Also Read: Vivo T5 5G Specifications Confirmed Ahead of Launch

Vivo Y31T 5G – What’s the Specification and Features

Vivo Y31 is the latest in Vivo’s mostly offline and online phone lineup. The Y31T is the newer version of the Y31 5G, launched last year.

Design

The Y31T 5G has a plastic back and glass front, with IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance. On the rear, Vivo uses a new design with dual cameras in a square module, accompanied by a regular LED and a circular flash.

The front has a flat screen with slight bezels on the sides and bottom. Among phones under Rs 30,000, competitors like Nothing and OnePlus do not have such large bezels. This lowers the V31 T’s screen-to-body ratio to 83%.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G vs Galaxy S25 FE 5G: Comparison

Display

The front features a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display with 1200-nit brightness. However, it is not HDR10+ certified, so it may be only decent for binge-watching.

Under the hood, the Vivo V31T 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, based on a 4nm process and launched on June 26, 2023. This means the processor is three years old. On paper, the chipset scores decently, with 568,395 points on the AnTuTu 11 benchmark and Geekbench 6 scores of 915 for single-core and 2115 for multi-core performance.

And the phone comes with 4GB or 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Camera

On the rear, we get a 50MP main shooter with an f/1.8 aperture lens and a 2MP bokeh camera lens, and on the front, you get an 8MP selfie shooter with an f/2.1 aperture lens.

Battery

On the battery side, the Y31T 5G doesn’t compromise: you get a larger 7,200mAh silicon-carbon battery, with 44W wired charging support and reverse wired charging as well.

Software

On the software side, the Vivo V31T 5G runs on the latest Origin OS 6, based on Android 16, out of the box.

Although Vivo didn’t reveal how many years the upgrades will be shared, a few reports claim that the Y series only gets one year of Android OS upgrade.

Also Read: Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Launched with a 10000mAh Battery: Price

Vivo V31T 5G – Price Details

Vivo V31T 5G is available in three variants. The base variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at Rs 25,999.

The mid-variant with 6GB RAM and 256GB storage costs Rs 29,999. The top-end model, also with 6GB RAM and 256GB storage, is priced at Rs 34,999.

Vivo V31T 5G – Worth it under Rs 35,000

Looking at the specs, the Vivo V31T 5G does not come with solid features. It has a three-year-old processor and an IPS LCD display without HDR10+ certification.

Its competitors include Nothing, Oppo, OnePlus, and Samsung. It could be a good choice if you are looking for a decent display and processor compared to other phones.

Image Credits: Anant Rawat

Also Read: India Adds Over 6 Million Wireless Subscribers in July 2026: TRAI

Birla Says FY27 Will Drive Vi Turnaround

Vodafone Idea, also known as Vi, is starting a chapter in its turnaround story. Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said that FY27 will be the company’s year of execution and delivery.

Speaking to shareholders at Vi’s 31st Annual General Meeting, Birla explained that the focus has moved from fixing problems to turning investments into long‑term growth and better operations.

Birla said that Vodafone Idea has made progress during the last year. The company improved its flexibility, expanded its network infrastructure, and rebuilt subscriber momentum.

He said that Vodafone Idea is now in a position to compete in India’s fast‑changing digital and 5G world.

The AGM also highlighted the need for tariff rationalisation. Birla said that India still has one of the world’s highest Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) levels.

Therefore, sustainable returns are essential for continuing investments in 4G, 5G and next‑generation telecom infrastructure. He added that a healthy telecom sector benefits customers, operators and the wider digital economy.

Also Read: Vi’s Overlooked Growth Lever: Converting 2G Users to 4G/5G

Vi’s operational indicators also exhibited signs of a comeback. The company added subscribers each month from February 2026 and saw its first quarter of net subscriber growth since the merger. By March 2026, Vodafone Idea had 192.8 million subscribers, with 129 million 4G and 5G users. ARPU climbed to Rs 190, a year‑on‑year improvement.

Network expansion is a priority. Vi raised 4G coverage to over 86% of India. Vi expanded 5G services to more than 200 cities. Further rollout is planned across telecom circles where Vi owns spectrum.

The company also sped up AI investments. Vi uses AI in customer service and network operations through projects such as ViNi, AI‑powered email bots and the Vi Protect spam management platform.

This supports Vi’s plan to marry network expansion with digital services.

As AGR uncertainty reduces, fresh funding is secured, and capital spend is picking up. Birla believes FY27 will decide whether Vodafone Idea can turn its recovery into lasting growth and stronger competitiveness in India’s telecom market.

Reliance Jio Rs 1029 Plan vs Vodafone Idea Rs 996 Prepaid Plan

Reliance Jio – Reliance Jio Rs 1029 prepaid plan comes with unlimited voice calling, 2GB of daily data, and 100 SMS/day along with OTT (over-the-top) benefits. The plan has a service validity of 84 days. There are add-on benefits bundled with the prepaid plan which include JioHotstar Mobile subscription, JioAICloud 50GB storage, and Amazon Prime Lite. The OTT benefit of Prime Lite is only available for 84 days, which is the same as the service validity of the prepaid plan. There is also an added benefit of Google AI Pro subscription for 18 months, valued at Rs 35,100. Of course, this Jio plan also bundles unlimited 5G data for the users.

Vodafone Idea – Vodafone Idea offers its Rs 996 prepaid plan with unlimited voice calling, 2GB of daily data, and 100 SMS/day with 84 days of service validity. The added benefit of this plan is that users get access to Amazon Prime Lite for 84 days along with unlimited 5G. Users also get free unlimited data from 12 AM to 12 PM. There is also Weekend Data Rollover and Data Delight bundled with the plan.

Which Plan is Better

Outright, the plan which appears more valuable in nature is the one from Vodafone Idea. It is because both plans offer the same benefits, and Vi’s plan is cheaper. However, the price difference is actually very marginal between the two plans.

In a release, Reliance Industries said, “Please note that Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), subsidiary of the Company, has today, i.e., August 28, 2026, received the observation letter on the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) filed for its proposed Initial Public Offer from the Securities and Exchange Board of India.”

The Initial Public Offer for Jio Platforms Limited could raise up to $3.8 billion USD. This would be the biggest IPO in the history of the Indian stock exchanges. Jio had filed the IPO Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in June 2026. We are not sure when Jio will actually list in the stock exchanges, but it should be before the end of the current finacial year (FY).

