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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s iPhone 14 could include front-facing camera upgrades

Apple’s iPhone 14 series could feature a few long-overdue updates to the smartphone’s front-facing FaceTime camera.

According to a recent tweet from often-reliable KGI Securities Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all four upcoming iPhone 14 models will feature an autofocus update and a larger aperture.

These changes will likely improve the quality of the smartphones’ Portrait and Cinematic modes. And could even include the performance of FaceTime/video calling apps in terms of depth-of-field and overall image quality.

Previous reports have indicated that the iPhone 14 Pro models will feature a hole-punch/pill-like cutout design. It’s also believed that there will be no mini version of the iPhone 14.

We’ll likely learn more about Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 series as we get closer to the tech giant’s annual fall hardware event.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: 9to5Mac 

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung to launch Pokémon-themed Galaxy Flip 3 in South Korea

Samsung is partnering with Nintendo for a new Pokémon Edition Galaxy Flip 3 that looks incredibly cool. Unfortunately, this variant will only be available in South Korea after it releases on April 25th

The device is available in a very appropriately named ‘Ash Red’ shade.

The device comes in Pokéball-themed package and includes a clear Pikachu phone case with a ring stand and a Pokédex pouch to store the phone. Further, there’s a Pikachu tail keychain, Pokéball Pop Socket and other Pokémon-themed options to swap things in and out. It’ll also come with several Pokémon-edition ringtones, themes and wallpapers.

We only know of the South Korean launch currently, but Pokémon-themed Galaxy Flip 3 could release in more regions in the coming months.

Samsung has previously launched a Thom Browne Edition Galaxy Flip 3 and the Bespoke Edition Galaxy Flip 3.

Image credit: Samsung

Via: CNET

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Mobile Syrup

Leaked iPhone 14 case schematics indicate the iPhone mini is dead

It looks like the iPhone mini line’s days are numbered.

This shift in the upcoming iPhone line’s size lineup has been long rumoured, but now, more fuel has been added to the rumour fire. Schematics leaked by a user on Weibo, a notable China-based social media platform, show off the rumoured iPhone 14 line’s case design.

Backing up several previous rumours, there are two 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhones, but no 5.4-inch iPhone mini. Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro models appear to feature three lenses and a LiDAR scanner, just like the iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max, while the iPhone 14 offers two lenses, like the iPhone 13/13 mini.

The Weibo user also goes on to say the iPhone 14 Pro features a front-facing shooter with an “exclamation point camera design” similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S series, according to 9to5Mac. On the other hand, the rumoured iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will still feature the now-familiar display notch. This corroborates earlier rumours from often-reliable TF International Securities Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo citing the shift in size and the addition of a new A16 chip.

In the past, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also reported that at least some of Apple’s iPhone 14 devices will feature a front-facing hole-punch camera.

Apple’s iPhone 14 line will likely be revealed this fall during the tech giant’s annual fall hardware event.

Image credit: @ShrimpApplePro

Source: @ShrimpApplePro Via: 9to5Mac 

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Mobile Syrup

Google Pixel 7 to reportedly feature same camera sensors as predecessor

New rumours hint that Google’s upcoming Pixel 7 series could be pretty dull as far as its camera is concerned.

Information from the tipster Yogesh Brar indicates that the Pixel  7 series will sport a 50-megapixel sensor that’s the same as the Pixel 6 series’ shooter.

In the past, Google has used the same camera module in multiple versions of its smartphones, and it seems like its 50-megapixel sensor in the Pixel 6 is no exception. Google will likely opt to improve the Pixel 7 series’ camera through new software features.

While the handset will reportedly feature the same camera sensor, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are expected to feature a more powerful second-gen Google Tensor chipset that should improve the shooter and the smartphones’ overall performance.

Google’s Pixel 7 series is expected to launch sometime in September or October. In other Pixel-related news, there’s a strong possibility that the rumoured Pixel 6a could launch in Canada soon.

Source: @heyitsyogesh 

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Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Series 3 to reportedly be discontinued this year

Apple’s low-end Watch Series 3 will be discontinued later this year, according to a new report from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a recent tweet from his still relatively new Twitter account, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the Series 3 will hit end-of-life status because its hardware doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for Apple’s watchOS 9, the company’s next version of wearable OS. The Apple Watch Series 3 currently supports watchOS 8.

watchOS 9 is expected to be revealed at WWDC, Apple’s annual worldwide developer conference, later this year and will hit Apple Watch users’ devices in the fall. It’s surprising Apple has kept the Apple Watch Series 3 around for so long given the entry-level Apple Watch SE is now available and is arguably an all-around better smartwatch, even with its slightly more expensive price in mind. For context, the Apple Watch SE costs $369 and the Apple Watch Series 3 costs $249.

