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First look at Samsung Galaxy Glasses highlights AI-first design approach

We may have got our very first look at the Samsung Galaxy Glasses. The company is working on a new wearable platform, which will be unveiled without an integrated display, but will highlight the AI-first design approach and Gemini.

Samsung isnโ€™t trying to reinvent eyewear overnight. Itโ€™s trying to sneak AI onto your face without you noticing. Thatโ€™s the real story behind the first Galaxy Glasses leak, via Android Headlines.

The โ€œJinjuโ€ model, which youโ€™re looking at here, skips the display entirely. At first glance, that sounds like a compromise, but itโ€™s itโ€™s a calculated move in reality.

With Android XR running underneath and Googleโ€™s Gemini doing the heavy lifting, the glasses become a voice-first, context-aware layer. Translate a sign, snap a quick photo through a discreet 12MP Sony sensor, or pull directions without touching your phone.

Samsung Galaxy Glasses

Design matters just as much. Samsung partnering with names like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker is no accident. Tech companies have missed the boat before by making wearables look like prototypes, which donโ€™t scream โ€œgadget.โ€Samsung Galaxy Glasses

Looking ahead, the 2027 โ€œHaeanโ€ variant with a micro-LED display is where things get ambitious. Think of it as the pro model, once users are comfortable with AI living on their face. Until then, Jinju is the Trojan horse.

Meta has the lead in numbers, Apple is circling, but Samsungโ€™s ecosystem play, especially with Gemini baked in, gives it a real shot at closing the gap. In this market, being right isnโ€™t enough; you also have to not be late.

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MediaTek announces Dimensity 7450 and 7450X with minor connectivity upgrades

MediaTek introduced direct successors to last year's Dimensity 7400 and 7400X chipsets. These do not offer a generational upgrade but a refresh. Even their names imply this strongly - Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X. There's no CPU upgrade as both chipsets employ the same octa-core setup that consists of 4x Cortex-A78 cores ticking at 2.6 GHz and 4x Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz. The GPU is also still Mali-G615 MC2. MediaTek highlights an improvement in AI power. It's up by 7%, and the company says it's particularly noticeable in photography-related AI...

Samsung Members and Digital Wellbeing adopt One UI 8.5 design

Ahead of One UI 8.5 rollout, Samsung is bringing the design tweaks to the Members and Digital Wellbeing apps. The company is rolling out new updates to the two apps so they match the appearance of the upcoming upgrade.

Samsung Members and Digital Wellbeing adopted One UI 8.5 design. The experience has also been streamlined to elevate the UX. Rolling out sequentially, the updates are available for download on Galaxy Store and Play Store.

The Members app has replaced the header and navigation bar with new iterations. The hamburger menu has turned floating menu with bottom elements. You can see the Ambient Design language, offering extended screen estate.

Samsung Members One UI 8.5 Design

Source โ€“ Alfaturk

Coming to the Digital Wellbeing. Similar to other Samsung apps, this core application has been optimized with newer design components. The header carries floating buttons that occupy less space for max visibility.

UI tweaks have been made across various pages and menus.

Digital Wellbeing One UI 8.5 Design

Source โ€“ Aptivi

Over the past couple of months, Samsung has updated various apps with a newer design language. Members and Digital Wellbeing are the latest to receive visible improvements right before the full rollout of One UI 8.5 kicks off.

Galaxy S25 users in Korea may begin to receive One UI 8.5 on April 30. Following the initial rollout, Global users may join the party on May 4. Meanwhile, the availability may vary depending on region, carrier, and variant.

Even though the Stable rollout is near, Beta Program may continue on older flagship and mid-range models. Samsung is actively working on Stable builds, too, which should be available in May 2026, for plenty of models.

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Final Fantasy XIV hits Switch 2 this August with a subscription bomb that fans may not appreciate

Square Enix announced at Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest 2026 that the MMORPG will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026 with Early Access, offering a new portable option alongside its existing PC, PlayStation, and Xbox versions. The move comes with a notable drawback: Switch 2 players must pay for the game and then maintain a separate monthly subscription on top of any existing FFXIV sub, though no Nintendo Switch Online membership is required and current owners elsewhere will get 50% off Switch 2 Entry/Standard subscription tiers.

Vivo X500 Pro Max may come with camera feature missing on X300 Ultra

The Vivo X300 Ultra is arguably the best camera-focused flagship in the X300 series. Now that the device has launched, itโ€™s time to take a closer look at its successors. Similar to Apple and Xiaomi, Vivo is expected to release an X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max alongside the standard X500. While some features may trickle down from the Vivo X300 Ultra, others will apparently remain exclusive to the Ultra tier. Furthermore, a leaker has hinted at entirely new developments.

Huawei Mate XT2 tipped to debut in October with these upgrades

New details about the true successor to Huaweiโ€™s Mate XT Ultimate Edition tri-fold smartphone have surfaced online. The device is said to be called the Mate XT2 and is expected to bring several upgrades over the Mate XT from 2024, as well as the more recently launched Mate XTs. According to a tipster on Weibo, Huawei is expected to unveil the Mate XT2 in October this year alongside the Mate 90 series. The device is said to be powered by the Kirin 9050 Pro chipset. For context, the Mate XTs featured the Kirin 9020, while the original Mate XT was equipped with the Kirin 9010. Huawei...

Kuo: OpenAI smartphone with custom chipset in the works

According to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, OpenAI is developing a smartphone that is set to bring true Agentic AI capabilities. The device will reportedly enter mass production in 2028 and will offer on-device AI abilities, while more demanding tasks will be sent to the cloud. According to Kuo, OpenAI is currently working with both MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop a custom chipset for its upcoming smartphone. The report also outlines Luxshare as the exclusive co-design and manufacturing partner for the device. OpenAI smartphone UI concept design (Credit: Ming-Chi...

Leaked One UI 8.5 changelog for Galaxy S23 Ultra shows upgrades and missing AI features

Leaked changelog reveals the Stable One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra focuses more on refinement than headline-grabbing additions. It brings a noticeable design refresh and a handful of practical upgrades across the system.

Samsung is leaning into a cleaner, more layered design with transparent blur effects and floating UI elements. It feels closer to a polish pass than a redesign, but the improved depth and readability make navigation smoother, via TarunVats.

Lock screen customization also gets better, with smarter wallpaper fitting, new clock styling options, and downloadable interactive wallpapers.

On the AI front, the Stable update expands existing capabilities rather than introducing the newest Galaxy AI tools. Photo Assist now supports continuous image generation without forcing users to save each version.

Bixby has also been improved to better understand natural language commands and provide quicker answers, along with an accessible conversation history panel.

Several newer AI features seen on the Galaxy S26 lineup are absent. Thereโ€™s no sign of Call Screening, Creative Studio, upgraded AI Audio Eraser, Notification Highlights, or Now Nudges in this build, suggesting Samsung is keeping those exclusive.

Camera changes are relatively minor, limited to a few new portrait filters. The Weather app adds precipitation graphs and a pollen index, while the Clock app introduces weather-based alarm backgrounds.

Hereโ€™s the complete One UI 8.5 update changelog

Visual design

Fresh new look

One UI seamlessly integrates into your daily routine by combining immersive visuals with meaningful personalization for a more refined and sophisticated design. Transparent blur effects add depth and make content easier to navigate, while floating elements react organically to your workflow for a more focused experience. Through familiar and intuitive data visualization, One UI delivers a design that feels both personal and relatable, helping you focus on what matters.

Galaxy AI

Continuous image generation

Keep creating without stopping. Photo Assist now lets you generate AI images using different features from the results screen without saving each iteration. When youโ€™re done, you can review all your creations in your history and pick your favorites.

Bixby

Smarter device control

Talk to Bixby in your own words. Bixby is now better at finding the setting or feature you need, even if you donโ€™t use exact commands or feature names. Just say what you need and let Bixby do the rest.

Ask anything, anytime

Whether you need a quick answer or detailed information, just ask Bixby for an instant response. Thereโ€™s no need to spend time on multiple searches or switching between apps.

Conversation history

Looking back at past conversations with Bixby is easier than ever. You can now access your conversation history from the side panel in the Bixby app.

Camera

New portrait filters

Three new filters are available to add vibrant film-like effects to your pictures.

Home and Lock screens

Automatic Lock screen layout

Wallpapers with pictures of people or pets now fit perfectly every time. When you choose a photo for your Lock screen, the photo will automatically be adjusted to best fit your clock and widget layout.

New downloadable wallpapers

Discover new wallpapers featuring interactive elements. Wallpapers are downloadable so they donโ€™t use up your storage space when not in use.

More customizable clock fonts

Personalize your Lock screen clock. You can now adjust the thickness of more font styles to match your preferred look.

Weather

Enhanced weather widget

Quickly check upcoming precipitation in the Weather widget on your Home screen. The widget now shows a graph if precipitation is expected in the next few hours.

Pollen index

Check how much pollen is in the air to help manage your allergies. You can check pollen levels for trees, grass, and ragweed.

Communication

Direct voicemail

Canโ€™t answer right now? Let callers record a voice message directly on your phone that you can listen to later. The message will appear on your screen as itโ€™s being recorded so you can answer at any time.

Clock

Weather alarm backgrounds

Wake up to an alarm that gets you ready for the dayโ€™s weather. Your alarm screen can now show the current weather conditions as a background when it rings.

Time zone converter

Compare time zones at a glance. The new slider in the Clock app makes it easy to check the time difference between places around the world.

Connectivity

Storage Share

Access your files anywhere. Files from your other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs are available in the My Files app on your phone. You can also access your phoneโ€™s files on other Samsung devices, even your TV.

Auto Hotspot

Share your phoneโ€™s internet connection more easily. You can now share your hotspot with your Samsung account family group, or create your own hotspot sharing group with anyone you choose.

Family device sharing

Easily connect and share files, screens, cameras, storage and more with your family. Family device sharing lets you use features like Quick Share, Camera Share, Storage Share, Auto Hotspot, and Multi control with Galaxy devices that belong to your family members.

Quickly connect to Smart View devices

Connect to your favorite display faster. You can now add a shortcut on your Home screen to instantly mirror your phoneโ€™s screen to a TV or other display device.

Enhanced Auracast features

Itโ€™s easier than ever to listen to and broadcast sound with Auracast. Options for both broadcasting and listening are now located in the Audio broadcast menu in Settings.

Voice broadcasts

Broadcast your voice to people around you with Auracast. In addition to media sound, you can now broadcast your voice using your phoneโ€™s built-in microphone.

Quick Share

Avoid unwanted sharing requests

You can now set Quick Share to only receive files from other devices signed in to your Samsung account or Google account.

Samsung Health

Enhanced weekly reports

See a fuller picture of your health each week. Weekly reports now include data from your medication tracker and mindfulness sessions.

Upgraded sharing experience

Share your workouts your way. Mix and match your exercise stats with photos from your workout to create the perfect social media post.

Start meditations from your watch

Find calm right from your wrist. You can now start favorite or recommended meditations directly on your Galaxy Watch without picking up your phone.

Antioxidant measurements from your watch

Check your antioxidant levels anytime. Measure directly from your Galaxy Watch, even if itโ€™s not connected to your phone. Works with Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Battery and power

Revamped battery info

See your battery use more clearly. The redesigned Battery settings screen makes it easier to check remaining time, charging status, and daily usage over the past week.

Improved Power saving

Use Power saving to make your battery last longer without charging. Choose Standard for moderate savings and customizable limits, or choose Maximum to turn off all non-essential features and make your battery last as long as possible.

Security and privacy

Privacy alerts

Stay informed about your privacy. Youโ€™ll now get alerts when an appโ€™s permissions could put your personal data at risk along with suggestions for what you can do about it.

Theft protection

Keep your phone and data safe in case it is lost or stolen. Turn on Failed authentication lock to automatically lock the screen in case there are too many failed attempts to verify your identity using your fingerprints, PIN, pattern, or password. Identity check also protects even more settings than before.

Turn off Auto Blocker temporarily

If you need to temporarily disable Auto Blockerโ€™s security protection, a new option lets you turn it on automatically 30 minutes later so you donโ€™t forget.

Check the security status of your devices

Keep all your devices protected. Knox Matrix now shows when any of the supported devices signed in to your Samsung account need a software update for the latest security protections.

Accessibility

Easily control Bluetooth hearing aids

Access settings for your Bluetooth hearing aids directly from the Accessibility shortcut. A pop-up will appear that lets you change your hearing program, turn Ambient sound on or off, and more.

Control magnification with mouse or keyboard

Keep what you need magnified in view with these new options. You can make the magnified area follow the cursor as you type or move when you change focus using the keyboard. When using a mouse, you can make the magnified area shift as you move the pointer to the edge of the screen.

Dwell action and Corner actions

The Auto action after pointer stops feature has been divided into two features. Dwell action lets you set custom actions when your mouse stops moving for a certain amount of time. Corner actions let you set a different action for each corner of the screen.

Even more improvements

More customizable quick panel
Arrange your quick settings just the way you like them. You can now add, remove, reorder, and reorganize controls in the quick panel.

Early alerts for reminders

Get alerts before reminders are due to make sure you donโ€™t forget important tasks. You can choose how far in advance to get an alert for each reminder.

Insert tables in Samsung Notes

Organize information in your notes with tables. You can adjust column widths, colors, and border designs while the auto calculation feature helps you stay productive and save time.

Redesigned New tab page

The page that appears when you open a new tab in Samsung Browser has been redesigned to help you quickly access the websites and features you need the most. The New tab page now shows the current security status as well as open tabs from Samsung Browser on other devices.

Partial screen recording

Include only what you need in your screen recordings. You can now select only the part of the screen that you want to record.

Calculator nudges

Save time on calculations. Numbers and formulas copied to your clipboard will be suggested when you open Calculator so you can enter them with a quick tap.

Keep window sizes in DeX

DeX now remembers your app window sizes and positions. When you open an app again, it appears just as you left it.

Triple Zero service enhancement

Software enhancement to provide an additional layer of connectivity to Triple Zero services during emergency service outages.