Reliance Jio, after raising this funds, can reduce its debt and also invest in new growth areas. Deleveraging the balance sheet will give Jio the flexibility to raise more funds at a lower interest rate and improve credit ratings as well. The telecom operator has also been eyeing international expansion with network gear deals and tech deployments, and this would definitely help Jio in setting a stronger foot forward towards that. In India, Jio is the largest in terms of market share as well as revenue share in the wireless segment. Even in the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) segment, Jio is the largest in the country, and one of the largest globally as well. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the tech and telecom developments.

FWA Subscribers — 5G and UBR Breakdown

Total wireless 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) subscribers increased from 12.94 million at the end of June 2026 to 13.21 million at the end of July 2026. Urban areas accounted for 6.56 million subscribers, while rural areas accounted for 6.64 million. The urban and rural shares were 49.69 percent and 50.31 percent, respectively.

As of July 2026, Bharti Airtel reported a 5G Fixed Wireless subscriber base of 3,937,986, an addition of 116,951 subscribers, while Reliance Jio reported 9,270,226 5G FWA users, an addition of 155,869 subscribers, bringing the total to 13,208,212 subscribers. The combined 5G FWA base increased by 272,820 subscribers during the month, representing monthly growth of 2.11 percent.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, the only operator reporting UBR FWA subscribers, increased its UBR FWA base from 4,934,005 at the end of June 2026 to 5,138,325 at the end of July 2026, adding 204,320 users, with monthly growth of 4.14 percent.

“The number of total wireless FWA subscribers using UBR technology (UBR FWA) stood at 5.14 million at the end of July 2026,” with subscriptions in urban and rural areas of 3.65 million and 1.49 million respectively. The shares of urban and rural wireless UBR FWA subscribers were 71.07 percent and 28.93 percent respectively at the end of July 2026.

Gain and Loss of Wireless Subscribers

Bharti Airtel added 2,688,348 wireless (mobile) subscribers during July 2026, while Reliance Jio added 2,446,727 subscribers. Vodafone Idea added 240,114 subscribers during the month. BSNL gained 168,874 wireless (mobile) subscribers, while MTNL lost 5,744 subscribers. Overall, the wireless (mobile) subscriber base increased by 5,538,296 subscribers during the month.

All Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) except Kolkata showed growth in wireless (mobile) subscribers during July 2026.

Wireless Market Share of Operators

As of the end of July 2026, private access service providers held 92.75 percent of the wireless (mobile) market, while BSNL and MTNL together accounted for 7.25 percent.

This translates to Reliance Jio holding approximately a 39.29 percent market share with 506.03 million (506,030,343) wireless subscribers; Bharti Airtel with approximately a 38.01 percent market share and 489.49 million (489,488,305) wireless subscribers; Vodafone Idea with approximately a 15.46 percent market share and 199.06 million (199,063,212) wireless subscribers; BSNL with approximately a 7.23 percent market share and 93.18 million (93,177,868) wireless subscribers; and MTNL with approximately a 0.01 percent market share and 160,733 wireless subscribers.

Wireless (Fixed Wireless and Mobile) Access Broadband Subscribers

As of the end of July 2026, Reliance Jio reported 520.44 million wireless broadband subscribers—the highest number—followed by Bharti Airtel with 372.94 million, Vodafone Idea with 129.95 million, and BSNL with 22.74 million subscribers. The total wireless access broadband subscriber base, comprising fixed wireless and mobile access, stood at 1,046.34 million when M2M cellular mobile connections were included.

Wireline Telephone Subscriber Base

Wireline subscribers increased from 47.82 million at the end of June 2026 to 48.01 million at the end of July 2026. The net increase in the wireline subscriber base was 0.19 million, with a monthly growth rate of 0.39 percent. Overall wireline tele-density increased from 3.35 percent to 3.36 percent during the month.

In the wireline segment:

• Reliance Jio held approximately a 32.89 percent market share with 15,791,128 subscribers, adding 165,786 subscribers during the month.
• Bharti Airtel accounted for approximately a 25.32 percent share with 12,153,862 subscribers, adding 163,425 subscribers during the month.
• Vodafone Idea held approximately a 1.58 percent market share with 760,655 subscribers, losing 23,206 subscribers during the month.
• BSNL held approximately a 13.85 percent market share with 6,648,035 subscribers, adding 10,630 subscribers during the month.

M2M Cellular Connections

The number of M2M (Machine-to-Machine) cellular mobile connections increased from 134.73 million at the end of June 2026 to 137.70 million at the end of July 2026.

Bharti Airtel led with 84.45 million M2M connections (61.33 percent market share), followed by Reliance Jio with 26.56 million (19.29 percent), Vodafone Idea with 21.92 million (15.92 percent), and BSNL with 4.77 million (3.46 percent).

Active Wireless Subscribers

Out of the total 1,287.92 million wireless (mobile) subscribers, 1,204.01 million were active on the date of peak VLR in July 2026. The proportion of active wireless (mobile) subscribers was approximately 93.48 percent of the total wireless (mobile) subscriber base.

Bharti Airtel reported a peak VLR of 99.12 percent during the month, BSNL 55.02 percent, Vodafone Idea 83.97 percent, and Reliance Jio 98.82 percent.

Also in TRAI Subscriber Series:

Jun 2026: India Adds Over 5 Million Mobile Users in June 2026: TRAI

May 2026: Airtel Emerges Top Wireless Gainer in May 2026; Jio Crosses 500 Million Mobile Users: TRAI

Apr 2026: Airtel Tops April 2026 Wireless Subscriber Gains, Jio Follows Closely: TRAI Report

Mar 2026: Bharti Airtel Adds Over 5 Million Wireless Subscribers in March 2026: TRAI Data

Feb 2026: Vodafone Idea Gains 21,927 Wireless Subscribers, TRAI February 2026 Data

Jan 2026: Vodafone Idea Starts 2026 with Subscriber Loss: TRAI January 2026 Data

Vivo T5 5G Confirmed Specifications in India

Vivo T5 5G will launch in India with a MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset. The chipset has been claimed to achieve an AnTuTu score of 1.2 million points and on-device AI performance of 10 tokens/s on a 3-billion-parameter model. The device will pack a 7050mAh battery. It will feature a 1.5K resolution display with 3D Curved AMOLED panel with support for 144Hz refresh rate and 2000nits of peak brightness.

