Enceladus' Geysers May Not Come from Underground Ocean, Study Suggests

Saturn's moon Enceladus has been a subject of scientific intrigue due to its massive water plumes, which were initially believed to be linked to an underground ocean beneath its icy crust. The idea that this ocean could sustain microbial life made it a prime target for astrobiological studies. However, new research suggests that the source of these geysers may not be the deep subsurface ocean, but rather a mushy layer within the ice shell itself. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the habitability of Enceladus and raises new questions about the mechanisms behind the moon's plumes.

New Theory on Enceladus' Geysers

According to a study published in Geophysical Research Letters, researchers from Dartmouth College propose that the plumes erupting from Enceladus may not require fractures that extend entirely through the ice shell to the underground ocean. Instead, they suggest that a slushy, salt-laden layer within the ice could act as the source of the water vapor and ice particles seen in the plumes. This theory is based on the observation that the moon's icy surface contains salts, which lower the melting point of ice, allowing it to form a semi-liquid state in certain regions.

Shear Heating and Fractures in the Ice

Scientists have pointed to "tiger stripe" fractures in the moon's southern hemisphere as key locations where these eruptions occur. The study suggests that friction between ice layers, known as shear heating, could generate enough warmth to maintain a slushy state within the ice shell. This would create a reservoir of briny water close to the surface, supplying the plumes without requiring a direct connection to the deep ocean.

Gases and Plume Composition

As per the reports, the composition of the plumes observed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft could be explained by the melting of gas-rich ice structures called clathrates. These formations trap molecular hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane within the ice. Partial melting of these structures could release hydrogen while retaining other gases, potentially accounting for the chemical composition detected in the plumes.

Future Investigations

While this study provides an alternative explanation for Enceladus' geysers, further research is required to determine how the slushy zone replenishes itself over time. Scientists continue to analyse Cassini's data to refine their understanding of the processes shaping the moon's icy surface and its potential for sustaining life.

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Apple Reportedly Developing Refreshed C1 Modem With mmWave Support for iPhone

A refreshed version of Apple's C1 modem is said to be in development which adds a key functionality missing from the current model, as per the claims by an industry analyst. Introduced with the iPhone 16e last month, the C1 is the Cupertino-based technology giant's first-ever proprietary cellular modem which potentially reduces the company's dependency on Qualcomm. However, it is not without its caveats. A glance at the iPhone 16e's specifications reveals that the phone lacks mmWave support due to this modem, but that may soon change.

mmWave Support on Apple's C1 Modem

According to TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, C1 modem's architecture on the iPhone 16e comprises a 4nm or 5nm baseband, 7nm low-frequency transceivers, 7nm transreceivers for immediate frequency, and a 55nm Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). It only supports up to sub-6GHz 5G.

Apple's C1 modem process technology:
- Baseband: 4/5nm (both technologies are similar)
- Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx (Transceivers): 7nm
- Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm
- PMIC: 55nm

The C1 refreshed version is under development for mass production next year, aiming to improve…

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 6, 2025

Although the company claims C1 to be the “most power-efficient modem ever”, the lack of mmWave, which is the extremely high frequency (EHF) band, potentially results in slower download and upload speeds. To address this, Apple is said to be developing its successor. Kuo claims the refreshed version of the C1 modem is unlikely to adopt a 3nm baseband due to it not being the most power-hungry component in a modem.

To enable mmWave support, Apple is expected to add transreceivers and front-end components based on a 28nm node. The analyst emphasises that while adding mmWave support to this modem isn't particularly a challenging process, balancing between a stable performance and low power consumption remains a hurdle.

While Kuo did not reveal which iPhone the new modem could be featured in, Apple was previously reported to also include the C1 modem in the purported iPhone 17 Air. If this phone gets the refreshed variant, users may be able to take advantage of the fastest possible download and upload 5G speeds courtesy of mmWave support, depending on the availability in the region.

