OnePlus 6T to ditch 3.5mm jack for in-display fingerprint, bigger battery

The OnePlus 6T is expected to be a major upgrade over the current-generation flagship OnePlus 6, at least in terms of features; it will also drop some to accommodate new upgrades.

 

Technology News: OnePlus is gearing up to launch the OnePlus 6T sometime in the last quarter of this year. Like every previous launch, the company is divulging details on key features of the upcoming smartphone. The OnePlus 6T is expected to be a major upgrade over the current-generation flagship OnePlus 6, at least in terms of features. And, it will also drop some to accommodate new upgrades.

Speaking of upgrades, the OnePlus 6T would have an in-display fingerprint sensor technology, where the sensor is placed beneath the display panel. The in-display fingerprint module will free up the space on the back of the the OnePlus 6T without compromising on the overall design theme.

OnePlus 6T Price India

The OnePlus 6T is also reported to get a new screen format, with a tiny notch on top. Though the notch area in the OnePlus 6 is among the smallest when compared with other notch screen-based smartphones, it would be trimmed even more and reduced to the a size of a big dot, enough to accommodate just the front camera.

The rear camera module is another area that is expected to get an upgrade, apart from the new screen format and in-display fingerprint sensor. Though there has been no confirmation about the camera configuration, the OnePlus 6T is expected to get a tri-camera module on the back, with a new 3D depth-sensing lens, along with two regular lenses.

OnePlus 6T Offer

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News Source: BS

Xiaomi Mi A2 Review: A capable midrange smartphone with a sleek camera

The Mi A2 offers a power-packed performance, clutter-free user interface and top-notch camera. While the Mi A1 was an all-rounder, the Mi A2 seems more of a balancing act.

 

Smartphones Review: Xiaomi has refreshed its Android One platform-based Mi A-series with the launch of the Xiaomi Mi A2. Priced at Rs 16,999, this smartphone features a new design when compared with the predecessor, along with a better hardware, upgraded camera modules and stock Google Android Oreo, which would soon be upgraded to Android Pie, according to the company.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is a midrange smartphone which has a design language identical to the one Xiaomi introduced with the Redmi Note 5 Pro. The new phone boasts an aluminium unibody covering the back and sides, and glass on the front. The back features a vertically aligned iPhone X-inspired dual-camera module that bulges out from the body, making the phone uneven on flat surfaces like table. It also makes the glass covering the camera module more prone to scratches and smudges. Like other Xiaomi devices, the Mi A2 also sports a circular fingerprint sensor at the upper centre on the back that is easy to reach and operate.

Xiaomi Mi A2

The Mi A2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 system-on-chip (SoC), paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. Unlike the predecessor, the Mi A2 does not support storage expansion via microSD card slot. However, the phone is expected to get a 128GB internal storage variant soon with 6 GB of RAM. Coming back to the 4GB variant, the phone gets free unlimited storage on Google cloud to store photos and videos as part of Android One benefits.

On the front, there is a 20MP selfie camera that also supports AI enhancements in portrait mode for enhanced bokeh effects. The camera's performance in the Mi A2 seems to be one of the best in the midrange segment. It can even be on a par with some midrange flagships.

Read my full Review → Xiaomi Mi A2 Review

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News Source: BS

Intex Infie 33 review: Feature rich device for first time smartphone users

The Infie 33 boasts modern features such as 18:9 aspect ratio screen and face unlock. Priced at Rs 5,049, the phone is available across retail stores.

Technology News: Unlike most of the Chinese smartphone manufacturers, home-grown electronics manufacturer Intex targets the offline market, therefore has a healthy presence that caters to smartphone users in tier-II and tier-III cities. Expanding the line-up, the company launched the Infie 33 with modern features, such as 18:9 aspect ratio screen and face unlock, at Rs 5,049.

The Infie 33 sports a 5.34-inch screen of FWVHA resolution stretched in 18:9 aspect ratio. It boots Android Nougat-based Intex user interface loaded with lots of bloatware. However, some of them are quite useful such as face unlock, privacy system and app freezer. The face unlock is not as fast and accurate as seen in other budget smartphones. However, considering the fact that the smartphone is an entry-level budget device, this feature adds to the phone’s overall utility. The privacy system allows the user to keep apps, images, files and other data in a password-protected space. The app freezer is a performance booster feature that allows the phone to close background apps that are consuming resources while being idle.

