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Apple iPhone 16 smartphone review – More innovations than one would think

New edition. A bigger battery, more RAM, a new camera button, more vivid colors, and even more power: By Apple’s standards, the iPhone 16 packs an above-average number of new features, making it one of the best compact smartphones on the market. Our review reveals whether it’s worth purchasing or upgrading.

Verdict – Still strict separation between the Pro and non-Pro models
With the iPhone 16, Apple might not be reinventing the wheel. Still, it has crammed the newest edition of its smartphone with a comparably large number of updates compared to the previous generation. What remains are plus points such as very premium build quality, powerful cameras, a bright OLED panel, and a long update period.

The Apple A18 makes the iPhone 16 significantly more powerful than the iPhone 15, and users will benefit from the RAM upgrade to 8 GB even though it has nothing to do with the much-heralded AI features. WiFi 7 has now also made its way onto the “base” iPhone, although, like the Pro models, it is limited to a 160 MHz bandwidth. In everyday situations, the 6 percent larger battery ensures slightly better battery life.

With the Action button, the iPhone 16 has not only inherited a feature that used to be reserved for the Pro models but one that also replaces the classic rocker. Another innovation is the haptic camera button that controls the camera. Whether or not it’s actually useful is another question.

One feature criticized on the iPhone 15 has been carried over to the iPhone 16, causing it to also be one of our main points of criticism. Although the smartphone almost has a four-figure price tag, the OLED screen continues to run at a no longer up-to-date 60 Hz. Plus, you will still have to make do without an always-on display. Additionally, you only get a 12-month warranty, it still has the slow USB-C 2.0 and the charging speed is not particularly fast.

One alternative to the iPhone 16 is, for example, the iPhone 15, which is now significantly cheaper and has a very similar feature set. One recommendation on the Android side is the 6.2-inch Samsung Galaxy S24 and, at 6.36 inches, the similarly compact Xiaomi 14.

Apple iPhone 16 (iPhone 16 Series)

Processor:Apple A18 6 x – 3.8 GHz
Graphics adapter:Apple A18 GPU
Memory:8 GB
Display:6.10 inch 19.5:9, 2556 x 1179 pixel 460 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, Super Retina XDR OLED, 1600/2000 nits max. brightness (HDR/outdoor), 1 nit min. brightness, glossy: yes, HDR, 60 Hz
Storage:Apple 512GB NVMe, 512 GB, 496 GB free
Weight:170 g ( = 6 oz / 0.37 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price:1329 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

>>>A2830 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Case – Bold colors for the iPhone 16
Apart from the arrangement of the rear camera, Apple has adopted the iPhone 15’s design, more or less 1:1, for its iPhone 16. However, unlike the predecessor, considerably bolder colors are available on day one. Our review device is Teal, with the other colors being Ultramarine, Pink, White and Black.

The iPhone 16 also possesses a stylish unibody case, is excellently crafted, feels very premium, and, in our tests, it proved itself to be exceptionally resistant to any of our attempts to dent or twist it. The chassis is dust and waterproof according to IP68.

The iPhone 16 has an aluminum frame, and the rear is made from matte, solid-colored glass, which hardly attracts fingerprints apart from the Apple logo in the middle. On the front, once again, the Ceramic Shield screen protection has been used. However, this is claimed to 50 percent more robust than the type found in the iPhone 15.

While the predecessor’s main and ultra-wide-angle cameras were offset to the side, they are now located directly on top of one another, the same as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This also means that both devices can now shoot three-dimensional videos. This was not possible with either the iPhone or the iPhone 15 Plus due to the diagonal positioning of both cameras.

Nothing has changed concerning the dimensions. The iPhone 16 is exactly the same size as the iPhone 15 and weighs 1 gram less. This is not likely to be noticeable in everyday use.

Features – The Apple iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM
To ensure that Apple’s new AI features also run on the “smallest” new iPhone, the iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM (iPhone 15: 6 GB). However, price-wise, nothing has changed compared to the iPhone 15. The available storage is also the same:

128 GB mass storage: $799
256 GB mass storage: $899
512 GB mass storage: $1,099

Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 16’s USB-C port is connected internally using the USB 2.0 speed rather than USB 3.2. This makes data transfer much slower, and this was confirmed by the copy test with our test SSD, the Samsung 980 Pro (38.9 MB/s).

The USB-C port supports the DisplayPort protocol, meaning you can mirror the iPhone’s screen on a monitor. To achieve this, you will also need a USB-C cable (USB 3.1 or higher) as well as a suitable external display.

In addition to Bluetooth 5.3 and an NFC chip (which is only available in read mode), the iPhone 16 also possesses an ultra-wideband chip. One new addition is support for the smart home wireless standard, Thread.

In Europe, Apple continues to offer the iPhone 16 with a nano-SIM slot. Together with an eSIM, dual-SIM operation is possible. Alternatively, 2 eSIMs also work.

Software – The Apple iPhone 16 with iOS 18 and initially without AI
The iPhone 16 runs the new iOS 18. In addition to small changes such as the newly-designed photo app, a significantly more customizable control center and a move away from the rigid app grid. Apps can now be placed anywhere on the home screen. However, above all else, it’s the AI functions that set the new operating system apart from iOS 17.

We already presented the AI functions – otherwise known as Apple Intelligence – in our iPhone 16 Plus review. They include AI-generated emojis, photo editing, voice message transcription, websites and other text-based content as well as a smarter Siri voice assistant.

However, due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) data protection, Apple Intelligence for iPhones won’t initially be available in the EU. Apple wants to play catch-up as soon as an agreement has been reached with the European Commission, something that probably won’t happen before 2025.

Apple hasn’t provided any information on how long the iPhone 16 will receive updates. However, experience shows that you can bank on a 5-year update period. On top of this, older devices still receive updates, if critical security gaps need to be closed.

Sustainability
According to Apple, more than 30 percent of the iPhone 16 consists of recycled material. When it comes to gold, cobalt, lithium and rare earth, the recycling quota even manages to hit 100 percent.

The packaging doesn’t contain any plastics and consists 100 percent of wood fibers, which have also either been recycled or sourced from responsibly farmed forests. Apple has provided precise information in this report.

In the past, iPhones weren’t exactly famous for being easy to repair. However, in the meantime, that has changed significantly, since the current iPhones have a modular internal design and can be opened from both sides. Additionally, the iOS-integrated repair assistant helps to avoid software errors after replacing components.

Experienced users can repair their iPhones themselves. Although special tools are required to do this, Apple also provides support with detailed repair manuals.

Telephone functions and voice quaility
The iPhone 16 supports both VoLTE and WiFi calls. In addition to a physical SIM, you can also activate an eSIM. Alternatively, you can also have two eSIMs if you wish to do without a SIM card.

