Gadgets
Pixel 2 and XL Renders Show Off a Beautiful Device
Assuming Google wants to stick to a yearly release schedule for its Pixel line, we should be quickly approaching the announcement of the Pixel 2. This, presumably, will be accompanied by a larger version called the Pixel 2 XL, and both phones are appearing today in a set of new renders. Obviously, these CAD renders shouldn’t be taken as what the final product will look like, but they may give us a good idea of what to expect.
The renders for both phones come from Twitter leaker OnLeaks and were made for MySmartPrice. As you can see, these Pixel 2 renders don’t look a whole lot different from the original Pixel and its big brother. The rear-facing camera is still in the same place, as is the fingerprint scanner, which still lives on the backside of the device.
However, we do see that the bezels have shrunk a little bit in the jump to the Pixel 2. Beyond that, though, both phones look quite similar, save for one important distinction: there’s no headphone jack pictured in these renders. Rumours have claimed that the Pixel 2 won’t have a headphone jack and that, for better or worse, is reflected in these renders.
Other than those few items of note, there doesn’t seem to be a whole that’s changed on the design side of things. We probably shouldn’t expect massive design changes coming in on a yearly basis – instead, the biggest changes will be under the hood. Thus far, reports have stated that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be using a Snapdragon 835 SoC, though there’s also the possibility of it boasting a Snapdragon 836 instead.
We probably won’t see a a dual-camera setup in the Pixel 2, and indeed, these renders don’t predict one. Instead, the Pixel 2 is said to use a 12MP rear-facing camera. Other rumored specs include a 2770mAh battery, 4GB of RAM, and a 4.97-inch 1080p AMOLED display (on the smaller model, at least).
If nothing else, these renders are certainly intriguing. It may still be a few more months before Google actually reveals the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, as the originals weren’t announced until October 2016. If Google is planning new Pixel phones, however, they may very well be the first phones running Android 8.0 out of the box, and that is definitely something to get excited about.
Earbuds
Huawei Launches a Wide Range of New Devices Including the New Mate X6 Foldable Smartphone
Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several highly anticipated products that usher in a new era of flagship foldable excellence, as part of the “Unfold the Classic” HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch held in Dubai on December 12. Among these products is the new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, which sets a new standard for foldable smartphones and further solidifies Huawei’s leadership in the market. The HUAWEI Mate X6 is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability, advanced features, and exceptional user experience.
In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced an impressive lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. This suite of products represents a new era of flagship innovation, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to continuous advancement and delivering flagship experiences for consumers across the MEA region.
HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that’s extremely thin, light, and durable. It comes with the 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to precisely control depth of field and light intake. The camera also incorporates the Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120%. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, called the HUAWEI Mate X6 “A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience.” The HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in UAE for preorder starting from December 12, 2024, for AED 7199 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black. Preorder customers will benefit from add-ons worth AED 2698.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4
The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, set new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 features advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone. The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether you’re at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 will be available in UAE from January 9, 2025, at a price of AED 749 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series
HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations, ushering in a fresh wave of trends. Embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation, the series debuts in the striking new Loden Green colourway, alongside classic Black and White options.
The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without the need for a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities enabling close-up portraits, and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in UAE before the end of January 2024 at a starting price of AED 1699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this versatile tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in UAE next month for AED 1299 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in stunning Isle Blue and sleek Space Gray.
HUAWEI FreeClip: Now in Rose Gold
The HUAWEI FreeClip combines cutting-edge audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones, exuding a sense of romance and understated elegance. Alongside its stylish appeal, the FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.
HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold will be available in UAE starting today at a price of AED 699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers. Preorder customers will get AED 100 off.
Gadgets
HONOR X9c 5G Review: Robust and Reliable for Everyday Use
The HONOR X9c 5G is a smartphone tailored for those who demand a blend of style and substance. This mid-range smartphone combines cutting-edge technology with robust durability, making it a standout choice for both everyday users and adventurers.
Design and Build Quality
The HONOR X9c 5G sports a sleek, modern design with curved edges, making it comfortable to hold. It is available in four stylish colours: Sunrise Orange, Jade Cyan, Titanium Black, and the one reviewed here, Titanium Purple. Despite its slim profile, measuring just 7.98mm in thickness and weighing 189g, the phone feels sturdy. The slightly matte finish on the back cover helps reduce fingerprint smudges.
