Tag Archives: phones

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Rounded Corners, Slimmer Design, and Internal Upgrades Revealed

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According to the latest leaks, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is shaping up to introduce key design changes. The shift from sharp, angular edges to more rounded corners is the most notable update aimed at improving comfort and usability. In addition to these changes, the device is expected to be taller, narrower, and thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. These refinements reflect Samsung’s focus on delivering a more ergonomic and user-friendly flagship device while also maintaining the powerful performance the Ultra series is known for.

Designer: Samsung

Design Changes

The most significant design shift is the move to rounded corners, which replaces earlier models’ sharp, boxy edges. This change is expected to make the phone easier to handle and more comfortable for prolonged use. Samsung seems to be addressing feedback from users who found the sharp edges of the Galaxy S23 and S24 Ultra too rigid. The S25 Ultra also features slimmer bezels, which offer a more immersive display without increasing the phone’s overall size. Combined with the sleeker profile, this design update focuses on comfort and practicality without compromising the premium aesthetic.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is also rumored to be slightly taller, narrower, and thinner than the S24 Ultra, enhancing its handling and comfort in daily use. These updates mark a shift in Samsung’s design philosophy, prioritizing usability while maintaining the premium quality and performance that users expect from the Ultra series.

Other Rumored Specs

Beyond the design changes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature some serious hardware upgrades. It will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, which will deliver improved performance and energy efficiency thanks to its 3nm architecture. The device is also rumored to feature the new Adreno 830 GPU, making it a powerhouse for gaming and graphic-heavy applications. Users can expect smoother performance, particularly in multitasking and gaming scenarios.

Sources: Online Solitaire x Xleaks7

Additionally, the S25 Ultra will reportedly come in both 12GB and 16GB RAM configurations, ensuring plenty of power for multitasking and AI-driven applications. Samsung’s development of thinner memory chips allows these RAM options without increasing the device’s bulk, maintaining the slim profile that defines the Ultra line. The device will be a performance powerhouse while still focusing on sleek design.

Why’s the S24 Ultra Noteworthy?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is notable for being one of the most feature-packed devices Samsung has ever released. Thanks to the S-Pen, its incredible display, and its versatile camera system, it’s a powerhouse in productivity, creativity, and media consumption. Integrating AI tools makes it even more dynamic, giving users smarter ways to interact with content, from photo editing to overall system efficiency. For users who need a device that can do it all, the S24 Ultra has been a top contender.

Yanko Design’s Take on the Galaxy S24 Ultra: 5 Things We Love

1. S-Pen Integration

The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues Samsung’s tradition of integrating the S-Pen into its Ultra series, making it an excellent productivity tool. Whether you’re sketching, taking notes, or remotely controlling the camera, the S-Pen enhances the overall experience, offering functionality beyond that of a typical smartphone.

2. Versatile Camera Setup

With a 200MP primary sensor, the S24 Ultra offers one of the most powerful and flexible cameras on the market. Its ability to shoot in various lighting conditions and impressive zoom capabilities provide professional-grade results in a compact form.

3. Display Quality

The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains one of the best in class, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth 120Hz refresh rates. This makes media consumption and gaming highly immersive experiences.

4. Battery Life

The S24 Ultra’s 5000mAh battery ensures users can get through a day of heavy usage, whether streaming, using the S-Pen, or multitasking between apps, without worrying about recharging mid-day.

5. AI-Powered Features

Samsung’s recent software updates have enhanced the AI capabilities of the S24 Ultra. Features like scene optimization and enhanced object removal tools in the camera app make it a great choice for users who love to edit photos and videos on the go.

3 Things We Dislike

1. Weight and Bulk

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra weighs 233 grams, making it slightly heavier than many other flagship smartphones on the market. This weight, combined with its large 6.8-inch display and durable titanium frame, contributes to its premium feel but can also make it feel bulky for users who prefer a more streamlined and lightweight design. The size and weight can be particularly noticeable when using the phone one-handed for extended periods.

This bulkiness is one of the aspects that some users might find uncomfortable, especially when compared to lighter devices, although the premium materials like titanium and Gorilla Glass are designed to offer enhanced durability.2. Slow Charging Speeds

While the S24 Ultra provides reliable battery performance, its wired and wireless charging speeds lag behind some competitors. Faster charging would make the phone more convenient for users who are constantly on the go.

3. Sharp Edges

The S24 Ultra’s sharp, boxy design can feel uncomfortable in the hand, particularly during prolonged use. This is an area where we hope to see Samsung address user feedback with the rumored rounded corners of the S25 Ultra.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

With the rumored design changes, like rounded corners for better comfort and slimmer bezels, the Galaxy S25 Ultra promises a more ergonomic experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset and featuring up to 16GB of RAM, it offers significant performance improvements. But is that enough to warrant an upgrade? Whether you’re an iPhone user, a previous-gen Samsung owner, or loyal to Android, these refinements in design and power could make the S25 Ultra the flagship device you’ve been waiting for. Will these upgrades convince you to take the plunge?

