The Infinix GT 20 Pro has a dedicated Pixelworks X5 Turbo gaming display chip.
It has already acquired BIS certification, so we can expect it to launch in India.
Infinix has launched a new GT-series smartphone – the Infinix GT 20 Pro globally. The Infinix GT 20 Pro is a gaming-centric phone with a Cyber Mecha design similar to its predecessor. It comes with a dual-chip setup, which includes a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate processor and a dedicated Pixelworks X5 Turbo gaming display chip. take a look at the details.
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Infinix GT 20 Pro: Price, Availability
The Inifinix GT 20 Pro is priced at SAR 1,299 (approx Rs 28,900) for the 12GB+256GB configuration in Saudi Arabia. It also comes in an 8GB+256GB configuration. The Infinix GT 20 Pro has already obtained Bureau of Indian Standard certification, so we can expect it to launch soon in India.
Infinix GT 20 Pro: Features, Specs
The Infinix GT 20 Pro’s Cyber Mecha design includes a Mecha Loop LED Interface with 8 colour combinations and four lighting effects for various customisations. It also features a Stable Frame-rate Engine for optimised gaming, which ensures power efficiency and smooth performance. Other highlights include a 144Hz display, 108MP triple rear cameras, and more. Take a look at the complete specs,
Infinix GT 20 Pro in Mecha Silver, Mecha Orange, and Mecha Colour Options
Google is all set to host its I/O event on May 14, 10:30 PM (IST), at which the tech giant will unveil its Android 15 with many new features and probably some AI magic. While the company has not revealed many details about the upcoming update, here is our wishlist of five features we want to see in the next big Android update. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Android 15 Wishlist: Lock Screen Widgets
Widgets have always been Android’s forte. There are a host of native options already available, along with thousands of third-party apps. Lately, however, it seems like the search giant is not emphasising these small, customisable information hubs. It is 2024, and Android still doesn’t have native lock screen widget options.
Photo Credit: Apple
In comparison, rival Apple arrived quite late to the widgets party. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant made the most of the feature by allowing users to add widgets to the lock screen, which is not natively possible on Android. This is a shame because Google introduced the lock screen widgets in 2012 with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Later, it was removed with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update.
If you want a lock screen widget on your Android smartphone, you have to take shelter from apps like “Lockscreen Widgets and Drawer”. It would be great if Google made this feature available with the forthcoming Android 15 update.
Android 15 Wishlist: Gemini in Gboard
We all know that AI is the buzzword of the year, and all the smartphone companies, including Google, have started implementing AI-based voice assistants in their devices. This is an excellent choice as the ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot-backed AI assistants are way more advanced than the regular ones that we used to get earlier. But we want to have that same experience while typing on any smartphone. While we know that assistant typing already exists and is even backed by AI, why do it yourself when AI is there? We’re hoping Gemini will soon power the typing experience on Gboard with Android 15.
Android 15 Wishlist: Native Icon Packs
Android has always been a paradise for someone who loves customisation. It already supports many customisation options, especially compared to iOS. However, we believe the only thing missing on Android is some native icon pack options. If a tinkerer has to change the look of their icons, they have to rely on third-party apps. And it works great, but you will always find that the fit and finish are not as great as they should be. So, if Google introduces some native icon options with the upcoming update, it will provide a wholesome customisation experience.
Google introduced a native screen recording option with the launch of Android 11 in 2020. However, we have not seen many updates to the feature since then. It would be great if Google introduced a partial screen recording option with the Android 15 update.
Photo Credit: Mishaal Rahman
Sure, cropping down the video once it’s recorded is quite easy on Android, but we believe it would be much easier to do it before hitting that record button. Imagine if we could record only a certain portion of the screen in the first place, just like we can take a partial screenshot on Android devices.
Android 15 Wishlist: Better Bluetooth Quick Settings
These days, we all have multiple devices that we connect with our Android smartphones daily. However, many users keep Bluetooth permanently enabled for seamless connectivity with frequently used accessories. Managing connections can become cumbersome when surrounded by multiple Bluetooth devices. Here’s where a revamped Bluetooth Quick Settings tile could shine.
Imagine toggling Bluetooth on or off as usual but with an additional control layer. This tile could expand to reveal individual connections for all paired devices. With a simple tap, you could connect or disconnect to specific headphones, your smartwatch, or a nearby Bluetooth speaker, eliminating the need to delve into deeper settings menus.
