Memorial Day continues to be every week away (Might twenty sixth), however Amazon has wasted no time in dropping a few of the finest Android offers I’ve seen all . Whether or not you are available in the market for a brand new smartphone, wearable, or pill, I’ve handpicked a bunch of one of the best Memorial Day deals for Android customers so you do not have to go searching.
I am speaking about offers like 25% off Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, or this promo that provides you $120 off AND a free gift card when you preorder the brand new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. There’s lots extra the place these come from, and one of the best half? A lot of the gives included in Amazon’s Memorial Day sale do not require a Prime membership to benefit from the financial savings. That being mentioned, most of those offers expire subsequent week, so do not wait too lengthy if one thing catches your eye. Let’s dive in.
A couple of hours earlier than Google’s I/O 2025 occasion, Apple dropped the dates for WWDC 2025.
The corporate says the festivities will start on June 9 at 10 am PT; nevertheless, the occasion will run from June 9-13.
Apple detailed its Classes, one-on-one experiences, and extra for customers and builders to get into.
Do not suppose anybody had this on their bingo card. Apple steps into Google’s limelight to announce information for its upcoming WWDC occasion.
Simply this morning (Could 20), Apple posted a snapshot of its upcoming WWDC 2025 occasion, stating it can happen on June 9 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET). The corporate teases people can tune in to witness its subsequent “software program and applied sciences.” With the tagline “On the Horizon,” WWDC 2025’s official page went reside not way back, giving customers somewhat extra perception. Your complete occasion runs from June 9-13.
Customers and builders alike ought to put together for Apple’s major keynote on June 9 at 10 am PT. Nevertheless, the web page states there might be a “Platform State of the Union” occasion following the principle keynote at 1 pm PT. Apple says it can clue customers into the “latest developments to your apps and video games.”
The festivities proceed as Apple highlights its Classes. The web page says customers might be taken via over 100 movies regarding Apple’s design, tech, and instruments. These are inspired to obtain Apple’s Developer app and subscribe to its Developer YouTube web page.
Lastly, Apple states customers can arrange one-on-one lab experiences. These are on-line appointments that can information customers via subjects they discover essentially the most attention-grabbing. There’s extra to it; nevertheless, Apple will walk you through how this may be achieved if desired.
WWDC reveals what Apple’s cooking
(Picture credit score: Apple)
WWDC is beginning at some point sooner than final yr, however Apple’s 2024 convention really dug into the model’s AI efforts. The primary occasion talked about Apple Intelligence, which we have all develop into conversant in in current months. Apple Intelligence was all about bringing many AI options to help customers day by day, just like what we have seen from Samsung and Google. Nevertheless, one other speaking level was the way it might enhance the well being and health expertise.
Then again, Apple kind of pushed RCS messaging to the back burner final June, which wasn’t stunning. As an alternative of talking on it in depth, we got the expectation of RCS in iOS 18, which occurred a few months later in September. The RCS replace lastly introduced the textual content message replace Android customers had been ready for with iPhones. Briefly, the replace introduced learn receipts, sharper photographs, and extra.
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Xiaomi and Qualcomm have prolonged their partnership for an additional 15 years, constructing on a collaboration that started in 2011.
This makes Xiaomi proceed to characteristic Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 collection in its flagship smartphones.
The collaboration extends past smartphones, because it additionally contains a wider vary of Xiaomi’s product ecosystem, similar to AR/VR glasses, wearables, tablets, sensible house gadgets, and electrical autos.
Xiaomi has all the time been a frontier relating to adopting Qualcomm’s newest and best chips throughout its merchandise. The partnership is additional increasing as each firms have introduced a multi-year settlement.
Just like yearly, Xiaomi will once more be one of many first to undertake the next-generation flagship Snapdragon 8 collection for its premium smartphones later this — each for and international markets, as each manufacturers introduced in a shared press launch.
This comes as each firms lengthen their collaboration for the following 15 years, and Xiaomi’s smartphones shall be launching premium smartphones by Snapdragon 8 collection for a number of generations, with “quantity growing every year of the settlement.”
“Qualcomm Applied sciences has all the time been one among Xiaomi’s most trusted and important companions, supporting our journey from a startup to a world know-how chief. We look ahead to persevering with the following 15 years of our collaboration and leveraging Qualcomm Applied sciences’ cutting-edge Snapdragon® platforms and applied sciences to ship much more progressive and high-quality merchandise to our prospects worldwide,” mentioned Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi.
