The Xiaomi unveiled its 2018 Android One devices earlier this month in Madrid. The Xiaomi Mi A2 comes with significant upgrades from last year's Xiaomi Mi A1, and the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite offers a similar user experience at a more affordable price point.

Both devices will be sold in over 40 markets over the world over the coming months, and the Xiaomi Mi A2 set to make its debut in India on August 8. As a refresher, the Xiaomi Mi A2 features a Snapdragon 660 chipset, up to 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3000mAh battery.

The cameras are of particular interest: the Xiaomi Mi A2 has a primary 12MP f/1.75 camera with 1.25um pixels mated to a secondary 20MP f/1.75 u1.0 camera that automatically kicks in during low-light scenarios. The same 20MP f/1.75 imaging module is present up front as well, and there's also a front LED module that engages when you're taking selfies at night.

Having used the Xiaomi Mi A2 for just under a week, here's my initial take on the cameras.

Daylight photos

The Xiaomi Mi A2 does a great job in daylight scenarios. Dynamic range and color reproduction are quite good, as is the level of detail. Auto HDR boosts the overall dynamic range without slowing down the device, and the only issue I've faced is a slight shutter lag.

The Xiaomi is aggressively pushing AI across its portfolio, but unlike other manufacturers, the feature is primarily focused on the front camera. The AI-assisted feature on the Xiaomi Mi A2 automatically tweaks the intensity of the beautify filter and facilitates a software-driven portrait mode. Edge detection is good, as is the level of evenness of the background blur effect.

Low-light images

You're guaranteed to get decent daylight photos even with budget phones, but it's a different matter altogether in low-light scenarios. That's where the The Xiaomi Xiaomi Mi A2 truly shines. The phone has a secondary 20MP camera that kicks in automatically in artificial or low-light conditions, and the results are clearly evident. Images come out full of detail, and the phone manages to do a great job minimizing noise.

The Xiaomi Mi A2 seamlessly switches between the two sensors based on the lighting conditions while in portrait mode, and The Xiaomi didn't state a particular threshold after which the low-light camera kicks in. Furthermore, you can manually select between the two sensors in pro mode.

The 20MP module also has 4-to-1 pixel binning to reduce noise levels in low-light shots, with the camera essentially combining information from four pixels into one to create a more detailed image. Overall, the Xiaomi Mi A2 held its own when it comes to low-light photography, and may just be the phone to beat in this area.

HMD should be very worried

The Xiaomi Mi A2 is turning out to be one of the most exciting phones of the year. The hardware is a considerable upgrade from last year, and the camera is fantastic. It'll be interesting to see how much the Xiaomi Mi A2 will end up costing in India, as the phone is going up against the Nokia 7 Plus.

Both phones have near-identical hardware, and are based on Android One. With the Nokia 7 Plus retailing for ₹25,999, there's clear incentive for The Xiaomi to debut the Xiaomi Mi A2 at around the ₹20,000 figure, which would allow it to steal market share away from HMD in this category.

With the launch just over a week away, we'll know more about the Xiaomi Mi A2 very soon. In the meantime, what do you make of the camera? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The new OnePlus 6T comes with 6.4 inch i.e. 16.26 cm display with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels and it runs on Android P. The Smartphone is powered by Octa core (2.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 385 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 385) processor paired with 8 GB of RAM. The Smartphone will come with battery of 3500 mAh. As for camera, the OnePlus 6 comes with a dual rear camera setup of comprising of a primary 16 MP camera Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor supporting a resolution of 4616 x 3464 Pixels and the front 20 MP snapper is powered by a Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor. Other sensors of OnePlus 6T include Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope. It also has  in-display fingerprint sensor fingerprint sensor. For Smooth running of High Graphic Games, OnePlus 6T has got a Adreno 630 GPU with On board storage of 128 GB.

 The Smartphone OnePlus 6T is expected to be launched at the end of this year and will likely to be same as its predecessor with little higher features and configuration. The company is doing a great job at keeping details secret for now, so there’s no word on exactly what it will bring to the market. However, we have got some leaked information about OnePlus 6T whose price range will be little higher or same.

IP rating of OnePlus 6T wishlist

Every flagship phone released in 2018 are Water and Dust resistant, except the OnePlus 6 but little rain will not effect it because it is splash proof. However it is not officially IP rated.

The new OnePlus 6T will come with IP67 or IP68 certification, which would be a first for the company. This would make the device a lot more appealing, as it would give users peace of mind in case they accidentally get it wet. 

