Do you remember that Perplexity promised to bring a replacement for the Hey Plex voice wake-up for the Galaxy S26 series? Well, that feature is still missing in action.

Back in February, Samsung announced a strategic partnership with Perplexity, one of the leading AI companies. It was then announced that this AI will be part of the multi-agent strategy for the S26 series.

At the launch, both companies brought more to the table. Samsung Browser and Bixby are now using Perplexity’s summarization and agentic AI capabilities to get smarter than ever before.

That said, Samsung is still holding Google’s AI assistant as the key driver in the latest S-series devices. However, it’s also offering users a way to switch to Perplexity or Bixby. You can wake up these AI assistants through voice commands.

For example, Gemini wakes up with “Hey Google,” and it’s ready to take your questions, no matter if your phone is locked. You can do the same with Bixby for “Hey Bixby” and “Hey Plex” for Perplexity.

For those who are new to this topic, let me tell you that Perplexity, specifically, launched the Hey Plex wake-up phrase for the Galaxy S26 series. I tried this feature on my new S26 Ultra, and it worked quite like the new Bixby.

Yet, within a few days, the AI firm removed this wake-up phrase. The reason was unknown, and the company didn’t even bother sharing more information.

As the news began to spread online, Perplexity CEO, Aravind Srinivas, said that the “Hey Plex” wake-up phrase is changing to “Hey Perplexity”. Again, there was no explanation behind this decision.

So, we waited, and it’s the 5th of April, 2026, and Perplexity is still missing a wake-up phrase that both Samsung and Perplexity unveiled for the S26 series.

Moral of the story

Yes, nobody is noticing that Hey Plex or Hey Perplexity is missing from the new S26 phones because Gemini can do everything better than its competitors, including Bixby.

So what are we doing here? Because there’s a pattern to learn: Samsung installed Perplexity’s AI under its multi-agent framework. Perplexity is getting Samsung’s vast user data, changing its features right after the phone launch, while maintaining zero transparency. And it’s a common business strategy between the two companies. So, consumers aren’t the priority.

I said it before, and I will say it again, if this wake-up phrase change is only for the namesake, it will be one of the most time wasting investment from the Perplexity team.

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Samsung just confirmed that Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026 and Google Messages is taking over. Samsung posted an official End of Service announcement.

So, July 2026 is the deadline, and if you’re still on the stock messaging app that shipped with your Galaxy phone, it’s time to move.

Once the cutoff hits, Samsung Messages stops working for standard texts. You’ll only be able to send messages to emergency services and defined emergency contacts.

Users on Android 11 or lower are exempt, which tells you something about the demographic Samsung expects to still be running its own messaging client at this point. For everyone else, Google Messages is the mandated replacement.

RCS is the real story here

Most users never noticed the difference between Samsung Messages and Google Messages. But the gap has widened considerably, and its own app has fallen behind on features that carriers and Google have pushed aggressively, particularly RCS.

Apple opened iOS to RCS last year, which meant the last excuse for fragmented messaging across Android and iPhone finally collapsed. Google Messages is the primary vehicle for RCS on Android and that’s why it’s being prioritized.

RCS Messaging across OS

Additional features

Google Messages brings AI-powered scam detection and spam filtering. Gemini integration is also baked in, giving you smart replies and photo remixing tools.

Multi-device support lets you pick up conversations across your phone, tablet, or Galaxy Watch without interruption. High-quality photo and video sharing through RCS, along with typing indicators and read receipts.

Tizen Watch users

If you own a Tizen OS watch, a Galaxy Watch 3 or earlier, you’re losing full conversation history on the watch. Those watches won’t support Google Messages. You can still send and receive texts, but the thread view goes away.

How to switch?

Most users will get an in-app prompt inside Samsung Messages, walking them through the transition. If you want to do it manually, open Google Messages, and it’ll immediately ask you to set it as your default SMS app.

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In March, Samsung released the Galaxy S26 flagship with One UI 8.5 featuring privacy display and new features, but running the February security patch, and skipped a new firmware update.

Since its launch, Samsung has released two software updates for this flagship. The first focused on system stability improvements, and the second update introduced AirDrop support for the Quick Share feature.

The one thing that remained the same in these updates is the February 2026 security patch. To be mentioned, the phone shipped with this security level out of the box.

To cover up, the company delivered the April 2026 security patch on the first day of this month. Making it the first phone in the S-series to get this update on board. Though the update is yet to expand for global users, it secures the phone with the latest patches.

Photo by Sammyfans

Meanwhile, it doesn’t erase the fact that the company actually skipped a security update for its newest flagship phones. The key reason for that would be the AirDrop support. This new firmware may have consumed the time that Samsung decided to skip a new update.

We also want to mention that this is the first time in a while that Samsung skipped a monthly security update for a flagship phone. It’s hard to say when the phone maker will seed the April patch for all users, but it’s good to see that Samsung rushed to release the April 2026 patch for some users at the earliest.

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Galaxy S27 Ultra release is almost a year away and our initial wishlist highlights the seven biggest upgrades Samsung fans are demanding in 2027.

Samsung doesn’t need another safe upgrade; it needs a statement. The Ultra line has been flirting with greatness for years, but 2027 feels different. Rivals are no longer just catching up, making 2027 the year Samsung either shuts the noise down or fuels it.

Galaxy S27 Ultra Wishlist

Here’s what the Galaxy S27 Ultra must get right.

1. 1-inch camera sensor, the missing piece

Phones from Xiaomi and Vivo are playing with 1-inch camera sensors. Meanwhile, Samsung still leans on megapixels, which works, but it doesn’t wow anymore.

A 1-inch type sensor paired with the next-gen 200MP tech could finally change the conversation. Add proper motion capture, faster shutter speeds, and consistent HDR, and suddenly you’re not just competing, you’re leading.

2. 2nm processor that actually feels fast

A 2nm-class chip, likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro flagship chip, paired with LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage, sounds like overkill on paper, but under the hood, this is where Samsung can build a true AI powerhouse.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro (2nm)
  • Rumored to push insane clock speeds
• LPDDR6 RAM (12GB / 16GB / 24GB option)
  • Could debut as Samsung’s first LPDDR6 phone
• UFS 5.0 storage (256GB–1TB)

3. Battery life that breaks the daily charging habit

5000mAh is table stakes now, and if Samsung really wants to move the needle, silicon-carbon batteries in the 6000 to 7000mAh range need to happen. Well, it’s not going to happen.

Galaxy S26 Ultra has upgraded the peak charging speed to 60W, which brings positive outcomes. With the next generations, the days of being tethered to a wall for an hour should feel outdated.

4. Galaxy AI that works fully offline

Samsung is doing great with Galaxy AI, with the S26 series introducing Agentic AI. The next set of upgrades will arrive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 foldable phones later this year.

For 2027, we are a lot more optimistic. Imagine real-time call translation that works on a flight, photo edits that reconstruct scenes instantly and smart summaries that actually save time.

5. A display that finally kills bezels

Debuted with the S26 Ultra, Privacy Display is the most brilliant mobile innovation. Samsung now needs to push brightness beyond 3000 nits so sunlight is irrelevant.

Improve anti-reflective coating so glare disappears, and maybe, just maybe, trim the bulk so the Ultra feels less like a brick; this is about presence. When you pick it up, it should feel futuristic.

6. Polar ID and security that just works

Face unlock on Android still feels like a compromise, but the rumored Polar ID upgrade could change that, as it’s secure, fast, and reliable, without needing a notch or cutout gimmick.

Combine that with a next-gen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and continuous authentication, and your phone becomes quietly smarter. Security shouldn’t slow you down; it should disappear into the background.

7. S Pen needs a surprise, not silence

Early signals suggest the S Pen might not get major upgrades, which is absolutely disappointing but not final. The South Korean tech giant has a chance to surprise its most loyal users.

Lower latency for that pen-on-paper feel, and magnetic attachment so it finally feels modern. Maybe Samsung could even bring back smarter Bluetooth features like Air Actions in 2027.

The S27 Ultra doesn’t need to tick boxes, but it needs to win hearts again. A 1-inch sensor changes the camera game. Real AI changes how you use your phone. Better battery and charging change your daily routine, as everything else builds on that.

What’s on your wishlist for the Galaxy S27 Ultra?

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Chipflation is causing Samsung to revisit its supply chain and accelerate its pivot to Chinese vendors across hinges, screens, and cameras.

Reports suggest chipflation is breaking things open inside the supply chain of Samsung Electronics. Semiconductor prices keep climbing on the back of AI demand, and the ripple effect is hammering smartphone manufacturers.

Three categories. Hinges, screens, cameras and the shift is systematic, not situational.

Samsung decided to source OLED panels for the Galaxy A57 from CSOT. Earlier models, the A56 and A36, used panels from Samsung Display. The shift away from an in-house supplier to a Chinese panel maker isn’t a minor procurement tweak.

Besides, Samsung recently tapped Chinese hinge makers Huanli as the primary supplier for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, replacing KH Vatec.

Sunny Optical, another Chinese firm, has also carved out a meaningful position supplying ultra-wide camera modules for the Galaxy S series.

That said, Samsung feels pressure on costs, so it hunts for savings in components. An analyst projection puts Samsung’s MX division operating profit at around 5 trillion won this year; last year it was 12.9 trillion won.

Samsung would frame all of this as supply chain diversification, spreading risk, staying competitive, the usual language. Having multiple suppliers across critical components does reduce exposure to any single vendor’s failures or price hikes.

The Korean tech giant is building deeper ties with Chinese component vendors precisely when the global environment makes those ties most complicated to manage.

Another industry insider added, “As semiconductor prices increase drive up costs, component suppliers are also being pushed to lower unit prices. If the influence of Chinese firms continues to grow in this environment, the burden on domestic companies will increase further.”

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Samsung is preparing One UI 8.5 Beta 9 for the Galaxy S25 series, and it’s going to be big enough, thanks to the potential AirDrop inclusion.

After Google, Samsung brought AirDrop support to Android’s Quick Share. The sharing utility application has gained the ability to transfer files between Android and Apple software versions, such as iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

Samsung rolled out AirDrop support to the Galaxy S26 series. Now, it looks like the Galaxy S25 series will receive AirDrop as part of One UI 8.5 Beta 9 update. The latest Beta build, though internal, carries this feature, via Alfaturk.

Recently, it was reported that the 9th Beta could arrive in the second week of April. The exact date could be April 9, but it’s not officially confirmed. There will be another Beta afterwards, which would arrive as the 10th Beta.

Samsung’s AirDrop update makes it easier to share and receive files across One UI and iOS. Galaxy users can easily transfer and receive files. It doesn’t require the installation of any application on both sides, making it a big deal.