(Picture credit score: Android Central)
Going ahead, Xiaomi and the chipset maker will work in collaboration to launch not simply smartphones but additionally AR/VR glasses, wearables, tablets, and several other others.
“We worth the connection we’ve got constructed ensuing from 15 years of shut collaboration and are excited to proceed this journey for a few years to come back, with Snapdragon platforms powering Xiaomi’s premium smartphones. We look ahead to increasing our work collectively in automotive, sensible house merchandise, wearables, AR/VR glasses, tablets, and extra, ” mentioned Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm.
For the unaware, Xiaomi first partnered with Qualcomm again in 2011, virtually 15 years in the past with the launch of its Mi 1. And for the previous decade, each flagship from Xiaomi has been comprising the premium Qualcomm chipset, together with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which was one of many first handset to characteristic the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The development shall be persevering with for the following 15 years as nicely.
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Xiaomi has included Qualcomm platforms just like the Snapdragon Cockpit platform for its SU7 — the primary automobile launched by the corporate in 2023. The automobile additionally contains Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF resolution for higher processing and exact positioning.
Moreover, Xiaomi’s sensible house merchandise have been incorporating the chipset maker’s Wi-Fi options, together with the newest Wi-Fi requirements. Wearables from the corporate, just like the Xiaomi Buds 5 Professional, are additionally powered by Snapdragon S7 and S7 Plus Gen 1 sound platforms, whereas the Watch 2 Professional is supplied with Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 wearable platform.
Motorola and Verizon have delayed the Razr 2025 launch with out giving a lot of a cause—only a obscure promise of a “higher expertise.”
The foldables at the moment are anticipated to land at Verizon, Seen, Straight Discuss, and Complete Wi-fi on Could 22 after lacking their Could 15 schedule.
A number of unfortunate patrons are seeing their delivery dates slide even additional, now pointing to Could 28.
Motorola’s newest Razr lineup was imagined to hit retailer cabinets on Could 15, however in case you’re grabbing it via sure carriers, you’ll have to attend a bit as a result of the discharge has been delayed.
Motorola and Verizon have determined to hit pause on the Razr 2025‘s launch, 9to5Google studies. The telephone maker and the provider didn’t give a concrete rationalization behind the choice, leaving everybody puzzled.
“We adjusted the supply timeline of the brand new Motorola Razr to make sure the absolute best launch expertise for our clients,” an organization consultant mentioned in an announcement. “It is going to be obtainable at Verizon, Straight Discuss, Complete Wi-fi and Seen on Could 22.”
Verizon has additionally up to date its blog post for the lineup’s unveiling to point out the brand new launch date, however that’s all the corporate is saying, with no actual rationalization but on what’s inflicting the holdup.
Different carriers nonetheless have the Razr up for grabs, however over on Reddit, some clients are sounding off about delivery delays, and the rumor mill is in full swing making an attempt to determine what’s going on.
Most individuals coping with delays haven’t mentioned which provider they ordered from, so it’s wanting like the problems would possibly simply be tied to the 4 carriers Motorola talked about. Nonetheless, just a few at the moment are seeing delivery dates pushed again to Could 28.
The delay is going down proper as some bizarre rumors begin flying, primarily concerning the Razr 2025 working a little bit too sizzling. Nothing has been confirmed, however Reddit is lit up with tales: customers who ordered via Complete Wi-fi say their telephones obtained despatched again mid-shipment, and some supply drivers even refused to drop them off.
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One thread (now deleted) even tossed out hearth hazard claims, however most individuals suppose that concept is sort of a stretch.
Motorola’s assertion may not completely fulfill Razr followers itching to get their fingers on the most recent fashions, however the silver lining behind all of that is that the launch remains to be taking place, simply pushed again by per week.
I will begin by saying that I usually like 8BitDo’s merchandise; I purchased a number of controllers from the model through the years, and so they’ve held up nicely. An enormous a part of the attract with the model is the styling; most of its merchandise have a pleasant retro aesthetic, and that is much more true of its mechanical keyboard.
The Retro Mechanical Keyboard has a wonderful design that evokes reminiscences of retro gaming consoles, and 8BitDo did a fantastic job staying true to its design ethos. The keyboard is available for $89 on Amazon, and it’s bought in 4 editions. I am utilizing the N Version, and you’ll choose up the C64 Version, Fami Version, or the M Version. The feature-set is an identical with all of the fashions, and the one distinction is the design.
