Accenture shares fell nearly 14% in premarket trading Thursday after the consulting giant unveiled a $4.18 billion cybersecurity acquisition and issued a weaker revenue outlook than market expectations.
Accenture shares fell 14% after completing a $4.18 billion cybersecurity deal. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo) (Reuters)
The company lowered its full-year revenue growth guidance to 3%-4% from its previous forecast of 3%-5%. Accenture expects fourth-quarter revenue to be between US$17.75 billion and US$18.4 billion, below analysts’ consensus forecast of US$18.47 billion, according to Reuters citing data from the London Stock Exchange Group. The weak forecast weighed on investor sentiment, sending shares lower.
Accenture is acquiring three cybersecurity companies
Accenture announced three cybersecurity deals with a total value of $4.18 billion. The company will take a majority stake in industrial cybersecurity company Dragos. It will also fully acquire asset intelligence company runZero. Accenture Also acquired NetRise, a company focused on device security.
The acquisitions are expected to expand Accenture’s cybersecurity business, which currently has annual revenue of approximately $10 billion, according to an official Accenture press release. The three companies are expected to add a combined annual recurring revenue of about $208 million, Reuters reported. The transactions are expected to close in August or September 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Why Accenture cares about cybersecurity
As internet connectivity continues to evolve and usage increases, companies are spending more on cybersecurity AI New security risks are being created. According to Reuters, factories, power grids, water systems, data centers and other critical infrastructure are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Even as demand slows in some of its other consulting businesses, Accenture still sees cybersecurity as a key growth area.
Demand for IT and consulting projects has weakened due to economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Investors are also concerned that advanced artificial intelligence tools could reduce demand for some traditional software and consulting services. These concerns are weighing on valuations across the consulting industry.
Accenture latest quarterly results
Accenture reported $19.3 billion in new bookings in the third quarter. New bookings were down approximately 2% from the same period last year. Third-quarter revenue rose 6% to $18.72 billion. However, revenue was slightly below analysts’ expectations of $18.75 billion.
Accenture Chairman and CEO Julie Sweet said in a company statement that the company’s cybersecurity business continues to expand at a double-digit rate. She noted that the increasing sophistication of AI-driven cyberattacks, coupled with rising geopolitical uncertainty, is driving stronger demand for AI. network security Serve. Sweet also highlighted Accenture’s long-term strategy of using acquisitions to strengthen its capabilities and support future growth.
Accenture highlights long-term growth in cybersecurity
Accenture said its cybersecurity revenue has grown from $700 million in 2016 to $10 billion in fiscal 2025. That represents a compound annual growth rate of 35%, about four times Accenture’s overall growth rate, the company said. Accenture already has a strong position in the operational technology (OT) cybersecurity services market, which is estimated to be worth approximately $7 billion.
These acquisitions will help it expand into the broader OT cybersecurity software market. Accenture estimates that the market could reach $27 billion by 2026, growing to nearly $59 billion by 2031. The company expects the market to grow at about 16% annually.
Expected financial impact of acquisition
Dragos, runZero and NetRise are expected to generate approximately $208 million in annual recurring revenue by June 2026. According to Accenture, this represents a year-over-year increase of 53%. The company said the acquisitions will reduce earnings slightly initially but will improve earnings per share and free cash flow over time. Accenture believes these transactions will support long-term growth and returns for shareholders.
The Art of the Deal meets the ghost of Versailles. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a controversial memorandum of understanding pledging Washington to help provide up to $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction.
