Smartphones

Google launches the Pixel 10a

It will be available starting March 5, a day after Apple’s event.

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This week, Apple announced a major event happening on March 4. There is a substantial chance that the iPhone 17e will make its debut during the event. Based on how other companies are handling the announcement, something big is coming. For example, Nothing essentially hitched a ride on Apple’s hype yesterday. Today, Google responded by launching its counterpart to the iPhone 17e: the Pixel 10a.

As is tradition with the series, the Pixel 10a breathes new (and budget-conscious) life into the current generation of Pixel. Improving on the previous generations, the new phone has a completely flat back. Plus, Google says that it has the most recycled material of any entry in the A-series so far, including a 100% recycled aluminum frame and an 81% recycled plastic cover.

Under the hood, the Pixel 10a will feature the same Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9a. There’s no surprise there, as Google is likely reserving its major performance upgrades to the next flagship.

However, the new series will have improvements elsewhere. For one, the Pixel 10a will have a 48-megapixel rear camera, paired with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera.

There’s a new Auto Best Take feature, which takes multiple shots in one press and automatically selects the best one of the bunch. Camera Coach acts as a personal tutor that guides users on the best composition and lighting.

Additionally, Google is adding Satellite SOS for the first time on an A-series phone. Users can now call emergency services outside of their usual coverage area.

It will come in four colorway options: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian.

The Pixel 10a will be available starting March 5, a day after Apple’s event. Pre-orders are available now. The new phone will cost US$ 499.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 10 Series: First Look

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iPhone 17 Pro Max is somehow the most traded-in phone today

All of the recent Pro Max models are sitting at the top, too.

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For a lot of people, reselling or trading-in is the natural end of their time with an iPhone. After all, an iPhone is too expensive to leave lying stagnant in a drawer. Now, this usually happens years after a phone fully lives out its usefulness. However, the new iPhone 17 Pro Max has somehow claimed the top spot as the most traded-in phone today.

According to reports organized by SellCell, a surprising number of people are reselling their iPhone 17 Pro Max. Today, 11.5 percent of trade-ins are of the current generation’s most premium model. The next models, the iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, all sit between 7.2 percent and 7.3 percent apiece. This is a staggering growth, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max was sitting at only 5.1 percent of trade-ins in late November.

There’s no confirmed reason as to why people are trading their premium models so early into the model’s lifecycle. However, if it’s any indication, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the lowest depreciation for a premium iPhone model, when compared to its predecessors in the same time frame.

Given that the resale value of a new iPhone 17 Pro Max is still pretty high today, it’s possible that users aren’t completely satisfied with the model and opted to trade in their new phones for something more manageable. After all, the new phone is as premium as they come. It’s also as large as they come.

That said, it’s certainly an odd tidbit that the most premium iPhone is the one that people are dumping the most.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max takes a jab at Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max

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vivo V70 launched globally, introduces 4K 60fps, OriginOS 6, more

Comes with powerful ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The vivo V70 has officially been launched globally, and will soon roll out gradually across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and other markets.

The company’s latest V series mid-ranger features helpful tools for travel, concerts, and other occasions, with its familiar 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, AI Stage Mode, 4K 60fps video, and AI-powered editing tools.

A refined design also features aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame, rounded corners, and a flat 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display in front. The back, meanwhile, has AG glass for scratch resistance.

Available colors are Golden Hour, Alpine Gray, Sandalwood Brown, Canary Yellow, and Authentic Black.

In addition, the vivo V70 debuts the new OriginOS 6 out of the box for enhanced performance and security.

Pro-grade telephoto camera

The vivo V70’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera has a pro-grade, 1/1.95-inch sensor and OIS for sharper shots in low-light and challenging conditions.

Its advanced periscope design also allows for higher zoom levels without adding bulk.

This shooter is coupled with a 1/1.56-inch 50MP ZEISS main camera. There is also an 8MP ZEISS ultra-wide angle camera and a 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera.

The new device comes with a new AI Stage Mode, tuned for stage photography.

Shots are enhanced by AI Image Portrait Enhancement Algorithm and AI Style Portrait Technology.

This way, users can achieve 10x zoom for crisp stage photos.

As with previous iterations of the V series, the latest handset is also equipped with ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, along with options like 85mm ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh or 100mm Close-Up Portrait in ZEISS Planar Style.

And for the first time in the V series, the phone introduces 4K 60fps video for cinematic and smooth captures.

AI Audio Noise Eraser, meanwhile, offers an additional layer of creative control fo post-editing.

Other AI-powered editing tools include AI Magic Weather, AI Magic Landscape, AI Retouch, AI Erase, AI Magic Move, AI Image Expander, and AI Color Adjustment.

The cameras are arranged in a flagship metallic camera module for a smooth, clean, and understated look.

Smarter, more intuitive

Powered by OriginOS 6, the V70 brings a smarter performance through deep AI integration.

Along with a fully rebuilt infrastructure and Origin Smooth Engine, the system looks, feels, and stays smooth while allowing multi-scenario connectivity.

The OS also introduces Origin Island, a dynamic capsule at the top of the screen.

The phone also supports cross-device transfer, including with supported iPhone models.

Inside is a 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery with 90W FlashCharge. Other features include Dual-Bridge Signal Concurrency for optimized network even in congested environments.

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Nothing confirms Phone (4a) launch by trolling Apple

Work smarter, not harder.

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By now, you’ve probably heard of Apple’s and Google’s irreverent advertising campaigns. For example, Apple used to claim that the iPhone is much more secure than an Android. Google, on the other hand, made fun of Apple for adopting new features way behind the curve. Now, a new challenger has entered the battlefield. Nothing has officially confirmed the Phone (4a) by essentially jumping on the hype for the next Apple event.

Recently, Apple released a very interesting invite for an unexpected event on March 4. It was interesting because of its unconventional timing and the recent rumor of a new entry-level MacBook. Naturally, there’s a lot of hype heading into March.

Apropos the brand’s usual marketing strategies, Nothing has released an invite of its own, confirming the launch of the launch of the Phone (4a) on March 5, a day after Apple’s event.

Of course, we’ve known about the Phone (4a) for a while now, thanks to Carl Pei’s own words last month. The more interesting bit is the invite itself.

Rather than bringing out its usual fashion-oriented aesthetics, Nothing just used Apple’s invite and literally spray-painted “Nothing” and “5 March” in neon pink letters.

It’s definitely an unconventional way to hype an event. Then again, everyone’s already excited for Apple, anyway. So it’s a case of “work smarter, not harder,” albeit straddling the fine line of ethical considerations.

SEE ALSO: Nothing opens first India store in Bengaluru

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