Lenovo prepares to launch its first Android tablet with a flagship processor

Lenovo has made some interesting tablets in the past, for instance, the Yoga Tab 3 Pro that came with a built-in projector. We haven’t seen a high-end tablet from the company, but that might change soon as Lenovo Notebook Product Manager Lin Lin has shared a screenshot of the “Settings” page for an upcoming Lenovo tablet. As per the screenshot, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor is complemented by 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and the tablet runs Android 11-based ZUI 12.5.

There is a possibility that this particular tablet could be the Lenovo YT-K606F that was recently spotted on Geekbench. Having said that, the Geekbench listing suggests that the tablet runs on a chipset with code-named “Kona,” which could either be the Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 865+, or Snapdragon 870.

The same tablet with the model name YT-K606F also recently made its way to Google Play Console’s list of Certified Android devices. Called the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 ROW (Rest of World). This particular listing suggests that the tablet’s chipset is a Qualcomm SDM855 that could be the Snapdragon 855, Snapdragon 855+, or the rumored Snapdragon 860, meaning that either the international model will run on an older platform or it could just be a mistake.

Lenovo launched the Tab P11 Pro last year that recently made its way to India. While it isn’t a high-end machine, it does come with some decent mid-range specs. The tablet is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730G chip, and the 11.5-inch OLED display offers a 2560×1600 resolution along with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Other features include a quad-speaker system tuned by JBL, Dolby Atmos support, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage that can be expanded using a microSD card of up to 256GB. The tablet also comes with its own keyboard case that helps in expanding the productivity aspect. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro sells for ₹44,999 in India and $499 in the US. A higher-end tablet will be placed above the Tab P11 Pro, so expect pricing to be higher than this as well.

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Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Lite gets unboxed and sold online ahead of launch

We have been hearing rumors about Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Lite, the cheapest offering in the Mi 11 series, for a while now. The device was first spotted on certification websites back in January, which in turn revealed some of its key specifications. A more substantial leak came last week when we got our very first look at the design of the smartphone, including its color options. Although Xiaomi has yet to officially launch the Mi 11 Lite, it looks like the device has already made it to the hands of retailers.

As per various reports, the Mi 11 Lite is currently already on sale in Italy from online and offline channels. Italian online retailer Tecnosell is selling the 6GB + 128GB variant of the Mi 11 Lite 4G for €320.

Separately, WinFuture Editor Roland Quandt has shared photos of an Italian store having the Mi 11 Lite in stock. So far, only the 4G model has gone on sale with no similar reports of the Mi 11 Lite 5G model in sight. The 5G model is expected to be similar to the 4G model in most respects but will reportedly pack a faster chipset and more memory and storage.

This soft launch, in turn, has confirmed some of the key specifications of the Mi 11 Lite 4G. As tipped by Sudhanshu Ambhore and corroborated by an unboxing video from Tecnosell, the Mi 11 Lite 4G sports a 6.55-inch full HD+ 90Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G SoC, and a triple camera setup consisting of 64MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro sensors. Other specs include a 4,250mAh battery with 33W fast charging support, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, dual-SIM, microSD card expansion support, and MIUI 12 based on Android 11. Most of these details lineup with what we knew about the Mi Lite 11 through previous leaks.

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 4G & 5G RAM+ROM & color options for Europe.

Mi 11 Lite 4G
-6GB+64GB, 6GB+128GB
-Blue, Pink, Black

Mi 11 Lite 5G
-6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB
-Green, Yellow, Black

— Sudhanshu (@Sudhanshu1414) March 21, 2021

It should be noted that Xiaomi hasn’t yet made any official announcement about the Mi 11 Lite, nor has the device been listed on Xiaomi’s global website. Exact pricing and global availability are still unknown, but seeing the device is already on sale in Italy, a formal announcement from Xiaomi should be just around the corner. Xiaomi has scheduled a global product launch on Monday, March 29th, though it isn’t clear which products are expected to be unveiled at this event.

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These are the best Galaxy S21 thin cases right now in Spring 2021!

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a great-looking device, but it’s also a pretty big one. Even the standard version of the flagship device can be a bit bulky. This isn’t a bad thing, of course–who doesn’t love a nice, big screen to watch movies, scroll through the news feed, and more? That said, you’ll want to protect your Galaxy S21, but you’re not going to want to make it even bulkier! So, we’ve rounded up some thin cases for you, so you can protect your device without making it unwieldy. Pick your favorite Galaxy S21 thin case below!

