snapdragon800
Latest
Vivo Xplay 3S to be the world's first phone with a 2,560 x 1,440 display
China's appetite for top-spec phones has apparently reached an all-time high. Vivo, the company behind the super slim X1 and the audiophile-friendly Xplay sold in the Far East, announced on Sina Weibo that its upcoming multimedia-centric phablet will be dubbed the Xplay 3S. And yes, it's intentionally skipping the "Xplay 2" name "to break the routine." The main highlight here is that this is the world's first smartphone known to pack a Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) display (though Vivo calls this "2K" instead, which isn't as precise). While no screen dimension was mentioned, LG did announce a 5.5-inch panel with the same resolution back in August, so it's likely that Vivo will overindulge our retinas with this 538ppi display. Other specs mentioned include Qualcomm's faster Snapdragon 800 SoC variant, the MSM8974AB, which has already been announced for the WCDMA and CDMA2000 flavors of the Xiaomi Phone 3 due later this year. Thanks to this piece of silicon, the Xplay 3S will also support both China's TD-LTE and the more common FD-LTE. That's all the information we've been given so far, so stay tuned for a launch date.
Pantech Vega Secret Note includes fingerprint reader, stylus and the kitchen sink
Don't look now, but Pantech just managed to combine five hot smartphone trends in one device. Its new, 5.9-inch Vega Secret Note centers on a fingerprint reader that hides personal info. However, that's just the start of a feature list that includes seemingly every major trick we've seen in the past few months -- there's also pen input, a rear touch sensor, LTE-Advanced data and an optional windowed front cover. It's no slouch in the performance department, either. On top of its big 1080p screen, the Vega Secret Note packs a Snapdragon 800 chip, 3GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front shooter and 32GB of storage with USB host support. Pantech hasn't said when its new flagship arrives, although it should reach all three major South Korean carriers for an estimated 900,000 won ($839) off-contract.
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.
Japan-only Samsung Galaxy J leaks with Snapdragon 800, 5-inch display
Typically, Samsung's smartphones for Japan aren't much more than slight modifications of its regular devices. The company may soon cater directly to local tastes, however: a leaked NTT DoCoMo brochure on 2ch.net has revealed the Galaxy J, which appears to be designed solely for the Land of the Rising Sun. The handset reportedly has the 3GB of RAM, Snapdragon 800 chip and squared-off look of the Galaxy Note 3, but the smaller 5-inch display of the Galaxy S 4. There are also Japan-specific extras, such as 1Seg TV tuning. While there aren't any clues as to the Galaxy J's release date, NTT DoCoMo will likely say more about the device when it unveils its winter smartphone lineup on October 10th.
Samsung reportedly boosting Galaxy Note 3 benchmark performance by 20 percent
Samsung drew criticism for inflating the benchmark scores of Exynos devices earlier in the year, but the company appears undaunted; it's reportedly boosting test numbers for other hardware as well. Ars Technica has discovered that the Snapdragon 800-based Galaxy Note 3 (and possibly the new Note 10.1) includes code that runs all CPU cores at full speed during certain benchmarks. The tweak gives the smartphone a minimum 20 percent higher score in any affected app, or enough to claim an artificially large advantage over an LG G2 using a similar chip. There may also be a graphics boost, Ars says. We've asked Samsung for its take on the findings. Whether or not the company responds, we don't envy its position -- it's hard to form an alliance devoted to accurate mobile benchmarking when you're accused of doctoring results.
Sharp's Aquos Phone Xx is almost all screen, gives 80.5 percent good face
"Too much bezel" -- how often have you seen that complaint in the comment section of new phone announces? Well, you can throw this Sharp Aquos Phone Xx (and its mini companion) in the face of that haterade brigade because 80.5 percent of its 5.2-inch front is all screen. At 70 x 132 x 9.9mm, the Xx is more compact than Sony's rival 5-inch phablet, the Xperia Z1, but its collection of top shelf specs gives it a fatter profile. The Android device, which joins Softbank's 4G LTE lineup this December, crams a 1080p display, 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 running Jelly Bean 4.2, 2,600mAh battery and a 16.3-megapixel rear camera (with an f/1.9 lens) into that squat, water-resistant frame. It also features pre-loaded translation software to make sense out of captured English text -- handy if you're, you know, Japanese. We realize this is an unfair mobile tease for those of you green-eyed monsters living in the Western world; you'll likely never see the Xx make that transcontinental trek. But it's always nice to dream.
