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LG is making a phone with a secondary ticker display
Every now and then, smartphone makers try building devices with secondary, ticker-like displays in the hopes of reeling you in with more at-a-glance info -- witness Samsung's Continuum or Galaxy Note Edge. And it's LG's turn, apparently. China's TENAA regulator just recently tested the V10, a phone with a ticker display at the top. Notice how the front camera has been moved to the side in the photo you see above? It's not clear exactly how this would work, but you'd likely have a way to activate that ticker without turning on the main screen.
Our first look at the OnePlus 2 comes from China's regulator
So far, OnePlus has done a fairly good job of keeping its next smartphone under wraps ahead of the July 27th launch. However, as spotted by our sister site Engadget China, a clear shot of the OnePlus 2 has been revealed by one of the biggest 'leakers' out there -- Chinese wireless regulator Tenaa. We already knew that the 2 would have a fingerprint reader, and that's visible in the (badly lit) image. Its camera setup looks an awful lot like the LG G4's, meaning it may have laser focusing and not dual cameras, as had been rumored. Unusually, the camera is mounted very low on the back.
Samsung's Galaxy A8 should be its thinnest smartphone yet
Samsung isn't synonymous with extra-thin smartphones -- that distinction usually goes to Chinese vendors like Gionee or Oppo. However, you may have to rethink that reputation very shortly. Samsung's as yet unannounced Galaxy A8 has just been approved by China's telecom regulator TENAA, and the Android smartphone is unquestionably Samsung's thinnest yet at just over 5.9mm (0.23 inches) thick. Suddenly, the 6.3mm Galaxy A7 seems downright chunky.
HTC's largely plastic M9+ variant will be a compelling flagship
HTC's all about its One M9 in the West, but we know many of our readers would rather have the slightly bigger and more powerful M9+. While chances of the latter device escaping Asia are slim, a seemingly plastic variant dubbed "M9e" brings us new hope, courtesy of China's TENAA certification database. With the exception of the missing Duo Camera, this model shares the same face plus specs with the M9+: 5.2-inch Quad HD display, 2.2GHz octa-core processor (likely MediaTek's), 3GB of RAM, 20-megapixel main camera (with dual-tone flash), UltraPixel front imager, microSD card expansion and fingerprint reader. What's uncertain is whether the IR blaster is still present at the top, but regardless, it's safe to assume that HTC will be offering this mysterious device with a more affordable price -- probably one that's not far off from the even bigger E9+.
HTC's bigger, flatter One E9 smartphone poses for the camera (update: specs)
If you thought HTC's One M9 was just too small or too bulky, you'll be glad to hear that the company has something bigger in store... yes, literally. Chinese regulators recently spoiled the surprise for the One E9, a 5.5-inch cousin to the 5-inch M9 that ditches the curved metal back for a flatter (and somewhat Desire Eye-like) body. This isn't just a re-skin à la the One E8, folks. There may be big changes under the hood, too. Well-known tipster Upleaks claims that the E9 will switch from a Snapdragon 810 processor to a 64-bit octa-core MediaTek chip, and that you'll get a super-sharp Quad HD screen instead of the M9's 1080p display. A "standard" version could also ship with a regular 13-megapixel front camera, while a "high" version would carry the M9's low light friendly 4MP UltraPixel cam.
Samsung set to release its slimmest smartphone ever
Samsung is far from done releasing thin, all-metal, mid-range smartphones, judging by a leak at Chinese wireless regulator Tenaa. Though more modest in specs than the Galaxy Alpha, the new 5.5-inch Galaxy A7 is definitely the A-series' alpha model, trumping the Galaxy A5 and A3 phones. At 6.3mm, it's Samsung's slimmest model ever, and also sports a 1080p screen, 64-bit Snapdragon 615 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB (non-upgradeable) memory and 13-megapixel front/5-megapixel rear cameras. The model shown above is strictly for the Chinese market -- to find out whether it'll come to these parts, you'll have to wait for Samsung's official word.
This is what Microsoft's first Nokia-less Lumia looks like
If we're honest, Microsoft's RM-1090 doesn't look like a device that's destined to pop up on future trivia quizzes. Yet, when you're asked "Which smartphone was the first to carry Microsoft's branding?" it's this slab that you'll have to remember. The dual-SIM handset has popped up at both the FCC and its Chinese equivalent, packing a 5-inch qHD display and 3G-only radios, so it's clearly a low-budget device. Still, the vertical stripe running down the back is just as we'd expected, although it's still surprising to see the Microsoft logo beneath the earpiece instead of good ol' Nokia. Since the handset has now popped up at the regulators, we can expect it to hit stores sooner rather than later, if you're looking for a piece of technology history, at least.
