iQOO 13 review: Almost no reason to buy anything else

With heady upgrades and outstanding battery life, the iQOO 13 is proof that you don’t need to shell out ridiculous amounts of money to get a terrific phone.


Verdict
The iQOO 13 has considerable upgrades: you get a larger AMOLED panel, and it gets noticeably brighter. It has the latest Qualcomm hardware, and it is a gaming powerhouse. And then there’s the battery; the massive 6,150mAh unit lasts two days between charges, and you get 120W charging. The cameras are much better than previous years as well, and you get four Android OS updates. Where’s the catch, you ask? There isn’t one. Sure, the cameras may not be on par with the best phones, but that’s about the only limitation.

Pros

  • +Standout performance
  • +Much better AMOLED panel with QHD resolution
  • +Unbelievable battery life with 120W charging
  • +Terrific cameras
  • +Long-term software updates
  • +IP68/IP69 ingress protection

Cons

  • -Cameras not on par with other flagships
  • -Limited global availability
  • -Misses out on 3x zoom

Most brands are starting to roll out their flagships earlier this year; the Find X8 Pro is now available globally, the Vivo X200 is set to make its debut shortly, and other phones aren’t far behind. Vivo sub-brand iQOO is also getting in on the action, launching the iQOO 13 a month early.

The iQOO 13 retains a similar design as its predecessor, but it comes with a bigger 6.82-inch panel — the same size as theOnePlus 13, incidentally — and you get all-new cameras at the back alongside the latest Qualcomm hardware, and a massive 6,150mAh battery with silicon-carbon tech.

Clearly, iQOO is making a habit out of delivering significant upgrades on a yearly basis, and while I used the iQOO 12 extensively throughout the course of 2024, the iQOO 13 is considerably better in key areas. Thankfully, what hasn’t changed is the brand’s value-focused positioning — the iQOO 13 is the most affordable phone powered by Qualcomm’s new silicon, and that alone makes it worthy of consideration.

>>>>>BA17 Battery for Vivo iQOO 12 Pro

iQOO 13: Pricing and availability

The iQOO 13 was unveiled in China on October 30, and the phone made its global debut on November 28. It is now available in Indonesia, and will be making its way to India on December 3. The global variant is available in 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB editions, and both models feature LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
I’ll have details of Indian pricing shortly, but in Indonesia, the iQOO 13 costs 9,999,000 IDR for the 12GB/256GB version, and 11,999,000 IDR for the 16GB/512GB edition.

iQOO 13: Design

The iQOO 13 is virtually indistinguishable to its predecessor in terms of the design. Both phones share the same overall aesthetic, and you even get the same camera island, albeit with a few minor differences. The biggest change at the back is that the LED flash module now sits within the camera island, creating a cleaner overall look.

Other than that, the iQOO branding and the brand’s tagline — Fascination Meets Innovation — alongside the BMW M livery is now positioned on the left. Outside of these two changes, the design is identical. The camera island is marginally bigger on the iQOO 13, but you’ll only notice that if you’re using it alongside the iQOO 12.

I don’t mind that iQOO retained the same design this time; the iQOO 13 looks just as elegant as its predecessor, and the white color variant (it’s called Legend) is striking. While the phone still has flat sides, it has subtle bevels where it meets the back, and that makes using the phone much more comfortable. It’s a small thing, but you easily notice the difference when switching between the iQOO 12 and 13.

The sides are made out of aluminum, and the glossy coat isn’t to my liking. Thankfully, the glass back has a matte texture that feels great, and it doesn’t pick up smudges. The phone itself is a smidgen wider than the iQOO 12, and that’s because it has a larger 6.82-inch panel. Considering the increase in size, it’s good to see iQOO retaining similar dimensions.

But the most impressive achievement is that the phone is 0.4mm thinner while still featuring a massive 6,150mAh battery — 1,150mAh more than the iQOO 12. It is 10g heavier, and while you notice the added heft, it isn’t unwieldy, and it’s still 8g lighter than the Pixel 9 Pro XL while giving you a much bigger battery.

The power and volume buttons are on the right, and you get the USB-C port and SIM card tray at the bottom. The iQOO 13 has stereo sound, and you get a dedicated channel up top that makes a considerable difference. The IR blaster is also located at the top, and it holds up just as well as other Vivo and iQOO phones I used.

Interestingly, iQOO went with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor this time around, and unlike the module on Samsung phones, it is actually usable and fast. It’s using a Goodix sensor — like Vivo phones — and I didn’t see any issues with authentication. Notably, it is positioned just right to access one-handed, unlike several devices I tested this year (looking at you,Find X8 Pro).

Another area where the iQOO 13 has a considerable advantage is ingress protection; the device has IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance as standard, and that’s on par with thebest Android phones.On the whole, the iQOO 13 is one of the better-looking devices around, and while you don’t get a brand-new design, the device is still stylish.

>>>>B-F9 Battery for Vivo iQOO 12G

iQOO 13: Display

Although the design itself hasn’t changed, an area where the iQOO 13 has a considerable upgrade is the screen. You now get a bigger 6.82-inch AMOLED panel, and the refresh rate is increased to 144Hz, but that’s in select use cases — most of the time, it’s down to the standard 120Hz. The panel is noticeably brighter than last year — going up to 1800 nits in HBM mode — and while it doesn’t quite match the Pixel 9 Pro XL in this regard, there are zero issues using it under harsh sunlight.

What’s great about this generation is that the bezels are even thinner, and that is easily noticeable when viewing the iQOO 13 next to its predecessor. The razor-thin bezels make gaming and streaming content that much more immersive, and on that note, I didn’t see any issues with HDR content in Netflix or YouTube.

