Showing posts with label handset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handset. Show all posts

14 September 2025

The iPhone Air has a breakthrough design

Source: Apple. The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever. The letters A, I, and R with 'I' being the side view of the iPhone Air.
Source: Apple. The iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever.

Apple's iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever made, features a breakthrough titanium design that is elegant, light yet more durable than any previous iPhone.

Its back is protected with Ceramic Shield, and the front cover uses Ceramic Shield 2, delivering 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone Air also features a 6.5" Super Retina XDR display.1 

With the most Apple-designed chips in an iPhone — the powerhouse A19 Pro, N1, and C1X — iPhone Air is the most power-efficient iPhone ever made, Apple said. Paired with the redesigned internal architecture and software optimisations, iPhone Air has all-day battery life. A 48 MP Fusion Main camera enables the equivalent of four lenses with outstanding image quality, and the 18 MP Center Stage front camera takes selfies to the next level.

“The all-new iPhone Air is so powerful, yet impossibly thin and light, that you really have to hold it to believe it’s real. This huge leap in design and engineering is only made possible through Apple innovation, especially Apple silicon,” said John Ternus, Apple’s Senior VP of Hardware Engineering. 

“iPhone Air is a brand-new member of the iPhone family that delivers advanced features our users will love, like pro performance, a versatile 48 MP Fusion camera system, our innovative Center Stage front camera, and great all-day battery life — all in a breakthrough design that feels like you’re holding the future.”

Featuring a breakthrough design with pro performance, iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made at 5.6 mm. The grade 5 titanium frame has a high-gloss mirror finish, and a new plateau on the back that is precision-milled on both sides to house the cameras, speaker, and Apple silicon. This maximises space for the battery to deliver all-day battery life. The thin design also features the Action button, allowing easy access to a variety of functions with just a press, and Camera Control, to quickly launch the camera or enable visual intelligence.2

The 6.5" Super Retina XDR display features ProMotion, with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz for smooth scrolling and stunning graphics. The Always-On display shows important information at a glance, and when not in use, it efficiently adjusts down to 1 Hz. The iPhone Air is easy to use outside with 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness — the highest ever on iPhone — and 2x better outdoor contrast.

The iPhone Air introduces the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, which is tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic. A new Apple-designed coating provides 3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare. For the first time, Ceramic Shield now protects the back of iPhone, including the plateau, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models. And with the titanium frame, iPhone Air exceeds Apple’s stringent bend strength requirements. 

Look out for the Center Stage front camera, which features the first square front camera sensor on an iPhone. The sensor offers a wide field of view and captures photos up to 18 MP. Users no longer have to rotate their iPhone to take a landscape selfie — they can take photos and videos in portrait or landscape while holding their iPhone vertically. For group shots, Center Stage for photos uses AI to automatically expand the field of view and can rotate from portrait to landscape to include everyone in the frame. 

The Center Stage front camera enables ultra-stabilised video in 4K HDR, and users can record on the front and rear cameras simultaneously with Dual Capture. During calls over FaceTime or third-party apps, Center Stage for video calls keeps users stable and positioned in-frame.

A versatile new 48MP Fusion camera system gives users the equivalent of four lenses in their pocket. The custom main lens enables the popular 28 mm and 35 mm focal lengths, while a 2.0 µm quad-pixel sensor with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (OlS) excels in low light. Users can also get closer to their subject with the optical-quality 2x Telephoto capability, which features an updated Photonic Engine that captures more lifelike details and colour.

A new image pipeline built for iPhone Air enables Focus Control at the same level as multicamera systems, automatically capturing depth information so users can turn photos into portraits later in the Photos app. The iPhone Air also supports the latest generation of Photographic Styles, including a new Bright style that brightens skin tones and applies a pop of vibrance across the image.3

For video, the iPhone Air can record in 4K 60 fps Dolby Vision, and supports Action mode. Video is captured with Spatial Audio for immersive listening. Audio Mix lets users adjust sound after capture to boost voices and reduce ambient noise; and wind noise reduction minimises unwanted noise.

The iPhone Air design is made possible with Apple silicon. The A19 Pro, N1, and C1X chips make it the most power-efficient iPhone ever made, Apple said. The A19 Pro features a new six-core CPU that improves performance and efficiency for everyday tasks. 

The five-core GPU has an upgraded architecture, delivering next-level mobile gaming, including AAA titles. Neural accelerators are built into each GPU core, bringing up to 3x the peak GPU compute over the previous generation, excellent for powering generative AI models running on-device.

The N1 is a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. In addition to powering the latest generation of wireless technologies, N1 improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.

The C1X chip, on the other hand, is a new cellular modem designed by Apple. C1X is up to 2x faster than C1, and for the same cellular technologies, it is even faster than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro, while using 30% less energy overall. 

The advanced Apple silicon, an internal architecture that maximises battery space, and software optimisations combine together to deliver fantastic all-day battery life. The new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26 also gets to know a user’s typical battery consumption and anticipates when they might run low, intelligently conserving power to help get them through the day.

The iPhone Air features an eSIM-only design that saves space internally.4 An eSIM offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards. An industry standard, eSIM is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide. It also makes staying connected while travelling even more convenient, allowing continued connectivity through affordable international roaming plans from users’ home carriers or local prepaid options available with more than 200 carriers. For better security, eSIM cannot be physically removed if an iPhone is lost or stolen, and managing travel eSIMs is even easier with a new streamlined setup in iOS 26.

The upcoming iOS 26 elevates the iPhone experience with a new design, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and meaningful improvements to apps. The design refresh with Liquid Glass brings greater focus to content while keeping iOS familiar. Apple Intelligence now translates text and audio on the go with Live Translation, helping users communicate across languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.5 Updates to visual intelligence allow users to capture a screenshot and easily search or take action on anything they are viewing on their iPhone screen.2 

The on-device foundation model at the core of Apple Intelligence is available to all developers, with apps already offering new intelligent, privacy-protected experiences that can even be used when offline. New screening tools for calls and messages help eliminate distractions so users can focus on the conversations that matter most. The new iOS version also introduces new features in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, as well as Apple Games, a new app that gives players a single destination for all their games.