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Galaxy A36, A55 and A35 get One UI 8.5 Beta 2 with bug fixes and performance improvements

After the Galaxy S23 series, Samsung pushed the One UI 8.5 Beta 2 update to the Galaxy A36, Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35. The software is now available for Beta participants in India.

It is a cleanup-focused update, targeting a few noticeable annoyances from the first build. Users can identify the update via the PDA build version ZZDC/7/9, which also carries the latest April 2026 security patch.

The most important fix addresses Bluetooth behavior. Autoscan wasnโ€™t triggering properly when users entered the Bluetooth menu, which could make device discovery feel broken.

Performance tuning is also part of this build, as spotted byย Mohammed Khatri. Samsung has worked on reducing the lag when pulling down the Quick Panel, which should make everyday interactions feel smoother and more responsive.

On the UI side, thereโ€™s a fix for an issue where the message input field would overlap with the navigation bar. Itโ€™s a small bug, but one that directly impacts usability while typing.

Lastly, Samsung has patched System UI ANR (probably App Not Responding) issues that appeared after FOTA (firmware over-the-air) updates. This should improve overall stability and reduce random freezes tied to system processes.

Overall, Beta 2 doesnโ€™t bring new features, but it tightens up performance and fixes some rough edges from the initial release.

One UI 8.5 Beta 2 changelog for Galaxy A36, A55 and A35

  • Fixed an issue that Bluetooth Autoscan did not work when entering Bluetooth
  • Improved the Sluggish/Delay when lowering the Quick Panel
  • Fixed an issue that overlaps the message input window with the navigation bar
  • Fixed System UI ANR issues after FOTA

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One UI 8.5 Beta flags touch delay issue on Galaxy S25

Samsung is days away from pushing the stable One UI 8.5 build, but the latest Beta is still flagging optimization and touch delay issues on the Galaxy S25 series.

While testing Beta 10 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I ran into a system-level warning that should not be showing up this late in the cycle. A pop-up appeared stating that โ€œOne UI Home isnโ€™t optimized for the latest version of Android.โ€

What followed was more concerning.

Touch input started lagging, not outright freezing, but delayed enough to break interaction flow, with some taps not registering at all.

The issue became more obvious when using the search. Triggering it caused a full launcher crash; the UI didnโ€™t reboot cleanly either.

Instead, the system entered a half-responsive state. The Quick Panel could still be pulled down, which suggests the system UI thread was alive, but actions inside it were dead. Tapping โ€œStart Recordingโ€ or similar toggles did nothing.

Samsung One UI Home Bug One UI 8.5 Beta

There is a workaround, and itโ€™s oddly manual, via MojoTrick. Repeatedly swiping back to the home screen eventually restores responsiveness. That lines up with a temporary blockage in the launcher or UI rendering pipeline.

This bug sits in an uncomfortable spot. The fact that itโ€™s tied to One UI Home optimization suggests something isnโ€™t fully aligned between One UI 8.5 and the underlying Android build.

With the stable rollout expected this Thursday, the question is simple: Does Samsung already have a patched build ready, or is this slipping into release firmware unnoticed?

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Leaving Apple MacBook Pro for Framework Laptop 13 Pro: Over 1/3rd of Laptop 13 Pro buyers are reportedly ex-MacBook Pro

Framework recently revealed the Framework Laptop 13 Pro with a new chassis, Intel Panther Lake processors, PCIe Gen 5 storage, and a 74 Wh battery. The company is marketing the Laptop 13 Pro as an Apple MacBook Pro alternative. It appears that the Framework Laptop 13 Pro is indeed attracting MacBook Pro users.

vivo Y500s unveiled with 7,200mAh battery, Y600 Pro teased with a 10,200mAh battery

A week ago, vivo unveiled the Y6t โ€“ a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 powered phone with a 6.74โ€ 720p+ display, a 6,500mAh battery and a low price tag of CNY 1,400 ($205) for a base 6/128GB unit. Now the company is introducing a second take at the same formula thatโ€™s an even better deal โ€“ and it is teasing the vivo Y600 Pro. But firstโ€ฆ The vivo Y500s boasts a larger 7,200mAh battery, a single cell with 28.23Wh typical capacity. It supports 44W Flash charging (11V at 4A) over USB-C. With a full charge, you can binge watch TV shows for just short of 24 hours or you can use navigation for 15.5 hours. Even...

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Wide, and Z Flip8 dummy units surface

Samsung is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 later this year. A third foldable with a wider aspect ratio, possibly called the Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide or simply Z Fold Wide, is also rumored to launch alongside them. Alleged dummy units of the devices have now surfaced online. Well-known leaker Sonny Dickson has shared images of dummy units of the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide on X. The images highlight the design differences between Samsungโ€™s upcoming foldables and also show the devices in both folded and unfolded states. The...

Foldable iPhone Ultra confidential docs leak: 9.4mm design, Android-style selfie cameras, color options

Update | (Update: 9.4mm, not 9.23mm) Leaked schematics from a case manufacturer detail the possible dimensions of the upcoming iPhone Fold. The leak suggests a folded thickness of 9.4mm - notably thinner than previous 11mm rumors. The drawings outline a 167.59mm x 120.59mm footprint, a rather prominent camera bump, and Touch ID on the side.

Samsung offers Spotify Premium freebie in select American countries

Samsung is sweetening the deal on its mid-range phones in South America, quietly rolling out a Spotify Premium bundle for buyers of select Galaxy A series devices in the region.

Spotify Premium is being offered to Samsung Galaxy buyers across countries in South America, reportsย ETNews. Itโ€™s a smart play, and it tells you a lot about how nervous Samsung actually is.

Buyers of the Galaxy A57, A37, A17, and A07 pick up three months of Spotify Premium at no cost. Existing subscribers arenโ€™t left out either; they can snag up to two bonus months depending on conditions.

Benefits of Spotify Premium include ad-free streaming, offline downloads, and curated recommendations. Samsung fans buying Galaxy A phones are getting free access, and it should be available globally.

Latin America shipped 140.5 million phones last year, and Samsung held the top spot with 46.9 million units. Omdia reported that the Korean companyโ€™s shipments were carried largely by a 32% surge in entry-level A0x and A1x models.

South Americans consume content, including music, video, and social media, eagerly. Attaching a streaming benefit to a phone purchase isnโ€™t random. Itโ€™s targeted at a behavior that already exists, just redirected toward the Galaxy ecosystem.

Rising memory costs are squeezing manufacturers across the board this year, and inventory strategies in the region are tightening. Bundling Spotify is the move you make when a race to the bottom stops being an option.

Samsung Spotify

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Samsung had a way to shrink the S26 Ultra selfie cutout, Galaxy S27 Ultra may use it

Selfie camera cutout is a major thing remaining to be innovated on mobile displays, and it looks like Samsung is already on it. It seems Samsung had a way to reduce the Galaxy S26 Ultra selfie camera cutout, but S27 Ultra may adopt it.

Galaxy S26 Ultra was introduced in February 2026, and in particular, it brings a bigger selfie camera hole over its predecessor. The shift results in a wider field of view on the front camera to improve group selfies.

Samsung seems to have had a new technology to shrink the selfie camera cutout, which was skipped on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, reportedly debuting with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and potentially expanding to the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Recently, tipster IceUniverse revealed that Samsung could use a new technology in the Galaxy Z Fold 8โ€™s cover screen. The new solution significantly reduces the diameter of the hole of the front camera on the display.

With under-display camera tech, which isnโ€™t favorable for premium phones, itโ€™s great to see the hole is getting smaller. Galaxy Z Fold 8 may bring the innovation, which could potentially head to the S27 Ultra next year.

Ice Universe today posted a handful of images of the Galaxy S26 Ultra with its actual selfie camera cutout (4.0mm) and how it could have looked if the Fold 8โ€™s tech (2.5mm) was adopted in it. The difference is big; big enough to flip the script.

That said, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may bring a preview of the Galaxy S27 Ultraโ€™s possible selfie camera hole. The Unpacked is likely to take place in late July in London, while the Galaxy S event may take place early next year.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Hole

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Xiaomi 17T spotted on Geekbench ahead of rumored May launch

The Xiaomi 17T could debut as early as next month, according to a recent rumor. While several details about the device have already surfaced in recent weeks, it has now appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. A Xiaomi phone with the model number 2602DPT53G, which is said to be the Xiaomi 17T, has been listed on the Geekbench AI website. Xiaomi 15T According to the listing, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 chipset, in line with an earlier leak. It is shown running Android 16 and equipped with 12GB of RAM. In Geekbench AI tests, the device scored 1,017...

vivo X500 Pro Max key specifications tipped

vivo is reportedly working on the successor to its X300 series, with a launch expected later this year. A new leak has now revealed more details about the upcoming X500 lineup. According to a tipster, the vivo X500 series could include a Pro Max variant this time. The lineup is said to feature models with 6.4-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes. vivo X300 Pro The Pro Max model is tipped to sport a 50MP primary camera using a LOFIC sensor, alongside a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. It is also expected to include a multispectral sensor. A separate leak from last week hinted at...

Galaxy S23 familyโ€™s One UI 8.5 Beta 2 fixes a green line problem

Samsungโ€™s One UI 8.5 Beta 2 update has started rolling out to the Galaxy S23 series. The latest software update carries the PDA version ZZDP, which brings fixes for key issues linked to the display, calling, camera, and more.

The update improves call reliability, addressing cases where the screen would turn black or respond late when receiving a call. It also fixes problems with the proximity sensor during calls, which could behave inconsistently.

Camera stability gets a boost too, with a fix for green line issues that appeared while recording 4K HDR videos in some apps. Samsung has now addressed it, so video recording should be cleaner.

One of the notable fixes targets the โ€œgreen lineโ€ problem, but this isnโ€™t the display defect some users worry about. Instead, it was a camera-related glitch that could show green lines while recording 4K HDR videos in certain apps.

On top of that, Samsung has improved Bluetooth stability to prevent crashes. The update also resolves a multi-touch issue that could occur when certain accessibility settings were enabled, making overall touch response reliable.

One thing that caught my attention is the continuity of security patch. Samsung should have included the May 2026 security patch. Instead, the second Beta retains the current security patch dated April 5, 2026.

Get the latest Beta update through Settings > Software update > Download and install.

Earlier, Samsung started the One UI 8.5 Beta Program and delivered the first Beta. The opportunity opens access to the upcoming software. Beta is limited to select markets, and Stable rollout may start by the end of next month.

Samsung Galaxy S23 One UI 8.5 Beta

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Samsung expands OpenAI partnership for ChatGPT Edu

Samsung SDS quietly expanded its OpenAI partnership this week, locking in reseller rights for ChatGPT Edu and targeting educational institutions across Korea.

According toย SBSBiz, Samsung is already running a proof of concept with the Korea National Open University, which has roughly 90,000 students, faculty, and staff.

Real numbers, real stakes; if that deployment goes live, it signals Samsung SDS has stopped treating education as a secondary market and started treating it as a priority.

ChatGPT Edu

ChatGPT Edu is a version of ChatGPT built specifically for universities and research organizations. Conversations donโ€™t feed back into OpenAIโ€™s training data.

That matters enormously when you are talking about student records, unpublished research, and faculty work. Arizona State, Cal State, and Harvard are already running it globally, with Korea catching up fast.

Samsung SDS is bringing its one-team model to these deployments, folding AI consulting, development, cloud infrastructure, and security into a single framework.

Additionally, LG CNS signed a similar reseller deal and is already running seminars at major Seoul-area universities. It operates through something called the OpenAI Launch Center.

Samsung SDS and LG CNS are racing to own the institutional AI stack. The security angle is the real battleground. Schools wonโ€™t touch AI tools that compromise student data, and both sides know it.

Samsung SDS head of strategic marketing Lee Jung-heon said the goal goes beyond reselling, pointing toward full deployment and operational support.

ChatGPT Edu

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AI-first phones may be next; OpenAI seems to be considering one

The Galaxy S24 series was introduced at AI Phone, with Samsung continuing its efforts on each iteration. Meanwhile, OpenAI could be considering entering the market with AI-first phones if plans make strategic sense.

The current smartphone model is built around apps, but that abstraction is starting to break. What users actually want is task completion, not app navigation. That shift is where OpenAIโ€™s โ€œAI agentโ€ concept fits in.

Instead of hopping between services, an agent-centric interface collapses intent, execution, and response into a single layer. It changes how silicon is designed, how operating systems behave, and how data flows between device and cloud.

OpenAIโ€™s reported partnership with MediaTek and Qualcomm signals a deliberate move into silicon co-development. Luxshare sits in a critical position as the exclusive system co-design and manufacturing partner.

The 2028 mass production target aligns with a typical custom silicon cycle. Specifications are expected to be locked by late 2026 or early 2027, as reported by MingChiKuo.

Key design priorities are already clear:

  • Continuous context awareness, which demands ultra-efficient low-power compute blocks
  • Memory hierarchy optimization, since AI agents rely heavily on fast data access rather than raw peak performance
  • Hybrid execution, where smaller models run locally and larger inference workloads are offloaded to the cloud

OpenAI AI first phones

The so-called Zebrafish comparison is tied to Googleโ€™s TPU collaboration with MediaTek. In simple terms, a single advanced AI chip program can generate revenue equivalent to tens of millions of smartphone processors.

The next smartphone battleground may not be cameras or displays. It will be the one who owns the primary interface between user intent and execution.

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Galaxy Z Fold 8, Wide and Flip 8 appear in realistic dummy images

Samsungโ€™s next-gen foldables have already been revealed in CAD renders. Taking early looks to the next level, early dummy units made of aluminum give us a clearer look at the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

The eighth-generation Samsung foldables will be unveiled this July. The company is adding a new form factor to the portfolio, rather than bringing a sequel to the Fan Edition flip phone.

Leakerย SonnyDickson posted pictures of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Wide, and Z Flip 8 aluminum dummy units on X. The images give us an idea of how the actual phones would look and appear in the real-world experience.

What we see from leaked dummies

Samsungโ€™s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 continue the legacy design language. The biggest shift you see in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, the additional model, which seems to be a replica of Googleโ€™s first Pixel Fold.

The Fold model is tall when folded, and the cover screen tries to act like a slab phone. The Flip version keeps its roots of portability, featuring a full-view cover screen and a slab phone experience when unfolded.