Intex Infie 33

The phone is powered by a MediaTek 1.3GHz quad-core processor, paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Basic functions such as calling and messaging are smooth. However, due to low internal storage, the phone starts to hang when loaded with apps and data in internal storage. Thankfully, it features a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 128GB.

In terms of imaging, the Intex Infie 33 sports a 5-megapixel camera module on the front and back. The camera performance is satisfactory and it comes loaded with several modes such as panorama, watermark, time lapse, slow-mo, beautification, portrait, bokeh and night. The image quality is satisfactory in daylight condition. However, the overall image quality is sub-standard.

Read my full review → Intex Infie 33 Review

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News Source: BS

LG unveils it's new 'Q series' smartphone in India at Rs 15,990

Expanding its Q series, South Korean tech Major LG Electronics launched a new smartphone "Q7" in India at Rs 15,990.

Technology News: Expanding its Q series, South Korean tech Major LG Electronics on Tuesday launched a new smartphone "Q7" in India at Rs 15,990.

The 5.5-inch FHD+ smartphone with 18:9 aspect ratio will be available across leading retail stores from September 1.

The device is powered by 1.5 GHz Octa-Core chipset coupled with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 2TB.

LG Q7 Offer

"We are confident that the consumers who are looking for a balanced smartphone with the premium features will find the LG 'Q7' very hard to resist," Advait Vaidya, Business Head- Mobiles, LG India, said in a statement.

The device runs Android Oreo and houses 3,000mAh battery -- equipped with Qualcomm's "Fast Charge" technology.

The smartphone sports 13MP with PDAF rear camera and 8MP front camera. It also comes with an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based...continue reading

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News Source: BS

Cashback, Buyback, more: Know Oppo Realme 2 (Price, Specs and Offer)

However, compared to predecessor, it would feature a new format screen, better internals and an improved camera module.

Technology News: Realme, a sub-brand of Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo is launching the second iteration of its value-for-money smartphone in India today ( August 28). Named the Realme 2, the smartphone would have a gradient design, similar to the first-generation device. However, compared to the predecessor, the upcoming smartphone will feature a new format screen, better internals and an improved camera module, according to a device listing page on the e-commerce platform Flipkart.

Realme 2 Offer

The Realme 2 would sport a 6.2-inch HD+ resolution screen with a notch, accommodating a front camera, earpiece and sensors. On the back, the phone would get a dual camera module placed horizontally on top left centre, along with an LED flash. The back would also feature a fingerprint sensor, which was missing in the predecessor.

However, like the predecessor, the Realme 2 would feature a diamond-shaped gradient design on the back and on the frame.

Oppo Realme 2 Offer

In terms of specifications, the Realme 2 would be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. However, there is no confirmation on the details of processor and RAM/ROM configurations. Imaging would be taken care of by a dual-camera module on the back that is expected to feature a 13-megapixel primary sensor, mated with a 2MP depth-sensing lens for bokeh and portrait shots. Selfie camera is expected to feature an 8MP lens of f/2.0 aperture size. Powering the smartphone would be a 4,230 mAh battery.

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News Source: BS

New iPhone to stick with iPhone X design, have new colors, bigger screens

Perhaps the most significant phone will be a new, cheaper device destined to replace the iPhone 8.

Technology News: Apple Inc is not only doubling down on the iPhone X, it's tripling down.

The world's most valuable company plans to launch three new iPhones soon that keep the edge-to-edge screen design of last year's flagship, according to people familiar with the matter. The devices will boast a wider range of prices, features and sizes to increase their appeal, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing unannounced products.

However, none of the three iPhones will be wholly new designs like the iPhone X was last year or the iPhone 6 in 2014, with some inside Apple labelling the launch as an "S year", a designation the company has given to new handsets that retain the previous design but add new internal features. The company is planning more significant changes for next year, they added.