Apple is also introducing a new ecosystem of accessories to complement the iPhone Air:

  • The iPhone Air Case with MagSafe — available in frost and shadow — has an ultra-thin translucent design with a lightly frosted interior, a high-gloss outer surface, and a protective reinforced polycarbonate frame. 
  • The slim and lightweight iPhone Air Bumper — available in four matching colours — perfectly frames iPhone Air with a reinforced polycarbonate design for added edge protection.
  • Crafted from 100% recycled yarn, the Crossbody Strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to adjust the length and maintain secure alignment. The Crossbody Strap will be available in black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange.
  • The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery has a thin and light design that seamlessly attaches to the back of the device. The MagSafe Battery quickly charges iPhone Air when the battery is low, and maximises battery life when connected throughout the day, delivering up to 40 hours of video playback when used together.

Apple 2030 is the company’s plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of this decade by reducing product emissions from their three biggest sources: materials, electricity, and transportation. The iPhone Air is made with 35% recycled content, including 80% recycled titanium, the highest ever for an iPhone, and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. 

The iPhone Air is also manufactured with 45% renewable electricity, like wind and solar, across the supply chain. It is designed to be durable, repairable, and offer industry-leading software support, while meeting Apple’s standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100% fibre-based and can be easily recycled, while a new titanium USB-C port is 3D-printed to be thinner and stronger, fitting into the slim design while using 33% less material than a conventional forging process. .

Details

The iPhone Air will be available in space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue, with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB storage options. Prices start at S$1,599 in Singapore.

With Apple Trade In, customers can get S$275 to S$1,240 in credits via bank transfer when they trade in iPhone 13 or newer.6 To see what their device is worth and for trade-in terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.

Customers in more than 63 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, the UAE, and Vietnam, can currently preorder the iPhone Air, with availability beginning September 19. The iPhone Air will be available in 22 other countries and regions beginning September 26.

The iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on September 15. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for these languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, and Korean. More languages will be coming by the end of this year, including Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see support.apple.com/en-us/121115.

The iPhone Air MagSafe Battery will be available for S$139. The iPhone Air Case with MagSafe is available for S$75, iPhone Air Bumper will be available for S$59, and a Crossbody Strap costs S$89. The FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will be available for S$89 in black, navy, midnight, purple, fox orange, and moss.

The Apple-designed 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W Max will be available for S$59, and a Qi2 25 W-certified MagSafe Charger will be available in a 1 m length for S$59 or a 2 m length for S$79.7

AppleCare delivers service and support with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new iPhone. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24x7 support from Apple experts. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

Plans for iCloud+ start at S$1.48 per month, providing additional storage that is accessible across devices. The plans also give access to premium features such as event creation in the Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and HomeKit Secure Video. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost. 

Customers who purchase iPhone Air may receive three free months of Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+ with a new subscription. Offer and services availability vary by region. See apple.com/promo for details.

1 The display has rounded corners that follow a curved design. These corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.55" diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.
 
2 Visual intelligence is available on any Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Some capabilities may not be available in all languages and regions. For more details, see support.apple.com/en-us/121115#visual-intelligence.

3 The new Bright Photographic Style will be available in iOS 26 on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

4 Use of an eSIM requires a carrier that supports eSIM and a wireless service plan. See carrier for details. To learn more, visit apple.com/esim.

5 Live Translation in Messages supports English (US, UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (Simplified). Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime is available for one-on-one calls in English (US, UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

6 Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of the eligible trade-in device.

7 The 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W Max will be available in APME markets mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. 

13 September 2025

Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple has introduced the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which deliver a leap in performance with the A19 Pro chip, enabling advanced camera systems, next-level mobile gaming, and Apple Intelligence. 

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max deliver Apple’s best-ever performance to date, plus advanced battery life. The new brushed aluminum unibody design is crafted with a lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy to deliver the best-ever thermal performance in an iPhone. On the back, a plateau creates additional space for internal components — making room for a larger battery. The antennas are integrated around the perimeter for the highest-performing antenna system ever in an iPhone.

The new internal architecture features an Apple-designed vapour chamber to enhance heat dissipation and performance. Deionised water is sealed inside the vapour chamber, which is laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to move heat away from the A19 Pro, allowing it to deliver higher performance levels. The heat is then carried into the aluminum unibody, where it is distributed evenly, managing power and surface temperatures so that the phone remains comfortable to hold. 

Both models can charge 50% in 20 minutes with an optional high-wattage USB-C power adapter like Apple’s new 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W Max.1 

Source: Apple. Key visual, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Source: Apple. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max maximise performance and offer a leap in battery life.

“(The) iPhone 17 Pro is by far the most powerful iPhone we’ve ever made, with a stunning new design rebuilt from the inside out to maximise performance and deliver an enormous leap in battery life,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing.

“With three 48 MP Fusion cameras, a new Center Stage front camera experience, and pro-level video features, the creative opportunities are endless. iPhone 17 Pro sets a new standard for the smartphone industry and is a massive upgrade for our most demanding users.”

Available in 6.3" and 6.9" sizes,2 the Super Retina XDR display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2, tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic. The Apple-designed coating offers 3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection properties to reduce glare. The displays feature ProMotion up to 120 Hz, Always-On, and 3000 nits of peak outdoor brightness — the highest ever on iPhone — plus 2x better outdoor contrast. For the first time, Ceramic Shield protects the back of the devices, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models.

A19 Pro is Apple’s most capable iPhone chip yet. When paired with the Apple-designed vapour chamber, A19 Pro enables iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to deliver up to 40% better sustained performance than the previous generation — ideal for gaming, video editing, and running large local language models (LLMs). 

The six-core CPU is the fastest CPU in any smartphone according to Apple, while the six-core GPU architecture includes neural accelerators built into each GPU core, a larger cache, and more memory than the A18 Pro. The GPU works in tandem with the new 16-core Neural Engine to power Al models, stunning graphics, and AAA gaming titles like Arknights: Endfield, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing and higher frame rates.3

The iPhone 17 lineup also introduces N1, a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. In addition to powering the latest generation of wireless technologies, N1 improves the overall performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max feature Apple’s best-ever camera systems with higher-resolution sensors front and back. Three 48 MP Fusion cameras — Main, Ultra Wide, and a new Telephoto — offer the equivalent of eight lenses, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone. 