The Wide Fold looks like a passport when folded. Unlike the Galaxy Folds, itโ€™s smaller in height and wider in width. Unfolding the device turns it into a mini tablet, with a screen ratio favorable for browsing and entertainment.

Following the aluminum dummy units, we may soon see more mature dummies in the near future.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, Fold 8 and Fold 8 Wide Dummy

Samsung is expected to hold the Unpacked event on July 22 in London. The next-generation foldable phones will be introduced along with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 as well as the Android 17-based One UI 9.

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Samsungโ€™s Ocean Mode camera gains global recognition

Samsung โ€œCoral in Focusโ€ campaign, built around Ocean Mode, the underwater imaging feature baked into newer Galaxy phones, has picked up a stack of Global industry recognition.

The biggest gets: Gold in the โ€œBest Sustainability or Conservation Initiativeโ€ category at Engage for Goodโ€™s 2026 Halo Awards, a Coastal and Island Culture Award at the 23rd International Ocean Film Festival for the companion documentary, and a spot on Fast Companyโ€™s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list.

Samsung, nonprofit Seatrees, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have spent real time doing actual field work.

Partners and local communities across Costa Rica, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia, and the United States have been handed Ocean Mode-equipped Galaxy devices and underwater housings.

They use them to capture high-resolution underwater imagery, which then feeds into 3D photogrammetric reef models. Practical. Scalable. Cheaper than dragging DSLR rigs into the ocean.

Samsung, Seatrees, and Scripps have driven meaningful impact across restoration sites. Over 20,000 coral fragments have been planted to date, and over 80 3D reef models have been built to support monitoring and research efforts.

Ocean Mode is now available through Expert RAW, opening the feature to a wider Galaxy user base. Expensive diving equipment has historically kept serious reef documentation locked behind institutional budgets.

Samsung Ocean Mode

Samsung has framed all of this under its broader โ€œOur Journey: Galaxy for the Planetโ€ sustainability push, which also covers recycled materials in device manufacturing.

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Samsung Wallet Trips feature launched as your travel assistant

Samsung has launched Trips, a new travel assistant feature for the Samsung Wallet app that lets Galaxy device users bring their travel experience in one place. The feature aims to provide a seamless flow of information without opening separate apps, improving the journey.

For example, travel plans are often scattered through apps and messages, which might be tricky to manage, and going back and forth could create an unavoidable friction.

With the trips feature, users need to add their items to the Samsung Wallet, and it will group the details together based on time and location, and help the user to keep all itineraries in one place, derived from different sources.

Users have full control over the range of travel, including hotel bookings, flight itineraries, rental cars, and exxcurions, ticket booking for buses, trains, theme parks, and sports events. Furthermore, Trips let you add itinerary items and memos for saved items to capture key reminders, plans, and notes throughout the journey. Samsung has confirmed that more improvements to the Trips feature will come in the near future.

On the bright side, the Trips feature is secured by Samsung Knox, which protects data through encryption and biometric authentication.

Samsung Wallet Trips feature

Adding the Trips feature to Samsung Wallet improves its one-stop platform capabilities, which begin with payments and now expand to managing boarding passes and travel experiences.

The trips feature will be available for Galaxy smartphone users starting this month in Korea, the US, and the UK. Users are required to download the following or higher Samsung wallet versions in these countries.

  • Korea โ€“ 5.9.32
  • U.S. โ€“ 6.4.97
  • UK โ€“ 6.4.98

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vivo X300 Ultra (global) unboxing

Hey guys! We've already done an unboxing of the vivo X300 Ultra, but that was the Chinese model. Today, we've also got the global variant of the phone, so let's unbox it as well. The retail package is the same - you've got a color-matching case (black, in this case), a 100W charger, and a USB-C cable. Unboxing the phone Our Global unit is the black one; it's understandably identical to the Chinese model, which is the Silver one. They even have the same 6,600mAh battery, so no milliamp deduction for European users in this case, it seems. The rest of the specs are...

Stable One UI 8.5 releasing this week

Samsung is all set to deploy the stable One UI 8.5 software update as soon as this week. Based on leaks, the company is poised to release this firmware update to all Galaxy S25 series users starting April 30.

The program kicked off in early December and has seen 10 beta releases so far. Making it the most criticised software testing campaign Samsung has ever launched. The most recent software has brought new AI features and bug fixes.

On its way to the final release, the phone maker also added previous models to the test pool. That includes Galaxy S24 series, Fold/Flip 6, flagship tablets, and mid-range devices.

Besides, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 are the first to start the programโ€™s expansion. So, these two foldables are likely to get the stable update alongside the Galaxy S25 series. However, weโ€™ll have to wait for the actual release because itโ€™s Samsung that weโ€™re talking about.

One UI 8.5 brings UI upgrades for the lock screen and new AI features such as real-time background noise removal for third-party apps. It also smoothens animations and app transitions. This update will bring three new camera filters and Quick Share to AirDrop file transfer capability. Some apps are also redesigned for a better user experience.

Samsung is testing the firmware for many devices, but the initial rollout will be limited. That said, the first update will be available for users in Korea, and expansion will follow in the coming days and weeks for all users. We may soon see a roadmap for different countries once the stable update hits eligible devices.

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Top 10 trending phones of week 17

The Samsung Galaxy A57's streak as the most popular phone in our database finally ended this week. Honor's new 600 Pro took advantage of its global launch to shoot to the top after just missing out last time around. The bronze medal went to one of the strongest contenders for cameraphone of the year - the Oppo Find X9 Ultra. [#InlinePriceWidget, 14379, 1#] Another Ultra is in fourth - the Galaxy S26 flagship having to settle for the first spot below the podium this time, followed by the Motorola Edge 70 Pro in fifth. The Poco X8 Pro Max slid to sixth, ahead of the Apple iPhone...

Samsung Wallet's new Trips feature shows your travel timeline

Samsung has announced a new feature for Samsung Wallet today. It's called Trips and it "consolidates travel plans", "offering a single access point for all travel details - eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps and confirmations", according to the Korean company. The new section comes with a Trip timeline, which brings all travel-related plans together in a single view, "adding structure to busy itineraries and providing a smoother journey from start to finish". When you add eligible items to Samsung Wallet, Trips will group them together based on time and location. Trips...

Google is rolling out a fully customizable Multiview in YouTube TV and testing new YouTube Live ads

Letโ€™s start with YouTube TV first โ€“ the companyโ€™s live broadcast TV offering exclusive to the US. Users might know that the platform already has a Multiview feature that allows viewing two, three or even four channels all at once. Why? Well, besides brain-rot optimization, there are actually some practical use cases, like during a busy sports season when you want to keep an eye on multiple matches at once. Google knew that was the typical case and originally rolled out Multiview through โ€œsuggestedโ€ Multiview setups that the platform curated automatically for the user. Those are still...

Samsung's domestic chip manufacturing gets disrupted briefly by a labor protest

We still don't know much about how the situation was handled or whether or not it was even amicably resolved, but Reuters reports that on April 23 and April 24, during the night shift from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., many workers in the Samsung factory complex in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, skipped work in order to protest. For reference, like pretty much every foundry out there, this facility works 24/7 on three shifts. Details, as we said, are scarce, but according to the workers' union, the attending workers demanded higher wages. While we don't know whether those demands were met or...

Xiaomi 17T launch imminent as Geekbench listing with key details emerge

Xiaomi 17 in Pine Green

A couple of weeks ago, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra as its premium flagship phones for the global market. Now, the brand appears to be gearing up for the launch of its sub-flagship Xiaomi 17T series. Reports have revealed that the lineup may include two models, namely the Xiaomi 17T and Xiaomi 17T Pro. It seems that the launch could be fast approaching, as the standard model has appeared on Geekbench AI, revealing its key specifications.

Xiaomi 17T Geekbench AI listing

Xiaomi 17T series is launching early globally this year.

The Xiaomi 17 (2602DPT53G) global variant will feature MediaTekโ€™s Dimensity 8500 chipset.

Specifications:
โฌ› Dimensity 8500 SoC
โ€ข 1 core @ 3.40 GHz
โ€ข 3 cores @ 3.20 GHz
โ€ข 4 cores @ 2.20 GHz

๐ŸŽฎ Mali-G720 MC8 GPU
โ€ขโ€ฆ pic.twitter.com/NzlpNJpJjx

โ€” Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekhd) April 26, 2026

As seen above, a Xiaomi device bearing the model number 2602DPT53G has appeared in Geekbench AIโ€™s database. Multiple certification listings have revealed that this device will carry the Xiaomi 17T branding when it arrives on the market.

The Geekbench listing reveals that the Xiaomi 17T is powered by a MediaTek chip featuring a prime core clocked at 3.40GHz, three performance cores operating at 3.20GHz, and four efficiency cores running at 2.20GHz. For graphics, the chip is equipped with a Mali-G720 MC8 GPU.

These details are enough to suggest that the Xiaomi 17T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 chipset. The device features 12GB of RAM and is listed with Android 16, which will most likely have the HyperOS 3 skin on top.

Previous reports have revealed that the Xiaomi 17T will feature a 6.59-inch flat OLED panel offering a 1.5K resolution. While its exact battery size is not yet known, it is expected to be around 7,000mAh with 67W charging. The Xiaomi 17T Pro, on the other hand, is expected to feature a larger display and pack the more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset.

For selfies, both phones may feature a 32-megapixel front camera. On the back, both devices are expected to offer a 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 50-megapixel triple-camera setup, although the primary and telephoto sensors are likely to differ. The Pro model is also expected to feature a periscope telephoto camera, whereas the standard variant may include a regular telephoto sensor.

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OPPO Find X9s Pro vs iPhone 17: Camera, Battery, Performanceโ€”Full Breakdown

Oppo vs Apple

Two very different flagship philosophies collide here, one chasing cutting-edge hardware and aggressive specs, the other refining a tightly controlled ecosystem with consistent performance. The OPPO Find X9s Pro brings massive battery life, ultra-fast charging, and a camera setup that pushes numbers to the extreme, while the iPhone 17 focuses on efficiency, software polish, and long-term reliability. This comparison matters for buyers deciding between raw power and refined experience, where the real winner depends on how those priorities translate into everyday use.

Major Features:

FeatureOPPO Find X9s ProiPhone 17Winner
Display TypeLTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 1B colorsLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120HzOPPO โ€“ Higher 144Hz refresh rate
Peak Brightness1800 nits3000 nitsiPhone โ€“ Much higher peak brightness
Resolution & PPI1216 ร— 2640 (~460 ppi)1206 ร— 2622 (~460 ppi)Tie โ€“ Nearly identical sharpness
ChipsetDimensity 9500 (3nm)Apple A19 (3nm)Tie โ€“ Same 3nm class (no direct data edge)
RAM Options12GB / 16GB8GBOPPO โ€“ Higher RAM options
StorageUp to 1TB (UFS 4.1)Up to 512GB (NVMe)OPPO โ€“ Higher max storage
Main Camera200MP + 200MP + 50MP48MP + 48MPOPPO โ€“ Higher resolution + triple setup
Video RecordingUp to 8KUp to 4K Dolby VisionOPPO โ€“ 8K support
Selfie Camera32MP18MPOPPO โ€“ Higher resolution
Battery7025 mAh3692 mAhOPPO โ€“ Much larger battery
Charging (Wired)80WPD (50% in 20 min)OPPO โ€“ Faster wattage
Wireless Charging50W25W MagSafe/Qi2OPPO โ€“ Faster wireless
Build & ProtectionIP66/IP68/IP69IP68OPPO โ€“ More protection ratings
BiometricsUltrasonic FingerprintFace IDTie โ€“ Different approaches
Bluetooth6.16.0OPPO โ€“ Newer version
Special FeaturesIR BlasterUWB, Satellite SOSiPhone โ€“ More advanced ecosystem features
Price (Approx)$870 / โ‚น73,000$800 / โ‚น83,000OPPO โ€“ Cheaper in India
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The OPPO Find X9s Pro leans toward a durable, feature-packed design with strong ingress protection and practical additions like an infrared port and ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. It feels engineered for versatility and daily resilience. The iPhone 17, on the other hand, focuses on refined simplicity with its Ceramic Shield 2 and aluminum frame, paired with Face ID and a polished ecosystem approach. The iPhoneโ€™s build feels more premium in hand, while the OPPO prioritizes utility and toughness, which may appeal more to power users.

Display Quality

OPPO pushes ahead with a 144Hz LTPO AMOLED panel, delivering ultra-smooth scrolling and vibrant color output. It feels more fluid, especially in gaming and fast interactions. The iPhone 17 counters with a highly optimized 120Hz Super Retina XDR display, brighter peak levels, and Dolby Vision support. While OPPO offers higher refresh rates, Appleโ€™s tuning often results in more consistent color accuracy and better HDR playback.

Verdict

OPPO wins on raw display specs and smoothness, but the iPhone offers a more balanced, premium viewing experience overall.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The OPPO Find X9s Pro is powered by the Dimensity 9500, delivering flagship-grade performance with a focus on sustained power and multitasking. Combined with higher RAM options, it feels built for heavy users and long gaming sessions. The iPhone 17โ€™s A19 chip, however, continues Appleโ€™s trend of leading in single-core performance and efficiency. Day-to-day operations feel faster and more refined, with apps opening instantly and animations remaining consistent. The iPhone still holds a slight edge in real-world fluidity, even if OPPO appears stronger on paper.

Battery and Charging

This is where OPPO clearly dominates. The large battery paired with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging makes it extremely convenient, especially for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The iPhone 17 offers decent endurance with optimized power usage, but its charging speeds feel conservative in comparison. OPPOโ€™s setup feels more future-ready.

Verdict

OPPO leads in battery and charging, while the iPhone maintains a slight edge in performance efficiency and overall smoothness.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The OPPO Find X9s Pro goes all-in with a triple-camera setup, including dual 200MP sensors and Hasselblad tuning. It offers versatility with telephoto zoom and ultrawide flexibility, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. The iPhone 17 keeps things simpler with a dual 48MP system, focusing on consistency, color science, and video excellence. While OPPO delivers more hardware power and zoom capability, Appleโ€™s processing often produces more reliable and natural results across different conditions.

