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vivo X Fold5 breaks some records for a foldable

Second lightest foldable of 2025 with four IP ratings

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We’re just in the second quarter of 2025. Yet, it’s been raining foldables all around.

While we’re still all waiting for the grand launch of the HONOR Magic V5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, vivo walks the red carpet first with the X Fold5.

Lightest of ’em all

If last year’s X Fold3 was already lightweight, vivo has managed to beat its own record.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

From 219 grams, its successor is more featherweight at only 217 grams. That alone makes vivo’s X Fold5 the world’s lightest book-style foldable so far.

UPDATE #1: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is now 2025’s lightest foldable at 215 grams.

But that’s only for the Titanium model. The two other colorways — Clear and Pine Green are heavier at 226 grams.

Even the OPPO Find N5, its closest rival, weighs 229 grams.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While not the thinnest (as it’s already reserved on the upcoming HONOR Magic V5 at 8.8mm), the Titanium Version of the X Fold5 with fiberglass back is still razor thin at 9.2 mm.

Meanwhile, the other two colorways with regular glass backs are slightly thicker at 9.7mm.

For comparison, last year’s X Fold3 was 10.2mm.

When unfolded, they’re 4.3mm and 4.55mm respectively.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

All these wouldn’t be possible without the vivo X Fold5’s mighty foldable mechanism.

That’s all thanks to its hinge made of ultra high-strength FS55 steel and carbon fiber materials.

Speaking of durability, the vivo X Fold5 is also the first smartphone ever to feature four IP ratings: IP5X, IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+.

As confusing as it sounds, IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+ are all about water-resistance.

The most extreme IPX9+ rating means it can be folded and unfolded underwater. It also has utmost protection against strong rain and wind.

Meanwhile, IP5X has resistance from dust disturbance.

Also, the vivo X Fold5 has a durable “anti-freeze” body that can withstand -20ºC temperature.

Pro-grade without the “Pro” name

This 2025, vivo has simplified its latest foldable to just a single model without the existence of a separate “Pro” version.

Regardless, the vivo X Fold5 still packs pro hardware inside.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

It runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm SoC found on 2024 flagships.It’s then backed by either 12GB or 16GB of LPPDR5X Ultra memory plus options between 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage in the UFS 4.1 interface.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Screen sizes are still similar like last year: 8.03-inch inside, 6.53 inches outside.

Both are LTPO 8T AMOLED displays with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, 8,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 452 ppi Pixel Density, 4500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut, and 1.07 Billion Colors support.

Battery capacity has then been bumped up from 5500mAh to 6000mAh — making it a foldable with one of the biggest battery capacities.

Charging protocol still remains like last year: 80W FlashCharge.

However, vivo brings its 40W wireless FlashCharge that was absent in last year’s base model (which only the X Fold3 Pro had wireless FlashCharge at 50W).

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Last but definitely not the least, its mighty triple 50MP ZEISS camera system with ZEISS T* lens coating.

There’s a 50MP f/2.05 UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens with a 50MP f/1.57 VCS Bionic main camera using Sony IMX921’s 1/1.56-inch sensor.

Lastly, a 50MP f/2.55 periscope telephoto lens based on Sony IMX882 image sensor that’s capable of shooting optically zoomed images to 3x, up to 20x telephoto macro, and up to 100x max. Also, a color-spectrum sensor that’s absent in last year’s X Fold.

Both selfie cameras are 32MP f/2.4 shooters.

ICYMI, that’s a flagship-grade camera system very much akin to the vivo X200, X200s, and the recently-released X200 FE. Still a rarity among foldable smartphones.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The vivo X Fold5 runs the latest version of OriginOS 5 based on Android 15 with AI-rich features and an all-new Stage Manager-like Multitasking view.

There’s even seamless (and serious) connection to the Apple ecosystem.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Whether it’s sharing photos and files via AirDrop, call and text (and iMessages) forwarding in iPhones, screen mirroring, extending, or even remotely controlling your Mac, native controls when pairing your AirPods, or even viewing your latest Activity Rings in your Apple Watch, vivo’s China-based OS all support it.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pricing and Availability

The vivo X Fold5 is available in four configurations:

  • 12+256GB = CNY 6999 (US$ 975 / EUR 840 / GBP 720 / SG$ 1250 / PhP 55,730 / INR 83,935)
  • 12+512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
  • 16+512GB =  CNY 8499 (US$ 1185 / EUR 1020 / GBP 870 / SG$ 1520 / PhP 67,670 / INR 101,930)
  • 16+1TB = CNY 9499 (US$ 1325 / EUR 1140 / GBP 975 / SG$ 1695 / PhP 75,625 / INR 113,920)

Pre-orders run for six days. Online and offline store availability starts on July 10, Thursday.

Currently, just like any Chinese-exclusive device, there’s no word about global availability.

UPDATE #2: vivo X Fold5 was recently launched in India with a price of INR 149,999 in a lone 16+512 GB Titanium Gray variant.

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TECNO’s SPARK 50 Pro is the latest budget smartphone battery beast

Just two months after the SPARK 50 5G

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TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

One after another, TECNO launches the SPARK 50 Pro with a beastly battery within. That’s just days after the grand launch of the POVA 8 5G in India.

Built to last

The icing of the cake has got to be the battery of the SPARK 50 Pro. However, the battery capacity will differ depending on where you live.

There’s a 5600mAh dual-cell version and a slightly larger single-cell model hitting the 6000mAh mark.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

Still, despite that battery capacity, it measures just 7.8mm thin.

If you’re worried about battery longevity, the SPARK 50 Pro can still last more than 80% of their original battery capacity — even after 1900+ charging cycles in six years.

