note 17 Pro if you need a smooth, future-proof gaming device with Wi-Fi 7. Step up to the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max if you want premium on-device AI features and top-tier photography capabilities. Also read: Xiaomi HyperOS 4: Liquid Glass UI, Release Date, & Eligible Devices

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Realme UI 7.0 Battery Drain? 7 Fixes That Actually Work

Tech, Tech News / July 9, 2026

Upgrading to Realme UI 7.0 brings exciting new features, but for many users, it also brings an unwelcome guest: rapid battery drain. If you’ve noticed your phone struggling to make it through the day — or losing significant charge even while sitting idle — you are not alone. While some battery drain immediately following a major update is completely normal, prolonged issues mean it’s time to intervene. Here are seven proven fixes to optimize your device and get your screen-on time back to normal. 1. Wait Out the “Indexing” Period If you just updated your phone in the last 48 hours, do not panic. Major software updates completely reorganize how your phone’s operating system stores and accesses data. For the first 3 to 7 days, your phone is working overtime in the background doing two things: System Indexing: Reorganizing system files and optimizing storage. App Recalibration: Ensuring third-party apps are compatible with the new Android version. The Fix: Simply use your phone normally. Keep it on the charger a little longer if needed, and give the system a week to settle. The drain will naturally subside as background processes finish. 2. Activate “App Quick Freeze” Realme UI includes a powerful, built-in task manager called App Quick Freeze. This feature aggressively hibernates idle apps, preventing them from running in the background, consuming power, or sending push notifications until you manually open them again. How to use it: Go to Settings > Battery (or Power saving settings). Tap on App Quick Freeze. Toggle the switch on for any apps you rarely use but want to keep installed (like shopping apps, secondary games, or unused utilities). 3. Drop Your Screen Refresh Rate Realme UI 7.0 might have automatically forced your screen refresh rate to a buttery-smooth 120Hz. While it looks fantastic, pushing twice as many frames per second significantly impacts battery life. How to optimize it: Go to Settings > Display & brightness. Scroll down to Screen refresh rate. Change it from “High” to Auto select (which dynamically adjusts the rate based on what you are doing) or Standard (locks it at a battery-friendly 60Hz). 4. Hunt Down Rogue Apps Not all third-party developers update their apps immediately to support new operating systems. An unoptimized app can get stuck in a “loop,” silently draining power in the background. How to find them: Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery usage by app. Look for any apps near the top of the list that you haven’t actively used. Open the Google Play Store and check if those specific apps have pending updates. If updating doesn’t fix the issue, consider uninstalling them until the developer releases a patch. 5. Turn Off 5G in Weak Signal Areas If you live or work in an area with spotty 5G coverage, your phone’s modem will constantly struggle to maintain a connection, rapidly depleting the battery in the process. The Fix: If your 5G signal drops to one or two bars, force your phone back to 4G/LTE. Go to Settings > Mobile network. Tap your primary SIM card. Change the Preferred network type to 4G/3G/2G (Auto). 6. Optimize the Always-On Display (AOD) Realme UI 7.0 introduces slick new Always-On Display animations, but leaving your screen partially lit all day is a guaranteed battery killer. How to tweak it: Go to Settings > Wallpapers & style > Always-On Display. Either turn AOD off completely, or select Power saving mode so the display turns off automatically if the phone has been stationary for a while. 7. The Last Resort: Wipe and Reset If you have waited a week, tweaked all your settings, and your battery is still bleeding out, old cache files from your previous UI version might be causing software conflicts. The Fix: First, try restarting your phone to clear temporary processes. If that fails, the most effective solution is a Factory Data Reset. Note: This will erase everything on your phone, so you must back up your photos, contacts, and files first. Go to Settings > Additional settings > Back up and reset > Reset phone > Erase all data. Also read: How to Fix Fast Charging Issues After the Realme UI 7.0 Update Also read: Realme P4 5G Users Say These Important Features Are Missing After Latest Update

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How to Fix Fast Charging Issues After the Realme UI 7.0 Update