HTC Butterfly 2 allegedly leaked, takes design cue from 8XT
Just when we thought Chinese tech news has died down ahead of China's National Day on October 1st, a seemingly reliable HTC leak from there just had to ruin the fun. According to Weiphone, these are apparently the screens of the Butterfly 2, a new flagship device that's been rumored to carry a larger 5.2-inch 1080p display, a quad-core Snapdragon 800 SoC, an UltraPixel camera and BoomSound front-facing stereo speakers. Like the Windows Phone-powered 8XT, this alleged Butterfly 2 disguises its bottom speaker as a short black bar in between the Android soft keys, and it also utilizes a similar two-tone color scheme -- for its front side, at least. ePrice reported earlier that the new phone could be waterproof-certified at IPX7 or above, but we won't find out until January 2014 the earliest. One more shot after the break.
This could be Sony's Xperia Z1 'mini': a 20.7-megapixel camera and Snapdragon 800 in a 4.3-inch package
Now this is what we'd call bucking the trend: a leaked document obtained by Xperia Blog, allegedly pertaining to Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo, outs a new Sony device that looks to be a mini Xperia Z1. That Sony would be quick to jump on the mobile industry's popular 'mini' craze is unsurprising, but what does seem peculiar is how the company's approaching the specifications of this 4.3-inch Xperia Z1 f. Instead of just retaining the name and shrinking the Triluminos display down (here, it's 720p) while lessening the spec load, it appears Sony's porting over both the 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor and the 20.7-megapixel camera of the Z1. If true, that would explain the Z1 f's increased thickness, making this Honami mini a near-equal to its flagship namesake. Its more pocketable screen size could also help attract customers (especially those with smaller hands) that would otherwise shun a 5-inch device. What's more, the Z1 f looks to be taking a page out of the industry's prized color book (see: Apple, Nokia) and could be available in bright pink and neon yellow, in addition to the traditional black and white. Of course, colorful phones are nothing out of the ordinary for Sony's home market and it's possible this variant could be Japan-only. Only time will tell if the Z1 f is more than a clever work of digital smoke and mirrors, but based on what we're seeing, we sure hope it isn't.
LG Vu 3 official: 5.2-inch 4:3 display, Snapdragon 800, 13MP camera, LTE-A
Considering LG's G2 was leaked many times before it became official, we're a little surprised that the company managed to keep the Vu 3 under wraps before today (more or less, anyway). The Korean firm's latest Android smartphone drops the Optimus tag of its predecessor, but keeps the Vu series' signature 4:3 aspect ratio for its 5.2-inch IPS display (1,280 x 960 resolution). Specs include a Snapdragon 800 processor, 13-megapixel camera and LTE-A radio. Aside from the stylus, translucent QuickView cases and a couple of LG software titles we recognize (like guest mode and KnockON), there's not much else to glean from the Korean press release. If your linguistic skills (or Google Translate translation skills) are better than ours, however, the source awaits you.
The new ASUS PadFone Infinity hands-on (video)
While ASUS has some way to go before dominating the world with its PadFones, it seems that the company is still very much committed to this eccentric phone-in-tablet idea. What's more interesting is that rather than launching a completely new device, this time we're given a nice spec bump in a near-identical device, meaning existing PadFone Infinity users can keep their tablet docks and swap just the phone. But is it worth the upgrade? Let's take a quick look.
ASUS' new PadFone Infinity unveiled with Snapdragon 800, microSD slot and design tweaks
Just as promised, today ASUS has made its new PadFone Infinity official in Taipei, and there are definitely no surprises in the specs. The main update here is obviously the 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 SoC, along with the addition of a microSD slot plus a secondary microphone for noise cancellation. Unsurprisingly, the internal storage options have been lowered to 16GB and 32GB, which is understandable with that new storage expansion capability. One very subtle change that we missed in the leaks is the new diamond cut on the metallic backside, which gives the phone a more premium and solid look than the original version. To accompany that, the new PadFone Infinity comes in two new color options: "Titanium Black" and "Platinum White." The software has also been given a gentle facelift, courtesy of a more consistent design language throughout the system -- from the simplified icons to the UI of some of the built-in Android apps. Since this is based on Android 4.2 instead of 4.1 out of the box, we should also see some performance boost as well. The good news for existing users is that the original PadFone Infinity will also receive this update, but there's no time frame for the roll-out just yet.