The design and the two colours of the Vivo T5 5G have also been confirmed. There will be a Silver Green and Royal Bronze variants. The Vivo T5 5G will be priced between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. The design of the phone appears very similar to the Vivo S2 5G. This is a very premium design language. Vivo T5 5G will run on Android 16 with OriginOS 6 on top. At the front, there is a punch-hole cutout at the top housing the selfie sensor. The launch of the device is just a few days from here. The device will be sold at the same price range where the Vivo S2 5G is priced. When Vivo had initially introduced the T series in India, the strategy of the company was to focus it for the online channels. Stay tuned to TelecomTalk for more details in the future.

Also Read:

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G VS Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G: Ultimate Comparison

Samsung just launched the Galaxy S26 FE 5G globally today, and the new smartphone is set to go on sale on September 18, 2026. The Galaxy S25 FE 5G was launched back on September 4, 2026.

Design

On the design side, both the Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S25 FE have a similar look. On the front and back, both FE 5G phones feature Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and are built around an aluminum frame.

On the rear, the Galaxy S26 FE 5G’s design takes inspiration from the latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra variant, where you get a vertically housed triple camera placed over a pill module with the flash placed outside the module, while the Galaxy S25 FE gets the triple-camera setup without any pill module on the back.

Display

The Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S25 FE share the same larger 6.7-inch 2X Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1900 nits.

Both have flat AMOLED front panels with HDR10+ certification, making them well-suited for binge-watching.

Processor, RAM and Storage

The Galaxy S26 FE features an upgraded Exynos 2500 chipset, launched in June 2025. It is a 3nm processor with the Samsung Xclipse 950 GPU.

The chipset achieved good benchmark results: AnTuTu 11 shows 2,289,696 points, Geekbench 6 reports 2,285 single-core and 7,874 multi-core performance, and the GPU scored around 18,873 points.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset, which was launched in January 2024. It is a 4nm processor. And we get the Xclipse 940 GPU onboard.

The Exynos 2500 is based on a 3nm architecture, while the Exynos 2400 uses a 4nm architecture. On paper, the smaller Exynos 2500 is projected to be more efficient and powerful than the Exynos 2400 SoC. Geekbench 6 reports 2,115 points for single-core performance, 6,826 for multi-core performance, and 16,273 for GPU performance.

Samsung also revealed that the Exynos 2500 is the first-ever processor fabricated under Samsung’s Gate-All-Around (GAA) node, and Samsung also claims that it’s a new CPU core on the inside and comes with an upgraded AMD RDNA 3-based GPU with 33% more work groups and an NPU with 40% more compute hardware.

Both phones come with up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

Camera

On the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G, we get a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 1/1.57-inch sensor size; an 8MP telephoto sensor with an f/2.4 aperture; and a 12MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 123-degree field of view.

On the front, we get a 12MP selfie shooter with an f/2.2 aperture lens.

The Galaxy S25 FE also comes with the same camera hardware: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP telephoto sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP front selfie shooter, all with the same aperture.

To differentiate the S25 FE from the S26 FE, Samsung added new camera features.

The Horizon Lock feature keeps footage level even when the phone rotates 360 degrees during video recording. Samsung also upgraded the night photography feature. Through software optimizations, the Galaxy S26 FE can produce brighter, higher-quality images in the dark.

The Galaxy S25 FE also gets Photo Assist features, embedded in the camera app, for editing images using AI. While these features are already available on the Galaxy S25 models, the Horizon Lock feature will not be added to the Galaxy S25 FE.

Battery

On the battery side, the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy S26 FE share the same 4900mAh lithium-ion battery, 45W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging compatible with Qi2.

Software

On the software end, the Galaxy S26 FE runs on the latest One UI 9.0 based on Android 17. Samsung promises 7 years of major OS updates and security patches.

The Galaxy S25 FE ran on One UI 8 based on Android 16. This year, the S25 FE will get its next update. However, the Galaxy S26 FE will receive OS and security upgrades until 2033, while the Galaxy S25 FE will get updates until 2032.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G VS Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G: Price Comparison

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE was launched last year and is available in three memory configurations. The base variant has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for Rs 54,999. The mid variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage sells for Rs 65,999. The top-end variant with 8GB RAM and 512GB storage sells for Rs 77,999.

Galaxy S25 FE is available in four colour options: Jetblack, Navy Blue, White, and Icy Blue.

As of now, the price of the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE in India has not been revealed. Samsung India announced that the Galaxy S26 FE will go on sale from September 18, 2026.

Compared with the European market, the base variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at 799 euros, around Rs 89,000. The 8GB RAM with 256GB variant is priced at 899 euros, about Rs 1,00,000.

The top-end model with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is priced at 1,099 euros, around Rs 1,22,000.

We will have to wait for Samsung to officially confirm the price. It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE will likely replace the Galaxy S25 FE at last year’s launch price. The Galaxy S25 FE’s price might fall after confirmation.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G VS Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G: Which Phone is Better?

If we look at the specs, the Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S25 FE have a few differences. Samsung has focused on software optimization and the chipset. The Exynos 2500 on the Galaxy S26 FE 5G is more powerful and efficient on paper.

This makes the S26 FE perform better and last longer despite having the same battery size as the Galaxy S25 FE.

It should not make a huge difference in real-world performance. If you want a powerful phone with a bigger display and are okay with the price, the Galaxy S26 FE can be a good choice.

Given that the iPhone 17 is in the same price range and its price might drop after the iPhone 18 launch, the Galaxy S26 FE will struggle to sell in India if the price isn’t set right.

If you are okay using a 2-year-old Exynos processor with the same specs, are fine with the Horizon Lock feature, and are okay with getting one less year of software upgrades, the Galaxy S25 FE is a good choice.

Image Credits: TechOdyssey, SoyaCincau, Vibhu, Bradley, _syhtele_ (Alarmed-Tax-5685).

GTA 6 Release Date

GTA 6 is all set to release in India and the global market on November 19, 2026. This game will not be currently released for the personal computers (PCs). It will only be be released for the Play Station (PS) 5 and Xbox series X and S.