Tech, Tech News / July 9, 2026

You just updated your device to Realme UI 7.0, expecting a smooth experience and fresh features, only to plug in your phone and realize it’s crawling to 100%. If your SuperVOOC or fast charging has suddenly stopped working after the latest update, you aren’t alone. Many users experience charging glitches, battery drain, and missing “Super Fast Charging” icons immediately following major software upgrades. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with a few simple tweaks. Here is a step-by-step guide to get your charging speeds back to normal. 1. Wait Out the Calibration Period (The 5-7 Day Rule) Before you panic, it is important to know how major Android updates work. When you install a massive update like Realme UI 7.0, your phone undergoes intense background processes. System Indexing: The OS reorganizes your files and app data. App Recalibration: Apps are optimizing for the new software environment. Thermal Throttling: Because these processes generate heat, the phone automatically slows down the charging speed to protect the battery from overheating. The Fix: Simply wait 5 to 7 days. Use your phone normally, let it complete a few charge cycles, and the fast charging usually returns to full speed once the system stabilizes. 2. Check Your Smart Charging Settings Realme UI 7.0 includes advanced battery health features that intentionally slow down or stop your charging at certain percentages to prolong the life of your battery. The update may have turned these on by default. Turn Off the 80% Limit If your phone is charging fast but suddenly stops or slows to a crawl at 80%, the charging limit is active. Go to Settings > Battery. Tap on Charging limit or Battery health. If the 80% limit is toggled on, turn it off. Disable Optimized Night Charging This feature learns your sleep routine and purposefully trickle-charges your phone so it hits 100% right before you wake up. If you are plugging it in during the day and it’s charging slowly, this might be the culprit. Go to Settings > Battery. Toggle off Optimized Night Charging (or Smart Charging). Force Enable Smart Rapid Charging Sometimes the fast charging toggle gets switched off during the update process. Open the Phone Manager app. Go to Battery > Charging settings. Ensure that Smart Rapid Charging is turned ON. 3. Perform a Force Restart Sometimes a simple UI glitch prevents the fast charging protocol (and the lightning bolt icon) from triggering, even if the hardware is fine. How to do it: Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button simultaneously for about 10 to 15 seconds until the Realme logo appears. Why it works: This clears the temporary system cache and can reset the handshake protocol between your phone and the charger. 4. Hardware Checks: Ports and Bricks Even though the issue started right after a software update, it is always worth ruling out a hardware coincidence. Use the Original SuperVOOC Brick: Realme’s ultra-fast charging relies on proprietary hardware. Ensure you are using the original charger and thick cable that came in the box. Third-party PD chargers will only charge at standard speeds. Clean the Port: Pocket lint easily gets compacted at the bottom of the USB-C port. When the cable can’t sit completely flush against the pins, fast charging won’t activate. Gently clean the port using a dry, non-metal tool (like a wooden toothpick). Check the Ambient Temperature: Realme phones will throttle charging speeds if the room is too hot (above 35°C / 95°F). Take your phone out of its case to help it dissipate heat faster. What if the bug persists? If you have waited a week, adjusted your settings, and verified your hardware is perfectly fine, you may be dealing with a localized Realme UI 7.0 software bug. In this case, the best course of action is to capture a bug log and submit it directly to the developers. You can do this by dialing *#800# on your keypad, selecting the Battery/Charging option, and following the prompts to record the issue while your phone is plugged in. Also read: Realme P4 5G Users Say These Important Features Are Missing After Latest Update Also read: Realme 16 5G Deep Dive: Selfie Mirror, 7000mAh Titan Battery, and IP69K Explained

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iQOO Pad Deep Dive: Specs, Display, and Battery Life Tested