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Pixel 9a leaked renders look pretty barren without the distinctive camera bar

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With the Pixel 6 in 2021, Google embarked on a new design language and visual identity for its smartphones. Like it or not, and some definitely didn’t, the camera “visor” has become an identifying mark of the Pixel phones since then, something that no other brand dared to even try. It underwent a few refinements until it was finally replaced by the camera “bar” in this year’s Pixel 9. Some loved it, some despised it, and some even wanted to have the old visor back. It seems that Google isn’t done playing around with the design just yet if these early unofficial renders for next year’s “mid-release” Pixel phone. And if the Pixel 9a is any indicator of the direction that Google will take in the future, it’s bound to split camps yet again.

Designer: Google (via AndroidHeadlines and OnLeaks)

It’s not that hard to understand how divisive the Pixel camera design is. On the one hand, it is big, visible, and distracting, but on the other hand, it is executed elegantly, balances the phone on your desk, and gives your index finger something to rest on when holding the phone. What both camps will probably agree is that the camera visor or bar is an identifying mark of the Pixel phone, and it’s something the Pixel 9a might lack.

Based on the first CAD renders made from leaked information, the next mid-range Pixel phone will ditch the camera bar for a flatter design. Curiously, the cameras aren’t placed closer to the upper left corner of the phone’s back even without the bump, and it seems to be in the exact same position if it did have that bar. It’s almost as if Google just did a magic trick like pulling out the tablecloth from under the cameras, leaving them in the exact same place. At the same time, however, the camera island isn’t completely flush with the rest of the phone’s back as it has a raised lip around the oval, perhaps for protection. Whether it will make the wobble is something that can only be tested with an actual unit.

Other than that, the rest of the Pixel 9a’s design is pretty similar to the Pixel 9, down to having only two cameras on its back. The exact dimensions of the upcoming phone remain undisclosed, so we don’t know yet how bigger or smaller it is compared to the Pixel 9. The bezels around the display, however, do look a little thicker, giving it a less premium appearance overall.

The Pixel “a” series often carries the design from the same generation, so it would be surprising to see this big a change for the phone. It could also be Google’s strategy to further differentiate the Pixel 9a from the Pixel 9, giving it an aesthetic that definitely looks more “mid-range” than the flagship models. You can still see signs of the Pixel DNA if you look hard enough, but other than the position and orientation of the cameras, it’s almost too easy to pass the Pixel 9a over for some more visually interesting mid-tier phones.

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Forget the iPhone 16 Camera Control, this Gimbal Attachment gives any smartphone a DSLR experience

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A shutter button, a built-in gimbal for landscape and portrait shooting, a zoom wheel, an integrated LED ring light, a tripod setting, and even an external battery pack to boost your phone’s battery. The Snappy offers way more for photography enthusiasts than the iPhone 16 does. It attaches onto any smartphone, giving you a bona fide DSLR-like experience, complete with an ergonomic grip. When you don’t need to shoot content, the Snappy pops right off, turning your handheld camera back into a daily driver smartphone.

Designer: Buddiesman

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $149 (40% Off) Hurry! Only 21 of 520 left. Raised over $101,000.

Just three weeks ago, Apple debuted the iPhone 16 line-up, adding one crucial new hardware feature to their phones – a Camera Control ‘button’. Designed to help intuitively capture photos without having to fiddle with on-screen controls, the capacitive button lets you perform a variety of actions from zooming, switching between presets, adjusting focal length, or even accessing other key camera features. With the Camera Control, Apple’s reinforced its idea that the smartphone is a great camera first, and then a good mobile device… the only problem is that great cameras are more than just fancy lenses and sensors. Enter the Snappy mobile grip, a device designed to transform the way we take photos on our phones. With its motorized gimbal providing single-axis stabilization, Snappy quickly becomes a trusted companion for anyone tired of blurry images or shaky videos. Unlike larger gimbals such as DJI’s Osmo, Snappy brings stabilization in a small, portable form—making it a solution that fits right into your pocket.

Designed by Buddiesman, a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of photographic gear, Snappy’s centerpiece is its motorized, spring-loaded clamp that securely grips your smartphone. This clamp adjusts easily to accommodate a range of phone sizes, so you won’t have to worry about removing your phone case to make it fit. The ergonomic grip attached to the clamp gives the device a comfortable feel, while an articulated arm allows the phone to be rotated seamlessly between landscape and portrait modes with the flick of a thumbwheel. Powered by a brushless motor, this feature also gives the Snappy stabilizing gimbal-like abilities, ensuring your phone stays level, even during handheld video shoots.

Plug your phone in and it literally feels like a professional camera-mimicking rig for your phone. Use any phone you want with the Snappy and it gives you the added benefit of being able to intuitively capture content the way you would with a more pro-facing device like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A shutter button on the top lets you easily take photos and record videos without fumbling to touch the screen or hit a volume button to take the shot (like you would with most smartphones). The grip feels instantaneously comfortable, allowing you to point and shoot with a single hand. Worried you’ll accidentally drop your phone? The Snappy has a built-in strap that lets you secure it to your hand too, so even the largest, heaviest of phones don’t put too much strain on that wrist of yours.

If there’s something a photographer hates more than phone cameras, it’s the flashlight on phone cameras. The flashlight is way too coarse, and no self-respecting photographer uses it unless absolutely necessary. To fix that, the Snappy comes with its own multi-LED built-in ring light. Located just beside the phone’s lenses (where you’d expect the MagSafe ring to line up), users can toggle between cool and warm light settings simply by tapping the touch-sensitive zone inside the ring, adjusting brightness to get the perfect shot regardless of the lighting conditions. This feature is perfect for low-light environments where smartphone cameras traditionally struggle.