The iPhone X wasn't as big a hit as some Wall Street analysts hoped for before it was released last November. However, it still sold strongly and helped Apple gain share in a smartphone market that has almost stopped growing.

The upcoming iPhone, planned to be unveiled in September, show the company is adjusting its strategy. Rather than luring millions of new iPhone users, Apple's goal these days is to steadily raise average prices, while expanding the total number of active devices to support sales of accessories and digital services like streaming music and video.

There'll be a new high-end iPhone, internally dubbed D33, with a display that measures about 6.5-inch diagonally, according to the people familiar with the matter. That would make it the largest iPhone by far and one of the biggest mainstream phones on the market. It will continue to have a glass back with stainless steel edges and dual cameras on the back. The big difference on the software side will be the ability to view content side-by-side in apps like Mail and Calendar. It will be Apple's second phone with a crisper organic light-emitting diode, or...continue reading

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News Source: BS

Nokia 6.1 Plus Review: Sleek design, smooth performance at affordable price

The Nokia 6.1 Plus is one of the most balanced budget midrange smartphone. It ticks almost all the right boxes and shows some strength in all areas.

 

Technology News: The Android One smartphone is the first Nokia offering to feature notch screen, along with dual camera module on the back and premium glass design. Priced at Rs 15,999, this edition is cheaper than its predecessor, the Nokia 6.1. In comparison to the predecessor, it also offers better hardware, premium design, bigger screen estate and enhanced camera modules.

Nokia 6.1 Plus Design

• Design wise, the Nokia 6.1 Plus looks plush in its glossy outlook. It features a glass-metal-glass design in a compact form factor, which is easy to hold and operate. The phone is light in weight, which makes it easy to use and carry around in hand or pocket. It is among a few smartphones to have a perfect body size, which is neither big nor small. Granular detailing in design such as silver accent lining around keys and fingerprint sensor also accentuates its overall premium appeal.

Nokia 6.1 Plus Display

• The phone sports a 5.8-inch fullHD+ notch-based screen stretched in 19:9 aspect ratio. The screen is covered with curved Gorilla Glass 3 for protection against accidental scratches. Though the protective glass is not from Corning’s latest breed, it is still sturdy and protects the screen surface from day to day damage from coins, keys and other pointed items.
• In terms of display quality, it is a bright unit that makes it legible under bright sunny conditions. However, the contrast ratio and the colour output is not up to the mark. The black looks greyish and the colours show shift in contrast when looked from angles. At times, the touch above the screen also fails to recognise input. It could be a software glitch, but the failed attempt certainly diminishes the phone’s overall utility.

Nokia 6.1 Plus Battery

• The phone is powered by 3,060 mAh battery, which keeps the show going for almost a day. The phone also supports quick charging. However, it still takes almost two hours to fill up a completely exhausted battery to 100 per cent. Importantly, the phone features USB type-C port for charging and data transfer jobs, and features a dedicated 3.5mm audio output port, which is a welcome feature considering the fact that most phones are losing it just to bring down the waist size.

Read the my review → Nokia 6.1 Plus Review

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News Source: BS

Honor 9N Review: Mid-range device with premium design, average performance

The Honor 9N shares its technical specifications with other Honor budget smartphones. However, in terms of design and features, the phone offers a refreshing new experience.

 

Technology News: The Honor 9N sports a premium glass design, dual rear cameras and a modern 19:9 aspect ratio notch-based screen. Importantly, the phone comes in three RAM and storage configurations – 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB and 4GB/128GB. It shares its technical specifications with other Honor budget smartphones, but in terms of design and features, it offers a refreshing new experience.

Design & Display

• The Honor 9N takes design cues from its flagship sibling, the Honor 10. The phone’s front and back are covered with glass, with subtle curved sides that move into a metallic chassis. The back glass is reflective in nature and takes some of the colour-changing properties from the Honor 10. However, it is not as profound as seen in the premium sibling.
• The front of the smartphone is dominated by a 5.84-inch notch-based fullHD+ screen. However, even with a big screen, the phone’s form factor is compact and it feels light in hand and comfortable to carry in pocket. The phone’s back has a fingerprint scanner at the upper centre and dual cameras, with an LED flash, on the extreme top left. Interestingly, the camera unit does not bulge out much – it did in the Honor View10 – and fits right inside the frame, improving the phone’s design quotient.

