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Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
5 smartphone myths you shouldn't fall for in 2025
Smartphones play a crucial role in our daily life, with over 7 billion users worldwide relying on these devices for communication, work, entertainment and creating content to make money. Despite rapid innovation and aggressive marketing, many buyers fall for common myths that can lead to poor purchasing decisions and wasted money. Understanding the facts behind these myths can help consumers make smarter choices. Here are five widespread smartphone misconceptions you should know before your next purchase. RAM in smartphones acts as short-term memory for running apps and processes. While the amount of RAM in phones has grown, from 6GB to as high as 16GB in some models, having more RAM does not automatically make a phone faster. Instead, RAM allows the phone to keep more apps active simultaneously without reloading them from slower storage. The speed of the RAM and the efficiency of the phone's processor play a bigger role in overall performance. A phone with a powerful processor and optimised software will often outperform one with excessive RAM but weaker hardware. Therefore, prioritising processor quality and software efficiency is more important than simply choosing the phone with the highest RAM. Also read: Love robots? 5 shows where humanoid robots are unexpected heroes High-end processors like Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple's A18 Pro often receive attention for their raw power and gaming capabilities. However, most users will find mid-range processors such as Snapdragon 7 series or MediaTek Dimensity 8000 series to be more than sufficient for daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming. Real-world performance depends heavily on software optimisation rather than just processor speed. Phones with mid-range chips and well-tuned software can provide smooth user experiences and better battery management. While flagship processors offer advanced AI and camera functions, these features rarely impact the average user's daily routine. Instead, focusing on how well the phone performs in everyday tasks and receives updates should guide your choice. Also read: Microsoft cancels Xbox handheld, but teases more thrilling portable gaming experience with Asus ROG Ally Many buyers believe that a higher megapixel count or multiple cameras automatically produce superior photos. In reality, photo quality depends on sensor size, lens quality, and image processing algorithms more than just the number of lenses or megapixels. Phones may include extra cameras like macro or depth sensors that serve little practical use and primarily boost marketing appeal. A well-executed dual-camera system often delivers better results than cluttered multi-camera setups on budget phones. Also, very high megapixel counts, such as 200MP, use pixel binning to combine pixels for better low-light shots, which results in photos that are smaller in resolution than the sensor suggests. Exceptional models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use high-resolution sensors to enable features such as detailed cropping and 8K video, but these benefits depend on good overall camera design, not megapixels alone. Also read: India's digital job scene to expand in 2025 with rise in AI and data-driven roles Specifications like high refresh rate displays, fast/rapid charging, and many camera lenses look impressive, but don't always translate into a smooth user experience. Software optimisation, battery management, thermal control, and regular software updates contribute significantly to how well a mobile phone performs day-to-day. A device with top-end specs but poor software tuning can feel slower and less reliable than a mid-range phone with efficient software. When choosing a phone, pay close attention to real-world reviews and the manufacturer's update policies rather than just the spec sheet. Specs and features often dominate buying decisions, but a critical aspect lies beyond the initial unboxing: after-sales support. Even the most advanced smartphones can develop faults or require repairs. Unfortunately, some brands have inconsistent warranty policies or limited service infrastructure. Users might face long waits for repairs, unavailability of parts, or out-of-pocket expenses for manufacturer faults. Issues like screen defects or battery problems can turn an otherwise good phone into a costly burden if support is lacking. Researching a brand's reputation and the quality of its customer service is essential for a smooth ownership experience. Also read: How to quietly limit someone on Instagram without blocking, unfollowing, or causing drama Smartphone buyers should look beyond marketing claims and focus on the real factors that affect their usage experience. More RAM doesn't mean faster speed, flagship processors are not necessary for most, megapixels aren't the sole measure of photo quality, and after-sales support matters as much as hardware specs. Consumers can avoid overspending and disappointment by understanding these truths and selecting devices that truly fit their needs. The key is to balance hardware capability, software optimisation, and reliable support rather than chasing every flashy spec on the market.
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
iPhone 16 Pro Max price drops by Rs 10,000
iPhone 16 Pro Max price drops by Rs 10,000 By Ankita Garg The price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max has dropped on Amazon, making the deal quite attractive for many who have been planning to buy it at a lower price point. Here are the details. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is selling on Amazon at Rs 1,34,900. It was launched at Rs 1,44,900, so you are getting a flat discount of Rs 10,000. Additionally, you will also find an extra Rs 3,000 bank discount offer on Axis, Kotak, and ICICI bank cards, which will effectively reduce the price to Rs 1,31,900. The offer is available on the base 256GB storage model. This is a solid deal for those who want this Pro model at a lower price. The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a 6.9-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion and thinner bezels. You can expect a very powerful performance from this iPhone compared to some popular Android flagship phones. Powered by the A18 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU, the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts 20% faster performance, 15% faster speeds, and improved energy efficiency in comparison to the previous version. Camera upgrades include a 48MP fusion camera with a second-gen quad-pixel sensor, 48MP ultra-wide with autofocus, and a 12MP sensor featuring a 5x telephoto lens with a 120mm focal length. The iPhone 16 Pro Max can offer you much longer battery life compared to the previous unit because this one has a slightly bigger battery under the hood. The iPhone 16 Pro supports Apple Intelligence and ProRes video recording, with USB 3 speeds for faster data transfer. You don't get a charger in the retail box, but you can use an Android charger to top up the battery.