For even greater flexibility, Snappy allows users to detach the grip from the main body, turning it into a wireless remote. With a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), you can take photos and videos from a distance, offering a new level of creativity and control in framing your shots. With the remote detached (or even with the remote unit still on), the Snappy can be used as a tripod of sorts, propping your phone up so you don’t need to hold it in your hands. Perfect for using as a phone stand while reviewing the footage you’ve shot, or propping your phone up to take a remote video/photo while you stand away from your camera, this feature gives the Snappy one remarkable ability that neither phones nor DSLR cameras have, barring actually buying a tripod of course. And just in case you’re a tripod purist, the Snappy has a tripod mount too. Want to add accessories to your smartphone camera? The Snappy also includes a cold shoe mount for attaching additional peripherals like microphones or even external lights just in case the ring light on the device isn’t enough.

The Snappy relies on a built-in battery that powers this entire experience. Although the battery’s capacity (and use time) is a bit of a mystery, the folks at Buddiesman tout that the Snappy can transform into a power bank for your smartphone when you’re running low on juice. Just connect your phone to the Snappy’s charging port via a USB-C cable and it instantly begins recharging your phone, giving you the benefit of a gimbal that also enhances your phone’s battery life along with its camera capabilities.

Currently available on Kickstarter, early adopters can secure a Snappy with a pledge of $89, while the retail price is set to be $149 once it hits the market. The $89 kit includes the Snappy itself, although you can upgrade to a bundle that also includes an add-on tripod and an external light that mounts into the Snappy’s cold shoe adapter. With its combination of user-friendly design and professional-grade features, Snappy could very well bridge the gap between smartphones and traditional cameras, bringing the best of both worlds to your pocket. They say the best camera is the one that’s in your pocket. No matter whether it’s the Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, or even older variants of the iPhone, the Snappy turns your phone’s camera into a makeshift pro-grade shooter that’s perfect for turning average photos and videos into polished content.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $149 (40% Off) Hurry! Only 21 of 520 left. Raised over $101,000.

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Galaxy S24 FE tries to make AI and minimalist design more accessible

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Ever since it relaunched the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has been launching a new “Fan Edition” S series flagship every year. The Samsung FE series is supposed to bring the most wanted features of its high-end phones down to a more affordable price tag, which means it does have to cut some corners to reach that price point. Cameras and battery life have always been the main focus of the Galaxy FE phones, but this year brings an unsurprising addition to that set. With the Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung is making an even bigger push for its Galaxy AI suite, trying to push it to more people with a handset that won’t kill their budget too much.

Designer: Samsung

In terms of design, the Galaxy S24 FE strangely stands in between the Galaxy S24+ and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It has an unapologetically large 6.7-inch screen, but its actual size is made even bigger by the wider bezels you won’t see on the more premium Galaxy S24 series. It does at least have the same elegant minimalist design as the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ with its rounded corners, flat edges, and flat front and back.

Of course, the “Fan Edition” phones come with plenty of compromises if you compare them to the standard flagship. In this particular case, the Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly dimmer screen that has fixed refresh rates of either 60Hz or 120Hz only, an underclocked mid-range Exynos 2400e processor, and only 8GB of RAM. That said, it does have a larger 4,700mAh battery compared to the 4,000mAh battery on the Galaxy S24, and it has almost similar 50MP main and 12MP ultra-wide cameras. The 3x telephoto camera, however, only has an 8MP sensor.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of the focus in this release is on Galaxy AI and the features that it enables. Those include retouching photos, making amusing compositions, and of course, Circle to Search with Google. Hopefully, the phone’s modest specs will be able to catch up with the demanding AI features without making the phone too hot to handle.

What is surprising is that Samsung is making the same support commitment it made with its more expensive phones, namely seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. The phone also uses some materials made from recycled plastics, aluminum, glass, and rare earth metals, which is pretty impressive for a “cheaper” variant of a flagship phone. All of these come with a $649.99 price tag for 128GB of storage ($709.99 for 256GB), which isn’t all that bad considering you’re getting a solid phone from a reputable brand.

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Xiaomi 14T Pro Review: Flagship Features Without the Flagship Price

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PROS:


  • Solid camera performance

  • Fast wired and wireless charging capabilities

  • Bright and easy-to-eyes display


CONS:


  • Uninspiring color options

  • Minor hardware upgrade from the predecessor


RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With its combination of features and competitive pricing, the Xiaomi 14T Pro delivers a well-rounded experience that is sure to satisfy the needs of most users.

2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and innovation for Xiaomi. Building upon its success in the smartphone market, the company has expanded its horizons with the launch of its first electric vehicle, the SU7, back in March. The company then proceeded with the launch of its first-ever flip phone, the Xiaomi MIX Flip, as well as the fourth iteration of its flagship foldable, the MIX Fold 4. Impressive sales figures for the SU7 and the positive reception of the MIX Flip and MIX Fold 4 demonstrated Xiaomi’s ability to capture market shares in diverse product categories. It is clear that Xiaomi wants to take advantage of this moment and solidify its position as a leading global technology brand with the launch of the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro. Part of its budget-friendly numbered T series, the Xiaomi 14T Pro boasts flagship features similar to its flagship Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra phones, such as cameras co-developed with Leica. But does Xiaomi still have its magic touch or has it spread itself too thin? Read on to find out.