The OnePlus Nord 4 is tipped to sport a new design language similar to the OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G.
OnePlus will debut the device with Android 14 out of the box.
OnePlus is expected to soon launch the OnePlus Nord 4 in international markets, including India. Today, we have spotted the upcoming OnePlus smartphone in the Geekbench, the Camera FV 5 database, and Eurofins listing.
OnePlus Nord 4 Specifications Revealed Through Certifications
The forthcoming OnePlus smartphone with the CPH2621 model number is believed to belong to the OnePlus Nord 4 smartphone. The Geekbench listing reveals that the device has scored 1875 points in single-core and 4934 points in multi-core tests. OnePlus will equip the smartphone with the pineapple codenamed chipset.
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The Geekbench database divulges that the octa-core Qualcomm chipset pairs with the Adreno 732 GPU. The codename and the GPU confirm that OnePlus will equip the device with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. The listing also adds that the Qualcomm chipset will pair with up to 12GB of RAM.
The smartphone will run on Android 14 out of the box, which is likely to be based on Oxygen OS 14. The Eurofins certification reveals that OnePlus will equip the smartphone with a 5430mAh-rated battery. OnePlus is likely to debut the device with a typical value of 5,500mah battery.
The certification further confirms that the device will support 80W wired fast charging tech over a USB Type C port. The Camera FV 5 database reveals that the alleged Nord 4 will sport a primary camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), an f/1.9 aperture, and a 26.4mm focal length.
The device will feature a selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture, EIS, and a 25.2mm focal length. OnePlus is tipped to rebrand the OnePlus Ace 3V smartphone under the OnePlus Nord 4 moniker in international markets, including India. The Chinese smartphone brand is soon expected to announce the launch of the device.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 will be up for grabs, starting at Rs 44,999 (effective price).
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will be available for purchase at under Rs 40,000.
Flipkart’s upcoming Big Saving Days sale will commence on May 3. Ahead of it, the e-commerce giant has revealed some of the top deals on Samsung smartphones. Flipkart, via a teaser on the sale micro-site, reveals that last year’s Samsung Galaxy S23 will be available for purchase at just Rs 44,999. Take a look at the details.
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Flipkart Big Saving Days: Samsung Galaxy S23 Deal
The Samsung Galaxy S23 will be available for purchase starting at Rs 44,999. Although the deal details have not yet been announced, this will likely be the effective pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S23 base variant, including all offers.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G launched last year and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. If you are looking for a compact smartphone, the Galaxy S23 could be a great deal at this price.
Flipkart Big Saving Days: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Deal
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, as per a teaser, will be available at under Rs 40,000 in the upcoming Big Saving Days sale. Flipkart hasn’t revealed the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE deal price. We will update this article once the company reveals all the details regarding this deal.
Flipkart Big Saving Days Early Bird Surprise: Budget Samsung Smartphone Deals
The Samsung Galaxy F34 5G with 6GB memory and 128GB storage option is available at Rs 12,999. Additionally, buyers can get a flat 5% cashback (Rs 650) with Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card transactions which brings the effective price down to Rs 12,349.
The Samsung Galaxy F14 5G in 6GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration can be grabbed at Rs 9,499. There is also a flat 5% cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card transactions with an effective price of Rs 9025.
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Also, the Samsung Galaxy F14 5G 4GB + 128GB variant is available at Rs 8,999. Further, with the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card, the handset’s effective price will be Rs 8,549.
The Apple iPhone 14 is available for purchase at a price of Rs 55,999.
The iPhone 12 can be bought at a starting price of Rs 40,999.
There are several bank offers on top of these which can further reduce the price.
Flipkart is all set to kick off the Big Saving Days sale on May 3. Before the sale, Flipkart made the Early Bird Surprise Deals live on the portal. As part of these deals, the Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 are available at Rs 55,999 and Rs 40,999, respectively. Take a look at the details.
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Flipkart Early Bird Surprise: Apple iPhone 14 Deal
The Apple iPhone 14 (128GB) is listed for Rs 55,999 on Flipkart. In addition to this, Flipkart has several bank offers available which can bring the pricing down even further.