The N Version is styled to resemble the NES, and it appears implausible; the design is a particular differentiator, and 8BitDo did all the suitable issues on this space. The keyboard has an influence button on the suitable that mild up when it is related, and also you get dials to change between modes; there’s Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz connectivity along with the usual USB-C.
There are bodily buttons to pair the keyboard, and I set it up with my iPad Pro M4 and Vivo X200 Pro along with testing it with my Home windows machine. There aren’t any issues in any way with connectivity, and 8BitDo’s distinctive 2.4GHz receiver slots right into a magnetic cubby on the again, making certain you do not lose it.
The keyboard makes use of an aluminum plate, however the chassis itself is made out of plastic. I do not thoughts the plastic construct (it’s a devoted recreation, in spite of everything), and the construct high quality itself is fairly good. Coming in at 1050g, the keyboard is not notably heavy, nevertheless it stays planted on a desk due to rubber ft on the underside.
I like the twin knobs to change between modes and modify the amount; they’ve a decidedly retro aptitude. The keys are equally nice, with 8BitDo utilizing dye-sublimated PBT keys with a customized MDA profile. One other fascinating inclusion is a set of buttons — dubbed the Tremendous Buttons — that you may hook up with the keyboard through customized connectors. You get one set of buttons within the bundle, and you’ll simply join three extra units. The buttons are programmable, so you’ll be able to arrange macros or launch a program with relative ease.
Much like most keyboards right now, 8BitDo went with a TKL design — you miss out on the devoted quantity pad. That stated, when you want a full-size mannequin, that edition is available for $115 — and it retails the identical design. The TKL mannequin has the usual 87 keys, and it’s obtainable in ISO configurations.
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The keyboard comes with Kailh Field V2 White switches as normal, and the pre-lubed clicky change is loud— it is just like the Cherry MX Blue on this regard. The change has a 45gF actuation and three.9mm complete journey, and it feels great to make use of. I usually desire Gateron’s linear switches, and the texture of those Kailh switches is completely completely different.
That stated, when you want a mechanical keyboard with quiet switches, this is not the one to get. After all, you’ll be able to simply take out the switches and use your personal if you’d like — the keyboard takes normal 3- and 5-pin MX switches. Whereas it does not have VIA, 8BitDo’s software program does an honest sufficient job, and it’s straightforward to program buttons and macros.
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Now, the largest limitation with the keyboard is that it does not have backlighting. I get that some manufacturers do not wish to embrace RGB lighting on their keyboards, however there’s no backlight in any way with this mannequin, and that’s annoying. 8BitDo ought to have a minimum of used white LEDs to intensify the design, as a result of because it stands, the keyboard is not that usable in a darkish room.
I might have preferred a metallic chassis because it normally delivers higher acoustics, however the alternative of change mitigates that challenge to an extent. Outdoors of that, I haven’t got any issues with the Retro Mechanical Keyboard. The keyboard has a 2,000mAh battery, and 8BitDo touts 200 hours of utilization between fees. That is due to the truth that it does not have any backlighting, and in my utilization, I received two weeks of utilization out of a cost, and that is significantly greater than some other keyboard.
Total, the Retro Mechanical Keyboard has the most effective designs of any keyboard I’ve in the home (and I’ve over 30 boards), and the versatile connectivity makes it a breeze to make use of it with nearly any machine. It is annoying that there is not any backlighting, however when you do not thoughts the omission and desire a keyboard that celebrates the fantastic period of retro gaming, you should purchase it.
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard
Relive the nostalgia of 8-bit consoles with the Retro Mechanical Keyboard. It has a wonderful design, intensive customizability, and the default change is nice to make use of.
Android 16 is about to carry Auracast to the lots, however Google Pixel customers with supported telephones can attempt all of the upcoming Audio sharing options immediately. The instruments permit customers to pair a number of Bluetooth headphones to the identical Pixel telephone for content material sharing, and make it attainable to begin or hearken to a mass broadcast.
The Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio function is about to be a game-changer for each accessibility and content material consumption. In the event you’re all for sharing your audio with a number of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, you are able to do so now by following this information. It will solely get simpler when Android 16 formally releases, too.