Aesthetics

The Xiaomi 14T Pro’s understated design is its strength. While it doesn’t offer groundbreaking aesthetics, its simplicity is elegant. The familiar design language from its predecessor is carried over into this model. Available in Titan Gray, Titan Blue, and Titan Black, but choosing a color shouldn’t be a challenge as they all offer similar aesthetics. I wish Xiaomi had explored more fun color options. We received the Titan Black variant. The matte black back panel is speckled for a light-catching effect and features a velvety texture that resists fingerprint smudges.

The device’s square camera island is big but maintains a discreet profile that matches the color of the back panel. The camera island’s smooth surface contrasts with the back panel’s textured finish. The arrangement of the cameras and LED light is perfectly symmetrical, centered around the Leica logo. Each camera and LED light is housed in a raised circular enclosure, making it slightly more challenging to clean dust that may accumulate. That said, it carries a sort of LEGO block vibe that makes it stand out a bit, especially from the rest of the Xiaomi 14 series.

The small Xiaomi logo in silver is positioned on the lower left and the regulatory icons and text on the lower right. Overall, 14T Pro offers a clean design, while the matte textured back panel and metallic aluminum alloy frame give it a premium feel. It is simple and direct, a breath of fresh air from the visually noisy designs of recent smartphones.

Ergonomics

Measuring 160.4mm x 75.1mm x 8.39mm and weighing 209g, the Xiaomi 14T Pro leans towards the larger side of the spectrum. Despite its size, the device feels comfortable to hold, whether with one or both hands. All edges slightly curve into the frame giving comfort, while the flat sides provide a better grip when you hold the device in your hand.

The right side of the phone features volume and power buttons with diagonal engraving, while the left side remains clean except for antenna cutouts. The top houses an IR blaster and speaker, while the bottom accommodates a dual SIM slot, microphone, USB-C port, and speaker. The sides might be busy with these many parts, but they visually blend into the frame and stay out of the way of your fingers or your palm when you hold the phone.

The off-center camera module can cause the phone to wobble slightly on flat surfaces which might be a minor inconvenience if they are sensitive to such details. Nothing that a case wouldn’t fix, of course, and it’s a design trait shared by almost all smartphones these days. The Xiaomi 14T Pro is thankfully not uncomfortable to hold and use despite its large size, though it doesn’t stand out as an example of good ergonomics either.

Performance

Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica has significantly elevated its camera capabilities, resulting in exceptional photo and video quality. This partnership continues as Xiaomi works with Leica on its more budget-friendly flagship models, ensuring high-quality imaging remains accessible. The 14T Pro features a triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, a 50MP telephoto camera with an f/2.0 aperture, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. All three cameras offer two Leica photographic styles: “Leica Vibrant” and “Leica Authentic.”

The main camera features a Light Fusion 900 sensor and delivers great photos with nice detail, wide dynamic range, natural colors, and minimal noise in both daylight and low-light conditions. While the dynamic range is generally great, exposure often skews toward the brighter end, leading to washed-out highlights and crushed shadows in some situations. Additionally, HDR performance struggles with motion, especially in low-light environments, leading to blurry images of moving subjects.

Ultrawide (0.6x)

1x

2x

2.3x

The telephoto camera performs well in most scenarios, maintaining good detail and color accuracy. In contrast, the ultra-wide camera produces acceptable photos, but it tends to lack sharpness and detail in challenging conditions.

Telephoto (5x)

Telephoto (10x)

Telephoto (20x)

Portrait mode offers four focal lengths, 23mm, 35mm, 60mm, and 75mm, with the default set to 60mm. While the 60mm and 75mm portraits are captured with the telephoto camera, the 23mm and 35mm portraits are shot with the main camera. All portrait photos I took, regardless of focal length, exhibited impressive subject isolation and pleasing bokeh.

Normal (1x)

Portrait (60mm)

Although color rendering remains consistent across different cameras and magnifications in regular photo mode, a noticeable shift in white balance can be observed between photos captured with the telephoto and main cameras in portrait mode.

Portrait (23mm)

Portrait (35mm)

Portrait (75mm)

On the opposite side, the upgraded 32 MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture takes satisfactory photos, which isn’t that surprising given the hardware. The Xiaomi 14T Pro can record videos up to 8K at 24 or 30 fps with the main camera, while the telephoto and ultra-wide cameras are capable of shooting videos up to 4K at 60 fps. The front-facing camera can record up to 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 60 fps. The 4K footage from the main and telephoto cameras is impressive, showcasing good detail, realistic colors, and a wide dynamic range, all complemented by excellent stabilization.

While the Xiaomi 14T Pro offers incremental hardware improvements compared to its predecessors, its most significant advancements lie in its AI capabilities. The device supports Google Gemini and introduces Circle to Search, a first for Xiaomi devices. Additional AI features include AI Interpreter, AI Notes, AI Recorder, and AI Subtitles. These AI features and Circle to Search will be available via an over-the-air (OTA) update starting September 26th, which means they aren’t accessible during this review period.