The IP67 certification means the smartphone can be dropped into a Water up to a meter deep for half an hour, while IP68 guarantees protection in Water up to 30 meters deep for the same period of time. Both are resistant to Dust.

Wireless Charging in OnePlus 6T

The new OnePlus 6T will come with wireless charging feature as Smartphones typically have to be charged every day or so depending on use, and it’s a lot more comfortable to place it on a pad instead of plugging it in manually.

 Even lot of car manufacturers have started embracing wireless charging pads into their vehicles. I’ve also seen these charging pads in loads of
restaurants and coffee shops across Europe, which shows how popular the feature is becoming.

Large battery in OnePlus 6T

The OnePlus 6’s battery size is average at best, coming in at 3,300mAh. The Huawei P20 Pro, for example, has roughly the same footprint but manages to pack a massive 4,000mAh battery under the hood. The new OnePlus 6T will come with larger battery, and the P20 Pro is proof it can be done. OnePlus doesn’t have to go all out and opt for a 4,000mAh battery like Huawei’s
flagship, but bumping the capacity up to at least 3,500mAh is the way to go.

This would put the OnePlus 6T on par with devices like the Galaxy S9 Plus and extend the already decent battery life of the OnePlus 6.

Headphone Jack in OnePlus 6T

As most Smartphone companies, OnePlus likes to follow the latest market trends. It ditched metal for glass on the OnePlus 6 and also opted for a notch. The next step could be the removal of the headphone jack. 

The headphone jack is still an essential part of every smartphone for a lot of people — Lot of people wouldn’t buy one without it. I listen to music all the time and don’t want a pair of Bluetooth headphones because they don’t always offer the same audio quality as wired ones. 

We also don’t want to use USB Type-C headphones (or a dongle) because lot of people listen to music and charge phone at the same time.

Same color for different storage Variant

The OnePlus 6 comes in Mirror Black, Silk White, Red, and Midnight Black. The mid-tier model features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and can be yours in all four colors, but the other two storage variants are only available in one color option each. The OnePlus 6 with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage comes in Mirror Black, while the beefed-up 8GB/256GB version can be yours in Midnight Black. 

Smartphone Colors are important and can play a major role in consumers’ purchasing decisions. That’s why company will offer it in all storage variants of the OnePlus 6T to come in every color that will be available. There are a lot of consumers out there who are happy with the entry model of the OnePlus 6 but don’t like the color it comes in. They have to go for the mid-tier model to get the color they really want, which costs $50 ~ Rs.3,434 more. 

There are also some people who are willing to buy the most expensive OnePlus 6T model with 256GB of storage but instead settle with the mid-tier offering because of the color. Offering all models of OnePlus 6T in all colors would make things easier for consumers and might even slightly boost OnePlus 6T sales.

Trending Features of OnePlus 6T

Ditching Gorilla Glass 5 for the recently announced Gorilla Glass 6 would be a great idea, as that would make the device more durable. Using Corning’s Vibrant Ink Jet technology is something to consider as well, as it would allow OnePlus to make the phone stand out from
the crowd in the design department. There would also be an in-display fingerprint scanner, but only if it works just as good as the one found on the back of the OnePlus 6. 

What features of OnePlus 6T you like or what you want in OnePlus 6T let us know by posting comment down below!

How to flash a monthly security update on Google Pixel without wiping data

One of the biggest reasons why people buy Google Pixel phones is the timely updates, whether it’s a monthly security update or a major one that bumps the system’s version. But Google likes to roll out updates in waves, so you may have to wait a couple of days before getting your monthly security update. You didn’t buy a Pixel to wait for updates, right? You want to have it on your phone as soon as they’re released.

If that describes you, well, we’ve got you covered. I’m going to show you how to install those updates manually on your Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 2 XL. You don’t need to wipe your device, so that’s a plus. We’ll provide two sets of instructions: One for installing fastboot images and one for installing OTA images. The fastboot images can be installed on bootloader unlocked devices no matter how many modifications you’ve made (so long as you aren’t running a custom ROM) while the OTA images are better for bootloader locked devices.

Oh, one more thing: these instructions will work for any other device that has fastboot images available for it (like the Google Nexus 5X, Google Nexus 6P, and Google Pixel C).

Fastboot Image Instructions for Bootloader Unlocked Devices

Windows

1. Okay, first, you need to download platform tools from here. You need them to use adb and fastboot interfaces. Download and extract it on the desktop.
   