In the event you’re nonetheless catching as much as what the terms Auracast or LE Audio even mean, let’s dive in, as a result of we’ll cowl that as effectively.
What it is advisable to use Audio sharing on a Pixel telephone
Bits of the Audio sharing function have appeared throughout a number of Android beta applications, together with Android 15 and Android 16. At the moment, the Audio sharing settings web page is not seen in Android 16 Beta 4, however it may be enabled in Developer Options on supported Pixel telephones. You have to a Google Pixel 8 sequence or newer telephone to entry this function, because it requires Auracast.
It seems that working the Android 16 beta is definitely elective to activate Audio sharing, because the Developer Choices toggle it is advisable to discover is offered on Android 15 gadgets. If you’re all for changing into a tester, you may follow this guide to install the Android 16 beta on your Pixel phone.
After that, you may observe these steps to make it seem:
1. Open the Settings app.
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2. Scroll down and faucet About telephone.
3. Faucet your construct quantity a number of occasions in succession to allow Developer Choices.
4. You may see You at the moment are a developer when you might have accomplished this efficiently.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Now, you have efficiently activated Developer Choices and may discover the hidden toggle wanted to disclose Audio sharing. Here is easy methods to do it:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Faucet the System web page, then press the Developer Choices tab.
3. Discover Allow Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast UI preview within the record, and flip the toggle on.
4. Observe the on-screen prompts to restart your telephone in order that the adjustments take impact.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Now, you’ll discover the Audio sharingweb page in your Settings app on a supported Google Pixel telephone. It is a good bit of labor to realize entry to a function, however that is as a result of Audio sharing continues to be not publicly out there but.
All of the steps on this part will not be required when Google formally rolls out Bluetooth LE and Auracast help through Audio sharing in a public launch, however it’s unclear when that will probably be. Because the function is not seen by default within the newest Android 16 Beta 4.1 launch, it isn’t assured that Audio sharing will probably be out there on day one.
How one can begin Audio sharing
Audio sharing requires supported earbuds or headphones, as you will not be capable of begin it on a Pixel telephone with out no less than one pair related. Your audio gadgets must help Bluetooth Low Vitality (LE) Audio to work with Audio sharing, and we now have a rundown of some supported earbuds and headphones here. Not the entire best Android earbuds and headphones help this function, however many — just like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro — supply Bluetooth LE Audio.
Tip: In the event you do not instantly see your supported headphones or earbuds present up as Audio sharing suitable, fully forgetting the system and re-pairing ought to do the trick. Examine if there is a toggle forLE Audio within the system settings web page for every set of suitable earbuds, too.
With all that in thoughts, when you might have Audio sharing seen on a Pixel telephone and supported earbuds prepared, you can begin sharing by following these steps:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Faucet the Linked gadgets web page, then press Connection preferences.
3. Faucet the Audio sharing web page, which is now seen.
4. Flip the toggle beside Audio sharingto begin.
5. You may now see a QR code seem in your broadcast alongside your system title and elective broadcast password — each of that are wanted for others to connect with your broadcast.
6. Faucet Pair new system so as to add earbuds or headphones or Shutto complete.
7. You may also be part of an present broadcast by tapping Discover an audio stream.
(Picture credit score: Future)
After that, you have created a broadcast and have the choice to pair a number of LE Audio-compatible headsets to your Pixel telephone. With full Auracast help, that is crucial for accessibility reasons — public occasions, sporting contests and live shows, and transit hubs can ship out Auracast-compatible broadcasts that anybody can hearken to. It is also a helpful software basically, as you may share music or a film with the individual subsequent to you or your complete room.
Audio sharing, with Bluetooth LE and Auracast, is confirmed to be heading to Pixel telephones quickly with the discharge of Android 16. Google touted the function as a part of Android 16 Beta 3’s release notes, the identical replace that reached platform stability for the primary time. In the meanwhile, we do not know precisely when in Android 16’s lifecycle the function will launch — it could possibly be out there on day one or arrive in a future Android 16 replace.
The excellent news is that you do not have to attend as a result of Pixel telephone customers working each Android 15 and the Android 16 beta can use Audio sharing immediately. Whether or not you want listening to help or just wish to share your telephone’s audio with a pal, this helpful Android 16 function will help.
Google Pixel 9
The most recent and biggest
You do not want an costly flagship to attempt the newest Android 16 options, the base-model Pixel 9 will just do wonderful. It covers all of the fundamentals, with a stellar digicam system, a succesful Tensor G4 processor, and Google’s Pixel Launcher with unique options.