There’s stereo sound as well, and it gets loud and detailed enough that I didn’t see any issues in regular use. Color vibrancy is decent out of the box, although the hues on my unit tended to skew a little cooler. Thankfully, you get the ability to manually adjust color warmth, and switch to Bright or Professional modes. You even get the ability to dynamically adjust colors based on ambient light.

The panel has QHD resolution this time (3168 x 1440), and the increased pixel density makes a difference in daily use — you get two additional lines of text while browsing. Another trait I like is the suite of eye protection features iQOO is rolling out with this generation; the iQOO 13 has 2592Hz PWM dimming at all brightness levels, making it a great choice if you’re sensitive to DC dimming. It also has something called anti-fatigue brightness adjustment, which basically tweaks brightness levels over time to reduce strain.

There’s also a circular polarized tech, which claims to reduce dry eyes and fatigue by decreasing the glare coming from the panel. As is the case with all phones in this category, you get LTPO as standard, and the panel is able to go down to 1Hz when viewing images or in always-on mode. On that subject, you get always-on styles similar to most Vivo phones running Funtouch OS, but there are a few unique to iQOO.

>>>>>B-F9 Battery for Vivo iQOO 12G

iQOO 13: Performance and battery

Obviously, a big selling point of the iQOO 13 is that it comes with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. Although most phones powered by the silicon cost upwards of $1,000, the iQOO 13 has the distinction of being the most affordable of the lot, coming in at the equivalent of $630.

Without burying the lede too much, what I can tell you right now is that the iQOO 13 is a performance beast. It blazes through daily use cases without breaking a sweat, and it handles demanding games just as well. I didn’t see any issues with overheating, and while the phone is on the conservative side with thermals, it doesn’t throttle anywhere as early as its predecessor.

CategoryOPPO Find X8 ProiQOO 13
PCMark Work 3.0 (Overall)1643516043
PCMark Work 3.0 (Web Browsing)1941016307
PCMark Work 3.0 (Video Editing)68346899
PCMark Work 3.0 (Writing)1446420445
PCMark Work 3.0 (Photo Editing)3169339044
Geekbench 6 (single-core)27472954
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)84046650
Geekbench AI (Quantized Score)19463915
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (score)61764514
3DMark Wild Life Extreme (FPS)36.98527.025
3DMark Solar Bay (score)93087287
3DMark Solar Bay (FPS)35.39527.695

The iQOO 13 scored significantly higher than the Dimensity 9400-based Find X8 Pro in Geekbench 6’s single and multi-core tests, and it was twice as fast in Geekbench AI. While it doesn’t quite measure up in 3DMark tests, it managed a better stability score of 75.9% in the demanding Steel Nomad Light stress test, and didn’t go beyond 42 degrees Celsius.  

While most games are still locked to 60fps, there are select titles that go up to 90fps and beyond. Interestingly, iQOO uses a custom Q2 chip to upscale games and boost framerates, and it does a great job in this regard. What I like the most is that it reduces jitter by maintaining a steady framerate, with the feature similar to what NVIDIA and AMD offer with G-Sync and FreeSync.

I’m using the 16GB/512GB model of the iQOO 13, and I didn’t run into any issues with the storage or memory. Multitasking is handled effortlessly, and the software is stable and optimized to take advantage of the silicon. You get the entire suite of AptX codecs, and there’s Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and dual-band GPS.

The vibration motor has been overhauled, and it delivers much better feedback this time around. You can adjust the intensity of the feedback, and while the Find X8 Pro and Vivo X100 Ultra still have an edge in this area, there is a noticeable difference over the iQOO 12.

The iQOO 13 comes with a huge 6,150mAh battery, although the Indian variant has a slightly smaller 6,000mAh battery. The increased battery size along with the efficiency gains of Qualcomm’s latest silicon means you get a huge uptick in battery life, and I got at least two days of use between charges. Even with heavy use, I didn’t have to charge the iQOO 13 within the two-day window; it is one of the best devices I used in this regard.

The increase in battery size is attributed to the switch to asilicon-carbon anode. Going this route allows brands to increase battery density, and that’s why most Chinese-branded phones in 2025 have heady gains in this area. The limitation is that there’s a single cell, but as the iQOO 13 uses Vivo’s 120W charging tech, it takes just 34 minutes to fully charge the device.

It went up to the 50% mark in just 14 minutes, taking another 20 minutes to get the rest of the way. Honestly, if you need two-day battery life and the best charging tech currently available, the iQOO 13 is hard to beat.

iQOO 13: Cameras

The iQOO 13 gets a trio of 50MP cameras at the back, including a 50MP Sony IMX921 with 1/1.56-inch sensor and OIS, 50MP Samsung JN1 wide-angle lens with autofocus, and a 50MP Sony IMX816 telephoto with 2x optical zoom and OIS. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the cameras are identical to the Vivo V40 Pro — and the V30 Pro. The front camera is different, and it’s using a 32MP module.

The camera interface itself is identical to last year; you get the shooting modes in a grid at the bottom, and you can easily switch between the various lenses. The phone has a Humanistic street mode that boosts the contrast and adds a heavy vignette to the shots, resulting in images that look very different to what you get from the regular modes.

When it comes to videos, all the lenses at the back can shoot 4K60, and that’s good to see. There’s decent stabilization, and while the resultant footage isn’t quite on the same level as other flagships I used, it is better than the iQOO 12.

The iQOO 13 takes fantastic photos in daylight scenarios, producing shots with great dynamic range and color accuracy. Just like the V40 Pro, foliage doesn’t have the best definition, but outside of that, I don’t have any issues with the camera as such. The phone does just as well in low-light shots, and while you don’t get quite the same color vibrancy as theVivo X100 Ultra,X100 Pro, Find X8 Pro, or other flagships, it delivers usable photos.

