Oppo’s Upcoming R1C Handset Could Feature Sapphire Glass, Snapdragon 615 SoC

Just a day before Xiaomi’s big event where we expect to see the handset maker launch its latest flagship, the Mi5, Oppo will be doing some unveiling of its own.

The device maker also has a new smartphone to show us, which goes by the name of U3 and its most important feature is that it comes with a 4x optical zoom on the rear 13MP camera. However, Oppo might have another model in the pipeline. It’s called the R1C, and according to Gizmo China, it could come boasting a stylish crystal glass on the back. For the time being, word on the street claims that the device will arrive with a 5-inch 720p display and take advantage of an octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor fitted with 2GB of RAM, but we can't be sure just yet that all is accurate.

Other known specs so far include a 13MP on the back and 5MP frontal camera, 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card) and LTE connectivity. The handset is said to be scheduled for launch on the same date as the Oppo U3, meaning January 14. The first month of 2015 seems to be a very busy one for Chinese OEMs, so sit back relax and let yourself be wowed by Asia’s latest monsters. Check out the preliminary images featuring the R1C in the gallery below.

Oppo R1C
Images credits to Gizmo China

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Xiaomi Mi5 First Sample Images Leak

We have been telling you about the impending Xiaomi Mi5 launch for a while now. The company’s next flagship device is expected to be rolled out on January 15, but as we wait on that, the first camera samples taken with the handset have leaked online.

The images have allegedly been posted by Xiaomi’s co-founder and have been picked up by Gizmo China. The images have been snapped between December 7 and December 11 with a resolution of 4208 x 3120 pixel resolution. The device is expected to launch in two colors, with the front and back being made of glass materials. The handset is expected to arrive with a 5.2-inch / 5.5-inch display with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixel resolution) and a Snapdragon 805 under the hood (although previous rumors would have us believe we were dealing with a Snapdragon 810 instead).

Recent leaks have also suggested the Xiaomi Mi5 will probably be very thin, coming in with a 5.1mm / 0.2 inch profile. Thus the handset will turn out to be even sleeker than the iPhone 6 which currently has a 6.9 mm / 0.27 inch frame. Anyway, in a few days the Xiaomi Mi5 will most likely go official and then we’ll know all the official details. Recent rumors indicate that along side the Mi5, Xiaomi will probably also unveil the Redmi Note 2.

Xiaomi Mi5 picture sample
Images credits to Gizmo China

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Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL, A Case That Can Hold Two Computers

Computers can become really powerful all on their own, especially the ones that have more than one graphics card, or even two CPUs, but there is one step further that can be taken: combining two PCs into one. That is what Phanteks sought when it made the Enthoo Mini XL.

Technically speaking, making a “double” computer system would be as simple as using one of those dual-socket XL-AYX or E-ATX motherboards. But that still leaves the computer with a single suite of I/O ports, a single operating system, a single entity basically. Phanteks wanted to make it possible for there to be two distinct systems in the same computer chassis, so it made the Enthoo Mini XL.

The Enthoo Mini XL full tower case

Normally, a full tower can hold a mini-ITX (however pointless it would be to outfit it with one), a micro-ATX or a Full-ATX motherboard. The Enthoo Mini XL can hold such a motherboard, as well as a second, exclusively mini-ITX platform on the upper side. You could call it the epitome of multitasking efficiency, since it lets you use a low-key system to browse the net and such, and start the second, high-end system when you want to play a game, design a game or CGI video, produce a CAD model for a 3D printable object, etc. With the help of normal LAN interfacing, you would be able to exchange data between the two systems easily as well.

The rest of the case space will have to be shared between them though. There are three 5.25-inch drive bays, two stacks of 4-tray 3.5-inch bays (which can be adapted for 2.5-inch drives), and room for a tall radiator (if you detach the bays that is). What won't have to be shared is the power supply (not that it would be possible in any case). There are two power supply bays, a full ATX one and a small form factor SFX bay.

Availability and pricing

The Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL should show up for sale soon, and the price is of $180 / €155. Somewhat on the high side, but not on par with enthusiast, gaming models since the company has to get people sold on the idea first, and a higher price wouldn't help its case much. Now all that’s left to wonder about is whether or not this concept will be applied to laptops someday. Some might say that 2-in-1 tablet/notebook drives are it, but other possibilities shouldn't be discounted out of hand. The video below is of the case is it was back in May 2014. Phanteks has been working on it for quite some time it seems. Gallery below, click for larger image.