Charging support is faster at 60W, better than what TECNO’s 45W speeds in their most recent smartphones.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro 6000mAh battery

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Beneath that battery lies MediaTek’s Helio G100 Ultimate SoC. When it comes to memory, it allows up to 24GB extended thanks to Memory Fusion 4.0.

Up front, there’s a 6.78-inch 120Hz display paired with DTS-supported dual stereo speakers.

Finally, the SPARK 50 Pro also boasts SGS Five-Star durability certification alongside IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance — making it one of the budget-friendly devices to have such durability rating.

More than meets the eye

Unlike the base SPARK 50 5G, the SPARK 50 Pro is powered by a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) main camera. The said sensor promises improved low-light performance compared to typical cameras in its category.

The company is also bringing its TECNO’s very-own FlashSnap capabilities found in higher CAMON series. This feature offers shutter speeds of up to 1/10,000 of a second to better capture fast-moving subjects like pets, sports, or action shots.

TECNO Ella AI Assistant

Speaking of, TECNO’s Universal Tone technology also returns, aiming to produce more natural-looking skin tones across different environments.

Several AI-powered editing tools are included as well. That includes AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Extender for photos, AI Noise Cancellation for clearer calls, as well as AI Health Assistant. Even Ella as your AI Assistant was not left behind.

For off the grid communication, FreeLink 2.0 exists when needed.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO SPARK 50 Pro comes in five color choices: Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Midnight Blue, Dynamic Orange, and Cloud White.

TECNO SPARK 50 Pro

TECNO has yet to announce official pricing and regional availability.

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Nothing is coming to over 500 Best Buy stores in the United States

Also available online

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As the newest kid on the block, Nothing hasn’t made it terribly easy to grab one of their phones. But that’s all part of the allure. After all, fashion shouldn’t be easy.

Thankfully, all that difficulty isn’t forever. Nothing, together with all its phones and accessories, are coming to over 500 Best Buys across the United States.

It’s been a long time coming. Last year, Nothing expanded first in Canada as part of its push to spread across the North American continent. Now, after all the wait, the brand is finally available in one of the other North American country’s biggest retailers for tech.

From coast to coast, fans of the fashionable brand can grab the Phone (4a) Pro, the Headphone (a), the Phone (3), and the Ear (3) at their nearest Best Buy branch. Alternatively, they can also order any of these devices online through BestBuy.com.

It’s been a quiet year for Nothing. Though the brand successfully launched the Phone (4a) Pro series earlier this year, it has no plans to launch a follow-up to last year’s Phone (3) yet, leaving the flagship market hanging by another year. That said, there’s still much to love about the brand this year, from its heavily notable designs to its capable specs.

SEE ALSO: Nothing Phone (4a) + (4a) Pro review

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TECNO’s POVA 8 5G is both futuristic and future-ready

8000mAh battery, Sony LYTIA 600 camera, Alive Matrix display, and more

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TECNO POVA 8 5G
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Four months after the POVA Curve 2 5G, TECNO adds the POVA 8 5G to their performance-focused arsenal.

Futuristic vibe

TECNO’s POVA 8 5G continues the series’ signature sci-fi-inspired design language. The latest smartphone features sharp geometric elements and a semi-transparent rear panel.

TECNO POVA 8 5G

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of its standout features is none other than the new Alive Matrix Display. It’s a customizable light panel on the back that can display 49 pre-loaded lighting effects for incoming calls, notifications, charging status, gaming sessions, and more. Prospective users can also personalize scenarios to match their style and could actually store many more customized effects aside from the pre-loaded ones.

Beside that LED display lies the 50MP main rear camera based on Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) sensor. The said sensor offers improved light capture for brighter and more detailed photos. It also supports 2x lossless zoom. Up front, you’ll get a 13MP front-facing shooter.

Sony LYTIA 600

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is MediaTek’s Dimensity 7100 SoC. That’s paired together with TECNO’s in-house G1 Signal Enhancement Chip and SE1 Wi-Fi Enhancement Chip — making it a triple chipset smartphone.

TECNO says these chips help improve connectivity in challenging environments such as elevators and basements while boosting Wi-Fi reception.

The phone also features a 144Hz display with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and military-grade durability.

Last but definitely not the least, its 8000mAh battery that can last as much as two days. For some measure, TECNO says the phone can last up to 85+ hours of music playback, 29+ hours of YouTube streaming, 26+ hours of WhatsApp, or 14+ hours of playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Future-ready

Aside from the beastly battery packed inside, TECNO is also bringing several practical AI tools to the POVA 8 5G.

Among them is AI YouTube Summary. This turns lengthy videos into concise notes with key points and timestamps. The device also features AI-powered noise cancellation that helps isolate the speaker’s voice during calls, recordings, and meetings.

8000mAh Battery

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For photography, AI LightMaster 2.0 can remove unwanted reflections, lens flare, and shadows. The phone also supports uploading Live Photos directly to Instagram as Boomerang.

In select markets, users can even access AI Health features that estimate metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiration through facial scanning technology.

TECNO POVA 8 5G

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Further solidifying its future readiness, TECNO promises two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

The company is also bundling three years of FREE 256GB cloud storage for POVA 8 5G users. Eligible markets can also receive a 3-month Google AI Plus trial which includes 2TB of cloud storage.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO POVA 8 5G debuts first in India and is available in 16-Bit White, Terminal Green, and Plasma Orange colorways.

Specific pricing and availability in global markets are yet to follow along these four color choices: Arc White, Graphite Black, Echo Green, and Helios Orange.

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