I’ve a half-dozen Govee merchandise, together with wall lights, TV backlights, gaming-focused lights, and curtain lights, and the model persistently does an important job delivering helpful options and rock-solid connectivity. Govee’s newest product is the Gaming Pixel Gentle, and it’s principally a pixel gentle grid that is extremely customizable.
The Gaming Pixel Gentle is offered in two sizes — a 32×32 grid that measures 5.3 x 5.3 inches, and a 52×32 grid that is available in at 8.5 x 5.3 inches — and Govee despatched each fashions over. I desire the 52×32 because it has a much bigger canvas. Curiously, each fashions get a 3W audio driver, and you will get alerts by way of the machine itself. There is a stand included within the package deal that allows you to put the Gaming Pixel Gentle in your desk, and it’s wall-mountable.
Govee showcased the product in January, and it went on sale beginning Could 19. The 32×32 variant of the Gaming Pixel Gentle (H6630) is on Amazon at $119, and the 52×32 model (H6631) costs $139. Each fashions are available on Govee’s website as properly, they usually value the identical as Amazon.
The thought behind the Gaming Pixel Gentle is that you may put it up in your desk and have it scroll by way of varied scenes; it serves as an analog or digital clock, reveals real-time climate (you will must enter town title), and there is a nifty countdown timer as properly. And in case you’re invested in all issues blockchain, you even get the power to view real-time Bitcoin pricing (it refreshes each 5 minutes).
I like the power to make use of it as an analog clock, however because it does not present the seconds hand, I switched to climate mode as a substitute, and it was fairly nifty. What’s significantly nice is that you should utilize the pixel grid to point out varied scenes; there are over 150 scenes programmed within the Govee app, and also you get an unlimited number of decisions. One of the best half about utilizing Govee merchandise is that they are often built-in into Residence Assistant, and it’s a huge motive why I desire utilizing the model.
The pixelated grid is decidedly retro, however the LED colours are uniform, and you’ll alter the brightness of the panel. There is a music mode as properly that adjustments the patterns dynamically primarily based on music enjoying within the neighborhood (it has a built-in mic), and my favourite characteristic is the power to make use of your personal pictures or movies on the panel.
Like all the pieces else as of late, you get an AI-assisted characteristic that allows you to create new scenes by speaking to the Govee AI assistant. I requested it to create a Pac-Man scene, and it did a semi-decent job. To spherical out the options, you get a finger drawing mode that allows you to sketch out a sample to make use of on the panel.
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The design itself ties in with a gamer-focused aesthetic, with the black design intersected by jagged edges and inexperienced etched traces. The speaker is housed on the again, and you’ve got controls up prime to modify the panel on or off, alter quantity, and alter scenes.
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The one limitation with the Gaming Pixel Gentle is that it must be plugged in — there is no built-in battery. That clearly curbs its usability as you will want to deal with it in a location with quick access to a wall plug, and I might’ve favored a really moveable unit with a battery.
Apart from that, the Gaming Pixel Gentle is faultless. If you happen to grew up enjoying 8-bit video games and desire a pixel grid that is extremely customizable, that is the one to get. Govee did a improbable job with the panel, but it surely’s the customizability the place the Gaming Pixel Gentle really shines. If you happen to’re eyeing this product, I would recommend getting the 52×32 mannequin.
Govee Gaming Pixel Gentle
With a vibrant pixel grid and unmatched customizability, Govee’s Gaming Pixel Gentle is a good alternative in case you want a retro-styled desk accent.
Xiaomi will announce its in-house XRing 01 chipset on Could twenty second, initially unique to .
Leaked Geekbench exams counsel the XRing 01 bringing scores akin to the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
It’s seemingly a deca-core chipset and is anticipated to energy the upcoming Xiaomi 15S Professional, operating Android 15.
Xiaomi is all set to announce its new in-house-developed silicon chipset dubbed XRing 01. New info and a few leaked benchmark exams reveal what the upcoming chipset must supply.
The XRing 01 is believed to be unique to the area for now, and it will likely be unveiled on Could 22 by way of a product launch occasion. The teased posters on Weibo additionally point out that it’s a complicated 3nm-based silicon (2nd gen), and leaked benchmarks point out that it’s seemingly a powerful contender to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite that powers many of the Android flagship phones this yr.