Selfie Camera

OPPO features a 32MP front camera capable of sharp and detailed selfies, appealing to users who prioritize resolution. The iPhone 17โ€™s 18MP camera, paired with depth sensing and advanced video features, leans toward accuracy and features like spatial audio and Face ID integration. Appleโ€™s front camera feels more polished for video and social use.

Verdict

OPPO offers more versatility and raw capability, but the iPhone remains more consistent, especially in video and processing.

Pricing

OPPO Find X9s Pro is priced at around $870 (โ‚น73,000), while the iPhone 17 comes in at approximately $800 (โ‚น83,000). Despite being cheaper globally, the iPhone ends up costing more in India, which shifts the value equation significantly depending on the region.

Is the Price Justified?

OPPO delivers strong hardware value with its massive battery, faster charging, and advanced camera setup, making it feel like a spec-heavy flagship at a competitive price. The iPhone 17 justifies its pricing through long-term software support, ecosystem integration, and consistent performance. It may not look aggressive on paper, but it often delivers a more refined long-term experience.

Verdict

OPPO offers better hardware value for money, while the iPhone justifies its price through longevity and ecosystem advantages.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

OPPO Find X9s Pro stands out with its massive battery, ultra-fast charging, high-refresh-rate display, and versatile camera system with Hasselblad tuning. It clearly targets power users who want cutting-edge specs and flexibility. iPhone 17, meanwhile, focuses on seamless integration, efficient performance, and premium software optimization. Features like Face ID, satellite connectivity, and Appleโ€™s ecosystem give it a distinct advantage in usability and long-term reliability.

Verdict

OPPO Find X9s Pro feels like the better choice for users who prioritize specs, battery life, and camera versatility. iPhone 17 is better suited for those who value consistency, ecosystem, and a refined everyday experience. The final choice depends on whether raw power or polished integration matters more.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

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Best Phones with the Fastest Processors in 2026

Vivo X300 Ultra - Victory Green

As April 2026 comes to a close, the market has seen an influx of high-performance smartphones featuring the latest chipsets. Currently, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 lead Qualcommโ€™s lineup, while MediaTekโ€™s Dimensity 9500 stands as a formidable rival. This year has already delivered several flagship devices that redefine mobile speed and efficiency. Below is a breakdown of the top phones released so far in 2026 that feature these record-breaking processors.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the benchmark for Android performance, featuring the specialized Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Launched in February 2026 at $1,299, this chipset features a custom Oryon CPU architecture with clock speeds reaching 4.6GHz.

The device is designed to handle intensive multitasking and complex AI routines without breaking a sweat. With 12GB of high-speed RAM and an advanced vapor chamber cooling system, it ensures sustained peak performance during extended use.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra

Oppo Find X9 Ultra
Oppo Find X9 Ultra

Released this month in Malaysia for MYR 6,799 (~$1,715), the Find X9 Ultra is Oppoโ€™s first Ultra-branded powerhouse for the global market, balancing processing speed with professional imaging. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is necessary to drive its dual 200-megapixel camera sensors and real-time image processing.

The inclusion of a 7,050mAh battery ensures that the high-power chipset can run at maximum capacity throughout the day. It is an ideal choice for creators who need desktop-class performance in a mobile form factor.

Vivo X300 Ultra

Vivo X300 Ultra - Victory Green
Vivo X300 Ultra โ€“ Victory Green

Expected to be priced at around $2,000, the X300 Ultra, Vivoโ€™s first Ultra-branded phone to launch outside of China, will soon be available globally. This flagship is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and features specialized Zeiss co-engineered hardware, including a dual 200-megapixel camera system, that utilizes the chipโ€™s neural engine for advanced computational photography.

With its 2K LTPO AMOLED display and 100W fast charging, the device is built for speed in both operation and recovery. It stands as one of the most complete premium packages for enthusiasts who demand the fastest possible internal components.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Xiaomi 17 Ultra

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a performance juggernaut that utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 to its fullest potential. Retailing for about $1,100, it features a comprehensive 50-megapixel quad-camera system that requires immense processing power for real-time 8K recording.

The phone is equipped with a 6,000 mAh battery and supports 90W wired charging to ensure the high-performance chipset stays powered. It comes with a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED panel offering a 2K reoslution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

iQOO 15 Ultra

iQOO 15 Ultra
iQOO 15 Ultra

The iQOO 15 Ultra debuted in February 2026 as the ultimate gaming flagship, starting at approximately $798. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and features the in-house Q3 esports chip for real-time 2K upscaling and 120fps frame interpolation.

To prevent thermal throttling, it features an Ice Dome cooling system with a 59-blade active fan. With pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers and a 7,400 mAh battery, it is specifically built for gamers who demand sustained, top-tier performance during competitive play.

Motorola Signature

Motorola Signature
Motorola Signature

Motorola introduced the Motorola Signature in January 2026 as its most refined performance offering yet, starting at $999. It features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and focuses on a clean, near-stock Android experience that allows the hardware to reach its full potential without software bloat.

The device is impressively thin at 6.99mm, yet it manages the heat generated by its 3.8GHz processor through a sophisticated internal thermal spreader. It is a sophisticated option for professionals who require top-tier speed in a luxury chassis.

Redmi K90 Max

Redmi K90 Max Launch Specs Price
Redmi K90 Max

The Redmi K90 Max is a unique entry launched in China this April for approximately $485, featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 9500. This chip features an all-big-core design that rivals the top Snapdragon offerings in raw CPU throughput.

To maintain its speeds, the phone includes a built-in active cooling fan, a rarity in modern smartphones. While currently limited to the Chinese market, its combination of a 50-megapixel main camera and an 8,550mAh battery makes it one of the most powerful and longest-lasting phones ever produced.

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Best Motorola Phones in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget

Motorola-Edge-70-Pro

Motorola has officially hit its stride in 2026, delivering a smartphone lineup that perfectly balances premium features, clean software, and unbeatable value. Whether you are looking for a cutting-edge foldable, a stylus-equipped productivity machine, or a budget phone that refuses to die after a long day, Motorola has something tailored for you.

Our top pick for 2026 is the Motorola Edge 70 Pro. It offers a masterclass in flagship-killer design, boasting a massive 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery, blazing-fast 90W charging, and the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor, all wrapped in a stunning 6.8-inch 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED display.

But why does Motorola stand out in a crowded market? It comes down to their value proposition. Motorola consistently offers near-stock Android experiences (now enhanced with intuitive Moto AI features), industry-leading battery life, and military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H) across almost its entire 2026 lineup.

Here is our comprehensive guide to the best Motorola phones you can buy right now.

Best Overall: Motorola Edge 70 Pro

Motorola-Edge-70-Pro

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is the best overall device of Motorolaโ€™s 2026 lineup. It strikes the perfect balance between high-end performance and practical usability.

The phone runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor and offers up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. The 6.8-inch 1.5K 10-bit Extreme AMOLED display delivers an impressive 5200 nits of peak brightness with a 144Hz refresh rate. It also features a 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery that provides exceptional longevity, housed in a sleek 6.99mm frame with support for 90W TurboPower charging to ensure quick recharges.

The camera system includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA-710 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a multispectral sensor, and a 50MP front camera. Rugged features like IP68/IP69 water resistance and MIL-STD-810H drop protection ensure the device is built to last. Alongside hardware, Moto AI tools and Gemini Live integration enhance functionality and user experience.

It starts around $414 in India and is expected to roll out in other global markets soon.

Best Budget: Moto G Power (2026)

Moto G Power (2026)

If you want the best Motorola phone under $300, look no further than the Moto G Power (2026). Priced at just $299.99, it offers an incredible amount of smartphone for the money.

It features a large 6.8-inch FHD+ 120Hz LCD screen, a capable MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, and 8GB of RAM. Motorola didnโ€™t skimp on durability either; this budget champion features IP68/IP69 underwater protection, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and military-grade drop resistance.

It also features a solid 50MP main camera with OIS and premium touches like a vegan leather finish, all at a price that wonโ€™t break the bank.

Best Foldable: Motorola Razr 60 Ultra

Motorola-Razr-Ultra-2025

Although the Razr 70 Ultra is on the horizon, the Razr 60 Ultra remains the best foldable from Motorola available for now.

It features a massive 4-inch external pOLED LTPO display (1-165Hz) that lets you do almost everything without opening the phone. When you do flip it open, you are greeted by a 6.96-inch 1.5K display. Under the hood, it packs the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

The Razr 60 Ultra also offers a highly functional cover screen along with a dedicated AI Key, Look & Talk hands-free functionality, and dual 50MP cameras. It also features a sleek design that appeals to those seeking not just a phone, but a fashion statement.

Best Mid-Range: Moto G Stylus 5G (2026)

Moto G Stylus 5G 2026

For creative users and note-takers, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2026) is the ultimate mid-range device. Priced at $499.99, it bridges the gap between budget and premium.

The biggest upgrade this year is the built-in active stylus, which responds to tilt and pressure. It integrates flawlessly with Motoโ€™s new AI features, such as Sketch to Image (turning basic doodles into art) and a Handwriting Calculator.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and features a stunning 6.7-inch 1.5K pOLED display with up to 5000 nits of peak brightness. You also get premium features like 68W fast charging and a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C camera.

Best for Battery Life: Moto G Power (2026)

Moto G Power (2026)

While the Edge 70 Pro has a larger battery on paper, the Moto G Power (2026) earns the crown for pure endurance.

Pairing a 5200mAh battery with the highly power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and an LCD display, the G Power sips battery. For the average user, this is easily a two-day phone. When it does eventually die, the 30W fast charging gets you back up and running quickly. If battery anxiety is your main concern, the G Power line remains undefeated.

Quick Comparison: Top Motorola Phones of 2026

ModelBest ForProcessorDisplayBattery & ChargingPrice (Approx.)
Edge 70 ProBest OverallDimensity 8500 Extreme6.8-inch 1.5K AMOLED (144Hz)6500mAh / 90W Wired$414
Razr 60 UltraBest FoldableSnapdragon 8 Elite6.96-inch (Internal) / 4-inch (External)4700mAh / 68W Wired$799
G Stylus 5G (2026)Best Mid-RangeSnapdragon 6 Gen 36.7-inch 1.5K pOLED (120Hz)5200mAh / 68W Wired$499.99
G Power (2026)Best BudgetDimensity 63006.8-inch FHD+ LCD (120Hz)5200mAh / 30W Wired$299.99

Buying Guide

What is the top Motorola smartphone right now?

The top Motorola smartphone in 2026 is the Motorola Edge 70 Pro. It offers the best combination of performance (Dimensity 8500 Extreme), a massive 6500mAh battery, and premium camera hardware. If you prefer foldables, the Razr 60 Ultra is their top-tier flip phone.

What is the best budget Motorola phone?

The Moto G Power (2026) is the best budget option. At $299.99, it provides incredible value, featuring a 120Hz display, military-grade durability, and multi-day battery life.

Is Motorola better than Samsung?

It depends on what you value. Motorola generally offers better bang for your buck, especially in the budget and mid-range tiers. Motorola phones also feature a cleaner, near-stock Android experience (My UX / Hello UX) compared to Samsungโ€™s heavier One UI. However, Samsung often holds an edge in ultimate camera zoom capabilities on their highest-end Ultra models.

Are Motorola phones good today?

Absolutely. In 2026, Motorola has addressed past criticisms by standardizing high-end features across lower price points. Almost all their new phones feature IP68/IP69 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durability, massive batteries, and robust software update promises (up to 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates on the Edge line).

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

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Best Apple Watch Ultra 3 Alternatives

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains a pinnacle of wearable engineering, offering a brilliant 3,000-nit display and seamless integration for those already deep within the Apple ecosystem. Its refined safety features and precision dual-frequency GPS make it an exceptional companion for athletes and casual users alike. However, some users may find the restrictive nature of its proprietary operating system frustrating if they prefer the flexibility of Android.

Additionally, the recurring need for daily charging can be a significant drawback for explorers who spend multiple days away from a power source. For those seeking different aesthetics or specialized fitness metrics, several high-end competitors provide comparable or even superior performance.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 deal
Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) serves as the primary rival for those using the Android platform, specifically within the Galaxy ecosystem. This timepiece features a robust 47mm titanium frame that provides excellent durability against impacts and harsh weather conditions. It sports a vibrant 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display that remains legible under the brightest afternoon sun, ensuring that your real-time data is always visible during a workout. Priced at $649.99, it undercuts its main competitor while offering a comprehensive suite of Galaxy AI tools that analyze your energy levels and recovery patterns.

Connectivity is a core strength of this device, as it includes built-in LTE and advanced 5G capabilities for staying in touch without a smartphone. The internal health sensors provide deep insights into body composition, heart rate variability, and sleep apnea detection. A massive 590mAh battery powers the experience, providing longer runtimes than previous generations, even when utilizing the always-on display. The integration of a customizable Quick Button allows users to start workouts or trigger emergency sirens instantly, mimicking the tactile efficiency required by professional mountaineers and runners.

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro

For the serious endurance athlete, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is often considered the gold standard of wearable technology. This watch is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, with the larger model offering a 1.4-inch AMOLED display protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Garmin has priced this flagship between $1,199 and $1,299, depending on the specific configuration and materials chosen. One of its most distinct advantages is the inclusion of cellular and satellite connectivity, which enables off-the-grid messaging and SOS functions for adventurers who frequently travel beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.

The software experience on the Fenix 8 Pro is focused on deep physiological data and mapping. It provides specialized training readiness scores and real-time stamina tracking to help you pace yourself during long-distance events. Beyond the typical health sensors, this model features an integrated LED flashlight with adjustable intensities and a red light mode for preserving night vision. Its battery life is remarkably superior to many competitors, lasting up to 27 days in smartwatch mode for the 51mm version. This longevity makes it an ideal choice for multi-day trekking where charging is not an option.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2
Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 represents a fusion of luxury craftsmanship and extreme diving capabilities. Built with a zirconium-based liquid metal case, this watch is designed to withstand 150-meter depths, making it far more capable in the water than typical smartwatches. It features a stunning 1.5-inch LTPO2 AMOLED screen that can reach a peak brightness of 3,500 nits for unparalleled clarity. Currently retailing at 899 euros in Europe, it caters to users who want a sophisticated look that transitions easily from a deep-sea dive to a formal dinner.

