Smartphones

iPhone 15 series finally makes the switch to USB-C

Also features Pro-sized upgrades

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We’re finally here. After a grueling wait, Apple has finally unveiled the iPhone 15 series. As always, the new flagship lineup has a lot of things in store for iPhone fans. Let’s look at what you can get from Apple this holiday season.

What’s new

Let’s get the elephant in the room first. Yes, the iPhone 15 series is getting USB-C. Say goodbye to the Lightning cable. The new series is joining the rest of the world (and the rest of Apple’s lineup of devices). Apple promises that the same cable can work between different devices — within the same brand, at least.

The Dynamic Island returns this year. Introduced last year, the feature melds hardware with software to turn its front-facing sensor into something more. This time, however, even the non-Pro models are getting the feature.

The regular iPhone 15 series will offer more differentiation between the two models in the series. The regular iPhone 15 is much smaller, touting a 6.1-inch screen. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Plus will have a large 6.7-inch screen. With Super Retina XDR, both screens can reach up to 2000nits of brightness.

The iPhone 15 series will have an improved camera. Behind the device, the series will have a 48-megapixel main camera with a 2µm pixel size. It will also have a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. For performance, the iPhone 15 series will have the A16 Bionic chip enjoyed by the iPhone 14 Pro series. The Plus will have a better battery, too.

For connectivity, the iPhone 15 has the next-generation Ultra Wideband chip. With the new chipset, the phone can help users find each other in a crowded place, for example. One of the bigger introductions last year, Apple is expanding the functionality of its satellite connectivity. Now, users can access Roadside Assistance via Satellite (with AAA in the United States).

Price and availability

The series was polished with nanocrystalline particles and improved with matte textures. It will come in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. Pre-orders are available now, and the device will start shipping on September 22.

The iPhone 15 starts at US$ 799. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at US$ 899.

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Nothing launches the Phone (4a) series

Who needs a flagship in 2026?

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Nothing is not launching the Phone (4) this year. Though the lack of a flagship is certainly disappointing, the brand is still launching the Phone (4a) series, and now that it’s official, there really is no reason to feel like we’re missing out.

Nothing Phone (4a)

The base Nothing Phone (4a) carries over the circular camera island design of the previous Phone (3a). However, this generation will feature the new Glyph Bar, a subtler and more functional take on the brand’s iconic lighting system. It has 63 mini-LEDs in seven square light zones. It provides 3500 nits of brightness, which is 40 percent brighter than the Phone (3a)’s Glyph Interface.

The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen delivers images at 1.5K resolution,120Hz refresh rate, and 440 pixels per inch.

Inside, the Phone (4a) is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. This is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It can reportedly play Call of Duty: Mobile at up to 90fps.

For cameras, the model carries a Samsung GN9 50-megapixel main camera. It can take in more light and offer a wider field of view. Plus, the camera can zoom by up to 3.5 times using an optical zoom. There’s also 7x lossless zoom and 70x ultra zoom.

Using Qualcomm’s triple Image Signal Processor, the camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second. It can also shoot Full HD videos at 120 frames per second.

Finally, the Phone (4a) has a large 5080mAh battery, capable of charging up to 60 percent in just 30 minutes.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

Meanwhile, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro takes the best parts of the Phone (3) and brings it to life in the (a) series.

For one, the bolder camera island revives the Glyph Matrix of the flagship series and packs in more shooters inside. The three-camera system consists of a Sony LYT-700C 50-megapixel main shooter, a Samsung J5 50-megapixel periscope lens, and a Sony IMX355 ultrawide camera.

The 6.83-inch LTPS AMOLED screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. It can deliver images at 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 5,000nits peak brightness.

Inside, the Pro model sports the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4. Plus, the RAM Booster can increase the up to 12GB of RAM to 20GB. It will also have 256GB of internal storage.

It still has the large 5080mAh battery of its regular sibling and all the power that promises.

Price, availability

The Nothing Phone (4a) will be available in black, white, blue, and pink. It starts at EUR 349 for the 8+128GB configuration, topping off at EUR 429 for the 12+256GB model.

The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro will be available in black, silver, and pink. It starts at EUR 479 for the 8+128GB model, with the 12+256GB version selling for EUR 549.

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HMD is developing an AI assistant for the elderly

The company will test it in Europe first.

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In the past, the only way to escape the constant influx of technology is to purposely go for older or “dumber” phones. For example, if you wanted to prevent your elder loved ones from fussing over features they’d never use, you’d give them feature phones. Now, there’s no escape. HMD, one of the biggest names in the feature phone segment, is bringing AI to its devices.

For years, HMD, especially through Nokia, has provided low-tech phones for everyone’s grandma. From merely keeping the Nokia brand of phones alive, the company has now embraced its reputation as the feature phone king, building its own branded phones.

Now, announced during MWC 2026 (via Tom’s Guide), HMD will start infusing its phones with AI, video calling, and a digital wallet.

Of these, video calling is the easiest to digest. Rather than just being simple front-facing selfie shooters, HMD’s phones can also use the camera for video calls.

Secondly, the company is also packing in its own digital wallet into its phones. As with other wallets, HMD’s version can receive, store, and send funds to other users. It’s set to launch in India first.

Now, the AI assistant is the more controversial one among the three. The first rollout is India’s Sarvam AI, which will do the basic tasks you’d expect from an AI assistant. Naturally, this rolls out in India first.

However, HMD is also developing its own AI assistant alongside InTouch. The feature will supposedly provide companionship for elder users. The company will test the assistant in Europe first but aims to launch it globally.

SEE ALSO: HMD announces 1st line of own smartphones

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OPPO is finally getting AirDrop support

The update for the Find X9 series rolls out this month.

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One of the biggest developments late last year was Android finally supporting AirDrop. Android users can finally counter the age-old “oh, your phone can’t do what my iPhone can do.” Unfortunately, when the announcement first dropped, it applied only to Pixel 10 users. Now, the feature is finally coming to more brands.

Today, OPPO has confirmed, via Android Authority, that its phones will get the ability to share files with Apple users. Specifically, the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will receive an update later this month that will enable the feature. With the update, users can go through Quick Share to send files to AirDrop.

Like the initial implementation of the feature on Google, OPPO’s version will not need another app for it to work. Previously, Apple users also needed to install another app to connect with Android users. Now, the feature works natively through Quick Share.

Of course, there’s still a bit off finagling involved. As per Google’s instructions previously, the receiver, regardless of whether they’re on Android or iOS, must set their visibility to “everyone for 10 minutes.” It’s not the most elegant solution, but it sure beats all those jeers from iPhone users about how inflexible Android is when it comes to sharing files.

SEE ALSO: OPPO Find X9 review: Super Swipe material!

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