Samsung leads, Xiaomi overtakes Apple for 2nd place in 1H21

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The global smartphone market grew 6.9 percent YoY to 299.1 million units in the second quarter of 2021, compared to 279.7 million units shipped in Q2 2020.

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Google Pixel Fold could arrive with 120Hz display, while Samsung ditches camera improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 3?

Rumors suggest that the Google Pixel Fold could arrive with 120Hz display, and Samsung could give us an 'old' camera in the Z Fold 3

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OPPO and Vivo foldables could be around the corner

Xiaomi recently launched its first foldable device – the Mi Mix Fold in China. It is an inward-folding phone like the Galaxy Z Fold series. Now, it is being tipped that foldables from OPPO and Vivo could be launched soon. It is rumored that foldable displays for upcoming smartphones from both these companies are nearing mass production.

The latest development comes from tipster Digital Chat Station (translated) through Weibo. They revealed that there are two versions being worked on. One of them is an 8-inch flexible display while the other is a 7-inch display. Both of these are inward folding panels, just like the Mi Mix Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 2. The 7-inch display is said to already have a prototype as it is closer to mass productions. It is tipped that its production has been delayed from January this year.

According to the tipster, the Vivo foldable will have an impressive hinge design for its 8-inch flexible screen. Moreover, when folded, it will offer a 6.5-inch display. However, a specific time frame for commercial launch has yet to be confirmed.

It was earlier rumored that an OPPO foldable will be launching in June this year. As per the previous report, OPPO is expected to introduce its first foldable smartphone in Q2, which starts in April and ends in June. The manufacturer has already showcased a rollable smartphone last year.

The rollable phone is called OPPO X and it features a flexible OLED display that measures 6.7-inch. It can be rolled out via a dynamic scrolling frame to give you 7.4-inches of screen real estate. Further, the display is unrolled by using a side button on which you have to swipe to extend and retract the flexible panel. However, the upcoming phone is not rollable, and the showcased device isn’t coming anytime soon.

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Vivo could launch a phone with under-display camera and curved edges in H2 2021

Vivo showcased a concept with APEX 2020 last year. It came with an under-display selfie camera. Moreover, it featured a waterfall display. Vivo later launched the Nex 3S 5G with the same display design. However, it didn’t transcend the selfie shooter under the display. Instead, the Nex phone came equipped with a pop-up camera. However, pop-up cameras have now diminished and we are heading towards the under-display camera tech. And, Vivo could be the next after ZTE to launch a phone with an in-display camera.

According to leaks on Weibo, Vivo is prepping to launch the Nex 5. It is tipped to launch sometime in the second half of the year. More details regarding the device have appeared online. The smartphone is rumored to feature a 6.78-inch display with curved edges on all four sides, which is called a quad-curve design. Plus, instead of a pop-up camera, the smartphone will pack an in-display selfie shooter. It could be embedded with a 32MP sensor. However, there could be two versions of the phone and only one is said to feature the under-display camera. The other one could opt for a punch-hole cutout to house the selfie snapper.

Coming to the rear, the Vivo Nex 5 could sport Samsung’s big GN2 1/1.12″ sensor. Further, the ultra-wide-angle camera is rumored to have a 50MP sensor. It is likely that ZEISS will be involved in some way or the other with the optics of the upcoming Vivo phone. Plus, it is touted to have an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, which is found on nearly every top-end smartphone these days. As for other details, including the battery, it is claimed to pack a 4,500mAh battery with 66W wired and 40W wireless charging, while another source says it could support 120W and 60W, respectively.

Via: GSMArena

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VIVO X60 series debuts with flagship hardware to challenge the OnePlus 9 trio

VIVO has today globally launched its X60 series flagship phones, packing the latest silicon from Qualcomm and some impressive camera hardware that includes the second iteration of its gimbal-style camera setup. Notably, the company has plans of selling the device in over 20 markets that include India, UK, and UAE among a host of other European and APAC countries over the coming months. Going by the specs and asking price, the VIVO is squarely going against the OnePlus 9 series

55W fast charging and 48MP ultra-wide gimbal camera for the VIVO X60 Pro+

Starting with the top-of-the-line offering – the X60 Pro+, VIVO has equipped this one with a 6.56-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and curved sides. To make the device stand out, the company has used vegan leather in Emperor Blue finish to adorn its rear panel. Inside, you’ll find Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 running things in tandem with 12 gigs of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. There is a 4200mAh battery inside that supports 55W fast charging.

vivo x60

 

In the camera department, the VIVO X60 Pro+ offers a 50MP main snapper with the Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor behind it. You also get a 48MP ultra-wide camera that is backed by proprietary gimbal stabilization hardware. There is a massive 32MP portrait camera and an 8MP telephoto lens as well that offers up to 5x optical and 60x hybrid optical zoom. 

