Latest Xiaomi Mi 11 renders take more design cues from the Mi 3 than the Mi 10

More renders of the Xiaomi Mi 11 (or Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro even) have appeared on Weibo, and they look vastly different from those that appeared in Chinese media back in July. While there’s still a full-screen display to gaze upon thanks to the widely expected under-display camera unit, the shape of the Mi 11 and its rear-facing camera setup are much different in the latest renders.

The Xiaomi Mi 11 pictured here appears to have a “waterfall” type display that falls gracefully over the sides of the smartphone, which seems to have a surprisingly square-shaped form to it that is somewhat reminiscent of 2013’s Xiaomi Mi 3 device. Curved edges and sides have been de rigueur for the majority of smartphones over recent years, so it would be a daring change for Xiaomi to go “square”.

The rear-facing camera housing looks quite egregious in these Xiaomi Mi 11 renders, which are more likely to be fan-made efforts than leaked images from an official source. With a flagship device like the Mi 10T Pro managing to pack its quad camera system into a neat arrangement, it’s hard to imagine Xiaomi would take a backward step by placing such an unsightly block on the rear. The tech tipster on Weibo also mentions the SD 875 and 150x zoom for the Mi 11, which could see the light of day in the first quarter of 2021.

Intel quietly upgrades the Core i3-9100F processor to 10th-gen for the same price

u/Akira13645 on Reddit has observed that Intel has updated the Core i3-x100F series for the final quarter of 2020 (4Q2020). This recently-established line exists to offer budget processing without UHD graphics. The new i3-10100F still fits this mold, although it also has marked Comet Lake-afforded advantages over its predecessor.

For example, it is the first F-variant to exhibit Intel Hyper-Threading Technology – which means double the threads for its 4 cores for the first time. They can use Turbo Boost Max v2.0 for a maximal clock of 4.3GHz, whereas the i3-9100F could only go up to 4.2GHz. 

The i3-10100F also now supports up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 RAM, whereas its predecessor was rated for half that much DDR4-2400 memory. There is also a maximum bandwidth of 41.6 GB/s compared to 37.5 GB/s. The Comet Lake-based i3 F variant also uses the LGA 1200 socket rather than the LGA 1151.

Then again, the two chipsets share a TDP of 65W, a 6MB cache, have 2-channel memory and are, of course, still both 14nm. The Core i3-10100F is also still pitched at low-powered PCs, probably thin clients and tablets, and has an MRSP of US$79 to $97.

Intel Core i9-10885H is almost 20 percent slower than the Core i7-10875H

Intel vPro-enabled processors are typically slower than their non-vPro counterparts due to the overhead necessary for the integrated security features. The vPro-enabled Core i7-10810U, for example, is about 10 to 15 percent slower than the consumer-oriented Core i7-10710U even though the higher-digit naming convention might suggest otherwise.

The latest vPro CPU we tested was the 10th gen Comet lake-H Core i9-10885H as found on the Dell Precision 3551. When compared to its consumer-oriented counterpart the Core i7-10875H, the Core i9 CPU is slower in multi-threaded applications by about 20 percent according to CineBench benchmarks. Other benchmarks like Blender, 7-Zip, LibreOffice, and HWBOT show a smaller gap of about 10 percent between the two processors.

The 20 percent performance deficit against the Core i7-10875H is wider than anticipated, but we do believe the i9-10885H is able to narrow the gap if configured on laptops with better cooling. The CPU in our Precision 3551 test unit, for example, would stabilize at just 2.7 GHz when at 100 percent utilization which is only 300 MHz above the base clock rate. Intel rates the processor for much higher Turbo Boost clock rates of up to 5.3 GHz meaning there is plenty of untouched performance headroom if laptops are able to support it. The Precision 3551, being a budget mobile workstation, likely wasn’t designed to run a Core i9 CPU anywhere near its maximum potential.

It’s unlikely that we’ll get to test many more Core i9-10885H laptops as this particular processor is quite uncommon, but it’s something to keep in mind for those who want to squeeze as much performance as possible out of their vPro-enabled business laptops or mobile workstations.

Aorus 5 KB: A lot of space for storage devices

In the gaming sector, many manufacturers try to stand out from the competition through their own designs and sophisticated cooling systems. The results are usually highly adapted laptops that can more or less implement their performance well. Maintenance options or hardware expansions by the user are limited and often not even intended at all.

The laptops under the Aorus label usually also set clear accents that connect buyers to the brand. On the contrary, the Clevo barebone, on which the Aorus 5 KB is based, offers a rather plain design. But this is also accompanied by a replaceable battery. Users can also access a free SATA and a free M.2 slot inside whereby a second M.2 slot is occupied by the SSD installed by the manufacturer. The RAM, which is installed in two memory slots, can also be exchanged and expanded as desired.

But since Gigabyte now depends on the cooling system of the Clevo case, a lot of optimization is done by the software. It allows users to adjust system performance with four power modes as well as to adjust the fan control. In this way, a balanced adjustment of fan volume and performance is possible, which has a significant impact on everyday life.

