Mobile News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 21, 2026, 8:44 AM ET

Budget Phone Blitz

vivo has confirmed the V80 Lite will debut on September 3, following the phone's appearance on an Indian retailer's Instagram page earlier this week. The headline spec is an enormous 10,000mAh battery. Separately, Poco unveiled the M8x as the newest member of its M8 series, making it India's first smartphone with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 SoC, paired with a 120Hz display and a 7,900mAh battery. Infinix also announced that the Hot 70 Pro, unveiled last month, will arrive in India during the first week of September, with its color options now revealed.

Leaks & Rumors

The Poco F9 Ultra has run Geekbench, confirming its chipset and RAM amount ahead of an expected launch alongside the F9 Pro. Meanwhile, OnePlus is tipped to launch a new budget 4G phone in India, reaffirming its commitment to the country after announcing its exit from North America and Europe.

Review Spotlight

OPPO's Reno 16 Pro proves you don't need a flagship to take amazing photos. The phone is costlier than its predecessors, but its standout cameras, gorgeous design, and great battery life combine to create a truly stellar package.

Software Watch

Nothing OS 5.0 will be unveiled on August 25, delivering the company's interpretation of Google's newly released Android. On the desktop side, ChatGPT can now read and respond to Apple iMessages on Mac, thanks to a new OpenAI plugin that controls the Messages app.

Silicon Race

TSMC is reportedly racing toward 1.6nm production in Q4 2026, even as Qualcomm prepares to bring 2nm chips to market within a month.

Market Check

European smartphone shipments fell to a three-year low in Q2, with Counterpoint Research estimating just 35 million units for April through June, the region's weakest volume since 2023.

Wearables & AR

Google Pixel Watch 5 owners can consult our reviewed roundup of the best screen protectors, which deflect scratches and cracks from everyday wear. In augmented reality, RayNeo launched two new smart glasses lines aimed at very different audiences: the discreet I/O series and the feature-packed GT series.

Robotaxi Green Light

Nevada has approved paid robotaxi permits for Uber, Tesla, and Waymo, allowing the companies to begin charging passengers for autonomous rides across the state.

Luxury EV Corner

Genesis' GV90 NeoLun is a luxury electric SUV loaded with innovation, including heated floors and coach doors, though the surprises live in the cabin rather than the dash or drivetrain.