Samsung Silicone Cover

Soft, lightweight and, more importantly, thin, the Samsung Silicone Cover is the perfect way to keep your Galaxy S21 protected without feeling like you’ve covered the device with a brick.

$30 at Samsung

Samsung Kvadrat Cover

Speaking of soft and lightweight, the Samsung Kvadrat Cover is the perfect combination of thin and strong. Made of recycled materials, the case features a nice texture and a hook on the bottom, so you can attach a strap for easy carrying.

$35 at Samsung

Samsung Clear Cover

The Samsung Clear Cover features a transparent design, so you can admire the Galaxy S21’s design while keeping it protected. It also includes a non-slip pattern on the sides for an extra secure grip.

$20 at Samsung

Meifigno Protective Case

The Meifigno Protective Case features military-grade protection, raised edges to keep your screen and camera lenses safe, and a durable design with a nano oleophobic coating.

View at Amazon

Caseology Vault Case

Caseology cases are built to last, and the Vault for the Galaxy S21 is no different. It features a shockproof design and materials that feel thin and lightweight, so the device won’t feel bulky in your hands.

View at Amazon

SQMCase Shockproof Case

With soft, flexible edges and a hard back, the SQMCase looks made for the Galaxy S21. The case also features a cool pixelated design that gives Samsung’s new device some extra cool factor.

View at Amazon

Torras Diamond Series Case

Clear, Slim, Tough

If you want a transparent, clear case that's not bulky, Torras makes the Diamond Series cases for the Galaxy S21! This is a hard case that lets you see the back of your phone while still giving some protection.

View at Amazon

Spigen Thin Fit Case

Spigen Quality, Spigen Slim

Want to make your phone as protected as possible without bulk? Spigen is here to save the day. This soft rubber case will protect from shocks and falls, while still making it easy to hold onto.

View at Amazon

Fingic Galaxy S21 Case

Hold Onto Your Phone

Fingic's case is almost too thick for a slim case, but this is still pretty slim, and this case has a clear advantage over the others--a finger ring! The rubber case will also protect against shocks and is resistant to fingerprints.

View at Amazon

The worst thing that can happen to a new device is for it to get damaged. But you also don’t want to cover it in a massive, bulky case. A thin case will protect the Galaxy S21 while ensuring it remains svelte, almost as if the case isn’t even there. Many of our picks are similar in style, so it’s about finding the right balance of function and design that works best for you.

If you don’t mind your case being almost paper-thin, the Samsung Silicone Cover is a great option. This will give your device an extra layer of protection but also won’t add much bulk. If you simply want the most protection possible, but still want the Galaxy S21’s style to shine through, try the Caseology Vault Case. Either way, the thin cases in this lineup will keep your phone looking pristine, even after a couple of tumbles to the ground.

Samsung Galaxy S21

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the starting point of the new 2021 flagship series, packing in a flagship SoC, along with a decent display and camera setup.

Order from Samsung

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Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 leaked renders reveal design and S-Pen stylus support

Late last week, a leaked mini product roadmap gave us a sneak peek at some of the devices Samsung had in its 2021 launch pipeline. The list included a variety of products, including the Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A22, and Galaxy Tab S7 Lite. While the leaked roadmap showed most of these launches taking place in the second half of 2021, it also listed a PC Unpacked event that could be scheduled to take place as early as next month. A new leak has now shed more light on some of the PC hardware that the South Korean electronic giant is planning to show off at the event.

Known leaker Evan Blass has shared renders of two Windows-powered laptops that will launch as part of Samsung’s Galaxy Book lineup. The first is the Galaxy Book Pro which is believed to the successor to the last year’s Galaxy Ion lineup.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 seems to belong to the Galaxy Book Flex series.

As per Evan, the Galaxy Book Pro and Galaxy Book Pro 360 will come in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch, and two colors: Blue and Silver for the Galaxy Book Pro and Navy and Gold for the 360 model.

The Galaxy Book Pro has a more traditional form factor, while the Pro 360 will offer a convertible touch screen experience with S-Pen compatibility. As tipped by noted Windows tipster WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_), both laptops will be powered by the Intel 11th Gen processors (i3/ i5/ i7), with the 13-inch models using the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics card while the 15-inch SKUs opting for the Nvidia MX450 discrete GPU.

Both laptops are tipped to come with full HD AMOLED displays along with a Thunderbolt 4 port and an optional LTE modem for cellular connectivity.

There’s no word on the exact launch date, availability, or pricing of the laptops. If the leaked roadmap is anything to go by, we can expect the new Galaxy Book series to launch in April. However, Samsung has yet to confirm anything officially.