VIVO X60 and X60 Pro employ Snapdragon 870 and support 33W fast charging

The VIVO X60 and X60 Pro, on the other hand, share a lot of their internals. Both of them employ the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, keeping things in motion inside paired with up to 12 gigs of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. You get a triple camera setup at the back that includes a 48MP main snapper, 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 13MP portrait camera. Selfie and video calling duties are handled by a 32MP sensor on all three phones though. 

vivo x60 series camera

The vanilla VIVO X60 packs a 6.56-inch flat FHD+ panel while the VIVO X60 Pro goes with a curved panel of the same size, while the 120Hz refresh rate is a trait shared by the panel on both phones. The X60 comes equipped with a 4,300mAh battery, while its Pro sibling has a slightly smaller 4,200mAh juicer inside. Both the phones support 33W wired charging and come in two color options – Midnight Black and Shimmer Blue. 

All three VIVO phones support 5G and rely on an in-display fingerprint sensor for authentication. The standard VIVO X60 starts at INR 37,990 (~ $520), while the Pro model will set you back by INR 49,990 (~ $690) in India. For the VIVO X60 Pro+, buyers will have to shell out 69,990 (~ $960). VIVO is yet to announce the international pricing of the device, including some of its key European markets such as the UK.

vivo x60 Pro+

 

VIVO X60 series specifications

VIVO X60 VIVO X60 Pro VIVO X60 Pro+
6.56-inch FHD+
E3 AMOLED
120Hz refresh rate
HDR10+
6.56-inch FHD+
AMOLED
120Hz refresh rate
240Hz touch sampling rate
HDR10+
6.56-inch FHD+
AMOLED
120Hz refresh rate
240Hz touch sampling rate
HDR10+
Qualcomm
Snapdragon 870
Qualcomm
Snapdragon 870
Qualcomm
Snapdragon 888
8GB + 128GB 
12GB + 256GB
12GB + 256GB  12GB + 256GB 
4,300mAh
33W fast charging
4,200mAh
33W fast charging
4,200mAh
55W fast charging
48MP f/1.79 primary
13MP f/2.2 wide-angle,
120° FoV
13MP f/2.46 portrait
48MP f/1.48 primary
(Gimbal Stabilization 2.0,
OIS + EIS)
13MP f/2.2 wide-angle, 120° 
13MP f/2.46 portrait
50MP ISOCELL GN1 main
(OIS + EIS)
48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
(Gimbal Stabilization 2.0,
114° FoV)
32MP f/2.08 portrait
8MP f/3.4 periscope
(5x optical, 60x hybrid zoom)
32MP front camera 32MP front camera 32MP front camera
Midnight Black
Shimmer Blue
Midnight Black
Shimmer Blue
Emperor Blue
In-display fingerprint
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Proximity Sensor
E-compass
Gyroscope
In-display fingerprint
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Proximity Sensor
E-compass
Gyroscope
In-display fingerprint
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
Proximity Sensor
E-compass
Gyroscope
Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) MIMO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.2
USB
USB Type-C, USB 2.0
Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) MIMO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.1
USB
USB Type-C, USB 2.0
Wi-Fi (2.4G/5G) MIMO
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.1
USB
USB Type-C, USB 2.0

 

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Vivo plans to double its presence in Europe

In October 2020, Vivo entered the European market with the launch of its Vivo X51 and three other phones. After its success in China, India, and several Southeast Asian countries Vivo plans to expand its presence in the European market. Now, the company aims to double its presence across Europe this year, following six successful European market entries in 2020. It has expanded in the Romanian and Czech markets.

Vivo says it is doubling down its presence in Europe. Up until now, it was present in six European countries. Now, it is expanding to Romania and Czech. Online media events were held for both markets respectively to mark the company’s official entry into the two new markets. During the events, the company took the opportunity to discuss key partnerships and present the first line-up of smartphones.

We’re delighted to say Hello in Romanian and Czech! And to officially introduce ourselves, as well as our first smartphones for consumers in Romania and the Czech market. We are saying our first hello here amid a very challenging time for people and businesses worldwide. However, our plans and our commitment to expand our business across Europe have remained unchanged. This follows our company philosophy of doing the right thing, and doing it right.”

Denny Deng, Vice President, President of European Business at Europe

Vivo will soon be available in more than 12 markets during 2021. In addition to Romania and the Czech market, Vivo also has plans to expand into Serbia and Austria in the first half of this year.

“Moving forward, we are more than excited to share the passion of football with our friends around the world, which is, even more, a reason for us to look forward to the partnership with UEFA, for the upcoming, as well as the UEFA EURO 2024 Championships. Both UEFA and we share the passion for excellence and providing unique and fantastic new experiences for our plans. Our role will be as the UEFA EURO
2020 Global Smartphone,” said Deng.