The new 48 MP Telephoto camera has a next-generation tetraprism design with a sensor that is 56% larger than the previous generation to improve sharpness in bright light and bring more detail to darker shots. The new 4x optical zoom at 100 mm offers a classic lens for portraiture, while the 8x optical zoom at 200 mm, the longest ever on iPhone, provides longer reach and more creative choice. 

With the updated Photonic Engine, the image pipeline uses more machine learning to preserve natural detail, reduce noise, and significantly improve colour accuracy. Digital zoom also increases up to 40x for photos, and users have even more options for customising their photos with next-generation Photographic Styles, including a new Bright style available in iOS 26 that brightens skin tones and applies a pop of vibrance across the image.4

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max also introduce a new Center Stage front camera. Center Stage features the first square front camera sensor on iPhone, offering a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18 MP for photos. Users can now take photos and videos in portrait or landscape while holding their iPhone vertically. For group selfies, Center Stage for photos uses AI to automatically expand the field of view and can rotate from portrait to landscape to include everyone in the frame. 

The Center Stage front camera also enables ultra-stabilised video in 4K HDR, and users can now record on the front and rear cameras simultaneously with Dual Capture — perfect for speaking directly to camera while documenting behind-the-scenes action. During calls over FaceTime or third-party apps, Center Stage for video calls keeps users stable and positioned in frame.

With features like Dolby Vision HDR recording, 4K 120 fps, ProRes Log, and support for ACES, iPhone already leads the industry in smartphone video capture. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max unlock even more creative possibilities as the first smartphones to support ProRes RAW, Log 2, and genlock, a technique used to precisely synchronise video across multiple cameras and inputs. This helps creatives achieve accurate, professional-looking transitions and advanced creative techniques without hours of manual frame-by-frame alignment. Genlock is supported by the new Blackmagic Design Camera ProDock, and ProRes RAW is supported by Final Cut Camera and Blackmagic Camera, with APIs available to developers.

An industry standard, eSIM is a digital SIM that offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards.5 This capability is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide. ESIM-only models of iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in Bahrain, Japan, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, among other markets. These models feature an even larger battery, taking advantage of the space formerly occupied by the physical SIM to provide two additional hours of video playback, or up to 39 hours. 

An eSIM also makes staying connected while traveling even more convenient, allowing continued connectivity through affordable international roaming plans from users’ home carriers or local prepaid options available with more than 200 carriers. For better security, an eSIM cannot be physically removed if an iPhone is lost or stolen, and managing travel eSIMs is even easier with a new streamlined setup in iOS 26.

The upcoming iOS 26 elevates the iPhone experience with a new design, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and meaningful improvements to apps. The design refresh with Liquid Glass brings greater focus to content while keeping iOS familiar. Apple Intelligence now translates text and audio on the go with Live Translation, helping users communicate across languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.6 Updates to visual intelligence allow users to capture a screenshot and easily search or take action on anything they are viewing on their iPhone screen.7 

The on-device foundation model at the core of Apple Intelligence is available to all developers, with apps already offering new intelligent, privacy-protected experiences that can even be used when offline. New screening tools for calls and messages help eliminate distractions so users can focus on the conversations that matter most. The new iOS version also introduces new features in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, as well as Apple Games, a new app that gives players a single destination for all their games.

New accessories are also available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max:

  • The TechWoven Case has a new technical woven fabric that uses multiple coloured yarns, creating a dimensional texture and rich depth, while a protective coating provides resistance to scratches and stains. TechWoven cases will be available in black, blue, purple, sienna, and green.
  • The iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe is crafted with a blend of clear polycarbonate and flexible materials with a scratch-resistant coating on the interior and exterior.
  • The Silicone Case with MagSafe will be available in orange, terracotta, neon yellow, purple fog, midnight, and black.
  • The new Crossbody Strap can be paired with the TechWoven Case and Silicone Case, giving users a hands-free way to wear the iPhone. Crafted from 100% recycled yarn, the smooth strap drapes comfortably, with embedded flexible magnets and stainless steel sliding mechanisms to adjust the length and maintain secure alignment. The Crossbody Strap will be available in black, light gray, blue, light blue, purple, sienna, green, neon yellow, tan, and orange.

Apple 2030 is the company’s plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of this decade. Product emissions are to be cut from their three biggest sources: materials, electricity, and transportation. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are made with 30% recycled content, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery and 100% recycled gold plating in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards. 

Both models are manufactured with 40% renewable electricity, like wind and solar, across the supply chain. They are also designed to be durable, repairable, and offer industry-leading software support, while meeting Apple’s standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The paper packaging is 100% fibre-based and can be easily recycled.

Details

The iPhone 17 Pro will be available in double the entry storage, 256 GB, as well as 512 GB and 1 TB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and for the first time, 2 TB storage capacities. Available in cosmic orange, deep blue, and silver, iPhone 17 Pro starts at S$1,749 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, at S$1,899.

With Apple Trade In, customers can get S$275 to S$1,240 in credits when they trade in iPhone 13 or newer.8 To see what their device is worth and for trade-in terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/sg/shop/trade-in.

Customers in more than 63 countries and regions, including APME markets Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, the UAE, and Vietnam, can currently preorder iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Availability begins September 19. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be available in 22 other countries and regions beginning September 26.

The iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on September 15. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for these languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, and Korean. More languages will be coming by the end of this year, including Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see support.apple.com/en-us/121115.

Apple is extending free access to satellite features for an additional year for existing iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple’s satellite features prior to 12 am US Pacific time on September 9, 2025. For satellite feature availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/105097.

A TechWoven Case with MagSafe will be available for S$89, a Clear Case for S$75, and a Silicone Case with MagSafe for S$75. The Crossbody Strap is priced at S$89. A FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe will also be available for S$89 in black, navy, midnight, purple, fox orange, and moss.
 
The Apple-designed 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W Max will be available for S$59, and a Qi2 25 W-certified MagSafe Charger is offered in a 1 m length for $59 or a 2 m length for S$79.

AppleCare delivers service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new iPhone. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24x7 support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/sg/applecare
 
Plans for iCloud+ start at S$1.48 per month, providing additional storage that is accessible across devices. Each plan also gives access to premium features such as event creation in the Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domains, and HomeKit Secure Video. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost.
 
Customers who purchase iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max may receive three free months of Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+ with a new subscription. Offer and services availability vary by region. See apple.com/promo for details.

1 In the APME region, the 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60 W Max will be available in mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.   