In our test, the iPhone 16 delivered good voice quality. Using the mobile and landline, we could hear our counterparts perfectly, and the same level of intelligibility was reported on the receiving end. In hands-free mode, that essentially didn’t change, we just sounded a touch quieter.

If a mobile network or Wi-Fi is not at hand, the iPhone can also make emergency calls via a satellite connection. Once activated, the service is free for the next two years. However, it will presumably remain permanently free of charge. Apple would be put in a very bad light if the life-saving function had to be activated in an emergency due to the lack of an active subscription.

Cameras – A 48 MP camera with 2x zoom

The iPhone 16’s selfie camera still has a 12 MP resolution and takes good shots with a nice bokeh effect. Like the main camera, it can record videos at 4K and up to 60 frames per second, delivering very good image quality in the process.

Apple also has nothing new to report regarding the iPhone’s main camera. It continues to use a 48 MP resolution image sensor and allows you to capture photos at either 12 or 24 MP. You can use the full 48 MP as long as you activate Resolution control in the settings.

The Sony image sensor also allows the iPhone’s main camera to capture telephoto shots at 12 MP, which represents 2x zoom. Photos captured with the main camera also impress in difficult lighting conditions with high image sharpness and balanced color reproduction. When you magnify the images using the 2x zoom, many details are still visible, however, at higher zoom levels – the digital zoom goes up to 10x – things quickly get blurry.

The main camera records videos at a maximum of 4K and 60 frames per second and possesses the same impressive image quality as the photos. The videos are very sharp, and the autofocus responds precisely, easily switching between bright and dark subjects. If you use the cinema mode, the camera automatically focuses on faces and saves additional depth information so that the focus can be adjusted later for blurry effects.

The 12 MP resolution ultra-wide-angle camera uses a new sensor that has a slightly wider f/2.2 aperture (iPhone 15: f/2.4). It does its job well within the limits of its capabilities. You get solid and largely distortion-free shots which don’t show many details.

Accessories and warranty – The Apple iPhone 16 comes with a 12-month warranty

Optional accesories, from left to right: 30-watt charger, MagSafe charger, silicone case
With its iPhone 16, Apple has included a USB-C cable (USB 2.0) as well as a SIM tool. Inside the slim packaging, there are also a few booklets with info material. The Apple stickers which came with the previous iPhone models are no longer included.

Apple offers plenty of additional accessories for its smartphone and these include a 30-watt charger ($39), a MagSafe adapter ($39) and silicone cases with MagSafe functionality ($49).

The iPhone 16 comes with a 12-month warranty. Via AppleCare+ and for additional surcharges, this can be extended, starting at $9.99 a month or a one-off payment of $199 for 2 years. If you also wish to provide cover for theft and loss, the prices increase to $11.49 a month or a one-off payment of $219.

Apple iPhone 16: Battery

Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 delivers all-day battery life
Support for faster wired and wireless charging is a welcome addition

Just like with iPhone 15, and every iPhone before that, Apple does not publicly share the battery size for any of its phones – or most of its products. We’ll wait until somebody else tears one apart to get the answer in mAh. Rather, Apple says the iPhone 16 should last for up to 22 hours of local video playback, up to 18 hours of video playback if streamed, and up to 80 hours of audio playback. That’s an additional 2 hours of video playback over the iPhone 15.

Considering those are specific use cases, I’m here to tell you that the iPhone 16 can get you through a full day, from morning to evening, even under more intensive use. After a few days of use I’d estimate 15 to 16 hours of screen time before I needed to recharge my iPhone 16.

You can, of course, engage low power mode to stretch it a bit more and stop it from constantly refreshing in the background. On Future Lab’s battery rundown test, the iPhone 16 lasted for 12 hours and 43 minutes, which is a decent amount of time, but not the best I’ve seen.

On a particularly busy day at a festival filled with a lot of photo capture and video recording, I did need to recharge my iPhone 16 after about 8 hours of use. So, more intense tasks will eat the battery faster. Luckily, it still comes with a braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, and you can fast-charge the iPhone 16. I was able to get it from 0% to 48% in about 30 minutes with a standard 20-watt adapter, but plugging it into a 35-watt charger did get to 51% in 30 minutes.

The iPhone 16 also has some new wireless charging tech with support for the new MagSafe charger and the Qi2 standard – you can get up to 25W with MagSafe and up to 15W with Qi2. You’ll also want to pair either of those with at least a 30-watt adapter. I did notice with either wireless charging platform, the iPhone 16 did get a bit warmer than with a wired charge.

Apple iPhone 16: Should You Buy?

The Apple iPhone 16 is a very good smartphone with powerful features and a compact 6.1-inch format that still only continues to rely on a 60 Hz screen.

Buy it if..
You want an affordable, smaller iPhone

At $799 and with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16 is an excellent option for those who don’t want to use two hands or spend a ton. It offers some really nice features and will support Apple Intelligence.

You want more control for taking photos

Camera Control isn’t just a buzzword, but what makes shooting photos and adjusting on the fly a bit easier. If you love taking photos with your iPhone or recording videos, it is an excellent upgrade.

Don’t buy it if…
You’re happy with an iPhone 15

If you aren’t desperate for a new button to take photos and Apple Intelligence isn’t calling your name, you don’t need to upgrade to the iPhone 16.

You want a bigger screen

If you want a larger display, consider the iPhone 16 Plus, which boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.

You want a true zoom lens

The iPhone 16 tops out at 2x telephoto or 10x digital zoom, so if you want to zoom in farther with more clarity, look at the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or the Pixel 9 Pro.

Samsung’s new ultra-premium foldables are now official with eye-catching designs

Samsung has now presented the W25 and W25 Flip, which line up as the company’s fourth and fifth foldable smartphones of the year. While the W25 Flip is a new version of the Galaxy Z Flip6, the W25 is the long-awaited stablemate of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.

Samsung has now officially introduced its new W series foldables, shortly after the pair were both seen in a handful of leaked render images. As expected, the W25 is the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition by another name. By contrast, the W25 Flip effectively serves as a more luxurious version of the Galaxy Z Flip6.

Please note that the W25 and W25 Flip have only been presented in China, where they will also likely remain. Incidentally, Samsung already sells its other current generation foldables in China with which these new models share plenty of hardware. For example, the W25 and W25 Flip contain Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipsets and the same underlying hardware as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and Galaxy Z Flip6, respectively.

With that being said, the W25’s quoted weight of 255 g is almost 20 g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. However, it seems that no technical differences exist between the two devices. By contrast, it appears that the W25 Flip shares all its hardware with the existing Galaxy Z Flip6. Thus, Samsung has distinguished the W25 and W25 Flip from their regular counterparts with their black and gold finishes, which mirror those of their predecessors. While Samsung has not confirmed pricing for either model yet, we imagine that it will do so in the next few days.

