Lenovo today announced the Vibe Z2 Pro, its first Quad HD smartphone that hopes to do battle with the likes of the LG G3 and the Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A. Not only does it have an insanely sharp display, but it’s also packing a super speedy processor, a massive battery, and a 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization.

Microsoft is hoping to appease Chinese workers who are unhappy about its massive layoff plans by offering them a free smartphone. Up to 300 employees can claim a free device every day, but only if they agree to resign.

New images of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Alpha indicate it will be even thinner than Apple’s iPhone 5s. The handset’s rear-facing camera protrudes out of its back somewhat — just like the Galaxy S5’s — but overall, the device could well be the slimmest Samsung smartphone to date.

Samsung’s first metal smartphone won’t be an even better version of the Galaxy S5 with a faster processor and a sharper display, according to a new report. Instead, it will be the Galaxy Alpha, a brand new handset that will combine a more premium form factor with midrange specifications when it makes its debut on August 4.

When Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi announced the Mi 4 on Tuesday, we — and pretty much every other site that covered the news — were quick to point out that it bears a slight resemblance to the iPhone. This isn’t the first time Xiaomi has been influenced by Apple, either. In fact, the company is often referred to as the “Chinese Apple.”

And yet, despite all that, Xiaomi global vice president Hugo Barra, who used to be in charge of Google’s Android division, has dismissed any likeness to the Cupertino company, and says he’s “sick and tired” of the Xiaomi being labeled an Apple copycat.

Based on the evidence, I have to say I disagree.