2. Then you need to download the latest stock image for your device from here.
3. Unzip all the contents of the stock image into platform-tools (adb and fastboot interface we downloaded earlier) folder.
   
4. You will see a small batch file called ‘flash-all.bat’. This script automates the flashing process of all compressed images. You need to change it so that it doesn’t wipe your device. I recommend you use Notepad++.
5. Near the end of the text, remove ‘-w’ (it’s written without quotes) and save the file.
   
6. Navigate to platform-tools using Command Prompt on Windows. You can use Windows search to start it. To navigate, you need to use command cd Desktop\platform-tools Note: if you are using PowerShell on Windows 10, then you will need to preface all the commands in the following steps with .\
7. Type in adb devices and make sure your device appears in the list.
8. Now you need to put your device into bootloader mode. To do that, execute the command adb reboot bootloader
9. Check if fastboot sees your device. Type in fastboot devices
10. Now, if you’re in bootloader mode and fastboot sees your device, just double-click on ‘flash-all.bat’ and wait a few minutes.

Mac OS/Linux

What if you don’t use Windows? We’ve got you covered.

1. First of all, download platform-tools for Mac OS or Linux. Download and extract it on the desktop.
2. Then you need to download the latest stock image for your device from here.
3. Unzip all the contents of the stock image into platform-tools (adb and fastboot interface we downloaded earlier) folder.
4. You will see a small script called ‘flash-all.sh’. This script automates the flashing process of all compressed images. You need to change it so that it doesn’t wipe your device. Use your preferred text editor.
5. Near end of the text, remove ‘-w’ (it’s written without quotes) and save the file.
6. Navigate to platform-tools using Terminal. To navigate, you need to use command cd Desktop and cd platform-tools
7. Execute the script using command ./flash-all.sh and wait a few minutes.

Your phone may take about 10 or 15 minutes to install an update. It may even hang, but don’t ever disconnect the USB cable while flashing via fastboot! As I promised, all your apps, photos, videos, and music are where you left them.

OTA Image Instructions for Bootloader Locked Devices

To flash an update on a bootloader locked device, we’re going to sideload it using adb. The instructions are pretty much the same for any platform so there’s no point in dividing this into categories.

1. Download platform-tools and extract it on your desktop.
2. Download an OTA update from here and put it in the platform-tools folder.
3. On your phone, go to Settings > About phone. Tap on build number 7 times, then go to Developer Options and activate USB debugging.
4. Open Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows or Terminal on Mac OS/Linux and type in ‘cd Desktop’ and ‘cd platform-tools’.
5. Connect your phone to your PC via the USB cable.
6. Now execute the following command depending on your OS:
   For Windows Command Prompt: adb reboot bootloader
   For Windows PowerShell: .\adb reboot bootloader
   For Mac/Linux Terminal: ./adb reboot bootloader
7. Now that you’re in the bootloader, you need to use volume down button to find recovery mode and then press the power button to enter it.
8. After you’re in the recovery mode, select ‘Apply update from ADB’
9. Now, to finally flash our OTA file, execute the following command depending on your OS:
   For Windows Command Prompt: adb sideload filename.zip
   For Windows PowerShell: .\adb sideload filename.zip
   For Mac/Linux Terminal: ./adb sideload filename.zip
   Please note: You need to replace filename.zip with the name of the OTA image you downloaded.  For example, sailfish-ota-opm4.171019.016.b1-b387f7b2.zip.
10. Finish!!

Android P Beta 4 is here for Google Pixel/Pixel XL & Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL

Today just got a lot more exciting. Google has just released the final Android P Developer Preview for the Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL. This is Developer Preview 5 and Android P Beta 4, for those keeping track. Factory Images and OTA Files are available now!

The previous developer preview/beta was released earlier this very month. This last build should be the most stable we’ve seen so far. If you’ve been dying to give Android P a try, but have held off on previous releases, now is the time to dive in. Check out the release notes below:

Release Notes

• API level 28
• Date: July 2018
• Build: PPP5.180610.010
• Emulator support: x86 & ARM (32/64-bit)
• Security patch level: July 2018
• Google Play services: 12.4.46

The Pixel devices are obviously getting this update, but there is also a slew of other phones that can join the party. The devices listed below are a part of the program but are still subject to waiting for OEMs.