Display
This device features a 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels. The vibrant display offers deep, rich colors and a smooth scrolling experience. However, some users might notice slight distortion along the edges due to reflection or glare, especially when using the phone outdoors.
Internal Specs
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, the HONOR X9c 5G is equipped with 12GB of RAM (expandable to a further 12GB with Honor RAM Turbo) and 256GB of storage. Graphics is handled by Adreno A710. The HONOR X9c 5G handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, messaging, and light gaming smoothly.
While not the most powerful chipset available, it provides reliable performance for its price range. The HONOR X9c 5G runs on MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14, offering several AI features like Magic Capsule, Magic Portal, and Parallel Space, which enhance the user experience.
Durability
Designed with durability in mind, the HONOR X9c 5G features HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, providing drop resistance up to 2 meters. It also includes a triple-layer water resistance structure for 360° protection against water and dust. The phone has an IP65M rating, making it suitable for various environments, from kitchens to outdoor activities.
It can operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C, ensuring functionality in extreme weather conditions. The SGS Comprehensive Reliability Certification further confirms the phone’s high standards of reliability and durability.
Camera
The HONOR X9c 5G boasts a dual-rear camera setup, featuring a 108MP main camera and a 5MP wide-angle shooter. The main camera captures detailed and vibrant photos, while the wide-angle camera excels in landscape shots. The front camera, a 16MP shooter, is perfect for selfies. AI-powered features like AI Eraser and AI Motion Sensing enhance the camera performance.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the HONOR X9c 5G is its large 6600mAh battery. It supports 66W fast charging via USB-C, allowing for quick top-ups. According to Honor, the phone can provide up to 19.8 hours of online video playback on a single charge, making it ideal for users needing long-lasting battery life.
Verdict
Overall, the HONOR X9c 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of performance, durability, and features. Its large battery, durable design, and vibrant display make it a compelling choice for users seeking a reliable and stylish device.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who needs a phone that can withstand daily wear and tear, the HONOR X9c 5G stands out with its robust build and certifications. It thus is an excellent choice for those who prioritise durability.
Price: AED 1299
HONOR X9c 5G AED 1299
Summary
Designed with durability in mind, the HONOR X9c 5G features HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, providing drop resistance up to 2 meters. It also includes a triple-layer water resistance structure for 360° protection against water and dust.
User Review
( votes)Gadgets
Anker Launches New Lineup of High-Speed USB-C Chargers
Anker has announced its new line of high-speed USB-C chargers will be available exclusively today on apple.com and select Apple retail locations worldwide. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable innovation, with Anker’s new chargers incorporating 75% post-consumer recycled plastics—demonstrating a significant step towards reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
Anker’s new chargers come in several different power capacities: 30W, 50W and 70W each designed to meet different charging needs and capable of charging a range of products such as Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more. Featuring GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, these chargers offer faster charging speeds, reduced heat generation, and a more compact design compared to traditional silicon-based chargers. Additionally, they are built using 75% post-consumer recycled plastics in their casing and recyclable packaging, aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences.
Equipped with a Dynamic Temperature Sensor and a Power Tuner Chip, these chargers actively monitor temperature and adjust power output to ensure the safety of connected devices. “We’re excited to partner with Apple in our mission to create high-performance, sustainable charging solutions,” said Shaun Xiong, General Manager of Charging & Member of the board of directors, Anker. “These new USB-C chargers represent our dedication to environmental responsibility without sacrificing quality or user experience.”
ANKER Charger (30W) with USB-C Cable (B2657)
- Foldable design with 1 x USB-C
- Includes a 5-foot USB-C charging cable
- Can charge an iPhone up to 50% in just 30 minutes
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and more
- Colour: White
- Price: AED 159
ANKER Charger (50W, 2 ports) (A2689)
- Foldable design with 2 x USB-C
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and more
- Colour: White
- Price: AED 199
ANKER Charger (70W, 3 ports) (A2604)
- Foldable design with 3 x USB-C
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro and more
- Colour: White
Price: AED 319
These new Anker chargers are available for purchase on apple.com/ae, and across the UAE in Apple Stores at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. They are also available at select Apple retail locations worldwide.
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