TOI Washington correspondent: The Art of the Deal meets the ghost of Versailles. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a controversial memorandum of understanding pledging Washington to help provide up to $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction. He signed it in the same place where he signed the Treaty of Versailles, history’s most famous cautionary tale about war, peace, reparations, unintended consequences and leaders who thought they had struck a good deal.The symbolism was so obvious that even Hollywood script editors would reject it as unbelievable. For generations, “Versailles” has been shorthand for the peaceful settlement that many historians believe sowed the seeds of a larger conflict. Instead, Trump, marker in hand, signed an agreement under a glittering chandelier that critics immediately decried as a surrender document that included huge financial commitments to a regime that Washington had bombed just weeks before.Former national security adviser Susan Rice called the memorandum of understanding “a jaw-dropping, horrific document of surrender that comes with hundreds of billions of dollars in compensation” and called it “the biggest national security mistake in decades.” Other critics wonder whether French President Emmanuel Macron is deliberately setting the stage for the biggest diplomatic hoax of the century. “Whoever got him to sign autographs at Versailles. Genius. The final shame,” one analyst noted. Even more embarrassing for the White House is that some of the loudest attacks have come from Trump himself. Former Vice President Mike Pence warned that the deal was similar to the “appeasement” policies that Republicans attacked for years during the Obama era. Mark Levin, a pro-Israel conservative commentator whose denunciation of the MOU was bursting with blood vessels, fumed: “When the dust settles, the American people are going to be angry.“Yet if critics expected a historic comeback or contrition from Trump, they were wrong. “These fools who think I’m not tough enough on Iran are either jealous, bad people, or stupid,” Trump wrote on social media. Instead, the president pointed to surging stock markets, falling oil prices and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as proof that his strategy has worked, even as much of the world breathed a sigh of relief that the conflict was over, at least for now. Pakistan’s bizarre disappearance has heightened geopolitical drama. Islamabad spent days suggesting that it played an indispensable role as host, facilitator, messenger, bridge-builder and miracle-worker in brokering the deal. However, when the cameras turned on Versailles, Pakistan’s leader was nowhere to be seen, which some trolls pointed out didn’t matter given the country’s own record of signing surrender documents. The original diplomatic plan was for all negotiating parties, including Pakistan and co-mediator Qatar, to gather in person at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock for a formal joint signing ceremony. However, the United States. Iran decided to speed up the process by exchanging electronic signatures in advance so that the ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would take effect immediately. The Swiss ceremony is still expected to take place on Friday. Meanwhile, history buffs grabbed popcorn and laughed at the irony of Trump signing a rough deal in a palace filled with warnings, wondering whether Macron had seen an irresistible opportunity to undermine Trump, with whom he has had an on-again, off-again friendship. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Macron weaponized Trump’s complete ignorance of history and told him, ‘Mr. President, Versailles is where the most important agreement of the 20th century was signed. You deserve to be on the same stage,” one observer wrote. To be fair, there is no evidence that Macron is deliberately luring Trump into a historical trap, as the US president himself – in all things gilded – seems keen to visit the palace, whose hundreds of rooms are decorated with more than 1,000 kilograms of 22-karat gold leaf. French officials insist Versailles was chosen because it is France’s preferred venue for hosting world leaders. But the comparison is irresistible.Nearly 107 years ago, another American president, Woodrow Wilson, left Versailles believing he had reshaped the world and ensured peace for generations. Instead, the treaty became one of the most controversial diplomatic documents in history, with Germany considering it a disgrace and Congress rejecting key elements. Wilson was exhausted and suffered a debilitating stroke while defending it, and in the opinion of many historians, Versailles helped create the conditions that ultimately produced Adolf Hitler and World War II.But the difference is that while the 1919 Treaty of Versailles punished Germany, Trump’s 2026 Iran deal did the opposite, providing Tehran with sanctions relief, reconstruction funds and economic reintegration. Analysts point out that Wilson’s Versailles held the whip, while Trump’s Versailles held the checkbook. The president and his supporters insist that this is not a blank check and that if Iran does not comply with the terms of the deal — including the complete dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure — the bombing will resume.
Intel shares rose about 9% in premarket trading on Thursday following new news about a major chip deal. The rise comes after Donald Trump said Apple has agreed to work with Intel to design and manufacture its chips in the United States.
Intel shares soared after Donald Trump said Apple would work with Intel. (Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo) (Reuters)
Trump made the claim in an article published in Truth Social, in which he promoted the idea of bringing chip production back to the United States. Trump criticized past leadership, saying: “The stupid president took our economy for granted.” He claimed it allowed other countries to achieve semiconductor leadership, saying they “allowed Taiwan and other countries to steal our semiconductor factories.”
Intel and Apple chip deal
Trump said Apple and Intel will now work together to design and manufacture chips in the United States, rather than overseas.
Intel shares rose about 8.8% in pre-market trading, while Apple also edged up about 0.6%. Thursday’s move comes after Intel shares had risen strongly over the past year on improving investor sentiment. After the recent stock market rally, Intel’s market capitalization has reached approximately $608.7 billion.
Intel Stock Growth
According to CNBC, Intel’s stock price has soared about 464% in the past 12 months, showing a significant recovery from previous difficulties. After years of production delays and weak performance, the company lost its leadership position in the semiconductor industry. For years, Intel has lagged behind in the artificial intelligence boom while rivals have made faster progress in advanced chip technology.
Intel’s foundry business initially focused solely on making chips for itself rather than for outside customers. CNBC reported that Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took office early last year, helped revive interest in the company. His leadership has attracted attention and investment from major companies like Nvidia, as well as support from the Trump administration
Trump said on X, “So I decided to help Intel because we need to design and manufacture our chips in the United States.” He further claimed Elon Musk Agreed to develop “TerraFab,” a large-scale chip factory project in collaboration with Intel’s technology team. This “TerraFab” project has been described as an important step for Intel’s contract manufacturing business, which has very high operating costs.