2 The display has rounded corners that follow a curved design. These corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.27" (iPhone 17 Pro) or 6.85" (iPhone 17 Pro Max) diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.

3 Arknights: Endfield will be available in early 2026. 

4 The new Bright Photographic Style will be available in iOS 26 on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. 

5 Use of an eSIM requires a carrier that supports eSIM and a wireless service plan. See carrier for details. To learn more, visit apple.com/esim.

6 Live Translation in Messages supports English (US, UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (Simplified). Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime is available for one-on-one calls in English (US, UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). 

7 Visual intelligence is available on any Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Some capabilities may not be available in all languages and regions. For more details, see support.apple.com/en-us/121115#visual-intelligence.

8 Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of the eligible trade-in device.

9 August 2025

Redmi 15 5G launches with AI features

Source: Xiaomi. The Redmi 15 5G comes with a 7,000 mAh battery (typical) that offers up to two days of use¹. Poster with models in different colourways.
Source: Xiaomi. The Redmi 15 5G comes with a 7,000 mAh battery (typical) that offers up to two days of use¹.

The Redmi 15 5G is the latest in a lineup of performance-driven smartphones designed to empower users with all-day reliability, immersive viewing, and effortless creativity.

The new Redmi has a quad-curved back and metal-crafted detailing, combining style with a sleek profile. Powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, the smartphone has 5G connectivity, up to 16 GB RAM with memory extension, and up to 2 TB expandable storage⁶. 

At its core is a 7,000 mAh (typical) Xiaomi Surge battery, Xiaomi's largest ever globally. It offers up to 2 days of use¹, 33 W fast charging⁴, and 18W reverse charging.⁴ Through Smart Charging Engine 2.0, Battery Health 4.0 ensures long-term battery reliability. Even at 1% battery, users can still get up to 59 minutes of calling or 7.5 hours of standby.⁹

Redmi 15 5G is also equipped with a 6.9" FHD+ display with up to 144 Hz refresh rate,² 288 Hz touch sampling rate, and TÜV Rheinland certifications for low blue light, flicker-free, and circadian-friendly viewing. The device further offers IP64-rated splash and dust resistance³, plus Wet Touch Technology 2.0 for smooth usage even with damp fingers³. 

For imaging, the 50 MP AI dual camera system is supported by creative tools such as AI Erase¹¹, AI Sky, and Dynamic shots.¹⁰ On the audio side, hi-res audio, Dolby Atmos, and a 200% volume boost offer more immersive entertainment.⁸ 

Running on Xiaomi HyperOS 2,⁷ Redmi 15 5G supports intelligent features such as Circle to Search,¹² Google Gemini,¹³ and Xiaomi Interconnectivity.¹⁴

Details

Redmi 15 5G is available in Ripple Green, Titan Gray, and Midnight Black, in the 8 GB + 256 GB⁵ variant at S$249. It is available for purchase via mi.com, Shopee, Lazada, Xiaomi Stores and other authorised retailers.

¹ Data obtained from the light daily use model of Xiaomi Internal Labs. Results may vary.

² Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 144 Hz for supported apps.

³ The device with IP64 has been tested to be resistant to splash and dust in the presence of specific laboratory conditions with the classification IP64 ingress protection based on IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013. Splash-proof, waterproof and dustproof features may be degraded due to daily use loss.

Do not charge your smartphone in humid conditions. Real life is different from an experimental environment. Do not immerse your smartphone completely in water or expose it to solutions such as seawater, chlorinated water, or liquids like drinks during daily use. Your warranty does not cover the damage caused by man-made immersion of your device in liquid.

⁴ Supported up to 18 W wired reverse charging, compatible with devices verified through Xiaomi Internal Labs testing. Actual performance may vary depending on battery conditions and other factors. When using this feature, please ensure your phone has sufficient battery and verify the compatibility of the receiving device.

⁵ Available RAM and storage are less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system and software pre-installed on the device.

⁶ The microSD card for expandable storage sold separately; please refer to the actual use.

⁷ Availability of Xiaomi HyperOS 2 features, apps, and services may vary depending on software version and phone model.

⁸ Data compared with Redmi 13. Actual effects may vary depending on software and scenarios; please refer to actual use for details.

⁹ Data obtained from Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

¹⁰ The Dynamic shots feature is only supported on the 8 GB RAM version and may become available via an over-the-air (OTA) update.

¹¹ The AI Erase feature is only supported on the 8 GB RAM version. 

¹² Available on select devices, and an Internet connection is required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.

¹³ The Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries. Works with compatible accounts. Internet connection required. Check responses for accuracy. Feature availability varies based on language.

¹⁴ Phones and tablets need to be upgraded to Xiaomi HyperOS 2 with Bluetooth and WLAN settings activated. Log in to the same Xiaomi account, and make sure Settings-Xiaomi Interconnectivity is turned on. Availability of specific features, and services may vary depending on the software version, apps and product model. Please refer to the actual use.

26 June 2022

POCO launches the F4 and X4 GT smartphones

POCO, a brand targeted at young techies, has launched the POCO F4 and POCO X4 GT, which deliver performance while remaining budget-friendly. 

Source: Xiaomi. The POCO F4 family showing the different colours available..
Source: Xiaomi. The POCO F4 family.

“POCO’s flagship products have always required best-in-class performance on all fronts, and as we present the POCO F4 and POCO X4 GT, we’re confident that we’ve achieved just that. We are excited to venture forward with the Snapdragon 870 and MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipsets,” said Angus Ng, Head of Product Marketing at POCO Global. 

“Meeting the highest standards for top-quality entertainment while maintaining competitive affordability, this is the approach that embodies the POCO flagship experience.”

POCO F4: Power

Powered by the Snapdragon 870 flagship processor, the POCO F4 features efficient power consumption and 5G support1. The device has POCO’s highest frequency prime core running at 3.2 GHz. POCO F4’s processing power offers shortened app loading times, supports high graphic games and smooth scrolling experiences. Performance is backed by a 3,112 mm² vapour chamber through upgrading to LiquidCool Technology 2.0. POCO F4’s flagship-level LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 ROM enable faster data access.

POCO F4 is the thinnest model in the POCO lineup to date. The device boasts a 6.67" E4 AMOLED screen and a 2.76 mm DotDisplay, one of the tiniest in the industry. The flagship-level display features a 120 Hz refresh rate and 360 Hz touch sampling rate for lower response latency, as well as screen peak brightness of 1,300 nits. Dual speakers, verified with Dolby Atmos, add to the immersive experience.