• Samsung AirDrop-Quick Share Feature: Everything you need to know

The Korean tech giant may offer AirDrop sharing feature to a range of Galaxy devices. Initially landed on the Pixel 10 and expanded to Pixel 9, it is available on Galaxy S26 series and One UI 8.5 rollout could mark a massive expansion.

Samsung may begin rolling out Stable One UI 8.5 update in late April or early May. If the final Beta (Beta 10) releases on April 20, as rumored, the public build could start hitting Galaxy S25 phones by the end of April this year.

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Apple is reportedly overbuying mobile DRAM at inflated spot prices, even when it dents margins, and Samsung is the only phone maker capable of surviving.

The 2026 smartphone supply chain isn’t tight; it’s being squeezed. What we’re seeing right now isn’t a normal procurement strategy, but a calculated land grab.

When a player with Apple’s balance sheet starts hoarding memory like this, the goal is simple: make sure everyone else pays more, waits longer, or both.

Memory, especially DRAM, is a huge chunk of the BOM. Push that cost up, and suddenly mid-tier and even flagship devices from smaller OEMs start looking shaky. Margins thin out, launch timelines slip and feature cuts creep in.

So who bleeds first? Not Apple. Not Samsung either.

It’s the brands operating without deep supply chain control: Xiaomi, Oppo, and OnePlus. When DRAM contracts get tight and wafer yields don’t magically scale overnight, these companies are left negotiating from a position of weakness.

The one company that cannot be choked out is Samsung, because it isn’t just another OEM; it’s the supplier. Samsung leads DRAM and it’s the same story for NAND, with Foundry capacity, display panels, and vertical integration that no one else matches.

Samsung’s advantage isn’t just about volume.

It’s about control over wafer starts, yield optimization, and the ability to prioritize its own Galaxy lineup when things get tight. When the market tightens, Samsung doesn’t scramble; it relocates.

If this strategy plays out over the next few quarters, smaller OEMs will either absorb higher costs or compromise on specs. Neither is a great look in a hyper-competitive Android space.

Premium phones could get more expensive, mid-range devices might lose their edge and innovation slows when margins shrink.

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Samsung is testing One UI 8.5 Alpha and Beta for various phones. On December 8, Samsung officially launched the Public Beta Program for the Galaxy S25 series, and the official update rollout is likely to start in 2Q26.

One UI 8.5 testing isn’t just underway but also expanding its scope to even more Samsung phones. The company has already added a number of Galaxy devices to the internal testing, while Public Beta is also reaching more devices.

The testing is still underway, and we will see more changes and tweaks throughout the Program. After a massive expansion in March, Samsung is preparing to open early access for even more Galaxy devices this month.

Devices in Public Beta

Started with the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta is available on a wide range of Galaxy devices, including:

• Galaxy S25, S25 Plus and S25 Ultra
• Galaxy S25 FE
• Galaxy S24, S25 Plus and S24 Ultra
• Galaxy S24 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 (FE too)
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6
• Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra

Devices in Internet ‘Alpha’

While Public Beta has very limited availability, the internal testing has been expanded to plenty of newer and older Samsung phones.

Galaxy Z Series

• Galaxy Z TriFold
• Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4

Galaxy S Series

• Galaxy S25 Edge
• Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra

Galaxy A Series

• Galaxy A17 LTE/5G
• Galaxy A07

• Galaxy A56
• Galaxy A36
• Galaxy A26
• Galaxy A16 LTE/5G
• Galaxy A06

• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A25
• Galaxy A15 LTE/5G

• Galaxy A54
• Galaxy A34
• Galaxy A24

• Galaxy A53
• Galaxy A33

Galaxy Tab Series

• Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra

• Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+
• Galaxy Tab A9
• Galaxy Tab A11+
• Galaxy Tab Active 5

Galaxy M/F Series

• Galaxy M17/F17
• Galaxy M07/F07
• Galaxy M56/F56
• Galaxy M36
• Galaxy M16
• Galaxy M55/M55s
• Galaxy M35
• Galaxy M15
• Galaxy M05/F05
• Galaxy M54/F54
• Galaxy M34/F34
• Galaxy M53

Updated on April 4, 2026.

Image – SammyFans

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 (One UI 8). It comes with a user interface redesign and applies blur across various aspects. The majority of stock apps have also received dynamic tweaks that make the UI beautiful.

• Read more: Samsung unveils One UI 8.5 Stable update release timeline

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You may not see a dedicated Night Mode in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which Samsung hid inside Camera Assistant settings, but what Expert RAW can do with your night photography goes far beyond the built-in camera app.

Both the Auto mode in the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera and Night Mode produce identical shots. Same exposure times, roughly four seconds. Same brightness, same color rendering. The difference is invisible in side-by-side testing.

Samsung did the right thing here.

Why force users through a separate tap when the main mode already does the work?

If you desperately want the dedicated night mode back, Samsung will make you earn it. You have to download Camera Assistant from the Galaxy Store. That app also restores Dual Rec and Single Take.

Well, the shots John Velasco of Tom’s Guide pulled came out impressively bright, turning genuinely dark scenery into frames that look like someone dragged a light source into the shot.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra holds onto detail in ways competitors fumble. Tree definition, shadow gradients, fine textures in low contrast areas, and it handles all of it.

Image – Galaxy S26 Ultra Night Mode Shots | Left – Auto / Right – Night | Source – Tom’s Guide

What Expert RAW actually unlocks

Once you have Expert RAW installed, the phone transforms. The app carries some insane modes seasoned Samsung users are familiar with, including a dedicated astrophotography mode, virtual aperture controls, and ND filter simulation.

The astrophotography test

Exposure times in this mode range from 30 seconds to 12 minutes. A tripod is not optional. The Galaxy S26 Ultra needs to be completely still, propped against something solid at minimum. Any movement during those extended exposures.

Shots from astrophotography mode captured stars invisible to the naked eye. Tree branches resolved with a sharpness that looked almost clinical.

Expert RAW pulled rich green grass tones, rendered individual shingles on a shed roof, and held the sky together without blowing out.

Image – Galaxy S26 Ultra Expert RAW Night Shots | Source – Tom’s Guide

The built-in night mode is fast, reliable, and good enough for every casual low-light situation you will encounter. Expert RAW’s astrophotography mode exists in a different category entirely.

It’s slow, demanding, and requires planning, but the images it produces don’t look like phone photos. They look like something a dedicated mirrorless shooter would bring back from a dark field at midnight.

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The Galaxy A57 5G didn’t arrive with a dramatic stage reveal. Samsung let it go official through a short commercial, which feels either modest or calculated, but it’s doing something different with Galaxy A57’s 0.6x camera.

In a new Samsung promotion, the spot features GeminiFourth alongside the 4EVE girl group, and the whole thing is built around one specific thing: the 0.6x ultra-wide camera mode.

Ultra-wide camera modes have been around for years. Samsung is doing something different with the Galaxy A57: putting a 0.6x camera front and center, pitching it as the natural starting point for how you shoot with friends.

The 0.6x mode pulls a full 123-degree field of view. Nobody gets cropped into oblivion at the edge of the frame. It still shoots in 4K, which means you’re not sacrificing quality for width and that combination matters more than it sounds.

Aheye from 4EVE, known for creative phone photography, walks through some shooting tips in the commercial. Her presence isn’t accidental; Samsung picked someone with a legitimate visual identity to validate the feature.

There’s no pretending the A57 is competing with the S series. This phone exists for the person who wants a capable camera without paying flagship prices. The 0.6x angle fits that user perfectly; it’s the mode you use without thinking.

Samsung has spent years learning that features don’t sell phones, feelings do. The Galaxy A57 is a camera that finally stops asking you to compromise on who’s in the frame, and in 2026, that’s not a small thing to get right.

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The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the tentatively named Galaxy Z Wide Fold all cleared India’s BIS, along with the mysterious Galaxy Buds Able earbuds. One more box checked, one step closer to landing on store shelves.

Battery certifications surfaced on India’s BIS this week for three upcoming Galaxy foldables plus a mysterious audio product, and the picture forming around Samsung’s summer lineup is getting harder to ignore.

Identification numbers of battery units:

• Galaxy Z Fold 8
  • EB-BF976DAY
  • EB-BF976DAE
• Galaxy Z Flip 8
  • EB-BF776BAE
  • EB-BF776BAY
• Galaxy Z Wide Fold
  • EB-BF971DAE
  • EB-BF971DAY
• Galaxy Buds Able/A BLE
  • EB-BU600AAY

Four additional battery units cleared BIS alongside the main three.

Model numbers EB-BF972DAE, EB-BF972DAY, EB-BF977DAE, and EB-BF977DAY. Nobody knows what they belong to. They could be test variants or alternate configurations that Samsung ran through certification and shelved.

Android Authority spotted code strings referencing what looks like the Galaxy Buds Able, or possibly Galaxy Buds A BLE, with the SM-U600 model number. Now a battery unit carrying the EB-BU600AAY designation has cleared BIS.

Battery specs that leaked earlier suggest both the Z Fold 8 and Wide Fold carry 5,000mAh cells, with 45W charging. The Flip 8 comes in lighter at 4,300mAh and 25W.

The Wide Fold is the one worth watching. A 4:3 aspect ratio, if the leaks hold, would push this device into genuinely new territory for Samsung foldables. The concept is interesting enough that even veteran fans have started paying attention.

CAD renders for the foldables have already leaked, which means the industrial design is locked. Battery certifications in India signal the product pipeline is moving. The next few weeks will bring more leaks, more certifications, and more renders.

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Samsung has started rolling out a fresh update to its Weather app, version v1.7.30.8, bringing an interface redesign that contains new icons and radar controls.

It’s not a massive overhaul, but it tweaks enough of the interface to make daily weather checks feel a bit more refined. This is one of those apps that people actually use every day, so even small visual changes tend to matter more than you would expect.

The most noticeable change shows up in the Pollen section. Samsung has dropped the old translucent leaf icon and replaced it with more distinct, solid icons for Tree, Grass, and Ragweed.

It’s a simple shift, but it makes the data easier to scan at a glance. That said, the icons still don’t fully communicate intensity levels as clearly as they could.

Wind and Pressure cards have also been refreshed. The graphics look newer, with the new icons looking modern, but they may take a second longer to interpret.

Then there’s the Moon card, which gets a practical upgrade. Samsung has tightened the layout by placing moonrise and moonset times side by side. It cuts down on wasted space and makes the card feel less cluttered.

The Radar section is where things get a bit more interactive. At the bottom of the map, you now get a row of quick-access icons for different layers, including a 6-hour forecast, radar view, cloud coverage, and temperature.

If you rely on Samsung Weather, this update is worth grabbing.

Image source – Android Authority

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Buried inside One UI 9 firmware files for a device carrying the model number SM-F971B, what appears to be the Galaxy Z Wide Fold has revealed its most critical spec: a 4:3 aspect ratio inner display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 carries an inner display with roughly a 1.11:1 aspect ratio. It’s always been the defining quirk of Samsung’s book-style foldables, a shape that feels neither like a phone nor fully like a tablet.