Camera - Honor 9N

• The Honor 9N sports a 13-megapixel lens, mated with a 2MP secondary lens on the back, and a 16MP selfie camera on the front.
• The rear camera output is more or less how it was in Honor’s other budget smartphones, such as the Honor 9 Lite, Honor 7X, etc. But the front camera has an improvement with modes like portrait and Apple iPhone X-like 3D light that give a lot to explore and experiment.

Battery

• The Honor 9N houses a 3,000 mAh battery that keeps the show going for almost one full day. Even after heavy usage with multimedia playback, online audio streaming, gaming and camera usage, the phone manages to go on for 8 hours without asking for battery juices to be replenished.

Read my review → Honor 9N Review

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News Source : BS

Vivo X21 Review: A worthy mid-range flagship to challenge OnePlus dominance

Priced at Rs 35,990, the Vivo X21 is a premium mid-range device strong in almost all areas; the phone’s modest processor seems a downside, but it shows no signs of weakness in real-life scenario.

Technology News : After showcasing the prototype of in-display fingerprint sensor technology at the Consumer Electronic Show, 2018, Chinese smartphone maker Vivo on May 29 launched the Vivo X21 with a fingerprint sensor under the display. For a mid-range smartphone, the X21 boasts premium features like dual rear cameras, artificial intelligence capabilities, face-unlock mechanism, Hi-Fi sound with dedicated AMP and modern notch-based screen. These features propel it in the league of mid-range premium smartphones – at least on papers.

Vivo X21 Design

The Vivo X21 glass-metal-glass sandwich design looks similar to other mid-range smartphones. The design, especially the frame, looks close to the OnePlus 6, but the front is dominated by a notch-based screen stretching almost edge to edge on three sides and leaving only a thin chin on the bottom. On the back, the reflective glass design with horizontally aligned dual camera set-up on top left is in line with the current trend and looks similar to the Honor 10.

Vivo X21 The thin frame that holds the front and back glass feels pointed, something similar to the Nokia 8 Sirocco. While the frame makes it easy to hold and operate the phone, the razor thin volume rocker keys and a power button on the right side of the frame are somewhat uncomfortable to use.

On the bottom, the phone sports an outdated microUSB port for charging and data transfers, coupled with a mono speaker on the right and dual-SIM slot on the left. The left side of the frame is vacant and the top side features a 3.5mm audio output port and secondary microphone.

Overall, the design looks modern, but not refreshing. The metallic frame gives to the convenience to hold the phone with confidence, but the thin volume rocker keys and power button reduce the utility overall.

Vivo X21 Battery

The Vivo X21 is powered by a 3,200 mAh battery that keeps the phone going for almost a day. Interestingly, the phone boasts a dual charging technology, which improves charging time and takes the battery level from zero to 100 per cent in less than one-and-a-half hours.

Read the Verdict → Vivo X21 Review

Honor 7C Review: Another budget smartphone with decent camera, performance

For a budget smartphone, the Honor 7C comes loaded with premium features like metallic design, 18:9 aspect ratio screen, Android Oreo-based EMUI 8.0 OS, face unlocking capabilities, etc.

 

Technology News : Honor, an online subsidiary of Huawei, is on a roll in India. After launching the budget Honor 9 Lite, followed by a mid-range Honor 10, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer recently launched the Honor 7C. For a budget smartphone, the Honor 7C comes loaded with several premium features like metallic design, 18:9 aspect ratio screen, Android Oreo-based EMUI 8.0 operating system, face unlocking capabilities, etc.

In terms of design, the Honor 7C looks like another modern day smartphone with 5.99-inch fullHD+ IPS 18:9 aspect ratio screen, which is bright and colourful, covered under curved glass. The phone belongs to Honor 7x lineage, therefore it has an aluminium back that feels sturdy. The phone’s tall stance, coupled with a mammoth screen on front, looks good for a budget proposition.

