Hasta La Gadget!

The $599 iPhone 16e is many things, but don’t you dare call it a budget phone. I hesitate to even call it “cheap.” As a successor to the $429 iPhone SE, it’s hard not to see the 16e as a disappointment. Sure, it’s $200 less than the vanilla iPhone 16 (which I argued was a great deal at launch), and the 16e also packs in the latest A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence. But it’s no longer a small phone, and it pushes Apple’s cheaper iPhone option well beyond $500. That’s something we’ll likely never see again. (And it’s potentially terrible news for future iPhone pricing, as well.)

Given the sheer amount of new hardware in the iPhone 16e — including a larger 6.1-inch OLED screen, Apple’s first in-house “C1” modem and that aforementioned A18 chip — it’s easy to make excuses for the price. The 16e is certainly far closer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the third-gen SE was to the iPhone 13. But I’d argue that Apple didn’t exactly need an OLED screen for this model, and there are likely other ways to cut down costs. (It’s even stranger Apple kept out MagSafe and fast wireless charging, which would have been cheaper to implement, and arguably more useful, than a large OLED display.)

Apple

And while it’s nice to have the A18 chip (albeit with one less GPU core) and full Apple Intelligence support, I agree with my colleague Igor Bonifacic that users aren’t exactly clamoring for those AI features. If we had to blame one culprit for the iPhone 16e’s pricing, though, it’s likely Apple Intelligence. After all, Apple is still fighting to prove it isn’t too far behind Microsoft, Google and OpenAI. In any other year, Apple might have been able to justify throwing an older chip in the 16e, but that’s not possible when it’s in the middle of an AI hype war.

Mostly, I’m just sad that Apple is once again raising the price of admission to its walled garden without much justification. There’s something special — noble, even — about sub-$500 smartphones. They’re a reminder of a saner era of smartphones, when prices were being driven down by phones like the Moto G. These days you’re left with Android phones like the Pixel 8a (and potentially the upcoming Pixel 9a), as well as the $400 Samsung Galaxy A35 and $499 Galaxy A55.

Apple

Now that the dream of a sub-$500 iPhone is well and truly dead, it feels like Apple is just setting the stage for future price jumps. A $600 or $650 iPhone 17e will certainly look like a deal compared to a $850 or $900 iPhone 17. And just wait for the inevitable $2,000 iPhone foldable, which could potentially be specced beyond $3,000. 

Of course, you could be a smart Apple shopper and opt for used or refurbished iPhones. I recently picked up a refurbished iPhone 14 Plus as an early Mothers’ Day gift for $420, and Amazon currently has listings for iPhone 14 Pros right under $500. Those devices won’t support Apple Intelligence, but I’d argue sticking to the used market is simply a more useful form of intelligence. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/a-599-iphone-16e-is-a-cruel-joke-200507275.html?src=rss

Samsung has completed testing for One UI 7.0, and a stable update is expected to roll out soon, according to a Samsung Community moderator. In January, Samsung sent a message to beta testers thanking them for their participation, suggesting that the testing phase was nearing its end.

However, a new beta version was later released, leading to uncertainty about the final update’s timeline. Now, a Samsung Community moderator, IndiaBetaTeam, has confirmed that the stable update is on the way.

In a post on the Samsung Community forum, the moderator stated: The beta program is closed, and the One UI 7.0 stable update will be released very soon. Please stay active on the Samsung Members app for notifications regarding the update.

Message

Expected Release Timeline

While no exact release date was mentioned, this suggests that the One UI 7.0 stable update could arrive within weeks, rather than in May, as some earlier reports suggested. The Galaxy S24 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, are expected to receive the update first. Other Galaxy S, Z, and A series devices will follow in subsequent waves.

Samsung has faced criticism from users for delays in rolling out Android 15-based One UI 7.0, especially as Motorola, Xiaomi, POCO, and Redmi have already released their Android 15 updates. This accelerated release schedule could be a response to those concerns. Users are encouraged to monitor the Samsung Members app for further updates on availability.

Samsung Completes One UI 7.0 Testing, Stable Update Coming Soon

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

OnePlus has officially launched the OnePlus Watch 3, featuring key upgrades such as a larger battery, AMOLED display, and Wear OS 5—The smartwatch introduces several improvements over its predecessor, offering better performance, durability, and functionality.