One of the AI features I was able to test was AI Erase Pro, and it was remarkably effective. The tool offers four modes: Manual, Remove Object, Remove People, and Remove Lines. The Remove People mode was particularly impressive, accurately recognizing individuals and color-coding them. Even when people were positioned in a staggered formation, the AI could identify each person. However, while erasing people from the photos worked well, the shadows were left unmanipulated.

The other impressive feature of the Xiaomi 14T Pro is a big 6.67-inch AMOLED flat screen that boasts a 1.5K resolution (2,712 x 1,220), a 144Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 446 ppi. Supporting 12-bit color depth, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, the display delivers sharp, vibrant visuals. Even under direct sunlight, the peak brightness of 4,000 units ensures excellent visibility while the 3,840 Hz PWM dimming reduces eye fatigue. Also, the stereo speaker is plenty loud and produces nice sounds, making the phone great for enjoying movies.

The 5,000mAh battery provides sufficient power for a full day of use. If you need a quick boost, Xiaomi’s 120W HyperCharge technology allows for incredibly fast wired charging, reaching a full charge in about 19 minutes, as stated by the company. Additionally, the 14T Pro supports 50W wireless charging, a much-welcome upgrade. Xiaomi claims that the device can be fully charged with a wireless charger in approximately 45 minutes. My personal experience aligns with these impressive capabilities.

The device runs HyperOS based on Android 14 and Google services are thankfully available out of the box. Powered by MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9300+ chipset and paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Xiaomi 13T Pro delivers great performance. The device handles multitasking seamlessly, with no noticeable lag or stutter even when running multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, it does not get hot during extended video shoots or gaming sessions, enhancing the overall user experience.

Sustainability/Repairability

The Xiaomi 14T Pro promises a 1,600 battery life cycle and delivers IP68 dust and water resistance, ensuring both durability and longevity. Its longevity and overall sustainability aspects, however, are not as promising, especially in the area of software updates. This is somewhat disappointing for a company that is becoming one of the industry’s leading players. As the tech industry increasingly emphasizes environmental responsibility, Xiaomi has an opportunity to take a leading role by integrating sustainability into all of its products and, hopefully, it won’t let that opportunity pass it by.

Value

The Xiaomi 14T Pro positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank. It offers a blend of flagship-level features and a more affordable price point. While its camera may not quite reach the heights of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it still delivers excellent results for everyday photography and videography. It delivers much of what it promises on paper, but the real question is whether it is something you will reach for in your next smartphone buy.

Xiaomi is definitely not the only player in this field, including in the mid-range market where there are dozens of brands and models to choose from. And while the Xiaomi 14T Pro is definitely good, it doesn’t exactly stand out in any specific way. It’s a well-balanced phone, no doubt, but it might overlooked when placed side-by-side with other mid-range phones with better cameras, higher performance, or, more importantly, lower price tags.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 14T Pro may not be the most exciting phone, but there is no doubt it offers a tempting value proposition. Its solid camera performance, powerful processor, fast-charging capabilities, and vibrant display make it a compelling option for users who prioritize performance and affordability. It may not offer the absolute pinnacle of smartphone technology, leaving that for its more powerful and more expensive non-T siblings, but it doesn’t lag behind in any significant way either. With its combination of features and competitive pricing, the Xiaomi 14T Pro delivers a well-rounded experience that is sure to satisfy the needs of most users.

The post Xiaomi 14T Pro Review: Flagship Features Without the Flagship Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

iPhone 16 iFixit teardown reveals a huge step forward in sustainability

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Today’s smartphones may be more advanced and more powerful than ever, but they still suffer from the same ailments that their ancestors experienced more than two decades ago. Screens get cracked, charging ports get worn down, and batteries die. Unlike the mobile phones of the past, however, the complex designs of modern smartphones make it impossible to even just replace a bloated or dying battery. Of course, companies have always defended this practice as protecting their brand and their intellectual property, but thankfully they’ve started turning around, and Apple just made what is perhaps the biggest step in that direction, short of simply letting owners pop off the iPhone 16’s back, pop out the old battery, and pop in a new one.

Designer: Apple (via iFixit)

The new “feature” that has the Internet abuzz involves the removable of those unwieldy “pull tabs” that doubled the work since you’d often still have to resort to some isopropyl alcohol at the end of the process. Instead, Apple’s new adhesive can dissolve under low electrical current, which means you can hook up the back of the exposed iPhone 16 or 16 Plus to an ordinary 9V battery and have that adhesive go away in a minute and a half. The voltage actually determines the length of waiting, and iFixit’s test showed that a 20V charge would have the battery ready to be removed in just 20 seconds.

This makes battery replacement significantly easier and less error-prone, though you’ll still have to do some alcohol cleanup to completely remove adhesive residue before installing a new battery. Considering batteries are one of the first things on a smartphone to die from natural wear and tear, they are also the most common parts that need to be repaired or replaced. This major improvement in repairability also improves the iPhone 16’s overall sustainability, as it reduces CO2 emissions in the long run.