Intel’s foundry business is important because it aims to make chips for other companies, not just Intel products. Business Insider reports that Intel shares opened at about $121.10 on Wednesday and are expected to rise to about $131.55 before the market opens.
Artificial intelligence boosts chip stocks
Trump said he is encouraging companies such as Nvidia and Apple to establish more chip supply chains in the United States. Business Insider also reported that us government Intel invested about $8.9 billion in Intel last year to support domestic chip production. Intel shares have risen more than 400% since the government support agreement was signed, showing strong investor momentum.
The artificial intelligence boom has also helped chip companies overall, with technology stocks remaining strong even as global supply chains strain. According to CNBC, the Semiconductor Index, which tracks major U.S. chip companies, is up about 90% this year, showing a strong rebound across the industry. Meanwhile, global risks such as tensions in the Middle East affected oil and supply chains, but chip stocks remained strong due to demand for artificial intelligence.
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J.D. Vance reveals in his new book, “Communion,” that if he believes in something, he takes the hardest route.
US Vice President J.D. Vance has published a new memoir focusing on his faith. Published on June 18, 2026, “Holy Communion: Finding the Way Back to Faith” traces his spiritual journey, how he grew up as an atheist, and how he found his way back to Roman Catholicism. This is Vance’s second book, following “Hillibilly Elegy,” his best-selling 2016 memoir about his Ohio roots. However, he co-authored other books during this period.In his Eucharist he wrote: If the Titanic was about to sink, I would rather be on the ship than jump in a lifeboat.
At first glance, this statement may seem surprising. Why would one want to go down with the Titanic? But Vance explained that he was prepared to join the Catholic Church even as it was going through hard times. J.D. Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019, at a time when the Catholic Church was mired in scandal and losing members. But Vance said that was the kind of person he was, and he wouldn’t leave the Titanic when it was about to sink. He would be on the boat instead of jumping into a lifeboat. Here he compares Titanic to Catholicism. He chose to embrace it during difficult times because he believed in it. Vance also expresses his sense of loyalty, duty, and belonging through this much-discussed quote from the book.Vance grew up in a turbulent working-class family in Ohio with roots in Appalachia. He described his childhood in “Hillbilly Elegy” as being characterized by family instability, drug addiction, poverty and frequent turmoil. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, known as “Grandma,” who played an important role in shaping his values and early religious beliefs. In another section, he wrote that he was never afraid of “hell.” “I’m not worried about what I’ll find on the other side of eternal sleep. Even when I was a child, I was never afraid of hell,” Vance wrote.
One of the central themes of “Communion” is Vance’s eventual return to Christianity, not just emotionally but also intellectually and philosophically. The book describes his journey from evangelical Christianity as a child to skepticism and atheism as a young man, culminating in his conversion to Catholicism in 2019. His grandma had strong evangelical Protestant beliefs. Vance identified as a Christian as a teenager, but while in college and law school he grew suspicious of religion.Earlier, Vance recounted the most important influence on his rediscovery of faith, the French Catholic thinker René Girard, known for his theory of “mimetic desire,” the idea that people often desire things because others desire them. As he read Girard’s work, Vance became increasingly interested in Christian explanations of human behavior, morality, and social order.After years of study and reflection, Vance entered the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the standard process for adults to become Catholic. In August 2019, he was baptized and confirmed at St. Gertrude’s Monastery in Cincinnati, Ohio. His choice of St. Augustine as his confirmation saint reflected Augustine’s influence on his thinking.In Communion, Vance talks about his Hindu wife Usha Vance pointing out that therapy didn’t help Vance, but going to church did.
A tourist who thought she had lost Dh3,000 forever while shopping in Dubai was in for a surprise when Dubai Police found the missing cash and transferred it to her bank account upon her return.
The Arab tourist realized she had misplaced her money while visiting a busy mall in Dubai. As her flight was scheduled shortly, she reported the incident through Dubai Police’s Travel Support Service, explaining that she did not have time to stay and search for the missing cash in person.
Rather than closing the case because of her imminent departure, police assured the woman that efforts would continue to locate the money and, if recovered, it would be remitted back to her home country.Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Abdul Rahman, director of the tourist police, said the mall security department immediately dispatched a field team to investigate the case and track the movements of tourists in the mall.
Full refund within two hours
The search team found the entire Dh3,000 worth of items in a store in the mall within two hours. Officials then compared the total amount and number of notes with the details provided in the tourist report to verify the amount.After completing the verification process, Dubai Police contacted the woman and arranged to transfer the money to her bank account in her home country.