Citi-branded Credit Card: Flat Rs3,250 discount with EMI transactions. Thus, the effective price of the iPhone 14 base variant with Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card transaction will be Rs 52,749.
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Flat5% cashback (Rs 2,800), bringing the effective price down to Rs 53,199.
OneCard: Flat Rs 2,250 discount with EMI transactions, bringing the effective price to Rs 53,749.
Flipkart Early Bird Surprise: Apple iPhone 12 Deal
The Apple iPhone 12 (64GB) is available at Rs 40,999. Further, several bank offers can be availed on the purchase of the iPhone 12 on Flipkart.
Citi-branded Credit Card: A Flat Rs 2,250 discount is available with EMI transactions. Thus, the iPhone 12 base variant can be purchased for Rs 38,749 through Citi-branded Credit Card EMI transactions.
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Flat5% cashback (Rs 2,050), which brings the effective purchase price down to Rs 38,949.
OneCard: Flat Rs 1,500 discount with EMI transactions, bringing the effective price to Rs 39,499
HDFC Bank: Up to Rs 2,000 discount with Credit and Debit Card EMI transactions.
Is It Worth buying an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 12 in 2024?
The Apple iPhone 12 was introduced in late 2020. Even though Apple smartphones generally receive software support for 5-6 years, purchasing a smartphone released more than three years ago might not be the best idea.
Also, the iPhone 12 base variant offers just 64GB of onboard storage, which isn’t enough. Instead, buying an Android phone such as the OnePlus 12R, iQOO Neo 9 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy S23 (available at a discounted price of Rs 44,999) makes more sense than buying an iPhone 12.
If you’re on a budget but want an iPhone, the iPhone 13 could be a better choice. Moreover, Amazon is teasing an offer on iPhone 13 for its upcoming Great Summer Sale. Therefore, it would be wise to wait for Amazon to reveal the iPhone 13 deal price instead of buying the iPhone 12 at its current price.
The iPhone 14 was launched in 2022 and was succeeded by the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 brings major improvements over its predecessor, such as a brighter display, Dynamic Island, Apple A16 Bionic, a higher-resolution 48MP rear camera, and a USB Type-C charging port. The iPhone 14 is a good choice at the given price.
But also remember that the iPhone 15 will be discounted in the upcoming Big Saving Days sale and might be available at an effective price of under Rs 60,000. If you are willing to wait, the iPhone 15’s deal could be more lucrative than the iPhone 14’s.
Realme recently unveiled its most affordable 5G-enabled handset – the Realme C65 5G in the Indian market. The Realme C65 5G is one of the cheapest 5G-enabled smartphones in the country and competes against the likes of the POCO M6 5G, Redmi 13C 5G, and itel P55 5G.
In this post, let us compare the Realme C65 5G with the POCO M6 5G and itel P55 5G to see which is the budget 5G champion.
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Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Specs at Glance
Realme C65
POCO M6
itel P55
Display
6.67-inch LCD
120Hz, HD+, 625nits
6.74-inch LCD
90Hz, HD+, 600nits
6.6-inch LCD
90Hz, HD+
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 6300
Mali G57
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
Mali G57
MediaTek Dimensity 6080
Mali G57
Software
Realme UI 5.0 Android 14
MIUI 14
Android 13
Android 13
Camera
50MP + 2MP
50MP
50MP + AI Lens
Front Camera
8MP
5MP
8MP
Battery
5000mAh
5000mAh
5000mAh
Charging
15W Charging
USB Type-C
18W Fast Charging
USB Type-C
18W Fast Charging
USB Type-C
Fingerprint
Side-mounted
Side-mounted
Side-mounted
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Price in India
Smartphone
4GB + 64GB
4GB + 128GB
6GB + 128GB
8GB + 256GB
Realme C65
Rs 10,499
Rs 11,499
Rs 12,499
NA
POCO M6
NA
Rs 10,499
Rs 11,499
Rs 13,499
itel P55
NA
NA
Rs 10,999
NA
The itel P55 is the most affordable, and the Realme C65 is the costliest if the price of the 6GB + 128GB variant of all three devices is compared.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Design
The Realme C65 weighs 190 grams and comes in Feather Green and Glowing Black colour options.
The POCO M6 retails in Orion Blue, Galactic Black, and Polaris Green colours and weighs 195 grams.
The itel P55 weighs 190 grams and is available in Mint Green and Galaxy Blue.
