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jeudi 12 novembre 2020

Samsung announces Exynos 1080 SoC with ARM Cortex-A78 CPU cores and Mali-G78 GPU

Samsung’s Exynos lineup of chipsets has been lagging behind their counterparts for the last few generations. While this applies to SoCs across different price brackets, news around Samsung’s flagship processors trailing behind their competitors from the Qualcomm camp has gained most traction. The Exynos 990 from earlier this year was also overpowered by the Snapdragon 865, but Samsung has been working its way out to change this dynamic. At an event today in China, Samsung’s semiconductors division announced the Exynos 1080 to power Samsung’s next generation of high-end smartphones.

Exynos 1080: Samsung’s latest high-end processor

The Samsung Exynos 1080 SoC features an octa-core CPU design in a 1+3+4 configuration. It is fabricated with a 5nm EUV-based FinFET process, which is expected to make the chips 25% smaller and 20% more power efficient as compared to the 7nm EUV process that is used to make the Exynos 990.

For the last five years, Samsung had been using its custom Exynos M cores, which could not match up to ARM’s Cortex-A cores. This led the Korean giant to eventually shut down its dedicated research program and drop their plans to develop the Exynos M6 core. Instead, they decided to rely fully on ARM’s Cortex cores for the Exynos 1080.

For the CPU, the Exynos 1080 utilizes one ARM Cortex-A78 core clocked at 2.8GHz along with three Core-A78 cores clocked at 2.6GHz for performance and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz for power-efficiency. The said performance cores are expectedly more powerful than the Cortex-A77 cores that are employed on Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 865 Plus, and Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 9000 chipsets.

samsung exynos 1080 soc cortex a78 cpu

The new CPU configuration is likely to bring the Exynos 1080 neck-and-neck with the counterparts from Qualcomm and Huawei. Samsung claims that the new chipset shows a 50% increase in single-core performance and a 100% improvement in terms of multi-core performance as compared to the Exynos 990.

In addition to the modern CPU design, the Exynos 1080 also features a Mali-G78 MP10 GPU. As per Samsung, the new GPU outputs a 2.3 times (130% higher) performance as compared to the Mali-G77 MP11 GPU on the Exynos 990. Furthermore, the Exynos 1080 is also equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) for predictive tasks, pre-loading apps, and other AI applications along with an AI-backed ISP for improved photography and videography.

Exynos 1080: 200MP cameras, 10-bit recording, 5G, and Wi-Fi 6

The Exynos 1080 is capable of supporting up to six cameras with a maximum resolution of 200MP. The processor also facilitates 10-bit 4K video recording for higher vibrancy as well as the ability to edit HDR 10+ videos on the smartphone itself.

In terms of connectivity, the Exynos 1080 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. When it comes to 5G, the chipset supports both — sub-6GHz and mmWave — frequencies with maximum download speeds of up to 5.1Gbps and 3.7Gbps, respectively.

Lastly, the Exynos 1080 overcomes the Exynos 990’s limitations with refresh rate at higher resolutions. It supports WQHD+ displays at 90Hz refresh rate as compared to 60Hz on the latter, and up to 144Hz refresh rate at Full HD+ resolution. This leaves some room for speculation that Samsung may be working on the rumored Exynos 2100 that is likely to feature support WQHD+ displays at 120Hz for truly smooth scrolling on their 2021 flagships. The speculation hasn’t been confirmed yet, so please take it with a pinch of salt.

Vivo partners with Samsung for Exynos 1080

As reported earlier, Vivo has teamed up with Samsung to procure the Exynos 1080 chips for its smartphones. Earlier this year, Samsung has supplied Vivo with Exynos 980 and 880 to close in on rival mobile semiconductor manufacturers such as Huawei. The previous report also suggested that Xiaomi and OPPO could also become potential consumers of Exynos 1080 but that hasn’t been announced yet.

Previous timelines suggest smartphones with Exynos 1080 will hit the market in early 2021. We will have to wait an see if Vivo furnishes any SKUs before Samsung’s Unpacked 2021 event in mid-January where it is expected to announce the Galaxy S21 series.