The launch date for the PC has also not yet been announced. The pre-orders for the game are now live for the users across the world. If you have the correct console, then you will be able to play this game when it launches. The pre-order cost of the game is set at Rs 5,999. This cost is for the pre-orders. However, there is also an Ultimate Edition of the game priced at Rs 7,499. Depending on your want and budget, you can go for a variant which feels right to you.

GTA 6 has been in the making for several years now and users getting to see the extended look are very happy. The extended release of GTA 6 from Rockstar Games is recorded while playing on the Playstation 5. The game is very close to the launch now. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the tech developments.

If you want to watch new movies and TV shows to relax this weekend, here is a list of the best OTT releases to check out.

Also Read: Jana Nayagan to Toy Story 5: Best OTT Releases This Week

1. Chumbak

• Where to Watch: Netflix
• Director: Aatish Kapadia
• Cast: Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Manasi Parekh, Sumeet Vyas, Sumeet Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Anant Joshi, Amyra Dastur, Arjun Bijlani, and Helly Shah
• OTT Release Date: August 28, 2026.

Aatish Kapadia-directed Chumbak is coming to Netflix tomorrow and will be available to stream starting today.

Chumbak is a heartwarming drama series that follows five family members living under the same roof as they navigate parenting, marriage, and aging.

2. Bandar

• Where to Watch: Zee5
• Director: Anurag Kashyap, Sakshi Mehta
• Cast: Bobby Deol, Sapna Pabbi, and Sanya Malhotra
• OTT Release Date: August 28, 2026.

Bandar is a new crime thriller about a TV star named Samar, played by Bobby Deol. His life spirals when his ex, Gayatri, accuses him of rape after he cuts contact and starts a new relationship with Kushi. The case leads to his arrest.

The movie’s plot is inspired by the true events.

Also Read: From Cocktail 2 to Aakhri Sawal: Best OTT Releases This Week

3. Anbe Diana

• Where to watch: SonyLIV
• Director: Pari Elavazhagan
• Cast: Roja, Nikhila Sankar, Pari Elavazhagan
• OTT Release Date: August 28, 2026

Anbe Diana is a Tollywood romantic comedy-drama set in Perambur, Chennai.

The movie’s plot revolves around Chirumamilla Sita Krishna, a shy Telugu athletics coach who falls in love with a free-spirited Anglo-Indian neighbor, Diana D’Souza.

4. I, Nobody

• Where to watch: JioHotstar
• Director: Nissam Basheer
• Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Hakim Shahjahan, Ashokan, Vijayaraghavan, Madhupal, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Nakshatra CM, Ayra Izra, Nishanth Sagar, Khalid Rahman
• OTT Release Date: August 25, 2026

I, Nobody follows Rajeevan, a middle-class employee trapped inside a bank during a Rs 17-crore robbery, who becomes the culprit after the robber’s death.

Amid all of this, he is also struggling to protect his own family and save his failing marriage.

Also Read: Operation Safed Sagar, Uyir: Best OTT Releases This Week

5. Babita Singh Reporting

• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
• Director: Ambiecka Pandit
• Cast: Nimisha Sajayan, Anshuman Pushkar, Barun Sobti
• OTT Release Date: August 28, 2026

The movie revolves around a female cop who is always underestimated by her male colleagues at the station.

She struggles to prove her competence as a good cop while also trying to move her marriage forward.

During a visit to her in-laws for the first time, she finds herself torn between uncovering the truth in a murder investigation.

Here is the list of the best OTT movies and TV shows coming to OTT screens this weekend. Are you excited to watch them? Share your thoughts in the comments section below:

Vi said that its 34% of the customer base is still latched onto the 2G networks. This could be because of no 4G presence in the area where the customers live or it could be because they simply don’t have 4G phone and are satisfied with 2G services. Vi has been growing its ARPU as the data consumption by the users is going up. With more funds in the pockets, the telecom operator will be able to rollout 4G and 5G in new areas further translating to more data users and consumption, leading to a higher ARPU naturally.

Vodafone Idea 2G Users are a Pain for the Company

In hindsight, Vi has to spend money to keep the 2G networks up and running for customers who are actually contributing less meaningfully to the company’s topline revenues. Thus, even Vi would want to get rid of such customers as fast as possible. The telco would want these customers to stay on its networks only, but not on the 2G network, instead the 4G and 5G network. The telecom operator is in the process of raising funds from SBI led consortium via debt. The management has maintained that the discussions are in advanced stages with the banks, and a positive outcome is possible.

Also Read: ChatGPT Ads Launched in India, Budgets Start at Rs 725

AI Can Reshape India’s Telecom Industry

Artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a tool in India’s telecom industry. A new survey by the network technology company Ciena shows that Indian telecom companies are beginning to view AI-based network services as a way to generate revenue over the next three to five years.

The survey included more than 1,200 telecom and network service companies in 12 countries. It found that 67% of companies believe that AI will become an important way to make money.

Another 27% agreed to some degree. This puts India among the countries that are most excited about AI-enabled telecom services.

One big opportunity is in AI data center connections. According to the survey, 98% of service providers believe that managed optical fiber network services will generate new revenue as companies adopt AI equipment, cloud computing, and high-performance computing chips.

The need for strong connections is making optical fiber an essential part of future AI networks.

Also Read: Kaspersky Warns of Fake AI Apps Spreading Malware Attacks

Companies say this chance can’t happen without big changes to the network systems. 88% of those who took the survey said upgrading optical networks is now very important.

They said the rapid growth of AI workloads and the increasing volume of data center and business cloud traffic are making this necessary.

The results show that telecom companies are changing their AI plans. By focusing solely on customer support and automation, they are considering AI-driven connections, smart network systems, and high-capacity optical services as new ways to sell to AI-using businesses.

Ciena said that AI is driving demand for more bandwidth, especially as companies move towards distributed data centers and locations where computing happens closer to the user.

This is expected to increase demand for better optical transport networks capable of handling large AI systems.

For India’s telecom industry, the message is clear. AI could be a major driver of growth, but profiting from it will depend on how quickly companies upgrade their optical fiber systems.

As more businesses adopt AI, the competition is no longer about offering 5G. It’s also about creating the connections that support AI services.

If you are confused between the Realme P4s 5G, iQOO Z11 5G, and Vivo S2 5G, we have a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone is the right choice to buy or upgrade to.

Also Read: iQOO Z11 5G VS Vivo S2 5G – Which Phone is Better?

