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Nothing Levels Up With Phone (2a) Plus

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Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

During its Press Event in Berlin, Nothing unveiled its highly anticipated new smartphone, Phone (2a) Plus, and a close-up visual of an upcoming product the company will be launching soon via social channels.

The new mid-range smartphone is an upgrade of the successful Phone (2a) in terms of performance, camera, and design, offering an all-around improved smartphone experience. Powered by a world-exclusive processor, the MediaTek 7350 Pro 5G, for an even smoother and faster user experience. Additionally, a new 50 MP front camera sensor has been implemented for superstar selfies, and new metallic colorways have been developed to reflect superior specifications. GCC customers can get their hands on the new device from September, 12.

“Following the success of Phone (2a), which was a breath of fresh air in its market segment and became our best-selling smartphone, we’re thrilled to introduce Phone (2a) Plus. This upgraded variant features a world-exclusive processor, an improved front camera, and a new metallic design. With Phone (3) launching in 2025, Phone (2a) Plus is for those who are excited about Phone (2a) but are seeking even higher performance,” said Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing.

Design

Phone (2a) Plus introduces two new colors for Nothing smartphones: metallic Grey and an updated Black. Reminiscent of machinery, the metallic finish offers a new premium expression of Nothing’s design language, while highlighting the cutting-edge upgrades of Phone (2a) Plus.

An inherited design story from Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus has been crafted at the intersection of engineering and artistry. By integrating components into the phone’s exterior, we created an anthropomorphic appearance whereby the cameras inside the NFC coil represent two eyes sitting in front of a brain-like hub of intelligence and communication. The circular grid system design centralises the camera, ensuring a coherent and endearing appearance that makes Phone (2a) Plus another instant icon.

Performance

The MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor, a world exclusive to Nothing, powers the Phone (2a) Plus. This chipset, designed with an emphasis on entertainment, makes the device ideal for gamers. It uses advanced TSMC 4 nm Gen 2 technology, with 8 cores running up to 3.0 GHz – nearly 10% faster CPU than Phone (2a), and is supported by an ARM Mali-G610 MC4 GPU clocking at 1.3 GHz, 30% faster when gaming than Phone (2a). The high performance is maintained by Nothing’s Smart Clean Technology, which clears unused system files, NTFS optimizations for fast file transfers, and RAM Booster providing up to 20 GB of effective RAM.

Camera

Take photography to the next level with a Nothing debut: the triple 50 MP camera system. Phone (2a) Plus’ selfie camera now captures sublime 4K video at 30 FPS, a hardware upgrade from Phone (2a)’s 32 MP sensor.

Boasting a large light-absorbing 50 MP main sensor with a f/1.88 lens, an ultra-wide 50 MP sensor with a 114º field of view, and now, a 50 MP front camera for superstar selfies and better quality video calling. All three sensors support direct 50 MP photo output, HDR photo capture, and 4K video recording. The main camera comes alive in low-light conditions with night shots appearing just as detailed and vibrant as in the day. Record stunning 4K video with the main camera, supported by Optical Image Stabilisation as well as Electric Image Stabilisation and Action Mode for smooth footage when people can’t stand still.

To ensure Phone (2a) Plus is the full picture, Nothing combines elite hardware with state-of-the-art software. Our TrueLens Engine with AI Vivid Mode consists of advanced algorithms to produce life-like photos, bursting with colour and detail. The Ultra XDR feature, co-developed with Google, enhances lighting in challenging conditions by adjusting pixel brightness up to 5 times, ensuring true-to-life images every time you press the button.

Nothing OS / AI

With Nothing OS 2.6, Nothing has expanded its library with even more functional widgets for mindful interactions on your home and lock screens. Complete with swipeable views and animations for more levels of information.

Following on from its ChatGPT integrations earlier in the year, Nothing has developed the News Reporter Widget. A daily digest that leverages AI technology to aggregate daily news in a simple and intuitive format and read aloud by Nothing CFO Tim Holbrow. It is available on all Nothing smartphones through the Nothing Widgets app on the Google Play Store.

The widget provides curated news from eight selectable genres, including: business, entertainment, general, health, science, sports and technology. The AI system then summarises news articles from English language news sources based on category and converts them to audio. Each story summary lasts 1 minute with a total of 8 stories per day. Every morning (local time relative), the widget will automatically refresh with a new bank of stories.

Unlike the majority of the devices in this category, Phone (2a) Plus comes with Android 14 out of the box, and an impressive three years of software updates and four years of security updates.

Battery and Charging

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus comes with rapid50W Fast Charging, which means it can be charged to one day’s power in under 20 minutes, nearly 10% faster than Phone (2a).