The post Samsung announces Exynos 1080 SoC with ARM Cortex-A78 CPU cores and Mali-G78 GPU appeared first on xda-developers.



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PUBG Corporation announces plans for PUBG Mobile India

Following the complete ban of PUBG Mobile, PUBG Corporation had announced that it is taking over complete rights of the game in India. It was rumored that the company is planning to launch a new version of the game specifically for Indian gamers. Today, the company has turned the rumor into reality. PUBG MOBILE INDIA will be a completely new game created specifically for the Indian audience.

This should come as a relief for a number of PUBG Mobile fans and professional gamers. PUBG Corp. has said that it wants to provide a secure and healthy gameplay environment alongside investments to cultivate local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. It has announced plans to conduct regular audits and verifications on storage systems that will contain Indian users’ personally identifiable information to reinforce security and ensure that their data is safely managed.

There are also plans to introduce new in-game content tailored to suit the local requirements. While the company hasn’t shared a lot of details, one can expect the game to be now set in a virtual simulation training ground, new characters automatically starting clothed, and green hit effects. There will also be a new feature that will place restrictions on gameplay time so as to keep a check on younger players. A local office with over 100 employees will also be launched to improve communication and services with players. The company also plans to actively collaborate and leverage local businesses to strengthen its gaming service.

Lastly, PUBG Corp’s parent company KRAFTON Inc. is also planning to make investments worth $100 million in India. They claim that this makes it the largest investment by a Korean company to specifically promote local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. The company will also make investments by hosting India-exclusive esports events featuring large-scale tournaments with massive prize pools. Recently, KRAFTON Inc struck a global deal with cloud computing major Microsoft Azure to host PUBG and PUBG Mobile.

PUBG Mobile was banned by the Indian government along with over 100 Chinese apps back in September on the grounds of national security and integrity. While the game was accessible until last month, a strict order forced the game developers to put a complete halt on October 30. As of now, there is no confirmation as to when exactly the game will return in India. But the announcement is a huge step and a reaffirmation that PUBG Mobile is here to stay. It remains to be seen how the Indian government reacts to this announcement. Meanwhile, ensure that you do brush up your skills.

The post PUBG Corporation announces plans for PUBG Mobile India appeared first on xda-developers.



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Samsung announces Exynos 1080 SoC with ARM Cortex-A78 CPU cores and Mali-G78 GPU

Samsung’s Exynos lineup of chipsets has been lagging behind their counterparts for the last few generations. While this applies to SoCs across different price brackets, news around Samsung’s flagship processors trailing behind their competitors from the Qualcomm camp has gained most traction. The Exynos 990 from earlier this year was also overpowered by the Snapdragon 865, but Samsung has been working its way out to change this dynamic. At an event today in China, Samsung’s semiconductors division announced the Exynos 1080 to power Samsung’s next generation of high-end smartphones.

Exynos 1080: Samsung’s latest high-end processor

The Samsung Exynos 1080 SoC features an octa-core CPU design in a 1+3+4 configuration. It is fabricated with a 5nm EUV-based FinFET process, which is expected to make the chips 25% smaller and 20% more power efficient as compared to the 7nm EUV process that is used to make the Exynos 990.

For the last five years, Samsung had been using its custom Exynos M cores, which could not match up to ARM’s Cortex-A cores. This led the Korean giant to eventually shut down its dedicated research program and drop their plans to develop the Exynos M6 core. Instead, they decided to rely fully on ARM’s Cortex cores for the Exynos 1080.

For the CPU, the Exynos 1080 utilizes one ARM Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.8GHz along with three Core-A78 cores clocked at 2.6GHz for performance and four Cortex A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz for power-efficiency. The said performance cores are expectedly more powerful than the Cortex A77 cores that are employed on Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 865 Plus, and Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 9000 chipsets.

samsung exynos 1080 soc cortex a78 cpu

The new CPU configuration is likely to bring the Exynos 1080 neck-and-neck with the counterparts from Qualcomm and Huawei. Samsung claims that the new chipset shows a 50% increase in single-core performance and a 100% improvement in terms of multi-core performance as compared to the Exynos 990.