Beyond its rugged exterior, the device runs on HarmonyOS 5.1 and includes unique features like sonar-based underwater communication. The health suite is equally impressive, featuring a heart rate sensor and a thermometer for monitoring body temperature changes during intense physical exertion.

It also incorporates a silicon-carbon battery with a capacity of 867mAh, allowing it to stay powered for nearly two weeks on a single charge. While it lacks some of the third-party app support found in other ecosystems, its dedicated expedition mode and arterial stiffness detection provide specialized value for health-conscious explorers.

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OnePlus shares specs for its new 120W dual-port GaN charger

OnePlus 120W SuperVOOC charger

OnePlus has detailed its latest fast-charging hardware ahead of its upcoming launch event. The company introduced a new 120W GaN dual-port SuperVOOC charger alongside a smaller 100W variant.ย 

Both accessories are set to debut on April 28th with the companyโ€™s next smartphone, the Ace 6 Ultra.

OnePlus 120W SuperVOOC charger

OnePlus 120W SuperVOOC Charger Specifications

The headline feature here, as you can expect, is the 120W SuperVOOC Flash Charger. According to the companyโ€™s official announcement, the charger can deliver up to 120W output when using a single port. Plug in a second device, and the total output increases slightly to 125W, allowing users to charge multiple devices simultaneously without a major drop in performance.

OnePlus claims the charger can take the Ace 6 Ultra to around 68 percent battery in just 30 minutes, based on lab testing.ย 

OnePlus 120W GaN SuperVOOC specs launch price

Design-wise, the charger leans into what OnePlus calls its โ€œsmall square bottleโ€ form factor. Itโ€™s a compact, blocky design thatโ€™s meant to be easy to carry while still accommodating dual ports.ย 

The addition of GaN (gallium nitride) technology helps keep the charger relatively small despite its high output, a trend thatโ€™s become common in premium charging accessories over the past few years.

There are also smaller refinements that OnePlus is highlighting. The charger uses an upgraded excimer laser coating process, which the company says improves the surface texture and makes it feel more comfortable in the hand. It ships with a soft silicone data cable as well.

Alongside it, OnePlus is introducing a 100W SuperVOOC GaN charger. While it doesnโ€™t match the peak output of the 120W model, it still supports up to 100W charging and is designed to work effectively with third-party devices.

OnePlus 100W GaN charger

Both chargers are scheduled to go on sale following their April 28th announcement event. Pricing hasnโ€™t been detailed yet either.

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OnePlus Pad 4 first impressions: Thin body, powerful hardware, serious intent

OnePlus Pad 4

The premium Android tablet space has started seeing more meaningful upgrades lately, and the OnePlus Pad 4 appears to be part of that transition. Ahead of its official launch, the tablet has surfaced with flagship-grade hardware, a slimmer body, and a stronger focus on productivity. After spending some time with the device, the OnePlus Pad 4 gives the impression of a tablet that wants to do far more than basic entertainment and casual browsing.

A slimmer design that feels premium

OnePlus Pad 4
OnePlus Pad 4

One of the first things noticeable about the OnePlus Pad 4 is its thin profile. Measuring under 6mm, the tablet feels impressively slim despite carrying a large display and battery. The metal unibody construction adds a premium touch, while the overall weight distribution makes it comfortable to hold during extended use. The Dune Glow color variant seen on our unit has a soft bronze-like finish with a satin texture that looks elegant without appearing overly flashy. However, the rear panel does attract fingerprints quite easily during daily handling.

The camera module has been positioned in the top-right corner when used in landscape orientation. While the module slightly protrudes, it does not create too much wobbling when placed on a flat surface. OnePlus has also included pogo pins for connecting the optional keyboard accessory.

Large display leaves a strong first impression

OnePlus Pad 4

The OnePlus Pad 4 features a 13.2-inch LCD screen with a 3.4K resolution and a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate. Early impressions of the panel are largely positive. Colours appear vibrant, text looks sharp, and the slim bezels help create a more immersive viewing experience. The display also supports Dolby Vision and reaches up to 1,000 nits brightness in high brightness mode.

The large screen size paired with the 7:5 aspect ratio gives the tablet a more comfortable layout for reading, editing documents, and multitasking. Indoor visibility has been good during initial usage, although direct sunlight does affect readability to some extent.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the experience

OnePlus Pad 4
OnePlus Pad 4

Powering the tablet is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. During early testing, the tablet handled multitasking smoothly, with apps opening quickly and split-screen usage remaining fluid. OnePlus has also included a larger vapour chamber cooling system, which could help maintain performance during demanding tasks and gaming sessions.

While short-term performance appears promising, the real picture regarding thermal management and sustained performance will become clearer after extended testing. Still, the hardware combination suggests that the OnePlus Pad 4 is targeting power users alongside casual consumers.

OxygenOS 16 focuses on productivity

OnePlus Pad 4
OnePlus Pad 4

The tablet runs OxygenOS 16, which includes several features designed specifically for larger screens. Multi-window functionality has been improved, allowing users to work across multiple floating apps more comfortably. File management tools have also been redesigned for easier navigation, while cross-device connectivity features aim to create a smoother workflow between smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

OnePlus is also introducing the new OnePlus Stylo Pro alongside the tablet. The stylus supports 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity and comes with interchangeable tips designed for different use cases. The Writing Tip uses a high-friction material that is said to absorb up to 90 per cent of writing impact for a more paper-like feel, while the Drawing Tip uses a low-friction material aimed at smoother sketching movements. The stylus also supports gesture controls such as pinch, double-tap, and swipe gestures, adding extra shortcuts for productivity and creative tasks. The company is clearly positioning the tablet as a device that can handle both entertainment and productivity-focused workflows.

Large battery could be a key advantage

OnePlus Pad 4
OnePlus Pad 4

The OnePlus Pad 4 packs a 13,380mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. On paper, this could become one of the tabletโ€™s strongest selling points, especially for users who spend long hours streaming content, attending meetings, or working on the move. Actual battery endurance and charging speeds will need deeper testing, but the combination of a large battery and powerful internals looks promising so far.

Based on initial impressions, the OnePlus Pad 4 feels like OnePlusโ€™ most refined tablet yet. Its slim design, large high-refresh-rate display, flagship hardware, and productivity-focused software help it stand out in the premium Android tablet segment. The bigger question now is whether the overall experience can consistently deliver during long-term use. What do you find most interesting about the OnePlus Pad 4?

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Oppo Find X9s vs Vivo X300: The Real Winner Will Surprise You

OPPO vs Misaal

OPPO Find X9s and Vivo X300 take two distinct approaches to the flagship experience, with OPPO focusing on battery life and balanced performance, while Vivo pushes ahead with cutting-edge camera tech and a more advanced display. With a clear gap in pricing and features, this comparison helps highlight which phone better suits users looking for practicality versus premium innovation.

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Major Features:

FeatureOPPO Find X9sVivo X300Winner
Display6.59โ€ณ AMOLED, 120Hz, 3600 nits peak6.31โ€ณ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits peak, HDR10+Vivo X300 โ€“ brighter + LTPO
ChipsetDimensity 9500s (3nm)Dimensity 9500 (3nm)Vivo X300 โ€“ stronger CPU setup
RAM & StorageUp to 12GB RAM, 512GBUp to 16GB RAM, 1TBVivo X300 โ€“ more options
Rear Camera50MP + 50MP + 50MP200MP + 50MP + 50MPVivo X300 โ€“ higher resolution main sensor
Telephoto50MP, 3x zoom50MP periscope, 3x zoomVivo X300 โ€“ periscope advantage
Selfie Camera32MP50MP AFVivo X300 โ€“ sharper + autofocus
Video4K up to 120fps4K up to 120fps + HDRVivo X300 โ€“ HDR video support
Battery7025mAh6040mAhOPPO Find X9s โ€“ bigger battery
Charging80W wired, 55W PPS90W wired, 40W wirelessVivo X300 โ€“ faster + wireless
Build & ProtectionIP66/IP68/IP69IP68/IP69OPPO Find X9s โ€“ extra IP66
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.1Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4OPPO Find X9s โ€“ newer Bluetooth
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2Vivo X300 โ€“ faster standard
Price~$730 / โ‚น60,000~$900 / โ‚น76,000OPPO Find X9s โ€“ better value
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

Both phones bring premium craftsmanship with strong durability ratings, including IP68/IP69 protection. The OPPO Find X9s leans toward a slightly more solid, dense feel, while the Vivo X300 feels more refined and compact in hand. The Vivoโ€™s aluminum frame and polished finish give it a more flagship-like elegance, whereas OPPO focuses on robustness and practicality. Subtle differences in ergonomics make the Vivo easier for long use, while OPPO feels more planted and sturdy.

Display Quality

OPPO Find X9s offers a vibrant AMOLED panel with excellent brightness and color depth, easily handling outdoor visibility. However, Vivo X300 steps ahead with LTPO technology, higher peak brightness, and advanced HDR formats, making content look more dynamic and fluid. The adaptive refresh rate also improves efficiency and smoothness. The difference becomes noticeable in HDR videos and high-contrast scenes, where Vivo simply looks more polished.

Verdict

Vivo X300 delivers a more premium display experience, while the OPPO Find X9s holds its ground with brightness and durability.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both devices are powered by next-generation 3nm MediaTek chips, but the Vivo X300โ€™s Dimensity 9500 shows a slight edge in raw performance and efficiency. The CPU architecture is more aggressive, translating into faster app launches and better sustained performance. OPPOโ€™s Dimensity 9500s still delivers flagship-level smoothness, especially for gaming, but Vivo feels more future-proof with higher RAM options and longer software support.

Battery and Charging

Battery is where OPPO makes a strong statement. The 7025mAh unit is significantly larger, offering excellent endurance for heavy users. Charging is fast and versatile, though Vivo counters with quicker wired charging and the added convenience of wireless charging. Vivo feels more flexible, but OPPO clearly prioritizes longevity.

Verdict

OPPO wins on battery life, while Vivo edges ahead in performance and overall versatility.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

OPPO Find X9s uses a balanced triple 50MP setup, delivering consistent results across all lenses. It focuses on reliability and natural color tuning. The Vivo X300, however, pushes boundaries with a 200MP main sensor and Zeiss optics, offering more detail and superior dynamic range. The periscope lens on Vivo also feels more refined for zoom shots, especially in challenging lighting. OPPO remains dependable, but Vivo feels more ambitious and technically advanced.

Selfie Camera

OPPOโ€™s 32MP front camera is solid for everyday use, with stable video and good HDR. Vivo steps up with a 50MP autofocus selfie camera, producing sharper and more versatile results, especially for video creators and high-resolution shots.

Verdict

Vivo X300 delivers a more flagship-grade camera system, while OPPO focuses on consistency and balance.

Pricing

OPPO Find X9s is priced around $730 (โ‚น60,000), while the Vivo X300 comes in at approximately $900 (โ‚น76,000). This places them in slightly different tiers, with Vivo clearly targeting the ultra-premium segment.

Is the Price Justified?

OPPO offers strong value with its large battery, solid performance, and well-rounded camera system, making it a practical flagship choice. Vivo justifies its higher price with cutting-edge camera hardware, superior display technology, and additional features like wireless charging. The price gap reflects not just specs, but a shift toward a more premium experience.

Verdict

OPPO delivers better value for money, while Vivo justifies its price with top-tier features and innovation.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

OPPO Find X9s stands out with its massive battery, balanced camera setup, and dependable performance, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity and stability. Vivo X300, on the other hand, focuses on pushing boundaries with a 200MP camera, advanced display tech, and flagship-level refinements like wireless charging and extended software support. It feels more like a complete premium package.

Verdict

OPPO Find X9s is the smarter choice for value-driven buyers who want endurance and reliability. Vivo X300 is better suited for those seeking cutting-edge features and a more polished flagship experience.

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Vivo X500 Pro Max tipped to feature 50MP LOFIC main sensor, 200MP periscope telephoto camera

Vivo X300 Pro telephoto converter

A recent leak revealed the display sizes of the upcoming Vivo X500 series models. While the lineup is expected to include a compact and a large-sized flagship, the brand is also said to be considering adding a mid-sized flagship equipped with a 6.59-inch display. In a new leak, tipster Smart Pikachu has shared details about what appears to be the Vivo X500 Pro Max.

Vivo X500 Pro Max details leaked

Vivo X500 series details leaked by Smart Pikachu

According to the leak, the Vivo X500 series will be offered in two display size options, including 6.4-inch and 6.9-inch variants. The leak suggests that the latter could be called the Vivo X500 Max.

This Pro Max variant is reportedly being tested with a 50-megapixel LOFIC primary camera. For those unfamiliar, LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) is a sensor technology designed to prevent pixel overexposure in bright environments by storing overflow electrons in a capacitor, significantly improving dynamic range.

The camera setup on the Vivo X500 Pro Max is also said to include a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The leak further claims that Vivo is evaluating the inclusion of a multispectral sensor to improve color accuracy and white balance. While the leak does not specifically mention it, the setup may also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera.

According to other reports, the Vivo X500 could be powered by the Dimensity 9600 chipset, while the Vivo X600 Pro Max may feature the Dimensity 9600 Provv chipset. Speculation suggests that the standard Dimensity 9600 could be a 3nm chip based on an enhanced version of the existing Dimensity 9500+ architecture. Meanwhile, the Pro variant is tipped to feature a newer 2nm-class architecture with a dual ultra-core setup and clock speeds approaching 5GHz for significantly improved performance and power efficiency.

As for the launch timeline, the Vivo X500 series may debut in China in September this year. The same event is also expected to see the arrival of the companyโ€™s first vlogging camera.

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Huawei MatePad Mini 2โ€™s first details emerge, major battery improvements tipped

Huawei unveiled the MatePad Mini equipped with an 8.8-inch display, a Kirin chip, and a 6,400mAh battery back in September 2025. This device was introduced for the global market in February this year.ย  A new leak courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station has leaked what appears to be the first details of the second-generation MatePad Mini.