An Intel Core i7-10750H, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 are used in our test configuration. In our review of the Aorus 5 KB, we’ll clarify in detail what the built-in hardware is able to achieve in daily use and in gaming.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 launched with 11th-generation Intel processors, Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 4.0, and more

Lenovo has launched a barrage of notebooks powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Tiger Lake CPUs. The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 comes in a wide range of configurations. There are some AMD variants too for Team Red enthusiasts. It will retail at US$569 for the Intel model and US$549 for the AMD variant. The notebooks will be available for purchase in October 2020.

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 comes with a 14′ FHD screen. It can be configured with a regular IPS and TN panel. Users looking to do color-sensitive work can also upgrade the IPS panel to cover 100% of the sRGB spectrum. An Intel Iris Xe GPU powers the display, which can be upgraded to an Nvidia GeForce MX450 if needed. Lastly, the notebook’s camera comes with a shutter too.

As mentioned earlier, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 can be configured with Intel and AMD CPUs. Lenovo will tell us more about the exact CPU models at a later date. It is possible to customize the notebook with up to 40GB of DDR4 memory, coupled with a 1TB NVMe SSD and a 2TB 5400 rpm mechanical hard drive. Depending on the model, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 comes with either a 45Wh or 60Wh battery that can provide up to six and eight hours of backup, respectively.

Input options on the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 include a Thunderbolt 4.0 port and one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port. The latter can charge the laptop with compatible USB PD chargers and even output display to monitors. Other options include two USB 3.2 Type-A ports for peripherals, one RJ45 Ethernet port, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a 4-in-1 card reader.

Some Lenovo ThinkBook 14 models are Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, while others are restricted to Wi-Fi 5. The notebook weighs 1.4kg (3.1lbs) and has an anodized aluminum body. The hinges allow the laptop to be laid out flat at a 180-degree angle. Lastly, its power button also doubles up as a fingerprint scanner.

The Lenovo ThinkVision T27hv-20 monitor shows remote collaboration potential with USB type C and a 1080p IR webcam

The Lenovo ThinkVision T27hv-20 is this OEM’s latest 27-inch monitor that is ostensibly for the home or remote office, having clearly been designed with such use-cases in mind. It comes in a black chassis with red accents and a 3-side-nearly-bezelless 27-inch 2K panel. This display also comes with “Natural Low Blue Light-Technology”, which helps confer its Eyesafe and TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort certifications.

The new monitor is also equipped with an obviously business-focused webcam. It has a 1080p resolution, and comes in a barrel-like form-factor, one outer third of which is a grip to change its angle at will. The middle third holds the lens (which can be covered with a privacy shutter if necessary) as well as an in-built microphone.

This camera also has dedicated dual 3 watt (W) speakers, as well as an indicator light that alerts colleagues or family members in the n the vicinity when the T27hv-20 is in web-conferencing use. The unit also benefits from an RJ-45 jack as well as DisplayPorts, an HDMI port and some USB type As – however, Lenovo asserts that its single type C could also handle their functions.

This 3.2 Gen 1 port also supports up to 90W connected devices. The Lenovo ThinkVision T27hv-20 (which also has a headphone jack) is slated to become available at the end of January 2021, and has a current recommended price of €419 (~US$489).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Extremely lightweight 16:10 ThinkPad goes up against Dell XPS 13 9310

Lenovo’s ThinkPad brand has a new flagship model: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 1 complements the high-end ThinkPad X1 series with a new, much smaller model.

In design, the new ThinkPad X1 Nano is very similar to the existing Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8. You could call the ThinkPad X1 Nano a smaller brother of this model, as it has the same wedge-design and black Carbon fiber top-cover. The key difference between the two: While the X1 Carbon uses 14 inch displays in the more common 16:9 aspect ratio, the X1 Nano comes with a 13 inch screen in the taller 16:10 ratio. By going this route, the X1 Nano provides the same screen height as the X1 Carbon, but in a much smaller package.

Lenovo Nano: Lighter than X1 Carbon & XPS 13

The chassis is not only smaller, it is also significantly lighter. Lenovo notes that the ThinkPad X1 Nano is the lightest ThinkPad laptop so far, with just 962 g or 2.12 lbs. That is not only lighter than the X1 Carbon (1.09 kg/2.4 lbs), but also significantly lighter than the new Dell XPS 13 9310 (1.2 kg/2.64 lbs).

To make a ThinkPad this small and light, there had to be some compromises. Notably, the X1 Nano does not have the impressive array of ports that the bigger X1 Carbon boasts. Instead, the ThinkPad Nano has just two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone-jack. The battery and the keyboard are also slightly smaller in size compared with the bigger counterpart. 