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NASA Tests Advanced Infrared Technology to Improve Wildfire Monitoring

Wildfires in California during January caused widespread destruction, affecting communities and ecosystems. To improve wildfire monitoring and response, NASA deployed a new scientific instrument capable of capturing high-resolution thermal infrared images. The Compact Fire Infrared Radiance Spectral Tracker (c-FIRST) was tested aboard NASA's B200 King Air aircraft over fire-hit areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The instrument, developed for satellite-based missions, was assessed for its ability to provide real-time data on active and smoldering fires. Scientists aim to use this technology to enhance understanding of wildfire behavior and improve mitigation strategies.

Enhanced Fire Detection and Data Collection

According to reports, the c-FIRST instrument was developed and is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), with support from NASA's Earth Science Technology Office. The compact design allows it to be deployed on airborne platforms, simulating satellite missions while providing near-instantaneous observations. The system captures a wide range of fire characteristics, including temperature variations across large areas. Unlike previous infrared imaging systems, c-FIRST can detect extremely high temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (550 degrees Celsius) with improved clarity.

In a statement, Sarath Gunapala, principal investigator for c-FIRST at NASA JPL, noted that current fire observation instruments do not fully capture fire attributes across the Earth system. He explained that limitations in past imaging technologies have resulted in gaps in data concerning wildfire frequency, size, and intensity.

Potential Benefits for Fire Management

As per sources, c-FIRST is expected to provide critical insights for firefighting agencies by identifying smoldering fires that could reignite under changing wind conditions. In a report, Gunapala stated that the instrument's ability to distinguish such fires in near real-time could support more effective wildfire management efforts.

KC Sujan, operations engineer for the B200 King Air, told that the aircraft's flight characteristics made it ideal for testing the instrument. With further evaluation, c-FIRST is expected to be integrated into future satellite missions, potentially improving global wildfire monitoring capabilities.

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Earth's Orbit and Tilt Linked to Ice Age Cycles, Next One Delayed by Climate Change

Shifts in Earth's tilt and orbit have played a crucial role in the onset and end of ice ages over the past 800,000 years, researchers have found. A direct link between these changes and the movements of massive ice sheets has been identified, indicating that another ice age would have started within the next 11,000 years if not for the rising impact of greenhouse gas emissions. The study examined how Earth's axial tilt and orbit influence long-term climate patterns, revealing a strong correlation between these factors and the expansion and retreat of ice sheets.

Influence of Earth's Tilt and Wobble on Climate

According to the study published in Science, Earth's axis is currently tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. Over a cycle of approximately 41,000 years, this tilt fluctuates, affecting the amount of solar radiation reaching the poles. Another factor, Earth's precession, refers to the wobble of its axis, which influences the intensity of sunlight in equatorial regions over a 21,000-year cycle. Both of these variations have been found to dictate the timing of ice ages.

In an interview with Live Science, Stephen Barker, Professor of Earth Science at Cardiff University, explained that an "amazing correlation" was observed between Earth's obliquity, precession, and ice sheet movements. The study tracked data from ocean sediment cores containing microscopic shells, known as forams, which provided insight into historical ice sheet coverage.

Impact of Human Activity on Glaciation

A timeline for the next glaciation phase was estimated based on natural climate cycles. If human activity were not a factor, ice sheets would start expanding within 10,000 to 11,000 years, reaching their peak over the next 80,000 to 90,000 years before gradually retreating. However, carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, disrupting these natural cycles. Barker noted that sustained high CO2 levels would prevent a new glacial period from occurring.

The findings contribute to a broader understanding of Earth's long-term climate changes and the extent of human influence on natural processes. Researchers emphasise the importance of studying historical climate patterns to assess future climate projections accurately.

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GlocalMe Showcases PetPhone, a Smartphone for Pets With Action Recognition at MWC 2025

Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 is well underway with exciting innovations showcased by global companies so far. Among the most unique products is an offering from a company called GlocalMe. Dubbed PetPhone, it is advertised as a smartphone for pets which makes two-way communication possible. The device, showcased at MWC 2025, is said to feature recognition for various actions such as barks. It also enables pet owners to keep a check on their pet's well being along with GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth tracking capabilities.