Realme P4S 5G vs iQOO Z11 5G vs Vivo S2 5G: Ultimate Comparison

Realme P4S 5G was recently launched on August 26, 2026, while the iQOO Z11 5G was launched back on August 20, 2026. Vivo launched its new S series, the Vivo S2, after seven years of waiting on August 6, 2026. So all of these phones were launched this month.

Design

On the design side, Realme has completely revamped its look, featuring a plastic back, glass front, and dual nano-SIM support.

The mid-metal frame around the edges gives it a premium, glossy, metal-phone feel. For the price, you get a good design.

On the rear, the Realme P4S gets a flagship dual-camera setup, with a camera module set over a square model, where the dual sensors are placed horizontally on the left side.

The third sensor and flash are placed on the right side. On the front, there is a single punch-hole selfie shooter. This Realme P series phone is available in two colour options: Titanium Grey and Electric Cyan.

The P4S 5G phone by Realme is also IP68 and IP69 water- and dust-resistant.

iQOO India has completely revamped the design for its Indian versions. The iQOO Z11 5G India version features a new design compared to the versions in China and Malaysia.

It features a dual flash over a pill, a front selfie shooter at the center, a curved display, and a plastic frame, and is available in two colour options: Aurora Green and Celestial Blue.

iQOO Z11 is resistant to up to 1.2m with IP68 and IP69 ratings.

The Vivo S2 5G also features a similar-looking design inspired by the iQOO Z11 5G, with dual horizontally housed cameras and a circular flash, and is built with a plastic chassis, a curved front display, and a single punch-hole selfie shooter at the center.

Even the Vivo S2 5G is IP68/IP69 water- and dust-resistant.

Vivo S2 5G is available in three color options: Regal Bronze, Sapphire Blue, and Silk White.

Also Read: Vivo S2 5G VS Realme 16 Pro 5G: Which is Better

Display

On the display side, the Realme P4S 5G gets a larger 6.78-inch Flat AMOLED panel from Samsung, with flagship-grade Material 14 AMOLED.

The Realme P4S 5G supports 1.5K resolution with 6,500-nit peak brightness, a 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ certification. It is ideal for readers who prefer a flat display with a 93.57% screen-to-body ratio.

The iQOO Z11 5G gets a slightly larger 6.83-inch 1.5K 3D CURVED AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, and it supports a 144Hz refresh rate too.

The iQOO Z11 5G also has HDR10+ certification, making it great for binge-watching. Its curved display offers a 91.0% screen-to-body ratio.

Third up, we have the Vivo S2 5G. The S2 phone gets a similar Z11 isnpired .83-inch 1.5K CURVED AMOLED display, but here you get a 120Hz refresh rate with up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Just like the iQOO Z11, the Vivo S2 gets a curved panel, offering 450 ppi and a higher screen-to-body ratio of around 91%. All three phones have a similar pixel density of 450 ppi.

Processor, RAM, and Storage

Under the hood, all three smartphones, including the Realme P4S 5G, iQOO Z11 5G, and the Vivo S2 5G, are powered by the latest MediaTek Dimensity processors.

The Realme P4S 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset, a new 4nm chipset first launched in February 2025.

On paper, it has achieved over 1,047,842 points on AnTuTu 11. Geekbench 6 reports show scores of about 1,063 for single-core and 2,966 for multi-core performance.

Alongside the 7400 Ultra chipset, the Realme P4S 5G offers up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This combination delivers flagship-grade performance.

iQOO Z11 5G is powered by the latest MediaTek Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, built on TSMC’s 4nm architecture, and was launched on May 29, 2026, earning a good score of approximately 1,099,769.

The Dimensity 7500 Ultra chipset scores about 1,224 points in single-core performance and 3,470 points in multi-core performance.

Vivo iQOO Z11’s Dimensity 7500 Turbo is paired with up to 12 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Lastly, the Vivo S2 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 chipset, launched in September 2026.

On paper, it delivers decent performance compared to the Dimensity 7400 Ultra and Dimensity 7500 Turbo.

The Dimensity 7360 achieves 925,409 points, while Geekbench 6 shows 1024 points for single-core and 2882 points for multi-core performance.

The chipset is coupled with up to 8 GB of faster LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

Also Read: iQOO has a New Gaming Tablet Loading with the Most Powerful Qualcomm Chip

Camera

All three — the Realme P4S 5G, iQOO Z11 5G, and Vivo S2 5G — have a dual-camera setup on the rear. The Realme P4S also has an additional auxiliary lens.

On the rear, the Realme P4S has a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with a wide f/1.8 aperture lens and 2-axis OIS support, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter with an f/2.2 aperture lens and a 112-degree field of view.

On the front, the Realme P4S phone features a 16MP selfie shooter in the center punch-hole, with an f/2.4 aperture.

The iQOO Z11 5G has solid camera hardware. Its main sensor is the 50MP Sony IMX 882 with a wide f/1.8 aperture lens and OIS support, paired with an 8MP ultrawide-angle sensor with an f/2.2 aperture lens.

On the front, we get a 32MP selfie shooter with an f/2.0 aperture lens.

Last up, we have the Vivo S2 5G, which features a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor with an f/1.8 wide-aperture lens and a 2MP bokeh camera.

On the front, you get a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture lens.

Also Read: Vivo S2 5G VS Oppo F33 5G: Which Android Should You Pick

Battery

On the battery side, the Realme P4S 5G comes with an 8,000mAh Silicon-Carbon (SiC) battery, 80W fast wired charging support, reverse wired charging, and a port for bypass charging.

iQOO, a gaming subsidiary brand of Vivo, shares the same battery between two Vivo phones: the iQOO Z11 5G and the S2 5G. Here, we get a 7,050 mAh lithium-ion battery with 44W fast-charging support.

Vivo promises around 6 years of battery health, which is in line with what’s expected for the iQOO Z11.

Just like the Realme P4S 5G, the iQOO Z11 5G and the Vivo S2 5G also get bypass charging support, where, when you plug your phone in for charging, it will power the smartphone’s motherboard directly instead of charging the battery, which results in saving battery life in the long run.

Software

All three phones have their own capabilities and excel in certain areas. For example, the iQOO Z11 5G focuses more on gaming, while the Realme P4S 5G and Vivo S2 balance gaming with day-to-day use.

Realme P4s 5G will run the latest Android 16 out of the box, with 3 years of major OS upgrades and 4 years of security patch updates.