POCO F4’s triple rear camera setup features the first-ever addition of optical image stabilisation (OIS) on the device’s 64 MP main camera. This delivers clear and sharp photos even in low light. Accompanying the 64 MP main camera is an 8 MP ultra-wide camera and 2 MP macro camera. POCO F4’s 4K-equipped camera features Panoramic Selfie Mode, Night Mode, AI Skyscaping 4.0 and AI Erase 2.0.

POCO F4 comes with a 4,500mAh battery and 67W turbo charging, taking 38 minutes to a full charge2. With a fully charged battery, it offers up to 10 hours of gaming, 21 hours of video playback and 119 hours of music playback3. The device utilises Middle Middle Tab (MMT) technology, a method of fast charging that circulates electricity in two independent directions for improved charging speed and stability.

POCO X4 GT: Performance entertainment

The POCO X4 GT is optimised for efficient and smoother performance in all entertainment aspects. The handset has a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset, giving users best-in-class power efficiency while reaching new heights in flagship processor performance. The POCO X4 GT offers flagship-level LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 ROM, making this device one of POCO’s fastest for RAM and storage, and ideal to support high-frame-rate gaming. The LiquidCool Technology 2.0 cooling system can keep the phone cool and maintain smooth performance.

Source: Xiaomi. Hand holding the POCO X4 GT in Black.
Source: Xiaomi. The POCO X4 GT
in Black.
Introduced for the first time on a POCO device is POCO X4 GT’s 20.5:9 LCD display ratio, making the device comfortable to grip. The X4 GT also has POCO’s first LCD True Display, which sports 1 billion colours, supports a DCI-P3-wide colour gamut, and has colour temperature that adjusts to environmental light conditions. Hardware-level blue light reduction has been incorporated, reducing blue light by up to 30%4.

POCO X4 GT charges its 5,080 mAh high-density battery quickly and safely with 67W turbo charging, powering up to a 100% charge in just 46 minutes5. It can be charged up to 25% in 6 minutes, and up to 85% in 30 minutes6. MMT technology also aids gaming for more than 90 minutes with 10 minutes of charging7.

Sporting a triple rear camera setup and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, POCO X4 GT doubles as a 4K camera. There is a 64 MP main camera, 8 MP ultra-wide camera, and 2 MP macro camera, plus a 16 MP front camera. There are 19 vlog templates pre-installed, and a Drafts function for easy filming and editing.

A premium after-sales service is available, offering one-time free screen repair services for the first 6 months after purchase.

Details

The POCO F4 comes in Night Black, Moonlight Silver, and Nebula Green. It will be available in two variants: 6 GB + 128 GB, recommended retail price (RRP) at S$549, and 8 GB + 256 GB, RRP S$599.

The POCO F4 will be available at an early bird price of S$479 (6 GB +128 GB), and S$529 (8 GB + 256 GB) respectively from 27 June 2022, and will start selling exclusively via Lazada.

The POCO X4 GT comes in Silver, Black, and Blue. It will be available in two variants: 8GB  + 128 GB (RRP S$479) and 8 GB + 256 GB (RRP S$509).

POCO X4 GT will be available for purchase at an early bird price of S$429 (8 GB + 128 GB),  and S$459 (8 GB + 256 GB) respectively from 30 June 2022, and will start selling exclusively via Shopee.

POCO is an independent consumer brand from Xiaomi with an independent product, sales, and marketing team. It shares resources with Xiaomi for manufacturing and after-sales. As of now, POCO has entered more than 96 global markets. In 2021 alone, total shipments of POCO smartphones reached 23 million. 

1 5G connectivity may vary based on region availability and local operator support. 

2 4,500 mAh is the typical value. Based on test results from internal labs. Actual battery life may vary.

3, 6, 7 Data is based on internal testing. Actual results may vary. 

4 Data refers to the ratio of 415-455nm in 400-500 nm blue light amount and calculated through comparisons with POCO X3 GT in internal lab tests; and actual results may vary.

5 5,080 mAh is the typical value. Based on test results from internal labs. Actual battery life may vary.

26 July 2018

Huawei introduces the HUAWEI nova 3i

· Singapore one of the first in the world to launch the HUAWEI nova 3i

· Featuring the all-new Kirin 710 chip, the nova 3i is priced at S$398

· World’s first smartphone to feature front-facing dual cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) support

The Huawei Singapore Consumer Business Group has been amongst the first in the world to unveil the midrange HUAWEI nova 3i smartphone, currently the only midrange device that offers front-facing dual cameras with AI support.

“We want to empower our customers with access to high-end technologies and create value for the budget-conscious,” said Cheng Jiangfei, MD, Huawei Singapore Consumer Business Group.

“By integrating the finest of modern design and AI capabilities, the HUAWEI nova 3i boasts a range of new exciting features that pushes the boundaries of innovation. We believe that such fundamentals of smartphone technology should be made accessible for everyone to enjoy. With the HUAWEI nova 3i, our customers can enjoy exceptional quality and premium functionalities at a fraction of the price.”

Key features of the HUAWEI nova 3i include:

· A special textured film underneath the glass back that produces a unique gradient appearance on the rear;

· Four AI cameras, 24 MP and 2 MP in front, 16 MP and 2 MP at the back;

· A new-generation FullView display. Measuring 6.3" and supporting FHD+ resolution (2,340x1,080) the 19.5:9 display covers 85% of the colour gamut;

· In addition to the latest EMUI 8.2 operating system, it features Huawei’s first quad-core Kirin 710 chip, specifically designed for the nova series.

The HUAWEI nova 3i is the world’s first smartphone to feature a 24 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP sensor powered by AI photography. Powered by AI, the HUAWEI nova 3i can recognise over 200 scenarios across eight categories including blue sky, plant and beach. The AI function can optimise photos by scene to create true-to-life results.

The 24 MP primary sensor is designed to capture details with its f/2.0 wide aperture lens, while the 2 MP secondary sensor captures depth data with dedicated depth detection hardware. The dual cameras can produce excellent bokeh and minimise the time and effort required for editing photos.