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Leaked render gives us our first look at the OnePlus Nord N10 successor

Last year, OnePlus expanded its horizon beyond the flagship sphere and stepped into the mid-range and budget smartphone segments. The first step in this direction was the OnePlus Nord, which offered a premium mid-range smartphone experience at an affordable price point. The company then introduced the budget-friendly Nord N series for Europe and North America, consisting of the OnePlus N10 and the OnePlus N100. While we aren’t expecting the Chinese OEM to refresh the OnePlus Nord N series anytime soon, a fresh leak has given us an early glimpse at what could likely turn out to be the eventual OnePlus Nord N10 successor.

Serial leaker Steve ‘OnLeaks’ Hemmerstoffer has just dropped the first render of an upcoming OnePlus device which he thinks “will be marketed in a few months as the successor of the Nord N10”. The device is reportedly codenamed “Ebba”, and although not much is known about its internal hardware, the leaked render shows off the overall design of the device.

Starting with the back, the first major change we spot is the omission of the fourth camera sensor — likely the 2MP monochrome sensor. In any case, the triple camera setup arranged vertically inside a rectangular module gives the device a much cleaner look, in our opinion. Another notable change is the relocation of the fingerprint scanner from the back to the right frame. The device measures 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4mm (10.3mm with the rear camera bump) and is said to feature a glossy plastic back and a metal frame.

Moving to the front, we are told the OnePlus ‘Ebba’ has the same 6.49-inch punch-hole display as the OnePlus Nord N10. At the bottom, we see speaker grills, a USB Type C port, the primary microphone, and a 3.5mm audio jack. That’s all we know about this alleged OnePlus Nord N10 successor for now. But as it’s usually the case with unannounced OnePlus phones, this is just the start, and we’ll likely get to see the new device popping up in various leaks over the coming weeks.

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OnePlus is switching its next phones to run OPPO’s ColorOS in China

Update 1 (03/21/2021 @ 10:54 PM ET): OnePlus has confirmed that its upcoming smartphones, starting with the OnePlus 9 series, will run OPPO’s ColorOS software in China. Click here for more information. The article, as published on March 17, 2021, is preserved below.

OnePlus has seen great success in recent years, growing from a brand that catered to just tech enthusiasts and early adopters, to becoming a much more widely accepted commercial entity across the globe. The company now boasts of a fair few smartphones under its umbrella, and these phones run on either HydrogenOS (China) or OxygenOS (Global/Rest of the world). While OxygenOS is very much alive and running, it seems that HydrogenOS is on its way out, as OnePlus smartphones sold in China could seemingly make the switch to OPPO’s ColorOS soon.

XDA Senior Member hikari_calyx brought to our attention an alleged announcement made in the official OnePlus QQ group, wherein the company had announced that it will be ceasing the development of HydrogenOS.

According to this alleged announcement, the official website for HydrogenOS in China will shut down on March 24, while the OTA server will shut down on April 1. This would effectively mark the end of HydrogenOS for OnePlus devices in the Chinese region. Further, the alleged announcement goes on to state that OnePlus devices in China will then switch over to running OPPO’s ColorOS, and they will also be sold through the OPPO Store in China.

Users on the official OnePlus forums in China have taken notice of the alleged announcement, and there are several consequent discussions that can be found on the same, like this, this, and this. Apparently, forum users believe that the upcoming OnePlus 9 series devices sold in China will ship with ColorOS out-of-the-box, rather than HydrogenOS. The reaction to the alleged announcement is mixed: some forum users love the idea of this change as ColorOS has better localized features in China; others do not like it as they prefer the stock-like feel of HydrogenOS. Some forum users are talking about the ability to switch between HydrogenOS and ColorOS UX skins, though we were unable to ascertain if such claims had any substance to them.

We reached out to OnePlus for a statement and to confirm, deny, or clarify this alleged announcement.

“We don’t have any updates about HydrogenOS to share at the moment, but we can confirm that OxygenOS remains our operating system for all global devices.”

OnePlus spokesperson

To reiterate, there are no changes proposed to OxygenOS and for devices sold outside of China. The alleged announcement makes a specific reference to only HydrogenOS within the context of OnePlus devices sold in China.