Given that the Series 3 is roughly four-years-old and features the S3 chip, it’s not surprising that it looks rather dated when placed beside Apple’s more recent smartwatches, especially the Apple Watch Series 7 and its tiny bezels/always-on display.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: iMore

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Mobile Syrup

What’s your favourite device colour of all time?

Companies often release their tablets, smartphones, laptops and more in a variety of colours to attract the attention of consumers. While black-coloured devices are typically the bestsellers, many like myself, prefer their tech devices in an array of different hues.

There’s LG’s Velvet ‘Sunset’ that offers a pink/orange hue, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10+ and its ‘Aura Glow,’ and most recently, the iPad Air (2022)’s new eye-catching ‘Purple.’ There are near countless other examples, including the Mate 30 Pro’s ‘Twilight’ colour, the iPhone 13 Pro’s new ‘Alpine Green,’ and of course, Apple’s classic ‘Rose Gold’ colour.

One of my favourite colourways is the HTC U12+’ Translucent Blue,’ which allows you to see the inside of the device but also offers a blue tint.

This week we’d like to know what your favourite tech device colour of all time is? Let us know in the comments below.

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Mobile Syrup

OnePlus Nord 2T to bring back iconic sandstone finish

The OnePlus Nord 2T might bring back one of OnePlus’ pretty iconic features. Reportedly, the OnePlus Nord 2T will feature OnePlus’ classic sandstone finish.

91Mobiles has shown off a render of the OnePlus Nord 2T. While not an official render, 91Mobiles says they received it from an industry source.

The render showcases the black sandstone finish and huge camera module. Strangely, the camera module itself is blue with two circular rings. The top ring has a large sensor, while the bottom ring has two smaller lenses.

The industry source only provided renders of the rear, so the front is currently a mystery. However, sources indicate that the Oneplus Nord 2T will sport a hole punch camera in the top left corner.

Additionally, the OnePlus Nord 2T is rumoured to feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 2400 x 1080-pixel resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It will also sport a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor, Android 12, 4,500mAh battery, 80W fast charger and more.

It’s possible that the OnePlus Nord 2T will come to Canada, but only time will tell. The phone is rumoured to launch in India in April or May.

Image Credit: 91Mobiles

Source: 91Mobiles

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Mobile Syrup

Apple reveals 3rd-gen iPhone SE with A15 chip and 5G

Right on cue, Apple revealed its 3rd-gen iPhone SE during the tech giant’s March ‘Peek Performance’ event.

As rumours predicted, the new version of Apple’s entry-level smartphone adopts the same iPhone 8-like design as its predecessor that still features a physical ‘Home Button,’ and it’s on the inside where most of the new features are.

The new iPhone SE (2022) features the same A15 chip featured in the iPhone 13 series and 5G connectivity. Other changes include the same glass construction featured on the rear of the iPhone 13.

The smartphone is set to be available in ‘Midnight’ “Starlight’ and ‘Product Red’ colours.

Image credit: Apple 

More to come… 

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Mobile Syrup

Koodo launches Spring Sale with discounts on phones and pre-owned devices

Telus’ flanker brand Koodo launched a ‘Spring Sale’ with several deals on phones and plans.

Well, mostly phones. The provider still has the same $55/10GB and $60/15GB plans added in February, but now with fancy ‘Promotion’ stickers tacked on. Still, if you’re in the market for a new phone and don’t mind Koodo’s new data speed caps, there are some offers to consider:

Koodo also has some offers on ‘Certified Pre-owned’ devices:

  • iPhone XS – $0 down, $15/mo Tab + get a $200 Visa gift card
  • iPhone XS Max – $0 down, $17/mo Tab + get a $200 Visa gift card
  • iPhone XR – $0 down, $12/mo Tab + get a $150 Visa gift card

Finally, it’s worth noting that Koodo is offering $100 in savings if you shop online during the Spring Sale. However, what that actually means is new customers who get an eligible 4G speed data plan that costs $45/mo or more can get a $50 bill credit and Koodo will waive the $50 connection fee.

You can check out all the Koodo Spring Sale offers here.

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Mobile Syrup

Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+ rumoured to be delayed until March 11

Samsung might be going through another supply chain issue, according to a well-known leaker with a mixed track record, Jon Prosser.

According to Prosser, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ won’t hit stores until March 11th, with the Galaxy S22 Ultra being the only device landing in stores on February 25th.

Prosser indicates that supply chain issues are the cause of the setbacks. This isn’t the first time that supply chain issues have caused concerns for Samsung.

Previous rumours indicate that the Galaxy S21 FE was poised to launch in August, but due to supply chain issues, the device didn’t release until January.

Samsung will officially unveil the Galaxy S22 series on February 9th.

Source: John Prosser Via: TechRadar