News

Samsung Galaxy S20+ rumor roundup: 120Hz display, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner

Launching on February 11

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It’s every Samsung user’s favorite time of the year. Every January, the grapevine inevitably ramps up the discussion surrounding the year’s upcoming Samsung flagships. For years, the Galaxy S series reveals its latest iteration around this time. January 2020 is no different.

Following a closed-door meeting during CES 2020, Samsung has confirmed the next flagship’s naming convention. Instead of the Galaxy S11, the flagship series will fast forward to the Galaxy S20 number scheme.

Since then, more details have followed. Here’s a short roundup of what we can expect from Samsung’s release this year.

120Hz display

Since last year, the smartphone market has quietly adopted a new trend in display technology: the 120Hz refresh rate. The new display adds in smoother screen animations and scrolling. According to a leak, Samsung’s flagship will allow users to choose between 60Hz and 120Hz. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S20 series will introduce the technology’s first introduction into the company’s phones.

Additionally, the Galaxy S20+ will have a 20:9 aspect ratio, outputting a 3200 x 1440 resolution. No word yet on the other Galaxy S20 smartphones.

Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner

By now, the under-screen fingerprint scanner is already a common feature among smartphones. This time, Samsung is improving the technology even further. Supposedly, the Galaxy S20+ will carry an improved ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, compared to its variant last year. Showcased by Qualcomm last year, the new scanner features a bigger area — almost half the entire screen! — in which you can unlock your phone.

Penta-lens camera

According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy S20+ will have four rear cameras: a 12-megapixel + 64-megapixel + 12-megapixel + ToF camera setup. Similarly, the higher-tier Galaxy S20 Ultra will have a remarkable 108-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel + ToF camera setup.

Similar design philosophy

Finally, a leak has revealed a quick glimpse of the Galaxy S20+. Based on the short video, the smartphone will sport a similar design to last year’s Galaxy S10 series. The front panel carries a peephole camera resting comfortably on the screen’s center. Meanwhile, the rear panel will have a multiple lens camera setup.

More distinctly, the smartphone will lose the headphone jack, marking the first jack-less Galaxy S smartphone. Instead, it will likely come with an AKG USB Type-C set of earphones.

Under the hood, the Galaxy S20+ will allegedly carry the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage, and 4500mAh of battery.

Thankfully, the rumors will come to an end on February 11, Samsung’s confirmed date for this year’s first launches.

Spec sheet leak

The latest leak might be the biggest one yet revealing the names and exact specs of the three Samsung Galaxy S20 models that will be unpacked on February 11. A tweet by user @ishanagarwal24 leaves very little to the imagination in terms of what we should expect come launch day.

Pricing leak

The latest round of leaks show Euro pricing for all the Samsung Galaxy S20 series models. If previous models are of any basis, these should be right around the ball park of what we expect from Samsung flagships.


SEE ALSO: Awesome Screen! Samsung Galaxy A51 now official


We’ll update this article with every new leak and/or rumor on the Samsung Galaxy S20

News

Two new Xiaomi audio wearables join REDMI Note 15 Series

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite

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Xiaomi has launched two new audio wearables on the same day it launched the REDMI Note 15 in the Philippines.

These two wearables are the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and the REDMI Buds 8 Lite.

The two new offerings expand Xiaomi’s ecosystem, bringing innovative features in different form factors to users.

Mijia Smart Audio Glasses

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses house a speaker system and four built-in microphones in a stylish eyewear design.

This enables users to stay aware of surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio and 4.5m/s wind noise reduction.

It is an ideal accessory for city walks, outdoor travel, and even more discreet scenarios like meetings and calls with a new privacy mode.

This mode leverages a custom algorithm to ensure clear audio while significantly reducing sound leakage.

Inside the glasses are non-coaxial steel-cased batteries. Full charging takes just about an hour, and fuels up to 13 hours of music playback.

Users can connect the wearable to the Xiaomi Glasses app for greater customization and control.

The Mijia glasses are available in three styles: Titanium, Pilot-Style, and Browline. All lenses can be replaced with prescription ones if needed.

In addition, the Browline and Titanium come with up to 25% blue light protection lenses while the Pilot-Style features up to a 99.99% UV light blocking rate.

Pricing:

  • Browline and Pilot-Style: Starts at PhP 10,999
  • Titanium: Starts at PhP 12,999

REDMI Buds 8 Lite

On the other hand, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite are built for those who seek practicality and crystal-clear sound at the same time.

The buds house large 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm drivers for clear sound and rich detail. They support Bluetooth 5.4 connection for AAC and SBC audio codecs for high-quality audio across a wide range of devices.

