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Pixel 3a is now officially the budget-friendly Google phone

Google’s first midrange phone

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Google Pixel 3a | GadgetMatch

News about a cheaper Pixel 3 phone started to surface late last year, but it’s only going official today. After the long wait, Google‘s new midrange phone is here: the Pixel 3a.

Like before, the new Pixel 3a will come in two display sizes: 5.6 and 6.0 inches. As expected, the upsized sibling will be called the Pixel 3a XL.

Since the new Pixel 3a phones are positioned lower than the main Pixel 3 duo, Google has to make adjustments — and that includes the price. The Pixel 3a will start at US$ 399, which is half of the Pixel 3’s launch price. On the other hand, the bigger Pixel 3a XL will hit stores for US$ 479.

Google Pixel 3a | GadgetMatch

What mainly sets the Pixel 3a apart from the Pixel 3 is its polycarbonate body. Despite the different material though, the design is similar and it still has pressure-sensitive sides.

The Pixel 3a sports a notch-less OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, Snapdragon 670 chip, 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage, and 3000mAh battery. The Pixel 3a XL has the same specs but it has a larger 3700mAh battery to sustain its bigger display. Additionally, both support 18W fast charging via USB-C.

Google Pixel 3a | GadgetMatch

In true Pixel fashion, both versions of the Pixel 3a feature a single main camera. It has a 12-megapixel f/1.8 Dual Pixel sensor from Sony with optical image stabilization. As for selfies, it has an 8-megapixel front-facing camera with a wide-angle lens.

Google’s Pixel 3a phones come with the well-received Night Sight, along with familiar Pixel camera features like Top Shot, Portrait Mode, and HDR+.

The latest version of Android 9 Pie comes out of the box with promised updates for at least three years. Essentially, the Pixel 3a will still get whatever Android version is available until 2022.

The phones will be available in Just Black, Clearly White, and Purple-ish.

SEE ALSO: Google’s laptop and tablet divisions are being cut down

Gaming

Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p

It tricks old games into thinking that the console is docked.

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The Switch 2’s popularity is astonishing, to say the least. Just recently, a single game, Pokémon Pokopia, was responsible for taking the free times of over two million players on the Switch 2. Now, Nintendo has released a new feature which should make the console much more playable, especially for those who already had the original Switch.

Today, the Switch 2 received the 22.0.0 system update. Though the update is mostly a variety of smaller updates, one feature, called the Handheld Mode Boost, stands out among the rest. As per the patch notes, “Handheld Mode Boost will cause compatible Nintendo Switch software to run as if the console is being played in TV mode.” Put simply, the feature will unlock 1080p resolution for older games.

For gamers who had the original Switch, game resolution was a huge problem. The first console lived on a 720p screen, so the early games supported only lower resolutions. The only exception is when the console was docked, which allows 1080p resolution.

Now, the Switch 2 supports backwards compatibility. Players can access their older Switch games on the new console. The catch, however, is that these games are still stuck in 720p. Some titles, at least, have released an update to increase resolution on the new console.

Handheld Mode Boost tricks the console into thinking that it’s hooked up to the dock. In effect, the game will play in 1080p. The catch, however, is that it also thinks that the Joy-Cons are a single Pro controller, so players might lose some game features. It’s still a decent price to pay, though.

In other news, the update has also updated the naming of the “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea” to “Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea/Southeast Asia,” potentially hinting that Southeast Asia might finally get an online store.

SEE ALSO: Now Playing: Yakuza 0 on Switch 2

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OPPO Find N6 launches globally with near crease-free foldable display

‘Zero-Feel Crease’

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OPPO has officially unveiled the Find N6, its latest foldable flagship designed to push the category further with a near crease-free display, powerful hardware, and productivity features tailored for large screens.

The device introduces what OPPO calls a “Zero-Feel Crease,” a new hinge and display structure designed to minimize the visible fold line and deliver a flatter inner screen experience over time.

The foldable was introduced at OPPO’s Binhai Bay Campus in China and will become globally available starting March 20, 2026.

Design and durability upgrades

Left: OPPO Find N6. Right: Galaxy Z Fold7

The Find N6 continues OPPO’s push for thinner and more ergonomic foldables. Despite its book-style design, the company says the device maintains a comfortable grip comparable to conventional bar-style smartphones.

It comes in two colourways: Stellar Titanium and Blossom Orange. The latter stands out with genuine gold accents integrated into the hinge casing made of titanium alloy.

Underneath its premium exterior, the Find N6 also adds stronger durability credentials. It carries IP56, IP58, and IP59 ratings for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand everyday splashes as well as high-temperature and high-pressure water jets.

Multitasking powered by ColorOS 16

On the software side, the Find N6 runs ColorOS 16 optimized for foldables, designed to take advantage of its larger inner display.

One of the key features is Free-Flow Window, a multitasking tool that allows up to four apps to run simultaneously. Users can freely adjust window sizes and aspect ratios, enabling flexible workflows for productivity or content creation.

The feature integrates with OPPO’s Boundless View interface, allowing users to transition smoothly between intensive multitasking layouts and a focused single-app experience.