The Wide Fold blows past that geometry entirely, via SamMobile. Anyone who’s watched a video on an iPad knows exactly what that feels like in the hand, and Samsung appears to be chasing that sensation in folding form.

The name of the Samsung Galaxy Z Wide Fold makes considerably more sense than it did six months ago. The Wide Fold’s 4:3 ratio also aligns it more closely with the Galaxy Z TriFold, Samsung’s three-panel device.

That’s either a deliberate design language choice across the premium foldable lineup, or it’s a signal that Samsung is trying to unify the visual experience when unfolded, regardless of how many hinges are involved.

Samsung has dominated the book-fold market by default. But the rumored Apple foldable iPhone, expected later this year, is also reported to land somewhere around that same 4:3 display territory when open.

If that’s accurate, Samsung and Apple will be shipping nearly identical inner-screen geometries in the same calendar year.

Image – Samsung’s Wide Fold seen in One UI 9

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A new leak tied to Android 17 suggests a feature called Notification Rules is on the way, and it could seriously change how Samsung users manage alerts day to day.

If you’ve used a Galaxy device for a while, you already know Samsung gives you solid notification tools. Things like categories, modes, and grouping already help keep things under control, but Notification Rules goes deeper.

Instead of just tweaking app settings, you’ll be able to create custom rules based on specific apps or even specific people. Think about it like this:

• Instead of silencing WhatsApp entirely, you could silence just one noisy group.
• Or make sure messages from a particular contact always stand out.

From what folks over at AndroidAuthority have seen in the leaked One UI 9 builds, you’ll be able to set rules with five different actions:

• Silence: Notifications come in quietly, no sound or vibration
• Block: Completely hide notifications from that app or contact
• Silence and Bundle: Keep things quiet and grouped together, perfect for spammy apps or group chats
• Highlight: Make important notifications stand out so you don’t miss them
• Highlight and Alert: Give priority alerts with sound or vibration for key people or apps

Notification Rules could finally solve a common problem: wanting control without going extreme. You won’t have to mute entire apps or turn off notifications completely just to get some peace. Instead, you fine-tune your phone around how you actually use it.

Google hasn’t officially confirmed Notification Rules for Android 17, so things could still change before release. But one thing is clear: Samsung is preparing something genuinely useful here.

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Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta testing has entered a crucial phase for the Galaxy A36, A35, Z Fold 5, and Z Flip 5. The company is internally testing the new software update before bringing it to users through public Beta Program.

Public One UI 8.5 Beta builds are getting ready for the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A35 along with Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, as spotted by @Mohammed_K_2010 and @tarunvats33.

Here are the build versions:

• Galaxy A36: A366EXXU8ZZD1
• Galaxy A35: A356NKSU8ZZD1
• Galaxy Z Fold 5: F946NKSU6ZZD1
• Galaxy Z Flip 5: F731NKSU6ZZD1

You may notice something familiar in these upcoming builds. They initially appeared for the Korean (except for A56) models and the last four characters are the same. It signals that the software is being developed in harmony across models.

Update: April 5, 2026

• Samsung may also bring One UI 8.5 Beta update to the Galaxy A54. The first public Beta build has been spotted on the company’s server. It signals that early access could soon be available to owners of the A54 device.
  • SM-A546E – A546EXXUJZZD4

Original story as follows

Last month, Samsung announced a major expansion of the Beta Program. The company also confirmed that another expansion is scheduled for April. This month is gearing up to welcome the One UI 8.5 Beta for these Galaxy devices:

• Galaxy S23 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy A36
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A55 (highly likely)
• Galaxy A56 (highly likely)

Galaxy A56 and A55 were released with the A36 and A35, and both devices match the OTA timeline. That said, chances are high for A55 and A55 joining the Beta Program. We may soon witness the One UI 8.5 test builds for this model as well.

Samsung may not end the One UI 8.5 Beta Program soon. The company reportedly plans to provide two more Beta builds to the Galaxy S25 users. A leaked plan outlined important dates for Beta rollouts across lineups.

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The Geekbench listing for Samsung’s SM-S741U lays it out clearly. The Galaxy S26 FE is running on Exynos 2500 silicon, posting 2,426 in single-core and 8,004 in multi-core.

Those numbers are not random; they position the device exactly where Samsung wants it. The Exynos 2500 is not new. It is the same 3nm chip expected to power the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in 2025, complete with the Xclipse 950 GPU.

That alone explains the “Flip DNA” narrative.

Samsung is effectively recycling a foldable-grade SoC into a more accessible moniker, via 91mobiles, extending the lifecycle of its 3nm node while keeping costs in check.

Galaxy S26 FE lacks Exynos 2600 as it isn’t chasing peak performance. It sits in the affordable flagship tier, where sustained performance, thermals, and pricing matter more than headline scores and thermals will matter here.

The 3nm node used in Exynos 2500 is expected to be more mature by the time S26 FE ships, which could translate into better thermal stability. The Xclipse 950 continues Samsung’s AMD-backed graphics push.

The listing shows Android 17 out of the box. It aligns the S26 FE with the software cycle of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, expected around July 2026. That said, it launches as a current-generation product, at least on the software front.

Samsung is blending last year’s silicon with next year’s software. It reduces R&D pressure on hardware while still delivering a refreshed experience where it counts.

The Korean tech giant may unveil the Galaxy S26 FE around September. Three foldable phones are expected to be introduced in July this year. The Fan Edition phone will follow the upcoming foldable devices later this year.

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Samsung reportedly acknowledged a camera issue affecting the Galaxy S26 Ultra phone’s 3x zoom lens, confirming it is a software-related bug.

The problem surfaced in a Samsung Community Korea post, which reported inconsistent image quality when switching to the 3x telephoto camera. Under bright conditions, the lens produced noticeably degraded results.

In low-light photography with the flash enabled, the issue is clearly evident. The moment the camera switches to 3x zoom, the image turns soft and blurry. Not slightly off, but visibly worse than expected on a flagship device.

After submitting logs and visiting a service center, the user received confirmation that the issue is not tied to hardware failure. Samsung’s camera team later stepped in and acknowledged the problem at a software level.

Users were asked to reproduce the issue and submit detailed logs along with sample images, suggesting the company is still fine-tuning its internal analysis.

This is a software-side bug affecting image processing or lens switching behavior. The company says a fix is in the works, but it will arrive through a future update with no clear release timeline.

An update was already pushed recently, but it did not address the issue. That only adds to the concern that the fix may not be imminent.

Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s top-tier flagship, marketed heavily on camera performance. Buyers expect reliability out of the box, not a waiting game for core features to stabilize.

For now, users are stuck with a compromised telephoto experience on one of the most expensive Android phones on the market.

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Let’s stop pretending everything is fine, because it’s not. Samsung fans may have already started rebelling over One UI 8.5. The backlash is driven by moderator comments and Beta extension rumors, requiring a Samsung clarification.

If you own a Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, you’ve probably felt it too. That quiet frustration is turning into outright anger. You paid flagship money, you got flagship hardware, and now Samsung seems to be feeding you excuses.

I’ve read the community threads (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). I’ve seen the outrage coming straight out of South Korea, and one phrase keeps popping up from Samsung’s side: “software concept.”

We’re supposed to believe that a phone as powerful as the S25 Ultra suddenly can’t handle features because of a “concept”? That’s not a limitation, but a decision: call it what it is: gatekeeping.

The 24MP and Call Screening snub

First, the missing 24MP camera mode. A device with one of the most advanced camera systems on the market somehow can’t support a basic shooting option?

Call Screening is a genuinely useful feature, something people actually want. Something that could improve everyday usability and suddenly, it’s being positioned as a Galaxy S26 exclusive?

We’re looking at a situation where a barely year-old flagship might miss out on core features, not because it can’t run them, but because Samsung wants to keep something shiny for the latest flagship models.

Samsung’s Beta is unstoppable

A beta cycle is supposed to refine software, not drag users through an endless loop of unfinished builds. Yet here we are, months in, still waiting for something stable while Samsung keeps pushing “just one more update.”

Rumors suggest Samsung plans to roll out 9th and 10th Beta updates to the Galaxy S25 series this month. An exact timeline for Stable release hasn’t been decided, pushing the timeframe to the end of April or the beginning of May.

People don’t just buy Galaxy phones for hardware anymore. They buy into the ecosystem, the promise and the idea that their device will get better over time.

Samsung still has time to fix this. Be transparent, stop hiding behind vague terms and give users straight answers.

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Samsung officially launched its 2026 OLED TVs in the US, bringing 165Hz gaming, AI upscaling and zero glare. At the top of the stack sit the S95H, S90H, and S85H, scaling up to 83 inches.

The Korean tech giant is doubling down on the idea that your TV should be smart enough to adapt, not just display.

The standout is the S95H with its new FloatLayer design, built to sit flush against the wall and double as digital art via the Samsung Art Store. It is a clear shift toward making TVs part of home decor, not just entertainment hardware.

On the performance side, Samsung is focusing heavily on real-world viewing. Glare Free technology now expands to both S95H and S90H, tackling reflections, which often matter more than peak brightness.

Gamers get a serious upgrade with Motion Xcelerator 165Hz, along with G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support. This is Samsung preparing for high-end gaming beyond consoles.

At the core sits the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, powering features like 4K AI upscaling, HDR remastering, and automatic picture tuning.

Software is another big play. Samsung Vision AI Companion and a seven-year OS update promise signal a long-term shift. This lineup shows Samsung is thinking beyond displays, aiming to build smarter, longer-lasting TVs.

Samsung has also outlined US pricing for its broader 2026 OLED TV lineup.

• The flagship S95H series starts at $2,499.99 for the 55-inch model and goes up to $6,499.99 for the 83-inch variant.
• Sitting just below it, the S90H lineup ranges from $1,399.99 for the 42-inch model to $5,299.99 for the 83-inch version, offering a wider spread of sizes for different room setups.
• The more accessible S85H series begins at $1,199.99 for 48 inches and tops out at $4,499.99 for the 83-inch class.

Related article:

• Samsung unveils 2026 The Frame Pro in the US with advanced glare-free tech

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Samsung announced 2026 versions of The Frame Pro and The Frame for the US market. The headline upgrade is clear: advanced glare-free technology now plays a bigger role in making digital art look like a real canvas.

At a glance, this is not just another spec bump. It is Samsung refining what made The Frame category work in the first place.

The biggest shift comes from the upgraded Glare Free technology, with Samsung pushing harder to minimize reflections. Art looks flatter, less reflective, and closer to how it would appear under gallery lighting.

Samsung pairs this with Pantone Validated ArtfulColor, aiming for accurate tones across a growing Art Store catalog. It is a subtle upgrade on paper, but in practice, it is what makes the illusion believable.