Visitors praise quick response
The tourist said she had little hope of getting her cash back, especially after leaving the UAE and considering the size of the mall and crowd levels.She praised Dubai Police for their quick action and continued communication even after she returned home, saying the experience reflected the safety and integrity she encountered during her trip to Dubai.
Dubai’s lost and found records add another chapter
The incident is the latest in a series of cases in Dubai involving the recovery of lost valuables. Earlier this month, Dubai Police returned a lost bag containing more than Dh100,000 worth of luxury watches and electronic equipment to a GCC traveler after it was reported missing at Dubai International Airport.In another case in May, authorities discovered a handbag containing approximately Dh2 million worth of silver bars and returned it to an Asian passenger following a search operation at the airport.
The man opposes a 1968 law banning illegal drug users from possessing guns (AP Photo/File)
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Thursday, siding with a Texas marijuana user who wants to legally own a gun.The judge ruled in favor of Ali Daniel Hermani, arguing that the law prohibiting illegal drug users from possessing guns violated the Second Amendment. Hermani has not been charged with any other crimes or with using a weapon while intoxicated.The decision marks a setback for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration, which has defended the 1968 law while opposing other gun restrictions.The statute was also cited in the case against Hunter Biden, who was convicted in Wilmington, Delaware, in 2018 of purchasing a gun while using cocaine. He was later pardoned by his father, then-President Joe Biden, a Democrat.The ruling comes amid a flurry of gun cases before the Supreme Court since its landmark 2022 decision expanding gun rights, which triggered a wave of legal challenges across the country.Courts have since upheld a law designed to protect victims of domestic violence and maintained strict regulations on ghost gun kits while lifting a ban on bump-fire stocks, an accessory that enables rapid fire. This semester alone, judges are hearing two gun cases.Cannabis laws have also changed significantly in recent years, with more than half of U.S. states now legalizing some form of cannabis and its medical uses becoming widespread.However, recreational use remains illegal under federal law, even after the Trump administration reclassified medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug in April.Standalone criminal charges involving gun possession and drug use are relatively rare and are more often filed in conjunction with other crimes.The case has sparked unusual political alliances. The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association have backed Hemani, as have marijuana advocacy groups like NORML. On the opposing side are gun safety groups like Everytown, which are often at odds with the Trump administration on Second Amendment issues.(with AP input)
Every smartphone launch today comes with familiar promises. Better cameras. Smarter AI. Faster performance. Bigger batteries. Yet separating genuine innovation from marketing hype has become harder than ever.
After months of real-world testing in Indian conditions, these smartphones emerged as the best across five categories. (Yaqut Ali/HT)
That’s precisely why we created the HT Tech Smartphone Awards.
Over the past several months, the HT Tech team tested dozens of smartphones across price segments and categories. Some devices accompanied us through long workdays, crowded commutes, outdoor shoots, and weekend travel. Others spent hours running graphics-intensive games, recording videos under the harsh afternoon sun, editing content, navigating unfamiliar cities, and handling countless everyday tasks that don’t show up on a specification sheet.
We didn’t simply run benchmarks and compare megapixels.
We wanted to know which phones remained smooth after weeks of use. Which batteries comfortably survived a full day? Which cameras could be trusted when the lighting wasn’t perfect? Which AI features genuinely improved productivity instead of serving as launch-event talking points?
Most importantly, we wanted to understand how these devices performed in India.
That meant testing outdoor visibility under blazing summer sunlight, checking thermal management during extended gaming sessions, relying on them for UPI transactions, navigation, video calls, social media uploads, and assessing network stability in real-world conditions rather than controlled environments.
Because ultimately, a great smartphone isn’t judged inside a lab.
It’s judged when you’re trying to pay for a cab with 2% battery left, record a video in 42-degree heat, upload a reel over patchy mobile data, or make it through a long day without desperately searching for a charger.
After months of testing, discussions, and scoring, these are the smartphones that impressed us the most across five major categories.
How We Evaluated Smartphones
Every smartphone shortlisted for the HT Tech Smartphone Awards underwent a structured evaluation process to assess both technical excellence and real-world usability.
Performance
We evaluated processing power, multitasking efficiency, app responsiveness, sustained performance, gaming capabilities, and everyday usability across different workloads.
Camera Experience
Photography remains one of the biggest reasons people upgrade smartphones. We assessed image quality, video performance, colour science, low-light capabilities, zoom performance, and consistency across various shooting conditions.
Battery and Charging
Battery life was measured not just by numbers but by practical endurance. We looked at charging speeds, efficiency, standby performance, and reliability over long periods of use.