Phone (2a) Plus remains fitted with Nothing’s biggest smartphone battery to date, a powerful 5,000 mAH unit. It can deliver up to two days of use on a full charge and retains over 90% of its full capacity, even after 1,000 charging cycles.

Display

Phone (2a) Plus has a flexible FHD+ 6.7” AMOLED display that can deliver stunningly accurate colour reproduction of 1.07 billion colours. Boasting a peak brightness of 1300 nits, it ensures superb visibility, even when the sun is shining at its brightest.

Phone (2a) Plus retains the thinnest bezels in Nothing’s smartphone line-up, measuring just 2.1 mm symmetrically on all four sides of the screen. This achievement results in an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 91.65%, made possible through the combination of a flexible panel with structural engineering. The display also boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate.

Glyph Interface

On the back of the phone, Phone (2a) Plus retains the iconic Glyph Interface. A new way to interact with a smartphone that encourages people to put their screens down and refer to light and sound patterns for key information. The focused Glyph Interface holds on to all the capabilities of Phone (2a), including the Glyph Timer and Glyph Progress that utilises third party integrations, whilst illuminating the distinct new metallic aesthetic of Phone (2a) Plus.

Sustainability

Phone (2a) Plus continues Nothing’s commitment to sustainability, with a carbon footprint of 53.34 kg CO²e. Contributing to its sustainable credentials are the use of recycled materials.

Phone (2a) Plus contains:

  • ● 100% recycled aluminum used in the mid-frame
  • ● 100% recycled tin on 5 circuit boards
  • ● 100% recycled copper foil on the main circuit board
  • ● Recycled steel on 24 steel stamping parts
  • ● Over 50% of the plastic parts are sustainably sourced
  • ● Plastic waste from the Ear (2) production line is repurposed into Phone (2a) Plus

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OPPO Reno16 Series Arrives with Refreshed Design, Advanced Cameras and Everyday Intelligence

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OPPO has introduced the Reno16 Series to the GCC, bringing together a refreshed design language, AI-powered photography, productivity features, and long-lasting performance. Comprising the Reno16 Pro, Reno16 and Reno16 F, the latest lineup reflects the growing shift towards smartphones that simplify content creation while making AI a more integrated part of everyday use.

The Reno16 arrives with AI-powered photography tools, a new design language, and personalised ColorOS 16 experiences, alongside the debut of the OPPO Bubble companion accessory. Here is a quick take on what you get with OPPO Reno16:

A Fresh Design Language

Every Reno generation has carried its own design identity, and the Reno16 Series continues that tradition with what OPPO calls the 3D Pop Planet Design. The Pop White finish introduces HoloVerse 3D Technology, creating a layered visual effect that changes with light and viewing angles. Complementing the design are seamless camera housing integration, aerospace-grade aluminium construction on selected models, and compact form factors aimed at improving one-handed usability.

Photography Meets AI Creativity

Photography remains the defining focus of the Reno series. Across the lineup, users gain a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, upgraded rear camera systems and AI-assisted creative tools that extend beyond image capture.

Features such as Pop Cam, AI Remix Collage, Popout Collage 2.0, and 4K Auto Straighten Video are designed to make shooting, editing and sharing content faster and more intuitive. Rather than relying on third-party apps, many creative functions are now built directly into the camera and gallery experience.

Smarter Everyday Experiences

Running ColorOS 16, the Reno16 Series expands OPPO’s AI ecosystem through features including AI Mind Space, AI Mind Pilot, AI Bill Manager, and AI Menu Translation. Together, these tools aim to organise information, provide context-aware assistance and simplify routine tasks, reflecting the broader trend of AI becoming a practical productivity companion rather than simply a chatbot.

Performance Beyond Photography

Beyond imaging, OPPO has focused on everyday endurance. Large-capacity batteries, 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, AI HyperBoost gaming optimisation, improved network connectivity through AI LinkBoost 4.0, and IP-rated durability position the Reno16 Series as an all-round flagship experience for creators, professionals and mobile gamers alike.

Alongside the smartphones, OPPO also introduced OPPO Bubble, a magnetic AMOLED companion device that functions as a rear-camera monitor, remote shutter and customisable smart accessory, extending the company’s focus on mobile creativity beyond the smartphone itself.

Integrator’s Perspective

With the Reno16 Series, OPPO is placing equal emphasis on design, imaging and practical intelligence rather than chasing specifications alone. The addition of AI-powered productivity features, refreshed aesthetics and a broader connected ecosystem reflects how smartphone innovation is increasingly focused on enhancing everyday experiences.