The catch is that this groundbreaking adhesive is only available on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The more advanced Pro models, ironically, still use the pull tab system, but Apple did make a little change to make that process less nerve-wracking. The shells of these batteries are now made of hard steel instead of soft pouches, so the chances of accidentally puncturing these sensitive and volatile batteries are now lower, which is very important since you’ll still need to pry them off without that magical dissolving adhesive.

The rest of the iPhone 16 teardown is pretty uneventful, which also means that Apple has retained its improved DIY repair experience this year. This helped the iPhone 16 garner a 7 out of 10 on iFixit’s repairability scale, which is pretty high for a “regular” smartphone that doesn’t promote the same kind of repairability and sustainability as the Fairphone. Hopefully, this new material will eventually land on the iPhone Pro models next year, becoming a major sustainability feature of all iPhones moving forward.

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Smartphone-powered tabletop stopwatch concept turns deep focus into a game

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Our desks are filled with things that inspire us as well as objects that distract us, with our smartphones as the biggest culprits. Sure, we can probably justify having our phones close to us as necessary for work, but we don’t always need to be looking at them while we’re actually working. Notifications, videos and animations, and scrolling text all take our attention away from more important things, but uninstalling these apps completely induces a different kind of stress and worry. The situation doesn’t have to be black or white, though, and there are plenty of strategies to reduce distractions while keeping our phones still within reach, and you don’t even need the training of an ascetic monk to pull this off. In fact, it can even become a fun mini-game, like this tabletop stopwatch that turns getting into the zone into a dive for treasure.

Designers: Dagyeong Kim, Chanhee Park, Dugyeong Lee, Songhee Kim

There are actually some apps that use a similar method to encourage continuous periods of work without unlocking their phone. The idea is that there is some negative consequences when you pause or stop the timer by using the phone, like some virtual tree dying. These apps, however, still put the smartphone not only within reach but also in sight, increasing the temptation anyway. SINK is a concept that works the same way but adds a twist that not only puts the phone away but also makes the experience a bit more engaging.

1

The inspiration behind SINK is the gaming consoles of old, where you insert a cartridge to play a game. The mechanism is simple and straightforward, removing any ambiguity or complications. In this case, however, it’s your smartphone that is the cartridge, and you slide it into the back of the SINK device to turn it on. The device only works if the phone is in the slot, so you’ll have to go out of your way to retrieve your phone even for just a few seconds.

The “game” in SINK’s case is a deep ocean dive, hence the concept’s name, where the longer you remain focused at work, the deeper your diver goes and the higher points you get. There’s some semblance of a ranking system, but the concept doesn’t clarify if you’re just competing with yourself or with others as well. The latter raises the stakes a bit for those with a bit of a competitive bent, but it might also work the opposite way and discourage others.

Using SINK is quite simple and the device itself has very few controls other than a dial and a slider. Of course, any strategy like SINK or the Forest app will only be effective if you’re actually doing the intended work during the allotted period of time. There’s still an element of self-control, but SINK’s playful design makes it look a bit more fun instead of serious work.

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iPhone Case Transforms into an Analog Controller to play Game-Boy and other Handheld Emulator Games

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I honestly can’t remember a time when case-makers for the iPhone were THIS overwhelming but yeah, we’ve probably covered 5 iPhone cases in the past week alone and this might be the 6th. Designed for the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro Max, the GameBaby from Bitmo Lab transforms your phone into a gaming handheld, reminiscent of the classic Game Boy. What makes the GameBaby stand out isn’t just its nod to the past—it’s the practical design that integrates a functional gaming experience into something as ubiquitous as a phone case. Unlike typical cases, the GameBaby features a two-piece system. The upper half acts like a standard iPhone protector, while the lower section brings in physical buttons styled after classic handheld gaming consoles. When you’re ready to jump into a game, the bottom half flips to the front, giving you a set of tactile controls that instantly transport you to the 90s.

Designer: Bitmo Lab

Instead of fiddling with external controllers or Bluetooth devices, the GameBaby lets you enjoy gaming on your iPhone without needing extra power sources. There’s no need to worry about charging it or pairing it with your phone via Bluetooth. Just flip the lower half of the case 180° and re-attach it to turn it into an analog control panel. The buttons work mechanically by touching virtual buttons on your screen, so you can jump into gaming without the extra steps that can often make mobile gaming accessories feel cumbersome. It’s a sleek solution for gamers who want to keep things simple but still enjoy the tactile feedback of physical controls—a rarity in the touchscreen-dominated world we live in today.

The GameBaby case works with various button layouts from systems like the original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and NES, all through the use of customizable emulator skins. This means you can swap between different layouts depending on the game you’re playing, giving you a level of control not often found in mobile gaming. Although it doesn’t come preloaded with emulators or games, the case is designed to work seamlessly with the Delta emulator, which is known for its support of over 7,000 games. So, while you might need to handle the software side yourself, the hardware is built to accommodate a huge range of gaming options.

While the concept of turning your iPhone into a retro gaming device is certainly intriguing, Bitmo Lab has taken it a step further by making the design practical for everyday use. When you’re not gaming, the controller portion folds back and clicks into place, protecting the back of your phone like a regular case. This makes the GameBaby functional beyond just gaming—it’s still an iPhone case, after all. You can slip it into your pocket, take it on the go, and occasionally fiddle with the buttons and controls like they’re fidget details.