Display Quality
Brightness, colour reproduction, refresh rates, smoothness, HDR performance, and outdoor visibility all contributed to our scoring.
Software Experience
We examined interface fluidity, software support, AI implementation, long-term usability, and overall user experience.
Design and Build Quality
Comfort, durability, material quality, ergonomics, and overall craftsmanship played a significant role in our assessment.
Reliability Under Indian Conditions
Extreme heat, inconsistent networks, long travel days, outdoor usage, and digital payments are realities for millions of users. We factored all of these conditions into our testing process.
Smartphone of the Year
Scoring Criteria (100 Points)
Performance: 20
Camera: 20
Battery: 15
Display: 15
Software: 15
Design: 10
Value: 5
Some flagship smartphones impress within the first few minutes. Others continue impressing months later.
For Smartphone of the Year, we looked beyond flashy specifications and launch-event presentations. We focused on the complete ownership experience. Which phone consistently delivered across photography, performance, battery life, software, AI, design, and everyday usability?
These are the devices that came closest to perfection.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits peak brightness. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, it comes with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, running Android 16 with One UI 8.
The smartphone packs a versatile quad-camera system led by a 200MP primary sensor, alongside 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), and 50MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom) cameras, while a 12MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. It houses a 5,000mAh battery with 60W wired and 15W wireless charging, supports the S Pen, and offers premium features such as IP68 water and dust resistance, Wi-Fi 7, Samsung DeX, and seven years of software updates.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, and Apple’s Dynamic Island. Powered by the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM, it offers up to 2TB of storage and runs iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence features.
The phone sports a triple 48MP rear camera system, including a main, ultrawide, and telephoto lens with up to 8x optical-quality zoom, while an 18MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. It packs a battery rated for up to 37 hours of video playback, supports fast wired and MagSafe wireless charging, and offers premium features such as an IP68-rated aluminium-and-glass design, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C, Face ID, and satellite connectivity.
OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, and up to 1,800 nits peak brightness. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, it comes with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, running OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16. The smartphone packs a triple 50MP rear camera system and a 32MP front camera, with support for 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video recording.
One of its standout features is the massive 7,300mAh battery with up to 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, delivering exceptional battery life. The device also offers IP68/IP69-rated durability, Wi-Fi 7, advanced AI features, and gaming-focused enhancements, including a dedicated touch-response chip and always-on 120 fps gaming support.
OPPO Find X9 Pro
The OPPO Find X9 Pro features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, and up to 4,500 nits peak brightness. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset, it comes with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, running ColorOS 16 based on Android 16.
The smartphone has a Hasselblad-tuned camera system led by a 50MP primary sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens offering advanced zoom capabilities, while a 50MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. It packs a large 7,500mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, and offers premium features such as IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, Wi-Fi 7, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and advanced AI-powered imaging and productivity tools.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness. Powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chipset, it comes with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, running Android 16 with Google’s latest AI-powered features and long-term software support.
The smartphone packs a versatile triple-camera system comprising a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, while a 42 MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. It houses a 5,200mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging support and offers premium features such as IP68 water and dust resistance, Wi-Fi 7, satellite connectivity, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and advanced AI capabilities, including enhanced photo editing, real-time translation, and Gemini integration.
Best Affordable Phone (Under ₹25,000)
Scoring Criteria (100 Points)
Value for Money: 30
Battery: 20
Performance: 20
Camera: 10
Display: 10
Software: 10
This may be the most important category of all.
The majority of smartphone buyers in India are not spending flagship-level money. They’re looking for maximum value, dependable performance, strong battery life, and a device that won’t feel outdated six months later.
These smartphones proved that premium experiences no longer require premium budgets.
Infinix Note 50s
The Infinix Note 50s surprised us by delivering far more than its price tag suggests. Its curved AMOLED display feels distinctly premium, while military-grade durability adds peace of mind for everyday users. The Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor keeps performance smooth, and the 64MP Sony camera consistently captures impressive images for the segment. Combined with a 5,500mAh battery and fast-charging support, the Note 50s establishes itself as one of the strongest value propositions on the market.
Nothing Phone (3a)
Nothing continues to prove that smartphones don’t need to look like every other smartphone. The Phone (3a) combines its distinctive transparent design and Glyph Interface with a clean, bloat-free software experience that feels refreshing in the mid-range segment. Performance remains reliable thanks to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, while the addition of a dedicated telephoto camera significantly improves photography versatility. It’s one of the few devices in this category that feels genuinely different.
Realme P4 Power
Few smartphones generated as much discussion during testing as the Realme P4 Power. The reason is simple: a 10,001mAh battery. Yet despite its enormous capacity, the device never feels excessively bulky. Combined with IP69 durability, fast charging, a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, and reliable performance, the P4 Power is built for users who never want to worry about battery life again.
iQOO Z10
The iQOO Z10 successfully balances performance and endurance. Its massive 7,300mAh battery comfortably handles heavy workloads, while the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor keeps everyday performance smooth. Fast charging, a curved AMOLED display, and dependable cameras complete a package that feels surprisingly premium for the price.
Samsung Galaxy M56 5G
The Galaxy M56 5G takes a different approach. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing specifications, Samsung focuses on long-term ownership. Strong build quality, reliable performance, solid cameras, and an unmatched commitment to software updates make it one of the safest recommendations in its segment.
Best Smartphone for Indian Conditions
There are smartphones that perform well in reviews.
Then there are smartphones that perform well in India.
For this category, we prioritised battery reliability, thermal management, network stability, durability, outdoor visibility, and after-sales support. These are the phones that continued performing even when conditions became challenging:
OPPO K13
If you’re someone who hates running back to a charger mid-day, the OPPO K13 is built with you in mind. The battery is big, the hardware is efficient, and together they’re enough to get you through hours of scrolling, video binges, online classes, or just a long, busy day without panic-checking your battery percentage. On the camera side, it’s not chasing flashy specs. It’s aiming for photos that actually look good in real life, whether that’s a plate of food, a family get-together, or a sunset you didn’t want to miss. Add a bright screen and smooth day-to-day performance, and what you get is a phone that feels solid and dependable rather than showy.
Realme P4 Power
True to its name, the Realme P4 Power is all about stamina. It’s made for people who are always on the go, travelling, streaming, gaming, staying connected, without having to hunt for an outlet every few hours. The cameras are tuned for the kind of photography most people actually do: quick, colourful shots that look great straight out of the camera, ready to post without much editing.
Lava Play Ultra
The Lava Play Ultra is a good example of how far Indian smartphone brands have come. It tries to strike a balance between entertainment, performance, and photography, all at a price that’s accessible to more people. The big display makes streaming, gaming, and general content consumption genuinely enjoyable, while the camera leans toward sharp, detailed everyday shots. Festivals, family functions, quick social videos, the Play Ultra handles all of it without making photography feel complicated.
Vivo V60
Vivo continues to lean into what it does best: portrait and social-media photography. The V60’s camera is tuned to make people look good, with natural skin tones, sharp facial detail, and that nice background blur that makes portraits pop. Selfies, wedding shots, vacation memories, whatever you’re capturing, it tends to come out looking share-ready. Beyond the camera, the slim build, vibrant display, and reliable performance make it a solid pick for anyone who cares about both looks and usability.
CMF Phone 2 Pro
The CMF Phone 2 Pro earns its spot through thoughtful design paired with a camera that punches above its weight. Instead of leaning on spec sheets, it focuses on photos that look natural and well-balanced, whether that’s street photography, travel shots, portraits, or just everyday moments. Its clean software and distinctive look give it real appeal among younger users who want something that doesn’t feel like every other phone, while still delivering camera quality and performance you can count on.
Each of these devices excelled in the situations that matter most to Indian users, such as long travel days, outdoor usage, summer heat, inconsistent connectivity, and demanding workloads.
Best Camera Smartphone
The best smartphone cameras aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest sensors or the highest megapixel counts. They’re the cameras you trust. The ones you instinctively reach for when you don’t want to miss a moment.
Whether it’s a family gathering, a stunning sunset, a child’s spontaneous smile, a crowded street full of stories, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a great camera phone should make capturing those memories effortless. It should work reliably in any situation, letting you focus on the moment instead of worrying about settings.
For this category, we tested portraits, landscapes, cinematic videos, low-light scenes, moving subjects, and everyday moments to identify the devices that consistently delivered outstanding results. We looked beyond technical specifications to evaluate colour accuracy, dynamic range, detail retention, video quality, and the naturalness with which each camera reproduced the world around us:
Vivo X300 Pro
The Vivo X300 Pro is designed for people who want to capture moments that are often out of reach. Its advanced telephoto camera makes a real difference when photographing distant subjects, whether it’s a performer on stage, wildlife during a trip, or a child playing on a sports field. Portraits benefit from Vivo’s long-standing partnership with ZEISS, delivering natural skin tones and pleasing background blur, while low-light performance ensures evening gatherings and city lights are captured with impressive detail. For video creators, features like high-frame-rate recording and advanced stabilisation make it easy to shoot smooth, cinematic footage on the go.
iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro continues Apple’s reputation for delivering a camera system that simply works, every single time. Its strength isn’t just in taking great photos, but in producing consistently reliable results across all lenses and lighting conditions. Whether you’re documenting a family celebration, recording an interview, or creating content for social media, the phone excels at capturing realistic colours, accurate skin tones, and stable video. The upgraded camera system also gives users more flexibility when zooming in, while Apple’s video capabilities remain among the best available on any smartphone.