The Realme C65, POCO M6, and itel P55 feature flat edge design and weigh around 190 grams. The Realme C65 has a circular camera module, features a light feather design, and a punch-hole notch display, which looks better than left-aligned camera modules on the POCO M6 and itel P55.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Display
The Realme C65 flaunts a 6.67-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, HD+ resolution, 625nits brightness, 1500: 1 contrast ratio, and a centred punch hole notch.
The POCO M6 offers a 6.74-inch LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, HD+ resolution, 600nits brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and a waterdrop notch.
The itel P55 has a 6.6-inch LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, HD+ resolution, and a waterdrop notch.
Realme C65 Offers TUV Rheinland Certified Display
Even though the POCO M6 offers a Corning Gorilla Glass-protected display, it refreshes at 90Hz and has an old-fashioned waterdrop notch. On the other hand, the Realme C65 offers a 120Hz refresh rate display with TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification, a centred punch hole notch, and Mini Capsule 2.0 notifications, which gives it an edge over the competition.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Performance
The Realme C65 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, coupled with a Mali G57 GPU, up to 6GB LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 128GB UFS 2.2 storage.
The POCO M6 packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and an integrated Mali G57 GPU, up to 8GB RAM, and up to 256GB internal storage.
The itel P55 relies on the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC, paired with a Mali G57 GPU, 6GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage.
Realme C65 5G Sports a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC
Itel P55 5G
404,880
POCO M6
385,207
AnTuTu Overall benchmark score analysis
Itel P55 5G
751
POCO M6
688
Geekbench single-core benchmark score analysis
Itel P55 5G
2,076
POCO M6
1,896
Geekbench multi-core benchmark score analysis
The Realme C65 with its MediaTek Dimensity 6300 seems ahead of the competition. The POCO M6 with the Dimensity 6100+ appears to be behind the competing devices. However, remember that the performance difference in all three will be marginal and not visible with day-to-day tasks.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Software
The Realme C65 comes pre-loaded with Realme UI 5.0, based on Android 14. The handset is eligible for two Android version upgrades and three years of security patch updates.
The POCO M6 boots Android 13-based MIUI 14. POCO has promised two Android OS upgrades and three years of security patch updates for the handset
The itel P55 ships with itelOS, based on Android 13.
The Realme C65 ships with the latest version of Android, Android 14, and will receive two Android upgrades. This means that the Realme C65 will be updated to Android 16. Whereas, the Android 15 version will be the last Android update for the POCO M6. The Realme C65 is ahead of the competition regarding software updates.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Cameras
The Realme C65 offers a dual-rear camera setup, including a 50MP Samsung JN1 camera and a 2MP secondary sensor. It relies on an 8MP camera for video calls and selfies.
The POCO M6 5G has a 50MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera.
The itel P55 has a dual-camera setup that consists of a 50MP primary camera and an AI lens. There is an 8MP shooter at the front, which takes care of selfies and video calls.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Battery and Charging
The Realme C65 features a 5,000mAh battery unit and 15W fast charging support.
The POCO M6 is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging. However, the company bundles a 10W charging brick in the retail package.
The itel P55 has a 5,000mAh battery supported by 18W fast charging.
POCO M6 5G supports 18W fast charging but its retail box includes a 10W charging adapter
The POCO M6 and itel P55 feature faster 18W fast charging compared to the Realme’s offering. However, POCO doesn’t include a fast charging adapter in the retail box, which gives P55 an edge over its competition.
Realme C65 5G vs POCO M6 5G vs itel P55 5G: Verdict
The Realme C65 offers a higher refresh rate display, a faster processor, and better software support. It is the costliest of the three but is the only device to feature an IP54 rating, Air Gestures, Dynamic Button, and 48-month fluency certification.
The POCO M6 lags as it offers a 90Hz waterdrop notch display, a 5MP selfie camera, and a 10W charger. The itel P55 is the cheapest, but it ships with Android 13. The itel P55 could be a good option for those on a restricted budget.
The Phone (2a) is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro SoC.
Nothing equips the device with a large 5,000mAh battery.
Nothing, the London-based consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of a new edition of the Nothing Phone (2a). The teaser for the smartphone has appeared on the Flipkart landing page which teases phone launches.
