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Apple’s low-cost iPhone SE could make a comeback

Here’s everything you need to know

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Since the inception of the original iPhone, Apple has followed a year-long refresh cycle and we’ll be seeing the new iPhone “11” launch on September 10. But the company made an exception for the iPhone SE a couple of years back.

The phone carried a lower price tag and was intended for developing markets like India where two to three generation old iPhones still sell in huge quantities. By cutting a few corners, Apple was able to lower the price and offer the same iOS experience to everyone.

However, the iPhone SE never saw a successor and Apple shifted strategy to focus on the top-tier iPhones. A report by Nikkei now confirms Apple could be planning to launch an “iPhone SE2” in a bid to regain lost markets of China and India.

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone XR, a slightly cheaper model that housed the best-in-class A12 chipset and Face ID. Instead of a dual-camera setup, it came with a single-lens camera on the rear and consisted of a polycarbonate body. It has received a positive response in developing markets and this could’ve prompted Apple to reconsider a more affordable option.

The iPhone SE successor — a name yet to be determined — will be launched in the Spring, after the sales of the iPhone 11 models have cooled off. The screen size will be expanded from the 4-inch in the original device t0 a 4.7-inch display on the iPhone 8, sources said.

Another report from EDN also said that the new iPhone SE based on the iPhone 8 would ship in early 2020 and feature an LCD display. However, just like the SE, it could use some of the components from the flagship models – the chipset and maybe the cameras.

We expect Apple to tread aggressively because it has lost a considerable market share to makers like OnePlus and Samsung. The Cupertino-based giant is ramping up local assembly in India and has received approval from the government to directly sell phones via its website as well as directly operated Apple Stores.

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vivo X300 series coming to the Philippines

Price, details, more to be unveiled on November 26

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vivo X300 Series

The highly-anticipated vivo X300 series is officially coming to the Philippines next week. The smartphones will launch on November 26 via a vivo Philippines Facebook live event starting at 6 in the evening.

There will be three available colorways for the Philippine market: Phantom Black, Dune Brown, and Halo Pink. Memory and storage configurations are yet to be announced.

vivo’s latest flagships were announced globally less than a month ago. They are composed of the vivo X300 and vivo X300 Pro models, which both boast of 200MP ZEISS camera systems.

The Pro debuts a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with an upgraded Ultra-Sensing Sensor HPB.

Meanwhile, the 50MP ZEISS Gimbal-Grade Main Camera boasts of a large 1/1.28″ sensor and industry-leading CIPA 5.5-rated stabilization.

These enable the main camera to deliver more stable, faster, and clearer shots while greatly improving the overall imaging performance.

On the other hand, the X300 features a 200MP ZEISS Main Camera, along with a ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a LYT-602 sensor.

Leading performance, efficiency, and endurance

Aside from impressive camera systems, the vivo X300 handsets also feature improvements across OS, performance, and design.

They run on the new OriginOS, which is supported by ultra-core computing, memory fusion, and dual-rendering engines.

Inside, the X300 phones are powered by a Dimensity 9500 chipset jointly defined by vivo and MediaTek.

Built on the 3nm process, the platform delivers exceptional power and remarkable energy efficiency. It features a fully-upgraded 12-core G1-Ultra GPU and ultra-efficient NPU.

In front are 8T LTPO displays (6.31-inch for the X300 and 6.78-inch for the X300 Pro) with up to 2000 nits global peak brightness.

Lastly, the phones have long-lasting batteries (X300 Pro: 6510mAh; X300: 6040mAh) both supporting 90W FlashCharge and wireless charging.

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Android now supports AirDrop!

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For years, there was an insurmountable wall between Apple and Android. One ecosystem’s features were constantly unavailable on another’s. However, times are changing. Previously, Apple started supporting RCS messaging, bridging the messaging between the two platforms. Now, Android is getting support for an even major iOS-only feature: AirDrop.

In a world where file sizes keep getting bigger, efficient file sharing services, such as AirDrop, are invaluable. AirDrop allows iOS users within proximity to share files seamlessly with one another. Technically, Android has its own version called Quick Share. However, the feature did not work with AirDrop, creating another rift between the two platforms.

Today, Android has dropped a surprise feature. Quick Share is now compatible with AirDrop. For now, the feature will start with the Pixel 10 series. But Google hopes to roll it out for other devices in the future.

To enable interoperability between the two platforms, the receiver, regardless of Android or iOS, must set their visibility to “everyone for 10 minutes,” meaning including those outside of their contact list. For those who are conscious about security, Android says that the feature will use the Rust programming language to ensure that security remains a priority.

Unlike the vocal spate for RCS messaging, there hasn’t been a comparatively huge clamor for AirDrop on Android. Everyone just seems to take it as granted. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a welcome feature. Despite being a complete surprise, it’s a huge boon for Android users with a lot of friends on iOS.

SEE ALSO: Android 16 is here!

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realme C85 with 7000mAh battery, 5G connectivity officially launches

Starts at PhP 10,989 in the Philippines

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The realme C85 5G is now available in the Philippines, marking the biggest leap yet in realme’s C series lineup.

Building on the features of previous releases, the realme C85 is the first to feature a 7000mAh battery plus 5G connectivity, pushing the brand’s budget smartphone line to new heights.

Customers can get the device for as low as PhP 10,989 via realme’s official TikTok Shop, from its SRP of PhP 14,999.

As a launch offer, a free TechLife Power Bank (10000mAh) is also included while supplies last when customers buy via official stores nationwide.

Built for heavy use, realme C85 features triple IP66, IP68, and IP69K water and dust resistance rating, as well as military-grade durability.

It can resist damage from several types of liquids — including household cleaning solutions — and handle accidental drops.

At its heart is a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor for ample performance. The large battery capacity enables all-day use, while 45W SUPERVOOC charging lets users replenish the device’s power up to 50% in just 42 minutes.

In front is a 6.8-inch display with 144Hz refresh rate. The panel also supports 1,200 nits of peak brightness for visibility even outdoors. AI Outdoor Mode also automatically boosts screen brightness and optimizes network performance.

Not to be outdone in the camera department, the C85 has a 50MP AI camera plus handy features like AI Ultra Clarity and AI Edit Genie.

Alongside the 5G model, a 4G variant is also available.

realme Buds Clip also launched

Aside from the C85, realme also launched the new realme Buds Clip, a new open-ear, ear-clip style Bluetooth wearable.

It has 11mm dual-magnet large-amplitude speakers and supports AI Dual-Mic ENC. There are likewise audio enhancements, including NextBass Algorithm, Sound-Leap Directional Tech, and 3D Spatial Audio.

Users can enjoy up to 36 hours of battery life with the charging case. The earphones also provide 45ms low latency, dual-device connection, and even AI real-time translation, among other helpful features.

The realme Buds Clip is priced at PhP 4,999.

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