• Essential Phone
• Nokia 6.1
• Nokia 7
• Nokia 7 Plus
• Nokia 8 Sirocco
• OnePlus 6
• Oppo R15 Pro
• Sony Xperia XZ2
• Vivo X21UD
• Vivo X21
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Factory images and OTA files have been posted for the Pixel and Pixel 2 devices. If that’s not your style, you can sign up for the Android Beta Program to receive the OTA update on your phone. Stay tuned to XDA for more details about this last developer preview.

Phone	OTA	Factory Image
Google Pixel	ota-ppp5.180610.010	ppp4.180612.004-factory
Google Pixel XL	ota-ppp5.180610.010	oppp4.180612.004-factory
Google Pixel 2	ota-ppp5.180610.010	ppp4.180612.004-factory
Google Pixel 2 XL	ota-ppp5.180610.010	ppp4.180612.004-factory

How to Install Android P Beta 4 on the Google Pixel & Pixel 2

OTA Image Instructions

1. Download the OTA image for your device
2. Move it to the internal storage of your device
3. Make sure you’ve set up ADB if you haven’t already
4. Reboot to recovery with the following command: adb reboot recovery
5. Select the option “Apply update from ADB”
6. Sideload the OTA with the following command: adb sideload <OTA_image.zip>

Factory Image Instructions

1. Download the factory image for your device
2. Extract the factory image zip on your PC
3. Run the flash-all.bat if you’re on Windows or flash-all.sh if you’re on Mac/Linux. This will wipe all data on your device! If you want to flash the update without losing any data, please follow these instructions instead.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is launching next month at Samsung Unpacked 2018. While the Android enthusiast community has been interested in the latest Samsung flagship due to its larger 4,000mAh battery and smart, Bluetooth S Pen features, the device itself seems mostly an iterative improvementover the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Samsung needs something truly special to entice the average buyer into considering the Galaxy Note 9. According to a trusted source, it seems that Samsung is partnering with Epic Games to launch the much-awaited Fortnite Mobile for Android with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

This information comes from a trusted source who has been a reliable source of information in the past. According to the information he has provided us, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch is going to be based around Fortnite. The launch video for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also going to be based around Fortnite Mobile. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is going to be the first phone to launch and have Fortnite Mobile on it. According to our source, anyone that buys the Galaxy Note 9 is also going to get some free V-Bucks, free skins, and more. V-Bucks are used to buy a battle pass and skins, dances, or gliders in the game. This will all be bundled with the phone when it launches.

Samsung’s Push for Gaming on the Galaxy Note 9

Samsung is also being said to be advertising this phone as a gaming phone. They are adding a vapor chamber heat pipe for cooling in the phone so it won’t overheat. It is also launching with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM as the base model. The phone is going to have either an Exynos 9810 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 depending on the region. Both of these system-on-chips are top of the line and should provide a smooth experience in any game and will probably be optimized for the Unreal Engine and Fortnite Mobile. You should be able to play for hours with the 4,000 mAh battery which our source was also able to confirm.

The new smart S Pen is also going to have integration into Fortnite. Our source was not able to play the game but was told that there will be S Pen integration with the new Bluetooth Smart S Pen. It will likely be used for shooting or aiming or something along those lines.

Fortnite on Android – Possible Reason Behind The Delay

The delay of Fortnite Mobile’s launch on Android could stem from this partnership between Samsung and Epic Games. Epic could be looking to work with the largest OEM in the world to launch their game so that they can advertise the game along with getting millions of possible new users. This could mean Epic Games delayed the game or spent more time optimizing it for Samsung phones so that they could get this partnership. This could also be to launch the game with a big reveal like one that you would have on the launch of a phone like the Galaxy Note 9. If this partnership wasn’t happening, Epic Games could have released the game for Android weeks if not months ago.

Our source tells us that Samsung and Epic Games are also going to try to work with the Twitch Streamer Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins to help launch the phone. There are talks of getting him to Samsung Unpacked 2018 to help with the announcement. We have reached out to both Epic Games and Ninja’s manager but have yet to hear back. Such a partnership would be huge for both Samsung and Ninja. Ninja is the largest and most popular Twitch streamer on the live-streaming platform. He was the first Twitch streamer to get over 200,000 paid subscribers, he has almost 10 million followers on Twitch, and 15 million YouTube subscribers. He is very well-known in the gaming community and having him endorse the smartphone would be a huge boon to the smartphone’s reputation.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is poised to be a great smartphone, especially for gamers. If we learn more about this partnership between Samsung, Epic Games, and Ninja, we’ll update this article with more information.