Motorola Moto E5 Plus official render leaks ahead of launch

The image spills the beans on lots of the specs - an 18:9 display, a dual-camera on the back, and a USB Type-C port at the bottom. It also confirms one of the paintjobs - Light Blue.

It's uncertain if those dots at the front stand for one selfie camera and a LED flash, or two snappers without a flash. Or maybe all three of those?

The Plus model should pack a 5.5" or more big screen but with low 720p resolution, and some power-efficient chip. We'll know more once the E5 Plus goes official with the rest of the new Moto phones sooner rather than later.

Source • Via

The biggest iPhone yet may have 1,242x2,688 resolution, A12 chip, gold color option

Apple is going to launch three new iPhones this fall, all with a design very similar to that of the iPhone X from last year. One model will keep that device's screen tech and size, another is apparently coming with a 6.5" OLED panel, while the third model will be a more affordable 6.1" handset with an LCD display and lower resolution.

Today a report from Bloomberg basically confirms all of that, adding a few new bits and pieces of intel allegedly coming from "people familiar with the products".

The biggest iPhone yet is to have a screen "close to 6.5 inches", while design-wise it will act like a Plus version of the successor to the current iPhone X, keeping the overall shape, the notch, and the stainless steel frame and glass back. Its display's resolution could be 1,242x2,688, since at least one prototype is boasting that. If so, it would be the highest-res iPhone ever. The body will be about the same size as that of the iPhone 8 Plus, with the extra screen real estate made possible by cutting the bezels.

Furthermore, Apple is reportedly thinking of releasing it and the iPhone X successor in a gold color version. This was planned for the X but abandoned in the end because of production problems. The two premium 2018 iPhones are to be powered by the upcoming A12 chipset.

The larger iPhone may also have dual-SIM functionality for the first time in Apple's history, to appeal to travelers in some markets. That said, the company may simply forego this and wait for eSIM to become more accepted by carriers.

The lower-cost model (don't read that as "cheap") will have the same edge-to-edge screen design as the premium offerings, complete with notch and Face ID support (and no Touch ID). Its cost will be cut by using the cheaper LCD technology and an aluminum frame. It was also rumored not to pack 3D Touch.

Source | Via

Samsung expects the Galaxy S9 to sell more than the Galaxy S8

Samsung has been a smartphone giant for a while now and every year, Samsung expects to out do itself with every next big thing it releases. DJ Koh, the CEO of Samsung's mobile division has said that Samsung expects the Samsung Galaxy S9 to outperform the Galaxy S8 in the market. For reference, the Samsung Galaxy S8 has sold an estimated 37 million units since its release back in April 2017.

The Galaxy S9 will be released earlier in the year than the Galaxy S8 was, and as we plan to release various marketing strategies to beef up demand, I believe overall numbers will be better. - DJ Koh

Koh adds that initial feedback of the Galaxy S9 is better than expected. Samsung's marketing strategy for the Galaxy S9+ will position it as "reimagined" which is a direct reference to the new smartphone's new dual camera setup with variable apertures and super slow-motion capabilities, not to mention - Samsung's new AR Emojis.

Something also worth noting is that the Galaxy S9 has been announced a few weeks earlier than the Galaxy S8 was, which skipped out on an MWC announcement in 2017. Samsung does get an early start in the year so maybe it will be able to outsell the S8.

Via

Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact pricing in Germany revealed

The big XZ2 will cost €800 while the XZ2 Compact will be €600. Compared to the prices of last year's XZ1 models, the launch price of the big one is €100 higher, but the Compact model price is unchanged. Still, keep in mind that these are among the first phones with Snapdragon 845 to be unveiled this year so they come with cutting-edge hardware.

  
Sony Xperia XZ2 • Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

Both phones will be available in Q2. Maybe by the time pre-orders start, there will be a promo bundle unveiled – the XZ1 duo had a deal with free h.ear wireless headphones. And even if we don’t, the XZ2 Compact is currently the cheapest S845 phone.

Source (in German)

Apple launches “Shot on iPhone X” ad campaign in Australia

Last month Apple released its first “Shot on iPhone X” adverts when it introduced selfies made with Portrait Lighting. Now the series were continued in Australia where the local Apple division showcased the iPhone X video recording capabilities during the first dance at a handful of different weddings.

The total of four videos include three 15-second clips and one full-minute video for TV purposes that celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia last December.

The marriage between the couples Meg and Ann-Marie, Nick and Rob, and Antony and Ron are set to the song “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS, covered by Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barrett. The videos are not expected to hit other markets, so if you like to see them all, just head to Apple’s YouTube page.

The videos look amazing from a technical point of view, but there is a disclaimer “Additional app and hardware used”. What goes without saying is the producers used proper lighting and specifically selected subjects and backgrounds, and probably even threw in some Motion or FinalCut editing.

Source

Here's the first TV ad for the Samsung Galaxy S9

You can now pre-book a Galaxy S9 or S9+

Samsung has already started taking pre-orders for the newly introduced Galaxy S9 and S9+ in the UK and Canada, the same unfortunately can't be said for India.

In the subcontinent, the Korean company has instead chosen to start a pre-booking phase for its latest flagship smartphones. This is open at its online shop for India, and will guarantee that you are among the first people to receive the S9 or S9+.

All you have to do is shell out INR 2,000 as an advance payment for the model you want, and enter your contact details and the color you fancy (the options being Lilac Purple, Midnight Black, and Coral Blue). On launch day you will get an email and SMS with the official prices - these are still a mystery for India. Then you can choose to continue with the purchase and apply your pre-book coupon - that will subtract INR 2,000 from the final price you need to pay.

The official prices are due to be unveiled at the special launch event for India, which is going to take place at some point during the first week of March.

Via

Sony Xperia XZ1 drops to $495 in US

Sony is all set to officially unveil the Xperia XZ2 today, but if you are in the market for the Xperia XZ1, you'll be glad to know the device is currently available for $495, down over $200 from its price at launch, which happened in September.

Amazon is offering the handset (black and blue variants) at this rate. Other color options line pink and silver are currently in the range of $530-$540. No information on when the discount ends, so those interested in availing it may have to act fast.

Source

Watch Sony unveil the Xperia XZ2 live here at 8:30 CET

It’s Sony’s turn on the big MWC stage. The company is expected to unveil the Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact, although there’s a chance there will be a surprise – a third device.

We’ll be up early in the morning to attend in person – the event starts at 8:30 CET – but you can watch the unveiling online. Beyond Sony’s presentation, you should expect our first-hand impressions of the new flagships.