As competition intensifies in the premium mid-range segment across the UAE and wider GCC, the Reno16 Series positions itself as a well-rounded offering aimed at users seeking a balance of performance, creativity and long-term value. And we at Integrator will be shortly reviewing the phone and giving our verdict soon!

Pricing & Availability

The OPPO Reno16 Series is now available for pre-booking across the UAE. The Reno16 Pro 5G is priced at AED 3,299, while the Reno16 5G retails for AED 2,499. The Reno16 F 5G starts at AED 1,799 for the 8GB + 256GB variant, with the 12GB + 256GB model priced at AED 2,099. During the pre-booking period, customers will receive complimentary accessories, screen protection and an extended warranty, with bundled benefits valued at up to AED 999 depending on the model. OPPO has also introduced the Enco Clip2 earbuds at AED 649 and the OPPO Bubble accessory priced at AED 499.

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SENNHEISER LAUNCHES THE CLOSED-BACK HD 480 PRO HEADPHONES

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With the HD 480 PRO, Sennheiser today launches its top-of-the-range closed-back headphones for studio and live environments. Designed with the utmost care and precision, they eliminate the two most-cited pain points of closed-back headphones by delivering a tight, accurate bass reproduction and ensuring supreme comfort for audio professionals tasked with recording, tracking, or monitoring in the studio, in live audio environments or on the move.

Delivering where other closed-backs fail

With closed-back headphones, a good reproduction of the low-end is usually difficult to achieve. “This is where the HD 480 PRO excel. Compared to other closed-back headphones, they are a lot tighter on the bass, their low-end is super-accurate and realistic,” notes Jimmy R. Landry, Category Market Manager, Music Industry at Sennheiser.

“Comfort is of paramount importance when headphones are a work tool,” adds Gunnar Dirks, Senior Product Manager for professional headphones. “Engineers often spend hours on end in their sessions. They need a lightweight, ergonomically designed pair of headphones to keep focus and concentration up. The HD 480 PRO eliminate any pressure points and fit every head precisely and comfortably – even if you’re wearing glasses.”

Unlike many other closed-back headphones, the HD 480 PRO deliver an honest low-end

Purpose-built for professional audio work

Whether used in the studio by producers, mixers, musicians, recording engineers, and creators, in live environments by FoH engineers and monitor engineers, or again on the move, the HD 480 PRO are an ideal choice for monitoring, producing, and recording, but also for mixing, which makes them Sennheiser’s most versatile professional headphones to date. Their absolute accuracy, uncoloured frequency response and honest low-end ensure that the audio translates reliably to any listening situation from home speakers to automobile use and PA systems.

“Knowing that you can rely on what you’re hearing is everything, that’s what you get with the HD 480 PRO.”

Jim Kaufman, producer

“When I’m going to be mixing on headphones outside my studio, it’s imperative I have a pair that I trust. With the HD 480 PRO, to have this level of quality and accuracy in a closed-back headphone is amazing.”

Will Brierre, mix engineer

“As producers, we have to receive the best sound to our ears that we can. Every detail is important. When you’re wearing the 480s, you’re immersed in the sound, completely undistracted by the outside world.”

Young Chencs, artist and producer

“The ear cushions. Incredibly soft, right away. And then the dimensionality of the sound. It felt like the music had depth and space around it. Two things stood out immediately. The spatial quality of the sound makes it so much easier to understand where everything sits in a mix. And while recording, I could hear my own voice with this real clarity and dimension. It actually made singing feel more natural and easier.”

Nao Yoshioka, singer and songwriter

“Nothing but the truth”

To enable the user to fully concentrate on the audio and hear all detail, the HD 480 PRO feature multiple stages of passive sound shielding, while comfortable ear pads with soft grooves for the temples of glasses ensure the precise seal that is required for good audio reproduction. A series of design measures – subsumed under the term “Vibration Attenuation System” – eliminate unwanted vibration, reflections and distortion, preserving the clarity of the signal. The ultralight voice coils of the HD 480 PRO ensure a remarkably authentic and dynamic reproduction.

The HD 480 PRO are Sennheiser’s most versatile professional headphones to date. They are an ideal choice for monitoring, producing, and recording, but also for mixing

Patents for comfort, precision fit and noise decoupling

Like its open-back counterpart, the HD 490 PRO, the HD 480 PRO benefit from several Sennheiser-patented features.

Special Axes Geometry: The mechanical design makes sure that the headphones optimally adapt to the head and maintain an equal contact pressure no matter what the shape of the user’s head. The listening experience is consistent across users.

Comfort zone for glasses: The ear pads do not press on the temples of glasses but rather have a soft zone, which ensures good sealing and high comfort at the same time.