Nothing Phone (2a) New Edition Launch
The Flipkart landing page confirms that Nothing will launch the handset on April 29 in the country. The brand is likely to conduct a virtual launch event, which will begin streaming at 12PM. The teaser, which reveals the existing rear panel, also adds that the device is designed for India.
The London-based brand recently announced the winners of the Community Edition Project. Nothing awarded the prizes to the Phosphorescence concept, which features a green-tinted surface using phosphorescent materials. The materials used will ensure that the device will glow in the dark without any power sources.
The material used in the concept can recharge in sunlight to glow in the dark. Nothing has roped in Kenta and Astrid, who created the concept, to work with their R&D team. A report from Android Headlines recently confirmed that Nothing is working on a new variant of the Phone (2a).
The report reveals that Nothing could soon debut a smartphone with the PacManPro and Tetris codenames and the A142P model number. To recall, the Phone (2a) was codenamed PacMan and Aerodactyl and bears the A142 model number.
The X Fold 3 Pro is the first foldable device to debut with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
The vanilla Vivo X Fold 3 also recently received BIS certification, confirming that its Indian launch can be expected soon.
The Vivo X Fold 3 series foldable smartphones went official in the last week of March in China. 91Mobiles has spotted the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro in BIS certification ahead of the global launch of the smartphones.
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro BIS Certification
The BIS certification confirms that Vivo will soon launch a foldable smartphone in India with the V2330 model number. The V2330 model number was also spotted by the publication on Indonesia’s TKDN and Telecom certifications confirming the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro moniker of the device.
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Apart from the 5G connectivity, the certification doesn’t reveal any other specifications of the device. Take a look at the complete specifications of the Chinese variant of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, Adreno 750 GPU.
RAM and Storage: 12GB / 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB / 512GB / 1TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.
Rear Cameras: 50MP VCS bionic master primary camera with f/1.68 aperture and OIS, 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera with f/2.0 aperture, 64MP periscope telephoto sensor with f/2.57 aperture.
Front Camera: 32MP snapper with f/2.4 aperture on cover display and inner display.
Battery: 5,500mAh battery, 100W wired flash fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging.
Smartphone companies tend to deploy a fair amount of jargon when discussing new products. When it comes to displays, you might have heard companies use the term LTPO to describe the device’s display, in addition to the usual OLED or AMOLED.
But what exactly is this technology, and how does it work? This MSP Explained edition is about getting to know the LTPO display tech, which is part of it, and how it impacts the user experience.
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What is LTPO?
LTPO, or low-temperature polycrystalline oxide, is the backplane technology used for OLED displays to work at variable refresh rates. The backplane technology impacts display functions, including resolution and power consumption. In simple terms, the backplane in an OLED panel is simply a circuit board on the back of the display that controls the pixels and transmits visual information.
It includes two major components: TFTs and the substrate. There’s another additional component called the emission material layer (EML), which emits the light we see. LTPO dismisses the need for an additional component between the graphics controller and the graphics processing unit (GPU). Apple pioneered the LTPO technology, which was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019.
LTPO is just an improved display tech used for OLED panels. A regular OLED display uses another display backplane tech called LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon). However, LTPS doesn't support a dynamic refresh rate and normally juggles between 60Hz and 120Hz, leading to more battery consumption.
Initial LTPO tech (LTPO 1.0) could go from 10Hz to 120Hz, but newer versions like LTPO 2.0 and LTPO 3.0 can support a low refresh rate of 1Hz. The latest LTPO 4.0 (featured on the OnePlus 12R) has been further improved to support a wide range of refresh rates, such as 72Hz and 90Hz.
Brands have different names for the LTPO tech used in their smartphones; Apple calls the iPhone’s (and even the MacBook Pro’s and the iPad Pro’s) LTPO display ProMotion and Xiaomi calls the tech AdaptiveSync Pro. Vivo has used BOE’s 8T LTPO tech for the X100 Pro, and so on.
How Does LTPO Work?
An OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display consists of numerous thin-film transistors (TFT), generally divided into switching TFT and driving TFT. Normally, OLED displays tend to use LTPS, but display makers have started using the LTPO tech due to the former’s limitations.
LTPO merges LTPS and another backplane tech, indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). The former is majorly used for switching TFTs while the latter is used for driving TFTs. Both technologies have different roles; while LTPS helps ensure power efficiency and reduced battery consumption, IGZO enables a variable refresh rate.