The OnePlus Watch 3 features a premium asymmetrical design with a titanium bezel, enhancing its durability and aesthetics. It comes with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, protected by sapphire glass, and can reach 2,200 nits of brightness for improved visibility. A notable change is its redesigned power button, which now rotates for easier navigation.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 chipset, the OnePlus Watch 3 delivers smooth performance and includes 32GB of storage for apps and data. It is packed with health-tracking sensors, including a temperature sensor, pulse oximeter (SpO2), heart rate monitor, and sleep tracking. Additionally, it offers over 100 sports modes, with 11 professional modes for activities such as cycling, tennis, running, skiing, and climbing.

The smartwatch provides up to 5 days of battery life under normal use and 3 days with heavy usage. It also boasts MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability and an IP68 rating, ensuring resistance to dust, water, and extreme conditions.

Availability and Pricing

The OnePlus Watch 3 is available in Obsidian Titanium and Emerald Titanium color options. It is priced at $329.99 and can be purchased through the official OnePlus website. With its enhanced battery life, durable design, and upgraded software, the OnePlus Watch 3 is positioned as a powerful alternative in the premium smartwatch market.

OnePlus Watch 3 Launched with Bigger Battery, AMOLED Display, and Wear OS 5

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Potensic has unveiled the ATOM 2, a compact and lightweight drone designed to replace its predecessor and compete with the DJI Mini 4K in the entry-level market. With a minimalist design, it aims to offer high-quality imaging and advanced flight features at an affordable price.

The ATOM 2 is equipped with a 48MP Sony CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture 8K photos and 4K HDR videos. It also includes AI-powered object tracking, making it ideal for users who want automated subject tracking for dynamic shots.

A key feature of the drone is its 10 km transmission range, which enables 1080p live streaming over long distances. Additionally, it supports vertical video recording, catering to social media content creators who require mobile-friendly formats.

To enhance the flying experience, the ATOM 2 comes with several intelligent flight modes, including Quickshots, Dolly Zoom, and Dynamic HomePoint. These modes allow users to create cinematic shots with minimal effort. The drone also includes automated photography functions, making it accessible for beginners.

For convenience, Potensic has introduced SmartTransfer, a feature that allows users to quickly transfer 4K footage to their smartphones via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a wired connection.

Availability and Pricing

The Potensic ATOM 2 is available for purchase on the company’s official website. The Standard Kit is priced at $339.99, while the Fly More Combo, which includes additional accessories, costs $459.99. With its competitive pricing and advanced features, the ATOM 2 presents itself as an affordable alternative to the DJI Mini 4K, making it an attractive option for beginner drone enthusiasts.

Potensic ATOM 2 Drone: A New Entry-Level Rival To The DJI Mini 4K

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Potensic has unveiled the ATOM 2, a compact and lightweight drone designed to replace its predecessor and compete with the DJI Mini 4K in the entry-level market. With a minimalist design, it aims to offer high-quality imaging and advanced flight features at an affordable price.

The ATOM 2 is equipped with a 48MP Sony CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture 8K photos and 4K HDR videos. It also includes AI-powered object tracking, making it ideal for users who want automated subject tracking for dynamic shots.

A key feature of the drone is its 10 km transmission range, which enables 1080p live streaming over long distances. Additionally, it supports vertical video recording, catering to social media content creators who require mobile-friendly formats.

To enhance the flying experience, the ATOM 2 comes with several intelligent flight modes, including Quickshots, Dolly Zoom, and Dynamic HomePoint. These modes allow users to create cinematic shots with minimal effort. The drone also includes automated photography functions, making it accessible for beginners.

For convenience, Potensic has introduced SmartTransfer, a feature that allows users to quickly transfer 4K footage to their smartphones via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a wired connection.

Availability and Pricing

The Potensic ATOM 2 is available for purchase on the company’s official website. The Standard Kit is priced at $339.99, while the Fly More Combo, which includes additional accessories, costs $459.99. With its competitive pricing and advanced features, the ATOM 2 presents itself as an affordable alternative to the DJI Mini 4K, making it an attractive option for beginner drone enthusiasts.

Potensic ATOM 2 Drone: A New Entry-Level Rival To The DJI Mini 4K

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.