Huawei MatePad Mini 2โ€™s first details emerge

The above Weibo post suggests that Huaweiโ€™s upcoming compact tablet is currently in development and could arrive with several flagship-grade features. While he has not specified the name of the device, it is likely to be dubbed the MatePad Mini 2.

As per the leak, the MatePad Mini 2 will feature an OLED display with extremely narrow and symmetrical bezels on all four sides. It further suggests that the tablet may be powered by a next-generation flagship chipset from the โ€œ9-seriesโ€ lineup and could also offer a 5G connectivity variant.

The prototype units are reportedly being tested with a significantly larger battery compared to previous models. In addition, the company is said to be evaluating NFC support for the device.

To recall, the first-generation MatePad Mini has an 8.8-inch OLED screen that offers a 1600 x 2560 pixel resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Kirin 9010 5G chip, the device offers up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage configurations. It houses a 6,400mAh battery with 66W fast charging support.

The MatePad Mini has a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel dual-camera setup on the back and a 32-megapixel front camera. It comes preloaded with HarmonyOS 5.1 and has other features, such as a fingerprint sensor, eSIM support, and satellite messaging (available only in China).

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Vivo X Fold 6, Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 details emerge, launch fast approaching

Vivo X Fold5

In the past few months, Honor unveiled the Honor Magic V6 powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, while the Oppo Find N6 foldable debuted with the 7-core version of the same chip. Apart from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, two more horizontally foldable smartphones from Vivo and Xiaomi are expected to debut in the coming months. Hereโ€™s a look at what to expect from these foldables.

Vivo X Fold 6, Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 incoming

According to tipster Bald Panda, the next major foldable smartphones expected to launch are the Vivo X Fold 6 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 5. The tipster claims that the Vivo foldable could feature one of the largest batteries ever seen on a foldable phone, along with a 200-megapixel primary camera. Despite the large battery, the device is also said to maintain an extremely thin and lightweight design.

According to a recent leak by tipster Digital Chat Station, the Vivo X Fold 6 may pack a massive 7,000mAh battery. Speculation also suggests that the device could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The Vivo X Fold 5 was unveiled in June 2025, so there is a possibility that its successor could debut around the same time this year.

As for the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5, the tipster suggests that it may arrive with an upgraded version of Xiaomiโ€™s in-house chipset technology. According to a recent report, the device could be equipped with the upcoming in-house chipset called the Xring O3. It is unclear what upgrades the O3 will offer over last yearโ€™s Xring O1.

At present, there is no clarity on whether Xiaomiโ€™s upcoming foldable phone will be called the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 or Xiaomi 17 Fold. It is advisable to wait for further reports to confirm its final marketing name.

In the comments section of the Weibo post, Bald Panda further hinted that Xiaomiโ€™s upcoming foldable is currently scheduled for a Q3 launch timeline. Since the Xiaomi 18 series is expected in September, it is likely that the foldable phone may debut in July.

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MediaTek Dimensity 7450 launches with gaming upgrades; Dimensity 7450X targets flip foldables

Dimensity 7450, Dimensity 7450X

MediaTek has quietly expanded its mid-premium smartphone chipset lineup with the introduction of the Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X. The new chips have appeared on the companyโ€™s official website and are expected to power upcoming smartphones and foldable devices in the near future. Reports already suggest that the Dimensity 7450X may debut inside the rumored Motorola Razr 70.

Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X specifications

Dimensity 7450, Dimensity 7450X
Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X unveiled

The Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X share very similar hardware specifications and are designed to deliver improved gaming, AI, camera, and connectivity performance. The processors are built on a 4nm-class process and feature an octa-core CPU setup with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at up to 2.6GHz alongside four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Graphics duties are handled by the Arm Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.

MediaTek has also integrated its sixth-generation NPU to improve on-device AI processing. According to the company, the AI engine delivers up to 7 percent better performance compared to previous-generation chips while improving efficiency for AI camera features and other edge AI tasks.

For gaming, the new chipsets include MediaTek HyperEngine technology and Adaptive Gaming Technology 3.0. These features are designed to balance performance and power consumption dynamically during gameplay sessions. Connectivity features include support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and 5G download speeds of up to 3.27Gbps with 3CC carrier aggregation support.

On the camera front, both processors support up to 200-megapixel camera sensors through the Imagiq 950 ISP. The chips also support 4K HDR video recording, hardware-assisted noise reduction, and Google Ultra HDR imaging support. Display support extends up to WFHD+ resolution at 120Hz and Full HD+ panels at up to 144Hz refresh rates.

Both the Dimensity 7450 and Dimensity 7450X support LPDDR5 and LPDDR4X RAM, with memory speeds of up to 6400Mbps. For storage, the chipsets are compatible with UFS 2.2 and UFS 3.1 storage standards.

How the Dimensity 7450X differs from the Dimensity 7450

While the two chipsets are nearly identical in terms of core specifications, the Dimensity 7450X includes additional support aimed at foldable devices. MediaTek says the chip supports dual-display functionality for flip-style foldables, making it more suitable for devices with external and internal screens.

This small but important difference suggests that the Dimensity 7450X could primarily target foldable smartphones like the Razr 70, while the standard Dimensity 7450 may power regular smartphones focused on gaming and multimedia experiences.

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Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, Red Magic 11S Pro+ to launch in May

Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro

Red Magic has been teasing its gaming-focused compact tablet, the Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, for quite some time. Therefore, it was believed that the tablet might debut this month. However, a new leak suggests that it may instead break cover next month.

Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, Red Magic 11S Pro+ launch tipped

According to tipster Smart Pikachu, the Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro and Red Magic 11S Pro+ will be unveiled in May in China. He added that both devices will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, along with air cooling and a combination of air and liquid cooling technologies for heat dissipation, while offering PC-level gaming capabilities.

While the tablet is expected to feature an OLED display, the smartphone is said to include gaming shoulder buttons, making both devices comprehensive options for gaming enthusiasts.

According to reports, the Red Magic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro will feature a 9-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1504 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 185Hz. The tablet is also expected to pack an 8,300mAh battery and arrive in multiple configurations, including variants with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Leaks further indicate that the tablet may include transparent design elements along with RGB lighting effects, continuing the brandโ€™s gaming-focused design language. There are also claims that the device could include an on-device AI model for additional smart features.

As for the Red Magic 11S Pro+, the rumor mill has yet to reveal its detailed specifications. However, it appears that the device could arrive as an incremental upgrade over the existing Red Magic 11 Pro+.

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Rogbid launches SpinX smartwatch with optical scroll wheel, 1100mAh battery & a flashlight

Rogbid SpinX smartwatch

Rogbid has launched the SpinX smartwatch, introducing an innovative optical scroll control wheel. This feature allows users to navigate menus, adjust settings, and control apps with precision.

Rogbid SpinX smartwatch

Rogbid SpinX Specifications

The scroll wheel simplifies interactions, making it easier to switch songs, change volume, or tweak flashlight brightness directly from the wrist. It includes a full-area pressure-sensing system for smooth operation. This system eliminates blind spots and provides 360-degree precise control, delivering faster commands and improving the overall user experience.

Rogbid SpinX smartwatch

Rogbid has equipped the SpinX with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. The screen features a 466 x 466 resolution and 99.5% Adobe RGB color accuracy.

The smartwatch also features a built-in flashlight designed with a specialized optical lens and a deep reflector. This design ensures a focused beam of light that cuts through rain, fog, and darkness, reducing light scattering. The flashlight includes three modes: High Beam, Strobe, and SOS, making it a practical companion for outdoor use.

Rogbid SpinX smartwatch

The SpinX packs a large 1100mAh battery, offering up to 100 days of standby time and 40 days of active use on a single charge. It features 3ATM water resistance, military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H certified), and a built-in compass for navigation during adventures.

Rogbid includes comprehensive health tracking features in the SpinX. The smartwatch monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns 24/7. It also supports more than 100 sports modes, tracking activities such as running, hiking, cycling, and basketball.

The smartwatch features Bluetooth 5.4 for Bluetooth calling, music control, and real-time notifications. It offers a variety of stylish watch faces, including customizable options.

Rogbid SpinX smartwatch

Pricing and Availability

The SpinX comes in a classic black finish, with the scroll wheel available in Tech Black or Vibrant Orange. Rogbid has priced the smartwatch at $49.99, and it is available now in the Rogbid Official Store.

In related news, Rogbid has recently introduced the SR15 smart ring, featuring health tracking and vibration alerts.

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Xiaomi launches new affordable 60L smart water heater with 2200W fast heating

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L on its Youpin platform. It is priced at 999 yuan ($146), with an introductory offer of 799 yuan ($116).

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L

Mijia Electric Water Heater C 60L Specs

The Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L offers fast and energy-efficient water heating with a 2200W heating element, compatible with older wiring systems. It operates without tripping breakers, even alongside other appliances, making it ideal for apartments and standard homes.

Xiaomi has added advanced capacity expansion technology to the device, increasing the usable hot water output to six times its physical capacity. It can provide up to 360 liters of hot water for 72 minutes of continuous use, with an 80% hot water output rate that exceeds Chinaโ€™s Level 1 energy efficiency standards. This makes it ideal for families requiring large amounts of hot water while maintaining low energy consumption.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L

The water heater connects to the Xiaomi HyperOS ecosystem, enabling remote management through the Mijia app. It supports energy-saving scheduling during off-peak hours and offers convenient voice control via XiaoAI.

In terms of safety, the water heater is equipped with nine layers of protection, including safeguards against dry burning, overheating, freezing, overpressure, and overload. It ensures electrical safety with an anti-electric wall and three-pole leakage protection. The magnesium anode rod lasts up to eight years, and a five-stage purification system provides 99.9% sterilization and antibacterial efficiency for clean, safe water.

Xiaomi Mijia Smart Electric Water Heater C 60L

The Mijia C60L has a compact design with dimensions of 740 x 461 x 432mm, making it easy to install. Xiaomi offers a five-year warranty on the heater and an eight-year inner tank replacement guarantee against leakage.

In related news, Xiaomi has recently introduced a 600L smart refrigerator featuring zero-odor technology and enhanced deep freezing performance, alongside the Mijia Cordless Vacuum Cleaner 4C, which delivers 170AW suction power and up to 75 minutes of battery life.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

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(Xiaomi Youpin)

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Baseus launches MC2 clip-on earbuds with 60h battery, IP67 & LDAC support

Baseus MC2 clip-on earbuds

Baseus officially launched its new MC2 clip-on earbuds in China. These are priced at 349 yuan ($51) and are now available on Jd.com. The MC2 is the successor to the MC1, which debuted in 2024. These will hit the global market soon.

Baseus MC2 clip-on earbuds

Baseus MC2 Earbuds Specifications

The earbuds come with the Cloud Airbag 2.0 system, providing 360-degree cushioning and detachable silicone airbags in various sizes for a tailored fit. These also feature a 0.5mm nickel-titanium alloy C-bridge with an extended arc, ensuring stability, comfort, and an improved fit for diverse users.

Baseus MC2 clip-on earbuds

Baseus has designed the MC2 with a four-point support structure to evenly distribute pressure across the ear. This design keeps the earbuds stable during movement, allowing users to wear them during activities like running or jumping without discomfort. Each earbud weighs only 5.1 grams, offering long-term wear with minimal fatigue.

The earbuds are equipped with a triple magnetic circuit driver and a gold microcrystalline diaphragm, offering LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio. These also feature directional sound technology to reduce audio leakage, with SuperBass 3.0 and HiFi-grade processing delivering clear and balanced sound.

Baseus MC2 clip-on earbuds

The MC2 earbuds offer up to 60 hours of total runtime with the charging case, with 13 hours of playback on a single charge. The 600mAh charging case supports fast USB Type-C charging, providing 3 hours of playback after a 10-minute charge and fully recharging in two hours.

In terms of smart features, the MC2 includes AI-powered real-time translation, voice assistant support, dual-device connectivity, and touch controls for playback, calls, and volume. It also features a quad-microphone system with AI noise reduction and ultra-low 38ms latency for gaming and video playback.

Baseus MC2 clip-on earbuds

The device is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability for outdoor use. The earbuds are available in three colors: Cloud White, Obsidian Black, and Tahiti Gray.

In related news, Edifier has recently introduced the Hecate CP2 clip-on earbuds featuring 11mm drivers and up to 26 hours of battery life, while Honor has unveiled the Choice MouseBuds Pro, a unique mouse with built-in earbuds and ANC support.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! ๐Ÿ’ก

(Baseus)

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Redmi Headphones Neo: Xiaomiโ€™s first over-ear headphone with 72-hour battery, 42dB ANC, USB-C support

Xiaomi has been doing well in the wireless earbuds space for a while now. It looks like the company is finally ready to try something different. Early retail listings suggest its first pair of over-ear headphones might not be too far away.

The product in question is called the Redmi Headphones Neo, and it has shown up on listings from Diglex Electronics and Lazada. There is no official announcement yet, but the amount of detail already out there, including pricing and specs, usually means a launch is getting close.

On paper, the specs look decent for what seems to be a budget-focused product. The headphones use 40mm titanium-coated drivers and are rated for a frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz. Active noise cancellation is listed at up to 42dB. Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.4, and there is also a USB-C port for low-latency wired listening.

The listing mentions up to 72 hours of battery life with ANC turned off, which is a big number, especially at this price. According to tipster Ronald Quandt, the battery capacity is 500mAh.

Speaking of price, there is still some variation depending on the listing. Lazada has it at PHP 3,299, which comes out to around $55 after discount. Another listing shows a much lower price of about $36, but that seems to be for bulk orders, so it is probably not what regular buyers will pay. Either way, it clearly sits in the budget segment rather than competing with premium models.