The 2026 The Frame Pro continues to sit at the top of this lineup. It retains its Neo QLED 4K panel, which means high brightness levels, stronger contrast, and deeper blacks compared to standard LED sets.

Powering the experience is the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor. This chip handles real-time optimization for both video content and displayed artwork. The Micro HDMI port now supports eARC, improving audio passthrough for soundbars.

Both The Frame Pro and The Frame support Motion Xcelerator 144Hz for smoother visuals. There is also DLG 240Hz support when connected to a compatible PC.

Samsung is expanding the lineup with a new 55-inch class option for The Frame Pro. Until now, Pro-tier features were limited to larger sizes. A 55-inch variant makes the premium Art TV experience more accessible.

The Frame Pro is rolling out now in the US through Samsung.com and major retailers. The standard The Frame will follow later. Samsung has confirmed the following pricing for The Frame Pro lineup:

• 85-inch Class: $3,999.99
• 75-inch Class: $2,799.99
• 65-inch Class: $1,999.99
• 55-inch Class: Coming soon

For The Frame (standard model), all announced sizes including 85-inch, 75-inch, 65-inch, and 55-inch are listed as coming soon.

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If you’re a long-time Galaxy user, this update has been a long time coming. Samsung has offered blood pressure (BP) tracking on its Galaxy Watch models in select markets for years, but for US users, the wait stretched far longer than expected.

Now it’s here, landing on the Galaxy Watch 4, 5, 6, 7 and even the latest Galaxy Watch 8 through the Samsung Health Monitor App. It sounds like a breakthrough, but it is not a replacement for your BP machine.

The technical reality

A traditional blood pressure monitor physically squeezes your arm. That pressure gives you accurate systolic and diastolic readings. Meanwhile, your Galaxy Watch does none of that.

Instead, it uses optical sensors to analyze pulse wave patterns under your skin. From that, it estimates your blood pressure; the keyword here is “estimates.”

To even get those estimates, you must calibrate your watch using a standard upper-arm BP cuff. Not once, but every 28 days, which means:

1. Use a proper BP machine
2. Take multiple readings
3. Sync those readings with your watch
4. Repeat every month

If you skip this step, your watch data becomes unreliable. So yes, your smartwatch depends on the very device it’s trying to replace. Well, Samsung is clear about this, and honestly, I agree with the positioning.

This feature is not meant for:

• Diagnosing hypertension
• Adjusting medication
• Monitoring pregnancy conditions like preeclampsia

For the Galaxy family, this is still a meaningful upgrade. It adds another layer to Samsung’s growing health ecosystem, especially alongside features introduced with the One UI Watch update and broader FDA-backed efforts.

Related article:

• Galaxy Watch Blood Pressure Monitor: Step-by-step guide for US users

Image via Samsung

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Owners of the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are waking up to an uncomfortable reality: Samsung has effectively labeled them “legacy” when it comes to one of its newest AI features, which debuted in the Galaxy S26 series.

At the center of the controversy is “Call Screening,” an AI-driven convenience feature debuting with the Galaxy S26 lineup via One UI 8.5. It answers calls on your behalf, identifies the caller, interprets intent, and delivers a real-time text summary.

Despite being software-based and heavily reliant on on-device processing, Call Screening is being locked exclusively to the S26 series. That includes excluding devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has more than enough NPU headroom to run this feature.

Samsung has now confirmed this direction publicly. On its own community platform, Members, the company responded to user requests by stating that Call Screening support will begin with the Galaxy S26 series.

Source – Samsung Community (Korea)

That response has not gone down well; the backlash has been sharp and frankly, predictable. Words like “betrayal” and “bait-and-switch” are being thrown around by users who feel burned.

These are premium buyers, many of whom upgraded recently under the assumption that Samsung’s much-advertised seven-year update promise actually meant something beyond version numbers.

If meaningful features are selectively withheld, it starts to look like a hollow marketing layer. Updating Android versions while stripping out key experiences is not long-term support; it is controlled stagnation.

Short term, this might help push S26 sales. Long term, it risks something far more valuable, user loyalty.

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Samsung is not done with One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 series, as a mega leak reveals future plan. If you are testing Beta firmware, get ready to receive at least two more Beta builds, and the Stable release date is reportedly “undecided.”

According to @ya_sking12767, Samsung has an extensive One UI 8.5 Beta plan for the Galaxy S25 series. The company may roll out Beta 9 and Beta 10 builds to users, and it could ultimately push the Stable release to May 2026.

Here’s when updates could release:

• Beta 9 – April 9
• Beta 10 – April 20

Galaxy S24 users may receive second and third Beta updates this month, with the dates said to be as follows:

• Beta 9 – April 9
• Beta 10 – April 20

Beyond S25 and S24, Samsung expanded the One UI 8.5 Beta Program to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip as well. Future updates may be on these dates:

• Beta 2 – April 9

Galaxy S23 series will join the One UI 8.5 Beta Program this month. The first Beta build has been spotted on the Samsung server along with the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5. Release dates are expected to be:

• Beta 1 – April 9
• Beta 2 – April 23

Notably, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 have also joined the Beta Program in early March. Samsung recently released the second Beta update for the latest foldable phones, but the future rollout isn’t included in the mega leak.

The release dates haven’t been confirmed by Samsung. The company stays away from revealing an exact timeline for the rollout. However, the Beta 9 and Beta 10 plans are now cementing the feeling that S26 sales are being prioritized.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, and a new model tentatively called the Wide Fold will all ship with M13 OLED panels, according to industry sources.

If the info is accurate, Samsung’s about to launch 2026 foldables with the same OLED it started using three years ago. M14 already exists, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is already using it, but Samsung’s keeping it away from foldables.

An industry insider defended (via ETNews) the decision, noting that M13 keeps improving through optimization even without a full material change. Samsung is squeezing more performance from less material over time.

That means lower costs without switching to an entirely new chemical cocktail that would require new supply agreements and months of testing. But it’s still the same core tech from 2024 powering phones launching in later this year.

Samsung Display will exclusively supply all OLED panels for Galaxy foldables this year. No competition, no alternative.

The Wide Fold represents Samsung’s first attempt at a different form factor in years, and it’s launching with three-year-old screen technology while the company’s own flagship slab phone flaunts something newer.

This marks three consecutive years of M13 in folding phones. The material set debuted with the Galaxy S24 series in 2024, then spread to the Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. Then the S25 series. Then the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Even the regular S26 and S26 Plus got M13.

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Samsung equipped the Galaxy S26 series camera with a Document scan feature, which is scheduled to be released for the Galaxy S25 series.

Document scan ends the need for having a third-party scanner app installed on your device. Samsung debuted it with the Galaxy S26 series, and it’s all set to be available on the Galaxy S25 series, probably this month.

Recently, a Samsung moderator confirmed (via MojoTrick) the expansion of the Document scan feature to the Galaxy S25 series. Without specifying a release timeline, the moderator said it is scheduled to arrive on last year’s flagships.

Document scan is integrated right into the Samsung Camera app. It joined the existing “Scan text” and “Scan QR codes” options. You need to activate it using the toggle, and its dedicated section has some customization options.

Once enabled, you can scan documents using the rear camera. It has two modes: Auto and Manual, with Auto ending the need for manual adjustment and cropping. You can also have it on the Apps screen for quick access.

The rise of phones has made almost everything digital. Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet are here to digitize your documents. But not all documents are readily available for digitization, which makes Document scan a useful feature.

Whether you are a casual smartphone user or a student, Document scan assists you in storing a neat and clean virtual copy on your device. It’s convenient to access and beneficial for users, given its integration with the OS.

Samsung is expected to open the Stable One UI 8.5 update’s rollout to the Galaxy S25 series this month. The April patch would arrive first; an incremental upgrade will switch Beta to Stable, along with One UI 8.0 to One UI 8.5.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra supports 24MP photo captures in the Samsung Camera app, but the Pro mode lacks this option entirely. Samsung already hid this option under Camera Assistant, which only works if the phone has Good Lock installed.

Samsung may not have said it outright, but the message from its own Camera team is hard to ignore. On a recent community thread, a moderator confirmed that the Galaxy S26 series lacks support for 24MP Pro photo mode.

Galaxy users have been asking for native 24MP support for a while now, especially after Apple pushed it into the mainstream with its default camera pipeline.

Samsung responded, sort of; first through Expert RAW and now through Camera Assistant. After activating it through Camera Assistant, users can capture 24MP shots from the stock camera app, that too in the default Auto mode.

No 24MP option in Pro mode

This is the one place where 24MP actually belongs. Pro mode is where enthusiasts go to control ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and output. It’s not a casual toggle, and it’s the core of Samsung’s “serious camera” pitch.

One comment cuts straight to it: is Samsung holding this back to roll it out later as a “new feature”?

If you want 24MP with computational help, you stick to Auto. If you want control, you drop to 12MP in Pro. If you want maximum data, you jump into Expert RAW and deal with post-processing.

Forcing users to jump between Camera Assistant and Expert RAW just to access a capability the sensor already supports breaks the experience. It also undermines the whole point of having a “Pro” toggle in the first place.

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One UI 8.5 seems like a mid-cycle firmware update, but it is a meaningful refresh of Samsung’s emoji stack, aligned with the latest Unicode standards. Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update brings 133 new emojis from Unicode Emoji 17.0.

133 new emojis finally land on Samsung keyboards

The headline feature here in One UI 8.5 is support for Unicode Emoji 17.0, bringing a total of 133 new emojis into Samsung’s native font for the first time. Courtesy – Emojipedia

Some of the more noticeable additions include:

• Distorted Face, a chaotic expression that feels tailor-made for reaction culture
• Fight Cloud, the classic cartoon dust-up visual
• Ballet Dancer, now with expanded skin tone options
• Orca, a long-requested marine addition
• Hairy Creature, essentially Samsung’s take on Bigfoot-style folklore
• Trombone, Landslide, and Treasure Chest

Multi-person skin tone combinations now extend to People Wrestling and People With Bunny Ears.

The part Samsung got wrong, Apple Core vs Pickle

One UI 8.5 ships with an Apple Core emoji mapped to the Unicode code point U+1FADD. Apple Core concept was part of early Emoji 17.0 drafts but got scrapped in 2025. Unicode later reassigned that exact code point to a Pickle in the Emoji 18.0 draft.

Simply put, Samsung is showing the wrong emoji for a code point that has already moved on. So if an app expects a Pickle, your Galaxy device currently shows an Apple Core instead.

Subtle UI polish across existing emojis

Samsung has tweaked several existing emojis beyond new additions. A few notable changes:

• Pizza drops the odd toppings like olives and onions, looks cleaner now
• Bank replaces text signage with a clear dollar symbol
• Cyclone is simplified into a more readable spiral
• Ship now faces left instead of head-on
• New Moon Face and Full Moon Face lean toward a smirking expression style

Apps like Gboard or X have been using Google’s Noto Color Emoji fallback for years. One UI 8.5 simply brings everything into Samsung’s native emoji keyboard, making it consistent across the system.