ColorOS 16 also brings a set of AI-driven tools, including AI Mind Space, AI Recording, and AI Motion Photo Popout.

For cross-device functionality, O+ Connect enables file transfers between the Find N6 and Mac or Windows computers. The system also supports screen mirroring and remote control functions.

AI Pen turns foldable into a workstation

Complementing the large display is the OPPO AI Pen, a stylus designed to enhance productivity on the foldable device.

The stylus supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and works on both the inner and outer displays.

OPPO positions it as more than a standard stylus. The AI Pen enables features like Quick Note and Global Annotation, while also functioning as a laser pointer for presentations.

It also supports AI-powered tools such as Circle to Capture, AI Chart, and AI Image. These tools can capture on-screen content, convert rough notes into structured tables, or transform hand-drawn sketches into polished artwork.

Flagship performance and imaging

Powering the Find N6 is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform paired with a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery.

The device supports 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, designed to provide all-day endurance even with extended use of the foldable display.

For imaging, OPPO introduces its new Hasselblad Master Camera System on the Find N6.

The system is led by a 200MP Hasselblad Ultra-Clear main camera. It is joined by a 50MP ultra-wide camera capable of capturing 50 percent more light than the previous generation, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens with tele-macro capabilities.

The phone also includes a dedicated True Color Camera sensor, first introduced with the Find X9 series, designed to improve white balance accuracy and produce more natural color reproduction.

Camera features developed with Hasselblad include Hasselblad Portrait Mode for DSLR-style bokeh, Hasselblad Master Mode with manual controls tuned to match the Hasselblad X2D camera, and XPAN mode that captures cinematic photos in a wide 65:24 aspect ratio.

The Find N6 also supports professional-grade video features. All three rear cameras can record 4K video at 60fps in Dolby Vision, while the main camera can capture 4K 120fps Dolby Vision footage. Log video support is also included for advanced color grading workflows.

Price and availability

OPPO Find N6 will be globally available starting March 20, 2026 through official OPPO stores, authorized retailers, and partner carriers worldwide.

The foldable will be available in two colourways: Stellar Titanium and Blossom Orange.

Pricing in China is as follows:

  • 12GB + 256GB: ¥9,999
  • 16GB + 512GB: ¥10,999
  • 16GB + 1TB: ¥11,999

The OPPO AI Pen Kit will retail for ¥499.

For regional pricing and availability, OPPO advises consumers to check with their respective regional teams or official OPPO channels.

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POCO X8 Pro Series launches in Singapore with early bird prices

Starts at SGD 439

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POCO X8 Pro Max

POCO has announced the Singapore pricing and availability of the newly launched POCO X8 Pro Series. It includes the POCO X8 Pro Max and POCO X8 Pro.

In Singapore, the lineup will be available with early bird pricing from March 17 to April 5. They offer discounts across all configurations.

Price and availability

The POCO X8 Pro Max (12GB + 256GB) carries a recommended retail price of SGD 589. However, will be available at an early bird price of SGD 559 during the promotional period. Meanwhile, the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at SGD 619, discounted to SGD 599 for early buyers.

For the standard model, the POCO X8 Pro (8GB + 256GB) is priced at SGD 469, with an early bird price of SGD 439. The 12GB + 512GB configuration retails for SGD 519 and will be available at SGD 489 during the launch promo.

The POCO X8 Pro Max will be available in Black, Blue, and White, while the POCO X8 Pro comes in Black, Mint Green, and White.

Performance-focused X Pro series

The POCO X8 Pro Series marks the brand’s shift from the traditional X Series to the new X Pro Series, positioning the lineup around stronger performance and improved endurance.

Leading the series is the POCO X8 Pro Max, which debuts globally with the Dimensity 9500s flagship chipset. Built on a 3nm process, the chip uses a 4+4 all-big-core CPU design with clock speeds of up to 3.73GHz.

POCO says the device can achieve an AnTuTu score of over 3 million, positioning it among the most powerful smartphones in its segment.

Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8500-Ultra platform, delivering improved GPU performance and better power efficiency compared to the previous generation.

Both devices also support hardware-level ray tracing and POCO’s WildBoost Optimization, which helps stabilize frame rates during demanding gameplay.

Large batteries and fast charging

Battery capacity is another highlight of the lineup.

The POCO X8 Pro Max packs an 8,500mAh battery, which the company says can deliver up to two days of battery life on a single charge.

Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro features a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, designed to provide strong endurance while maintaining a relatively compact device size.

Both phones support 100W HyperCharge as well as 27W reverse charging, allowing them to charge other devices when needed.

Displays and cameras

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch display, while the POCO X8 Pro uses a 6.59-inch panel.

Both displays can reach 3,500 nits peak brightness across 25 percent of the screen, improving visibility outdoors.

On the camera side, both devices feature a 50MP main camera and a 20MP front camera. The Pro Max uses a Light Fusion 600 sensor, while the X8 Pro uses a Sony IMX882 sensor.

Additional features include UltraSnap, Dynamic shots, and AI-powered editing tools designed to simplify image enhancement.

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