The rear-facing camera combines a 16 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP secondary sensor. The former captures vivid images and videos, while the latter records depth data to create a bokeh effect, resulting in more natural-looking images. When taking a photo, the handset also assists the user with intelligent composition.

With AI and machine learning, the HUAWEI nova 3i also supports 3D Qmoji, a social media-friendly feature that digitally transposes the face of a user onto a digital avatar.

The HUAWEI nova 3i uses the newest generation 6.3" FHD+ (2,340x1,080) 19.5:9 FullView display. These specifications enable the display to push out bigger and sharper images. Another upgrade is on colour reproduction: the new device covers 85% of the colour gamut, up 10% from the previous generation.

The front of the HUAWEI nova 3i features a symmetric design—the earpiece speaker is nestled between two sensors. Behind the notched front view is a glass back, secured to a sturdy aluminum-magnesium alloy mid-frame. The glass transitions seamlessly to the mid-frame, enabling a slim form factor and exceptional feel. The Iris Purple gradient colour appears on the textured film underneath the curved glass. Purple and blue blend harmoniously with the neon-like contrasts, melding into colours for the future.
Source: Huawei. The  Purple Iris version of the HUAWEI nova 3i.
Source: Huawei. The
Purple Iris version of the
HUAWEI nova 3i.

Huawei ensures a high-quality AI user experience with the Kirin 710 system-on-a-chip (SoC), which delivers outstanding and balanced performance. Huawei has also cultivated a complete ecosystem on the EMUI operating system. EMUI features AI-related services that enable an AI-enhanced lifestyle, including AI shopping. The HUAWEI nova 3i also supports an AI gaming mode that pushes the performance of the SoC to the maximum while blocking non-critical notifications and calls that could hamper the gaming experience.

In addition to the Kirin 710 SoC and 4 GB RAM, the HUAWEI nova 3i also uses GPU Turbo to optimise its graphics processing capability. GPU Turbo is graphics processing accelerator technology that re-architects how graphics are processed on a system level; it greatly improves software-hardware integration, pushing past the traditional bottlenecks that held the CPU and GPU back. GPU Turbo enables devices to run graphics-intensive games as it boosts both performance and efficiency*.

Details:

The HUAWEI nova 3i will be available in both Iris Purple and Black at a recommended retail price of S$398. It will be making its public debut on 28 July 2018 at Waterway Point Shopping Mall, East Wing Atrium, Basement 2.

From 11 am to 9 pm, customers will receive a Casio G-SHOCK Analog-Digital Watch (worth S$199) with every purchase of the nova 3i, while stocks last. As part of the debut on 28 July, visitors will also be treated to a day of entertainment with celebrity appearances by local sweethearts Joanna Dong and Boon Hui Lu.

The HUAWEI nova 3i will also be available from 28 July 2018 at all Huawei Concept Stores, local telecommunication operators, selected consumer electronic stores, authorised mobile retailers and selected online marketplaces.

Customers are entitled to a two-year warranty with any Huawei smartphone.

Hashtags: #DareToNova, #NovaStar, #OOOO

*GPU Turbo will support PUBG MOBILE, Mobile Legends and more games that will be available on a later date.

27 August 2015

HTC One E9+ dual sim to hit the Singapore shelves August 29

Source: HTC. The HTC One E9+ dual sim in rose gold.

HTC has launched the HTC One E9+ dual sim in Singapore. The lightweight smartphone has a large 2K display and brings vibrant colours to the iconic flagship design.

"Our newest HTC One E series builds on the momentum of the flagship phones with sophistication and style,” said Faisal Siddiqui, President of HTC South Asia. “The HTC One E9+ dual sim continues to build on HTC’s innovation and design, with a 2K 13.97 cm (5.5") large display, 20 megapixel camera, a MediaTek Helio X10 processor and 8*2GHz octa-core chipset. 

"Our popular UltraPixel is now on the front facing camera with tons of features, HTC BoomSound with Dolby Audio Surround and more – all this in a slim form factor."

The HTC One E9+ dual sim comes with 3GB of RAM, 32GB on-board storage, and an expandable memory of up to 2TB through a microSDXC card slot (storage cards are not included). 

The HTC One E9+ dual sim supports WQHD or Quad HD, which has 77% more pixels than Full HD. The display is complemented by HTC BoomSound, a dual front-facing speaker and two dynamic speakers. In partnership with Dolby Audio Surround*, HTC brings rich, detailed sound to both speakers and headphones.

The 20-megapixel rear camera records in 4K resolution, which is four times better than Full HD. The front-facing camera comes with a wide-angled HTC UltraPixel camera, capturing three times more light than a regular camera for brighter pictures, especially in low light.

Interested?

The HTC One E9+ dual sim will be available in Gold Sepia and Rose Gold in Singapore from August 29, 2015 at M1, Singtel, StarHub, and all major retailers at a recommended retail price of S$698 (without contract).

*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories

30 July 2015

Android vulnerability renders phones lifeless

Trend Micro has discovered a vulnerability in Android that can render a phone apparently dead. The handset does not ring, make notification sounds, and is unable to make calls, with a lifeless screen. If the phone is locked, it cannot be unlocked.

The vulnerability is present from Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) up to the current version, Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), the company said, pointing out that these versions account for more than half of Android devices in use today. "No patch has been issued in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code by the Android Engineering Team to fix this vulnerability since we reported it in late May," the company said in a statement.

The vulnerability lies in the mediaserver service, which is used by Android to index media files that are located on the Android device. This service cannot correctly process a malformed video file using the Matroska container (usually with the .mkv extension). When the process opens a malformed MKV file, the service may crash, and bring the rest of the operating system down with it.

This vulnerability can be exploited in two ways: either via a malicious app installed on the device, or through a specially-crafted website. The first technique can cause long-term effects to the device – an app with an embedded MKV file that registers itself to auto-start whenever the device boots would cause the OS to crash every time it is turned on, for instance. 

For now, Trend Micro recommends users who have been affected to restart their devices in safe mode.

Interested?

More information is on Trend Micro’s blog post.
Mobile security software such as Trend Micro’s Mobile Security for Android Smartphones and Tablets can help protect data and devices.

23 May 2015

HTC introduces HTC Desire 826 dual sim for stellar mobile audio experience

Source: HTC. The Blue Lagoon version.

