News on Smartphones, November 2021

iPhone 

Next year's Apple devices won't be getting 3nm chips, iPhone 14 included

TSMC, which is the manufacturer of Apple's in-house chips, is facing some production hurdles that threaten to delay the project. 

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Apple working on a software update to enable Face ID after third party iPhone 13 screen repairs

Last week iFixit found out that unauthorized screen repairs on the brand new iPhone 13 series render Face ID useless. This is due to a tiny new control chip implemented in the flex cable connecting the screens on the phones that links each display to its unique motherboard. This meant that all repair shops not part of Apple’s Independent Repair Program would be forced to desolder the small chip from the broken screen and then re-solder it on the new display – a process which would take plenty of time and effort as well as special equipment not available in most repair shops.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Roundup: Here’s everything we know so far about the iPhone 14

We expect the iPhone 14 to be introduced in September of 2022, and rumors suggest we could see a major redesign, new features, and more.

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Mac

Kuo: Apple iPhone 14 and VR headset to get Wi-Fi 6E in 2022

The latest report from renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo outlines the use of Wi-Fi 6E in the Apple iPhone 14 series and the upcoming Apple VR headset. According to Kuo, the iPhone 14 series and Apple VR will help push more competitors towards Wi-Fi 6E adoption in 2022. Wi-Fi 6E enables higher-speed 6GHz connection that will be essential for the user experience of Apple's VR headset.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Samsung 

Samsung Galaxy A33 5G's battery size revealed: it will be the same as its predecessor

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Samsung Galaxy A13 4G Specifications Tipped, Production Said to Have Started in India

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets

Samsung Galaxy A03 Core debuts with Unisoc chipset, big battery

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Samsung Galaxy S22+ with Snapdragon 898 runs Geekbench

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE hits Geekbench with Exynos 2100

As per previous rumors, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 FE is coming in two variants - Exynos and Snapdragon. But we've only seen the latter appear online so this new Geekbench listing is the first solid proof of the Exynos 2100 variant.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Huawei 

Huawei announces Collector’s Edition Mate X2

Huawei capped off a big announcement event in China where we saw the debut of the brand’s new smartwatch lineup, Windows 2-in1 tablet, VR glasses and desktop PC. There was a new phone on stage too – a Collector’s Edition Mate X2. Huawei is also using a nano-crystalline enforced glass material on the outer screen which should be more durable.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Huawei Nova 8 SE 4G With Kirin 710A SoC, Quad Rear Cameras Launched

Huawei Nova 8 SE 4G was silently launched in China. The newly launched smartphone will be the third device in the Huawei Nova 8 SE series. Unlike the rest of the lineup, the Huawei Nova 8 SE 4G doesn't get 5G connectivity. 

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets

Hi Nova 9 Series launching on December 2, a rebranded Huawei Nova 9

Huawei commercial smartphone-designed license partner – China Post Communication Equipment confirmed that it will launch its smartphone – Hi Nova 9 series on December 2, 2021. This is an interesting development that will expand the reach of Huawei phones in an indirect way.
Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral

Huawei Mate 50 to launch with Kirin 990 and Snapdragon 898 chipsets

This year, Huawei has delayed its yearly flagship from the Mate series. Although, the Chinese tech maker has introduced the Huawei P50 series on the Chinese ground but still, the slot for the Huawei Mate 50 series left opened and it’s reported that the lineup won’t launch this year. Instead, Huawei will unveil the Mate 50 series by early 2022.

Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral

Oppo

New Oppo to be named K9x, incoming on December 12

An Oppo smartphone from the K9 family appeared on TENAA last week, and leaksters in China claim the new device will be called Oppo K9x. The new phone is said to arrive for sale on December 12 with three memory variations and affordable prices.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Oppo A55s 5G With Snapdragon 480 SoC, Dual Rear Cameras Launched: Price, Specifications

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets, GSMArena

New Oppo K9 series smartphone gets TENAA certified

The Oppo smartphone with model code PGCM10 has been certified by China's TENAA, revealing its design and specs in the process.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Oppo Reno 7, Reno 7 Pro, Reno 7 SE Specifications Leak, Teaser Hints at Unique Notification Light on Pro Model

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets

Nokia

Nokia X100 unveiled: an X10 for T-Mobile, it will sell for just $252

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena, Gadgets

Four unknown Nokia phones surface, two show off a new design

Images of four unknown Nokia smartphones have surfaced, shared by Evan Blass. And while we don’t know much about them – not even their names, just their model numbers – they do hint at a change in design language. 

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Xiaomi 

Xiaomi 12 camera design leaks, 50MP main sensor tipped

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena, Gadgets

Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Global Models Spotted in Internal Testing; Launch Could Be Imminent

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets

Jio puts the Redmi Note 11T through 5G trial, the phone will support seven 5G bands

While plenty of 5G-enabled phones have launched in India, the country is yet to flip the switch on its first commercial network. The government is still planning the spectrum auction that will determine which carriers get to use which frequencies. However, it’s never too early to start testing whether phones will actually work with the next-gen networks once they become operational. This is exactly what Reliance Jio has done with the upcoming Redmi Note 11T 5G.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

"Loki" and "Thor" phones are actually part of the Xiaomi Mix lineup

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Xiaomi 12X tipped to come with 6.28-inch AMOLED and Snapdragon 870 SoC

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena