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Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 series debuts, led by killer cameras

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Xiaomi on Thursday announced its newest series of phone, the Redmi Note 8, which is highlighted by its camera. Slated to hit China and India, it’s another high-powered experience with a budget-friendly price tag.

Offered as two models, the Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro do not share many specifications and details. Among other things, they have different processors, cameras, colors.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Redmi Note 8 Pro is boasts a 6.55-inch display, 6 or 8GB RAM and 64 or 128GB storage. A MediaTek Helio G90T processor runs the show here. Where the real attention goes, though, is the 64-megapixel camera sensor.

Technically, it won’t use the full resolution all times; in low-light situations, four individual pixels will comprise a bigger one, putting the resolution in at 16MP. This lens is complimented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera.

Best unlocked phones between $150-$250
Best unlocked phones between $250-$400

Other specifications included in the IP52 splash-proof Redmi Note 8 Pro are a 6.53-inch FHD+ display protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and a 4,500mAh battery with 18W Type-C fast charging.

Available in gray, white, and green, the 6GB RAM/64GB version will be priced RMB 1,400 (about $200 USD). The 6GB/128GB model will cost RMB 1,600 (about $225 USD) while the 8GB/128GB variant runs RMB 1,800 (about $250 USD).

Redmi Note 8

Slightly smaller at 6.36-inches, you’ll find 4 and 6GB RAM with storage of 64GB and 128GB. Rather than a MediaTek processor, this one includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 CPU.

The quad-camera setup is different, but still drool-worthy with a 48-megapixel sensor. Around front is a 13-megapixel front-facing selfie shooter.

Rounding things out are a 4,000mAh battery with 18W Type-C fast charging, 3.5mm headphone jack, and IR blaster.

Pre-orders commence September 10 with availability on September 17. Sold in blue, white, and black, the 4GB RAM/64GB storage version starts at RMB 1,000 (about $140 USD). The 6GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB models sell for RMB 1,200 ( about $170 USD) and RMB 1,400 (about $200 USD), respectively.

ZTE Axon 10 Pro arrives in US with $550 price tag, Android 10 pledge

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After virtually sitting on the sidelines for much of the last few years, ZTE is back in the US, and in a pretty big way. Its latest effort, the Axon Pro 10, packs quite a punch, especially considering its price.

Much like its Axon 7 from a few years back, the Axon 10 Pro rivals much more expensive devices from bigger names. Whereas most top-tier flagship phones fetch $800 or more, the unlocked ZTE Axon 10 Pro starts at just $550.

Running a nearly stock version of Android 9 Pie, the Axon 10 Pro boasts a 7.47-inch AMOLED display at 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution. With the thinnest of bezels, and a small cutout for the front-facing camera, the screen also has a built-in fingerprint scanner.

The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and comes with 8GB or 12GB memory and 256GB internal storage. Moreover, a microSD expansion card slot allows for up to 2TB of media and files.

A triple rear camera configurations is comprised from a 48-megapixel main lens, a 20-megapixel wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens. Around front is a 20-megapixel sensor.

The 4,000mAh battery ticked inside offers wireless charging and supports Quick Charge 4.0. Rounding things out are NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type C, and a promise for an Android 10 update in 2019.

Availability

The Axon 10 Pro is available to pre-order in the US through participating retailers like Newegg, B&H Photo Video, as well as directly from ZTE (USA). Shipping is expected to begin on September 6.

Raspberry Pi 3B+ board and 10 hours of beginner-friendly instruction, just $140 today

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If you’re looking for a fun new hobby for 2019, we’ve got something awesome to check out. Shop the AndroidGuys Deals Store and you’ll find the Complete Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter Kit & Course Bundle with a steep discount.

What’s a Raspberry Pi?

Remember those sci-fi movies and TV shows that promised smart homes with remotely controlled lights and sensors? That’s no longer a fantasy; it is common among many newer houses and offices. A lot of what can be done with building and programming such tech revolves around a Raspberry Pi.

The pint-sized, next-gen microcomputer is an incredibly cool device that can be tapped for all sorts of potential. It has kicked off a new age of discovery and development for people of all ages.

Our bundle teaches you everything you need to get started and into automating your home or other projects. There’s all sorts of cool stuff you can do with a Raspberry Pi, including a weather station, photo booth, streaming internet radio, and even your own Amazon Echo.

Wouldn’t it cool to harness that tech for yourself?

The Complete Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter Kit & Course Bundle comes with 37 sensors and more than ten hours of training. It’s everything you need to not only familiarize yourself with the tech, but to start programming with it, too. We’re talking more than 175 lessons with lifetime access.

Features

  • Building Alexa Skills for Home Automation with Raspberry Pi
  • 2018 Ultimate Guide to Raspberry Pi
  • Raspberry Pi Bootcamp

Where to Buy

You can purchase the Complete Raspberry Pi 3B+ Starter Kit & Course Bundle from the AndroidGuys Deals Store for only $139.99. Normally, the starter kit and training would run about $450, so take advantage of the limited-time savings!

Save even more!

In addition to the savings above, when you buy through AndroidGuys Deals, for every $25 spent, you get $1 credit added to your account. What’s more, should you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.

Save 68% Now!

If this is your first time buying, then you are also eligible for a further 10% discount when you subscribe for email updates.

How about a freebie?

Not looking to spend any money today? That’s alright, we understand. Why not visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and take something anyhow? Go ahead, grab two!

T-Mobile tempts potential switchers with free hotspot test drive

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T-Mobile wants to make it as easy as possible for potential for consumers to try out its network. To do so, the service provider has kicked off a new Test Drive initiative.

Most carriers let customers “test” their network by giving them a small window of time where they can return a phone or cancel. It’s backwards thinking, though, because you have to go through the whole process of switching/porting numbers and buying equipment before you get a sense of how it works.

T-Mobile is amping one of its original Un-carrier movies — Test Drive — to give everyone a chance to try the Un-carrier’s expanded LTE network and see how our newest, most powerful signal — 600 MHz Extended Range LTE — reaches further than ever before. With Test Drive, you can try T-Mobile’s LTE network for up to 30 days for FREE — all with your own phone, phone number and apps.

As part of the new Test Drive campaign, T-Mobile will give potential subscribers a mobile hotspot. Good for up to 30 days or 30GB, it allows for consumers to pair their existing phone to check calls, data speeds, and coverage.

There’s no obligation to sign and there are no fees to worry about. Try things out, and if you’re not content, just drop the hotspot off at a T-Mobile store. Or, according to T-Mobile, you can hand it off to a friend at no cost.

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Gear Up: The official Samsung Galaxy Note 10 accessories

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Released in late August, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 represents some of the best smartphone hardware you can get your hands on. Whether it’s the standard model, the larger version, or even the 5G variant, the flagship device is drool-worthy.

If you’re among the privileged people who have ordered, or plan to order, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, you’ll want to make sure to get the most from it. That means protecting it, and ensuring you have the right accessories.

SEE: How to save big on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and even get a free one

We’ve gathered up the official Samsung accessories for the Galaxy Note 10 and list their standout features.

Cases & Covers

LED Back Cover

Why simply cover your case with something opaque when you can actually put one on that provides at-a-glance view of your notifications? That’s right, you can flip your phone over and still see dot matrix-like indicators on the back. Also makes for an interesting light show and countdown for photos! $55 at Samsung (Black, White)

Silicone Cover

Made of soft, non-slip silicone, it’s durable and easy to hold with solid grip. Thanks to its thin material, the case doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the experience. Precision cuts give you full access to the camera, all ports, and holes. $30 at Samsung (Black, Blue, Silver, Red, Pink, White)

LED Wallet Cover

A multifunctional case that houses credit cards in the interior pocket, the exterior displays LED notifications on the outside. The front cover LED lights notify users of messages, time, incoming calls, and more. Press you phone’s power button while closed and you’ll see all your information. $65 at Samsung (Black, Pink, Red, Silver, White)

S-View Flip Cover

Thin and secure, this case protects your phone but also lets you interact with it while closed. Respond to calls and alarms, control music, and more, all without opening the case up. A great way to show off that sexy Infinity Display, it’s a stylish and practical cover. $50 at Samsung (Black, Pink, Red, Silver, White)

Rugged Protective Cover

Defend your phone with strong, secure case designed to withstand drops and falls. Tested to meet military standards, it also houses a kickstand that makes it easy to watch videos in a landscape orientation. $40 at Samsung (Black, Silver)

Leather Back Cover

For when you want to protect your phone and maintain a degree of professionalism. Made of genuine leather, it offers up excellent grip without heft or unwanted thickness. About as thin as you can get and still look like a boss. $55 at Samsung (Black, Blue, Red, Silver, White, Tan)

Charging

Wireless Charger Stand 15W

Compatible with a whole host of devices, this charger lets you refresh the battery quickly and without cables. Get up to 15W wireless charging output on the Galaxy Note 10+ or up to 12W for other models. Other details include LED indicator lights, a cooling fan, and the ability to charge in portrait or landcape orientation. $80 at Samsung (Black, White)

25W USB-C Fast Charging Wall Charger

Because that old charger you’ve got lying around just won’t do your phone justice, this one delivers super-fast (up to 25W) power. Plug in any device with Power Delivery (PD) and get the quickest speeds possible. With up to 3 Amps, it’s far better than your first-gen 1A charger. $35 at Samsung (Black, White)

Cables and Accessories

Galaxy Note10 S Pen

Easily the most functional and feature-rich stylus from Samsung yet, the Note 10’s S Pen offers up 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. This is no generic replacement; it’s the real deal with remote controls, and ties into your phone’s apps and tools. $30 at Samsung (Black, Blue, Silver, White)

USB-C Headphone Jack Adapter

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Note 10 doesn’t have a headphone jack, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your current headphones. This small dongle converts the USB C port into a 3.5mm jack, and is perfect for the aux cord in your car. Converts digital files to analog (up to 24bit/192kHz). $15 at Samsung

USB-C to USB-C Cable

Charge your Galaxy Note 10 or any other USB-C device or use the cable to sync your photos, music and data. Connect it to your laptop or PC and transfer files at lightning fast speeds. The cable transfers up to 5 amps & 20 volts of power output for charging USB-C devices. $15 at Samsung (Black, White)

Sprint 5G: Where is it available and which phones offer support?

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When it comes to mobile phones and wireless technology, some people like to look ahead to the next big thing. What’s looming on the horizon? As if we’re somehow not happy with what we have in our pocket, we spend time reading rumors, and speculation, looking at leaked photos.

One could argue that 5G is that next big thing, at least for smartphones. Sure, it’s still in its infancy, but the tech, its promises, and benefits won’t be going anywhere soon. Be prepared for a few years of wireless providers hitting you over the head with 5G.

The best deals available at Sprint (August 2019)

Today there’s a lot of confusion around 5G. Which carrier offers it in which locations? What phones work with the service? What sort of technology is used? How do rate plans work?

In this piece we will clear up the first two questions: where is it, and which phones support it? Specifically, we’ll address Sprint, and periodically update the post as things evolve.

Where is Sprint 5G available?

As of today, Sprint offers 5G speeds in the following cities:

Atlanta

Chicago

Los Angeles

New York City

Washington, D.C.

Dallas-Fort Worth

Phoenix

Houston

Kansas City

Sprint is banking on a merger with T-Mobile to bolster an enhanced 5G network, combining the footprint and technologies of the two. Between T-Mobile’s 600MHz spectrum and Sprint’s 2.5GHz spectrum, the plan is to have 8X the total capacity as compared to going it alone. The goal timeline is still years away, with plans to be done by 2024.

Which Sprint phones support 5G?

When it comes to smartphones with support for Sprint 5G, the carrier has three phones to choose from: Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, LG V50 ThinQ, and the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G. It also has a mobile hotspot device, the HTC 5G Hub.

Further reading

Sprint 5G goes live in LA, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, and New York City

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Sprint on Tuesday confirmed that its “true mobile 5G” network has launched in another four cities. Starting immediately, customers in Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. can take advantage of ultra fast data connections.

As is the case with all other carriers and cities, the coverage doesn’t blanket the full cities or markets. Specifically, it starts in targeted neighborhoods. Typically, service providers hit key areas such as stadiums, tourist attractions, malls, airports, and universities first.

According to tests conducted by Sprint, the 5G network averages about 203.8Mbps, or about six times faster than its average LTE speed of 35.2Mbps

  • Los Angeles – 1.2 million people
  • New York City – 1.7 million people
  • Phoenix – 740,000 people
  • Washington, D.C. – 520,000 people

Bringing the total number of 5G cities to nine, Sprint’s network covers approximately 2,100 square miles or about 11 million people.

When it comes to smartphones with support for Sprint 5G, the carrier has three phones to choose from: Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, LG V50 ThinQ, and OnePlus 7 Pro 5G.

How to get Android 10’s Focus Mode for your phone now

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Android Q, or Android 10 as it will be officially known, is right around the corner. Google’s next-gen platform is about ready to make its debut in the coming months as part of the Pixel 4 experience.

With Android 10 there figures to be quite a few handy features and options available to users. Key among them is a new option known as ‘Focus Mode’, a setting that essentially turns off all distractions.

SEE ALSO: Digital Wellbeing: Get your face out of your phone! (Podcast)

Designed for the purpose of uninterrupted work or school, Focus Mode will temporary lock users out of distracting apps, helping to keep them focused.

As the next step of Google’s Digital Wellbeing initiative that showed up with Android 9 Pie, Focus Mode blends the ‘Wind Down’ and your handset’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ settings to help people put the phone down more often.

READ: How to set up Digital Wellbeing on your smart speakers and displays

It’s available inside of the Digital Wellbeing app for those who are already running Android 10. If you have that on your phone, you can head to the app/setting now and look for Focus mode.

If you don’t have Android 10/Android Q beta just yet, you can at least install a beta version of the Digital Wellbeing app.

How to get Focus Mode for your Android phone now

  1. Install Digital Wellbeing on your Android phone
  2. Enroll as a beta tester for the app – You can also do this through the Play Store listing
  3. Update your Digital Wellbeing app to include the beta features
  4. Tap “Your Digital Wellbeing tools”
  5. Under “Ways to disconnect” look for Focus Mode

From here you can configure which apps you’d like to set up to restrict. If you know which apps you tend to open most, check the boxes. Whether it’s because of habit or notifications, select those you find to be a nuisance of sorts.

Here’s a helpful tip: The apps are initially shown based on how much time you spend in them. Those at the top are most likely to break your focus.

Quick Settings

After you’ve configured your Focus Mode settings, add a shortcut to your phone’s drop-down menu. This way you can pull it up as easily as you might turn on the flashlight or toggle a mobile hotspot. If anything, it helps to cut down the steps of going through your app tray and possibly taking a trip down another rabbit hole.

To do this, follow these quick steps:

  1. Swipe down from the top of your notification drawer until the menu is fully expanded
  2. Tap the pencil icon that lets you edit the settings
  3. Drag and drop the Focus Mode icon to wherever you’d like in the quick settings menu

Blu refreshes its G9 with a Pro variant; launches with $50 discount

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Blu, the smartphone maker who specializes in affordable, unlocked handsets on Tuesday updated its portfolio with a G9 Pro. Arriving a few months after the G9, it takes the standard version and pushes it forward in a few key areas.

Powered by Android 9 Pie, the G9 Pro has a 6.3-inch Full HD+ Infinity display at 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution. Moreover, it’s protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The water drop V-notch at the center allows for the front-facing camera; however, the phone has a screen to body ratio that’s just a smidge better than its counterpart.

Meet the Blu G9: Big screen, big battery, fancy looks

Under the hood we find a 2.0GHz MediaTek P60 processor with AI and AR smarts, complimented by 4GB RAM. Storage is pegged at 128GB with a microSD expansion card slot allowing for an addition 128GB of space.

 

The camera experience in the G9 Pro is enhanced and features a triple-sensor configuration on the back. Present are a 16-megapixel main camera, a 5-megapixel depth sensor, and a 20-megapixel camera for low light and night mode. Around front is a 24-megapixel selfie camera with an f2.0 aperture.

Blu G9 review

Although the G9 and G9 Pro both house a 4,000mAh battery, it’s only the new version which offers wireless charging capability. What’s more, it supports 18W quick charging, too. Blu advises that just 30 minutes on the charger will pick up 50% worth of battery.

The Blu G9 Pro looks similar to its counterpart, however it does dial up the aesthetic just a bit. Available in “Nightfall”, the phone has a gradient effect which goes from dark blue to dark purple with little accent lines breaking across the back.

Availability

The Blu G9 Pro carries a retail price of $249.99 and the phone can be purchased at Amazon. A limited-time promotion sees an instant $50 discount, taking it down to just $199.99, or about $20 higher than the standard G9.

 

The G9 Pro is an unlocked phone which works with GSM carriers like T-Mobile, Metro, AT&T, Cricket, and others.

Review

We have received a review unit of the Blu G9 Pro and expect to publish our thoughts in the near future. Our editors felt we had not spent a sufficient amount of time to merit a “review” at the time of this announcement.

Motorola to debut quad-camera One Pro, rumors indicate

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Motorola is set to introduce a new Moto One Pro at IFA in early September, according to a recent report from MySmartPrice. According to its sources, the phone will pack a quad-camera configuration and could be offered in an Alexa-based variant, too.

The One Pro is alleged to have a 48-megapixel primary camera with a secondary camera that provides wide-angle shots. A third telephoto lens is said have a 5X hybrid zoom and a forth sensor is set to offer depth of field. Indeed, that’s four camera for those counting.

SEE: Lenovo is slowly killing the Moto I love (Op-Ed)

Additional camera details indicate that a dedicated night mode will allow low-light shots. In other words, this could be the most impressive camera experience from Motorola to date.

Other specifications rumored for the One Pro include a waterdrop cutout not display at 6.2-inches. Moreover the phone will offer an in-display fingerprint reader under the glass.

SEE ALSO: Moto One Action is a budget-friendly phone with lots of camera tricks

Internally, the hardware figures to include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 processor with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. A microSD expansion card is also said to be present however its capacity is unknown.

Moto One Zoom

According to the MySmartPrice source, a Motorola One Zoom is also on the horizon. What makes this one different? Reportedly it’s the same experience but with a host of customization centered around Amazon Alexa.

Pricing is not official of course, but it appears the One Zoom could fetch around EUR 400, or about $450 USD. It remains to be seen if or when either model will come to the US.

Look for an official announcement of the Moto One Pro and/or One Zoom in early September.

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