Tech, Tablets / July 8, 2026

If you are in the market for an Android tablet right now, the choices can feel overwhelming. You have ultra-expensive premium slates on one end and sluggish budget options on the other. Enter the iQOO Pad. Marketed as a high-performance, media-centric powerhouse, it promises flagship-level features without entirely emptying your wallet. But spec sheets only tell half the story. I swapped my daily driver for the iQOO Pad for a full week to see if it actually delivers on those lofty promises. Here is what you need to know before you hit “buy.” The iQOO Pad in Grey. Source: Qonooz Under the Hood: Specs That Actually Matter Tablet performance is often a mixed bag, but iQOO didn’t cut corners here. Depending on the exact generation and variant you pick up, these tablets are built to handle heavy lifting. Instead of getting bogged down in marketing jargon, here is a quick look at the core hardware you are working with: Feature The Details Real-World Impact Processor High-end chipset (like Dimensity 9000+ or Snapdragon 8 series) Zero lag when switching between heavy apps or multitasking. RAM 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 Keeps dozens of Chrome tabs and background apps running smoothly. Cooling Multi-layered graphite heat dissipation The tablet stays cool even during extended gaming sessions. Audio Quad-speaker panoramic system Surprisingly loud, room-filling sound with decent bass for a tablet. The Gaming Test: I booted up Genshin Impact and pushed the settings to high. The iQOO Pad handled it beautifully, maintaining stable frame rates. If you are a mobile gamer, the massive vapor chamber cooling system inside this chassis does its job—the back gets warm, but never uncomfortably hot. The Display: A 144Hz Visual Treat Let’s be honest: 90% of a tablet’s value comes down to its screen. The iQOO Pad features a 12.1-inch 2.8K LCD display, and it is gorgeous. While it isn’t an OLED panel—meaning you won’t get those inky, perfect blacks—the color calibration is excellent. What really sets it apart is the 144Hz refresh rate. Scrolling: Swiping through web pages or social media feeds feels incredibly fluid. Once you get used to 144Hz on a screen this large, going back to a standard 60Hz display feels like wading through molasses. Media Consumption: With HDR10 support and up to 600 nits of peak brightness, watching high-resolution content is a joy. It is bright enough for outdoor reading, though direct sunlight will cause some glare. Productivity: The 7:5 aspect ratio is a subtle but important detail. It gives you more vertical space than a standard widescreen 16:9 tablet, making it much better for reading documents, editing spreadsheets, or splitting the screen between two apps. Battery Life: Will It Survive Your Binge-Watching? A massive screen and a powerful processor need serious juice. The iQOO Pad packs a 10,000mAh battery, which is massive even by modern tablet standards. But how does that translate to actual usage? I ran a few specific tests: The Video Drain: Streaming 1080p video over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness yielded roughly 12 hours of continuous playback. The Workday: Using it for web browsing, answering emails, and light photo editing, I easily made it through a full 8-hour workday and still had over 35% battery left by dinner. The Gaming Drain: Heavy gaming is the real battery killer. Playing graphically intense games drained the battery in about 5 to 6 hours. When it is time to plug in, the 44W fast charging is a lifesaver. It takes about two hours to take that massive 10,000mAh battery from completely dead to 100%. The Verdict: Should You Buy the iQOO Pad? If you want a tablet strictly for basic web browsing or reading ebooks, the iQOO Pad is overkill. However, if you are looking for a device that seamlessly bridges the gap between intense mobile gaming, high-quality media consumption, and light productivity, it is easily one of the best Android options on the market. It sacrifices an OLED screen to keep the price down, but it makes up for it with raw horsepower, fantastic speakers, and a battery that refuses to quit.

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Nothing Phone 4b vs Samsung Galaxy M47: Which 6000mAh Phone Wins?

