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KGI: Galaxy Note 9 likely dropping in-display fingerprint sensor ‘due to technological difficulties’

Since last year, we have been operating under the belief that Samsung is developing its own in-display fingerprint sensor technology for the Galaxy Note 9. According to a new report from reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, however, Samsung is likely dropping this technology from its next flagship smartphone…


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Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship phone reportedly ‘thin as a cicada’s wings,’ enters mass production next month

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A new research note from KGI indicates that Xiaomi’s Android upcoming smartphone, debuting January 15th, will feature a thin new form factor that the company says will be “as thin as a cicada’s wings,” in what could potentially become the worst product simile of the year.

While Xiaomi’s previous devices have been called iPhone clones, the new device, which KGI says could be called the “Xiaomi 4S” or “Xiaomi 5” will feature a vastly improved camera over Apple’s latest models, clocking in at 13 MP and featuring optical image stabilization.


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Asus rep reads exact same specs (except late July release) for next Nexus 7 as previous KGI report…coincidence?

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A successor to the Nexus 7 was a no-show at Google I/O this year, but that doesn’t mean a V2.0 of the tablet isn’t coming soon. Back in May, we reported that according to a KGI analyst, Google was planning on announcing the Nexus 7 2 at I/O with a full 1900×1200 HD display, a lighter and thinner body, with a Snapdragon 600 processor, 4Ah battery and both front and rear (5MP) facing cameras. The second version of the Asus tablet was also slated to be the first device with Android 4.3 on it.

Although this is all a rumor, a curious buyer decided to ask an Asus live chat representative if they had any idea what the specs were. Despite the fact that chat representatives don’t normally have access to upcoming products, one offered up the exact same specs as above:

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Interestingly enough, the spec sheet they repeated matches the same exact spec sheet that KGI reported on in May. The chat rep. also said that we should expect to see version 2 of the tablet sometime in Q2 of the year, specifically late July.

Chat representatives don’t typically know future product roadmaps, especially specs, so it’s more than possible that this chat rep. simply Googled KGI’s report and reported it back to the person they were chatting with. On the other hand, they could both line up because they are both right. We’ve contacted Asus and we’ll be sure to report back any news.

New Nexus 7 to have 1920×1200 pixel display, 5 megapixel camera, 8mm thickness, same $199 price?

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Well-connected Analyst Mingchi Kuo from KGI securities is known for his often accurate predictions (timing notwithstanding) of upcoming Apple products.  He’s got a detailed report out today on the new Nexus 7 that he thinks will be announced at Google I/O and could ship as early as June or July in large numbers.

Perhaps the most interesting bit is that the entry level price will  remain at US$199, with Google likely to lose US$5-10 per unit sold according to the analyst. Why is keeping the same price interesting? Because this thing is getting supercharged according to Kuo:

We think the new Nexus 7 will come with the following major spec upgrades: Qualcomm APQ 8064 processor; narrow bezel LTPS 7-inch high-resolution panel (1,920×1,200); 5MP AF rear camera lens; and wireless charging. We also think it will be much lighter and thinner than the previous version.

How light and thin? He’s saying that a smaller bezel around the edges and 7.5-8.5mm thinness should put it near or below the size and weight of Apple’s iPad Mini. He expects the next  Mini 2 later this year.

Kuo expects Google/Asus to move 5M units in the second half of the year and continue with the same distribution strategies (selling at the Google Play Store and at retailers simultaneously).

We are positive on Nexus 7’s reception ahead of the iPad mini 2 launch given that the specs have been upgraded but the price has not been increased. However, tablet PC competition has become much fiercer this year, so we reckon new Nexus 7 year-on-year shipments growth will be limited.

It will be interesting to see how close to the current display size the new screen is. 1920×1200 is a 16:10 screen ratio just like the current 1280×800 but enlarging it a few points would go a long way in making it more competitive with Apple’s 7.9-inch iPad Mini, and with the shrunken bezel size, Asus could keep the same handheld form factor.