Moreover, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite feature up to 42dB hybrid active noise cancellation, on top of a Transparency Mode.

The ANC uses a combination of talk and feedback microphones to effectively detect and suppress ambient noise.

And with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, users can tailor-fit the sound better to their liking with five pre-installed EQ modes and the option to customize EQ tuning.

The Buds 8 Lite is available in Black, White, and Blue starting at PhP 1,199.

Joining the two new Xiaomi audio wearables are other AIoT devices that are now available at online and offline Xiaomi stores: the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6, and 6 Lite.

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News

REDMI Note 15 Series unveiled: Price, availability in the Philippines

4 models available starting at PhP 9,999

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The REDMI Note 15 Series has been officially launched in the Philippines. It comes in four variants: the Note 15 Pro+ 5G, Note 15 Pro 5G, Note 15 5G, and Note 15.

Featuring “REDMI Titan Durability”, the lineup highlights long-lasting battery performance, reinforced drop resistance, and enhanced dust and water protection.

Alongside these physical upgrades, the REDMI Note 15 Series also comes with enhanced imaging capabilities, reliable performance, and a seamless overall user experience.

Xiaomi also introduced the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite, among others, expanding their ecosystem.

The top-of-the-line variants, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, feature 6,500mAh batteries with 100W HyperCharge.

Making its REDMI Note Series debut, the Silicon-Carbon battery technology enables higher energy density within a compact form factor.

The Pro variants also come with better protection, with the Pro having a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the Pro+ having a tough fiberglass back panel.

In addition, the Pro+ comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance ratings.

Meanwhile, the REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15 house 5,520mAh and 6,000mAh batteries, respectively. These two models also have SGS Comprehensive Shock and Drop-Resistance certifications.

Cameras

Onto the series’ cameras, both Pro models boast of a new 200MP ultimate-clarity camera, along with the global debut of a 200MP HPE image sensor.

This large, 1/1.4-inch sensor backs 2x and 4x optical-level in-sensor zoom, triple-focal length DAG HDR, and advanced AI processing. This way, users can get detailed and true-to-life images across in various lighting conditions.

The two Note 15 variants, meanwhile, come with 108MP main cameras. These offer up to a 3x optical-level telephoto experience.

Creative and AI-powered tools complement the shooting experience. There’s ultra-clear portrait algorithm, Dynamic shots 2.0, and AI Creativity Assistant on the Pro models.

Across the entire lineup are everyday creativity features like AI Remove Reflection and AI Beautify.

Upgraded performance, smarter connectivity

The REDMI Note 15 Series also delivers balanced performance in the segment. Powering the Note 15 Pro+ 5G is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 mobile platform and introduces the Xiaomi IceLoop cooling system.

The entire lineup also come with new generation Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets for faster performance and smoother graphics.

All models support Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google out of the box. The Pro+ also integrates Xiaomi HyperAI for a more personalized and intelligent experience.

And for enhanced connectivity, the Pro models support Xiaomi Offline Communication which allows for voice transmission even without network coverage.

Immersive audiovisual experience

In front, the series offers an upgraded viewing experience. The Pro models have 6.83-inch displays, while the base models have 6.77-inch screens.

These have up to 3,200 nits brightness and triple eye-care certifications. Complementing these are up to a 400% volume boost capability.

Price, availability

The REDMI Note 15 Pro models retail for the following prices:

  • Note 15 Pro+ 5G: PhP 27,999 (Mocha Brown, Glacier Blue, Black)
  • Note 15 Pro 5G: Starts at PhP 19,999 (Mist Purple, Black)

Early bird purchases (January 16 to 29) include a PhP 2,000 savings, Xiaomi Smart Band 10, and Black Box Gift Set.

From January 30 to February 8, the same freebies (minus the discount) are still available to claim.

On the other hand, the REDMI Note 15 base models are available for:

  • Note 15 5G: Starts at PhP 14,999 (Glacier Blue, Mist Purple, Black)
  • Note 15: Starts at PhP 9,999 (Glacier Blue, Purple, Black)

Customers can grab an additional PhP 1,000 off, REDMI Buds 8 Lite, and Xiaomi Black Backpack until January 29, with the two freebies available for purchases made until February 8.

Other perks include:

  • 4-year battery replacement warranty
  • 2-year liquid damage coverage
  • 2-year front & back cover replacement
  • 3 months Spotify Premium
  • 3-month 100GB cloud storage

All models are now available across Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and mi.com.

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Accessories

Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States

It will come with the special acrylic stand.

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Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.

In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.

Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.

Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.

Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.

SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle

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