Week 38 in review: Asus ROG Phone 6D announced, Pixel 7 series pre-order date confirmed
Welcome to our recap of the biggest headlines from week 38.
The Apple iPhone 14 fever is still here – we saw the regular iPhone 14 pass a durability test where it fared quite well. The 14 Pro models had their shaky camera problem ironed out with its latest iOS 16.0.2 update.
In semi-related news, Android makers such as Xiaomi and Realme are preparing to implement Dynamic Island-type notification systems to their upcoming devices – can’t say we didn’t see that coming. Xiaomi is set to launch its Civi 2 smartphone on Tuesday, September 27 with a centered pill-shaped cutout on its screen.
Google’s Pixel 7 series marketing campaign is in full force as we got a new teaser for the phones and the Pixel Watch ahead of the October 6 launch event. Pre-orders for the Pixel 7 series start on the same date as the announcement.
Asus debuted its ROG Phone 6D duo consisting of the ROG Phone 6D and ROG Phone 6D Ultimate. Both phones share nearly identical specs to the ROG Phone 6 lineup with the big change being the Dimensity 9000+ chipset which replaces the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The vanilla 6D start at £799 in the UK while the Ultimate alteration asks at least £1,199. Asus also launched a Batman edition ROG Phone 6 which goes for €1,199.
Nvidia announced its RTX 40-series graphics cards with a claimed 2-4x performance boost and DLSS 3. The baseline 12GB RTX 4080 starts at $899 while the top-of-the-line RTX 4090 will go for a cool $1,599. Official sales for the RTX 4090 start on October 12 while the RTX 4080 will be available from November.
The big rumors of the week include Samsung continuing to use Exynos chipsets for the Galaxy S23 series and Apple finally bringing 8K video to next year’s iPhone 15 Ultra. We also got some details for the upcoming OnePlus 11 Pro which should be bring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip alongside 100W charging.
These were the biggest headlines for this week. See you next time.
Google films people reacting to the Pixel 7 Pro, confirms pre-order start date
"Wait, there"s a watch?"
Redmi K60 to get a Dynamic Island type notification system
Xiaomi President Lu Weibing asked Weibo users if they would like to see a Dynamic Island implementation.
Asus ROG Phone 6D debuts with Dimensity 9000+, 6D Ultimate adds unique AeroActive Portal
The ROG Phone 6D Ultimate comes bundled with an AeroActive attachment.
Apple says that a fix for iPhone 14 Pro (Max) camera shaking is coming next week
This affects the two Pro models when users open third-party apps that use the camera. Apple"s own camera app is not affected.
Samsung could bring Exynos-powered Galaxy S23 phones after all
Reports suggest internal conflicts over the use of the in-house chipset.
Google Pixel Watch color versions leak, along with price range for the base model
No huge surprises here, it"s in line with other smartwatches.
Rumor: iPhone 15 Ultra to arrive with 8K video, better battery life
The 8K video may be exclusive to the Ultra. However, all four models are expected to have USB-C ports and Dynamic Islands.
Xiaomi Civi 2 will feature dual front cameras, centered pill-shaped cutout
It"s coming on September 27.
Nvidia announces RTX 40-series graphics cards with DLSS 3 and 2-4x performance boost
Prices start at $899.
Redmi Note 11 Pro (2023) with Snapdragon 712 spotted at the Google Play Console
It looks just like the Redmi Note 10 Pro, except that one had the more powerful Snapdragon 732G chipset.
Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition announced
The US/Canada models will get the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset while other regions will boast the Dimensity 9000+ SoC.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will cost as much as their predecessors
That"s at least going to be the case in the US, according to a new leak.
Samsung is rolling out a small update for the Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+
This trio launched in the distant 2015, over 7 years ago. In related news, the more recent Galaxy A40 is getting a security patch.
DxOMark CEO says brands won’t send in a device if it isn’t likely to rank first
As smartphone camera scores with DxOMark plateau, brands seem to be giving the scores less relevance for marketing.
Apple iPhone 14 passes durability test with top marks
It"s essentially an iPhone 13 some improved internals and an easier-to-repair back plate.
Pixel 7 series will launch in India, confirms Flipkart
Will be the first mainline Pixel phone to launch in India since the Pixel 3.
Xiaomi Civi 2 will launch on September 27
The camera island design strongly resembles the 12 series.
Video shows off the cool features of the LG Rollable and how its display wraps around the back
The front display can extend horizontally on demand, but when closed the extra part is a secondary rear display.
OEMs may be required to adopt ‘Seamless Updates’ on devices launching with Android 13
We’re looking at you, Samsung.
Google showcases the Pixel Watch"s unique design in latest video teaser
You can look at it from practically all angles with this new hype-building effort from the company.
New Realme GT Neo coming with flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
It will ditch the previously expected Dimensity 8200.
OnePlus 11 Pro"s specs leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 100W charging in tow
It will come with up to 16GB RAM.