The Vivo S2 and iQOO Z11 run on the latest Origin OS 6, while the Realme P4s 5G runs on the latest realme UI 7.0.

Both the Vivo S2 and the iQOO Z11 run Origin OS 6, promise 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security patch updates, and come with Android 16 out of the box.

Also Read: Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Launched with a 10000mAh Battery: Price

Realme P4S 5G vs iQOO Z11 5G vs Vivo S2 5G: Price Comparison

That was all about the specification comparison among the Realme P4s 5G, the iQOO Z11 5G, and the Vivo S2 5G.

Realme is selling three variants, including an 8GB RAM, 128GB storage model priced at Rs 34,999. An introductory offer gives Rs 3,000 off, lowering the price to Rs 31,999.

The mid variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 37,999. The introductory offer lowers the price to Rs 34,999. The top-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 41,999. With the offer, you can get it for Rs 37,999 with No Cost EMI.

iQOO Z11 5G is available in four memory variants and is selling on Amazon India. You can also get a Rs 2,500 instant discount on purchases made with ICICI Bank and SBI credit cards.

The base variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at Rs 34,999, but with the offer, you can get it for Rs 32,499.

The next variant, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at Rs 39,999. Amazon offers a Rs 1,000 coupon, lowering the price to Rs 38,999. Additional bank offers reduce it further to Rs 36,499.

The 8GB RAM, 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 44,999. You can use a Rs 1,000 coupon and an additional bank discount to get it for Rs 41,499.

The top-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 49,999, and with a Rs 1,000 discount, you can get it for Rs 46,499 only.

For the iQOO Z11 5G, you can avail up to 6 months of No-Cost EMI.

Next up is the Vivo S2 5G, which is available in two memory configurations: the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at Rs 39,999, and the top-end model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 44,999.

You get the base variant for as low as Rs 37,999 and the top model for Rs 42,999 with SBI and HDFC credit cards.

Also Read: Vivo V80 Lite 5G Launches, India to Get a Different Version

Verdict: Realme P4S 5G vs iQOO Z11 5G vs Vivo S2 5G: Which Phone to Buy?

All three phones from Realme, Vivo, and iQOO offer solid specs for the price, and based on your requirements, you can choose the right phone.

Our comparison found that the Realme P4S 5G, iQOO Z11 5G, and Vivo S2 5G feature power-packed 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7000-series chipsets, faster LPDDR4X RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage.

However, on paper, the Vivo S2’s MediaTek 7360 scores slightly lower in AnTuTu 11 and Geekbench 6.

The Realme P4S 5G and iQOO Z11 5G offer better camera performance than the Vivo S2 5G, as both have an ultrawide-angle sensor.

The Realme P4S 5G has a slightly bigger battery, and you get 80W faster wired charging compared to 44W in the Z11 and S2. The iQOO Z11 5G offers additional security updates.

The Realme P4S 5G is cheaper, with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the iQOO Z11 5G is more expensive. Overall, consider the Realme P4S 5G, but if you want a gaming-focused phone, the iQOO Z11 5G is a good choice, as it’s built for mobile gamers.

Image Credits: mrtechsingh, techcave_, Gogi Tech (Rajeev), Mukul Sharma,

The Mahindra XEV 9S offers six variants with a larger battery and a more powerful motor. Let’s look at the main differences between the Hector Tomahawk and XEV 9S EV.

Also Read: Honda ADV160 Launches for Rs 1.7L, Takes on Hero Zoom 160

MG Hector Tomahawk EV Excite 7 Seater VS Mahindra XEV 9S Pack One Above 59kWh 7 Seater: Rivalry Comparison

Mahindra led the premium EV segment in India, and now we have a new rival from the British-based MG in the form of their flagship Hector series, which just got a new EV variant called the Tomahawk EV.

MG created a completely new seven-seater EV, making it a great option for bigger families who want a seven-seater with a power-packed EV motor.

Mahindra XEV 9S EV’s base variant, called XEV 9S Pack One Above 59kWh 7-Seater, was leading the segment as the best-selling SUV EV under the Rs 20 lakh price segment, where you get premium features with Mahindra’s durable body and a promising power-packed EV motor.

MG Hector’s Excite 7 Seater variant, which is also the base variant, is priced at Rs 19,49 lakhs in India, while Mahindra’s XEV 9S base variant, Pack One Above, is priced similarly at around Rs 19.95 lakh.

Design

The Hector Excite seven-seater 2026 and the XEV 9S seven-seater feature a premium, bulky design with modern LED lamps at the front and rear.

The Tomahawk EV Excite comes in eight colour options: Pearl White, Starry Black, Shadow Gold with Starry Black Roof, Shadow Gold, Aurora Silver, Khaki Green with Mono Black, Khaki Green, and Celadon Blue.

The XEV 9S Pack One Above offers six colour options: Everest White, Desert Myst, Stealth Black, Ruby Velvet, Midnight Black, and Nebula Blue.

On the front, the Tomahawk EV gets LED headlights with DDRLs, an illuminated signature logo, and a rear-bulge design with a black roof finish.

While the XEV 9S retains its signature long LED strip at the front with slightly sharper corners, the new Mahindra logo is added to the grill, and the rear features a more minimalist finish with XEV 9S branding below the number plate.

Also Read: BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic Entry Variant Takes on BMW iX1 LWB

EV Motor and Safety Features and Storage Space

Under the hood, the Tomhawk EV Excite has a power-packed 150 kW motor that produces 201 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, and promises a whopping 517 km total range.

The Tomhawk Excite 7 EV has a 69.2 kWh battery and supports 7.4 kW AC charging and 90 kW DC charging. It can charge from 10% to 100% in 12.5 hours using AC charging and from 30% to 80% in 35 minutes using DC charging.

The MG EV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. It features a MacPherson Strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. MG has not compromised on safety, offering ABS, brake assist, central locking, six airbags, traction control, EBD, and electronic stability control (ESC).

However, the Tomahawk’s base variant misses the ADAS feature in the first two base variants.

Mahindra XEV 9S also offers solid under-the-hood specs, featuring a 210 kW motor producing up to 228 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, with a promised range of 521 km.

Just like MG’s Tomahawk EV, the XEVC 9S has the same MacPherson strut front suspension and Multi-Link rear suspension. It offers a total boot space of 527 liters.