The wide-angle lens also does a great job in its own right, as does the 2x lens. Obviously, having a 3x zoom lens would be ideal, but you miss out on that, and while I got usable shots at up to 5x, it isn’t the same as having a dedicated optical zoom lens with a greater zoom factor. The auxiliary lenses don’t quite measure up at low-light, and this is where you see the biggest difference to the likes of the X100 Pro.

Ultimately, the iQOO 13 posts a strong showing, and while I put the phone one tier below other flagships, it does a much better job than its predecessor, and it is one of the best in this category. Yes, you’ll get better photos out of the Vivo X100 Pro or the Find X8 Pro, but you’ll also need to shell out much more cash.

>>>>BA06 Battery for VIVO X100 V2308 V2309A

iQOO 13: Software

There isn’t much to talk about on the software front. The iQOO 13 runs Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15 out of the box, and while it is technically new, the UI is visually unchanged to last year. You get the same notification pane, similar styling throughout, and the same customizability.

That said, the interface is fluid, and notably, it doesn’t feel quite as iOS-esque as ColorOS 15, and that’s an ironic turnaround considering the software’s roots. Anyway, what you need to know is that the styling isn’t cumbersome, and you get useful extras, including floating windows, a smart sidebar, and easy multitasking.

Interestingly, there’s an RGB LED ring around the rear camera island dubbed Monster Halo, and it can be used for anything from notification and call alerts to battery notifications, and an atmospheric mode that cycles lighting effects. Look, I’m all-in on RGB lighting, but I didn’t use this feature as much as it involves putting the phone face-down on a table, and I don’t do that. But I’ll have to admit that it is very cool, and you can customize colors and effects by going into the settings — it’s called Dynamic light.

The only annoyance I ran into is that Funtouch is still a bit aggressive with memory management, so you’ll need to go into the settings to disable optimization to get timely push notifications. Outside of that, I didn’t see many problems. As is the case with every phone, you get a suite of AI-enabled features, and these mostly involve image editing — similar to Magic Eraser on the Pixels.

There’s good news on the update side of things as well, with iQOO guaranteeing four Android OS updates alongside five years of security updates to the iQOO 13. That’s one platform update more than what the iQOO 12 will pick up, and it’s good to see iQOO matching Vivo in this regard. The phone picked up two software updates with stability tweaks and the latest security update, and it’s good to see iQOO’s phones getting the same level of attention as their Vivo siblings.

iQOO 13: The competition

The 2025 launch cycle is about to heat up, and the iQOO 13 is going up against the OnePlus 13. That device also has a massive battery and 6.82-inch AMOLED panel, and it should take better photos. It comes down to what it costs in countries like India, but it is unlikely to deliver the same value as the iQOO 13.

Although the X100 Pro is considerably more costly, it has one of the best camera packages of the year. If that’s a key consideration, I’d recommend getting the X100 Pro instead; otherwise, the iQOO 13 is the better bargain by a long shot.

iQOO 13: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

  • You need the latest Qualcomm hardware
  • You need the best battery life
  • You want a phone for gaming
  • You need a big AMOLED panel that’s eye-friendly
  • You want good cameras

You shouldn’t buy this if:

  • You need the best telephoto lenses
  • You want the best low-light photos

Ultimately, the iQOO 13 reinforces the fact that you don’t need to spend north of $1,000 to get flagship-tier quality. The phone has the latest Qualcomm hardware, a high-quality AMOLED display with useful features, fluid software, and it will pick up long-term software updates.

The phone does a brilliant job at gaming, and it isn’t hard to see why — iQOO is clearly targeting a younger audience with the device, and the unique additions allow you get stable framerates without worrying about overheating. On that note, the battery life is the best of any device I used this year, and you’ll only need to charge the phone every two days on average.

There are decent upgrades with the cameras as well, and while the iQOO 13 doesn’t quite measure up to the Find X8 Pro or Vivo X100 Ultra, it is much better than its predecessor in this regard, and that’s an achievement in and of itself. Overall, if you need the best hardware but don’t want to shell out quite as much cash, the iQOO 13 is the best choice.

 

 

Apple patents new technology for smartwatch blood pressure measurement

Upcoming Apple Watches may be able to measure blood pressure in a non-optical and innovative way, but it remains unclear if and when Apple will actually implement the technology.

The Apple Watch may get a blood pressure measurement feature. (Image source: Daniel Schmidt)

The Apple Watch may get a blood pressure measurement feature. (Image source: Daniel Schmidt)

That Apple is currently working on ways to measure blood pressure isno secret. In fact, such a feature would not necessarily catapult Apple to the top of the wearable manufacturers in this respect, but instead put the company on par withHuawei with its direct measurementorSamsung with its optical measurement. That said, a newpatent (PDF)from Apple has now emerged, which describes a new way of measuring blood pressure with a watch.

How the blood pressure measurement is supposed to work becomes clear when studying the flow chart. An inflatable chamber is first filled, which, together with a sensing chamber and a pressure sensor, work to detect the resulting ‘vibrations’ that occur in the user’s blood flow. In simple terms: Blood pressure is the externally applied pressure required to stop blood flow.Korotkoff sounds, the sounds or ‘vibrations’ that are emitted when pressure is applied to blood flow via a non-invasive procedure, can then be measured. 

The patent mentions that the chamber is filled with liquid – what advantages liquid offers instead of air is not immediately clear, as liquids, unlike gases (and ultimately air) are considered incompressible. As always, just because Apple is patenting a particular technology does not necessarily mean that it will be implemented in the nextApple Watchor even at all.

Apple’s concept of blood pressure measurement on a smartwatch. (Image source: Apple)

Source(s)

Apple (PDF)

OnePlus 12: OnePlus previews major new OxygenOS 15 update before global rollout with AI Notes and AI Retouch features

The OnePlus 12 has only recently received Android 15 via its first stable OxygenOS 15 update. However, OnePlus has now started issuing a fresh OxygenOS 15 update that adds new AI features and other changes.