In addition to the modern CPU design, the Exynos 1080 also features a Mali-G78 MP10 GPU. As per Samsung, the new GPU outputs a 2.3 times (130% higher) performance as compared to the Mali-G77 MP11 GPU on the Exynos 990. Furthermore, the Exynos 1080 is also equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) for predictive tasks, pre-loading apps, and other AI applications along with an AI-backed ISP for improved photography and videography.

Exynos 1080: 200MP cameras, 10-bit recording, 5G, and Wi-Fi 6

The Exynos 1080 is capable of supporting up to six cameras with a maximum resolution of 200MP. The processor also facilitates 10-bit 4K video recording for higher vibrancy as well as the ability to edit HDR 10+ videos on the smartphone itself.

In terms of connectivity, the Exynos 1080 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. When it comes to 5G, the chipset supports both — sub-6GHz and mmWave — frequencies with maximum download speeds of up to 5.1Gbps and 3.7Gbps, respectively.

Lastly, the Exynos 1080 overcomes the Exynos 990’s limitations with refresh rate at higher resolutions. It supports WQHD+ displays at 90Hz refresh rate as compared to 60Hz on the latter, and up to 144Hz refresh rate at Full HD+ resolution. This leaves some room for speculation that Samsung may be working on the rumored Exynos 2100 that is likely to feature support WQHD+ displays at 120Hz for truly smooth scrolling on their 2021 flagships. The speculation hasn’t been confirmed yet, so please take it with a pinch of salt.

Vivo partners with Samsung for Exynos 1080

As reported earlier, Vivo has teamed up with Samsung to procure the Exynos 1080 chips for its smartphones. Earlier this year, Samsung has supplied Vivo with Exynos 980 and 880 to close in on rival mobile semiconductor manufacturers such as Huawei. The previous report also suggested that Xiaomi and OPPO could also become potential consumers of Exynos 1080 but that hasn’t been announced yet.

Previous timelines suggest smartphones with Exynos 1080 will hit the market in early 2021. We will have to wait an see if Vivo furnishes any SKUs before Samsung’s Unpacked 2021 event in mid-January where it is expected to announce the Galaxy S21 series.

The post Samsung announces Exynos 1080 SoC with ARM Cortex-A78 CPU cores and Mali-G78 GPU appeared first on xda-developers.



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PUBG Corporation announces plans for PUBG Mobile India

Following the complete ban of PUBG Mobile, PUBG Corporation had announced that it is taking over complete rights of the game in India. It was rumored that the company is planning to launch a new version of the game specifically for Indian gamers. Today, the company has turned the rumor into reality. PUBG MOBILE INDIA will be a completely new game created specifically for the Indian audience.

This should come as a relief for a number of PUBG Mobile fans and professional gamers. PUBG Corp. has said that it wants to provide a secure and healthy gameplay environment alongside investments to cultivate local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. It has announced plans to conduct regular audits and verifications on storage systems that will contain Indian users’ personally identifiable information to reinforce security and ensure that their data is safely managed.

There are also plans to introduce new in-game content tailored to suit the local requirements. While the company hasn’t shared a lot of details, one can expect the game to be now set in a virtual simulation training ground, new characters automatically starting clothed, and green hit effects. There will also be a new feature that will place restrictions on gameplay time so as to keep a check on younger players. A local office with over 100 employees will also be launched to improve communication and services with players. The company also plans to actively collaborate and leverage local businesses to strengthen its gaming service.

Lastly, PUBG Corp’s parent company KRAFTON Inc. is also planning to make investments worth $100 million in India. They claim that this makes it the largest investment by a Korean company to specifically promote local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. The company will also make investments by hosting India-exclusive esports events featuring large-scale tournaments with massive prize pools. Recently, KRAFTON Inc struck a global deal with cloud computing major Microsoft Azure to host PUBG and PUBG Mobile.

PUBG Mobile was banned by the Indian government along with over 100 Chinese apps back in September on the grounds of national security and integrity. While the game was accessible until last month, a strict order forced the game developers to put a complete halt on October 30. As of now, there is no confirmation as to when exactly the game will return in India. But the announcement is a huge step and a reaffirmation that PUBG Mobile is here to stay. It remains to be seen how the Indian government reacts to this announcement. Meanwhile, ensure that you do brush up your skills.