GlocalMe's PetPhone Showcase at MWC 2025

According to GlocalMe, the PetPhone is in the form of a pet collar which can recognise different sounds uttered by pets. With this, pet owners can keep a check on their pet's mood while also having the option to talk back and comfort them with PawTalk and sound play features. Further, the PetPhone enables them to track their live location leveraging GPS, AGPS, LBS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and something which the company calls Active Radar.

Advertised as the “first smartphone designed for pets”, the GlocalMe PetPhone comes with activity monitoring and AI active alert. Meanwhile, the PawTrack can be used to trace the pet's route and search for them with a single click. It also gets a geofence feature which delivers alerts when a pet leaves their safe zone. With an inbuilt light, pet owners can locate their pets in the dark easily, or use a ringtone to play audible sounds.

Pet owners can join a social community to share their great moments and also create a profile for their pet with details such as pet information, health advice, current service plan, and device information. They can also set reminders to keep a check on their pet's routine activities and play them music to relax.

GlocalMe says PetPhone is designed for global use and is compatible for use in over 200 countries. It supports CloudSIM and gets IP68 rating against dust and water ingress.

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Tecno Camon 40 Series With One-Tap Button Unveiled at MWC 2025

Tecno unveiled its Camon 40 series of smartphones at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. The lineup includes the Tecno Camon 40, Camon 40 Pro, Camon 40 Pro 5G, and Camon 40 Premier 5G. The phones come with a new One-Tap Button and 50-megapixel selfie shooters. They are equipped with Tecno AI, which includes several AI-backed imaging and productivity features. The handsets are expected to be available for purchase in select global markets soon.

Tecno Camon 40 Series Unveiled

In a press release, the company confirmed that the Tecno Camon 40 series phones are equipped with MediaTek Dimensity Ultimate processors. The Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate AI SoC. It is said to be the first ever handset to get this chipset. The series supports 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage,

The Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G, along with the Camon 40 Pro and Camon 40 Pro 5G handsets, arrives with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection. They are claimed to meet the IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings. They carry TÜV Rheinland certifications and are said to offer 72-month lag-free performance. Meanwhile, the vanilla Tecno Camon 40 is said to get an IP66-rated build against dust and water ingress.

All variants of the Tecno Camon 40 series have AMOLED displays. They also carry stereo dual speaker units with Dolby Atmos audio. The top-of-the-line Premier 5G variant is backed by a 5,100mAh battery with 70W wired fast charging support. For optics, all handsets are equipped with 50-megapixel selfie shooters. The One-Tap Button paired with the AI-backed FlashSnap mode allows users to capture images instantly, without considerable lags. 

The Tecno Camon 40 Premier 5G, with a swan-neck curve design, comes with a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-701 sensor, which is said to collect 56.25 percent more light than other competing sensors, ensuring better night photography results. The handset's camera setup includes a 50-megapixel ultrawide angle shooter and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera at the back. It has a 50-megapixel front camera sensor with auto focus for selfies and video calls as well. It can capture 4K 60fps Pre-ISP videos at night or in low light conditions thanks to an "independent imaging chip."

The AI features in the Tecno Camon 40 series phones include AI Eraser 2.0, AIGC Portrait 2.0, AI Perfect Face, AI Sharpness Plus, AI Image Extender, Universal Tone, AI Writing, and AI Translate. The Ella AI Assistant is said to help users with scheduling, navigation, and image recognition. The handsets support Google's Circle to Search feature and an AI Call Assistant with Call Translation and Call Summary tools. 

The company has not yet revealed the price and availability details for the Tecno Camon 40 series handsets. However, their other key specifications are expected to be revealed soon.