OPPO Find X9 Pro
The OPPO Find X9 Pro is built for versatility. Its camera setup is equally comfortable capturing detailed landscapes, striking portraits, and distant subjects. Portrait photography is a particular highlight, with natural-looking background separation and realistic skin tones that make photos feel authentic rather than overly processed. Whether you’re travelling, attending an event, or simply documenting everyday life, the Find X9 Pro offers a camera experience that adapts effortlessly to different situations, helping users capture memorable moments without needing to think about camera settings.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra brings a photography-first approach to smartphone imaging. Inspired by professional cameras, it combines powerful hardware with advanced imaging features that give users greater creative control. Landscapes are packed with detail, night shots retain impressive clarity, and zoom photography remains strong across different focal lengths. At the same time, it doesn’t require users to be photography experts. Whether you’re carefully composing a shot during a holiday or quickly capturing a moment on the street, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra consistently delivers images that feel rich, detailed, and true to life.
Realme GT 8 Pro
The Realme GT 8 Pro focuses on delivering a flagship-style camera experience that feels approachable and dependable. It handles everyday photography with ease, producing sharp images, vibrant colours, and reliable results in a wide range of conditions. From food photos and travel memories to portraits of friends and quick videos for social media, the camera performs consistently and requires little effort from the user. It is a smartphone that proves great photography is not just about premium hardware, but about helping people capture and share moments that matter.
Together, these nominees showcase different strengths in smartphone photography from zoom and portrait excellence to video creation, creative control, and everyday reliability. Each one offers a unique approach, but all of them make it easier to preserve memories and tell stories through photos and videos.
These smartphones represent the very best of mobile photography and videography in 2026.
Best Foldable of the Year
Foldables have finally matured.
This year brought thinner designs, stronger hinges, larger batteries, better cameras, and software experiences that genuinely justify the additional screen space.
More importantly, foldables no longer feel like experiments.
They feel like the future:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes closer than ever to making a foldable feel like two devices in one without the usual compromises. When unfolded, the expansive inner display transforms the phone into a mini tablet that’s perfect for multitasking, reading, editing documents, or watching content on a larger screen. Yet what makes the Fold 7 particularly impressive is how natural it feels when closed.
Unlike earlier foldables that often felt bulky or narrow, the outer display is comfortable enough for everyday tasks that it genuinely feels like using a regular flagship smartphone. You can text, browse, scroll social media, or take calls without feeling the need to open the device every time. Combined with Samsung’s refined software, improved durability, and capable camera system, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers a foldable experience that seamlessly adapts to both productivity and everyday life.
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra embraces nostalgia while delivering one of the most modern smartphone experiences available. Its compact clamshell design slips easily into pockets and small bags, making it incredibly convenient for everyday use. The large outer display allows users to reply to messages, check notifications, control music, navigate apps, and even take selfies without unfolding the device. For photography enthusiasts, the cover screen doubles as a high-quality viewfinder, helping users capture sharper self-portraits and better group photos. The Razr 60 Ultra proves that foldables can be both stylish and practical, offering a unique experience that stands out in a sea of traditional smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 continues Samsung’s vision of making foldable smartphones fashionable, practical, and fun. Compact when closed and familiar when opened, it offers a refreshing alternative to conventional smartphone designs. The enhanced cover display allows users to quickly respond to messages, check schedules, control music, and access essential apps without opening the phone. Flex Mode remains one of its biggest strengths, making hands-free photography, video recording, and video calls incredibly convenient. Whether you’re capturing content for social media or setting the phone down to take a group photo, the Z Flip 7 brings a level of creativity and flexibility that traditional smartphones simply can’t replicate.