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Samsung has now rolled out One UI 8.5-based QuickStar to Galaxy devices, which brings insane Quick Panel customization.

Good Lock’s QuickStar module is getting a major upgrade (via TarunVats), backed by One UI 8.5, which significantly upgrades Quick Panel customization.

One UI 8.5 is available on the Galaxy S26 series, so the new QuickStar as well. However, Samsung also expanded the One UI 8.5 to various Galaxy devices through Beta Program. Beta participants can also give it a try right away.

What’s new

The latest QuickStar update comes with the 10.0.04.26 version. It offers panel-style personalization, extended layout settings for landscape orientation, control bar level display, and panel item resizing.

The update allows you to make volume and brightness sliders vertical. You can also adjust the size of tiles and toggles. It’s inspired by Google’s Android 16 design system, which features Material 3 Expressive design language.

The global card, which keeps most of the toggles inside, can also be resized. Quick Panel is one of the most used aspects on mobile devices. Samsung is offering impressive upgrades to the right tool, which is deserving as well.

It also incorporates stability improvements, which users would not immediately notice. However, this improvement pays off by elevating overall performance. You can look forward to a better experience on the new version.

1. New features (One UI 8.5 only)
   • Panel style customization
   • Landscape layout settings
   • Control bar level display
   • Panel item resizing
2. Stability improvements and bug fixes

The update is available on Samsung’s Galaxy Store. You may also receive the update on your One UI 8 or One UI 7 device, but the customization tools won’t work. Check for the latest version through Galaxy Store > Updates.

Credits – Tarun Vats

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Samsung is getting ready to handle the next wave of Apple products, including the iPhone Air 2 and iPhone Fold, with OLED display tech, along with CoE and LTPO.

According to South Korea’s ZDNet, Samsung is making additional investments to advance its small and medium-sized OLEDs. The move is seen as a preemptive response to demand from its key customer, Apple.

Samsung Display has recently started supplementary investment in its Asan A4-2 line. The A4-2 line is a 6th-gen small and medium-sized OLED production line, primarily used to manufacture OLED panels for phones.

On March 31, Shinsung E&G signed a system sealing construction contract worth 15.2 billion won (~ $10.03 million) with Samsung C&T. The contract runs through March next year, and the equipment will be supplied to Asan.

While not explicitly stated, industry sources say the initial investment will be focused on Samsung Display’s A4-2 line. The company is also reported to have discussed orders for supplementary investment equipment with several partners.

Adding certain OLED display processes can lead to a partial loss in deposition equipment capacity, and the investment aims to offset that. The scale of this supplementary investment is estimated at 300–400 billion won.

The focus of the investment is on strengthening backplane technologies such as Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) and next-generation Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO).

This investment is interpreted as a move to meet demand from Apple. Apple is expected to apply CoE for the first time in its first foldable iPhone.

While Samsung Display already has lines capable of handling the CoE process, it is preparing for the future expansion of its product lineups, including the iPhone Air 2.

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Samsung finally laid the groundwork for the Galaxy S23 lineup’s One UI 8.5 Beta. The company has started the internal testing of Beta firmware. It confirms the Beta Program will be expanding to 2023 flagships this month.

As spotted by TarunVats, Samsung is testing One UI 8.5 Beta on Galaxy S23 Ultra internally. The very first public Beta build is S918BXXU9ZZD1. Internal testing will continue and changes will be made if required.

Last month, Samsung expanded the One UI 8.5 Beta Program to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Galaxy S24 series, S25 FE and S24 FE. Another wave of expansion is scheduled for the month of April.

The first One UI 8.5 Beta build has now surfaced for the Galaxy S23 series. While an exact timeline is unknown, it should be there by mid-April. The Beta may also arrive for the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 foldable smartphones.

Samsung is expected to open One UI 8.5 Beta in six countries. Beta compatible regions include Asia, Europe and North America. If you don’t live in Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK or the US, you need to wait for the Stable release.

One UI 8.5 is a major upgrade over One UI 8.0. It’s still based on Android 16, but the changes make it a bigger one. You will be getting a redesigned user interface with various welcoming tweaks that elevate the overall experience.

Galaxy S25 series, which has been testing the One UI 8.5 Beta since December, may receive the Stable update this month. April patch has arrived for the S26 series and it should soon be there for the S25 and other lineups.

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Samsung is crushing Apple in the used phone market, with the company’s average resale price soaring to a historic high.

According to UPM, via ETNews, Samsung has hit a milestone that once felt out of reach. Its average resale price for used smartphones has crossed 270,000 won ($177) for the first time since tracking began, signaling a sharp shift in the secondary market.

Data from UPM shows Samsung’s average resale price reached 271,575 won ($178) in March. That is a steep jump from 173,844 won ($114) in February, up 56.2 percent in just a month. It also beats the previous record of 248,067 won ($163) by 9.5 percent.

Notably, Samsung is now leading in total transaction value, capturing 58.25 percent of the market, with Apple trailing at 41.62 percent. Just a month earlier, Samsung held only 35.85 percent, which highlights how quickly the balance has shifted.

Samsung moved 362,922 units in March, accounting for 75.34 percent, while Apple stood at 24.66 percent. Even with Apple maintaining a much higher average resale price of 786,156 won, Samsung’s scale has flipped the value equation in its favor.

Galaxy S26 cycle is driving the momentum

Strong sales of the Galaxy S26 lineup have pushed a wave of premium trade-ins into the secondary market. As existing Galaxy users upgrade, relatively newer and higher-end devices are flooding resale channels.

Samsung’s MX division set up a dedicated “Galaxy Value Innovation” team in 2024. The goal is simple: protect and improve residual value. Programs like certified refurbished devices and tighter pricing strategies are part of that push.

The used phone market has always been a stronghold for Apple when it comes to value retention, which is still partly true on a per-device basis. March shows a different kind of win for Samsung, control over volume and total value.

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Samsung just hit a 7-year No.1 streak in the global monitors market and made two headlines: 1040Hz and glasses-free 3D.

Samsung just quietly cemented something most hardware companies dream about. Seven straight years at the top of global gaming monitor sales, according to IDC’s latest numbers.

The Korean giant grabbed 18.9 percent of worldwide gaming monitor revenue. But here’s what actually stings if you’re LG or Dell: Samsung also took 26 percent of the OLED gaming panel market for the third year running.

The real story surfaced at GDC 2026 in San Francisco, where Samsung let developers poke at its 2026 Odyssey lineup. Forget incremental refresh rate bumps; Samsung’s swinging for specs that didn’t exist six months ago.

27-inch Odyssey G6 pushing 1,040Hz in Dual Mode

Competitive esports players have been chasing diminishing returns past 360Hz for years, arguing over whether 480Hz actually matters in Counter-Strike.

The G60H model uses eye-tracking tech to pull it off, but still. At the professional level, players will absolutely notice 1040Hz motion clarity.

Glasses-free 3D

Then there’s the glasses-free 3D play. The 27-inch Odyssey 3D, model G90XF, uses advanced eye-tracking to render depth without those awful polarized glasses from 2011.

Samsung’s calling the software layer “Odyssey 3D Hub,” and the company has already lined up Hell is Us and Cronos: The New Dawn as launch titles; the company is promising 120 compatible games this year.

Samsung’s not coasting on that seven-year streak. The company is throwing experimental tech at the wall while competitors are still figuring out how to price OLED panels competitively.

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Testing labs from 7 European countries have declared Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra the “Best Smartphone.”

According to the info, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has dominated smartphone reviews by consumer magazines in seven major European countries. The device has crushed all its rivals in the region within a month of release.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra was selected as the Best Smartphone by consumer magazines in key European markets, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Sweden.

Country-wise praises come after the Galaxy S26 Ultra scored the Best in Show Award at Mobile World Congress 2026. The judging panel described it as a product that pushes the boundaries of mobile technology.

It’s worth noting that the evaluation was initiated after March 11. The magazines enjoy a high level of trust from both the market and the public, with praise coming from independent sources.

The cited consumer magazines compare products, including phones, based on expert assessments of performance, price, and other factors, and provide the results to consumers.

In Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium, the Galaxy S26 Ultra received the Best of Test Award. In the UK, consumer magazine Which? ranked the Galaxy S26 Ultra first with an overall score of 87 points in its smartphone rankings.

Which specifically pointed out that the S26 Ultra “delivered outstanding performance in all lab tests,” and especially praised the enhanced security of the new Privacy Display feature.

France’s Que Choisir placed the S26 Ultra at the top with a score of 17.0, noting that “photo detail is excellent, colors are vivid, and it captures images successfully even in low-light conditions.”

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Google has introduced support for Google Photos on Samsung‘s newest smart TVs, which gives users a simple way to enjoy their pictures and videos on a larger display. This feature was announced in late 2025 and has now started rolling out, but it is limited to certain models.

With this, you can sign in to your Google Photos account on your Samsung TV. After logging in, they can explore their photos through different sections. One of these is the Daily Plus row, which automatically shows a changing selection of memories. This makes it easy to revisit past moments without needing to search manually.

There’s also an option for the Daily Plus app launcher. When opened, it allows users to view their photos in full-screen mode, making the experience more enjoyable on a big TV screen. The Daily Board widget displays photos along with other information, offering a quick and convenient way to see your memories.

Source – Samsung

To make sure users feel comfortable sharing their screens, privacy options are included. Users can switch between Standard mode and Guest mode.

Standard mode gives a more personalized experience, while Guest mode hides private or sensitive images and videos. This is useful when friends or family members are watching.

However, there is a catch. This feature is only available on selected Samsung TVs released in 2026. Samsung and Google have not yet provided a complete list of supported models, which may cause some confusion for users. Stay tuned for more information.

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WhatsApp is adding new emojis to its Android app through a latest beta update, making chats more fun and expressive. These emojis come from the new Unicode 17.0 update, which introduces fresh symbols for users to share their feelings and ideas more easily.

Previously, WhatsApp had already added some emojis from Unicode 16.0. These included a tired face with eye bags, a fingerprint, a dry tree, and more. Now, the app is adding more new emojis and making them available directly in the emoji keyboard.

Some of the new emojis are very interesting. The “Distorted Face” emoji can be used when someone feels confused or stressed. The “Ballet Shoes” emoji is good for talking about dance or shows.

There is also an “Orca” emoji, which is perfect for people who like the sea or animals. Another fun emoji is the “Hairy Creature,” which is inspired by Bigfoot or the Yeti.

Image via WABetaInfo

There are more emojis like “Landslide,” which shows that things are going out of control, and the “Fight Cloud, which can show a fight or confusion. Music lovers can use the “Trombone” emoji, and the “Treasure Chest” emoji can be used for things like rewards, surprises, or adventure.