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Kuberaa OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Dhanush, Nagarjuna’s Thriller Online

Dhanush and Nagarjuna's much-anticipated social thriller, Kuberaa, is set for a grand theatrical release on June 20, 2025. The film, directed by Sekhar Kammula, features an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, and Dalip Tahil. The storyline, believed to revolve around power, wealth, and fate, has generated significant buzz. With large-scale visuals and intense performances, the film is expected to deliver a gripping cinematic experience. Following its run in cinemas, Kuberaa will be available for streaming, with Amazon Prime Video securing its digital rights.

When and Where to Watch Kuberaa

Following its theatrical debut, Kuberaa is reported to make its way to Amazon Prime Video. While the official OTT release date has not been disclosed, industry trends suggest a 4-6 week window, placing its streaming debut between late July and early August 2025. This timeline aligns with recent patterns observed for major theatrical releases.

Official Trailer and Plot of Kuberaa

The official trailer of Kuberaa has hinted at a high-stakes drama unfolding in the heart of Mumbai. While plot details remain under wraps, speculation suggests that Dhanush portrays a man who rises from the streets to dominate the underworld, while Nagarjuna plays an officer or an adversary determined to bring him down. The film marks a collaboration between Dhanush and Nagarjuna for the first time, adding to its appeal. The background score, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, is expected to enhance the film's intense atmosphere.

Cast and Crew of Kuberaa

Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa brings together an impressive cast. Alongside Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna, the film also features Jim Sarbh, Dalip Tahil, Sunaina, Divya Dekate, Koushik Mahata, Saurav Khurana, and Col Ravi Sharma in key roles. The film is produced by Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP and Amigos Creations, with music composed by Devi Sri Prasad.

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Microsoft to Shut Down Skype in May Following Emergence of Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down Skype — its legacy video-conferencing platform — starting May 5, 2025. Debuted in 2003, it was known for its Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)-based video telephony, video-conferencing and voice calling capabilities which led to its acquisition by the Redmond-based technology company in 2011. Although Microsoft in 2023 revealed that the platform still had 36 million users, its market share has decreased over time, with Microsoft's own Teams app offering similar core features in addition to more functionality.

Skype Shutdown

As per Microsoft, it aims to streamline its free consumer communications offerings by making Teams the “modern communications and collaboration hub.” Aside from its one-on-one calls and group calls, messaging, and file sharing features, it offers more extensive functionality over Skype, including the ability to host meetings, manage calendars, and build and join communities for free. Microsoft reports that its video conferencing platform has grown nearly fourfold in the past two years, a surge initially driven by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 as users sought to stay connected for work, school, and personal use.

Skype Credit, subscriptions, and other paid features will no longer be offered to users, the tech giant says. Current Skype subscription users can continue to use their Skype Credits and subscriptions until the end of their next renewal period, while Skype Credits can be used till exhaustion. Starting May 5, Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams.

With Skype's planned phasing out, Microsoft says they will be able to login to the free version of Teams using their existing Skype credentials on any supported device. Chats as well as contacts will automatically be migrated to the new platform. To move from Skype to Microsoft Teams, users need to:

1. Download Teams on their device from the official Microsoft Teams website. 
2. Log in with Skype credentials. 
3. Start using Teams with all the Skype chats and contacts available from the offset.

Further, the tech giant is making sure users do not lose their connectivity during this transition period by allowing cross-platform calling. Microsoft Teams users will be able to call those with Skype accounts and vice versa.

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Xiaomi 15 Series Gets Google Gemini Integration; HyperOS 2.0 Global Rollout Timeline Revealed

Xiaomi announced a collaboration with Google on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona. With this collaboration, the Mountain View-based tech giant will allow its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to be integrated within first-party Xiaomi apps in the Xiaomi 15 series. With this, Gemini can find information and take action across several apps of the Chinese consumer tech brand. Alongside, the company also launched the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 in global markets. 

Xiaomi Brings Gemini AI Capabilities to the Xiaomi 15 Series

In a blog post, the tech giant announced that it has partnered with Google to bring its AI services to the Xiaomi 15 series. With this collaboration, the Gemini AI chatbot is now being integrated with several Xiaomi apps including Xiaomi Notes, Xiaomi Calendar, and Xiaomi Clock. This is the first time the Chinese brand is letting a third-party AI service provider access its first-party apps.