Enthoo Mini XL
Images credits to TechPowerUp

Enthoo Mini XL
Images credits to Phanteks

Enthoo Mini XL
Video credits to Phanteks

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Samsung Galaxy A7 with Metal Unibody Goes Official, Thinner than iPhone 6

Samsung introduced the Galaxy A3 and A5 handsets a while ago, but we were still waiting for the top-tier of the line to go official.

The Galaxy A line marks Samsung’s commitment to affordability and a stylish metal-clad design. The family arrives to take the place of the Galaxy Alpha, a potent smartphone that sadly sells for quite a lot.

Say hello to the Galaxy A7

Anyway, the highest-specced handset from the Galaxy A line is the A7 and Samsung just made it official a few hours ago. The device has been making rounds online since a few weeks back, but now we can see it as it truly is. The A7 arrives in the wild with a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. There are two versions customers can have a pick at: the LTE one is equipped with an octa-core Exynos 5430 chip (four cores clocked at 1.8GHz while the other four operate at 1.3GHz) from Sammy’s own garden and an LTE/3G dual SIM variant with a 64-bit cota-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chip (four cores working at 1.5GHz and fourth clocked at 1.0GHz).

The Galaxy A7 is fitted with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card). Apart from that, users will also be able to enjoy the perks of two cameras (13MP on the back and 5MP up in front), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, A-GPS+GLONASS, NFC – only the LTE model has this feature). The handset’s life is sustained by a sensible 2600 mAh battery. Strangely enough, Samsung has bundled the handset with Android 4.4 KitKat, but we guess an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop is also in the cards at some point.

The Galaxy A7 is quite gracious

The Galaxy A7 is one of Samsung’s thinnest handsets to date. It’s even sleeker with 3 mm than the iPhone 6. It weighs 141 g / 0.31 lbs and is 151 mm / 5.9 inches tall and 76.2 mm / 3 inches wide. The handset will be made available in black, gold and white, but the pricing and availability options remain a mystery for now. However, Samsung says the device will have a “competitive price point.” 

Press Release:Summary:
Samsung introduced the Galaxy A7, one of the slimmest Galaxy smartphones equipped with premium hardware for a superior social experience, expanding on the popular services provided by the Galaxy A5 and A3.
Samsung Introduces Galaxy A7 for a Seamless Social Experience
Latest Galaxy smartphone also offers a larger display and more powerful performance
Samsung Electronics unveiled the new Galaxy A7, one of the slimmest Galaxy smartphones equipped with premium hardware for a superior social experience. Combining powerful multitasking performance with sophisticated design, the Galaxy A7 expands on the popular services provided by the Galaxy A5 and A3, enabling users to capture and share every moment seamlessly on their social media platform.
“We strive to develop devices that appeal to a broad range of consumers and are ahead of the next big social trend,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “Combining both a stunning metallic design and a powerful performance, the Galaxy A7 is stylish while delivering the superior user experience.”
Setting a New Standard for Social Interaction
The Galaxy A7 is equipped with a multicore processor combining two separate quad core processors, enabling users to quickly and easily perform data intensive tasks. The Galaxy A7 has 16GB of memory and 2GB of RAM to power all of a user’s favorite apps and media, and is supported by a long-lasting 2,600mAh battery.
The Galaxy A7 also supports the intuitive features and services offered by the Galaxy A5 and A3, with an advanced 5 Megapixel front-facing camera and advanced selfie features including ‘Ultra Wide Shot’ and ‘Auto Selfie’ modes, which make it possible to take a photograph using only a voice command or even a simple wave of the hand. The device also features ‘Always Clear Voice Auto Control’ to reduce noise from the surrounding environment, as well as LTE Category 4 support for quick and easy photo and video uploads on any social network. In addition to these features, the Galaxy A7 offers a Private Mode, which adds an extra layer of security for important files and documents. The A7 also has Multi Screen app function capability.
Superior Samsung Galaxy Design at a Competitive Price Point
The Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 are designed for those who want to express effortlessly their unique style. With these devices, Samsung continues to focus on creating smartphones equipped with the slimmest metal unibody on the market today, with comfortable grip for ease of use. The range empowers users to choose a device which reflects their personal style and lifestyle needs, not just in terms of their unique features, but also their size and color options.

Samsung Galaxy A7 gallery below, click for larger image

Samsung Galaxy A7 in gold

Samsung Galaxy A7 in white

Samsung Galaxy A7 black

Samsung Galaxy A7 white

Samsung Galaxy A7 complete specification sketch
Images credits to Samsung Tomorrow

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