In response to tipster Jukanlosreve on X (by way of Tom’s Hardware), the XRing 01 has been noticed on Geekbench exams, and the chipset scored a notable 2709 single-core rating and 8125 multi-core rating. Alternatively, one other tipster Ice Universe has additionally shared one other Geekbench check of the identical chipset that exposed even higher 3017 single-core and 9264 multi-core readings, which sounds promising for a brand new unreleased SoC.
The benchmark additionally implies that the XRing 01 is being run on an Android 15-based cellphone, seemingly the Xiaomi 15S Professional, which can also be believed to be introduced on the similar occasion alongside the Xiaomi Pad 7 Extremely.
Curiously, the Geekbench check additionally reveals the distinctive deca-core setup that includes two cores with 1.80GHz clock speeds, one other two with 1.89GHz, 4 3.40GHz velocity cores, and two different cores with 3.90GHz.
The latter are anticipated to be the 2 Cortex-X925 cores, and the 4 are believed to be Cortex A725/X4 cores. The cores with 1.89GHz are seemingly the Cortex A720/A725 ones, and the primary two are anticipated to be the Cortex A520 cores.
With the anticipated configuration and benchmark exams, the chipset alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite is more likely to tackle Dimensity 9400 and Exynos 2400 SoCs as effectively. The chipset forward of the discharge already sounds promising, which is comprehensible for the reason that firm has invested 4 years in analysis and growth in making the SoC. It additionally makes Xiaomi be a part of the checklist with its counterparts like Huawei, Apple, and Google, who all already develop their in-house chipsets for his or her flagships.
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OnePlus is launching the compact but highly effective OnePlus 13s in India on June 5, that includes a 6.32-inch show and Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The OnePlus 13s additionally can even introduce the brand new Plus Key, changing the well-known Alert Slider with expanded customizable functionalities.
Promising best-in-class battery life for a compact cellphone, the OnePlus 13s could characteristic an analogous massive battery and Glacier expertise as seen within the -exclusive OnePlus 13T.
2025 is popping out to be an fascinating for smartphones as we’re attending to see extra various fashions than the standard flagships. Whereas we just lately obtained to see a slim cellphone from Samsung, OnePlus is ready to debut its compact cellphone.
Dubbed OnePlus 13s, the compact handset is making its approach to the Indian market on June 5, and the teasers point out that it’s coming in at the least three colours: black, pink, and a army inexperienced hue. The system additionally makes a notable departure from the standard round digital camera visor and as a substitute opts for a squarish design that options two sensors.
A brand new icon debuts. Save the date. #OnePlus13s pic.twitter.com/Hdgx6Afhf4May 19, 2025
Evidently, the upcoming OnePlus 13s is fairly just like what the corporate has introduced in final month, which is the OnePlus 13T. Just like the latter, the OnePlus 13s can also be confirmed to have a 6.32-inch show and is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite, per the OnePlus website listing.
The opposite confirmed options of the OnePlus 13s embody an all-new Plus Key, which replaces the famous Alert Slider. Whereas the slider provided minimal performance, like altering the sound profiles, the Plus Key guarantees to supply a number of different functionalities, like setting it for sound profiles, enabling Do Not Disturb mode, invoking the digital camera, flashlight, to translate what’s on display, and several other others, which may also be AI-powered.
(Picture credit score: OnePlus)
The OnePlus 13s can even be 5.5G prepared and now have an unbiased G1 Wi-Fi chipset and additional guarantees to supply the very best battery life on a compact cellphone. The OnePlus 13T in notably featured a bigger 6260mAh battery, a tad bit greater than the OnePlus 13 and 13R, which had 6000mAh batteries every. And, the latter two are considerably greater in measurement than the OnePlus 13T’s compact providing. So, we anticipate an analogous method on the OnePlus 13s as properly, together with the incorporation of the corporate’s Glacier battery expertise.
It’s lastly good to see the OnePlus 13s lastly having a launch date after a bunch of teasers from the corporate that had been shared on social media, and likewise on Amazon India listing. Beginning with the Indian market, the compact cellphone from the corporate is hopefully anticipated to make its approach to different areas within the close to future.
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Audiophiles are nicely conscious of Questyle and what the corporate is able to. Its M15i and CMA18 DACs have been well-received by many. The brand new M18i cell DAC continues that streak.