The post PUBG Corporation announces plans for PUBG Mobile India appeared first on xda-developers.



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mercredi 11 novembre 2020

The Vivo X60 series will run OriginOS, Vivo’s successor to FuntouchOS

Earlier this year in September, Vivo rolled out a Funtouch OS 11 beta based on Android 11 to the Nex 3S 5G and the iQOO 3. A month later, the company launched the Vivo V20 and beat Google to become the first OEM to ship a new device running Android 11 out of the box. The Vivo V20 ran a stable build of Funtouch OS 11, which included a couple of additional features on top of the ones introduced in Android 11. But even though Vivo has already shipped Functouch OS 11 beta and stable builds to a handful of devices, a recent Vivo X60 series leak suggests that the company may replace it with a new Android skin in the coming months.

Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro leaked image

Live images of the upcoming Vivo X60 series devices recently surfaced on Weibo (via GSMArena). One of the images showcases the Vivo X60 and X60 Pro side-by-side, with the former featuring a flat display and the latter rocking a curved panel. Both devices feature a centered hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera, but only the non-pro variant looks to have an orange accented power button.

Vivo X60 Pro with OriginOS splash leaked

The second image showcases the Vivo X60 Pro running the company’s new Android skin, called OriginOS. While the image reveals no further details about the software, it’s safe to assume that it will be based on Android 11. GSMArena speculates that Vivo’s upcoming software release will feature a completely new design with simplified aesthetics to cater to users outside the company’s home market.

Since it wouldn’t make sense for Vivo to maintain two different Android 11-based skins, the company might end Funtouch OS 11 development and push OriginOS to devices that have already received the Android 11 update following the official reveal. The company is scheduled to showcase the new X60 series and OriginOS at an event in Shenzhen, China on November 18.

The post The Vivo X60 series will run OriginOS, Vivo’s successor to FuntouchOS appeared first on xda-developers.



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The Vivo X60 series will run OriginOS, Vivo’s successor to FuntouchOS

Earlier this year in September, Vivo rolled out a Funtouch OS 11 beta based on Android 11 to the Nex 3S 5G and the iQOO 3. A month later, the company launched the Vivo V20 and beat Google to become the first OEM to ship a new device running Android 11 out of the box. The Vivo V20 ran a stable build of Funtouch OS 11, which included a couple of additional features on top of the ones introduced in Android 11. But even though Vivo has already shipped Functouch OS 11 beta and stable builds to a handful of devices, a recent Vivo X60 series leak suggests that the company may replace it with a new Android skin in the coming months.

Vivo X60 and Vivo X60 Pro leaked image

Live images of the upcoming Vivo X60 series devices recently surfaced on Weibo (via GSMArena). One of the images showcases the Vivo X60 and X60 Pro side-by-side, with the former featuring a flat display and the latter rocking a curved panel. Both devices feature a centered hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera, but only the non-pro variant looks to have an orange accented power button.

Vivo X60 Pro with OriginOS splash leaked

The second image showcases the Vivo X60 Pro running the company’s new Android skin, called OriginOS. While the image reveals no further details about the software, it’s safe to assume that it will be based on Android 11. GSMArena speculates that Vivo’s upcoming software release will feature a completely new design with simplified aesthetics to cater to users outside the company’s home market.

Since it wouldn’t make sense for Vivo to maintain two different Android 11-based skins, the company might end Funtouch OS 11 development and push OriginOS to devices that have already received the Android 11 update following the official reveal. The company is scheduled to showcase the new X60 series and OriginOS at an event in Shenzhen, China on November 18.

The post The Vivo X60 series will run OriginOS, Vivo’s successor to FuntouchOS appeared first on xda-developers.



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Apple iPhone 12 Mini Hands-on: It’s so tiny

Almost from the moment it was announced, the iPhone 12 Mini elicited excitement and garnered praise from fans and tech writers alike because they are apparently tired of large phones. And while I generally love big screens, I can see the iPhone 12 Mini’s appeal after testing it for the past day and a half. This is a phone that can fit into most pockets and be used with one hand with ease.