The Honor 7C is one of the very few Honor devices to boast the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Honor has been using the in-house developed Huawei Kirin system-on-chip (SoC) in almost all the models. However, the Honor 7C trades in the Kirin 659 SoC for the entry-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC to power the device.

As for the performance, the Honor 7C sails through most daily tasks without any hiccups. However, it does feel underpowered, especially while handling processor-intensive tasks like multitasking and online video streaming. The performance, though, is at-par with other budget smartphones in the segment, except for the recently launched Xiaomi and Asus smartphones, which boast a much powerful Snapdragon 660 SoC.

Though the performance is nothing exemplary, the phone handles graphic intensive apps better than Kirin 659 SoC-based counterparts do. The browser-based gameplay is consistent and smooth, app-based video streaming services work satisfactory and games work fine at moderate settings.

In terms of imaging, the Honor 7C sports a 13-megapixel primary sensor, paired with a 2MP depth-sensing lens. There is an 8MP sensor on the front for selfies and face unlock feature. The camera in Honor 7C takes satisfactory shots, however, it is a mixed bag of hits and misses. The auto focus is instant but the touch to focus seems a bit out of calibration. The shots look detailed and the colour reproduction is natural. In low light conditions, the camera is not great, but still better than what other budget smartphones’ cameras turn out to be. It takes decent shots, but the noise is prominent.

Read the Verdict → Honor 7C Review

Micromax Bharat Go with Android Oreo (Go Edition) announced at Rs 4,399

The Bharat Go comes bundled with a cashback offer of Rs 2,000 from Airtel that brings down the effective cost to Rs 2,399.

Technology News : Home-grown electronics brand Micromax Informatics on May 22 announced the Bharat Go, an Android Oreo Go edition-based smartphone, in collaboration with India’s leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel. Priced at Rs 4,399, the smartphone comes bundled with a cashback offer of Rs 2,000 from Airtel that brings down the effective cost to Rs 2,399.

The key highlight of the Bharat Go is the operating system it boots — Android Oreo Go edition — which was announced by Google last year. The operating system is a trim-down version of the Android Oreo, optimised to run efficiently on devices utilising much of phone’s hardware resources. As a result, the operating system works efficiently even on devices with 1 GB of RAM or less.

The Android Oreo (Go edition) comes with a dedicated suite of apps designed to run faster while using less data.

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Also Read : Comio X1 Note

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As for the other features and specifications, the Bharat Go features dual-SIM functionality, both of which support voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) calling. The phone comes pre-loaded with Google apps optimised for Go edition, such as Gmail Go, Maps Go, Files Go, Chrome, YouTube Go, Assistant Go, Play Store and GBoard.

The Bharat Go sports a 4.5-inch screen and boasts a smart key that allows users to take screenshots, click pictures and switch the phone into silent mode. On the camera front, it uses a 5-megapixel camera on the back and front. Powering the device is a MediaTek quad-core processor, paired with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage.

It is powered by 2,000 mAh battery and the phone supports USB on the go (OTG) functionality, which allows users to connect the phone with mass storage devices, serial communications, keyboards/mice, game controllers, Ethernet and camera controller.

Read More About → Micromax Bharat Go Features

Vivo V9 Review: A value-for-money device with good camera, notch screen

The Vivo V9 smartphone, with 6.3-inch full HD+ notch display, lets you have a big screen experience, though slow charging might dampen your enthusiasm.

 

Technology News : Chinese smartphone maker Vivo recently launched the Vivo V9 in India. Priced at Rs 22,990, the phone has a 24-megapixel front camera with enhanced face beauty features that can brighten up and take sharp selfies.

The V9 is powered by Snapdragon 626 octa core processor, along with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal memory, expandable up to 256 GB through microSD card. The phone runs smoothly with minor lags even after opening 10-15 different applications ranging from social media to gaming. Even though there is decent internal memory, users can still choose to expand with the help of a microSD card, a designated slot for which has been provided in the SIM tray.