Blocking of cable-borne noise: Near the earcup, the connection cable features a coiled part, which effectively decouples the HD 480 PRO from any structure-borne or handling noise, such as that transmitted when the cable hits the desk, for example.

For daily professional use

To adapt to different set-ups, the detachable cable can be worn on the left or right side of the HD 480 PRO. This flexible cable routing is ideal for solo recording of instruments, for example, as it keeps the cable out of the way. To ensure accessibility, the left and right earcups are braille-marked. Engineered by Sennheiser’s experienced professional development team, the HD 480 PRO have been designed to last and deliver consistent results over time.

A Sennheiser patent: The coiled part near the earcup connector prevents cable noise from reaching the earcups

HD 490 PRO or HD 480 PRO – which one to choose?

The open-back HD 490 PRO and closed-back HD 480 PRO are at the top of the 400 series of purpose-built professional audio headphones. So which one is best for which application?

“Our developers have been working painstakingly to bring the sound of the closed HD 480 PRO as closely as possible to that of the open HD 490 PRO. Which model is the better choice for you really depends on how you work,” explains Gunnar Dirks. “The open HD 490 PRO will be ideal for mixing in quiet environments, while I would recommend the closed HD 480 PRO for applications where you need isolation, for example when you’re tracking vocals in the room, when monitoring or using them as an FoH reference, or simply when you’re working in the same space as others.”

The HD 480 PRO retails at AED 1.549. It features recording earpads and a 3-metre coiled cable and is delivered complete with a carrying bag. Instead of the bag, the HD 480 PRO Plus comes with a travel case, and retails at AED 1,749.

HD 480 PRO technical data

Acoustic principle: closed

Ear coupling: circumaural

Transducer principle: dynamic

Transducer diameter: 38 mm

Frequency response: 3 to 28,700 Hz (-10 dB)

Sensitivity: 107 dB SPL (at 1 kHz/1 Vrms); 98 dB (at 1 kHz, 1 mW)

Max. SPL: 130 dB (1 kHz, 5% THD)

THD: <0.5% (at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)

Impedance: 130 ohms (1 kHz)

Power rating: 300 mW (100 h, noise as per IEC 60268)

Temperature range: 0°C to +50°C for operation; -25°C to +70°C for storage

Relative humidity: 10 to 80%, non-condensing for operation; 10 to 90% for storage

Weight: 272 g (w/o cable)

Available accessories

Replacement recording ear pads, replacement coiled cable (3 m), 1.8 m straight cable, 3 m straight cable, balanced cable, (replacement) travel case, (storage) case, (replacement) bag.

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Intel Core Series 3 Extends AI-Ready Performance to Value and Edge Computing Segments

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Intel has introduced its latest Intel Core Series 3 mobile processors, aimed at expanding advanced computing capabilities to value buyers, commercial users, and essential edge deployments.

The launch reflects a broader shift in the industry, where performance, efficiency, and AI readiness are no longer confined to premium systems but are increasingly expected across all tiers of computing.

Built on the architectural foundations of Intel’s newer Core platforms and leveraging advanced process technology, the Core Series 3 processors are designed to deliver a balanced combination of performance, battery efficiency, and scalability. The focus is on enabling reliable, everyday computing while supporting emerging workloads, including AI-driven applications.

Driving Value-Oriented Performance

Intel positions Core Series 3 as a significant upgrade path for users operating on older systems. Compared to five-year-old PCs, the new processors deliver up to 47% improvement in single-thread performance and up to 41% gains in multi-thread workloads. GPU-based AI performance also sees notable enhancements, enabling improved responsiveness in modern applications.

This performance uplift is complemented by a strong emphasis on efficiency, with reduced processor power consumption and optimisations aimed at extending battery life for mobile systems.

AI Capability Moves to the Mainstream

One of the key differentiators of the Core Series 3 platform is the introduction of hybrid AI-ready architecture within the value segment. With support for up to 40 platform TOPS, Intel is enabling a new class of systems capable of handling AI workloads at the device level.

The platform also integrates modern connectivity standards, including Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6, ensuring compatibility with next-generation peripherals and networks.

Expanding into Essential Edge Deployments

Beyond traditional laptops, Intel is positioning Core Series 3 as a scalable solution for edge computing environments. The processors are designed to support a wide range of applications, including robotics, smart buildings, retail systems, and industrial deployments.

By combining AI acceleration with energy efficiency, the platform aims to deliver the performance required for real-time processing while maintaining operational reliability in diverse environments.

Ecosystem and Availability

Intel expects broad adoption across the ecosystem, with more than 70 designs from OEM partners set to launch across multiple form factors. Consumer and commercial systems powered by Core Series 3 are rolling out through 2026, while edge-focused deployments are expected from Q2 onwards.

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