Apple iPhone 12 series: Specifications and Comparison

Specifications Apple iPhone 12 Mini Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Pro Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Build
  • Aluminum mid-frame
  • Glass front and back
  • “Ceramic Shield” for glass protection
  • Aluminum mid-frame
  • Glass front and back
  • “Ceramic Shield” for glass protection
  • Stainless Steel mid-frame
  • Glass front and back
  • “Ceramic Shield” for glass protection
  • Stainless Steel mid-frame
  • Glass front and back
  • “Ceramic Shield” for glass protection
Dimensions & Weight
  • 7.4 x 131.5 x 64.2mm
  • 133 grams (Global)
  • 135 grams (USA)
  • 7.4 x 146.7 x 71.5mm
  • 162 grams (Global)
  • 164 grams (USA)
  • 7.4 x 146.7 x 71.5mm
  • 187 grams (Global)
  • 189 grams (USA)
  • 7.4 x 160.8 x 78.1mm
  • 226 grams (Global)
  • 228 grams (USA)
Display
  • 5.4″ Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • 2,340 x 1,080 resolution, 476 PPI
  • 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • 2,532 x 1,170 resolution, 460 PPI
  • 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • 2,532 x 1,170 resolution, 460 PPI
  • 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED Display
  • 2,778 x 1,284 resolution, 458 PPI
SoC
  • Apple A14 Bionic SoC
    • 2x performance cores
    • 4x power efficiency cores
  • 5nm process node
  • 4-core GPU
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • Apple A14 Bionic SoC
    • 2x performance cores
    • 4x power efficiency cores
  • 5nm process node
  • 4-core GPU
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • Apple A14 Bionic SoC
    • 2x performance cores
    • 4x power efficiency cores
  • 5nm process node
  • 4-core GPU
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • Apple A14 Bionic SoC
    • 2x performance cores
    • 4x power efficiency cores
  • 5nm process node
  • 4-core GPU
  • 16-core Neural Engine
RAM 4GB 4GB 6GB 6GB
Storage Options
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB
Battery & Charging
  • 2,227 mAh battery as per certification listings
  • 15W Wireless Charging with MagSafe
  • 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
  • 2,815 mAh battery as per certification listings
  • 15W Wireless Charging with MagSafe
  • 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
  • 2,815 mAh battery as per certification listings
  • 15W Wireless Charging with MagSafe
  • 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
  • 3,687 mAh battery as per certification listings
  • 15W Wireless Charging with MagSafe
  • 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Security Face ID (TrueDepth camera for facial recognition) Face ID (TrueDepth camera for facial recognition) Face ID (TrueDepth camera for facial recognition) Face ID (TrueDepth camera for facial recognition)
Rear Camera(s)
  • Primary: 12MP
  • Secondary: 12MP, Ultra-wide angle
  •  Primary: 12MP
  • Secondary: 12MP, Ultra-wide angle
  • Primary: 12MP
  • Secondary: 12MP, Ultra-wide angle
  • Tertiary: 12MP telephoto
  • Primary: 12MP
  • Secondary: 12MP, Ultra-wide angle
  • Tertiary: 12MP telephoto
Front Camera(s) 12MP, f/2.2 12MP, f/2.2 12MP, f/2.2 12MP, f/2.2
Port(s) Proprietary Lightning port Proprietary Lightning port Proprietary Lightning port Proprietary Lightning port
Audio Audio formats supported: AAC‑LC, HE‑AAC, HE‑AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC‑3), Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC‑3), Dolby Atmos, and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+) Audio formats supported: AAC‑LC, HE‑AAC, HE‑AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC‑3), Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC‑3), Dolby Atmos, and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+) Audio formats supported: AAC‑LC, HE‑AAC, HE‑AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC‑3), Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC‑3), Dolby Atmos, and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+) Audio formats supported: AAC‑LC, HE‑AAC, HE‑AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC‑3), Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC‑3), Dolby Atmos, and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+)
Connectivity
  • 5G: Sub 6GHz
    • mmWave for USA
  • Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)
  • Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 5G: Sub 6GHz
    • mmWave for USA
  • Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)
  • Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 5G: Sub 6GHz
    • mmWave for USA
  • Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)
  • Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
  • 5G: Sub 6GHz
    • mmWave for USA
  • Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)
  • Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Software iOS 14 iOS 14 iOS 14 iOS 14
Other Features
  • IP68
  • Colors: Black, White, Red, Blue, Green
  • IP68
  • Colors: Black, White, Red, Blue, Green
  • IP68
  • Colors: Gold, Silver, Graphite, Blue
  • IP68
  • Colors: Gold, Silver, Graphite, Blue
Pricing Starts at $699 Starts at $799 Starts at $999 Starts at $1,099

