Who will win the race for 5G auction - Airtel, Vodafone Idea, or Reliance?

By: Priya Singh

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Updated on: 15-Jun-2022

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accepted a proposal from the Department of Telecommunications to conduct an auction in which successful bidders would be given a spectrum for offering 5G services to the general public and businesses.

By the end of July 2022, a total of 72097.85 MHz of spectrum with a 20-year validity term will be placed up for sale. Spectrum in the Low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), Mid (3300 MHz), and High (26 GHz) frequency ranges will be auctioned.

Telecom service providers are planning to use the Mid and High band spectrum to bring out 5G technology-based services with speeds and capacities that are estimated to be 10 times faster than what is now feasible with 4G services.

The Cabinet also decided to allow the creation and development of 'Private Captive Networks' to spur new-age industry applications such as machine-to-machine communications, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the automotive, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and other sectors.

Reforms will help telecommunications corporations.

Spectrum is an essential component of the overall 5G ecosystem. The government has already established a 5G test-bed in eight of India's premier technical institutes in order to accelerate the country's adoption of 5G technology.

The 'Indigenous 5G Testbed' project is a long-term undertaking involving a team of more than 50 academics and engineers situated on the IIT-M campus. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is supporting a large-scale 5G initiative with the goal of creating a test bed that is as similar to a real-world 5G deployment as possible. Many commercial installations are based on this testbed.

The profits of the telecom sector changes announced in September 2021 would be used to fund the spectrum auction, according to the government. Zero Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) on spectrum bought in the future auction are part of the changes. This is expected to save service providers a significant amount of money on telecom network operating costs. Furthermore, the necessity to present a financial bank guarantee equal to one yearly installment has been removed.

Furthermore, for the first time ever, successful bidders are not required to make an advance payment. Spectrum payments can be made in 20 equals yearly installments, payable in advance at the start of each year.

This is projected to reduce the cost of doing business in this industry by dramatically easing cash flow constraints. After ten years, the bidders would have the option to surrender the spectrum with no more obligations for balance payments.

Many telecom carriers were forced into bankruptcy as a result of India's contentious 2G spectrum auction under the previous UPA administration.

The availability of enough backhaul spectrum is also required for the deployment of 5G services. To satisfy backhaul demand, the Cabinet has agreed to award Telecom Service Providers two 250 MHz E-band carriers on an interim basis. In addition, the Cabinet resolved to increase the number of classic microwave backhaul carriers in the existing frequency bands 15, 18, and 21 GHz bands.

The advantages of 5G

The PLI (Production-Linked Incentives) programs for mobile phones and telecom equipment, as well as the introduction of the India Semiconductor Mission, are intended to contribute to the development of a robust ecosystem in India for the launch of 5G services.

The telecommunications regulator The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) suggested a 39 percent cut in the reserve or floor price for 5G spectrum sales for mobile services in April.

The competition will be dominated by telecom service companies Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Industries' Jio Infocomm.

5G networks will be faster, have lower latency, and have more capacity than 4G LTE networks. It is one of the world's fastest and most reliable technologies. 5G offers faster downloads, less latency, and a major change in how we live, work, and play. The future 5G services have the ability to launch new businesses, produce extra money for businesses, and create jobs.

The Department of Telecom has also disclosed that 5G services would be offered in 13 Indian cities at first. After then, it will be implemented in the remaining cities.

The major four metropolitan areas of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai are among the cities that might get 5G services in 2022. Bangalore, the country's software hub, and Hyderabad, the country's rising innovation metropolis, are also on the list. Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, and Ahmedabad are among the others, as are Lucknow, Pune, Chandigarh, and Gurugram. In each of these thirteen cities, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Jio had put up 5G testing sites.

Sony Introduces Midnight Black DualSense Edge Controller in India

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 21-Feb-2025

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Sony has officially launched the Midnight Black color variant of its DualSense Edge controller wireless in India. This newest addition is part of the company's Midnight Black Collection of PlayStation 5 accessories. Currently, only the DualSense Edge controller and PlayStation Portal are available in India, whereas the global lineup includes the PlayStation Portal remote player, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.