Earlier, some of these emojis were already in WhatsApp, but could not be used easily from the keyboard. Now, WhatsApp has made them simple to find and send in chats.

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Samsung has brought back attention to its old “Wireless Charger Trio,” a $90 charger that can power three devices at once. Even though it is being shown as a new product on Samsung’s website, it is actually the same charger that first came out around 2020, with no real upgrades.

The charger has two wireless charging spots for phones or earbuds, as well as a special place to charge a Galaxy Watch. It works with Samsung devices and other gadgets that support Qi wireless charging. It sounds useful, especially for people who want to charge everything in one place.

However, the charger feels outdated in 2026. Its charging speed is quite slow compared to newer options. It can charge Samsung phones at up to 15W, but other devices only get 7.5W. Many modern chargers are faster and more efficient.

The big issue is that the charger does not use the newer Qi2 technology, which helps devices snap into the right position using magnets. Because of this, users often have trouble placing their phones correctly, and charging may not start unless the device is perfectly positioned.

Notably, newer Galaxy phones have large camera bumps, which can stop the phone from lying flat on the charger, which is also an issue. This makes charging even more difficult.

While some people still like the convenience of charging multiple devices together, many others are not satisfied. The Wireless Charger Trio still works, but it feels old and less useful compared to newer wireless chargers available today.

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Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch its next Galaxy A series phone, Galaxy A27. Ahead of the official launch, the Galaxy A27 has shown up on Geekbench, but the details don’t fully make sense yet.

According to the information via Abhishek Yadav, the Galaxy A27 has been listed on Geekbench with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, Adreno 710 GPU, 6GB RAM, and Android 16. This looks fine for a mid-range phone.

However, the performance scores are surprisingly low. It scored 777 in single-core and 1802 in multi-core tests, which is weaker than the older Galaxy A26.

This is strange because the Galaxy A26 already performs better, so the A27 should not be slower. Also, the processor setup mentioned in the listing does not match how this chip usually works. This makes the leak look quite confusing.

Image via Abhishek Yadav

There is also concern that Samsung might be using an older processor in 2026, which may not be a good choice. In this price range, other brands are offering newer and more powerful chips. Since the Galaxy A2* series sits between budget and premium models, users expect a good balance of performance and price.

However, it is important to remember that early leaks are not always reliable. Sometimes test units give unusual results, or the information may not be final. Samsung could still improve the device before launch. For now, it is better to wait for official details to determine the Galaxy A27’s performance. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung’s Bespoke washer and dryer had a problem after a recent software update. Updates are usually made to improve devices as they fix small problems and sometimes add new features. But this time, the update created a big issue.

After installing the update, many users said their machines stopped working properly. The main problem is that they cannot wash clothes anymore. Before the update, there was a “more cycles” option on the screen. This option showed different washing choices.

This option disappeared after the update. The screen became blank, so users could not start a wash. This is a serious issue because the machine is made to wash and dry clothes in one unit. It depends on software to control everything. If the software has a problem, the machine cannot do its basic work.

Some users tried to fix the problem themselves. A few people said that changing the screen settings helped. Others said they had to reset the machine many times before it worked again. These fixes are not simple and may not work for everyone.

Samsung knows about the problem, but it has not given a proper solution yet. This has made many users upset, especially because the machine is expensive.

This problem also shows a bigger issue with smart devices. Today, many home appliances use software. This makes them smart and easy to use. But it also means they can stop working if something goes wrong in an update. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung is making strong progress on its new chip factory in Taylor, Texas. The company has been working on it for about five years. Now, the building work is mostly done, and Samsung has started setting up the machines inside. This is a big step because it means the factory is getting closer to starting its work.

More than 3,000 engineers have come to the site. Some work for Samsung, and others work for companies that make the machines. Their job is to install and set up the equipment. These machines are very big and heavy, with a total weight of about 20,000 tons. They are also very advanced.

The factory will make chips using 2-nanometer technology. This means the chips will be very fast and use less power. Samsung says everything is going as planned. The company expects the factory to start full production by the end of 2026.

Samsung has also started hiring people for the factory. It has posted 178 job openings in 146 different roles. These include technical jobs, safety jobs, and management roles. When the factory is fully ready, it will employ about 1,500 people. Some workers from other Samsung factories may also move to Texas to help in the beginning.

This new factory is very important for Samsung. It will help the company make advanced chips and grow its business. It will also create jobs and support the tech industry in the future.

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Gemini Live is making news easier to understand and more interesting to follow. Before, when you asked for news, it only gave short headlines with quick details. Now, it gives better and longer explanations, so you can understand what is really happening.

You can now ask questions while listening to the news. Like, if you hear a story and want to know more, you can simply ask, “tell me more about it.” You don’t have to start again or repeat your question. This makes it feel like a normal conversation.

Most voice assistants only read the news once and stop. They don’t let you ask more questions easily. But Gemini Live is different. It lets you keep talking and learn more about the topics you care about. This helps you understand the news better, instead of just hearing headlines and moving on.

Source – Samsung

You don’t need to install anything new. If you are already using Gemini Live early access, this feature is ready to use. You just need to start a conversation and ask for the latest news. It will collect information from different sources and explain it in a simple way.

At the same time, the Google Home app is also improving. It now supports Android 16 features like a full-screen look and a smoother back button. This makes the app easier and nicer to use. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra debuts the world’s first built-in Privacy Display technology. In collaboration with Censuswide, Samsung surveyed 1000 people in the UK and asked them if they’ve looked at strangers’ phone screens.

Using your phone in public feels normal. A quick message on the train. Checking your bank balance in a queue. Scrolling photos while waiting for coffee. It is routine now, but here is the uncomfortable truth.

You are probably not as private as you think.

Samsung decided to test that assumption in the real world. To support the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the company surveyed 1,000 phone users across the UK. The idea was simple: understand how people actually behave with their phones in public spaces.

The results?

• More than half of respondents, 57 percent, admitted they have unintentionally looked at someone else’s phone.
• Another 26 percent said curiosity got the better of them.

Public transport came out as the biggest hotspot, with 61 percent saying it is the most common place to catch a glimpse of someone else’s screen.

Around 61 percent of people said they feel confident about keeping their phone use private in crowded places. At the same time, 59 percent agreed it is easy to see someone else’s screen in public, and the gap says everything.

Nearly half, 49 percent, have felt someone looking at their screen. Yet only 12 percent believe using a smartphone in public is actually private. People know the risk exists; they just underestimate how often it happens.

According to the data, 40 percent have spotted personal content on someone else’s device. That includes social media profiles at 41 percent, personal photos at 37 percent, video calls at 33 percent, and private messages at 32 percent.

Even more sensitive data shows up, too, with 16 percent reporting they have seen banking details. Some look away, about 28 percent do. Another 27 percent immediately disengage, but a small group, 7 percent, admit they keep looking discreetly.

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics Europe, put it in simple terms:

“Your phone is one of the most personal things you own, housing your photos, your bank details, your messages, and more.

I use public transport almost every day, and the last thing I want is the person next to me seeing what’s on my screen.

That’s why we built the Privacy Display into the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so what’s on your screen stays yours.”

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Barely a month after the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro went official, Samsung’s ecosystem is already hinting at something off script, the Galaxy Buds Able.

Digging through the latest Galaxy Buds app strings, a new name pops up out of nowhere: Galaxy Buds Able. Not “FE,” not “Pro,” not even something safely iterative. Just “Able,” which sticks out instantly, and not in a reassuring way.

Samsung has been fairly consistent with its internal naming discipline. The Buds 4 series leaned into composer-inspired codenames, a pattern that has quietly carried across generations.

Meanwhile, “Able” breaks that rhythm entirely. No musical reference. No clear lineage. It reads less like a product name and more like a placeholder someone forgot to replace.

Then there’s the model number, SM-U600. That’s where things really start to wobble. Samsung’s earbuds live comfortably in the SM-R universe. From budget entries to flagship buds, the R-series has been the rule.

“SM-U” simply does not belong here. In fact, it does not belong anywhere in Samsung’s current accessory portfolio, which alone raises eyebrows.

Even the shorthand naming inside the app feels inconsistent. Where you’d expect “Buds Able,” the string casually drops the Buds branding altogether. That’s not a minor typo, but an identity confusion.

The “Able” tag hints at accessibility; maybe the Korean tech giant is exploring hearing assistance or OTC-style audio tech. That would make sense strategically, but the execution, at least from this leak, feels messy.

Right now, Galaxy Buds Able does not feel like a finished idea. It feels like Samsung is experimenting in plain sight, and if this is the direction, it is a strangely unpolished first glimpse.

Via – Android Authority

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Samsung just kicked off the April 2026 security update rollout to the Galaxy S26 series. The company shipped its latest phones with One UI 8.5 preinstalled, but the April patch is a foundation for all existing models, including the S25 series.

It’s April Fool’s Day today, but Samsung is serious. The company began the rollout of the April 2026 security update for its latest flagships, the Galaxy S26 series. The OTA is currently rolling out in Korea, as confirmed by AndroidFlatform.

Samsung has been testing One UI 8.5 Beta since December. We are entering April 2026, and it’s high time for a Stable update. Galaxy S25 users, around the world, are eagerly awaiting the public rollout of the One UI 8.5 update.

Update Details

Security code applied

• Stability improvements related to security have been applied

The update’s changelog specifically mentions that this update enhances the security status of your Galaxy device. Users who are installing the April OTA won’t be able to roll back to a previous version with lower security.

Pay attention, the content may vary depending on your device model, country, and carrier. Simply put, the changelog may not look the same as Korean when it arrives in other markets.

Samsung recommends users to regularly check for new software updates and upgrade. It will ensure the peak level of system stability and privacy on your Galaxy devices.

The company has not yet published the April 2026 patch details. The updated page and roadmap are expected to go official later this week, which will be an important document for Galaxy users.

To update your smartphone, open Settings > Software update > Download and install.

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Samsung just silently introduced Bixby 4.0, and the rollout has already begun for the Galaxy S26 series users. Samsung is also upgrading the Voice Wake-up utility, which backs the wake phrase functionality on Galaxies.

Samsung Bixby 4.0 is here

The Samsung Bixby 4.0 focuses on making conversations feel more natural, reducing the need for rigid commands. The assistant responds in a smoother, human-like way, reducing the friction that comes with voice interactions.

Another key improvement is context awareness, allowing Bixby to remember previous parts of a conversation. This means users can follow up naturally without repeating details, making longer interactions feel connected and consistent.

Bixby 4.0 also expands its ability to provide info on demand, answering a wide range of queries without precise phrasing. It can pull relevant results quickly, whether for general knowledge, recommendations, or local searches.

