Smartphones
No periscope lens on iPhones until 2023, analyst says
Only an upgrade for this year
As always, smartphone photography is still one of the biggest priorities among smartphone makers. Some companies have remarkably partnered with camera companies for their own shooters. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of its peers, Apple is still lagging behind in packing its cameras with as much specs as its rivals. According to a new report, the wait still isn’t over. Apple won’t get periscope lens until 2023, at least.
According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MyFixGuide), periscope lens — such as the one in superzoom cameras — won’t come to iPhones until 2023. Instead, Apple will feature an upgrade for its current telephoto lens for the next generation. Likewise, the main sensor will also receive an upgrade.
Though the iPhone 12 series just got its time in the spotlight, we’re already getting a lot of details for the upcoming iPhone 13. For example, the upcoming iPhone series will reportedly come with a 120Hz, always-on screen. In more radical news, Apple will supposedly remove all the ports from the iPhone 13, making the first port-less iPhone.
At this point, it’s too early to tell when the iPhone 13 will launch. Further, we can’t be sure about all the other details yet. Whatever it is, Apple is likely planning a lot of surprising things for 2021.
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.
News
OPPO is finally getting AirDrop support
The update for the Find X9 series rolls out this month.
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.
Motorsport has a flair for dramatic arrivals. When a new car rolls onto the track, the design alone can tell you it means business.
The Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra makes that kind of entrance at Mobile World Congress 2026.
Created with Italian automotive design house Pininfarina, the flagship pairs a supercar-inspired aesthetic with premium features including a 200MP camera system, satellite calling, and immersive JBL-tuned sound.
The result is a device that positions itself as more than just another NOTE series upgrade — it’s Infinix stepping onto the flagship grid.
Supercar-inspired design
Co-developed with legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina, the NOTE 60 Ultra takes heavy inspiration from high-performance sports cars.
The phone introduces what Infinix calls the world’s first Uni-Chassis Cam Module. Instead of the typical camera bump, the camera system sits beneath a single sheet of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus that flows seamlessly across the rear. The result is a smooth aluminum unibody design that maintains a clean silhouette while improving durability and pocketability.
Infinix says the design mirrors the aerodynamic philosophy of supercars, prioritizing smooth surfaces and uninterrupted lines.
Adding to the automotive inspiration is a Floating Taillight signature on the back that lights up when the device powers on. A hidden Active Matrix Display also appears during startup, echoing the digital dashboards seen in modern sports cars. The small display can show notifications, icons, or even a pixel-style companion.
The NOTE 60 Ultra comes in four Italian-inspired finishes: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.
Flagship imaging system
Despite the flush camera design, the NOTE 60 Ultra still packs a powerful imaging setup.
At the center is a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor designed to deliver ultra-high-resolution photos with improved detail and clarity. It is paired with a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112-degree ultra-wide camera.
The system supports a versatile zoom range, starting with a 2x optical crop, extending to 3.5x optical zoom, and reaching 7x lossless digital zoom, with up to 100x zoom for distant subjects.
Infinix also introduces support for the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture, powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine. The system aims to preserve highlights and shadows more accurately, especially in challenging lighting scenarios like night scenes or sunsets.
Connectivity beyond cellular networks
Another headline feature is two-way satellite communication.
The NOTE 60 Ultra supports both satellite calling and messaging, allowing users to stay connected even in areas without traditional cellular coverage. The feature can also enable emergency location sharing during disasters or when traveling through remote regions.
According to Infinix, the system offers coverage across a broader number of countries compared to typical satellite messaging implementations.
Big battery, fast charging
Powering the device is a 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery, paired with Infinix’s new Battery Self-Healing Technology. The company claims the system can restore up to 1 percent of battery health every 200 charge cycles, potentially helping maintain long-term battery performance.
Charging is equally fast, with support for 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Infinix says the device can charge from 1 to 100 percent in around 48 minutes via wired charging.
The phone runs on a 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset, which Infinix claims delivers up to 25 percent faster multitasking alongside improved app responsiveness.
Display, audio, and AI features
On the front is a 1.5K Ultra HDR display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 4500 nits peak brightness. The panel also features predictive stabilization designed to reduce motion discomfort when watching videos or gaming while in motion.
For audio, the phone includes stereo speakers tuned by JBL.
The NOTE 60 Ultra runs XOS 16 based on Android 16, introducing a new interface called GlowSpace. The software integrates several AI-powered tools including personalized file organization, adaptive knowledge features, and an Advanced Health Monitor capable of real-time vitals tracking.
Availability
The Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra will be available in a single configuration with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, along with built-in eSIM support.
It will ship with three years of major Android updates and five years of security patches.
Infinix will also bundle a deluxe gift box that includes a supercar-inspired MagCharge stand, Kevlar MagPad, custom Kevlar MagCase, and a track-edition SIM ejector pin.
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