Sony Midnight Black DualSense Edge Controller Price in India

The Midnight Black DualSense Edge controller in India has a price tag of Rs 18,990, similar to its original white counterpart. Interest buyers can purchase a premium PS5 controller via Sony's Shop at the SC website and other participating retailers. Each unit has a matching Midnight Black carrying case for extended convenience and class.

Midnight Black Collection Further Extends

Initially, Sony announced its Midnight Black Collection in January, targeting gamers to have cohesive aesthetics across their PlayStation 5 accessories. The premium collection includes the newly launched controller, PlayStation Portal remote player, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. Available accessories like the standard DualSense controller and PS5 console have already been offered to customers in the Midnight Black color option—the pre-orders for the latest collection began on 16th February.

However, Indian customers can only buy the DualSense Edge controller and PlayStation Portal in the Midnight Black finish, and it's officially listed on Sony on the SC website. The availability of Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds are currently available but might be introduced in the market later.

Discounted PlayStation Plus Subscription Prices

Sony has recently also decreased the prices of its PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe tier subscriptions in India. The Extra tier is now available at a 25% discount, while the Delux membership offers a 35% price reduction. This discount is only available if consumers choose a 12-month subscription plan, offering gamers a more affordable option to access Sony's premium PlayStation services.

Through exciting discounts and innovative product launches, such as the Midnight Black DualSense Edge controller, Sony demonstrates its commitment to catering to the Indian gaming community.

Samsung Launched S25 Series At Starting Price Of ₹80,999

By: Mohit Kumar

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Updated on: 24-Jan-2025

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The highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, which comprises the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, was just introduced by Samsung. At the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, when Samsung displayed the cutting-edge features and technical details of these new smartphones, the series was revealed.

Availability

The Galaxy S25 series will launch on sale in the US on February 7 and is now available for pre-order. Samsung's website will provide special colors of the smartphones, which will come in a variety of color combinations, including Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, and Silver Shadow.

Key Highlights

Galaxy S25

The base model comes with a 6.2 inch Dynamic Amoled 2X screen and it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of Ram. This phone has a triple camera setup and with 50MP is the main sensor. It is priced at ₹80,999 for 256GB and ₹92,999 for 512GB.

Galaxy S25+

This model has the same display but slightly larger compared to the base variant, 6.7 inch. Processor and camera setup are the same as the base model but have some enhanced features in it. If we talk about price you will have to pay ₹1,11,999 for 512GB.

Galaxy S25 Ultra

This is the flagship model of Galaxy S25 and it features 6.8-inch of same display and processor. Again you will get the same RAM option of 12GB but it has major improvements in camera. You get a quad rear camera setup with 200MP of the main shooter and it is powered with AI features. It is priced at ₹1,41,999 in India.

Specifications and Features of Samsung Galaxy S25

Display

• Size: 6.2 inches
• Resolution: 2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
• Technology: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz

Processor

• CPU Speed: 4.47GHz, 3.5GHz
• CPU Type: Octa-Core
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)

Memory and Storage

• RAM: 12GB
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (UFS 4.0)
• No card slot for expandable storage

Camera

• Rear Camera: Triple setup (50 MP wide, 10 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12 MP ultrawide)
• Front Camera: 12 MP
• Video Recording: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320)@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps

Battery

• Capacity: 4000 mAh
• Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

Operating System

Android 15 with One UI 7

Connectivity

5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, Bluetooth v5.4, NFC, USB Type-C

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm Weight: 162 grams

Other Features

• IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
• Fingerprint sensor (under display, ultrasonic)
• Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor

Design and Colors

Icy Blue, Navy, Silver Shadow, Mint, Blue Black, Coral Red, Pink Gold

Additional Features

Samsung DeX: Desktop experience support Samsung Wireless DeX: Wireless desktop experience support

Gear Support: Compatible with Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Fit3, Galaxy Fit2, Galaxy Fit e, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Watch FE, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active

New Addition: Galaxy S25 Edge

Additionally, Samsung hinted to the Galaxy S25 Edge, a new member of the Galaxy S25 family. With a thin design, a 6.66-inch AMOLED screen, a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and a 200MP main camera, this device is slated to make its debut in April 2025. In India, the Galaxy S25 Edge is anticipated to cost between 94,800 and 1,03,426 rupees.

AI Integration

Apple iPhone SE4: What To Expect?