Of course, Thunderbolt 4 already hints at it: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is powered by Intel Tiger Lake, the first ThinkPad X1 to have these newer CPUs. At this stage, it is not clear if it will feature the UP3 or UP4 Tiger Lake models though. Some additional firsts for the ThinkPad X1 line: 5G and LPDDR4X memory (up to 16 GB). The screen will only be offered with a single 2K level resolution (2,160 x 1,350), which has a brightness of 450 cd/m². Both touch and non-touch are available.

ThinkPad X1 Nano: Pricing & availability

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano will be available in December 2020. It will cost at least $1,599. It will ship with either Windows 10 Pro or Ubuntu Linux.

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is Lenovo’s newest Intel Evo certified laptop with a 2K screen

The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is a part of Lenovo’s new line of ultra-portable laptops powered by Intel’s Tiger Lake and AMD Ryzen 4000U processors. It is Intel Evo (formerly known as Project Athena) certified and will retail at US$829 for the Intel variant and US$729 for the AMD version. The notebook will be available for purchase in October 2020 on all major e-commerce platforms.

One of the key distinguishing factors of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is its Dolby Vision certified 13.6-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS panel. It has a peak brightness of 300 nits and covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum. There is also an option to make the display touch-enabled. An Intel Iris Xe iGPU powers it, so its gaming prowess is somewhat limited. At 1.26kg (2.77lb), the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is quite portable. Its anodized aluminum body ensures structural integrity.

The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 can be configured with up to an Intel Core-i7 CPU. Memory and storage max out at 16GB (LPDDR5x, 4200MHz) and 1TB (NVMe SSD), respectively. The notebook’s 61Wh battery supports fast charging at up to 65W. Connectivity options on the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 include one Thunderbolt 4.0, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, one HDMI 2.0b port, and a combo audio jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

OnePlus CEO confirms that the OnePlus 8T Pro will not be released this year

Despite OnePlus’s two-pronged smartphone release, the OnePlus 8T Pro’s existence has been questioned several times. Although one report suggested that the smartphone was here to stay, the rumor mill’s overwhelming consensus that the OnePlus 8T would be the only H2 2020 flagship from OnePlus. We now know for sure that the OnePlus 8T Pro will not be released later next month.

The information comes from straight from OnePlus CEO Pete Lau via a Weibo post (via Android Authority). Lau directs users who ‘want a Pro-level experience’ to the OnePlus 8 Pro. Based on what we know about the OnePlus 8T so far, we know that it’ll be closer to the OnePlus 8 Pro than the OnePlus 8. For starters, both phones will use the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, which is quite surprising, considering that its predecessors almost always used a Plus variant whenever possible.

It’ll be interesting to see what OnePlus will replace the OnePlus 8 Pro with this time. The most likely candidate at this points seems to be the sub-US$200 OnePlus Clover. We could even see the long-awaited OnePlus Watch make its debut. Renowned leaker Ishan Agarwal speculates that there will be a total of five products release on October 14.

Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro full specs and new renders leak, Mi 10T Lite still expected, and rumored prices for the whole Mi 10T series

Just ahead of launch, the specifications sheets for the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro have been seemingly leaked courtesy of tech tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore. It was widely expected the latest Mi 10 smartphones would come with the Snapdragon 865 SoC and a 144 Hz panel, but there is at least one surprise to be found in the datasheets. According to this particular leak, the Mi 10T actually gets 8 GB RAM, when it was widely expected to only get 6 GB. While this is the only version of the regular model mentioned, the Pro variant of the upcoming 5G smartphone will apparently come in two configurations: 8 GB + 128 GB and 8 GB + 256 GB.

The only other differences listed between the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are the main camera sensor (64 MP vs. 108 MP with OIS) and the choice of colors: The Mi 10T comes in silver or black while the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro can be clad in black, silver, or blue. The tipster has assured followers that the details are accurate, and while someone has mentioned that the dimensions and weight are slightly incorrect, with the Pro model being a bit bigger and heavier, it appears that the two Mi 10T devices are almost identical.

The potential Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G smartphone has kept a much lower profile than the other two Mi 10 devices, but it is also rumored to be coming with a 6.67-inch display. The refresh rate is allegedly lower, at 120 Hz, and a Snapdragon 750G chip has been mentioned. With 6 GB RAM and 64 GB/128 GB storage, 64 MP main camera sensor, and 4,720-mAh battery, the mysterious Mi 10T Lite is nothing to be sniffed at, especially when it is expected to come with a price tag that is under €300 (US$349). Like the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, the Lite variant should have a side-mounted fingerprint reader.

Unsurprisingly, the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro will be pricier than their possible Lite relative, but maybe by not as much as some believe. Various price predictions have been bandied around, with about €550 (US$641) suggested for the Mi 10T and €640-€699 (US$745-US$814) for the Pro model. However, other sources have gone with €499 (US$581) and €599 (US$698), respectively, which also falls in line with rumors we have already reported on. These latter price points would be much more welcome for the upcoming Xiaomi smartphones, with the Mi 10T Pro’s price possibly being even lower considering its similarity to the regular model.