If you’re wondering where the OnePlus-OPPO connection comes from, there’s a lot that you missed over the years. OnePlus traces its origin as an offshoot established by former OPPO employees Pete Lau and Carl Pei. There are several instances over the years of OnePlus making use of OPPO production lines and supply chain resources. Devices like the OnePlus Nord N100 closely resemble devices like the OPPO A33, while on the flagship end, you can see several key tech breakthroughs shared, as it happened between the OnePlus 8 Pro and the OPPO Find X2 Pro. More recently, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau took on additional responsibilities as Senior Vice President at OPLUS, a role that allegedly involves duties around the brand synergy between the major OPLUS investment properties, namely OPPO and OnePlus. And earlier this year, OnePlus and OPPO even merged their hardware R&D teams under OPLUS, though this integration was around hardware and not software.

The biggest differentiator between OnePlus and OPPO has remained software, with OxygenOS and HydrogenOS on OnePlus devices being a different experience from ColorOS on OPPO smartphones. For the Chinese region, this difference might not exist in the future.

---

Update 1: OnePlus 9 series to run ColorOS at launch, flashable build for OnePlus 8 released

In a blog post published on the official OnePlus forums, OxygenOS Product Lead Gary C. has confirmed that the company’s “China market devices will now be using a customized version of ColorOS, tailored specifically for OnePlus smartphones, starting with the upcoming OnePlus 9 series.” The Product Lead also confirmed that the company’s global devices will continue to run OxygenOS.

Over on Weibo, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau says that HydrogenOS will continue to be maintained and updated for past devices. On the OnePlus BBS forums, though, we’ve learned that the company has released a flashable build of ColorOS for the OnePlus 8 for those who are interested in switching over.

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Customize the ROG Phone 3’s performance in any app with Armoury Crate Unleashed

Magisk Modules are a simple way to apply system-level mods to your device without having to get your hands dirty and make changes to system files manually. From an end user’s perspective, all you have to do is download a module, enable it through the Magisk app, and then reboot your device for the changes to go into effect. While most modules focus on adding one feature or changing one thing on your device, there are some that target a specific device or firmware. “Armoury Crate – Unleashed” from XDA Recognized Developer Freak07 falls into that latter category, as it introduces a plethora of tweaks and mods for the Armoury Crate app on the ASUS ROG Phone 3.

ASUS ROG Phone 3 Forums

For those not familiar with Armoury Crate, ASUS describes it as “the hub of all information and controls your gaming needs from your phone.” For every game you add to Armoury Crate’s Game Library, you can customize the performance mode that activates when the game is launched. Surprisingly, you can get truly granular in terms of tuning system variables, as users are allowed to access and modify virtually every CPU parameter exposed by the kernel. We go into much more detail in our ROG Phone 3 review in case you’re interested.

Armoury Crate’s Hardcore Tuning section

While it is possible to add regular applications under Armoury Crate as well, there’s no guarantee that the tuning modules will do what you want them to do. This is due to the fact that the inclusion of an app under Armoury Crate makes it necessary to perform a double swipe to trigger a back gesture, which effectively collides with the home gesture. As a consequence, you can’t trigger the home gesture without performing the action twice — something which isn’t convenient during day-to-day usage. This is exactly where the Armoury Crate Unleashed Magisk module comes in.

The module modifies various portions of the ROG Phone 3’s firmware on-the-fly and allows you to add non-gaming apps to Armoury Crate without worrying about conflicts with navigation gestures. You can add system apps such as Google Maps as well, although you need to systemless-ly remove the factory-installed copy first and reinstall the app from the Google Play Store before attempting to do so. The mod also extends the possible settings in Armoury Crate by leveraging a bunch of SoC-specific kernel tweaks.

Here’s a breakdown of the features offered by this Magisk Module:

• Remove the necessity for double swipe back gesture once an app is added to Armoury Crate
• Remove the necessity for double home gesture once an app is added to Armoury Crate
• Remove Game Genie trigger from the left side of the screen once an app is added to Armoury Crate (it can still be accessed via the notification in the notification drawer)
• Extend cpuset capabilities from Armoury Crate
• Bring the ability to set up to 10 taps per seconds for AirTriggers (since v4)

It is worth mentioning that abruptly restricting CPU frequencies for a specific app leads to nothing but stutters, so try to find the right balance while tuning the parameters. Moreover, some games tend to flag a high number of rapid consecutive touches in AirTriggers straight away as cheating. Keeping that in mind, if you have a ROG Phone 3 and you wish to experience the true power of it, you can now do that by downloading the Armoury Crate Unleashed Magisk module from the link below. The module is currently at v4, having only been tested on software version 17.0823.2012.131 for the ROG Phone 3.

Download Armoury Crate Unleashed Magisk module for the ROG Phone 3

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