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Chinese foldable smartphones might share Samsung’s display tech

We recently reported that the foldable smartphone market is all set to expand next year. While Samsung and HUAWEI have been in the segment for a couple of years now, Google could try its hands at the foldable market. Plus, Chinese OEMs like OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi are also said to introduce their folding phones in 2021. Now, it is being reported that these Chinese manufacturers could get their foldable phone displays from Samsung.

The latest development comes from ITHome. It reports that Samsung is planning to offer its foldable display panels to other companies. It goes on to say that the South Korean company could provide one million foldable display panels. These include both designs – horizontal foldable displays as well as the vertical ones. As per the report, multiple China-based smartphone makers have been in talks with Samsung Display to receive foldable screen panels. Samsung has reportedly agreed to it.

Further, Xiaomi is said to be working on bringing three foldable phones next year. It is expected to unveil an outfolding phone, an in-folding device as well as a clamshell. While we don’t know what type of display technology the devices are going to use, these devices could house Samsung’s display. There is no word on when we could the devices in action. That said, OPPO, on the other hand, is also reportedly prepping to launch its foldable in the market this year.

Samsung itself is working on several foldable phones. It could announce a new Z Flip Lite in late 2021. The South Korean giant is likely already working on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, which are tipped to be announced in the third quarter of 2021. As per previous reports, the Galaxy Z Flip Lite will have a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

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Vivo X60 Pro+ official poster reveals four cameras and ZEISS optics

Vivo launched its X60 and X60 Pro in China at the end of 2020. At the launch, the company teased the Pro+ variant. The new device is tipped to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC. It was recently spotted on 3C network certification listing, which suggested that the phone will come with 5G support as well as 55W Super Flash fast charging. Now, the company has released an official poster to showcase its rear design and key features.

The Vivo V60 Pro+ will be arriving with dual main cameras. As per a tipster, the smartphone’s quad-camera setup includes a Samsung GN1 50MP primary camera with an f/1.6 aperture + a 48MP ultra wide-angle camera with second-generation micro-gimbal stabilization. The cameras could be accompanied by a 5x periscope telephoto lens and portrait sensor.

For the unaware, the Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro are powered by the Samsung Exynos 1080 chipset. Hence, the Vivo X60 Pro+ will be the flagship with Snapdragon 888 chipset. It is said to feature a 120Hz refresh rate display. It is tipped to have a single punch-hole cut out in the display for the selfie shooter. The smartphone will have a Zeiss certified optical lens. According to a leak, the smartphone is coated with Zeiss’s T coating. The upcoming Vivo X60 Pro+ could also support 55W fast charging. There is no word on the battery capacity yet. It could have 8GB and 12GB RAM options with 128GB and 256GB storage variants.

The smartphone is yet to be launched but it is already listed on Vivo China’s official website. The Vivo X60 and X60 Pro are equipped with 6.56-inch FHD+ AMOLED displays that offer a 120Hz refresh rate. They run OriginOS based Android 11 OS. The Vivo X60 has a 48MP + 13MP + 13MP triple rear camera setup, while the Pro model sports quad cameras with 48MP + 8MP + 13MP + 13MP.

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Vivo X60 Pro+ leaked specs hint at Snapdragon 888 SoC, 55W fast charging

Vivo launched its X60 and X60 Pro in China at the end of 2020. At the launch, the company teased the Pro+ variant. Now, it is anticipated to launch the premium Vivo X60 Pro+ soon. It is tipped tone powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC. As per a new leak, the phone has been spotted on 3C network certification listing, which suggests that the phone will come with 5G support as well as 55W Super Flash fast charging.

The latest leak comes from Digital Chat Station, who took to Weibo to share the details of the upcoming Vivo X60 Pro+. To recall, the device was teased at the launch of Vivo X60 and X60 Pro on December 30 in China. As per the new leak, the X60 Pro+ will be the first Vivo device to include the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC under the hood. For the unaware, the Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro are powered by the Samsung Exynos 1080 chipset.

As per the leak, the Vivo X60 Pro+ is tipped to sport a quad rear camera setup. It could have a 50MP primary camera, and feature a 120Hz refresh rate display. It is tipped to have a single punch-hole cut out in the display for the selfie shooter. It is expected to have a Zeiss certified optical lens. According to the tipster, the smartphone is coated with Zeiss’s T coating. The upcoming Vivo X60 Pro+ could also support 55W fast charging. There is no word on the battery capacity yet.

The device is expected to be launched on January 20. Vivo is yet to release official teasers for the upcoming smartphone. We expect more details to be revealed as we head towards the launch.

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