Vivo X Fold 5
The Vivo X Fold 5 combines the productivity advantages of a large foldable display with Vivo’s reputation for excellent smartphone photography. The expansive inner screen makes reading, multitasking, presentations, and content consumption more immersive, while the premium hinge design ensures the experience feels polished and refined. What sets the X Fold 5 apart is that users don’t have to compromise on camera performance to enjoy a foldable form factor. Its imaging system is built to handle portraits, landscapes, and zoom photography with confidence, making it a compelling option for travellers, professionals, and content creators alike. It’s a device that can comfortably transition from work meetings during the day to capturing memorable moments in the evening.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcases how software and artificial intelligence can elevate the foldable experience. Google’s clean Android interface takes full advantage of the larger display, making multitasking intuitive and helping users get more done on the move. AI-powered features assist with photography, editing, communication, and productivity, often simplifying tasks that would otherwise require multiple steps. The Pixel’s camera system continues to be a major highlight, delivering natural-looking images with excellent colour accuracy and dynamic range. Whether you’re editing photos on the large screen, managing multiple apps simultaneously, or capturing memories during a trip, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold demonstrates how a foldable can seamlessly fit into everyday life.
How Winners Are Decided
The final winners are determined using a combination of expert evaluation and reader participation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez as the man behind foiled terrorist plot UFC Freedom 250 He said at the White House that he was a Mexican national who overstayed his visa before receiving protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The department said Alvarez was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by the Obama administration in 2014. (DHS)
According to a June 18 press release from the Department of Homeland Security, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez is a Mexican citizen who passed B2 visitor visa But it remained in the country after it expired in December 2001.
The department said Alvarez was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by the Obama administration in 2014. DACA is an immigration program that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children and meet eligibility requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security said Alvarez was the ringleader of the attempted attack. The charges were brought by federal authorities and have not been proven in court.
What are the charges against him?
According to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI Alvarez was arrested in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 14, the same day UFC Freedom 250 took place at the White House.
Four other suspects were arrested in Ohio, Missouri and California.
Federal prosecutors charged Alvarez and four co-defendants with conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit violence at the White House.
The Department of Homeland Security said the FBI believed Alvarez, who allegedly used the alias “Shepard,” planned, organized and directed the operation.
Investigators said he outlined the attack in an encrypted group chat, discussing the use of “counter-snipers and drones” with the stated goal of being “as lethal as possible,” according to the department.
The charges remain part of an ongoing criminal case and Alvarez has not yet been convicted of the charges.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken Alvarez into custody, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
“This illegal immigrant from Mexico should never have been allowed into our country. He was the ringleader of the attempted terrorist attack on the White House at UFC Freedom 250,” Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said.
She added that Alvarez and his alleged co-conspirators “now face charges of conspiring to commit murder and conspiring to commit violence at the White House” and that he “will face justice and be swiftly removed from our country.”
The criminal case against Alvarez and four other defendants will be heard in federal court. If convicted, they could face stiff sentences on conspiracy charges. ICE has filed an immigration detainer against Alvarez, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Any deportation proceedings will occur after the criminal case is resolved.
Yug Chauhan was leisurely drinking a soda when an undercover agent pretended to be an old woman from Michigan to meet him.
Video of the Michigan Sheriff’s Office’s dramatic arrest of an Indian con man has been released. The case is interesting because the conman was tricked by the police and an alert shopkeeper and foiled an attempt to defraud an elderly woman. A policewoman went to courier Yug B Chauhan and handed over a box of gold coins, but the box contained golden chocolate coins. video It was revealed how police spoke to someone else, possibly someone who had been communicating with the woman who had scammed the woman, to verify something – and then surprised courier Chauhan when she got out of the car, still pretending to be an old woman. In the video, Chauhan can be seen unknowingly drinking soda and was shocked when he realized those were police officers.The courier didn’t know he had been deceived. When the police got out of the car with the box in his hand, he was looking around. She put the box and phone in the car and grabbed Johan’s hand from behind as another agent came in and pushed Johan into the car.The arrest occurred in May after a 79-year-old Michigan widow was brainwashed for days into saying her Social Security funds were being misused for terrorist purposes and that she had to buy $700,000 in gold coins and hand them over to scammers posing as government officials. The woman went to a store to buy gold, but the alert shopkeeper noticed something was wrong because the woman was in a hurry and had no interest in the gold she bought. The store owner notified the Sheriff’s Office to be safe. The police visited the woman and then decided to go with the con man’s plan – only to send undercover agents to meet the courier in the old woman’s place.After his arrest, Ug said he had never met the man who gave him instructions over the phone and that he was just a courier.The Sheriff’s Office released a list of red flags that something might be a scam:
Demand immediate payment
Pressure to act immediately or keep secrets
Requests for payment via gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or systems such as Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App
The caller claims to be law enforcement, your bank, the Social Security Administration, the IRS, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple
Threatening arrest, imprisonment, account suspension, or utility shutoff
Unexpected text or email with link
Request remote access to your phone or computer
A prize, job, or job opportunity that is “too good to be true”
Asking people you meet online for money
Spoofed phone numbers, strange wording, or poor grammar