(Image source: Samsung)

Best foldable phones of 2024

These are the best foldable phones you can buy right now

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the best foldable there’s a lot to look at, but all our favorites share something that makes them special. Whether it’s the overall fantastic quality of the OnePlus Open, the wealth of features in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the value of the Motorola Razr 2024. Meanwhile, other devices impressed us due to more specific reasons like the overwhelming brightness of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the cameras on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the style of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024. Each of these phones has something to love about them and all offer a generally great user experience.

I got my first foldable relatively recently, and frankly, I love it. While it might have taken some getting used to, it is undoubtedly the best in-between for a phone and a tablet. Honestly, I barely watch YouTube or Disney+ on my other standard phone as the experience on a foldable phone’s screen is just so much better. Not to mention the experience of using one to play games from the Xbox library and more.

We have compiled all our reviews and thoughts about all the foldable phones available to help you figure out which is the best for you.

Best flip foldable for cameras

(Image credit: Future)
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best foldable camera phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.7 inches (2640 x 1080) Secondary screen size: 3.4 inches (720 x 748)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/Storage: 12GB/ 256GB, 512GB Size, opened: 6.5 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches

Size, closed: 3.4 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches Weight: 6.6 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Durable design
+Excellent Galaxy AI features
+Excellent low light camera performance
Reasons to avoid
-Rise in price
-Battery life could be better

Samsung makes a second appearance in this guide, this time for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. There is a lot to love about this little device, firstly just the size of it. The Z Flip 6 looks like any other phone normally, but it folds horizontally across the middle, making it tiny when folded. That alone might make it a slam dunk for you, but there’s a bit more to be excited about.

In our review, we praised the overall durable design and the excellent low-light camera performance, not to mention the overall speed of the phone. Our biggest praise was easily for the upgrade from a 12MP main camera to a new 50MP main sensor. It offers brighter visuals, and the ability to simulate a 2x zoom. When we compared it in our 200 photo shoot out between the Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Motorola Razr Plus (2024) it pulled ahead with ease.

Obviously, we also need to mention the Galaxy AI features which, while missing some of the Fold’s AI abilities, are still pretty impressive. Finally, this is easily the flip foldable with the best camera options, and with the added AI, it’s a dream to shoot and edit images and videos. However, all this does come at something of a premium, that’s because it’s more expensive than the previous Galaxy Z Flip 5 and MOTOROLA Razr 2024.

Best foldable phone overall

OnePlus Open review: A Grand Opening - Tech Advisor

2. OnePlus Open
The best foldable phone you can buy
Specifications
Main screen size: 7.8 inches (2440 x 2268) Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2484 x 1116)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB Size, opened: 6.03 x 5.63 x 0.22 inches

Size, closed: 6.03 x 2.88 x 0.46 inches Weight: 8.4 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Outstanding thin and light design
+Long-lasting battery with fast charging
+Cheaper than comparable foldables
Reasons to avoid
-Low-light photos are subpar
-No wireless charging
As our best overall foldable there is a lot to love about the OnePlus Open, which we hope to see recreated in the OnePlus Open 2. When Phones Editor reviewed the OnePlus Open he stated that the phone should be “a wakeup call for everyone.” And I can only agree that the phone comes with so many amazing design choices that it should be the baseline for any future foldable phone.

OnePlus tried to put in as much as it could in this device, including some impressive cameras. If you want to go even further then you could grab the OnePlus Open Apex Edition. Compared to the base model the Apex Edition boosts the storage and adds pretty cool AI cutout features to make stickers from any photo you take. It also features a VIP mode that lets you turn off the camera and microphone for a little extra privacy.

Regardless of which model you pick the phone comes with everything you could want. Both models feature the same thin and light design, the Dynamic Open Canvas multitasking or the frankly amazing battery life (which is great when watching series on some of the best streaming services) and the chance for a pretty good trade-in deal. However, no phone is perfect as the lack of wireless charging might be a turn-off for some and the camera isn’t amazing in low light.

Most feature rich foldable

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Most feature rich foldable phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 7.6 inches (2160 x 1856) Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2376 x 968)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB, 512GB, 1TB Size, opened: 6 x 5.2 x 0.22 inches

Size, closed: 6 x 2.7 x 0.48 inches Weight: 8.4 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Thinner and lighter design
+Impressive AI features
+Great Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
Reasons to avoid
-Battery life gains not as big as we hoped
-Price rise

Samsung is probably the most well-known phone maker when it comes to foldable phones and it knows what it is doing. This is no more obvious than with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which builds and improves upon the prior Galaxy Z Fold 5 and stands as our most feature-rich foldable phone. When TG global editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer reviewed the phone, he had a lot of positive things to say, especially about the new design, durability and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

While there might be some disappointment about the cameras, as they are basically the same as the prior model, there’s a noticeable difference in actual image quality. If we look at the difference in quality during our 200 photo shoot out with the Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 4 we can see a marked improvement. While you might not buy a foldable for the camera, it’s certainly an addition that you want to see.

We also can’t talk about a new Samsung phone without mentioning the Galaxy AI features, including the Sketch To Image feature. This allows you to draw anything you want into the Samsung Notes app and then the Galaxy AI will turn it into anything from water art to a 3D cartoon. The results are, as Mark says, “pretty frickin’ impressive.”

Best foldable phone value

4. Motorola Razr 2024

Best flip phone-style foldable
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080) Secondary screen size: 3.6 inches (1066 x 1056)

CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7300X RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.28 inches

Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.62 inches Weight: 6.63 ounces

Reasons to buy
+Long lasting battery life
+Larger, more usable outer screen
+Affordable close
Reasons to avoid
-Camera struggles under low light
-Short 3 years of software support
Motorola might not be the dominant force it was in the past, but it can still create a great phone for good value. This is obvious in the Motorola Razr 2024, which is upgraded in all the right areas compared to the prior Razr and is easily our best-value phone. In our review, we noted that the bigger screen offered far more functionality than before, while also being brighter.

Now, it should be noted that there are two variations of the Motorola Razr 2024, and both appear in this guide. What puts this foldable ahead of its larger cousin is the balance it strikes between features and cost. Everything from the design to the 50MP camera and 13MP ultrawide for as little as $699 is a real steal.

If that was the only change then it would be more than enough for a value phone, but there’s even more thanks to the outstanding battery life and surprisingly snappy performance. When Technical personnel reviewed it he stated that even the Galaxy Z Fold 6 “faces a tough competitor.” However, there are some issues as there is no ultrawide camera, which might be a turnoff for some, as well as shorter software support compared to other Samsung devices.