It improves usability with device help and multi-step actions, enabling users to solve issues or complete tasks in one go. Commands like setting reminders and adding directions to calendar events now feel simpler and faster.

Voice Wake-up is getting updated

Regarding the Voice Wake-up update, Samsung says (via Salian) the new version has improved stability and overall performance based on user feedback. Galaxy S26 users who have received the two updates can give the new Bixby a try.

Source – Salian (X)

To check the availability, open the Updates section of the Galaxy Store. If it’s available, hit the icon to update both apps on the fly. Note that the availability may vary by region, carrier, and model as it’s a sequential release.

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Samsung just pushed the first software update for the Galaxy A57 5G. The company has recently announced the phone alongside the A37. Both are set to be available for purchase in key markets, starting next week.

The first update for Galaxy A57 is a bit strange. The phone supports Seamless Updates; you don’t need to worry about the shutdown period. It takes just a few seconds to complete the installation through the A/B partition.

Users will be able to identify the update through PDA build A576BXXU1AZC2, via MohammedKhatri. Samsung’s first OTA for the device surfaced in select countries, including Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

Even though the update appeared on the first day of April, it does reportedly carry an outdated security patch, dated January 2026. Samsung will hopefully push the latest patch to the device this month, after it goes on sale.

Galaxy A57 and A37 ship with Android 16-based One UI 8.5. The latest software introduces the Ambient Design user interface. Animations are smooth, performance is stable, and functional reliability is also improved.

Samsung is expected to put the Galaxy A36 and A56 phones in its Monthly-update category. The revised chart will likely arrive later this week. Samsung will detail the April patch content and release the updated support chart.

The first update, AZC2, looks like a build centered on improving the functionality of devices already in the hands of enthusiasts and reviewers. The next software will be more user-centric, unlike the first update released today.

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March 2026 Google Play system update has started rolling out to Samsung device users. Unlike One UI updates, this update is available across several segments. Your phone may have received it even though you are on One UI 7.

Samsung has improved the Google Play system update mechanism, starting with the March 2026 release. Though a bit late, the update has landed on time, rather than being stuck on versions that became available a long time ago.

What’s new in March 2026 Play system update for Samsung users

March 2026’s updates focus on steady, practical improvements rather than flashy changes. Google continued refining core services across devices, with a strong emphasis on stability, privacy, and better cross-device functionality.

A major highlight was improved device connectivity. Features like Wi-Fi Sync and expanded Fast Pair support, including large screens and PCs, made it easier for users to stay connected and switch between devices without friction.

On the user-facing side, Google introduced subtle but useful upgrades. Wireless Emergency Alerts now include a map view, while the Play Store added better search within reviews, game trials, and enhanced cross-platform gaming support.

Developers also saw consistent updates throughout the month, with new tools for utilities, maps, analytics, payments, and connectivity. Combined with ongoing system management tweaks, the updates quietly improved performance and security.

How to get Google Play system update

Samsung phone, foldable, and tablet users can trigger the latest update manually. Open the system Settings, followed by Security and privacy. Enter the “Updates” section, and you will find a dedicated “Google Play system update” tab.

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After years of delays tied to FDA clearance, Samsung has started rolling out the Blood Pressure feature in the US. The phased release kicked off on March 31, and it brings one of the most requested Galaxy Watch features to American users.

If you are using a Galaxy Watch 4 or newer, including the latest Watch 8 lineup, you can now access Blood Pressure tracking in the US. However, you cannot just strap the watch on and expect instant readings. There is a setup process, and yes, it matters.

Here is how to get started.

First, install the Samsung Health Monitor app on both your Galaxy smartphone and your watch. Make sure everything is updated.

Next comes calibration.

You will need a traditional blood pressure cuff. Sit down, relax, and take a reading using the cuff. At the same time, wear your Galaxy Watch snugly on your wrist.

• Enter the cuff reading into the app when prompted.

You have to repeat this process three times. Samsung uses these values to align the watch’s sensor data with real-world measurements. It sounds tedious, but it only takes a few minutes. Once calibrated, you are good to go.

To measure your blood pressure, open the Samsung Health Monitor app on your watch.

• Sit still.
• Keep your arm at heart level.
• Then tap measure.

The watch uses its optical sensor to estimate your blood pressure based on pulse wave analysis.

There is one more thing to remember: calibration is not permanent. You need to recalibrate every 28 days using a cuff. Skip this, and your readings may not stay accurate.

Image via Samsung

This is not a medical device

Samsung says it, and you should take it seriously. The feature is meant for tracking trends, not diagnosing hypertension or replacing a doctor’s advice.

Still, for everyday monitoring, it is incredibly useful, especially if you want quick insights. For Galaxy Watch users in the US, this feels long overdue. And now that it is here, it works just the way Samsung promised.

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Samsung makes beautiful phones with one of the best camera hardware. But this camera comparison picture shared by X user raises a big question. I am not criticizing Samsung for this comparison (as I can not verify the authenticity of this image), but this one is embarrassing.

Look at this side-by-side photo comparison, and you will be shocked. A user took the same picture of a nighttime construction crane using the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra. The Vivo X200 Ultra captured a clear, sharp image. You can read the word “JONES” on the crane and see every little detail on the metal and cables. But the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? It looks terrible. The picture is dark and blurry. The text is unreadable. If this is an authentic image, then Samsung should be embarrassed by such poor quality. WHY?

Samsung is falling behind because its hardware is not strong enough for low-light zoom shots. The Vivo phone uses a giant 200-megapixel periscope lens with a big sensor and bright aperture. It catches lots of light naturally, so the photo stays sharp even at 10x zoom. Samsung’s S26 Ultra has only a 50-megapixel 5x periscope and a weak (not really, but yes) 10-megapixel 3x lens.

At 10x, Samsung has to use digital zoom and heavy AI tricks to fill in the gaps. In low light, you get less real detail and more noise. The phone simply cannot get enough light to begin with. Samsung is trying too hard with Nightography mode. It smooths everything out with AI, removes noise, and wipes fine textures. The result is a flat, blurry mess.

ALSO READ: Samsung One UI 9 (Android 17) eligible devices list 2026: Which Galaxy phones and tablets will get it?

I have to praise Vivo’s processing. It keeps the natural sharpness because the hardware already did most of the work. Chinese brands like Vivo are winning the camera zoom war because the companies are adding huge sensors in the telephoto cameras.

Samsung is focusing more on video and everyday shots. That choice is now costing the company in this tough competition. Some fans are blaming the user. Some are saying, “You focused wrong” or “You didn’t use the right night mode.” Sure, user error is a possibility here. But a flagship phone like S26 Ultra should not be so easy to mess up.

I believe a phone with good cameras should help regular people get great results, not punish them for small mistakes. Samsung’s system is too picky, and its results vary too much.

If Samsung wants to stay on top in the camera world, it must stop relying so heavily on AI and start investing in better telephoto hardware. Samsung fans deserve much better than this.

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After debuting the higher-end Galaxy Book 6 Ultra and Pro, Samsung has now introduced the standard Galaxy Book 6 in South Korea. This is the model most people were waiting for, the one that brings the series down to a more accessible price bracket without stripping away the core experience.

Pricing starts at 1.6 million KRW ($1060) and goes up to 2.51 million KRW ($1665), depending on configuration. Starting at 1.6 million KRW ($1060), it undercuts the higher-end models while still delivering the core features that define this generation.

At the heart of the Galaxy Book 6 is Intel’s Core Ultra Processor Series 3. The onboard NPU now delivers up to 49 TOPS, a huge jump from the 13 TOPS seen on the Galaxy Book 5.

Tasks like real-time translation and image manipulation are no longer cloud-dependent experiments. They run locally, faster, and more consistently. It is the kind of silicon upgrade that actually changes how the device feels day to day.

Samsung claims up to 24 hours of video playback. In typical usage, expect less, but even then, this should comfortably land in all-day territory.

The Galaxy Book 6 carries forward the clean, symmetrical aesthetic introduced with the Ultra and Pro models. It features a centered touchpad, a two-tone keyboard, and a logo that finally sits where it should. The 14-inch model comes in at 14.9 mm thickness and weighs just 1.43 kg, while the 16-inch version is 1.74 kg.

Port selection is refreshingly practical; two USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, MicroSD, and even a wired LAN port and no dongle life here, which is becoming rare in this segment.

Samsung is leaning hard into Galaxy AI, but this time it feels less like a checkbox. Features like AI Cut Out let you remove image backgrounds instantly, and real-time translation works directly on selected text.

There is also natural language search baked into the system. You can look for files or tweak settings just by typing what you want. It is subtle, but it reduces friction in everyday tasks.

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Samsung is getting ready to launch its next foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and leaks about its price have already started coming in. A new leak reveals that the starting price of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may stay the same as last year, but higher storage options could cost more.

According to the information via @TheGalox_, the base model of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to come with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at around $1,999. This is the same starting price as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is good news for buyers who were worried about a price increase.

However, if you want more storage, you may have to pay extra this time. The 512GB version of the Fold 8 could cost about $2,199, while the top model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage may go up to $2,499. These prices are higher than last year’s Fold 7, where the 512GB model was priced at $2,119 and the 1TB model at $2,419.

Source – Samsung Mobile Press

This means Samsung might be keeping the base model price steady but increasing the cost of upgrades. One possible reason could be the rising production costs.

For users, this means choosing the right storage will be important. If you don’t need a lot of space, the base model could still be a good deal. But if you want more storage, you should be ready to spend more money.

While nothing is official yet, these leaks give us a good idea of what to expect from Samsung’s next foldable phone. More details should be revealed soon. Stay tuned for more information.

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Google has added a new feature that lets people change their Gmail username. This means you can change the part before “@gmail.com” without making a new account. This feature is already available in the United States and is slowly coming to other countries.

Many people made their email accounts a long time ago. At that time, they chose fun or silly names. But now, those names may feel embarrassing or not suitable for work. Before this update, the only way to fix it was to create a new email account. But that also meant losing old emails, contacts, and important data.

Now, things are finally much easier. You can go to your Google Account settings, click on your profile picture, then select Manage your Google Account option. After that, go to Personal Info, tap on Email, and follow the steps to change your username. It is a simple process and does not take much time.

And the best thing is that your old email address will still work. It will be saved as another email linked to your account. You will still get emails sent to your old address, and you can also use it if needed. This helps you stay connected and not miss anything important.

However, there are a few limits. You can change your username only once every 12 months. Also, you can only create up to three new usernames in total. This new feature is very helpful. It lets you fix your old email name easily without losing your data.

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If you are thinking about getting a new phone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is a great choice. Right now, Amazon is offering a free gift card when you buy any model. This is a nice bonus since the phones are brand new and don’t have big discounts yet.

The Galaxy S26 series has three models- Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Each one is designed for different users. The base Galaxy S26 is compact and easy to handle. The Galaxy S26 Plus is bigger with a stronger battery. The S26 Ultra is the most powerful with advanced cameras and extra features like the S Pen.