With the M18i, you get a wired or Bluetooth DAC for cell connectivity and a succesful desktop DAC appropriate with Home windows, macOS, and Linux. Every part you should make it work, together with a USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-A adapter, is included within the field.
The sound high quality is exemplary, thanks partially to some proprietary components made by Questyle, however there are some issues you should know as you take into account the acquisition, so let’s get into all of that!
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Classes
Questyle M18i
Decoding
PCM: 44.1kHz-384kHz (16/24/32bit)
DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Processor
16-core XMOS316 USB platform
DAC chipset
ESS Twin ES9219Q DACs
Enter
USB-C, Apple MFi Licensed
Output(s)
3.5mm SE, 4.4mm Balanced
Bluetooth
5.4
Bluetooth Codec Help
AAC, SBC, aptX, aptXHD, aptX adaptive, LDAC, LE Audio
Microphone(s)
Infineon mic module (MEMs), Qualcomm cVc 8.0
Battery
500mAh
Supported OS
Android, iPadOS, iOS, HarmonyOS, Home windows 10, Linux
Energy Output
28mW at 300 Ohms (4.4mm balanced output)
Frequency Response
0.1dB (20hz-20kHz), 2dB (20kHz-80kHz)THD: 0.0002%
Questyle M18i: Stable sound, stable construct
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(Picture credit score: @tshakaarmstrong)
(Picture credit score: @tshakaarmstrong)
Rather a lot is occurring contained in the M18i. Internally, the DAC makes use of twin ESS ES9219Q DACs and different {hardware} powered by a 16-core XMOS XU316 processor. You additionally get a Qualcomm chipset that features its newest clear voice communications chipset and Infineon MEMS microphones. We’ll discuss these parts extra in a second. There are a number of different issues contained in the DAC, however I’ll go over these as I discuss audio high quality. Verify the spec desk for different odds and technical ends it’s possible you’ll be interested in.
The construct high quality may be very reassuring. The unit is small, and all parts are wrapped in a CNC anodized aluminum alloy. There’s a tempered glass display screen on the entrance of the system with an OLED show. The data you’ll get from the highest row of that display screen is: quantity, achieve degree (Low or High), earbuds/headphone related indicator, and battery cost indicator. Beneath that, you’ll see your pattern price in a bigger font, and beneath that, the mode and decoding indicators.
(Picture credit score: @tshakaarmstrong)
Holding the system vertically with the display screen going through you, the highest is the place you’ll discover the three.5mm (SE) and 4.4mm (Balanced) outputs. The correct aspect is the place you’ll discover the delightfully clicky operate buttons. You get an influence button that may also dim the display screen, separate quantity up and down buttons, an MFB or multifunction button that controls achieve and Bluetooth capabilities, and a mode sliding change that’s stiff and doesn’t really feel like it’s going to get unfastened anytime quickly.
You’ll discover one in every of two USB-C ports on the backside of the unit. This one is primarily for information switch, however in PC mode, the unit does cost from the supply it’s related to. The second USB-C port is on the left aspect and doesn’t assist information. Charging solely.
Testing methodology and tools
(Picture credit score: @tshakaarmstrong)
I examined the M18i with a number of completely different IEMs and over-ear headphones (circumaural), enjoying FLAC information (PCM), DSD, and Tidal streams, with it related to varied sources: Google Pixel 9 utilizing USB Audio Participant Professional, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Microsoft Floor Professional 11 utilizing MusicBee.
Sonic imaging, Questyle
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General, the M18i is among the extra clear, nuanced cell DACs I’ve had the pleasure of testing. Let’s discuss utilizing it to drive the equally clear, analytical Sennheiser IE900s: This pairing is not for bass lovers, although tracks mastered with a heavy-handed low finish sound excellent with regard to their low-end nuance and resolve. Utilizing the IE900s with the achieve set to low and the 4.4mm Balanced connection, I may drive them fantastically with the amount solely midway up at 30 of 60 steps.
What’s the “taste profile” of this pairing? Very clear. No colour. An enjoyably giant soundstage for IEMs, however essentially the most compelling sonic function is the nuance. Taking part in the DSF file of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Beginning Somethin’,” there are backing vocals blended to virtually a whisper, you may clearly discern through the music’s intro at 15 seconds in. A function of that blend that will get misplaced in much less clear sound replica with extra coloured DACs and earbuds/headphones.