While Xiaomi did not reveal a lot about how this integration will function, it highlighted that Gemini will now be able to access information from within these apps as well as complete several tasks in them. These tasks likely include actions such as creating a new note, calendar event, or setting an alarm. However, it is unclear whether users will also be able to use Gemini to edit or delete a note, event, or alarm.

In the footnote, Xiaomi stated that the availability of the feature might vary by device, country, and language, and that Internet connection will be required. Users of Xiaomi 15 series will likely have to use the Gemini AI assistant to access these features. These are server-based features, and an Internet connection will be required.

With this integration, Xiaomi is also expanding its AI features, which are so far limited to its camera features and the China-exclusive AI-powered Super Xiao AI assistant. The Xiaomi 15 series also gets Google's Circle to Search, which is an AI-powered visual lookup feature.

Xiaomi Reveals HyperOS 2 Rollout Timeline

Meanwhile, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the official handle of Xiaomi announced that the HyperOS 2 operating system will now be globally available out-of-the-box with the Xiaomi 15 series and give users early access to the Hyper AI suite of features. The company, however, did not delve too much into the AI features that users will get to try out. The announcement also hints at the Chinese brand's ambition to rival Samsung's Galaxy AI features and Oppo's suite of in-house AI tools.

As per the post, the HyperOS 2 with HyperAI is now available in the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra models in global markets. The company's recently released Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro will also get the update out-of-the-box alongside the Xiaomi Watch S4 and Redmi Watch 5. However, the Watch S4 and Watch 5 will not be getting AI features.

HyperAI will also be rolled out to the Xiaomi 14 lineup, Xiaomi Mix Flip, Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, and Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro starting April.

Coming to HyperOS 2 rollout schedule, the company stated that the Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 13 series, and Smart Band 9 Pro will get the update by the end of March.

The remaining Xiaomi 13 series, the entire Xiaomi 12 series, Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, Redmi 13 series, Redmi Note 12 series, Redmi 12 5G, and Redmi 12 will get the update by May. In the same period, HyperOS 2 update will be released for the Xiaomi Pad 6, Redmi Pad Pro 5G, Redmi Pad Pro, Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G, Redmi Pad SE 8.7, and Redmi Pad SE.

Additionally, the Redmi Note 14 series, Redmi A3 Pro, and Redmi 14C will get the update between March and June.

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HMD Barca Fusion, HMD Barca 3210 Launched at MWC 2025; Teen-Focused HMD Fusion X1 Tags Along

HMD Barca Fusion and HMD Barca 3210 were unveiled on Sunday as part of the Finnish company's collaboration with Spanish football club FC Barcelona at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025). The former is a collector's edition smartphone that features exclusive themed content, while the HMD Barca 3210 resembles the company's classic feature phone, while offering 4G connectivity. The company also unveiled the HMD Fusion X1, a smartphone that is designed to keep younger users safe as they use the internet.

The company has yet to announce pricing for the new HMD Barca Fusion, HMD Barca 3210, and HMD Fusion X1 models. These smartphones are expected to go on sale in global markets in the coming months. The HMD Barca 3210 is available in Blau and Grana colourways.

HMD Fusion X1 Features

HMD has reportedly equipped the Fusion X1 with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, along with up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of built-in storage. The smartphone sports a 6.56-inch HD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 90Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is equipped with a 108-megapixel primary camera, paired with an unspecified 2-megapixel sensor. The handset has a 50-megapixel selfie camera.

HMD Fusion X1 will offer parental control features
Photo Credit: HMD

 

The HMD Fusion X1 is also equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged at 33W. The company has also shown off various "outfits", which are accessories that are compatible with the phone, just like the original HMD Fusion that arrived last year.