By: Mohit Kumar

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Updated on: 22-Jan-2025

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SE series is one of popular models from Apple and people who loves compact phones that fits in hand are eagerly waiting for this. According to rumors, iPhone SE4 expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. But before let's see what kind of features and design we will get in iPhone SE4. The iPhone SE4 is expected to be priced under Rs 50,000 in India (around $429 in the US), though a slight increase to $499 is possible.

In terms of design, the iPhone SE4 can pickup same design as the iPhone 14 and it will have a full 6.1 inch of OLED display. There will be slight bezel, no physical home button and for security Apple can integrate Touch ID instead of FACE ID.

Majority of the chances are it will come up with Apple's A18 series bionic chipset that is available in iPhone 16 series. So you can expect a decent performance, expected RAM option of 8GB and storage can range between 128GB to 512GB.

Camera Improvements

The SE4 is expected to feature a 48MP rear camera which is great upgrade from 12MP camera existed in the SE3. Features like Cinematic Mode, Smart HDR, AI photography, and Portrait Mode are likely to be included.

Battery and Charging

It can have 3,279mAh battery with wireless charging support. is rumored. The device is also expected to transition to a USB-C port in compliance with EU regulations.

Other Features

The SE4 might introduce the Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch. It could also be the first Apple device to debut with the company's in-house 5G modem.

Itel Zeno 10 to Launch in India This January 2025

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 30-Dec-2024

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Itel is gearing up to expand its budget smartphone lineup with the launch of the Itel Zeno 10 in India this January 2025. Aimed at Gen-Z customers, the phone promises to deliver modern features at an affordable price, starting under ₹6,000. With an emphasis on style and functionality, the Zeno 10 is expected to be a game-changer in the entry-level smartphone market.

Launch and Pricing

The Itel Zeno 10 may be introduced in the Indian market in January 2025, with sales exclusively through Amazon. The teaser poster on the Amazon microsite hints at the starting price, showcasing the tagline "₹5XXX," which confirms the handset will cost less than ₹6,000. While this price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers, higher RAM and storage variants may come at slightly higher costs.

Design and Display

The Zeno 10 features a youthful and stylish design with a square rear camera module housing dual sensors and an LED flash. It comes in black with eye-catching red and white patterns. The phone has a centered waterdrop notch for the front camera, slim bezels, and a thicker chin, giving it a modern look. Volume and power buttons are conveniently placed on the right for easy access.

Performance and Software

The Itel Zeno 10 will run on Android 14, offering a smooth and updated user experience. It includes unique features like a Dynamic Island-like collapsible bar for multitasking. Powered by a 5,000mAh battery, the phone ensures long-lasting usage, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday tasks.

Key Specification

Conclusion

With its dual rear cameras, modern design, robust battery, and the latest Android 14, the Itel Zeno 10 offers an excellent value proposition for budget smartphone buyers. The affordable pricing under ₹6,000 ensures accessibility to a wide range of customers, particularly Gen-Z users looking for a stylish and feature-rich handset.

As Itel continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian smartphone market, the Zeno 10’s launch could further establish the brand as a go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers. Stay tuned for the official launch details and a closer look at what this promising handset has to offer.

Lava Yuva 2 5G Launched for ₹9,499 with 50MP Camera and Notification Light

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 27-Dec-2024

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Key Highlights

• Lava Yuva 2 5G launched in India for ₹9,499.
• Features a 50MP main camera, a 5000mAh battery, and a notification light.
• Comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options.

Lava has launched the Lava Yuva 2 5G, their newest low-cost 5G smartphone, in India. This phone, which costs ₹9,499, is unique because it has a notification light built into the back camera module. This light is distinct in its category since it blinks in response to incoming calls and app notifications.

The phone can be bought at physical retail outlets and comes in Marble Black and Marble White color options. For extra convenience, Lava also provides free at-home service and a one-year warranty.

Specifications and Features

Pricing and Availability

The Lava Yuva 2 5G is priced at ₹9,499 and is currently available at retail stores across India. The company has not yet confirmed its online availability. The introductory price makes it an excellent choice for users looking for an affordable 5G phone with standout features.

With its budget-friendly price, unique notification light, and solid performance, the Lava Yuva 2 5G is a promising option for buyers seeking value-for-money smartphones.