Right now, Amazon offers a free gift card with each model: $100 for the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus, and $200 for the S26 Ultra. Prices are $899.99 for the S26, $1,099.99 for the Plus, and $1,299.99 for the Ultra.

Source – Samsung

You can choose any color, and the gift card applies. These deals are only available for a limited time, so if you want a new Galaxy phone, it’s smart to grab the offer soon.

All three phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which makes them very fast. They deliver smooth performance, smart features, and great cameras. With Amazon’s free gift card offer, these stylish, reliable smartphones are a smart choice for anyone. Visit the deal page now and enjoy the deal.

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Samsung Card has introduced a new credit card – the Samsung iD STATION Card. It has been made together with HD Hyundai Oilbank to help drivers spend less on fuel and car services.

With this card, drivers can get a fuel discount of up to 10% at HD Hyundai Oilbank gas stations. The maximum discount is 35,000 won per month, depending on how much the card was used last month. 

Also, users earn 3 points per liter for regular gasoline and 4 points per liter for LPG. Points can be used later for fuel or car washes. There is also a special deal for premium gasoline like KAZEN and ULTRON, where drivers can earn up to 9 points per liter.

Image via Samsung

The card also helps save money on everyday purchases. Drivers get 5% off on phone bills, convenience store shopping, and online shopping, up to 5,000 won per month. Along with fuel discounts, drivers can save up to 15,000 won per month.

Samsung iD STATION Card also helps with car maintenance. Engine oil changes at Speed Mate cost 20,000 won less, and tire rotation or repair services are free when paying with the card.

The card costs 15,000 won per year, for both domestic and international versions. Samsung Card says this card can help drivers reduce fuel costs and get extra rewards for everyday spending and car care. People who want the card can check more details and promotions on the Samsung Card or HD Hyundai Oilbank websites and apps. 

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Hey Sammy Fans, if you are anything like me, a die-hard Samsung fan who has been using One UI since the very first day, you are probably checking your software update notifications every few hours, wondering the same thing: Is April finally the month my phone gets the stable One UI 8.5 update?

I have been writing about the One UI updates for years, discussing with many users in forums, and watching Samsung’s software update patterns, so let me give you my honest answer. No hype, just direct talk.

Let’s start. The One UI 8.5 has been in a beta testing program for the last few months. It is also available in stable form for the Galaxy S26 series. But for the rest of the people with older Samsung phones (like S25, S24, or even older ones), the update is taking longer than we expected.

We have been testing beta versions on the S25 phones and some foldable phones. These beta versions have been very smooth and bug-free for many weeks now. The latest Beta 8 feels so good, more like a stable version. So the big question everyone is asking is: Will the stable One UI 8.5 update start coming to older phones in April?

In my opinion, yes, most likely without any big delays. And here’s why I am feeling confident about that. Samsung knows that the Galaxy community is talking about new features of the One UI 8.5, like smoother animations, better battery improvement, enhanced Galaxy AI tools, and Quick Share improvements.

In addition, Android 17 beta has kicked off smoothly, with no major bugs reported so far. From what I know about how Samsung works, the company is already getting ready to launch the One UI 9 beta program pretty soon, probably in the next couple of months. I just want to add that nothing is officially confirmed yet.

Samsung will not continue the One UI 8.5 beta testing program forever because that would push everything back. By releasing the One UI 8.5 stable version, Samsung can focus on Android 17 features. I have seen this strategy before, and it usually means no unnecessary delay.

Now, let’s talk about the rollout date for your Galaxy device. Samsung follows the phased software update rollout plan for models, regions, and carriers.

If you are using a Galaxy S25 series phone, S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra, you will be first in line to get the stable One UI 8.5 update. These devices were the first to join the beta program.

It looks like mid-April will be a perfect time for the One UI 8.5 rollout. It most likely includes the latest April 2026 security patch. The latest beta is bug-free and also brings great battery life. For the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, these devices are right behind the S25 series and could see a stable One UI 8.5 update in the same April rollout.

The Galaxy S24 series and Fold6/Flip6 series could also get the stable update in some regions. In any case, the rollout should start by the end of April or by early May.

What about older flagships like the S23 or S22 series, or the mid-range A-series, M-series, and tablets? You should not expect the rollout of these devices in April unless you are one lucky Galaxy user. Most of these devices will probably start getting stable updates in May or June, with the full rollout completing by summer.

With One UI 9 beta on the horizon, Samsung should complete the rollout very soon. Before waiting for the stable update, make sure your phone is eligible. Most devices running One UI 8 should also receive the 8.5, but check the Samsung Members app for any official list.

The rollout also depends on where you live. The Galaxy users living in Korea and Europe often see updates first, while other regions follow. If you are using a Carrier-locked device, there could be a delay of a week or two when compared with unlocked ones.

In my experience, when Samsung has its eyes on the next beta program. If you have a recent flagship or foldable, mark April on your calendar and keep an eye on software update notifications. For everyone else, you should get the update soon after.

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The Weather Company is bringing its Storm Radar app to Android soon. Until now, it was only available for iPhone users. This app helps people check the weather simply and clearly. Weather is important for daily plans, so a good app can really help.

Storm Radar now has a new AI feature to make things easier. Users can ask simple questions like – Is it a good time to go outside? The AI will explain the weather in easy words. It also has detailed radar maps to show weather changes clearly.

Some features are free, but not all. To use advanced tools like the 72-hour radar, users need to pay. The cost is about $4 per month or $20 per year. There is also another plan with extra benefits at a higher price.

There are already many weather apps available for free. Still, Storm Radar wants to stand out by giving more accurate and detailed information. This can help people avoid problems like rain ruining their plans.

For some users, paying for better weather updates may be useful. Others may prefer free apps with basic features. When Storm Radar comes to Android, it will be interesting to see what users choose. 

Storm Radar will reportedly be available soon on Android, including Samsung devices. However, Samsung already offers a weather app, which offers amazing and smart features to provide a better experience. Stay tuned for more information.

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Google Pixel 11 Pro has appeared in early leaks, which gives us a simple idea of its design before launch. The phone is expected to arrive in August 2026, and it looks very similar to the previous model. Instead of big changes, Google is making small improvements to the design. It will compete with strong rivals, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which may offer more noticeable upgrades.

The new renders has been shared by Android Headlines. Looking at these renders, the Pixel 11 Pro looks very similar to the Google Pixel 10 Pro. The biggest change is the camera bar on the back. It now appears fully black, which makes the phone look cleaner and more modern.

The rest of the design, including the flat sides and display, stays mostly the same. The bezels are thin, but not as thin as some other flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Image via Android Headlines

Aside from this, the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to come with a 6.3-inch display. It may run on the new Tensor G6 processor for better performance. The phone could have 16GB RAM, but there is also a chance of 12GB. Storage might start at 256GB.

These images are based on CAD files, which are usually given to case makers before a phone launches. Because of this, they give a good idea of the phone’s size and shape. However, small details like colors or exact finishing may still change in the final version. Still, these renders are useful to understand the overall design. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung has officially launched its blood pressure monitoring feature for Galaxy Watch users in the United States. Starting March 31, 2026, selected users can now check and track their blood pressure directly from their wrist using a Galaxy Watch and the Samsung Health Monitor app.

The blood pressure monitoring feature is important because high blood pressure is a common health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the US suffer from it. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke.

The Galaxy Watch allows users to measure both systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate. However, it is not a complete replacement for medical devices. Users still need a regular upper-arm blood pressure cuff to set up the feature and recalibrate it every 28 days. This helps improve accuracy.

Image via Samsung

Notably, this feature is designed for wellness purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Users should always consult a doctor for proper medical advice.

The blood pressure tool adds to other health features already available on Galaxy Watches. These include ECG readings, irregular heart rhythm alerts, and sleep apnea detection, some of which are cleared by the FDA.

Samsung has also introduced new Galaxy Watch models, which include improved sensors and smart features powered by AI. These watches aim to give users better health insights and a more connected experience.

The rollout of the feature will happen gradually, so not all users will get the feature at once. Stay tuned for more information.

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Plenty of Samsung users have lost custom fonts setup on their Galaxy devices, following the latest update. Digging into details signals that it’s an intentional change, which could not be reverted in the following updates.

Samsung built a reputation on giving users control. Themes, icon packs, fonts, the whole playground. That freedom is part of what made One UI feel personal in a way stock Android never quite managed.

Now, with the March 2026 security patch rolling out across One UI 8 and 8.5, that promise just took a quiet hit.

Custom fonts are breaking after the latest patch

Over the past few days, Galaxy users have been flagging a strange issue across forums and Reddit threads. The pattern is consistent: install the March 2026 update, and custom fonts either refuse to apply or break entirely.

Some users report they cannot switch to third party fonts at all. Others say once they move away from a custom font, it becomes unusable afterward. The system throws vague error messages, leaving people guessing what went wrong.

If you have ever used tools like zFont 3, you already know how this feels. You set up your perfect typography, reboot, and suddenly it is gone. It is not just about fonts. It is about control being taken away without consent.

This is not some random glitch introduced by the update. March 2026 patch includes a fix for a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-20989. The issue involved improper verification of cryptographic signatures in the font settings.

Samsung has now tightened that verification process. Fonts must pass proper signature checks before they are accepted by the system. Anything outside that boundary gets blocked, while fonts downloaded from the Galaxy Store still work fine.

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Samsung’s pricing strategy for the Galaxy S26 series has been under the microscope ever since launch. With all three Galaxy S26 models seeing a bump this year, the base variant quietly losing its 128GB option did not go unnoticed.

Now, a new discovery suggests that Samsung may not have killed the entry-tier Galaxy S26 with 128GB storage entirely. It just hid it where most consumers would never look, and selling it to partnering businesses.

The retail Galaxy S26 in the UK starts at 256GB and is priced at £899. But an Enterprise Edition listing tells a different story. Here is where things get interesting.

A 128GB Galaxy S26 Enterprise variant has surfaced on an IT supply chain platform, carrying a price tag of £660, over £239 cheaper than the standard retail model.

For a phone that just launched with higher prices across the board, this changes the narrative quite a bit. The 256GB Enterprise model itself is listed at £899, which lands right in line with the consumer version.

There is no catch in terms of hardware: you are still getting the same Galaxy S26 core setup. It includes the Exynos 2600 chipset, a 4,300mAh battery, and 25W wired charging.

The display remains a 6.3 inch 1080p OLED panel, and the rear camera system sticks to the familiar 50MP, 12MP, and 10MP. In other words, this is the exact same phone Samsung is selling at a higher starting price, just with less storage.

Before getting too excited, there is a reason this model is flying under the radar. Enterprise Editions are not meant for regular buyers. These are designed for corporate clients, bulk deployments, and long-term business contracts.

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