Best display in a foldable

5. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Brightest foldable screen
Specifications
Main screen size: 8 inches (2076 x 2152) Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (1080 x 2424)

CPU: Tensor G4 RAM/Storage: 16GB/ 256GB, 512GB Size, opened: 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches

Size, closed: 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches Weight: 9.1 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Smart AI features
+Thinner, lighter design
+Longer battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Underwhelming Tensor G4 performance
-Camera upgrades are minimal
Google’s foldable game has made a massive leap in quality with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold after the Pixel Fold — despite Google’s new awkward naming conventions. There’s a lot to love about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, especially the much bigger and brighter 8-inch main display which is the main reason why it’s managed to snag a spot on this list. When we tested the phone in the TG lab, the display was easily the best of any of the foldables we tested. However, that isn’t the only thing to love about the phone.

In his review, John Velasco mentioned that he loved the longer battery life, durable redesign and the host of AI features that help the phone to stand out from the competition. While it is a pretty great phone, there are a few issues namely the lackluster Tensor G4, although honestly, the average user wouldn’t notice that issue in everyday use.

Having used the Pixel 9 Pro Fold myself a little, I really can’t emphasize just how bright the screen is. When we tested it the screen reached as high as 2,319 nits. Now, normally I would expect this level of brightness to mean that the phone would have a pittiable battery life. However, when we tested the phone it reached 11 hours and 36 minutes, which is more than enough time to watch or play anything you please.

Best flip-style phone

X 上的Ubergizmo：「Motorola RAZR Plus 2024, Larger Cover Display With Software Upgrades, Better Camera, and Moto AI https://t.co/qvbQOpUzX0 https://t.co/4cP4BxNQD0」 / X
6. Motorola Razr Plus 2024
The best flip-style phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080) Secondary screen size: 4 inches (1272 x 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.27 inches

Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.6 inches Weight: 6.66 ounces
Reasons to buy
+The least expensive foldable ever made
+Excellent design
+Long-lasting battery
Reasons to avoid
-Tiny cover display
-Older Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip
While the base Motorola Razr 2024 might have been our best-valued phone, its larger cousin easily has the best style compared to the other phones here. Like other flip phones the Razr Plus folds into a compact little square, but where it stands apart is the outer screen, which is much larger than other devices. Not only is it larger, but it also offers way more functionality since you can run any app you like on it rather than simple widgets like the Galaxy Z Flip series. Plus you can even customize the screen to mimic the iPhone’s StandBy Mode with different images and backgrounds when the Razr is set to a tent position.

It’s not just the screens where the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 excels. It offers an improved camera array featuring a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and a 50MP main camera. This meant that when we compared it to its smaller brother in our 200 photo shoot out between the Razr Plus (2024) vs. Razr (2024) it blew it out of the water.

The design also has a smaller hinge, meaning that the crease in the phone is much less noticeable than on other foldable phones (primarily Samsung) and the performance is nothing to sneeze at. However, the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has some of the same issues as the other Motorola Razr, including no ultrawide camera and a shorter-than-average software support window.

Least expensive foldable phone

Nubia Flip 5G Review | Trusted Reviews
7. Nubia Flip 5G
Least expensive flip phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2790 x 1188) Secondary screen size: 1.4 inches (466 x 466)

CPU: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 RAM/Storage: 8GB, 12GB/256GB, 512GB Size, opened: 6.69 x 2.97 x 0.28 inches

Size, closed: 3.45 x 2.97 x 0.59 inches Weight: 7.3 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Incredible value for a foldable
+Fast charging
+Attractive and unique design
Reasons to avoid
-Photography is limited in scope and quality
-Lacks performance power
the Nubia Flip 5G is a bit of a surprise model from a lesser-known company, but it stands as easily the cheapest foldable you can currently grab for a staggering $499. It’s a great starter device for anyone who doesn’t want to drop hundreds.

When Technical personnel reviewed the device he praised the stylish design and smudge-resistant matte texture. The overall look of the phone suggests you paid a lot more for this flip phone-style device than you did. You’ll also appreciate the 6.9-inch display that’s available when you open up the Nubia Flip 5G.

Battery life seemed so-so in our everyday use, but at least the Nubia Flip 5G offers peppy 33W charging that can top off the phone’s battery quickly. If you want a foldable phone, but can’t afford a more premium model, you certainly won’t feel short-changed by this option.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will reportedly fall behind iPhone 16 Pro Max in one big way

It’s a dim prospect for Samsung

(Image credit: Future)

While the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra offers plenty to be excited about, a new report indicates it will fall short in one particular area.

In the past, Samsung was known for shipping the Galaxy series with some of the best and brightest displays. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series shipped with the M13 OLED panel which was, at the time, one of the best available. However, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 were later released with Samsung’s M14 OLED panel, which offers a higher brightness and better power efficiency. We would expect the Samsung Galaxy S25 series to come with the same option, but a recent report indicates this may not be the case.

According to ET News (via Android Police) Samsung will continue to use panels based on the M13 for the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The report suggests Samsung intends to upgrade its displays every two generations from now. This is reportedly due to the current performance of OLED and the saturation of the smartphone market. A suggestion seemingly backed up in a post on X by Ross Young, the CEO of Display Chain Consultants.

(Image credit: OnLeaks / SmartPrix / MacRumors)

In our tests, we found the M13 OLED on the Galaxy S24 Ultra managed a max brightness of 1,363 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro with the new display hit a peak of 1,553 while the Pixel 9 Pro hit as high as 1,938 nits. However, most average users won’t really notice that kind of difference in day-to-day use.
The reality is that, as speculated, this is a cost-cutting measure to help keep the Galaxy S25 series affordable. Part of the issue is that the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips will reportedly increase the phone’s price. However, the power of the chip could help the S25 to stand against the iPhone 16 Pro, with leaked benchmark scores exceeding Apple’s latest iPhone in the multicore score.

For the time being, we can only wait for the official release of the Galaxy S25 series. At that point, we will be able to test it ourselves to see if this is a major downgrade, or if the phones will still find a place in our best phones list.

EB-BS926ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 5G

Leak reveals new Samsung foldable phones in sleek black and gold design

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition in South Korea, and the W25 Fold, based on the same foldable phone, is expected to launch soon in China alongside the W25 Flip. A new leak has now revealed the design of both smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy W25 Flip and W25 Fold will have gold accents like their predecessors (Image source: Evan Blass on X – edited)

Initially launched in July, the Samsung Z Fold 6 now has a refreshed Special Edition in South Korea. It’s the same phone but with some noticeable upgrades. Among the improvements is an upgraded 200 MP primary camera on the rear and a slightly thinner and lighter form factor.

Samsung is expected to launch the same phone in China as the W25 Fold, and a new leak has revealed the Chinese variant alongside the W25 Flip, which will reportedly debut at the same time. In the leak, the new W25 Fold is shown to feature a black and gold design similar to its predecessor.