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 Also Read : Vivo V9 Youth

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Vivo V9 The handset comes with the Android 8.1 Oreo operating system out-of-the-box, based on Vivo’s Funtouch OS 4.0 user interface. The interface is smooth and there are no lags when switching windows. It also has a 3260 mAh battery which can last a day smoothly on regular usage comprising around 2 hours of gaming, 1 hour of social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) and 1.5-2 hours of video streaming (Youtube/Amazon Prime videos/ Airtel TV). However, the phone lacks rapid charging and in this era of high-end rapid charging devices, a normal charging system is surely a drawback.

The device supports a dual-SIM set-up along with dual standby, and the SIM tray has the provision to accommodate both SIMs and a memory card. The smartphone also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, and you get in-ear headphones in the box, too. The device sports a notch screen. The display is a 6.3-inch full HD+ capacitive touchscreen with a 2280 x 1080 pixel resolution, and 19:9 aspect ratio which is pretty impressive. The screen-to-body ratio is around 90 per cent.

The Vivo V9 comes pre-installed with bloatware, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Flipkart, Amazon Shopping, Prime Video, UC Browser, NewsPoint, and WPS Office. However, these apps can also be uninstalled easily if the user so wishes. In terms of imaging, the V9 boasts a vertically stacked dual-camera setup at the back with a 16MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor which can click some really good photographs, both in normal day light and low-light conditions. The Bokeh mode is not bad, either. The Live feature is up to the mark as well.

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 Also Read : Vivo V9

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That apart, the 24MP sensor on the front clicks good selfies and adds to the video calling experience. The face beauty feature brightens up the photograph and might hinder the natural toning of your selfies. The fingerprint sensor is located at the back and works just fine. The face-unlocking mechanism works without a glitch, but it may ask you to use fingerprint in low-light conditions.

Verdict

While a price of Rs 22,990 might feel a bit high, the Vivo V9 is one of the better phones in the mid-range segment and can provide a good value for money. In the bizarre era of hybrid-SIM slot, Vivo has given the option to expand the device’s memory while using dual SIM cards — that is commendable. That said, had the phone also provided the option of rapid charging, it would have been the most sought-after in the market. A sub-Rs 20,000 range, however, could have been a better deal for customers.

Read More → Vivo V9 Review

OnePlus 6 unveiled, price starts at $529; India launch today: Details here

The OnePlus 6 India launch is set for May 17. The phone would go on sale starting May 21, exclusively for Amazon Prime members. Here are all the details you need to know.

Technology News : OnePlus, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, on May 16 held an event in London to unveil the OnePlus 6. Followed by an international unveiling in London, the phone would be launched in India on May 17 and go on sale starting May 21, exclusively on Amazon India. OnePlus also launched the company’s first wireless earphones “Bullets Wireless.” It will be priced at $69, which is approximately Rs 4,674. Bullets Wireless will be available starting June 5, 2018.

The OnePlus 6 India launch event will also be live-streamed on the OnePlus India official web portal and YouTube channel.

OnePlus 6 Price

• OnePlus 6 price starts at $529 for 6GB RAM+64GB storage version. Indian pricing is unclear at the moment and we could expect it to be revealed when the phone makes debut on May 17 in Mumbai. Based on leaks, OnePlus 6 price could starts at Rs 36,999 and go up till Rs 40,000 plus.

OnePlus 6 Glass Build

• The OnePlus 6 features a glass-metal-glass design, unlike an aluminium build of the predecessor. However, it retains the signature horizontal lines and curved design of the current generation flagship.

OnePlus 6 Camera

• The phone sports dual-camera set-up on its back featuring a 16-megapixel sensor, paired with a 20MP sensor. The primary 16MP lens is mated with optical image stabilisation and electronic image stabilisation for improved low-light imaging. The selfie camera sports a 20MP sensor. The OnePlus 6 features slow motion video recording feature, but not the ultra slow-mo as was expected earlier based on various teasers company shared on social media platform.

OnePlus 6 Features and Specifications

• The phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 system-on-chip (SoC) and have a 256GB storage variant paired with 8GB of RAM. The mid-range smartphone also comes in 64GB and 128GB variants, paired with 6GB of RAM. The device is now water resistant. However, the company did not share exact ingress protection (IP) rating details.

Read More on  → Oneplus 6 Launch Event