OnePlus 12 Review | PCMag

(The OnePlus 12 will soon gain new AI features globally.) 

Hardly any time has passed since OnePlusbrought Android 15to theOnePlus 12, which arrived as OxygenOS 15.0.0.204, 15.0.0.205 and 15.0.0.206 for OnePlus’ European, North American and Indian software development channels, respectively. For context, the OnePlus 12 remains its most recent flagship outside of China. The company treats fans in its home market to the newer OnePlus 13 though, which contains various upgrades over its predecessor.

Typically, OnePlus would not follow up on a major software release for a while, particularly when it comes to a device like the OnePlus 12, a last-generation flagship. However, a second OxygenOS 15 build has now arrived with a whole heap of changes not present in those that OnePlus distributed at the start of the month.

Please note that OxygenOS 15.0.0.305 is only being offered across OnePlus’ Indian software branch for the moment. With that being said, the company hopes to offer equivalent updates next week in other markets. On top of that, one must have already updated their OnePlus 12 to Oxygen OS 15.0.0.206 before being offered OxygenOS 15.0.0.305.

At any rate, the latter introduces in-house AI Notes and AI Retouch software, which OnePlus has described in the changelog below. Moreover, the new update adds the option of sharing live photos with nearby iOS devices, a version of which Oppo recently showcased for itsFind X8 series global launch. Furthermore, OnePlus has fixed an issue that caused some apps to crash unexpectedly. Please see the full changelog below for more details.

>>>BLPA25 Battery for OnePlus 12 5G

AI Retouch

  • Introduces the Enhance clarity feature to enhance the clarity of cropped, distant, or low-quality photos.
  • Introduces the Unblur feature to restore details, colors, and lighting in blurry photos, making it easier to capture those precious moments of your pets, children, and more.
  • Introduces the Remove reflections feature to effortlessly remove glass reflections for clearer, more authentic photos through windows.

AI Notes

  • Introduces the new AI writing suite which includes the continue writing, polish, and optimize style AI writing features to assist you in drafting and enhancing content, unleashing your creativity in an instant.
  • Introduces the Format feature to organize scattered information into well-organized content to make it more visually appealing and easier to read.
  • Introduces the Clean up feature to remove filler words from voice notes to make sentences more coherent while retaining the original audio.

Communication & interconnection

  • Now you can easily share live photos with iOS devices nearby.
  • Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of Bluetooth connections.

System

  • Contacts can now be switched to a floating window.
  • Photos can now recognize boarding passes and add them to Google Wallet.
  • Apps in large folders can now be displayed in 3 × 3 grids.
  • Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.
  • Fixes a display issue where some app icons might overlap with other elements when pulling down the Quick Settings in the Photos app after restarting the phone.
  • Integrates the November 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

Got an iPhone 14? Its safety features are getting downgraded soon

At least in some cases

If you were among those who purchased a new iPhone in 2022, your device might now feel a little less helpful, at least in emergency situations.

That’s because the two-year free trial of Apple’s Emergency SOS Satellite feature, a groundbreaking technology introduced with theiPhone 14 series, has officially expired.

While Apple has granted users an additional year of free access, the clock is ticking, and the long-term cost of the service remains a mystery.

iPhone 14

Apple’s Emergency SOS Satellite feature debuted in November 2022, positioning the company as a leader in integrating satellite telecommunications into flagship phones.

Powered by a partnership with Globalstar, the technology enables users to connect with emergency services or share their location via theFind My appin areas without cellular or WiFi coverage.

When theiPhone 14,iPhone 14 Plus,iPhone 14 ProandiPhone 14 Pro Maxlaunched, Apple promised a free two-year trial of the Emergency SOS Satellite feature. That period has now come to an end.

>>>>A2850 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Plus

However, Apple has extended the free use until at least November 2025, giving users a temporary reprieve before fees are introduced.

As of now, Apple has not disclosed how much the service will cost after the extension ends.

For now, iPhone 14 series owners can continue to rely on the Emergency SOS Satellite feature without any immediate cost.

Keep in mind though that the expiration of the initial free period serves as a reminder that this critical service may not remain free forever.

Eventually, users might need to decide whether to pay for ongoing access if Apple introduces pricing after 2025.

But before that happens, we also expect to finally see theiPhone SE 4in early 2025, as well as theiPhone 17 seriesin September next year.

Samsung might be working on the first foldable gaming handheld

We don’t expect this device to actually see the light of day.

What you need to know

  • Samsung has filed a patent for a foldable gaming handheld console.
  • Based on the included patent drawings, the handheld would be somewhat similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but includes space for gaming controls.
  • The patent was originally filed in 2022 but was just granted on November 11.

It’s not all that often that we cover patents, but Samsung might be cooking up something rather exciting. As of November 11, Samsung was granted a patent for an “electronic games console,” as the91mobilesspotted a listing that appeared on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website.

According to thelisting, Samsung Display Co., Ltd. filed for the patent in September 2022, and it was registered as of November 12. Unsurprisingly, there aren’t any other specifics about the internals of this handheld.

However, there are a variety of patent drawings that were published, giving us an idea of how it might work. At first glance, this handheld looks pretty similar to theGalaxy Z Flip 6, with a couple of major differences.

>>>EB-BF741ABE Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

(Image credit: WIPO / Samsung)

The first of which is that the screen faces outward, a concept that we have yet to see Samsung implement outside of some concept designs to showcase at various trade shows. In fact, the only companies to really venture down that path have been Huawei and Honor, as theHonor V Pursewas released in 2023, whileHuawei’s Mate XTtri-foldable phone was revealed in September.