Gionee's next smartphone promises to be the thinnest ever
If you thought Gionee's Elife S5.5 was ridiculously thin, you'd better hold on to your hat. China has certified an upcoming Android handset from the company, codenamed the GN9005, that reportedly measures 5mm (0.2in) thick; that's half a millimeter less than the wafer-like Elife S5.5, and possibly the thinnest smartphone to date. You will be giving up some bells and whistles in the name of a super-slim profile, mind you. This device will have a strictly middling 4.8-inch 720p AMOLED screen, a slow quad-core 1.2GHz processor and a modest 2,050mAh battery. The 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 8-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front shooter won't impress, either. Still, Gionee will get to claim some serious bragging rights -- at least, so long as it's not upstaged between now and the GN9005's launch. Update: The device -- officially dubbed the Elife S5.1 -- is actually 5.15mm thick. Not that the 0.15mm would make much difference, anyway.
ZTE's incoming Grand S II could be first smartphone with 4GB RAM
ZTE's Grand S II already looks like a pretty fine handset with its brushed metal back and Snapdragon 800/801 CPU, as we saw at its launch earlier this year. But judging by a leak at Chinese regulator Tenaa, it could take it up another notch with 4GB of RAM -- a first for any smartphone and double the original spec. That's the maximum possible RAM on a 32-bit ARM chip, and 4GB modules were only recently teased by Samsung and SK Hynix. We wouldn't be surprised if it ends up as a high-end option for the Grand S II, in the same way that ZTE's Nubia X6 is available in a 3GB RAM variant. Take all this with a grain of salt for now, but remember that until we see a 64-bit CPU and Android OS, 4GB will be as good as it gets. [Image credit: Tenaa]
Samsung Galaxy Beam successor spotted in China (updated)
At Mobile World Congress in 2012, Samsung announced a pico projector smartphone known as the Galaxy Beam. Although it was a cool concept, the phone's downfall was its middling specs, aging OS and large chassis. Two years later, it appears that Samsung's working on a successor to the Beam called the SM-G3858, according to China's government database. The Tenaa entry even comes with a few pictures, most of which offer an indication of a projector: there's clearly a bump on the upper back which opens up to a wide lens on the top, and we also saw an extra button that models after the original Beam -- in fact, the icon above the button looks eerily like the one seen here. Curiously, Samsung has shed the sporty misshapen look in favor of a sleek metal build, which certainly seems a better fit for professionals. The database also gives us a glimpse at its specs, some of which are an improvement over the original Beam; the China Mobile-branded phone reportedly packs a 4.66-inch WVGA (800x480) display, Android 4.2.2, a quad-core 1.2GHz chipset with 1GB of RAM, microSD slot with up to 32GB external storage, as well as TD-SCDMA and GSM connectivity (no LTE on this model, although there's a chance this is simply a 3G-only variant of a global model). It's also 11.6mm thick, which is much thicker than most Samsung smartphones but still is nearly a full millimeter thinner than the original. It's still too early to determine whether this is going to be exclusive to China Mobile or available to a global market, but at least we know the phone exists for now; Samsung, we're hopeful, will provide us with the rest of the story at some point down the road.
Xiaomi's next-gen budget phone shows up with octa-core chip, larger screen
Xiaomi's sub-$130 budget line, the Redmi (previously known as Hongmi aka "Red Rice"), has been credited for accelerating the company's expansion into Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore, with nearby countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand soon to be added to the list. While this is a recent development, the company's already prepping a follow-up model, according to four new listings on China's TENAA certification database. As you can see, this upcoming device is marked with red Android buttons on the front, which gives away its Redmi identity. It'll feature a 5.5-inch, 720p IPS display (a bump from the current 4.7-inch version), as well as Android 4.2.2, 1GB of RAM and an octa-core processor (our guess is MediaTek, again) coming in two versions: 1.4GHz and 1.7GHz.
Oppo's 2K-ready Find 7 makes first appearance, lets you swap batteries
Remember when Chinese smartphone outfit Oppo promised two versions of its Find 7 handset? The first of the pair has just passed through China's telecoms regulator, spec list in tow. Sadly, this isn't the Quad-HD (aka: 2K) version of the device, but the 5.5-inch 1080p screen shouldn't be sniffed at. Inside, you'll find a 2.26GHz quad-core CPU, 2GB RAM, microSD card slot, a 2,700mAh removable battery, TD-LTE and Android 4.3. Weighing in at just 165 grams and only 9.2mm thick, we're looking forward to putting this thing through its paces on March 19th.
Huawei's new high-resolution tablet may give the Nexus 7 a run for its money
There isn't much choice among 7-inch Android tablets with high-resolution screens -- the Nexus 7 is frequently the only practical option. However, it's about to get a proper challenger. China's TENAA has certified the Huawei MediaPad X1 7.0, a small slate with a 1,920 x 1,200 display. It's not clear that the X1's 1.6GHz quad-core Hisilicon processor will outperform the Snapdragon S4 Pro inside the Nexus, but the device will be a featherweight at just 8.4 ounces and 0.3 inch thick. There's also 3G inside. About the only clear setback is the use of Android 4.2 -- where's KitKat, Huawei? The company hasn't said when it might reveal the new MediaPad, but certification raises the possibility of an announcement in the near future.