For those itching to relive their childhood gaming days, the GameBaby case is now available for pre-order. Early adopters can snag it for $19.99, but only for the first 1,000 units. After that, the price jumps to $24.99 during the remainder of the pre-order phase, eventually hitting its retail price of $39.99. With the iPhone 16’s official announcement just last week, the timing of this release seems perfectly aligned for those planning to upgrade their phone but still want a dash of nostalgia in their everyday carry (although I see no Camera Control cutout on the case’s design yet). While Bitmo Lab has yet to confirm exact shipping dates, the early bird pricing makes it a tempting offer for those looking to secure a piece of retro gaming merch for their next iPhone.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: Tried and Tested Design You Can Trust

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PROS:


  • Classic, no-nonsense, and reliable design

  • Improved screen size and aspect ratio

  • Strong performance and feature set

  • Long-term software support and IP48 rating

CONS:


  • Still more expensive than competing brands

  • Decent but dated camera system

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 exudes a maturity that offers elegance, performance, and reliability, a much-needed respite from a fast-changing and unpredictable foldable phone landscape.

By now, almost every major smartphone manufacturer other than Apple has launched a foldable phone. That includes even Google, who surprisingly didn’t stop at just one generation of the Pixel Fold. Of course, the ones that paved the way still have the lion’s share of that market, which means Samsung is still the leader in foldables of both the “book type” and the small clamshell design. Being first, however, doesn’t always mean you’ll end up always leading, and some have pointed out that the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 is proof that the giant has been lagging behind. Is that the case, or are the new generation of flashy foldables setting people’s expectations instead? We put the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in our hands and give it a good turn to see if “old” is a bad thing in this case.

Designer: Samsung

Aesthetics

Samsung has taken a lot of heat for the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s design, with some people calling it iterative and dated. Such criticisms, however, are based on the presumption that new designs are always better or that changing designs every generation is a good thing. It should be noted that Apple, which is consistently hailed for its designs, would hold on to designs for years before making changes, and even then, the changes are often very minimal or even subtle. Sometimes, it’s a sign of maturity and reliability, giving people something familiar and comforting in an ever-changing smartphone market.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

It’s not that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is unattractive. On the contrary, it looks pretty elegant, distinguished, and refined. The most significant visual changes include the sharper corners, a larger and wider Cover Screen, and thinner bezels around the displays. Together with the flat edges from the last generation’s design, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks more similar to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, also launched this year. Samsung has ensured that its design DNA isn’t lost across devices, increasing the holding power of its brand, at least for this year.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 embraces a more minimalist design language in stark contrast to almost every other foldable phone in the market today. That’s probably best seen in the triple camera setup on the back of the device, just three small equal-sized circles on a discreet pill-shaped island. Of course, there’s a cost to pay for that compact design, which we’ll get to later, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of such an aesthetic compared to the more obnoxious discs and blocks protruding from the backs of other foldable phones.

Ultimately, you get an elegant and premium-looking design that isn’t so far removed from the Galaxy S24 series, especially the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Is it iterative? Sure, but that in itself isn’t always a negative. Samsung made a few discernible changes but kept the overall language the same over the years. It might be exciting to see what new designs other brands will cook up next, but that novelty can fade quickly, leaving you with a design that might be a bit eye-catching at first but becomes more of an eye-sore in the long run.

Ergonomics

If there’s one major flaw in Samsung’s Galaxy Fold design, it would be the narrow and tall external screen. That made it awkward and even uncomfortable to use the foldable phone when folded, which pretty much defeated the purpose of having a screen there in the first place. Although not in the same vein as the Google Pixel Fold or the OnePlus Open, Samsung may have finally fixed that problem in the Galaxy Z Fold 6, potentially making it the first usable iteration of its line.

The larger 6.3-inch Cover Screen now covers a wider area, partly thanks to the reduction of bezels around it and partly thanks to sharpening the corners. Together with the overall lighter body and flat edges, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is easier to hold and use as a phone. It’s still narrower than a regular smartphone, but not by much anymore. Samsung may have finally reached a good compromise in this design that works when the phone is closed and when it’s open.

Of course, using the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as a mini tablet is still a pleasure, even more so now. It now looks and feels more like a very colorful e-book reader, especially with its squarish shape. Although the screen size remains the same compared to last year’s model, reducing bezels and flat edges gives it an edge (pun intended) when handling the device.

Performance

Like with the design, Samsung used a tried and tested formula for the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s hardware, which pretty much means top-of-the-line specs, at least for the most part. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still the undisputed smartphone performance king outside of Apple’s kingdom, and the 12GB of RAM, though modest by today’s standards, is still decent, especially with some RAM Plus extension.

The external screen is just as bright and vibrant as ever, just now even larger than before. The internal 7.6-inch screen might not seem to have changed much until you realize you haven’t been noticing the crease as much. It’s still there if you look for it, but it has even less of a telling presence this year. With powerful silicon and gorgeous screens, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 never comes up short in performance, whether watching videos, playing games, or simply scrolling through social media. Of course, that includes AI features, though these still feel a bit more gimmicky and entertaining rather than practical for everyday use.