Durability concerns likely play a big part in why we haven’t seen outward-folding phones, making this potential gaming handheld even more intriguing. Adding to the intrigue is how you interpret the patent drawings. On one hand, it looks like it features one screen, but a couple of the drawings indicate that there might actually be two different screens that join together when unfolded.

Then again, we could be looking at two differentgaming handhelds, with one that folds, and another one that doesn’t. If it is indeed two different handhelds, it would help explain the differences in controls when looking at Figure 2 and Figure 3.

While it’s easy to get excited about Samsung potentially releasing a gaming handheld, we have to take this with a massive grain of salt. For one, it’s only a patent, and we know that companies file patents for devices that never see the light of day.

Then, there’s the whole concern about what the future holds for Samsung’s current crop of foldable phones.Rumors suggestthat Samsung sold less than 300,000Galaxy Z Fold 6devices in the first two weeks, falling far short of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

In October, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was released in South Korea,reportedly selling throughall three batches of pre-orders. While that might be the case, there’s no way of knowing how many devices Samsung actually manufactured for release, especially since it was limited to certain regions.

>>>EB-BF946ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

(Image credit: Huawei)

On top of that, rumors continue to swirl around Samsung potentially releasing a tri-foldable competitor to the Mate XT. However, if sales are as bad as reports make it seem, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Samsung decided to cut its losses and dropfoldable phonesfor good.

Let’s hope that’s not the case, and that this newly-discovered foldable gaming handheld actually comes to fruition. 

Google gets weird with chess — I love this new AI experiment that lets you create your own custom pieces

A nerdy millennial dream

Google GenChess

(Image credit: Google)
Google likes to experiment with artificial intelligence. We’ve had live DJ tools, podcast creators and a way to create custom lettering. Now its engineers have turned their sights to the world of chess with GenChess, a new experiment that lets you design custom pieces using the Imagen model.

GenChess is built on top of the Imagen 3 artificial intelligence image generation model from Google DeepMind. This also powers the ImageFX experiment and image creation in the Gemini chatbot. It is a very impressive model that can create everything from photorealism to design.

You can create either a classical chess set that adheres more to the original shapes, or a creative one that is a little more experimental in design. After you create your own the AI will come up with a suitable competitor set and you can play a timed game.

>>>>GPDX1 Battery for Google Pixel Fold

How does GenChess work?

(Image credit: Google GenChess/Future AI)

GenChess uses AI to personalize the 1,500-year-old game by giving you a simple way to create custom sets. You can then play against the computer.

It uses the Imagen 3 AI image generation model and some clever prompting techniques to customize the set. The initial prompt is fairly restrictive. Google provides the bulk of the prompt but you can switch between classic and creative, and add a descriptor at the end.

(Image credit: Google GenChess/Future AI)

My favorite part is that it also tries to create a matching opponent. When I gave it Mars as a prompt, it generated an opponent set that reflected Venus. When I gave it dogs on the beach, it gave me cats on a catwalk as the opponent.

As both a millennial and someone in the chess club at school, I couldn’t resist creating a set made to look like avocado toast. Google gave me bacon and eggs as an opponent. I lost the game.

>>>>GQ6UU Battery for Google G823-00345-01 GS35

Apple tipped to enter development process for foldable iPhone — what that means

One step closer to reality

Despite the nearly seven-year delay between the release of the first commercial foldable phone and now, Apple is expected to release its own folding iPhone eventually.

We’ve seen rumors about a supposed iPhone Flip for years now, but the latest rumor suggests that the phone is actually getting closer to becoming a tangible product.

According to Korean tipster Yeux1122 (via Jukanlosreve on X), the iPhone Flip is entering the “formal development process” with display manufacturers like LG Display or Samsung Display. The leaker alleges this information came from a “supply chain source.”

We understand that that means that Apple is working with display makers to turn a conceptual product into a real one. It means that prototypes will be created, testing and refinement will take place and towards the latter half of the phase, prepping the device for release on the production line and marketing.

Simply, Apple wants to make a folding phone with the leaker saying (machine translated) that Apple was “previously responding piecemeal to technology and key requirements.”

If Apple is only just entering a developmental phase for the foldable iPhone, the earliest we expect to see a new device is two to three years. This aligns with previous leaks suggesting that we might see aniPhone Flip in 2026 or 2027.

>>>>A2830 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Samsung enters the chat

Interestingly, Yeux1122 claims that this development will make Samsung respond by fast-tracking the development of its own future foldables, including introducing a “heterogeneous fold, the FE lineup and design changes after the Fold SE.”

This hints at previously leaked Samsung foldables like theSamsung tri-fold phone, which is expected to launch next year. It may debut alongside a cheaperSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE,finally bringing an entry-level (read: cheaper) foldable to the market — somethingthe world needs.

Samsung would perhaps have more insight into when Apple will release a foldable phone via its Display subdivision. So, it’s plausible that the company would push development forward on the mentioned devices to get ahead of Apple’s future handset.

>>>A2850 Battery for Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Here’s one big reason I’m sticking with my Apple Watch Series 7 and forgoing the Series 10

While the Apple Watch Series 10 has many eye-catching features, older models still have one clear advantage.

Apple Watch Series 10

Some new features make the new Apple Watch Series 10 an attractive prospect, but my old Apple Watch Series 7 has one notable thing that Apple’s new smartwatches lack: blood oxygen tracking. This is enough to keep me happy with my older model.

The blood oxygen monitoring feature is only available in the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, and the Ultra released in 2022. Notably, Apple is now releasing the Apple Watch Series 10 without the feature in the US.

Apple removed the blood oxygen capability in the US in January 2024, just a few months after the release of the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 a year ago.

>>>>A2552 Battery for Apple Watch Series 7 45MM

Apple Watch Series 7

My old Apple Watch Series 7 still tracks my oxygen.