According to the company, the HMD Fusion X1 is its first smartphone designed to help younger users, including teenagers, to explore the internet safely. Parents will be able to access location safety features, approve contacts, block access to certain apps (or set a schedule), and view their kid's real time location. These features will be available as part of HMD's Xplora parental controls service, which

HMD Barca Fusion, HMD Barca 3210 Features

The new HMD Barca Fusion handset is equipped with a 108-megapixel primary camera, and while the company has yet to reveal the specifications of this handset, it appears to be a rebranded, themed version of the HMD Fusion X1. It will also support accessories, like the company's other Fusion smartphones.

HMD's FC Barcelona-themed handsets
Photo Credit: HMD

 

Customers will get access to exclusive themed content on the HMD Barca Fusion, which includes the FC Barcelona app, sounds, wallpapers, and greetings from the club's current team. The Barca Fusion also ships with a case that features signatures of the company's players. These signatures are said to glow under UV light.

Similarly, the HMD Barca 3210 is a themed version of the Nokia 3210. It's a feature phone that doesn't offer support for apps. It does let you play a FC Barecelona-themed version of the classic Snake game, which is preloaded on the smartphone.

The HMD Barca 3210 offers support for 4G connectivity, and the company touts the phone's ability to deliver long battery life on a single charge. The Barca 3210 is shown to feature a single rear camera, along with an LED flash, and this could be the same 2-megapixel sensor on the Nokia 3210.

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Xiaomi 15 Ultra With Leica-Tuned Cameras Goes Global at MWC 2025 Alongside Xiaomi 15: Price, Specifications

Xiaomi 15 Ultra was launched in global markets by the Chinese smartphone maker on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona. The company's flagship smartphone was unveiled in China on February 27, while the standard and Pro models were first introduced in October 2024. The Xiaomi 15 series features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip paired with up to 16GB of RAM. The handsets are equipped with LTPO AMOLED displays, and pack silicon carbon batteries with support for 90W fast charging.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Price and Availability

Xiaomi 15 Ultra pricing starts at EUR 1,499 (roughly Rs. 1,36,100) for the base model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The standard Xiaomi 15 is priced at EUR 999 (roughly Rs. 90,700) for the 12GB+256GB model. Xiaomi is expected to announce details related to availability in regions, including India, at a later date.

Xiaomi also says it will provider one out-of-warranty repair without labour cost, within the first year of purchasing the smartphone. The company will also offer a free screen replacement within the first six months.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specifications

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a dual SIM (Nano+Nano) smartphone that runs on Android 15, with Xiaomi's HyperOS 2 skin running on top. It is scheduled to receive four OS upgrades. The handset is powered by a 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset from Qualcomm, which is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra sports a 6.73-inch WQHD+ (1,440x3,200 pixels) quad curved LTPO AMOLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,200nits peak brightness.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Photo Credit: Xiaomi

 

The company has equipped the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with four Leica-tuned cameras. It has a 50-megapixel primary rear camera with a 1-inch type LYT-900 sensor and optical image stabilisation (OIS). It also has a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 telephoto camera sensor with OIS and 3x optical zoom, and a 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP9 periscope telephoto camera with OIS and 4.3x optical zoom. There's a 32-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

You get up to 512GB of storage UFS 4.1 storage on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The handset offers 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, GPS, NFC, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Sensors on board include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs a 5,410mAh silicon carbon battery with support for 90W fast charging and 80W wireless charging. The handset's chassis is built using aerospace-grade glass fibre, and it has an IP68 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Xiaomi 15 Specifications

The Xiaomi 15 is equipped with the same chip as the flagship Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the handset features up to 16GB of RAM. The standard model sports a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,200nits peak brightness.

Xiaomi 15 (left) and the Xiaomi 15 Pro — the latter is only available in China
Photo Credit: Xiaomi

 

Like the Ultra model, the Xiaomi 15 is equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. It also has a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS and 3x optical zoom. It features the same 32-megapixel selfie camera seen on the Ultra model.

The Xiaomi 15 arrives with up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Connectivity options are nearly the same as the Ultra model, except for Bluetooth 5.4 (the flagship model offers Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity). The Xiaomi 15 packs a 5,240mAh battery, which can be charged at 90W (wired) and 50W (wireless), according to the company.