HTC is raising the bar for mobile audio with the HTC Desire 826 dual sim phone, which comes with HTC BoomSound with Dolby Audio* surround sound. HTC is the first smartphone company to combine dual front-facing stereo speakers, a finely tuned sound profile, and Dolby’s decoding technology to deliver an end-to-end multi-channel audio solution. 

Listeners can experience sonic depth and breadth not previously heard on a mobile device. The package also includes an audiophile-grade headset that is carefully tuned for HTC BoomSound with Dolby Audio, delivering the cinematic surround sound experience wherever you are**.

“A slim and classic dual tone design with an immersive 5.5” HD screen, it also comes with a powerful octa-core processor, a 13 megapixel front and rear cameras, BoomSound with Dolby Audio, the latest HTC Sense UI and much more,” says Clarence Ng, HTC Country Manager, Singapore. “The HTC Desire 826 dual sim is the phone to get – attractive, powerful and desirable.”


The HTC Desire 826 dual sim also offers a vivid, 5.5" Full HD 1080p display that brings cinematic quality to the mobile world. It is paired with 13 megapixel cameras at both front and rear. HTC’s Split Capture function can even combines photos and videos taken on the front and back cameras into one split-screen image or video, while Live Makeup allows portrait beautification even before the image is captured.  

The HTC Desire 826 dual sim’s dual-tone colour and dual finish expresses owners' individualism through colours such as White Birch, Blue Lagoon, Purple Fire and more***. Soft-touch matte sides make the phone comfortable and easy to grip. Subtle speaker grills maintain the phone’s clean lines, too. The award-winning HTC Dot View case is also available for the HTC Desire 826 dual sim.

Underneath the covers, the HTC Desire 826 dual sim features an all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-Core 64-bit processor that enables instant, seamless multitasking, gaming, and 4G LTE streaming to get the most out of the latest Android Lollipop software with HTC Sense.

The HTC Desire 826 dual sim will be available at a recommended retail price of S$498 in White Birch and Blue Lagoon with M1, Singtel, StarHub and major retailers from today. A range of accessories are also available.

Interested?


*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
**Availability of audiophile-grade headset varies by region.
***Colours include White Birch, Blue Lagoon, Purple Fire and more. Availability varies by region.

6 May 2015

There's a new affordable Lumia about to hit the shelves

Source: Microsoft. The Lumia 430.

Microsoft has introduced Lumia 430 Dual SIM, now its most affordable Lumia smartphone that is eligible for an upgrade to Windows 10*. 
With an estimated retail price of S$119, the Lumia 430 joins Microsoft's affordable smartphone portfolio, which also includes the Lumia 435 with Lumia Camera.


Built with Windows Phone 8.1, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor featuring a dual-core CPU running at 1.2GHz, and with Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive pre-loaded, the Lumia 430 Dual SIM is designed to help people achieve more at work, at play and on the go. 

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM features a compact, durable design with a 4" WVGA display. Users can access up to 30GB** of free cloud storage on OneDrive. Apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram are available on the Windows Phone Store.

“Given the success of our affordable Lumia range, it is clear that people are looking for a smartphone that is good value for money, but still works smoothly and easily,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. “The Lumia 430 Dual SIM is optimised to bring price points even lower, while offering features that are capable of fulfilling business and personal 
demands.” 

The Lumia 430 Dual SIM will be available in Singapore at Microsoft Authorized Mobile Resellers in Funan DigitaLife Mall and GadgetWorld, 3Mobile and Handphoneshop outlets from 9 May. It is available in bright orange and black.

Need background? Read the TechTrade Asia blog post on the launch of the Lumia 640 and 640XL.


*Like any upgrade to a new operating system, not every phone will support all possible Windows 10 features. Certain features and experiences will require more advanced future hardware.
**Up to 30GB free when camera backup is activated.

30 October 2014

OPPO launches world's thinnest smartphone

OPPO is showing the world that it is worth watching in the smartphone space with unique innovations that show it knows what users want. The company has just launched the R5, the world's thinnest full high-definition phone, which is just 4.85mm in width. 


Source: OPPO. Bakarrik Azeri, Product Manager, OPPO, introduces the R5, the world's slimmest smartphone, at the launch event in Singapore.


"This phone has been developed with the end user in mind," said Sky Li, General Manager of OPPO's overseas mobile phone business. "We used cutting edge manufacturing techniques to create a phone that fits perfectly into the users' hands and that feels incredible. The frame has been forged nine times and then finished by hand to give a perfect sheen and feel."

Built with top-grade steel and designed with a micro-arc frame that physically strengthens the device, OPPO's R5 is the world's first smartphone that uses phase-change material, maintaining a constant cool temperature while delivering superior functionality. The R5's patented heat dissipation technology "Cool Element" protects its Qualcomm octa-core MSM8939 processor, prolonging the life of the phone. 

A 5.2" AMOLED screen offers for high brightness and colour rendition as well as a low reflection ratio and very good ambient light contrast ratios while Pure Image (PI) 2.0 Plus Flash Shot technology enables pictures to be taken with a maximum focus time of 0.18 seconds. The camera in the R5 handles low light environments easily, with "50MP high-definition quality" for the images.

Charging is a snap with OPPO's VOOC mini rapid charging system, with which a 30-minute charge will provide 75% battery life and a five-minute charge will allow for a two-hour call. 

'The R5, like the rest of the 'R' series, delivers a truly stylish. exquisite and distinctive design and will continue to delight our customers with its innovative yet practical functions," added Li. 

OPPO also introduced the N3, the world’s first smartphone to feature an automated swivel camera, at the same launch event. 

Source: OPPO. The N3.


“We took what our users loved about the N1 and made it even better,” said Li. "The N3 is a perfect demonstration of our commitment to design and innovation.” 

The N3 incorporates the much-loved rotating camera that is also in the earlier N series phones, but adds automation. The N3’s 16 MP camera can rotate 206 degrees and is capable of taking pictures using free-stop and multi-angle shooting. Panoramic shots can also be created through the automatic rotation feature. 

The N3 camera also features OPPO’s target-tracking focus function for panning shots. Users merely need to identify the target to focus on, and the camera will modify its angle to follow the target, helping users create clear photos and videos of a moving subject. Breakthrough mobile camera lens technology developed in partnership with Schneider Optics, enables the camera to take shots that are 64MP-resolution quality, OPPO said.