A patent lawsuit with Masimo brought about the removal. The highly publicized dispute resulted in the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling in October 2023 that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 infringe Masimo’s patents for pulse oximeters. The ITC banned the sale of new models with this feature in the US — the rest of the world still has access to it.

Apple disabled the blood oxygen monitor in the new smartwatch models, which allowed the tech giant to continue selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 without pulse oximetry.

Blood oxygen tracking measures oxygen saturation in the wearer’s blood by using light sensors and shining red and infrared lights, then assessing how light is absorbed through the blood. The oximeter analyzes light absorption to estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood, as oxygen-rich blood absorbs more infrared light and reflects more red light.
Masimo alleges that Apple used its patented methods for measuring oxygen levels through light-based sensors and algorithms to analyze light absorption in the blood. Masimo had designed and patented this technology for medical-grade blood oxygen sensors but claimed Apple used them in its consumer products without proper licensing.

When it came time to announce a new lineup of Apple Watch models during the “It’s Glowtime” event, Apple focused on other health-tracking features in the new Apple Watch Series 10, now available for pre-order, avoiding the blood oxygen subject altogether.

Instead, Apple touted its new sleep apnea monitoring feature, which uses sleep data captured by the watch and combines it with a new measure that employs the accelerometer to detect breathing disruptions, a telltale sign of sleep apnea.

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Sleep Apnea Detection in Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers Sleep Apnea Detection.

The blood oxygen feature was very popular on the Apple Watch. While the pulse oximetry in the Apple Watch isn’t as accurate as that of medical-grade devices, some medical studies have found it tends to be within acceptable limits, considering it’s not meant as a diagnostic tool.

As an Apple Watch Series 7 user, I am lucky to still have access to the pulse oximetry feature. I like checking my blood oxygen and seeing how it trends over time and with different life changes, like adopting a new exercise regimen. Plus, since I am at high risk for lung disease due to an autoimmune illness, the SpO2 measurements serve a double purpose in my life.
To be clear, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 still ship with the oximetry sensor as will the Apple Watch Series 10. The feature is only banned for Apple Watches sold in the US, so the rest of the world can still access blood oxygen monitoring on the Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2. Apple is expected to continue working towards bringing back the pulse oximetry feature, which is partly why it was only half surprising not to see it reintroduced during the latest iPhone event.

Apple is also reportedly working on adding blood pressure monitoring to its smartwatches, though that’ll likely come in the Apple Watch Series 11 or later. Blood pressure tracking works differently on a smartwatch than oxygen tracking, though both use similar photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor technology. Blood pressure requires PPG and ECG to measure pulse transit time or heart activity.

iPhone 17 Pro could ditch the titanium frame — what we know

Is Apple lightening up?

(Image credit: Majin Bu)
A recent report indicated that Apple could change the materials for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max frames.

There has been a fair amount of rumors regarding the iPhone 17 series in the last few weeks, including leaked specs and a general idea of what the phone will include. However, a recent leak has indicated a new design change for the Pro models of the phone, including a Pixel 9 Pro-like change. In a recent article, The Information stated that Apple will construct new phone frames from aluminum.

This change would be the first time in a while that the Pro models use the same materials as the base iPhone since the iPhone X in 2017, which used a stainless steel frame. That frame was then dropped for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in favor of titanium.

There are some advantages to using aluminum for the frame, though, primarily that it is much lighter than the other options and more eco-friendly.

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(Image credit: Front Page Tech)
The report also states that Apple plans to drop the rear glass camera housing, instead opting for a larger rectangle constructed out of aluminum. If that sounda familiar, it’s because its a similar design to the Pixel 9 Pro.

As such, it is reported that the back panel will be split, with half being made of metal and half glass. If accurate this would likely be for wireless charging, which isn’t possible through fully metal back panels.

As stated, we have heard a lot of different rumors and leaks regarding the iPhone 17. For instance, a recent tip indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro models could feature upgraded telephoto and selfie cameras. Not only that, it appears the devices will feature an upgraded 3nm chipset that promises to offer a big performance boost over the prior models.

Apple using the same aluminum frame across models is an interesting idea, but we won’t know for certain until the official reveal. If Apple follows its trends we’d expect the iPhone 17 series to be revealed around September 2025.

The best Android tablets 2024: which should you buy?

The best Android tablets to go with your Galaxy and OnePlus phone

(Image credit: Samsung)

Android tablets are perfect for getting work done, playing games, unleashing your inner artist, or just zoning out and scrolling your feeds.

Android tablets are multitasking and gaming beasts, with stunning visuals and more customization options than Apple’s best. Plus, tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE give you more screen real estate and longer battery life than a similarly-priced iPad.

We’ve got even more tablets in Future Labs right now, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the OnePlus Pad 2, but don’t wait if you find a great deal on an older version of both of those tablets. Check back soon to see if some new Android contenders make it onto our list of the best.

The best premium Android tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus leaning against a pot plant.

1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus
Best premium Android tablet
Specifications
Weight: 571g  Dimensions: 285.4 x 185.4 x 5.6mm  OS: Android 14, OneUI 6.1

Screen size: 12.4-inch  Resolution: 1752 x 2800 pixels  CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm)

Storage: 256GB / 512GB  microSD slot: Yes  Battery: 10,090 mAh  Rear camera: 13MP (wide); 8MP (ultra wide)

Front camera: 12MP
Reasons to buy
+Water and dust resistant
+Includes an S Pen in the box
+Excellent multi-tasking features
Reasons to avoid
-Performance isn’t as good as best iPads
-Software can be overcomplicated
-No ‘magic keyboard’ competitor from Samsung

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is a premium tablet that comes loaded with features, including many benefits you won’t find on any iPad or other Android tablets. It’s made for gaming, with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor that excels at graphics performance, but Samsung’s software and the included S Pen also make it perfect for multi-tasking and getting things done.