That said, hardware is also one area where the criticism of Samsung’s iterative approach holds the most water. As mentioned, 12GB of RAM, while usable, is pretty tight and frugal these days. Samsung has also been using the same 4,400mAh battery and the same 25W “quick” charging since the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in 2021. The latter is probably a compromise to keep the Galaxy Z Fold 6 almost as light as a regular non-foldable phone, but its age definitely starts to show.

Perhaps the biggest point of contention for Samsung’s 2024 foldable is the camera system, which has remained virtually unchanged since 2022. On the back, you have a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter, perhaps the only significant upgrade to this year’s foldable. On the external screen, you get the same 10MP front-facing camera, and inside is the same dismal 4MP under-display camera. It’s pretty much the same formula, so you’re getting almost the same results, which, fortunately, isn’t all that bad.

To be clear, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 still takes great photos, but it is lagging behind even its own cousins in this department. Samsung may be trying to pull an Apple in doing more with less, using computational photography and AI to compensate for hardware deficiencies, but those can only do so much. You definitely get plenty of detail, a wider dynamic range, and accurate colors, especially with sufficient lighting, and the new ultra-wide camera also takes brighter photos. Regardless, given its price tag, you’d probably expect a bit more than “decent.” In other words, you are not paying for the cameras or the photography experience.

Sustainability

As one of the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturers, Samsung has a big responsibility to help keep the planet alive for future generations. Thankfully, it takes that responsibility quite seriously, and every year, we see it take steps on multiple fronts to ensure its phones become sustainable parts of modern life. This year’s foldable includes plenty of recycled materials, including plastic, glass, aluminum, cobalt, and rare earth metals. For the first time in a Galaxy phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 includes recycled gold and copper components.

Samsung is also doing its part to make the rather pricey foldable phone last as long as possible through improved durability and software support. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the first of its kind to achieve an IP48 rating, a significant improvement over its predecessors’ IPX8 rating. Samsung also promises seven OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring that this expensive investment won’t become obsolete quickly, especially considering how its cameras are already on the old side at this point.

Value

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 might not have mind-blowing cameras or an eye-popping design, but it offers plenty of features that matter. It is one of the extremely few that supports an active stylus with pressure sensitivity and one of an even smaller group of phones with a desktop mode that makes you feel like you’re using an Android PC. With solid performance and a stylish minimalist design, what’s not to love?

Most definitely, the price amounts to $1,900 for a paltry 256GB of storage. That’s not only the most expensive “normal” foldable in the market today, but it’s even strangely $100 higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 when it launched last year. With few upgrades and changes, you’d be forgiven for scratching your head at Samsung’s decision. At that price point, you’d expect a little bit more, maybe a bit more battery, a bit more RAM, or better yet, a bit more camera prowess. Fortunately, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is made to last, though that still makes it feel more like a luxury item than a consumer product, which could be Samsung’s intention.

Verdict

The fast-paced dynamics of the smartphone market have trained our brains to look for new things every year, whether it’s a new design, new hardware, or a new feature. Newer doesn’t always mean better, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is proof of that. It has a classic design focuses on the essentials and leaves out all the fluff, creating an aesthetic that is as luxurious as its price tag. Yes, we wish Samsung had delivered more, especially regarding the cameras, but that also has trade-offs for design and usability. In the final analysis, Samsung wisely picked its battles to deliver a foldable phone with an elegant design and a solid set of features you can rely on for years to come.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: Tried and Tested Design You Can Trust first appeared on Yanko Design.

CASETiFY Ultra Bounce iPhone 16 series cases are fashioned with up to 32.8 ft drop protection

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I’m not a big fan of fancy smartphone cases. A simple protective silicone cover does the job for me. But when it comes to a device from the iPhone 16 series per se, you want a cover that protects the guts of your prized possession with military grade standard. Who would know this better than the nerds at CASETiFY, who design iPhone cases with style, functionality, durability, and sustainability in mind?

CASETiFY Ultra Bounce for the iPhone 16 is the extension of the Bounce series cases from the outfit. These cases, as the name would suggest, do not bounce around in ecstasy of hugging the iPhone, but share their moniker with the idea of shock-absorbing properties of the material they are made from. For instance, the MagSafe-compatible Ultra Bounce is made from a mix of recycled phone cases and plant-based materials.

Designer: CASETiFY

The efficiency of durable construction and premium finish of the Ultra Bounce is a given considering the company’s excessive focus on it over the years. But to display that in a new light, using different camera angles and soft backgrounds, designer Zelig Sound and Tektura Studio showcase how the case design merges style and protection along with engrossing elements that reinforce the case’s durability features.

The goal well achieved puts the case through everyday adventures and depicts what the record-breaking 10x military-grade standard and up to 32.8 ft drop protection, that Ultra Bounce cases are certified with, would mean when confronted with difficult scenarios. The phone – at all times – remains cushioned from all sides and angles and ensure it remins protected from shock and scratch at all times.

The Ultra Bounce has a raised camera lens protection to ensure scraping the camera lens on day-to-day usage and rendering maximum shock absorption when the phone is to land camera first on the ground. Adding to the unconditional safety and protection of the iPhone 16 series is the range of hands-free functionalities the $100 Ultra Bounce design brings to the table. You can clip the case anywhere using a carabiner or carry it around in a lanyard.

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