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Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 First Impressions

Samsung Galaxy A-series has always been a special series from the brand. The series not only bridges the gap between its flagship S-series and other affordable series like the Galaxy M or F, but it is also one of the most selling series from the South Korean brand. We have seen multiple Galaxy A models offering customers a good value-for-money proposition. Now, the brand is all set to take a step ahead with the latest Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26. I have some time to explore the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, and here's what you need to know. 

The Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy A36 offer a glass back at the rear.

 

Starting with the design, Samsung has ensured that the new Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 remain among the classiest phones from the brand in this price segment. The latest smartphones have a refreshed design language, a glass back, and a slimmer profile compared to the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35. The rear panel has a new liner floating island that houses the camera modules. This surely gives the phone a distinct look, but it also makes it wobble when placed on a flat surface. 

The company has also introduced interesting colour options for both devices. The Galaxy A56 is available in Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Olive and Awesome Pink. The Galaxy A36 5G is available in Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, Awesome White and Awesome Lime. I got the Awesome Olive and Awesome Lavender colour options for the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, respectively. Though the Galaxy A56's Olive colour looks subtle, the Galaxy A36 stands out more with its Radiance-like design at the rear panel with the Lavender colour option. 

The Samsung Galaxy A56 is available in Awesome Lightgray, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Olive colourways.

 

The Samsung Galaxy A56 comes with a metal frame, which looks premium and sturdy when you hold it. A slight bump on the right side of the frame houses the volume controls and power on/off buttons. That said, the Galaxy A36 also follows a similar design language, though the frame is not metal. The base of both devices features a SIM tray, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille. 

Coming to the display, both the handsets are loaded with a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display. The screen comes with up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness and up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Moreover, you also get Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and rear panels, which provides some durability. During the initial testing, the display looked good, vibrant and colourful, which has always been the strong point of Samsung mobiles. We will talk more about it in our upcoming review. 

Both the handsets feature a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display.

 

Moving on, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 offer some interesting hardware. The Galaxy A56 is powered by the Exynos 1580 processor, while the Galaxy A36 packs a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset. The Galaxy A56 is available with 8GB RAM/12GB RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, while the Galaxy A36 features 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. 

The devices are loaded with OneUI 7.0, which runs on the Android 15 operating system. Samsung has also ensured that the devices receive longer software updates and has promised six years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches with the new Galaxy devices. 

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is available in three colour options: Awesome Lavender, Awesome Black, and Awesome White.

 

That said, what makes them different from their predecessors is the inclusion of Galaxy AI features. The Samsung Galaxy A56 gets the most AI features out of the lot. The company has promised to get features like Circle of Search, Object Eraser, Edit Suggestion, Auto Trim, Best Face, AI Select, Rear Aloud, Instant slo-mo, My Filter, and more. These are some of the interesting AI features in this list that are also present in the current Galaxy S25 series. 

The Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 also feature an improved camera system. Both devices have a triple-camera setup on the rear panel. Interestingly, both feature a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS support and an f/1.8 aperture. The Galaxy A56 has a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, while the Galaxy A36 has an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor. Lastly, the handsets feature a 5-megapixel macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture.

Both handsets on the front feature a 12-megapixel selfie camera that supports 10-bit HDR, which is interesting in this price segment. We haven't used the cameras of both devices in different conditions, so stay tuned with us for a detailed camera review. 

The Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 are also loaded with a 5,000mAh battery. Both the devices are packed with 45W fast charging support, which is an upgrade. Moreover, the company claims that the new devices can provide up to 29 hours of video playback, which will be an interesting claim to test during our battery HD loop test. 

Both devices are loaded with a 5,000mAh battery and support 45W fast charging.

 

To conclude, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and Samsung Galaxy A36 do bring some interesting features to the table. Whether be it new design language or dependable cameras coupled with six years of OS and security updates, both devices have a lot to offer in this price segment. However, can they survive this tough competition? We will be able to answer this in our upcoming review. So, stay tuned.

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