Relating to tracks mastered with bass emphasis, The Roots’ “Do You Need Extra??!!!?” sounds precisely prefer it ought to, with no coloring of the increase bap heavy bass. The bass continues to be fairly satisfying with this pairing. A PCM file of Marvin Gaye’s “Bother Man” exposes an superior orchestral association! All of the nuance, layered electrical and analog pianos, saxophones, and cymbals. It’s an engrossing sonic expertise with the M18i. By way of signal-to-noise, the M18i may be very darkish!
There isn’t a audible noise through the quiet components of the intro to Whitney Houston’s “I Will At all times Love You.”
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My sound take a look at, pairing the M18i with Campfire Audio’s Mammoth IEMs through the three.5mm connection, introduced extra weight and drama to the music with its extra entertaining, punchier sound replica within the low finish and sub-bass. There was some nuance misplaced within the low finish with the IE900 that was realized with the Mammoth IEMs. That is the bass lovers’ pairing.
Sennheiser HD660S2 was the primary pairing that benefited from the excessive achieve choice, even with extra juice flowing by way of the 4.4mm cables. I needed to enhance quantity by 9 steps, to 39. Over-ears permit the M18i to “stretch its legs” and broaden that soundstage, giving it larger depth and layers as I listened to “Violin Duel” from the Chevalier OST.
The element within the assault and decay of the violins in Violin Duel was prime tier! Subsequent up, Ladysmith Black Mombazo’s ethereal a cappella on Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Footwear” was equally gratifying, being so immersive due to the wealthy timbre and readability offered partially by Questyle’s patented current-mode amplifier SiP expertise present in all of their DACs.
In Bluetooth mode, the sound high quality continues to be pleasant. That mentioned, there’s a distinction between the wired and Bluetooth 5.4 displays. Nonetheless, due to the broad assist for Qualcomm aptX and LDAC HiRes Wireless Audio codecs, that distinction is minimal and sure indistinguishable to these new to lively listening.
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Persevering with with the Bluetooth implementation, the Qualcomm chipset gave me higher mic audio than anticipated. Frankly, this Infineon MEMS mic setup within the M18i sounds higher than many Bluetooth earbuds I’ve reviewed, up there with Jabra, Beats, and AirPods Professional. It does not 100% remove background noise, however it offers you a wholesome stability of background noise dampening with crystal clear voice pickup, so you do not sound such as you’re in a closet, as some TWS earbuds do.
General, from cell to PC, the M18i presents a formidable sonic picture. It’s balanced and clear, with fantastically layered instrumentation separation. It additionally has the flexibility to go wherever and hook up with virtually something, together with Linux and HarmonyOS.
The M18i is nearly excellent, apart from….
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Battery life might be a ache level. One hour of wired hi-res file playback drained the battery from 97% to 41%. My leads to battery testing have been fairly constant throughout modes, apart from PC mode. Which means the max you may count on out of the M18i is roughly two hours of playback.
Happily, there’s a function that mitigates the disappointing battery lifetime of the interior 500mAh cell. Switching to PC mode will energy the DAC from no matter system it’s plugged into. I examined that with my Google Pixel 9, and the cellphone’s battery drained at a price of roughly 10% per hour. I examined with the cellphone in airplane mode as a result of I needed to see what the pull regarded like with out extra components draining the battery, like weak mobile sign energy.
The aspect USB-C port additionally helps mitigate the brief battery life. It helps charging throughout playback, so you may have a battery financial institution with you on that long-haul airplane trip to maintain the tunes going as you cross the Atlantic or Pacific.
Must you purchase it?
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I’ve had the pleasure of testing some wonderfully entertaining audiophile-grade mobile DACs from iFi, Quedelix, and Fiio, and that is now one in every of my favorites. The sound high quality is among the greatest in the marketplace, with the utility to make sure you get essentially the most bang on your hard-earned buck.
Its MSRP is $400, however it’s at the moment on sale direct from Questyle’s web site for $350. On the time of writing, it is also on Amazon with a $50 coupon, bringing the value right down to $300. If you have already got a great pair of IEMs or wired headphones, take into account the M18i as you learn critiques of competing merchandise.
Questyle M18i
A cornucopia of sonic treats!
With lovely timbre, crystal readability, and multidevice compatibility, the Questyle M18i is a top-tier “do-it-all” DAC that might use some enchancment within the battery life division