The XEV 9S can accelerate from 0 to 100 in just 7 seconds. Mahindra has not compromised on safety features. The XEV 9S includes ABS, Brake Assist, six airbags with EBD, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Infotainment Features

For infotainment, there is a 12.8-inch wireless display inside with six speakers. The MG Hector EV also offers Jio connectivity with commands that support Hinglish, Karaoke, and the iSmart 3.0 app for connected-car features.

The boot space offers 528 liters with the third row folded in the seven-seater model, while the five-seater model offers 610 liters.

If you want ADAS features, MG Hector’s top variant, the Tomahawk EV Essence 7-Seater, is priced at Rs 23.49 lakhs.

It comes with basic warning-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane departure prevention assist.

XEV 9S supports AC charging with 11.2 kW and 7.2 kW chargers and can charge in just 6 hours or 8 hours, although it’s worth noting that the XEV 9S gets a comparatively smaller battery.  For DC charging, the Mahindra SUV EV can charge in just 20 minutes with a 140 kW DC charger.

Also Read: Meta AI App Launched for Apple Mac, Expanding to MacOS

For entertainment and infotainment, the interior features a 12.3-inch display with 6 speakers. Even the base XEV 9S lacks ADAS.

To get the ADAS feature,e, you will have to go for the top-third variant called the XEV 9S Pack Two Above 70kWh 7-Seater, which still skips the Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assistance features,ure and the variant is priced at Rs 25.05 lakh ex-showroom.

How Does MG Hector Tomahawk EV Take on Mahindra XEV 9S

The new MG Hector EV offers solid specs compared to the Mahindra XUV700 EV. Even at its price, the base seven-seat variant is a great choice, and the Mahindra XEV 9S does not compromise on features.

If you want a power-packed EV with a decent motor and a larger battery, and are okay with skipping ADAS support, then the MG Tomahawk Excite 7 base variant is the right choice, as it costs Rs 46,000 less than the XEV9S.

It offers a more premium design and a bigger battery for a comparatively lower price.

The XEV 9S is for those who prefer reliable performance, as Mahindra has been known for reliable cars for decades.

If you want ADAS features, the MG Tomahawk EV has an edge, with its top-end model offering basic ADAS at a lower price than the XEV 9S.

Image Credits: CarLelo, motor_mitra_

Vivo X500 to Feature a New Premium Chip

Vivo has confirmed that the upcoming X500 series will come with a chip which will have a 2 + 3 + 3 tri-cluster design. There will be two ARM C2-Ultra super cores, three C2-premium large cores, and three C2-Pro medium cores. The chip will also have a new GPU architecture.

The chipset will be able to support high quality images and video capture. There is a dedicated professional log video hardware zone for 4K 120fps 10-bit recording that’s ready for colour grading straight out of the camera. The upgraded NPU handles 60fps autofocus across every 4K focal length.

The new Vivo phone will use its own imaging chip which will be able to deliver industry’s first 4K Dolby Portrait video. It will be able to get the skin tones and dynamic range without extra editing. Theere will be a new AI processor which will handle one-tap video highlights. Further, a jointly developed XDZ engine will add hardware level super-resolution for zoomed-in footage. We are definitely going to see something special with the Vivo X500 series as and when it launches. Firstly, it will be a China launch, and then the devices will make it to the global market in the coming quarter.

Samsung Brings Ballie AI Robot to Homes

Samsung has officially introduced Ballie, its companion robot. This move brings AI into everyday home life. Ballie is a mobile home helper.

Ballie uses intelligence to connect to smart home devices and speaks in a natural voice. Ballie helps people manage routines in a way that feels easy.

Unlike smart speakers, Ballie is a rolling AI robot that can move around the house. Ballie can answer voice commands, understand the context of requests, and chat with users. Ballie also controls smart home devices.

Samsung says Ballie is made to be an assistant, not just a home automation hub. Ballie can adjust lighting, control appliances, set reminders, answer questions, and even help with entertainment by integrating with Samsung’s broader smart ecosystem.

Also Read: Kaspersky Warns of Fake AI Apps Spreading Malware Attacks

The company has added multimodal AI features. Ballie can hear, see, and sense the environment. This lets Ballie recognize what is happening in the home. Ballie can then provide answers that align with the user’s preferences and routines.

The launch of Hallie shows Samsung’s plan to grow AI beyond phones and televisions into living spaces.

As smart homes grow more common, companies are competing to develop AI assistants that go beyond devices and provide proactive, context‑aware assistance.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra Could Take Design Inspiration from iPhone 17 Pro

The announcement also shows how on‑device and cloud AI work together. By mixing AI with Samsung’s SmartThings platform, Ballie aims to become the main way to manage connected homes. Ballie offers a conversational experience.

With Ballie, Samsung puts AI in a companion that can help with everyday household tasks. Samsung does not want AI to be limited to mobile apps or smart displays. The launch shows Samsung’s investment in making artificial intelligence a normal part of daily life.

Image Credits: PC MAG Middle East

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Price in Japan

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has launched in two memory variants in Japan. The base variant comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for 79,980 yen (about $502) and the superior variant comes with 8GB + 512GB for 99,980 (for $628). Now let us take a look at the specifications of both the devices.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Specifications in Japan

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max comes with a 6.83-inch screen with support for 1.5K resolution and up to 3500nits of peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate and 3200Hz touch sampling rate. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The device has been promised six years of security updates and four years of OS upgrades.

There is a 50MP main sensor at the rear paired witth an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. For selfies, there is a 32MP sensor at the front. It will be available in three colours – Black, Purple, and Cloud Blush. Users in Japan are getting three months of free Spotify Premium, six months of 200GB Google One storage, and 24-month quality guarantee from Xiaomi. There is also a battery replacement service within 36 months. Stay tuned to TelecomTalk for the India launch details of this device.

iPhone 17 Accounted for 6% of Sales Globally in Q2 2026

Apple’s base iPhone 17 accounted for 6% of sales in the global market during Q2 2026. This was followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro at the second and third positions respectively. At the fourth place was finally an Android device namely the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G.

Take a look at the right side of the image above which displays the information from Counterpoint Research around which were the top devices during the quarter in the global market.