As the W25 Fold is said to be based on the Z Fold 6 Special Edition, its specs will be slightly better than the regular edition. Besides the better form factor and camera, the foldable phone will have larger internal and cover displays, measuring 8.0-inch and 6.5-inch, respectively. However, it won’t reportedly have S Pen support, which is something that the normal version has.

Moving to the W25 Flip, it’s not expected to see any major changes compared to the Z Flip 6 as Samsung hasn’t refreshed it as a new fancy Special Edition yet. However, just like the W25 Fold, it will launch in China with a sleek black and gold design.

The leaked images show that the packaging of both the foldable phones will include a charger and a protective case, which is another difference from the regular versions. However, it’s worth noting that a W-series foldable tends to be more expensive than its regular Z-series counterpart in China .

Source(s)
Evleaks on X via: GSMArena

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro boast improved cameras, batteries and displays in new pre-release teasers

Xiaomi’s next flagship smartphones will be joined by a whole host of other devices. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi continues to tease its first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones before their release early next week. While the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are not ready for primetime just yet, many details about both devices have been posted on social media.

Xiaomi is only a few days away from unveiling the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro. While many smartphone manufacturers would confirm a release date and leave it at, Xiaomi operates in a different manner. As with its recent Redmi Note 14 series release, it continues to share promotional materials for both of its forthcoming flagships on Chinese social media.

To recap, the company shared official renders of both devices earlier this week. Now, Xiaomi has confirmed a few details about the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro while also sharing alleged camera samples taken with both devices. Unsurprisingly, the company advertises the pair as utilising Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, although that much was already known.

Moreover, Xiaomi hopes that its new HyperCore architecture will help the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro surpass its previous flagships like the Xiaomi 14 not just in terms of speed but also in terms of efficiency. Specifically, the company reports that this new architecture will improve app launch speeds and efficiency by up to 45% and 52%, respectively.

>>>>>BP4Q Battery for Xiaomi 14

Similarly, the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are said to boast longer battery life, with 23% longer runtimes than its predecessor for the former and 38% for the latter. For reference, Xiaomi has only confirmed the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s battery capacity so far, which will sit at an impressive 6,100 mAh. On top of that, the company has installed a reputedly exclusive M9 AMOLED display that will deliver a native 2K resolution with full DC dimming and up to 3,200 nits peak brightness.

Meanwhile, a 5x periscope telephoto is headed to the Xiaomi 15 Pro, too. Allegedly, this new camera boasts 10x lossless digital zoom capabilities thanks to Xiaomi’s computational photography algorithm (AISP 2.0). As ever, we would recommend waiting for independent reviews to land before passing judgement in this regard. Unfortunately, it seems that the Xiaomi 15 completely misses out on this new telephoto camera.

BP4R Battery for Xiaomi 14 Pro

(Image source: Xiaomi)
Source(s)
Xiaomi (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Cameras compared

Although the latest iPhone is always likely to slot neatly into our list of the best smartphones for photographers, the competition at the moment is fiercer than ever.

One of the best models on the market right now is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which comes packed with a host of photographic features that are very tempting to those who crave the very best camera on their smartphone. But can it beat the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

All signs point to yes during our individual reviews of the two models, but what happens when we put them head to head – let’s find out…

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iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Camera specs
Both of these flagship models have excellent camera specifications for photographers, but it’s fair to say that – on paper at least – the Xiaomi has a superlative set up thanks to its quadruple 50MP sensors fronted by Leica-branded lenses.

Not only that, but the main 1x camera (23mm equivalent) has a variable aperture of f/1.6-4 (not something we usually see in smartphones) and also has a large 1-inch type sensor – something we also don’t usually see in smartphones. It is joined by an ultrawide (12mm, f/1.8), and two telephoto lenses (75mm, f/1.8 and 120mm f/2.5). All of the other sensors have a 1/2.5” sensor, while all of the lenses have Leica Summilux branding.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s cameras look a little more pedestrian by comparison. There are just three cameras, with only one offering high resolution (48MP). This is the 1x – 24mm equivalent – f/1.8 lens. It is joined by two 12MP sensors, one with a 13mm f/2.2 ultrawide lens and one with a 120mm f/2.8 telephoto lens.

Both smartphones have selfie cameras – of course – with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra having a 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max having a 12MP selfie camera. While the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s is higher resolution, it doesn’t have AF (the iPhone’s does).

So it’s safe to say that here the Xiaomi is the overall winner, but what results will they deliver in real-world shooting…?

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iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Camera apps and shooting modes
As with many other Android models, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a much more comprehensive native camera app than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Along with a standard shooting mode, there’s an array of special modes. Some are fairly commonly found on most phones, such as “Night” mode for shooting in low light, but there are others which are a bit more unusual. The Portrait mode for example includes the ability to recreate the look of Leica lenses, rather than being a straightforward Portrait mode. It should be noted however that Leica recently introduced an app which allows the same for iPhone, so this is no longer strictly a unique selling point in the comparison.

Enthusiast photographers may wish to take advantage of the “Pro” mode which gives you a range of different shooting parameters which you can change, such as white balance, ISO, focus mode, shutter speed and if you’re shooting with the 1x lens, aperture. This is also where you can shoot in raw format if you wish.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

By contrast, the iPhone’s native camera app has a little less going on. You still have a Portrait mode and various video options, but other things are missing. There is a Night mode, but it comes on automatically when low light is detected, it’s not something you can select yourself. There is no Pro mode, but there is the option to switch on raw format shooting from the main Photo mode.

An interesting thing to note here is that as well as the dedicated Photo mode, when the phone detects that you’re photographing a portrait subject (human, dog or cat), then it will automatically save the data needed to convert it into a portrait later on. This has been incredibly useful when quickly photographing such subjects.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

So do we have a clear-cut winner here? That largely depends on what you’re priorities are. If you really want a Pro mode in your native app, then it’s the Xiaomi that wins, but if you’re happy enough to have a fairly simple app and download a more comprehensive one separately, then the iPhone is still a good shout.

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iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: General image quality

In this scene, both look great, but I’d say that the Xiaomi has more pleasing colours, while the iPhone shot has a slightly green cast. The same colour issue can be seen in the ultrawide shot too, although on the plus side at least the colours are matched between lenses.

Detail is good from both models, though it’s worth pointing out that the standard output from the iPhone is 24MP when using the standard lens, compared to 12MP from the Xiaomi, so there’s a little more potentially for cropping with the iPhone. Exposures are well balanced with both models, with both demonstrating a good blend of highlights and shadows.

When there’s artificial lighting present in a scene, both do a pretty good job. Here, the Xiaomi has corrected what the scene actually looked like to produce a pleasing result. The iPhone has kept things more accurate – the light looked yellowish in real life, but it could be argued that therefore the result is slightly less pleasing to look at.