Tech, smartphones / July 8, 2026

Finding the perfect smartphone under ₹35,000 means balancing performance, design, and longevity. Two of the most exciting options this year are the Nothing Phone 4b and the Samsung Galaxy M47—both packing massive 6000mAh batteries and targeting users who want premium features without flagship prices. The Nothing Phone 4b specs India variant brings head-turning aesthetics and a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip for ₹34,999. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy M47 prioritizes sheer value, offering a massive 6000mAh battery, a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, and an unprecedented six years of OS updates starting at just ₹24,999. But which one actually offers the better value? Let’s dive into this detailed Nothing Phone 4b vs Galaxy M47 comparison to help you decide. Quick Verdict Feature Nothing Phone 4b Samsung Galaxy M47 Best For Design lovers who want a unique, head-turning phone Pragmatic buyers seeking maximum value and long-term reliability Starting Price ₹34,999 ₹24,999 Overall Verdict Buy if you value premium design, clean Nothing OS, and a distinctive user experience. Buy if you want better value for money, faster storage, longer software support, and more practical features. Specifications Comparison Table Feature Nothing Phone 4b Samsung Galaxy M47 Display 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak 6.66-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1400 nits peak Processor Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm) RAM 8GB LPDDR4X 6GB / 8GB LPDDR5X Storage 128GB UFS 2.2 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 Expandable Storage ❌ No ✅ Yes (MicroSD up to 2TB) Rear Cameras 50MP (OIS) + 8MP Ultrawide 50MP (OIS) + 5MP Ultrawide + 2MP Macro Battery 6000mAh 6000mAh Charging 33W Wired 45W Wired + Bypass Charging Operating System Android 16 with Nothing OS 4.1 Android 16 with One UI 8.5 Software Support 3 Android OS updates + 6 years security 6 Android OS updates + 6 years security Protection AGC DT-Star 2, IP64 Gorilla Glass Victus+, IP64 Glyph Interface ✅ Yes (45-LED Glyph Bar) ❌ No Starting Price ₹34,999 ₹24,999 Design: Head-Turning vs Practical Nothing Phone 4b Nothing continues its transparent design philosophy with the Phone 4b. The phone features the brand’s signature transparent back panel showcasing the iconic 45-LED Glyph Interface, which serves as a functional notification tool and visual flair. The clean, modern appearance immediately stands out from the crowd and feels distinctly premium. Samsung Galaxy M47 Samsung takes a more utilitarian approach with the Galaxy M47. Its textured matte glass repels fingerprints effectively and features flagship-tier Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection—a significant durability advantage. While the design is simpler and more traditional, it focuses on practicality and longevity over visual drama. Winner: Nothing Phone 4b (Design) / Samsung Galaxy M47 (Durability) If design matters most, Nothing wins hands down. However, if you prioritize durability and fingerprint resistance, Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers superior protection. Image Credit: GSMArena Display Comparison Both smartphones feature smooth 120Hz AMOLED displays that are excellent for gaming, scrolling, and watching videos. However, there are notable differences: Display Feature Nothing Phone 4b Samsung Galaxy M47 Size 6.77-inch 6.66-inch Technology AMOLED Super AMOLED Refresh Rate 120Hz 120Hz Peak Brightness 2,000 nits 1,400 nits The Nothing Phone 4b offers a slightly larger display with significantly higher peak brightness (2,000 nits), making outdoor visibility truly flawless. Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors and excellent contrast but falls short on maximum brightness. Winner: Nothing Phone 4b For outdoor visibility and sheer screen quality, Nothing’s brighter panel takes the crown. Performance & Gaming Performance is where the spec sheets get interesting—and where each phone takes different approaches. Processor The Nothing Phone 4b features the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, giving it a noticeable raw CPU advantage in heavy processing tasks over Samsung’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. For users who play games, edit photos, or multitask regularly, the newer chipset should offer smoother long-term performance. Memory & Storage (The Surprising Twist) Samsung flips the script on memory configuration: Component Nothing Phone 4b Samsung Galaxy M47 RAM Type LPDDR4X (older) LPDDR5X (faster) Storage Type UFS 2.2 (slower) UFS 3.1 (faster) In real-world use, the Samsung Galaxy M47 actually loads heavy apps and boot sequences faster because data moves through its pipeline much quicker. The faster UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5X RAM make a noticeable difference in everyday responsiveness. Gaming Advantage For gamers, Samsung holds another massive advantage: Bypass Charging. When plugged in, the M47 routes power directly to the processor, bypassing the battery to eliminate heat generation and preserve long-term battery health during extended gaming sessions. Winner: Nothing Phone 4b (CPU Power) / Samsung Galaxy M47 (Real-World Speed & Gaming) Choose Nothing if you need raw CPU power for intensive tasks. Choose Samsung if you want faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming features. Cameras: OIS vs Macro Camera Feature Nothing Phone 4b Samsung Galaxy M47 Main Camera 50MP with OIS 50MP with OIS Ultrawide 8MP 5MP Macro ❌ No ✅ 2MP AI Features Yes Yes Both phones capture excellent daylight photos via 50MP main sensors equipped with OIS. Nothing’s 8MP ultrawide outperforms Samsung’s 5MP lens, delivering sharper landscapes and group shots. Samsung includes a 2MP macro lens, though it adds little practical value for most users. For low-light photography, Nothing’s OIS support helps produce steadier shots, though Samsung’s image processing typically delivers reliable, natural colors. Winner: Slight Edge to Nothing Phone 4b The superior ultrawide sensor and cleaner software processing give Nothing the edge for everyday photography. Software Experience Software is one of the biggest deciding factors between these two phones. Nothing Phone 4b Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16 Clean, minimalist interface Completely bloatware-free Smooth, fluid animations 3 years of Android updates + 6 years of security patches Samsung Galaxy M47 One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 Feature-dense with deep AI tools like Circle to Search More customization options Strong Samsung ecosystem integration 6 years of Android updates + 6 years of security patches Winner Aspect Winner Clean Software Nothing Phone 4b Feature Richness Samsung Galaxy M47 Long-Term Updates Samsung Galaxy M47 (6 years vs 3 years) Samsung’s industry-leading software policy means the Galaxy M47 will receive updates through 2032, while Nothing’s support ends three years earlier. For long-term