What Purpose Does LTPO Serve?
OLED displays with a high refresh rate consume more battery. LTPO steps in to ensure this doesn’t happen. For the uninitiated, the refresh rate is the number of times a display shows an image per second, measured in Hz. This is different from FPS or frames per second, which essentially is the rate at which an image is captured or rendered per second. However, both work in tandem to offer better visuals and fewer lags.
A high refresh rate is supposed to offer a better overall scrolling experience. So, if a smartphone display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, it can refresh a pixel on the display 120 times per second.
LTPO refreshes the display based on the content shown. For instance, the Always-on-Display (AOD) functionality typically requires a 1Hz refresh rate, while a high-graphics game like COD: Mobile can require up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
Phones with LTPO display
By now, it must have been clear that an LTPO display serves two major purposes: reduced power consumption and smoother scrolling. The display can consume a lot of power whenever it lights up, and a regular OLED display's limited refresh rate range can cause it to consume more power even when the phone is idle, say, in AOD mode.
LTPO can lower or increase the refresh rate depending on different conditions. Depending on how a brand optimises it, it can also improve the display’s colours and image quality. So, yes, an LTPO display can help make the experience much better.
But there's a disadvantage, too; the LTPO backplane tech is relatively expensive, as Apple owns several patents, and others have to pay for it. This is also why the tech is used on flagship phones, even though LCD screens can also support it.
Samsung has built its alternative using a similar premise. Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra with LTPO called Hybrid-oxide and Polycrystalline silicon (HOP). Even LG has its LTPO tech called multi TFT OLEDs (MTOs). China’s BOE also develops LTPO OLED panels. Other OEMS can also follow this approach, and we can expect it to cost a little less eventually and reach more smartphones, even the affordable ones. Meanwhile, here's a look at top flagships with an LTPO display.
Apple recently confirmed it will host an event on May 7th this year. The logo prominently features the Apple Pencil, suggesting a focus on iPads, which are long due for an overhaul. We anticipate the announcements will introduce newer iPad Air and iPad Pros.
In today’s world, Apple’s iPads offer greater portability than laptops and can even replace smartphones for those who prefer watching content on a larger screen. However, when Steve Jobs introduced this tablet 14 years ago, its use case was entirely different. So, let’s explore how Apple’s iPad has evolved over the years.
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The Original iPad: The First Tablet From Apple
The original iPad was unveiled by Steve Jobs on January 27th, 2010, at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco. It featured a 9.7-inch screen, a 10-hour battery life, and a 1GHz A4 processor. It also had a home button at the bottom of the face and thick bezels. The Home Button would remain a notable part of the iPad’s design for several years. Apple only phased it out with the 9th Gen iPad launched in 2021.
Notably, the original iPad weighed more and was thicker than subsequent releases. There were 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of storage variants. The iPad also ran on iOS, like the iPhone’s software system, and could run apps from the App Store.
Source: Apple
Apple’s primary aim was to upscale the iPhone’s multi-touch interface for use on a larger screen, thereby indirectly challenging the dominance of laptops. However, achieving this objective required several customisations that were lacking at the time.
Additionally, the iPad was positioned as a viable alternative for consuming content traditionally found in books, newspapers, and magazines. It was an ideal device for content consumption. And this move inadvertently pitted Apple against Amazon’s e-book offerings. On launch day, Apple successfully sold 300,000 units of the iPad, with over one million shipped within the first month. Before the release of the subsequent model, nearly 19 million units had been sold.
So far, Apple has introduced 10 generations of the baseline iPad. However, the iPad lineup has become more complicated, diversifying into the Pro, Air, and Mini segments.
The iPad mini: Lighter, Thinner…and Faster?
The first generation of the iPad mini debuted on October 23rd, 2012, two and a half years after the Original iPad’s launch. In 2012, we saw the simultaneous release of the Google Nexus 7, the Microsoft Surface, and the Samsung Galaxy 10.1. It was a time when smaller tablets were very popular.
The original iPad Mini had a dual-core A5 processor, up to 64GB of storage, and a 7.9-inch display. Its specifications closely mirrored those of the iPad 2 but in a smaller, lighter package. Its solid and rugged design offered improved portability and was available in black and white.