Apple iPhone 12 Series Forums

Design: small but mighty

I unboxed the iPhone 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max at the same time, and while the plus-sized phone felt exactly as I expected it to in the hand, I was caught off guard by just how dainty the iPhone 12 Mini is. Not since the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S3 eight years ago have I held a flagship phone with premium components this small.

You know that place-your-pinkie-under-the-phone-to-support-it grip that we’ve all mastered in the last few years? I don’t have to do that with the iPhone 12 Mini, because measuring just 64mm (2.5-inches) across from left to right and weighing just 133g (0.3 lbs) means this is a phone I can wrap my fingers around and grip securely with ease.

I can grip my entire hand around the iPhone 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Mini in black The iPhone 12 Mini next to the iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 12 Mini on top of the 12 Pro Max

I can also reach the top of the screen with my thumb with just a slight stretch, without having to loosen my grip the way I do with other recent iPhones. This is helpful with iOS because you need to swipe down from the top to activate the Control Center.

Not since the iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S3 eight years ago have I held a flagship phone with premium components this small

Before I got my hands on the iPhone 12 Mini, I wondered if its 5.4-inch screen would be too small for reading, but iOS’s UI inherently displays content at a larger scale compared to Android (this also means everything looks a bit too large on the iPhone 12 Pro Max). There are options to increase the font size if needed.

But because the notch that houses the Face ID system remains the same size across all the iPhone 12 series, this means the 12 Mini loses the most percentage of screen real estate to that notch.

iPhone 12 Mini stacked on top of an iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The iPhone 12 Mini’s 5.4-inch display on top of the 12 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch display.

Other than its petite size, everything about the iPhone 12 Mini is identical to the standard iPhone 12 with the exception of one thing, so there’s no need to cover every detail here again. If you’re interested in seeing how the iPhone 12 Mini’s cameras or processor performs (they’re top notch), then please read my iPhone 12 review from two weeks ago.

Battery life could be a problem

That one exception I mentioned in the last paragraph is the battery life. The battery on the iPhone 12 Mini is even smaller (2,227 mAh) than the standard iPhone 12’s, and this will likely be a problem. I had trouble getting the iPhone 12 to last an entire day for me when connected to 5G, and with the iPhone 12 Mini, I am concerned it won’t even make it to dinner time.

That was indeed the case on my first full day with the phone — the battery icon turned red (under 10%) — by 8 PM. I will have to test it for longer to see if that was an anomaly or not, but let’s just say I doubt it was. At least you’ll have three ways to charge the iPhone 12 Mini: wired Lightning charging, Qi wireless charging, and MagSafe.

Early impression: the most powerful small phone in a long time

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, and 12 Mini

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, and 12 Mini.

With Apple’s A14 Bionic and a very capable camera, the iPhone 12 Mini is easily the most powerful small phone in many years. Personally, once the novelty of being able to palm the entire phone wears off, I’ll want to jump back to a larger screen. But for those who have complained about phones being too large; for women with very shallow pockets (literally, not figuratively); or for those who want the newest iPhone at the cheapest price possible, the iPhone 12 Mini is the one to get. Just make sure you carry a charging cable or portable battery pack with you.

    iPhone 12 Mini
    The iPhone 12 Mini is the smallest flagship in years. Despite it’s petite size, it packs arguably the most powerful SoC in smartphone right now, along with one of the very best cameras.

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