Samsung has wisely continued to build IP68 certified tablets that are water resistant and durable. You can take the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus into the bath or wash it in the sink if it gets dirty. It’s still a very attractive tablet, it doesn’t look like a tank, but that durability makes it more versatile than an iPad Pro, if you carry your tablet around in the world with you.

The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus costs the same as an iPad Pro 11-inch tablet, but you get a much larger display, which also means a bigger battery inside, and Samsung happily gives you an S Pen, it’s not an expensive accessory like the Apple Pencil.

Samsung also makes the best tablet software around. It’s very easy to open multiple apps side-by-side, and you can even connect the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus to a monitor and keyboard to create a desktop-like experience. This is the best Android tablet you can buy, and easily one of the best tablets all around.

The best budget tablet

2. Amazon Fire HD 10
The best budget tablet
Specifications
Weight: 433g  Dimensions: 246 x 164.8 x 8.6mm OS: Fire OS   Screen size: 10.1-inch

Resolution: 1920 x 1200 pixels  CPU: Octa-core 2.05 GHz   Storage: 32GB/64GB  Battery: up to 13 hours   

Rear camera: 5MP, 1080p HD video  Front camera: 5MP, 1080p HD video
Reasons to buy
+Very inexpensive for a 10-inch tablet
+Seems quite durable and hardy
Reasons to avoid
-Only Amazon App Market, no Google Play
-Tons of bloatware and extra services
The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) is not a great tablet, but it is certainly a cheap tablet, and for the price it gives you plenty to like. While it starts at $139.99 for the 32GB version (with a microSD card slot, nice!).

The Fire HD 10 (2023) has a nice, big screen at 10.1-inches. It’s not as big as an iPad or Galaxy Tab, but it will be large enough to watch your favorite shows and streaming movies, or for browsing the web. You’ll be restricted to Amazon’s App Market instead of the Google Play Store, but all of your favorite streamers and most of the biggest productivity apps are there.

There are also plenty of accessories available, including a fancy Amazon Stylus Pen, a ton of cases, and more. If you need to step up to a keyboard, you might also check out the Amazon Fire Max 11, Amazon’s recent step into more-premium Android tablets.

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The best Android tablet for most people

OnePlus Pad, OnePlus 11, and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 all in green

3. OnePlus Pad
Best Android tablet for most people
Specifications
Weight: 552g  Dimensions: 258 x 189.4 x 6.5 mm  OS: Android 14 with Oxygen OS  Screen size: 11.6-inch

Resolution: 2000 x 2800 pixels   CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 9000   Storage: 128GB   microSD slot: No

Battery: 9,510mAh   Rear camera: 13MPFront camera: 8MP
Reasons to buy
+Display is sharper than iPad Pro
+A flagship tablet priced like a cheaper model
+Big battery and faster charging
Reasons to avoid
-Performance doesn’t match best phones
-One option for storage, RAM, color
-Stylo pen is pricey, needs charging
From our testing and experience with the OnePlus Pad, we can confidently say it is the best Android tablet for pretty much everyone who wants a great tablet but does not want an iPad. And even better, it’s priced competitively, undercutting rival tablets from the likes of Samsung.

So what makes the OnePlus Pad special? Well first off it sports a very impressive display that’s even sharper than the screens you’ll find on an iPad Pro. But not only is the 2800 x 2000 resolution great on this 11.61-inch display, it also refreshes at a speedy 144Hz. So that makes the OnePlus Pad a great device for viewing everything from movies and games to web pages and documents on.

Class-leading charging speeds and a 9,510mAh battery sweetens the deal for the OnePlus Pad. The only minor let down is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip can’t quite keep up with very demanding tasks like photo editing in Lightroom. So even though there’s the option to use the OnePlus Pad with a keyboard cover, it’s not likely to stand up to being a laptop replacement.

However, that’s by-the-by as at the sweet price of $479, the OnePlus Pad’s minor shortcomings can be overlooked as it serves up a great Android tablet that’s worth consideration by most people.

The best battery life

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
Best battery life
Specifications
Weight: 627g  Dimensions: 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5mm  OS: Android 14, OneUI 6

Screen size: 12.4-inches  Resolution: 1600 x 2560 pixels  CPU: Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm)

RAM: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB  Storage: 128GB / 256GB   microSD slot: Yes

Battery: 10,090 mAh   Rear camera: 8MP (wide); 8MP (ultra wide)   Front camera: 12MP
Reasons to buy
+Water and dust resistant
+Great multi-tasking software
+Includes an S Pen in the box
Reasons to avoid
-Bulky and heavy compared to iPad Air
-Slower Exynos processor inside
-Still expensive considering performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus arrived with the rest of the recent FE clan, including a Galaxy S23 FE phone and new FE buds. The ‘FE’ tag no longer stands for ‘Fan Edition,’ now it just means … nothing. That’s fine, because the Tab S9 FE Plus managed to impress in our full review no matter what it’s called. It costs the same as an Apple iPad Air, but it manages to beat Apple’s tablet in many ways, especially in battery life, making it our pick for longevity in a tablet.

Of course, the Tab S9 FE Plus lasts a long time because it’s processor is a bit underpowered, especially compared to Apple’s tablet. While the iPad Air gives you a full desktop processor inside, Samsung opts for a much more conservative Exynos 1380 processor, the same chipset found in its bargain Galaxy A54 phone from 2023.

So, it won’t be editing 8K video in real time, but you’ll have fun watching videos for up to 18 hours, almost twice as long as many other tablets on this list, which typically last between 9 to 11 hours with basic usage. The Tab S9 FE Plus lasts well over a day of use even with the screen on, so if you need a tablet that lasts, this is your first stop.