Source: Apple
Subsequently, the iPad mini 2 (2013), mini 3 (2014), and mini 4 (2015) were launched. The iPad mini was quietly discontinued after these releases, as iPad sales had declined. Apple ceased any new iPad mini models, but after a gap of four years, the iPad mini 5th generation was introduced in 2019.
The latest iteration, the iPad mini 6, was launched three years ago in 2021 and featured a bumped-up 8.3-inch display. It features an all-screen design, 5G capability, an A15 Bionic chip, and a USB-C port for faster connectivity. Additionally, it excels in handling demanding graphic tasks and heavy games. Who would have thought that, nine years later, the mini version could perform all the tasks of a laptop? Will Apple introduce an iPad mini again? We will have to wait and see if the mini turns out to be the ‘one more thing’ on May 7.
The iPad Air: Apple’s Lightest Pa(d)ckage
The iPad Air was launched in late 2013, aiming to offer more power in a smaller, lighter device. Measuring just 7.5mm thin and 22% lighter than the iPad 2, it featured a 9.7-inch Retina display, storage options up to 128GB, and an A7 chip with 64-bit architecture. Notably, Apple also reduced bezels on this model.
With its A7 processor, the iPad Air brought new possibilities for productivity apps. Despite its larger battery than the iPad 2, it maintained a remarkably slim and lightweight design. Following the release of the 1st generation iPad Air, subsequent models were introduced: the Air 2 (2014), Air 3 (2019), Air 4 (2020), and iPad Air 5 (2022).
Source: Apple
When paired with accessories like a Magic Keyboard case and an Apple Pencil, the iPad Air 5th generation shares similarities with the iPad Pro. It features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, improved camera capabilities, and the M1 chip, which offers enhanced performance compared to the A15 Bionic chip. If your needs revolve around email, note-taking, design tasks, and casual gaming, the iPad Air is meant to be a suitable alternative to the iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro: For the Professionals
The first-generation iPad Pro hit the market on September 9th, 2015. It came in two display options. The first had a 12.9-inch Retina display. Apple later introduced the 9.7-inch variant of the iPad Pro as well in March 2016. More importantly, the iPad Pro supported the Apple Pencil, which was introduced with the 12.9-inch variant.
The iPad Pro offered storage options up to 256GB and was the first iPad to come with LPDDR4 RAM. It was powered by the A9X chip with 64-bit architecture. Its focus on accommodating creative work, especially drawing and drafting with the Apple Pencil, blurred the line between tablet and canvas.
iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 2015 Source: Apple
In the following years, Apple expanded the iPad Pro line-up, introducing 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch 2nd generation models in 2017. In 2018, it released the iPad Pro 3rd generation (11-inch), boasting a revamped design, Face ID, and a redesigned Apple Pencil, positioning it as a potential laptop replacement with the addition of the Smart Folio Keyboard.
Subsequent years saw Apple introduce the iPad Pro (11-inch) 2nd generation and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 4th generation in 2020, followed by the iPad Pro (11-inch) 3rd generation and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 5th generation in 2021. With the 5th generation, Apple also switched to its M-series processors for the iPads.
In 2022, Apple launched the iPad Pro (11-inch) 4th generation and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 6th generation powered by the M2.
iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 2022 Source: Apple
The iPad Pro 6th generation, unveiled in 2022, boasted 5G capability, support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), an upgraded camera, and a Liquid Retina XDR display with storage options of up to 2TB. It is powered by the impressive M2 chip. It excels in handling creative tasks such as video editing and graphic design on the go. However, its battery life remains a drawback, limited to only 10-11 hours.
But there were no new releases in 2023. So yes, 2024 will likely see new variants of the iPad Pro on May 7 powered by the M3 chipset. The iPad Pro series has been the most confusing, with frequent updates and various model sizes and features. Despite this, the evolution of the iPad Pro series reflects significant advancements in technology and usability over the years.
Apple May 7 Event: What’s Next?
Reports claim the upcoming iPad Pro, expected in May, may feature an OLED display. We can also anticipate the release of a new iPad Air and an updated version of the Apple Pencil.
Regarding the iPads, we expect to see slimmer and lighter models. Apple could also make them more like Macs by adding support for additional accessories and enhancing iOS flexibility. However, the overarching question remains: what direction will the iPad take next?