Surprise! ASUS to launch 'the new PadFone Infinity' next Tuesday (updated with video)
Given the recent leaks, it's no surprise that ASUS is now readying the launch of its aptly named "the new PadFone Infinity." According to an invitation we just received, CEO Jerry Shen will be hosting an event for said device in Taipei next Tuesday, so we'll be there to get our hands dirty. For now, all we know is that this phone + tablet combo will look pretty much identical to the current model, except it'll likely get a more powerful Snapdragon 800 SoC inside, as well as a microSD slot and an all-white color option. Stay tuned for our coverage! Update: ASUS has just added a short, cheeky video (after the break) showing the smartphone leaving the orbit of its tablet companion. A countdown page has also appeared showing the six or so days left until the new new PadFone's "launch" on September 17th -- you can find it at the source.
Xiaomi unveils new Android-powered 5-inch MI3, 47-inch smart TV in China
We've had early previews thanks to leaks, but Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi -- more recently known as the new home of former Google exec Hugo Barra -- just took the wraps off of a new flagship Android phone and smart TV. The MI3 candy bar phone is available with either a 1.8GHz Tegra 4 processor or Snapdragon 800 CPU (the more powerful MSM8974AB variant), with the former heading to China Mobile's TD-SCDMA network, while the latter landing on China Unicom's WCDMA network and China Telecom's CDMA2000 network. Both flavors sport a 5-inch 1080p IPS LCD built by Sharp or LG with "ultra sensitive touch" that works even when the user has wet hands or has gloves on.
Xiaomi Phone 3 makes early appearance on online store ahead of launch
As this author was fiddling with his Xiaomi Phone 2S (or MI2S) in bed ahead of Xiaomi's big event tomorrow, he spotted something odd: a thumbnail of an unfamiliar device -- next to the entry-level Red Rice aka Hongmi -- in the company's online store app. Since it's a high-resolution image, we're able to zoom into our screenshot (full version after the break) to see this Lumia-like design but with a flatter back. The long flash strip also suggests that this could be a beefed-up dual-LED flash module. Other than that, there's not much else that we can pick up here. Given the clock on this mysterious phone matches the 2pm start time of tomorrow's event, we're pretty certain that this is Xiaomi's third-gen flagship device, the MI3; and it'll likely be announced alongside the Xiaomi TV. We also recall seeing the same back cover leaked way back in February, and the side-by-side shot with the MI2 (embedded after the break) is pointing to a 5-inch screen for this new phone. Judging by the pattern so far, we bet it'll use Qualcomm's beastly Snapdragon 800 SoC to follow the 600 on the MI2S. Ultimately, it'll be all about the price, which is likely to be no more than CN¥1,999 or about US$330 off contract. While the above product thumbnail appears to be stuck in the cache on our MI2S, the same spot is occupied by the proper MI2S image in the same app on our MI2A. Talk about perfect timing, eh? Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some sleep to catch up on -- we don't want to scare Hugo Barra with our panda eyes.
Oppo N1 will have a Snapdragon 800 to go with its swappable camera system (Update: not the N1)
Oppo's N1 smartphone has been sitting on our watch list ever since we first got wind of its strange N-Lens camera add-ons, which will apparently offer a choice of zooms up to 15x. Now we can flesh out another key spec: the Chinese handset will run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 processor, which should more than cope with its equally unusual dual touch inputs and possibly help it to rival other imaging-centric Androids like the Galaxy S4 Zoom and Sony's upcoming Honami. The HSPA+ Snapdragon processor (MSM8274) was shown on a photo of the N1's internals that was "leaked" by an Oppo marketing staffer on Sina Weibo -- and unless we're horribly, horribly mistaken, the photo also seems to show a microSD slot to store all those optically stabilized, 16-megapixel images. Barring other significant pseudo-leaks, you can expect the next big N1 update on September 23rd. Update: Oops! Oppo just reached out to us to say that the N1 doesn't actually use the Snapdragon 800. Looking back at the original Sina Weibo post, the leakster only said "large screen, flagship" and not "N1," so perhaps this is actually the rumoured Find 7 instead?