At launch, the headphones are expected in Obsidian Black and Sand White. A third option, Mist Blue, is mentioned for later. Xiaomi has built a strong reputation with its Redmi Buds lineup by focusing on value. If these headphones follow the same approach, they could end up being a solid option for anyone looking for affordable over-ear ANC headphones.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Huawei Pura X Max, Pura 90 Pro, Moto Edge 70 Pro are official, Week 17 in review

Huawei unveiled its new-look Pura series this week. The Pura X Max foldable caught the most eyeballs with its shorter and wider design, which many think matches the much-anticipated iPhone Fold. The Huawei Pura X Max features a 5.4โ€ cover and 7.7โ€ internal display. The relatively square inner display supports the M-Pen 3 Mini stylus. It fits in a special case for the phone. The Pura X Max packs a 5,300mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, and runs a Kirin 9030 Pro SoC. The Pura 90 Pro Max and 90 Pro also caught readers' attention. They were joined by the Pura 90. All three...

This is the only feature I want from Samsung in One UI 9

Iโ€™ve used Samsung phones long enough to remember when TouchWiz felt like a chore. Laggy transitions, bloated features, inconsistent design. It was functional, but never polished. Fast forward to 2026, and One UI 8.5 is a different story. Clean, responsive, and surprisingly thoughtful in places; Samsung deserves that credit.

However, thereโ€™s still one part of the experience that feels stuck in the past. You donโ€™t really get to say no.

You can delay updates, you can swipe away the notification, hit โ€œlater,โ€ but try ignoring it long enough, and it turns into something else entirely. A persistent nudge, then a routine interruption; eventually, it starts to feel like a reminder.

Stable is better than new

Samsungโ€™s update policy looks great on paper. Years of Android upgrades, monthly security patches, and faster rollouts with each generation. Enthusiasts asked for this, and Samsung delivered, but the reality is messier.

Not every update improves things. Some introduce battery drain. Others tweak performance in ways that donโ€™t always land well. Thermal behavior shifts. Camera tuning changes.

If youโ€™ve used multiple Galaxy devices over the years, youโ€™ve likely seen this pattern. A phone that felt perfect out of the box slowly changes over time, not always for the better.

Thatโ€™s why many users have adopted a simple rule: if it works, donโ€™t touch it, yet One UI doesnโ€™t let you live by that rule.

Not everyone wants Samsungโ€™s timeline

Samsungโ€™s current model assumes everyone wants to stay up to date. The latest version is always the best version. Those new features, like expanded Quick Share support that finally plays nicer with ecosystems outside Android, are universally desirable.

But thatโ€™s not how people actually use their phones.

Some updates immediately, some wait weeks, and others skip versions entirely. A lot of long-time users only install major Android upgrades and ignore everything in between.

Right now, Samsung treats all of those users the same. The update arrives, the notification appears, and the system keeps pushing until you give in.

It only takes one accidental tap on โ€œInstall nowโ€ to lose the setup you were happy with.

When updates feel like a risk

Over the years, there have been enough reports of updates causing battery degradation, overheating, or inconsistent performance that many users approach new firmware with caution.

Samsung updates are also a primary culprit behind the famous green line problem. Users update software and just a few hours or days later, their phone develop a green line, requiring a paid display replacement.

All I want from Samsung in One UI 9 is a simple toggle: โ€œPause updates indefinitely.โ€

Donโ€™t hide it behind developer settings or bury it under layers of warnings. Just a clear option that lets users lock their current version until they decide otherwise.

Security patches could still be offered separately. Critical fixes could still be highlighted. But the final decision would rest with the user, not the notification system.

Samsung Software Update

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Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A56 receive April 2026 security patch

Samsung has released the April 2026 security patch for two more smartphones - the Galaxy A37 and the Galaxy A56. The April 2026 security patch addresses 47 security issues, and it's rolled out for the Galaxy A37 with a software update having firmware version A376BXXS2AZC2, while the Galaxy A56 receives the security patch with an update having firmware version A566BXXSABZD2. Samsung Galaxy A37 The software update for both smartphones is currently seeding only in Europe, but the rollout should expand to other regions soon. If you live in Europe and haven't received the security...

Will you get stable One UI 8.5 update next week?

If you are using a Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra and are stuck in the One UI 8.5 beta program, good news might be on the way. We are already on Beta 10 in some regions, and many owners (including me) are wondering if Samsung is finally ready to release the stable version.

Based on multiple reports, rumors, and Samsungโ€™s software rollout pattern, thereโ€™s a strong chance the stable One UI 8.5 could start rolling out as early as next week or Monday.

Samsung kicked off the One UI 8.5 beta program for the S25 series months ago, and itโ€™s turned into one of the longest beta testing programs ever. Normally, Samsung does 7 or 8 builds before going stable, but this time the company pushed 10 beta builds.

The latest Beta 10 (or Beta 9 in some countries) came with useful fixes, new camera filters, better AirDrop-style Quick Share support for Apple devices, and a bunch of Galaxy AI tweaks.

Adding to the excitement, we have already checked the full stable version changelog earlier this week, which means the final build is ready.

On top of that, Samsung customer support has quietly confirmed to some users that the Galaxy S25 series should get the stable update starting April 30 in South Korea, with global markets (including India and the US) following around May 4. Thatโ€™s basically next week for most of us.

Why the rush now? Samsung is already working on the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series. You can expect the public beta in late May or early June. To start the One UI 9 beta program early, Samsung first needs to finish the 8.5 beta program.

Of course, Samsung hasnโ€™t made any official announcement yet, so these are still rumors based on leaks and support chats. But the pattern matches how Samsung usually works, once the changelog is out in public and betas hit double digits, stable is very close.

For any other device, Samsung will push you into May for sure. I will surely cover the possible timeline for the remaining Galaxy S-series and Foldables.

If you are on the beta, keep checking for the latest software updates in Settings > Software update. For everyone else waiting patiently, it looks like your wait is almost over.

What do you think? Let us know on our X handle @thesammyfans.

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Weekly deals: the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is on sale, iPad Air 11" and 13" (M3) get discounts

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series started off with strong pre-orders in late March and held its prices for a while, but now the flagship trio has settled at a new normal. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is by far the most popular model of the three, in part due to having the unique Privacy Display, but also because of the inherent advantage of the Ultra model. Earlier this week, we published an S26 Ultra vs. S26+ comparison article. We have also compared the new Ultra with the S25 Ultra and pitted it against the iPhone 17 Pro Max. ...

Weekly poll: are you planning on buying an Honor 600 or an Honor 600 Pro?

The Honor 600 and 600 Pro were unveiled for the global market this week and they will launch in Malaysia and Europe first. Memory Honor 600 Honor 600 Pro 12/256GB โ‚ฌ650 - - MYR 3,100 12/512GB โ‚ฌ700 MYR 2,600 โ‚ฌ1,000 MYR 3,300 Mind you, the European prices above are the MSRPs, but right now Honor is running a promotion so a 512GB Honor 600 costs โ‚ฌ500 and the 512GB Honor 600 Pro is โ‚ฌ800. The deal also includes a free screen replacement for the first 12 months. Also, the Pro model is paired with a free...

Lock screen frame lag issue is back with One UI 8.5 beta 10

Recently, Samsung released the 10th One UI 8.5 beta with bug fixes and system improvements; unfortunately, it also marks the return of a lock screen issue.

This beta update has added new AI features such as call screening and real-time audio eraser. Besides, it fixed issues on the call screen and the proximity sensor, video recording, Bluetooth, and touch features. After the installation, weโ€™ve found that the software is running smoother than beta 9. However, the lock screen has a random frame lag issue in certain scenarios.

For example, when you tap on the Now Brief notification from the Now bar, the screen lags, then transitions to the AI-generated summary. Sometimes, the same happens for the notifications, when you open the notifications, and the screen either skips a frame or stutters before asking you for authentication. I first noticed this issue in beta 5, and beta 7 worked as a fix. However, Beta 10 has brought it back.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Lock screen

One thing to confirm is that the frame lag is random and only appears when you donโ€™t use the phone. This doesnโ€™t break any lock screen feature or interrupt the interactions. Still, even random frame lags could disrupt the user experience?

Weโ€™re almost at the end of the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series, and the next update should mark the conclusion. In that regard, we can expect the phone maker to patch all loopholes with the final release. We also ask you to stay connected with Sammyfans to receive updates on the upcoming rollout.

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Weekly poll results: the Poco X8 Pro Max is a fan favorite, Poco X8 Pro is liked but not loved

Poco knows its audience โ€“ thatโ€™s what we get from last weekโ€™s poll. For this yearโ€™s X series, the company added a new class, the Pro Max, and it completely overshadowed the regular Pro. Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max at a glance The Poco X8 Pro Max is going to be a hit โ€“ the budding flagship killer got an overwhelmingly positive response in our poll. It got knocked for its camera โ€“ people still remember the 108MP shooter on the X5 Pro โ€“ and for still featuring a USB 2.0 port. But this applies to the Pro as well. Meanwhile, the Pro Max has a great chipset, huge battery and a huge...

Samsung vs Labor Union: Workersโ€™ demands and potential loss

Thereโ€™s a tension brewing between Samsung Electronics and its labor union, and it could have a big impact on the companyโ€™s growth engine if they go on a strike. In this article, weโ€™ll explain why Samsungโ€™s labor unions are protesting and what their demands are.

The Rally

On Thursday, April 23, Samsung Electronicsโ€™ labor unions organized a mass rally at Samsungโ€™s main semiconductor production campus in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The rally was joined by major unions, including Samsung Electronics Labor Union (SELU), National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), and Samsung Electronics Co. Union (SECU). Nearly 40,000 Samsung workers joined the rally, which aims to force the management to accept their terms.

Samsung Labor Union rally

Reason behind the protest

Unions want Samsung to remove the current caps on performance-based bonuses, which are currently 50% of the annual salary. They also rejected the managementโ€™s offer of one-time special bonuses for hitting targets. The union wants a transparent criterion for how these bonuses are calculated, with a permanent structural change.

Samsung is earning big money on the back of the AI memory boom, and its operating profit is expected to touch 300 trillion won ($202 billion) in 2026. The union demands that 15% of the annual operating profit should go to employee payouts. The 15% operating profit would be around 40 trillion won, surpassing the 37.7 trillion won spent on R&D in 2025.

โ€œManagement insists that performance is determined solely by external market conditions, dismissing employeesโ€™ sweat and effort, and treats staff as mere numbers rather than as dedicated contributors,โ€ said the unionโ€™s chair, Choi Seung-ho, noting the union will use the strike to bring a โ€œchangeโ€ to the company.

Potential Losses

The union has pre-announced a full-scale strike from May 21 to June 7 if Samsung doesnโ€™t come to its terms. If the union goes on strike, Samsung will lose about 1 trillion won ($676 million) per day from the semiconductor business, its current gold mine. Continuing the strike for 18 days means 18 trillion won ($12.1 billion) in losses, a big blow to its business.

โ€œWe will make it crystal clear just how important the value of our labor union is,โ€ added Choi.

A halt in memory production could create a massive problem in the global supply chain for AI companies. Thus, giving competitors, such as SK Hynix, an edge in sales. Furthermore, it could disturb important partnerships with customers like Nvidia, which Samsung couldnโ€™t afford.

Whatโ€™s next?

Samsung Electronics management and Labor unions are expected to continue talks on this matter, which may take a week or longer before all parties involved come to an understanding.

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Leon S. Kennedy's VA says heโ€™s been โ€œlet downโ€ before but trusts Resident Evil director

Nick Apostolides, the voice of Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem, says past live-action Resident Evil films left him disappointed but that he is โ€œcautiously optimisticโ€ about Zach Creggerโ€™s upcoming reboot. Citing Creggerโ€™s recent horror successes and early footage shown at CinemaCon, Apostolides adds he trusts the director to deliver โ€œa good film first and foremostโ€ that still retains key Resident Evil elements.

Sega launches โ€˜Sega Universeโ€™ to revive retro franchises across broader entertainment mediums

Sega has launched โ€œSega Universe,โ€ an initiative designed to revive its classic franchises and expand them beyond games into film, music, fashion, and other entertainment. The first phase centers on 2026 anniversary projects for nine retro titles, ranging from Fantasy Zone and Out Run to NiGHTS into Dreams and Sakura Wars, as Sega builds on its broader transmedia strategy proven by Sonic.

OnePlus Pad 4 in for review

Today, we are taking a look at the new OnePlus Pad 4, the companyโ€™s latest premium Android tablet, which is expected to officially launch on April 30. We were able to get the device early and give you a first look with a quick unboxing. The OnePlus Pad 4 packaging is very simple and comes in the familiar red and white colorway. Inside, the tablet itself takes up very little of the vertical space, thanks to its slim 5.94mm profile. Most of the height is taken up by the 80W fast charger, along with the matching cable. Thereโ€™s not much else in the box. The OnePlus Pad 4 is...

Atari acquires Implicit Conversions to power retro game revival across PS1 and beyond

Atari has acquired emulation specialist Implicit Conversions, adding the studioโ€™s proprietary Syrup engine to accelerate the revival of 32-bit-era games, starting with PlayStation support and early PlayStation 2 work, on modern platforms. The deal bolsters Atariโ€™s retro-focused strategy alongside Digital Eclipse, expanding its in-house tooling and talent to re-release titles from its own catalog and partner IP back catalogs.

Assassinโ€™s Creed: Black Flag Resynced comes with new content and a $200 Collectorโ€™s Edition

Ubisoft has opened pre-orders for Assassinโ€™s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, launching July 9, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with pre-order bonuses and a $59.99 Standard and $69.99 Digital Deluxe edition adding new cosmetics and packs. The headline $199.99 Collectorโ€™s Edition, currently sold out, includes the physical game and a 12-inch Edward Kenway statue plus premium extras, while the remake promises a visual overhaul, revamped combat, updated parkour and stealth, no loading screens, and new story content.

Google might be doing away with the Fitbit brand

There is no doubt that Fitbit still has enormous brand recognition. Whether or not the companyโ€™s current offerings are your best option is certainly debatable, but the make carries a lot of weight. Well, who better to potentially start killing it off than Google? The company certainly has a dark track record of mishandling brands and products. The situation might not be too bad at the moment, though. We are certainly only piecing clues together, and there is no formal announcement yet. Still, people noticed that on the software side of things, in some markets (mostly European), on the...