Phone Arena
11-06-2025
- Phone Arena
iPhone 17 display refresh rates confirmed, A19 Pro gives Galaxy S25 a run for its money
*Image credit — Majin Bu Apple CEO Tim Cook has been 'extremely anxious' recently as iPhone 17 inventory ran into problems, threatening the company's plans for certain upgrades. Some of that seems to have been resolved, as it is now confirmed that all iPhone 17 models will feature high refresh rates for their base model and the new iPhone 17 Air may not have ProMotion displays: which is Apple's marketing for an LTPO screen that can vary its refresh rate from 120 Hz to 1 Hz. However, an insider with close ties to the supply chain has revealed that all iPhone 17 models will have higher refresh rates than the iPhone 16. This could, in theory, mean that Apple is equipping its base model iPhone 17 with a 90 Hz display. It could even sport a 120 Hz display that can't decrease its refresh rate to 1 Hz. The important fact is that the company is finally ditching 60 Hz, a refresh rate that I could not go back to the first time I used a phone with a 90 Hz display. This same source has also revealed the performance scores of Apple's upcoming A19 Pro chipset, and they're very good. The iPhone 16 Pro uses the A18 Pro chip. | Video credit — Apple Apple's A19 Pro will reportedly ( translated source ) have the following single core and multicore Geekbench 6 performance scores: Single core performance: 4,000+ Multicore performance: 10,000+ For comparison, the A18 Pro has single core and multicore performance scores of 3,539 and 8,772 respectively. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor — which powers the entire Samsung Galaxy S25 series — has single core and multicore performance scores of 2,887 and 9,525 respectively. In addition to the display and performance upgrades, Apple is also planning to equip all iPhone 17 models with 12 GB of RAM. This upgrade might not happen for the base model iPhone 17 due to supply chain shortages, but considering that the S25 Ultra also has 12 GB of RAM, this will be a much appreciated upgrade. If Apple manages to pull off the high refresh rates, more RAM, and the aforementioned performance scores, then the iPhone 17 will finally be a worthy upgrade. Let's just hope that the company is able to fix Apple Intelligence according to schedule as well.
Economic Times
07-06-2025
- Economic Times
Xiaomi's game-changing chip stuns tech world, even China cheers while the U.S. watches nervously
What is Xiaomi's Xring 01 chip and why is it a big deal? 2 Cortex-X925 cores at 3.9 GHz (for top-level performance) 4 Cortex-A725 cores at 3.4 GHz (for high-load tasks) 2 Cortex-A725 cores at 1.9 GHz (for medium use) 2 Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8 GHz (for efficiency and power saving) How much did Xiaomi invest in developing the Xring 01 chip? Live Events Can Xiaomi's chip really compete with Apple and Qualcomm? Why is the Chinese government praising the Xring 01 chip? What does the future hold for Xiaomi and China's chip industry? FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Xring 01 chip is making global headlines, not just for its powerful performance but for what it represents — a major leap in China's bid to become a tech powerhouse. This is Xiaomi's first true high-end processor, developed entirely in-house and launched to compete directly with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 and Apple's A18 Pro. In a rare move, even the Chinese government publicly praised the chip, underlining its national significance. After four years of intense development, this chip could reshape the balance in the global semiconductor Xiaomi Xring 01 is a newly launched System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designed to power flagship devices like the Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra. Built on licensed ARM architecture, it uses a unique ten-core configuration split into four clusters:This architecture lets the chip balance raw power with energy efficiency. According to Xiaomi, it's been benchmarked to outperform Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite and even the Apple A18 Pro — two of the most powerful chips on the market Xring 01 is the result of four years of R&D, involving over 2,500 engineers and a massive investment of 13.5 billion yuan (around €1.67 billion). This is not a one-time push. Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, confirmed that the company plans to pour another €6 billion into semiconductor development over the next ten chip also marks the birth of a new processor line for Xiaomi, as the '01' naming signals the beginning of an entire Xring family. The company isn't just trying to make devices faster — it's aiming to become a serious player in the global chip tests say yes — and that's a big deal. Xiaomi claims the Xring 01 matches or beats Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite and performs better than Apple's A18 Pro. These are early benchmarks, so real-world performance might vary, but the results have already turned isn't Xiaomi's first time building chips. Back in 2017, they introduced the Surge S1, but it never made a serious impact. The Xring 01, by contrast, appears to be in a completely different class, positioning Xiaomi alongside the world's most advanced tech has long wanted to reduce its dependence on foreign tech — especially American chips. That's why the launch of a powerful homegrown chip like the Xring 01 has drawn praise from Chinese officials, who see it as a national achievement in the global tech rising tensions between China and the United States, chip technology has become a strategic battleground. After the