New ASUS PadFone Infinity spied on camera, may arrive in September (updated)
There have been hints that ASUS' new PadFone Infinity could represent a little more than a speed boost; if newly leaked details obtained by ePrice are authentic, we may have proof. Photos included with the leak show an exterior design that's virtually identical to that of the current PadFone, save for the option of a white model. As previously rumored, the new smartphone would fit into the existing Infinity's tablet base. ASUS could make up for this conservative design with a speedy release, however. The ePrice sources claim that the new PadFone Infinity should launch in Taiwan during the third week of September, which would leave just a short wait for ASUS' fourth-generation hybrid. Update: We've also noticed that there could be a microSD slot, next to the SIM tray. If so, that would answer the complaints of more than a few existing PadFone Infinity owners.
ASUS PadFone Infinity with Snapdragon 800 could simply be 'The new PadFone Infinity'
Following the original ASUS PadFone Infinity (A80) with Snapdragon 600 SoC, rumors of a new "PadFone Infinity A86" (or "PadFone T004") go as far back as July 20th, with benchmark evidence showing a more powerful Snapdragon 800 enabling this mysterious device. While details are still light, several eagle-eyed PadFone fans have started noticing a new name on ASUS' tech support page: "The new PadFone Infinity." Assuming this is more of an official name and less of a placeholder, it looks like we'll be seeing an identical-looking device sporting Qualcomm's latest piece of silicon; and perhaps a launch is imminent -- maybe at IFA next week? But ASUS, it really wouldn't hurt if you guys can throw in a microSD slot plus a dedicated keyboard dock as well this time. Remember the original PadFone? Good times.
Nokia Windows RT tablet may resemble a Lumia, carry an iPad-like price
Nokia's rumored Windows RT tablet is supposedly nearing launch, and The Verge claims to have more details of the slate beyond those tidbits that surfaced at Digi-Wo last month. Nicknamed Sirius, the finished design is believed to resemble a Lumia phone and weigh significantly less than the current iPad. Despite packing a Snapdragon 800, an outdoor-ready 1080p screen and LTE, the tablet would last a healthy 10 hours on battery. It would also include both 6-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras, and Nokia may complement the previously mentioned 32GB of storage with a microSD card slot. Pricing would be competitive with the iPad, according to tipsters. While there's no way to verify the new rumors, the Sirius may launch at a September 26th event; if it's real, we'll find out soon enough.
Samsung reportedly crafting 10- and 12.2-inch tablets with 2,560 x 1,600 displays
Samsung already has tablets on the market bearing almost any display size that might interest you. If a tweet from @evleaks is to be believed, Sammy has yet more slates in the pipeline, including its biggest one yet. Allegedly, the unannounced SM-P900 tablet carries a 12.2-inch, 2,560 x 1,600 screen (same res as the Nexus 10), an Exynos 5 Octa heart, and an S-Pen that would make it part of the Note family. Another device, known as the SM-P600, is said to cram that same resolution into a 10-inch display, and switches Samsung's chip for a Snapdragon 800. We'd be more willing to buy the rumor if there were pics to back it up, but it's rare for the source to be completely off the mark. Could we see these new tablets at IFA alongside a trio of Galaxy Note III models? Join us in a little under a month for the Samsung edition of Mythbusters.
Lenovo's first Snapdragon 800 phone leaked as the K6 or X910
Despite the fact that Lenovo hasn't yet embraced the Snapdragon 600 SoC, it looks like the Chinese company's finally giving Qualcomm a proper chance with the latter's more powerful Snapdragon 800. Starting yesterday, several cheeky images of an unannounced dual-SIM Android phone -- codenamed K6 or X910 -- popped up in Lenovo's official Chinese forum. The photo after the break shows AnTuTu indicating the presence of the relatively new MSM8974 chip (with Adreno 330 GPU) plus a 1,920 x 1,080 display (which looks like a 5-inch panel to us); so unless the app made a mistake, what we have here could be Lenovo's upcoming flagship device. While not much else has been said about the phone, one of the leaksters described it as thin and light, and that it felt good in hand. But to be honest, we're not too thrilled with the design ID here, especially with that K860-inspired back. What's interesting, though, is that according to a source of ours, the "X" in X910 may be a wildcard that depends on the kind of deal Lenovo made with Qualcomm. At this point, we've been told to assume it'll eventually become the K910, which would, sadly, make this phone an uglier successor to the Intel-powered K900. Either way, chances are we won't be seeing many of these outside China, anyway.