We’ve got a bit of a tie-break situation here, with both producing excellent images in everyday conditions. It might be easier to pick things apart when looking a bit more closely at specific shooting scenarios.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Macro

If you’re into taking close-ups, both phones here have suitable modes to allow for that, and both put in great performance. It’s only the Xiaomi however which has a floating telephoto which has been specifically designed to create good macro images.

There are two ways to create macros using either phone. You can simply move your phone closer to the subject and the phone will automatically switch to the ultrawide lens. Or, if you want to fill the frame a bit more, you can also switch to the 5x lens.

In my test, the iPhone puts in a reasonably good performance when shooting with the ultrawide after automatically switching to it, but the Xiaomi’s is noticeably better, being cleaner and brighter. However, I have been extremely impressed by what the Xiaomi is capable of from the telephoto – here it blows the iPhone out of the water, producing an image which I think would be easy to pretend came from a “real” camera. It’s crisp where it needs to be, has plenty of detail, but also has a beautifully blurred background.

Here I have to give top marks to the Xiaomi, if you regularly shoot close-ups, I’d probably say it’s worth buying the Xiaomi for that purpose alone.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Screen and Design
Both of these smartphones are pretty large, with both having a 6.7” screen. The overall sizes of the phones are both reasonably close in size to each other, with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra measuring up at 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2mm and 219.8g, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max coming in at 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm and 221g. If you’re after a small phone, neither of these devices are going to be for you – but it’s hard to deny these large screens are great for viewing your photos on.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

If you do want a smaller iPhone, you can opt for the iPhone 15 Pro (6.1” screen), which has most of the same specifications as the Max version, but the telephoto lens is only 3x, rather than 5x. Similarly, you can also get a smaller Xiaomi, in the shape of the Xiaomi 14 (6.3” screen), but here – among other things – you lose the fourth (telephoto) lens.

Size aside, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 3200 x 1440 pixel screen with 3000 nits maximum brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it higher resolution and brighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max which has a 2796 x 1290 pixel screen with 2000 nits maximum brightness (it has the same 120Hz refresh rate). The difference isn’t hugely noticeable in real-world usage though.

Both are IP68 rated, meaning that they can withstand water and dust exposure. The Xiaomi has “Xiaomi Shield” for the screen, while the iPhone uses a “Ceramic Shield” – it’s hard to say exactly how these two compare, but either way, neither phone has succumbed to scratches while I have been using them.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

In terms of design, the Xiaomi make some slightly odd aesthetic choices – but it does look a bit more like a “real” camera, with its large ring around the four lenses. The iPhone looks like, well, an iPhone. Some people feel these are aesthetically pleasing – but they’ve been a bit boring for a while now. Look at the pictures and decide for yourself which you prefer the look of.

Here I’d say it’s a bit of a tie when it comes to design. Both are large, both are high resolution, both have waterproofing. So, it might come down to which you personally feel is the more attractive of the two.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Battery life, charging and storage
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery and boasts both wireless charging and super quick charging (separate chargers will need to be bought, they don’t come in the box). It uses a USB-C connection, as is standard now. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also fast charging and wireless capabilities – again you will need to buy a charger for that capability. Apple doesn’t disclose the size of its batteries but says that it is rated for 29 hours of video play back, which gives an indication that it’s probably reasonably close in size to the Xiaomi’s.

Either way, in real-world usage, both phones usually easily last a full day, even with reasonably heavy usage and spending a lot of time using the camera.

In terms of storage, the Xiaomi only has a 512GB option, which should be plenty for the average user. For the iPhone, you can go for a lower amount (256GB), or a higher amount (1TB), with price variations accordingly. For most photographers, the 256GB version is likely to be adequate – especially if you make use of cloud storage, but for content creators shooting video, the higher storage might be a better option.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Verdict

So after all that testing, what’s the conclusion?

It’s safe to say that both these flagship models are excellent for photographers, and despite high prices for both of them, represent good value for money considering the quality you get.

However, it has to be said that the overall trophy quite probably belongs to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. It does extremely well in all areas, beating the iPhone in most of them quite easily. There are some caveats depending on what you like to shoot and how you like your images to look. Some might prefer the warmer tones of the iPhone for example, but it’s hard to deny that the Xiaomi keeps very close to accurate.

If you’re into macro photography, the Xiaomi is nigh-on perfection, while in some low light conditions, the iPhone’s inbuilt night mode seems to perform just a touch better than the Xiaomi’s – so if either one of those things is your bag, then it might sway you in either direction.

Of course, there will be many who simply prefer the look of one or the other, and many more who prefer using iOS compared to Android (or vice versa). If that’s you, then it’s likely to be hard to push you one way or the other, but if you’re OS agnostic, then certainly don’t dismiss changing sides.

As for cost – as mentioned, they are both expensive. However, like for like prices for both models when you consider storage makes the Xiaomi better value. That said, when it comes to resale, it’s probably fair to say that an iPhone will almost certainly hold its value better than the Xiaomi, so that’s something to consider too.

In the end, the answer is – as is so often the case – a solid “it depends”, but, if pushed to make a final decision on which is the best smartphone for photographers, I’d give it to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. Xiaomi 14 Pro: Which is Better and Why?

Choosing between flagship smartphones often comes down to subtle differences in features, performance, and design that significantly influence the user experience.

In this comparison, we’ll explore two of the latest high-end smartphones: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Xiaomi’s 14 Pro. We’ll break down their design, display, media, software, performance, battery, and cameras, and see which phone provides a better overall experience.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Xiaomi 14 Pro: Características y precios, ¿cuál es mejor? | MVS Noticias

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SPECS OVERVIEW

Category	iPhone 16 Pro	Xiaomi 14 Pro	Best Specs
Design	– Glass front and back (Corning-made glass)- Titanium frame- IP68 water/dust resistance (6m)	– Glass front and back- Aluminum / titanium frame- IP68 water/dust resistance (1.5m)	iPhone 16 Pro
Display	– 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED- 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision- 2000 nits (HBM)	– 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED- 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+- 3000 nits (peak)	Xiaomi 14 Pro(larger, brighter screen)
Performance	– Apple A18 Pro (3nm)- Hexa-core CPU (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.X GHz)	– Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)- Octa-core CPU (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.2 GHz)	iPhone 16 Pro(superior chipset)
Battery	– 3582 mAh- 25W wireless charging (MagSafe)- 15W wireless (Qi2)- 4.5W reverse wired	– 4880 mAh- 120W wired, 100% in 18 min- 50W wireless, 100% in 40 min- 10W reverse wireless	Xiaomi 14 Pro(larger battery, faster charging)
Camera (Main)	– Triple:48 MP (wide)12 MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom)48 MP (ultrawide)TOF 3D LiDAR scanner	– Triple:50 MP (wide)50 MP (telephoto, 3.2x optical zoom)50 MP (ultrawide)Leica lens	iPhone 16 Pro(better telephoto zoom)
Camera (Selfie)	– 12 MP (wide) with SL 3D depth sensor	– 32 MP (wide)	Xiaomi 14 Pro(higher resolution)
Charging Speed	– 25W MagSafe, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired	– 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless	Xiaomi 14 Pro(faster charging)

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Design
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro sitting on a wooden rail with the camera app open and some vivid vegetables on display

The iPhone 16 Pro features a premium build with a glass front and back protected by Corning-made glass, encased in a Grade 5 titanium frame. It’s also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, allowing it to survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The device is available in multiple SIM configurations, including a dual eSIM setup in the U.S. and a dual Nano-SIM model in China.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 Pro offers a similarly premium design with a glass front and back, surrounded by either an aluminum or titanium frame. It also holds an IP68 rating, though it’s only water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it slightly less durable in extreme conditions compared to the iPhone.