The OPPO N3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core CPU and is packed with 32GB ROM and 2GB memory plus a 5.5" screen made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for maximum clarity and durability. The N3 has a hollow underside design which protects the phone if it is dropped. Notifications about incoming texts and messages are presented in the hollow. 

Like the R5, the N3 has OPPO's VOOC mini rapid charging system and PI 2.0 Plus imaging technology.

Both phones are available in the following markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam and mainland China.  

3 September 2014

HTC Desire 510 offers affordable LTE

HTC's most affordable LTE smartphone to date goes on sale days after the company made the Desire 210 available in Singapore stores. The HTC Desire 510, available in Singapore with mobile operators and major retailers from Saturday, September 6, 2014, combines quad-core LTE performance with a 4.7” display and Android 4.4

Source: HTC.


“The industry has been talking about the 4G effect for so long now that it’s easy to forget that only a small selection of top-end devices are taking advantage of the technology,” says Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. 

“People today should expect their smartphones to double as mobile entertainment hubs. This means ensuring that they’re fully loaded with the latest movies, TV shows and albums, by taking advantage of the super-fast network speeds available. The HTC Desire 510 does this and more, making it the perfect mobile media device.”

The S$268* phone, available in Terra White and Meridian Grey, is powered by Qualcomm’s quad-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 410 processor and has 8GB of on-board memory.

*Recommended retail price for a HTC Desire 510 with 8GB.

2 September 2014

Entry-level dual SIM HTC Desire 210 weighs in at under S$160

HTC has unveiled the entry-level HTC Desire 210, available in Singapore from Wednesday, September 3, 2014 with selected retailers in Singapore. The phone, available in Stealth Black and Polar White, accommodates two SIM cards, making it easy to switch between multiple mobile accounts and manage both work and personal profiles from one device.

Source: HTC.

“This latest HTC Desire device brings amazing technology and design to the entry-level market,” says Jack Yang, President of HTC South Asia. “It combines fast dual-core processor speeds and premium features at a very affordable price, offering users with the best experience at this category.”

This new addition to the HTC Desire family has a 1 GHz dual-core processor and makes available some of the HTC One series’ most popular features, including HTC BlinkFeed and Video Highlights. The HTC BlinkFeed home screen, first introduced with the HTC One, allows users to read news and social updates directly on their home screens. Offline Reading mode allows up to 120 articles to be downloaded on Wi-Fi and then displayed offline in a personal feed.

With the Video Highlights feature, the S$158** HTC Desire 210 enables pictures and video clips to be automatically turned into a show reel complete with music and special effects*.

*HTC asks owners not to reproduce, distribute or otherwise use copyrighted materials in connection with the Video Highlights feature unless they have secured the copyright owner’s permission first.


**Recommended retail price for the 4GB model. 

21 August 2014

HTC debuts 'Butterfly' handset in selected Asian markets

HTC has unveiled the HTC J Butterfly HTL23 handset through KDDI to the Japanese market. It will also be marketed under the name HTC Butterfly 2 through Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan, CSL in Hong Kong and significant carriers in South Asia.

Source: HTC.

Featuring the HTC Sense 6 experience, a HTC Duo Camera and the Motion Launch advanced sensor, the new HTC Butterfly 2 makes everyday tasks easier. 


Offering au carrier aggregation*, the HTC J Butterfly HTL23 supports communication download speeds of up to 150Mbps, in addition to supporting WiMAX2+.

Japanese female idol group Nogizaka46 (
乃木坂46), the product ambassadors of HTC J Butterfly HTL23 said, “It was love at first sight for the HTC J Butterfly HTL23. Its gorgeous colours, rouge, indigo and canvas, enable the younger generation to showcase their fashion sense confidently and to stand out from the crowd.

Takashi Tanaka, President, KDDI said, “KDDI knows that our consumers always pursue perfection. Therefore, we chose the partner that we know will offer the best smartphones in the market. Since the HTC J series was released, it has become the most popular phone in our product portfolio. It is exciting that our consumers can experience the HTC J butterfly HTL23 with our advanced network service, such as WiMAX 2+ and 4G LTE carrier aggregation, which can use two frequencies at the same time.”

Peter Poh, Senior Managing Director, Ingram Micro Mobility said, “The Butterfly 2 is a waterproof phone with some very special and unique features that I am confident will meet the needs of the customers. The HTC Sense 6 UI is easy and intuitive to use, the duo camera takes good photographs and the unique materials used on the surface of the HTC Butterfly 2 make this phone one of kind.”

HTC Butterfly 2 brings a totally different dimension to mobile imaging by combining Japan’s first smartphone with a Duo Camera that features a 13 megapixel camera, a dual flash and Full 1080p HD video recording. The Duo Camera boasts a depth sensor, allowing detailed depth information to be captured from a scene. 

The new phone also features the Zoe social network, based on media sharing and collaboration. A collaborative video editing tool, it enables people to create, share and remix beautiful highlight videos with others. 

Delivering sound that is 25% louder than the HTC One, without compromising quality, HTC Butterfly 2 has dual frontal stereo speakers with a new amplifier, redesigned speaker chambers and a tailored audio profile for a high definition experience.

HTC BlinkFeed is now more intuitive, with continuous scrolling for a fluid browsing experience, adaptable tiles and a new layout that presents articles in a clean, easy-to-read way. With the introduction of a new software development kit (SDK) that allows partners to integrate their own content, users can more easily find and subscribe to new media sources, in addition to instantly creating custom feeds on any topic. The News Bundles feature brings all articles and tweets on the same topic together for easy reading, so users get the information most relevant to them.

With the introduction of HTC Sense 6, HTC Butterfly 2 boasts capabilities that give the product a sixth sense. For example, Motion Launch is immediately able to detect its position and movement, thanks to built-in motion sensors that allow users to interact with the phone without turning on the screen. A simple swipe will activate the device, Auto Answer allows you to answer a call by putting the phone to your ear without touching the screen, and a double tap turns the lock screen on and off.

HTC is also changing how people use their phone battery. HTC has optimised power consumption with an Extreme Power saving mode. 

HTC Butterfly 2 will be available in Taiwan on September 2, and sold through major wireless carriers and retailers in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. As of September 6 it is also available in Singapore.

*Carrier aggregation provides high data rates through aggregating several frequency bands. The technique is supported by the Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) specification, which is the next generation of LTE (4G) mobile broadband to be introduced.