Karn Chauhan, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research said, “Apple’s unit sales grew 5% YoY despite a broader market decline. iPhone sales increased across India, Japan, and the MEA, and nearly doubled in South Korea in Q2 2026, driven by the iPhone 17 series. The base iPhone 17 model remained the best-selling smartphone during the quarter, supported by significant upgrades that narrowed the gap with the Pro models.”

One of the biggest changes with the iPhone 17 was that it came with a 120Hz supported display and had a base memory of 256GB ROM. This was a major change from the base iPhone 16 which featured 60Hz refresh rate and had 128GB of base internal storage.

The iPhone 17e was also present on the list of the top selling phones, underscoring the demand for affordable but new generation iPhones. This iPhone 17e is currently available in India for Rs 65,000, which is much lower than the iPhone 17 which retails around Rs 81,000 to Rs 82,000 in most markets.

Realme C100i Price in India

Realme C100i 4G has launched in a single memory variant of 4GB + 64GB for Rs 14,999. The device will go on first sale from August 27, 2026. The mainline offers include EMI options for up to 10 months. You can get the device from the official website of Flipkart and Realme India.

Realme C100i Specifications in India

Realme has launched the realme C100i in India with a 6.75-inch HD+ screen with a 90.4% screen-to-body ratio. The device supports up to 120Hz of adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and touch response. The Realme C100i display supports 900nits of peak brightness and DC Dimming. It has an 8MP sensor at the rear for capturing moments, and a 5MP sensor at the front for selfies.

Realme C100i comes with 3 years of lag-free performane. It packs a 6500mAh battery with support for 15W fast-charging. It comes in Midnight Black and BlackSkyline Silver. It has IP64 Dust and Water resistance and military grade shock resistance. There is a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

This definitely feels like an expensive 4G phone. Given the memory it has, we do not expect the device to get much love from the people who understand tech. Yes, the memory costs are going up, but stilll, this phone appears to be very expensive for what it is offering. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with all the tech and telecom developments.

WPP and Omnicom have been named the first two agencies in India which will help ChatGPT in distributing ads in the country. The self-serve access to ChatGPT Ads will start in India on September 4, 2026. The daily budgets, as mentioned above, start at just Rs 725.

Will ChatGPT Answers and Results Get Affected by Ads?

OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT answers will not be affected by the ads on the platform. The answers remain a separate thing from the ads. The model of working will be non-exclusive, which means more agencies can be onboarded by the company in the future.

One of the worries that the users may have is if the conversation privacy will exist or not. OpenAI has clarified that the privacy of the chats remain intact and no advertiser will get access to it. Ads might appear below a ChatGPT response when there is a relevant sponsored product or service. ChatGPT is being used a lot by Indians for their daily queries and planning. This gives brands a new avenue to gain impressions, and potentially convert some of those into sales. Indian businesses will get a new way to be discovered.

Dave Dugan, Vice President and Head of Global Ads Solutions, OpenAI said, “Our weekly active users have doubled year-on-year, with many of them going beyond simple searches and changing how they make decisions. They ask questions, explore options, and weigh tradeoffs through conversation. With ChatGPT Ads, businesses of every size can introduce themselves at relevant, high-context moments when decisions are beginning to take shape.”

According to Google Play Help, gift cards can be redeemed and used only in the country and currency in which they were purchased. The country or region listed on the Google Play account must also match the market where the card or promotional code is offered.

This means a valid code may still produce an error if it was issued for another country, uses a different currency,y or is being redeemed through an account configured for a different region.

Also Read: Google’s Android Pulse App Appears on Play Store: What is it?

Check the Card’s Country Before Paying

Before purchasing a Google Play gift card, users should confirm that it is intended for India and denominated in INR. The country configured on the recipient’s Google Play account must also match the card’s region.

Google’s support page lists Indian gift cards in fixed denominations of Rs 100, Rs 300, Rs 500, Rs 1,000, and Rs 1,500, as well as variable values ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 5,000. Availability can depend on the retailer and type of card.

A card offered in another currency should not be assumed to work merely because the recipient lives in India. Similarly, an India-specific code may not work with an account configured for another country.

Account Country and Physical Location Matter

Google says users must be present in the country where a gift card was purchased or where the promotion is offered when redeeming it. Someone traveling outside India may therefore need to wait until returning before attempting to redeem an India-specific code.

Users who have recently moved between countries may need to review their Google Play country setting. However, changing the country setting does not transfer an existing Play balance.

Google says the redeemed balance remains available in the original country where it was added.

Also Read: Gujarat Eyes Google and Perplexity Investment for 2027

How to Redeem a Google Play Code

On an Android device, users can open the Google Play Store, tap the profile icon, and select Payments and subscriptions. They can then choose Redeem code, enter the code,e and follow the on-screen instructions.

A code can also be redeemed on a computer through Google’s redemption page. The user should review which account will receive the balance before confirming, as entering a code while signed in to the wrong account may cause an avoidable problem.

Check Common Redemption Errors

If Google Play reports a code as invalid, users should first check for typing errors. Google advises entering the code without spaces or dashes. A physical card may also require activation by the retailer before it can be redeemed.

An “already redeemed” message means the code cannot be used again. Users should confirm that they are signed in to the account where the code was originally redeemed and check whether anyone else with access to the code used it.

Google may occasionally request more information before allowing redemption. In such cases, users may be asked to submit supporting details through the form provided by Google. Keeping the purchase receipt and confirmation can be helpful when seeking assistance.

Understand Refund and Transfer Restrictions

Google states that Play gift cards and prepaid Play balance are generally non-refundable and non-transferable, except as required by law. A retailer may consider a refund request, but the decision is subject to its own policy.

Also Read: Google AI Plus for Free for Indian Students: How to Claim

Protect the Code From Scams

A Google Play code should be treated like cash. Anyone who obtains it may be able to redeem the balance, and a used code cannot be redeemed again.

Google warns users not to provide gift card codes to anyone requesting payment for taxes, bail, technical support, or anything outside Google Play. A legitimate Google Play code is meant for eligible purchases within the Google Play ecosystem, not as a general payment method.

What Users Should Remember

When a Google Play code does not work, the problem may be linked to the account’s country, currency, physical location, retailer activation, or an incorrect entry. Methodically checking these conditions can help identify the cause.

The safest approach is to verify compatibility before purchasing, protect the code after delivery, and retain proof of purchase until the balance appears in the correct account.