Nokia Lumia 525 reaches Chinese regulator, hints at play-it-safe Windows Phone upgrade
Was Nokia's recent cavalcade of new Lumias not enough for you? Don't worry, there's yet another model on the way -- Chinese regulator TENAA has approved the Lumia 525, a previously rumored refresh of the entry-level 520. As the name suggests, the Windows Phone likely won't be a radical break from the past. Photos that briefly appeared at the Chinese agency (and were first caught by LiveSide.net) show a device that closely resembles the 520, including the flash-free rear camera. We don't know much about what's inside beyond 3G and WiFi, although an earlier rumor at BlogJack has the 525 doubling the onboard RAM to 1GB and putting a greater focus on music. The clearance doesn't necessarily confirm an imminent launch. However, there have been murmurs at Nokiapoweruser of a launch by early December; those who want yet another frugal Lumia may not have long to wait.
HTC One Max offers up a spec list, gains Chinese approval
Another downside of the Washington brouhaha is that the FCC is shut down, sending us scouring its foreign equivalents for tidbits about new hardware. The latest concerns HTC's worst-kept secret, the HTC One Max, which has just passed through China's TENAA. The filing reveals that the 6-inch smartphone has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 and will measure in at 164.5 x 82.5 x 10.29mm (6.4 x 3.2 x 0.4 in). Oh, and the images do seem to confirm, once and for all, that there is a fingerprint scanner nestled beneath the camera. October 15th can't come fast enough.
Leaked Samsung flip-phone flexes muscles with Snapdragon 800 CPU
Samsung's recent foray into flip-phones with the Hennessy and Golden is no joke, judging by a new model leaked from China's Tenaa certification body. The SM-W2014 features the latest Snapdragon 800 processor and an ample 2GB of RAM to go along with its dual 3.67-inch, 800 x 480 Super AMOLED displays. There's also a 13-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front camera, 802.11ac WiFi and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Now that you've digested all that, don't get too excited about a retro fling -- like it's sibling devices, the brassy-looking model is probably bound for China only.
HTC's mid-range market strategy in China continues as 4.3-inch 301e gets certified
Lately, China's TENAA telephone certification center has been an even bigger tattletale than the FCC, and it just leaked another unannounced handset: the HTC 301e. While likely not coming to the US, the dual-SIM device is another cog in CEO Peter Chou's plan to grow its mid-range smartphone stable in China. It also has some One design touches, like the top speaker grill and two button design. Otherwise, it's scraping the bottom of the mid-range, with a 4.3-inch 480 x 800 screen, 1GHz dual-core CPUs, 512MB RAM, WCDMA 3G, 8GB of storage expandable to 64GB via microSD and a 5-megapixel camera. While that won't set anyone's hair on fire, it does show that HTC is serious about more than just flagships in China.
Sony's Honami model exposed again, this time at China's FCC equivalent
Thought the leaks of Sony's Honami, aka the Xperia Z1, might slow down with yesterday's teaser of a September 4th launch? Not even close. This time, it was China's Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center (TENAA) betraying the newly-passed handset with a display of four perp-like shots. Though there's no specs listed, and we've already seen a lot of leaked blurrygrams, it's nice to see clear, finished photos of the device -- even with a bit of bench dust on it.
HTC One Mini shows up as 601e in Chinese certification database
Why hello again, One Mini! While HTC has yet to make this metallic 4.3-inch phone official, the closest thing we have right now is this certification in China's TENAA database. What's new is the "601e" model name, which positions it in a similar tier as the other slightly bigger 600 series devices destined for China, namely the Desire 606w (aka Desire 600 Dual SIM globally), Desire 608t and Desire 609d. But unlike these models nor the Chinese variants of the larger One, it appears that this 601e with WCDMA radio is just a single-SIM device. With the appearance of this filing, it shouldn't be long before the One Mini finally hits the shelves around the world.
Nokia Lumia 625 destined for China with 4.7-inch screen
Well, what do we have here? According to China's official certification website (TENAA), this above is the unannounced Nokia Lumia 625. The handset apparently features a 4.7-inch WVGA screen with super-sensitive touch, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 512MB of RAM and 2,000mAh battery -- basically a lower-end model. While the listing only mentions GSM / GPRS and WCDMA / HSPA support, the phone supposedly includes LTE, and wraps everything in a unibody design that follows the attractive looks of its smaller cousin, the Lumia 620. In fact, the shape appears to match the RM-941 that passed through the FCC back in June. The device is expected to land in China at the end of July for 1,999 yuan ($325) -- just hit the source link below for more info.