The best drawing tablet

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The best drawing tablet
Specifications
Weight: 732g  Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5mm   OS: Android 13   Screen size: 14.6-inch

Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels   CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy   Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

microSD slot: Yes   Battery: 11,200mAh   Rear camera: 13MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide)   Front camera: 12MP + 12MP
Reasons to buy
+Samsung multitasking is better than iPad and Pixel Tablet
+Gorgeous display and blazing performance
+Value is surprisingly good compared to iPad Pro
Reasons to avoid
-Same price as a Macbook Air (M2)
-Faster charging would have been nice
-Flimsy keyboard and no easy S Pen storage


The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra was our previous pick for the best overall Android tablet, and if you can afford this premium, 14.6-inch monster, you should absolutely buy it. You may need to find a larger bag, and it’s probably bigger than most people need, which is why the Tab S9 Plus is our new premium Android favorite. If you need a serious tablet, with a seriously huge display made for drawing and artwork, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best you can buy.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra probably gives you more than you need, but if you want to draw in the bathtub or by the pool, its water resistant frame will keep away moisture, even if it takes a dunk. The included S Pen uses the same Wacom technology you trust in professional graphic design tablets, so you can rely on its pressure and tilt sensitivity. You can even use your favorite Wacom pen with the Tab S9 Ultra, it will work the same.

We weren’t huge fans of the keyboard Samsung offers for the Tab S9 Ultra, and it’s really better as a massive canvas than a productivity took. This belongs on a huge drafting desk with great lighting, not stuffed onto a tray table on a plane. The Tab S9 Ultra is an ultimate tablet, but only if you have the space for it, and artists will appreciate what this huge display adds to the studio.

The best tablet for work

6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The best tablet for work
Specifications
Weight: 732g  Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5mm  OS: Android 14, OneUI 6.1  Screen size: 14.6-inch

Resolution: 1848 x 2960 pixels  CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy   Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

microSD slot: Yes  Battery: 11,200mAh   Rear camera: 13MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide)   Front camera: 12MP + 12MP

Reasons to buy
+Samsung multitasking is better than iPad and Pixel Tablet
+Gorgeous display and blazing performance
+Value is surprisingly good compared to iPad Pro
Reasons to avoid
-Same price as a Macbook Air (M2)
-Faster charging would have been nice
-Flimsy keyboard and no easy S Pen storage


With the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, you get the best productivity software on any tablet, especially if you want to do a lot at one time. Samsung’s software shines on the larger tablet display, with great multi-window support, and excellent tools that keep you up-to-date all the time.

Samsung goes even further with DeX, a feature that turns the Galaxy Tab S9 into a real desktop with a task bar and floating windows. Just connect a mouse and keyboard, and maybe even a second display, and you’re ready to get more done. It’s an incredibly useful tool that makes it easy to access your work email and business documents in a comfortable way on the go, using a larger tablet screen instead of a smaller phone.

The Galaxy Tab S9 is even water resistant, so you could work from the beach safely near the waves, we won’t tell. That durability, plus Samsung’s great service and support, makes the Galaxy Tab S9 our favorite tablet for getting work done.

The best compact Android tablet


7. Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus
The best small Android tablet
Specifications
Weight: 355g  Dimensions: 202 x 137 x 9.7mm  OS: Fire OS  Screen size: 8-inch

Resolution: 880 x 1280   CPU: quad-core   Storage: 32GB/64GB

Battery: up to 12 hours   Rear camera: 2MP (wide)    Front camera: 2MP
Reasons to buy
+Wireless charging
+Can be used like an Echo Show
Reasons to avoid
-Poor screen quality
-Not swift, even with extra RAM
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus is our favorite small Android tablet for a few reasons. First of all, it’s inexpensive and packed with apps for streaming your favorite movies and shows, connecting to your social networks, or getting some work done.

Second, most Android tablet makers have backed away from small tablets, so there isn’t a professional-strength Apple iPad mini competitor from Samsung or OnePlus, unless you buy an expensive foldable phone with a mini tablet inside. Instead, you can spend less than a hundred bucks on the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus and get most of what you need from a simple, small tablet.

Don’t expect much power, because the Fire HD 8 Plus is made for media, not business. You’ll still find plenty of tools from Microsoft and your favorite productivity apps on Amazon’s App Market. You just won’t have access to Google Play or any Google services, since this is an Amazon-only affair.

This tablet goes on sale often, making it an even better deal if you’re shopping at the right time.

How to choose the best Android tablet for you

When you’re buying an Android tablet, the first thing to consider is not the tablet, but which phone you carry. Samsung tablets have features that only work with Samsung phones, and the OnePlus Pad also has features that work exclusively with OnePlus devices. Before other considerations, you might want to match your phone to your tablet to get the most out of both.

The next thing to consider is how much you want to spend. If you can spend on an Android tablet what you might spend on an iPad, you can get our favorite Android tablets from OnePlus and Samsung, with robust features, a great display, and plenty of extras like an included stylus.

If you only have a hundred bucks or so, you’ll be looking at Amazon Fire tablets, which don’t run Android with Google Play but instead rely on Amazon’s own App Market. You still get plenty of your favorite apps and streaming services, so hopefully, you won’t have to miss much to save money.

Is mobile data important?

No, if you buy an Android tablet that matches the brand of your phone, your tablet will probably be able to use your phone’s network connection without much trouble. Even if you buy a different brand, it isn’t hard to connect an Android tablet to your phone’s network signal.

Of course, buying a tablet from a mobile carrier often means you can get a discount or a deal that lets you buy a more expensive device, but this usually comes with a multi-year commitment to stay a customer until you’ve paid off the price of the tablet.