Similarities:
Both phones feature premium materials like glass and titanium, ensuring a sturdy yet elegant build. They are IP68-rated, meaning both devices offer solid protection against water and dust. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become rare in modern flagship phones.

Differences:
The most significant difference lies in the water-resistance depth, with the iPhone 16 Pro able to survive greater submersion. Additionally, the iPhone uses Apple’s proprietary Ceramic Shield glass, which is known for its durability. Meanwhile, Xiaomi employs its custom Longjing Glass, which may offer similar protection but lacks the same brand recognition.

Advantages:
The iPhone 16 Pro has a clear advantage in terms of water resistance and the use of Corning-made glass for its build. Xiaomi’s 14 Pro, with its more affordable titanium variant, offers flexibility in materials, which might appeal to different user preferences.

Which is Better?
For those who prioritize durability, the iPhone 16 Pro takes the lead with its stronger water resistance and more established protective glass. However, Xiaomi’s flexible design options might be appealing to those who want choices in their premium experience.

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Display, Media, and Software
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. It supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and a 120Hz refresh rate, with brightness levels reaching 2000 nits for outdoor visibility. The screen is protected by the new Ceramic Shield Glass (2024 gen) and offers an always-on display feature. Apple’s iOS 18 powers the phone, offering a refined, secure, and exclusive software ecosystem.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro features a larger 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, also supporting Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi edges out Apple in brightness, with peak levels reaching an impressive 3000 nits. The display is protected by Xiaomi’s Longjing Glass. The phone runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, blending customization with performance and offering users an open-source software experience.

Similarities:
Both devices deliver top-tier AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, Dolby Vision, and high brightness levels. They also come with always-on displays and support a wide color gamut for enhanced media consumption.

Differences:
Xiaomi’s 14 Pro has a slightly larger display, higher resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels compared to the iPhone’s 1206 x 2622 pixels), and a significantly brighter screen with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The iPhone’s display, while smaller, provides a more compact and refined viewing experience. In terms of software, the difference lies in the ecosystems: Apple’s iOS 18 offers more security and optimization, while Xiaomi’s HyperOS provides more freedom in customization.

Advantages:
For media consumption and outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi 14 Pro holds a slight edge due to its larger, brighter display. However, if software smoothness, security, and app optimization are priorities, the iPhone 16 Pro remains the better option with its seamless iOS experience.

Which is Better?
For media lovers and those who value a bright, immersive display, the Xiaomi 14 Pro wins this round. However, for users deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem and who prefer a more optimized software experience, the iPhone 16 Pro may be the better choice.

Performance and Battery
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip (3 nm), with a Hexa-core CPU and Apple’s custom 6-core GPU. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it ensures top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. The battery capacity stands at 3582 mAh, with wired PD2.0 fast charging and up to 25W wireless MagSafe charging.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm), featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU. It is available with up to 16GB of RAM, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and gaming. Its 4880 mAh battery supports ultra-fast 120W wired charging, which promises a full charge in just 18 minutes, and 50W wireless charging.

Similarities:
Both devices offer cutting-edge processors, ensuring smooth performance in daily tasks and high-demand scenarios. Neither phone supports expandable storage, although they offer substantial internal storage options.

Differences:
The Xiaomi 14 Pro comes with a significantly larger battery and much faster charging capabilities. The 120W wired charging speed is one of the fastest in the industry, while the iPhone 16 Pro, though offering solid charging options, lags behind in terms of raw charging speed and battery size.

Advantages:
If you’re seeking a phone with outstanding battery life and the ability to quickly recharge, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is the better option. However, Apple’s A18 Pro chip remains one of the most efficient and powerful processors on the market, which could mean better long-term performance for iPhone users.

Which is Better?
For sheer power and battery management, the Xiaomi 14 Pro stands out. However, the iPhone 16 Pro may still appeal to those who value efficiency and the long-term reliability of Apple’s chips.

Cameras
Features:

Photo is from：iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a triple-camera setup, featuring a 48 MP main wide sensor, a 12 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. It also has a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner for depth sensing. Video capabilities are exceptional, with 4K recording at up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, and 3D spatial video.

TheXiaomi 14 Proalso boasts a triple-camera system, including a 50 MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50 MP ultrawide sensor. It features Leica optics and advanced video recording options, including 8K at 24fps, 4K at up to 60fps, and gyro-EIS.

Similarities:
Both phones offer triple-camera systems with wide, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses. They also support advanced video recording technologies like Dolby Vision and high frame rates.

Differences:
TheiPhone 16 Profeatures a more advanced LiDAR sensor for depth and spatial video recording, while Xiaomi’s14 Prooffers a unique variable aperture on the main lens for greater control over exposure. Xiaomi also supports 8K video recording, which Apple currently lacks.

Advantages:
For photography, theXiaomi 14 Prooffers more control with its variable aperture and advanced Leica optics, while theiPhone 16 Proexcels in depth sensing and video recording, particularly with its 3D spatial video feature.

Which is Better?If photography is your priority, theXiaomi 14 Prooffers more flexibility and customization. For videographers and those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, theiPhone 16 Prois a better fit.

Which is the Better Buy?
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Pro are exceptional flagship devices that cater to different audiences. The Xiaomi 14 Pro shines in terms of display quality, battery life, charging speeds, and flexibility in photography. Its aggressive pricing compared to the iPhone makes it a strong contender for users seeking value without sacrificing premium features.

The iPhone 16 Pro, however, offers unmatched software optimization, stronger water resistance, and long-term performance, making it a better choice for users already integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Its camera features, particularly for video and depth sensing, are also more advanced.

Our Opinion: If you’re an Android enthusiast who doesn’t want to break the bank and need good battery and charging speed, then Xiaomi 14 Pro is the best option. However, if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem and value software reliability, then go for the iPhone 16 Pro.