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Xiaomi Ending Updates for the Poco X5? Here’s What Happens Next

Tech, smartphones / July 7, 2026

It’s official. Xiaomi has updated its dreaded “End of Life” (EOL) list for 2026, and a fan-favorite has made the cut. If you are holding a Poco X5 or Poco X5 Pro 5G, your device has officially hit the end of its software support lifecycle. Seeing your perfectly good phone added to an EOL list is frustrating. Naturally, the first question on every owner’s mind is: Is my phone going to stop working? Take a breath. Your phone isn’t going to turn into a brick overnight. But things are going to change. Here is exactly what Xiaomi ending updates means for your Poco X5, and what you need to do next. The Poco X5 series has officially hit EOL status.. Source: POCO Is My Poco X5 Going to Stop Working? No. Your hardware is completely fine. Your cameras will still take pictures, your battery will still charge, and you can still make calls. The Poco X5 series, powered by capable Snapdragon processors, still has plenty of horsepower to handle daily tasks and gaming. What is actually dying is the software safety net. What “End of Life” (EOL) Actually Means When a phone hits Xiaomi’s EOL list, it means the company is completely washing its hands of future software development for that specific model. Here is what you are losing: No More Android Upgrades: You are permanently locked into your current version of Android. No HyperOS Updates: While you may have received a final HyperOS update recently, you will not receive future major UI overhauls or new AI features. No Security Patches (The Big One): This is the most critical change. Every month, Google and Xiaomi find hidden vulnerabilities in phone software and send out patches to fix them. Your phone will no longer receive these shields. Any new vulnerability discovered tomorrow will remain open on your phone forever. Your phone will stay locked on its current OS version.. Source: Xiaomi Community The Hidden Risk: Banking and Enterprise Apps While your phone works fine today, you might run into app issues down the road. Because your phone will no longer have the latest security patches, strict applications—specifically banking apps, mobile wallets, and corporate work apps—may eventually flag your device as “unsecure” or “non-compliant.” Some banking apps outright refuse to open on devices that haven’t had a security update in over a year. While this won’t happen tomorrow, it is a countdown clock you need to be aware of. 3 Things You Need to Do Right Now If you aren’t ready to buy a new phone just yet, you can safely keep using your Poco X5 by following a few strict rules: Check for One Last Update: Go to your settings right now and check for software updates. Make sure you install the absolute latest firmware Xiaomi released before the cutoff. Update Apps via Google Play: Even though the operating system won’t update, Google Play will continue to update your individual apps for years. Keep them updated to maintain app-level security. Stop Sideloading APKs: Without monthly security patches, your phone is more vulnerable to malware. Stop downloading apps from random websites or third-party stores. Stick exclusively to the official Google Play Store. The Bottom Line: Time to Upgrade? If you only use your phone for scrolling social media, watching YouTube, and texting, you can comfortably squeeze another year out of your Poco X5. However, if you use your phone for crypto trading, banking, or storing sensitive company data, the lack of security patches is a real risk. It might be time to start looking at mid-range replacements that offer longer, guaranteed update cycles.

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