U.S. blocked Huawei from accessing chip-making giant TSMC, Chinese firms have rushed to find local alternatives. Huawei now uses SMIC, a Chinese chip foundry, but it still can't compete at the sub-7nm for now, still uses TSMC to manufacture the Xring 01. But with global pressure mounting, the company is reportedly working on a 'Plan B', anticipating the kind of trade sanctions that hit breakthrough is more than just a technical win — it's a geopolitical milestone. With the Xring 01, the company has proven it can design chips that rival or surpass the global best. What's left is manufacturing autonomy. If China can close that final gap, it could challenge the U.S. and Taiwan's dominance in now, Xiaomi has joined the frontlines of this tech revolution. As more Chinese firms follow, the global chip landscape may never look the same Xiaomi's powerful new processor that competes with Apple's A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 powers the Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Xiaomi's game-changing chip stuns tech world, even China cheers while the U.S. watches nervously
Xiaomi Xring 01 chip sets new benchmark, challenges Apple and Qualcomm as China applauds breakthrough- Xiaomi Xring 01 chip is making global headlines, not just for its powerful performance but for what it represents — a major leap in China's bid to become a tech powerhouse. This is Xiaomi's first true high-end processor, developed entirely in-house and launched to compete directly with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 and Apple's A18 Pro. In a rare move, even the Chinese government publicly praised the chip, underlining its national significance. After four years of intense development, this chip could reshape the balance in the global semiconductor industry. What is Xiaomi's Xring 01 chip and why is it a big deal? The Xiaomi Xring 01 is a newly launched System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designed to power flagship devices like the Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra. Built on licensed ARM architecture, it uses a unique ten-core configuration split into four clusters: 2 Cortex-X925 cores at 3.9 GHz (for top-level performance) 4 Cortex-A725 cores at 3.4 GHz (for high-load tasks) 2 Cortex-A725 cores at 1.9 GHz (for medium use) 2 Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8 GHz (for efficiency and power saving) This architecture lets the chip balance raw power with energy efficiency. According to Xiaomi, it's been benchmarked to outperform Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite and even the Apple A18 Pro — two of the most powerful chips on the market today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo How much did Xiaomi invest in developing the Xring 01 chip? The Xring 01 is the result of four years of R&D, involving over 2,500 engineers and a massive investment of 13.5 billion yuan (around €1.67 billion). This is not a one-time push. Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, confirmed that the company plans to pour another €6 billion into semiconductor development over the next ten years. This chip also marks the birth of a new processor line for Xiaomi, as the '01' naming signals the beginning of an entire Xring family. The company isn't just trying to make devices faster — it's aiming to become a serious player in the global chip industry. Live Events Can Xiaomi's chip really compete with Apple and Qualcomm? Initial tests say yes — and that's a big deal. Xiaomi claims the Xring 01 matches or beats Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite and performs better than Apple's A18 Pro. These are early benchmarks, so real-world performance might vary, but the results have already turned heads. This isn't Xiaomi's first time building chips. Back in 2017, they introduced the Surge S1, but it never made a serious impact. The Xring 01, by contrast, appears to be in a completely different class, positioning Xiaomi alongside the world's most advanced tech companies. Why is the Chinese government praising the Xring 01 chip? China has long wanted to reduce its dependence on foreign tech — especially American chips. That's why the launch of a powerful homegrown chip like the Xring 01 has drawn praise from Chinese officials, who see it as a national achievement in the global tech race. With rising tensions between China and the United States, chip technology has become a strategic battleground. After the U.S. blocked Huawei from accessing chip-making giant TSMC, Chinese firms have rushed to find local alternatives. Huawei now uses SMIC, a Chinese chip foundry, but it still can't compete at the sub-7nm level. Xiaomi, for now, still uses TSMC to manufacture the Xring 01. But with global pressure mounting, the company is reportedly working on a 'Plan B', anticipating the kind of trade sanctions that hit Huawei. What does the future hold for Xiaomi and China's chip industry? Xiaomi's breakthrough is more than just a technical win — it's a geopolitical milestone. With the Xring 01, the company has proven it can design chips that rival or surpass the global best. What's left is manufacturing autonomy. If China can close that final gap, it could challenge the U.S. and Taiwan's dominance in semiconductors. For now, Xiaomi has joined the frontlines of this tech revolution. As more Chinese firms follow, the global chip landscape may never look the same again. FAQs: Q1. What is the Xiaomi Xring 01 chip? It's Xiaomi's powerful new processor that competes with Apple's A18 Pro and Snapdragon 8 Elite. Q2. Which devices use the Xiaomi Xring 01 chip? It powers the Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra.