Here’s my problem with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite platform

Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in a box, sitting on a tropical beach
Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 8 Elite platform with Oryon CPU and much-improved power efficiency – here’s why I’m not thrilled
At its annual Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Qualcomm finally put to bed the discussion about what its new flagship chipset will be called by unveiling the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new smartphone System on Chip (SoC) has plenty of flashy features and impressive benchmarks to talk about, which I’ll get into below, but my first reaction was to think back to 2021.

A little under three years ago, I was covering the latest chipset from Qualcomm and discussing its new name. It was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, heralding a new naming system that was designed to demonstrate a clear hierarchy among Qualcomm’s increasingly cluttered lineup of mobile platforms. Things looked good when it was succeeded by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and then Gen 3, but somewhere in the mix, the message of clarity was lost, with the likes of the 7s Gen 2 and 8 Plus Gen 3 muddying the waters.

And now we have the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which could either be a grand finale for the 8-series ahead of the Snapdragon 9 Gen 1 launching next year, or yet another tier in the increasingly convoluted Snapdragon family. Before we get too into the weeds with my concerns, let’s go over what exactly the Snapdragon 8 Elite is and what new features it brings to the table.

also：EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Snapdragon 8 Elite: What’s new?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite appears to just be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 by another name. It’s a top-of-the-line flagship mobile chipset that will likely be the most sought-after platform for many of the biggest phones of 2025. The name change is no coincidence, either, as it uses a version of the Oryon CPU that features in the Snapdragon X Elite PC platform.

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The Adreno GPU is also getting an upgrade, with a new sliced architecture, 12MB of local memory and, in a first for mobile, support for the Unreal Engine 5.3 and the Nanite Virtualized Geometry system. According to Qualcomm, the new GPU will deliver performance up to 40% better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with 35% improvements to ray-tracing and up to 40% better power efficiency.

Rounding out the chipset is the improved Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which handles all things AI. This upgraded NPU is said to deliver 45% improvements to both performance and performance per watt, compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making the multimodal Gen AI more adept and efficient at addressing your queries. Qualcomm’s AI engine can also now accept much longer token inputs – examples used were entire book chapters or technical documents – allowing it to digest more complex tasks.

The AI upgrades carry over to photography, too, with the AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) capable of “limitless” segmentation, splitting images into over 250 separate layers (that still sounds to me like there’s a limit…) and adjusting each one individually. It also claims to be able to capture and replicate natural skin tones in even the most challenging conditions – though we’ll have to see how that pans out when we test phones that run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Speaking of which…

Snapdragon 8 Elite: What phones will use it?
As part of the announcement, Qualcomm teased several manufacturers that would soon be incorporating the Snapdragon 8 Elite in their upcoming smartphones. Brands such as Honor, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Samsung and Xiaomi are all poised to release devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite in the “coming weeks”. Unless certain release schedules are drastically different to previous years, weeks might be a stretch, but here are a few that we will likely see within the next few months.

Honor Magic 7 series – This one is dead cert because Honor took the stage at the Snapdragon Summit to announce that its upcoming Honor Magic 7 series will make use of the 8 Elite. The follow-up to the Honor Magic 6 Pro is launching in China on October 30th.

OnePlus 13 – The OnePlus 13 has long been rumoured to be the first phone to use 8 Elite but Honor has beaten it by a single day. The OnePlus 13 has a launch set for Halloween, and once again you can expect it to come to the NZ in the first couple of months of 2025 – the OnePlus 12 arrived in late December, for reference.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – In the past, Samsung has used Snapdragon for all of its S-series flagships, but this past year, only the Galaxy S24 Ultra used it, so it’s anyone’s guess what they’ll do next year. Either way, the S25 Ultra is all but certain, and this will likely launch towards the end of January 2025.

Xiaomi 15 series – While rumours have it launching in China as soon as 23 October.Last year, the Xiaomi 14 launched in Europe at the end of February, so we can expect the 15-series to follow a similar schedule in 2025.

Snapdragon 8 Elite: What’s the problem?

Qualcomm Debuts Snapdragon 8 Elite, Dubs It “World's Fastest Mobile CPU” | Geek Culture
The fact that the Snapdragon 8 Elite exists is not a problem – it’s a natural upgrade to the 8 Gen 3 and has plenty of exciting features that could make next year’s flagships formidable in both the performance and power efficiency stakes. My issue is that Qualcomm’s attempts to keep naming simplified – to a point where a layperson could easily parse the lineup and quickly understand whether a chipset was better or worse than those around it – have been abandoned in less than three years.

It’s messy enough right now but I’m wondering what’s going to happen next year. Will we see a Snapdragon 9 Gen 1 join the fray? Or will it be Snapdragon 9 Elite, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 or Snapdragon 8 Plus Elite? Will we see a slightly underclocked Snapdragon 8s Elite? It’s exhausting even thinking about it.

Admittedly, this likely won’t be much of a problem for a lot of people, as not everyone pays close attention to exactly what chipset is tucked away inside their new phone, but I still find this kind of obfuscating setup to be inherently anti-consumer. When the options are so chaotically laid out, how is anybody supposed to easily assess them and make an informed decision?

Regardless of my feelings on the Snapdragon naming systems, I’ll be getting my hands on all of the above-mentioned devices soon, so be sure to check back in then to see if Qualcomm’s claims about the Snapdragon 8 Elite hold up.

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro revealed to be launching on October 29 with Hyper OS 2.0 in new leak

A new leak has revealed the alleged launch date for the Xiaomi 15 series. Reportedly, the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro will arrive in under a week’s time with Hyper OS 2.0 to boot.

The Xiaomi 15 series may be official in under a week’s time. (Image source: Xiaomi)

>>>BP51 Battery for Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi has had a rather busy week regarding the Xiaomi 15 series, even if it has not revealed any specifics about its forthcoming flagships yet. To recap, the company confirmed during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit that the Xiaomi 15 series would be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Following that, it began accepting reservations for the series in China, albeit without revealing full pricing or even a launch date. However, it seems that the latter may now be official, assuming recent reports are accurate.

Specifically, an official-looking poster is now floating around online that the likes of SmartPrix and Xiaomi Time have reposted citing the Xiaomi Community App as its source. Based on the image contained within the image, it would appear that the Xiaomi 15 will debut on October 29 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 CST).

Moreover, Xiaomi’s ‘see every light’ event is also slated to showcase HyperOS 2.0, which will likely come pre-installed on the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro at launch. Unfortunately, we cannot find the original image within the Xiaomi Community App at this stage. Thus, it remains to be seen whether it is accurate or an elaborate fake.

>>>BP4R Battery for Xiaomi 14 Pro

(Image source: via SmartPrix & Xiaomi Time)

Source(s)
via SmartPrix & Xiaomi Time