Google Photos AI Enhance is now live for all users

Google seems to be working hard on expanding its editing options in Google Photos. We recently saw the online titan add a quick facial touch-up feature. Now another similar feature has gone live. It is a very simple and straightforward โ€œAI Enhanceโ€ button that sits beside the Enhance and Dynamic buttons that were already present in the Auto tab in the image editor. We tried it for ourselves, and while it can restore highlights and shadows quite effectively and deal with common issues caused by bad lighting and boost colors slightly, it is nothing truly spectacular in any way....

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro review

Introduction and unboxing Samsung owns Harman, which is the parent company of several high-profile audio brands, many of which make headphones. Yet you will find very few Samsung-branded headphones outside of the Galaxy Buds series. The company hasnโ€™t even released over-ear headphones in years โ€“ in short, Samsung is betting that the Galaxy TWS buds are the only headphones that most people need. We have the new Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro in our ears right now โ€“ they are the best of the three-tier structure that Samsung settled on (FE, vanilla and Pro). We think these are a notable...

Weekly deals: Galaxy S26 series on discount, Pixel 10 and 10 Pro XL get big price cuts

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has been on discount since it went on sale in early March. And it looks like thereโ€™s no stopping the price cuts. Meanwhile, the recently launched Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 are available with free gifts. Notably, a couple of Pixel phones, the OnePlus 15R, and a few Xiaomi devices have also received price cuts on Amazon UK. Samsungโ€™s Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra are all available with ยฃ170 off, plus users are eligible to save another ยฃ100 at checkout. Samsung Galaxy S26...

Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26: A few features still separate the two flagships

Samsungโ€™s 10th One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy S25 series is impressive enough, but there are still some features that separate it from the Galaxy S26 series.

Back in February, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S26 series and highlighted its best features, such as Now Nudge, AI-enhanced notifications with Summarise and Prioritise functions, 24MP mode to native camera and Horizon Lock.

Over the past couple of weeks, Samsung has brought various new features from the Galaxy S26 series to the Galaxy S25 series. It includes AirDrop connection, Call Screening, Creative Studio as well as enhanced Audio Eraser and Photo Assist.

Meanwhile, some of the best features are still absent, and thereโ€™s no scope for an imminent rollout anytime soon.

Now Nudge

AI-powered Now Nudge is what shows how Samsung isย pushing into proactive AI in a serious way. Your phone starts suggesting actions before you even think about them. Not always perfect, but when it works, it feels one step ahead.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SG26U Now Nudge

AI-enhanced notifications

Galaxy S26โ€™s new Prioritise notifications and Summarise notifications fix something thatโ€™s been broken for years. When enabled, the Galaxy phone decides what matters and cleans up the rest in the notification panel.

Samsung One UI 8.5 Prioritise and Summarise Notifications

24MP camera mode

The 24MP camera mode is a quiet upgrade that actually makes sense. Not everyone wants 200MP shots eating storage. This sits right in the middle of the full 200-megapixel resolution and the cropped 12-megapixel.

Shots taken with 24MP mode occupy less storage in the phoneโ€™s memory, while preserving details equivalent to the 50MP mode. Bringing it to the native camera app will benefit Galaxy users, especially those who shoot more often.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra SG26U 24MP camera

The Galaxy S25 hasnโ€™t been ignored entirely

Call Screening is genuinely useful, especially in markets where spam calls are a daily headache. Creative Studio pushes AI editing beyond gimmicks. The AirDrop-style sharing is long overdue and works well.

Additionally, the recent expansion of Samsungโ€™s enhanced Audio Eraser and Photo Assist shows that Samsung isnโ€™t holding everything back. However, the core Galaxy S26 experience is currently limited to only those models.

Everything so far suggests Samsung is keeping those headline AI features exclusive, at least for now. If they ever land on the Galaxy S25, itโ€™s more likely with One UI 9, and even thatโ€™s a maybe.

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Samsung to prolong One UI 8.5 Beta beyond Galaxy S25

Samsung is expected to wrap up One UI 8.5 Beta for the Galaxy S25 series, and prolong for older models such as the Galaxy S24 series.

The Korean company commenced the One UI 8.5 Beta Program in December 2025. The Galaxy S25 series was the first to join the Beta testing. March and April marked the testing activityโ€™s expansion to more Galaxy lineups.

Samsung is said to start the One UI 8.5 rollout on April 30 in South Korea and on May 4 in the Global markets. Users of the Galaxy S25 series will shift to Stable version, while the testing will continue for older models.

Over the past couple of days, new Beta builds surfaced on the internet. The updates will be rolled out to the users of the Galaxy S24 series and the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.

Beyond that, Samsung would also release new Beta updates for the Galaxy S23 series and mid-range phones that have joined the Beta Program in April 2026.

Samsung will be busy with the Galaxy S25 series in May 2026. However, we may see the update rolling out for select older flagships too, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Once the stability of the firmware is verified through the Galaxy S25 series, expansion should progress swiftly. The end of May and the beginning of June will be important for users who are awaiting the One UI 8.5 update.

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How tech companies are lying to us

Two of the worldโ€™s best-known tech YouTubers have teamed up to shine a light on the increasingly opaque and sometimes seemingly deliberately misleading information that marketing departments at major tech companies like Apple and Samsung regularly bombard consumers with. Strictly speaking, it may actually be fair to call them lies in many cases.

This Galaxy S26 series feature is coming to some older Samsung smartphones

Samsung introduced a feature with the Galaxy S26 series, which is coming to some older Galaxy smartphones eligible for One UI 8.5. We are talking about the improved document scanning feature, called Document Scan. Previously, when you clicked multiple pictures of documents, they weren't saved as a single PDF document. Samsung made it possible with Document Scan, which is available to Samsung Galaxy S26 users. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Additionally, Samsung also made it easier to access Document Scan by allowing users to add its shortcut to their phone's homescreen. Just open the...

Galaxy S25 and S24 update appears to trigger battery drain

Samsungโ€™s April 2026 security update was supposed to be routine, but itโ€™s turning into another battery drain headache for Galaxy S25 and S24 series users, and itโ€™s happening far too soon after the Galaxy Watch mess.

Reports started surfacing days after the update hit the Galaxy S25 lineup in early April, first in South Korea, then elsewhere. Devices that used to last a full day are now dropping from 70 or even 90 percent to zero in a matter of hours.

Users are also noticing higher device temperatures during regular use, not heavy gaming or camera sessions. Some are even running into charging irregularities, where the phone either charges unusually slowly or heats up while plugged in.

Right now, thereโ€™s no official explanation from Samsung, which leaves users piecing things together. Two suspects keep coming up:

  1. Knox Matrix
  2. Mobile Services

Knox Matrix was updated quietly as part of the patch, and some users believe itโ€™s triggering excessive background activity, possibly tied to cross-device syncing or security checks.

Linking to Mobile Services, a few users tracked unusually high data usage from these system apps after the update, suggesting something is constantly communicating with Samsungโ€™s servers.

Users have tried the usual troubleshooting steps.

Booting into Safe Mode, clearing the cache partition, enabling battery saver, even rolling back or disabling certain services. Some report temporary relief. Others see no change at all.

Some users claim Safe Mode helped reset whatever was misbehaving, but once back to normal mode, the drain often returns. Samsung will likely push a follow-up patch.

Related article:

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Galaxy Book6 Edge retailer listing reveals Snapdragon X2 Elite, 16โ€ณ 120Hz OLED, complete design, and price

Samsung has been quietly getting better at making premium Windows laptops, and the Galaxy Book6 Edge looks like another step in that direction. Ahead of the official announcement, a listing on German retailer Cyberport has revealed almost everything about the machine, including detailed renders.

According to the listing, the Galaxy Book6 Edge uses Qualcommโ€™s Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100 chip. Qualcommโ€™s ARM-based chips have started to make more sense in Windows laptops recently, especially for users looking for strong battery life.

The display looks like a strong point too. It is a 16-inch OLED panel with WQXGA resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. That should be more than enough for everyday work, and also nice for media. Samsung usually does well with displays anyway, so expectations here are fairly high.

The listing claims up to 22 hours on a single charge. Even if real-world numbers fall short, it could still end up being a strong performer. It weighs 1.55kg, which is not exactly lightweight by current standards, but it should still be manageable for daily use.

The right side has a USB-A port, a 3.5mm jack, and an SD card slot, while the left side includes an HDMI port and two USB-C ports. That might not sound like a big deal, but a lot of slim laptops cut back on ports, so it is good to see some balance here.

It is priced at โ‚ฌ2,199, putting it firmly in premium territory and up against machines like the MacBook Air and other thin and light laptops. There is still no official announcement from Samsung, but with this much already out there, it probably is not too far away.โ€

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Haier launches F11 series front-load washing machines with Ultra Fresh Air technology & AI display

Haier-F11-front-load-washing-machines

Haier has launched its new F11 series front-load washing machines in India, introducing advanced AI-powered features and hygiene-focused technologies. The F11 series comes in a 12 kg capacity and is aimed at improving fabric care while simplifying the laundry process for Indian households.

The new range is available in two variants. The Washer-only model is priced at โ‚น53,800 ($570), while the Washer Dryer model costs โ‚น64,000 ($679). Both options are available at retail stores across India and through Haierโ€™s official website. Haier provides a 4-year comprehensive warranty and a 12-year warranty on the motor for added reliability.

Haier F11 front-load washing machines

Haier F11 Series Specifications

The F11 series features Ultra Fresh Air Technology, which keeps clothes fresh for up to 12 hours by circulating air inside the drum after wash cycles. Haier designed this feature to address concerns about odour retention when clothes remain in the machine for long periods.

The washing machines also include AI One-Touch technology, which automatically identifies the load type, fabric, and common stains like mud, coffee, milk, or sweat. The system selects optimal wash and dry cycles based on these inputs to ensure thorough cleaning without manual intervention.

Haier F11 front-load washing machines

The machine features the Essence Wash system, which enhances efficiency by pre-mixing detergent into a fine spray that directly targets fabrics, speeding up cleaning and eliminating foam residue. Its Smart Dosing feature adjusts detergent usage based on laundry weight, reducing waste and ensuring precise cleaning.

The F11 comes with a 525 mm Super Drum and pillow-shaped drum design to improve water flow and protect delicate fabrics. Haier equipped the machines with a Direct Motion Motor that connects directly to the drum. This motor reduces noise and vibration while improving efficiency and durability. The machines also include AI Dynamic Balance Technology (AI-DBT), which monitors drum stability in real-time and minimizes vibration during spin cycles.

Haier F11 front-load washing machines
Haier F11 front-load washing machines

Haier has provided a full-color AI touch panel and Wi-Fi connectivity to simplify operation. The display includes preset programs for specific fabric types such as cotton, jeans, and sarees.

In related news, Xiaomi has recently introduced a new 10kg ultra-slim front-load washing machine, alongside an affordable 10kg top-load model.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! ๐Ÿ’ก

(Haier)

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MacBook Ultra could be Appleโ€™s first with OLED and touchscreen support

Appleโ€™s MacBook lineup has been fairly predictable for a while now. You have the Air, the Pro, and clear differences between them. That structure might be getting a shake-up. According to Bloombergโ€™s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a new top-end laptop, tentatively called the MacBook Ultra. The idea is to position it above the current MacBook Pro, with a launch window somewhere in early 2027. If this pans out, it could be one of the bigger changes to the lineup in years.

The display is expected to be a major upgrade. The MacBook Ultra is said to be the first MacBook to switch to OLED, replacing the Mini LED panels used in current Pro models. That should bring better contrast, deeper blacks, and overall improved visuals. OLED panels are also thinner, which could help Apple reduce the thickness of the device a bit.

There may also be a change to the front design. The notch that has been around since 2021 could be replaced with a smaller punch-hole camera cutout, which would free up a bit more screen space.

Another notable shift is touch input. Apple is reportedly planning to add a touchscreen, which is something it has avoided on Macs for years. The company has previously argued that touch on laptops is not practical, so this would be a change in direction.

Performance should also see a jump. The MacBook Ultra is expected to run on M6 Pro and M6 Max chips built on a 2nm process. That should improve both speed and efficiency compared to current models. There is also talk of built-in cellular support through Appleโ€™s own modem, which could bring 5G and LTE connectivity to a MacBook for the first time.

Ports like HDMI, MagSafe, and the SD card slot are expected to stay. It is still early, and plans can change, but if even some of this comes together, the MacBook Ultra could end up being a pretty big deal for Appleโ€™s laptop lineup.

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(Source)

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Casio launches new Coca-Cola G-Shock watch with iconic bottle-inspired design

Casio G-Shock GA-2100CC-3A Coca-Cola

Casio has announced a limited-edition G-Shock watch in collaboration with Coca-Cola. The GA-2100CC-3A celebrates Coca-Colaโ€™s 140th anniversary and features a design inspired by the iconic soda brand. The watch is now listed in Japan with a price tag of ยฅ27,500 ($172).

Casio G-Shock GA-2100CC-3A Coca-Cola

Design Details

The watch uses a translucent green resin for the case and strap. This color draws inspiration from Coca-Colaโ€™s signature glass bottle, giving the watch a semi-transparent and modern appearance.

The dial features a textured brown surface that pays homage to Coca-Cola, complete with bubble-like patterns that reflect the sodaโ€™s fizz. Casio placed the Coca-Cola logo prominently near the top of the dial to reinforce the theme. It also includes a small red bottle graphic on the left subdial, which functions as a day indicator.

The watch features rose-gold accents on the hour markers and hands, creating a warm contrast against the earthy-toned dial. It combines analog and digital elements, with traditional hands positioned above a digital display in the lower right for time and additional functions.

Casio G-Shock GA-2100CC-3A Coca-Cola
Casio G-Shock GA-2100CC-3A Coca-Cola

Casio engraved the case back with a bottle-cap design, adding another Coca-Cola-inspired detail. The watch comes in exclusive packaging designed specifically for this special edition.

The GA-2100CC-3A retains all the features expected from G-Shock. These include shock resistance, water resistance up to 200 meters, and a durable carbon core guard structure.

The watch offers practical functionality, including world time across 31 time zones, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and dual LED lights for low-light visibility. The GA-2100CC-3A measures 48.5 x 45.4 x 11.8 mm and weighs 51 grams.

In related news, Casio has listed the Vintage A159WE-1 in Europe with its classic design and a 7-year battery life, while also introducing new G-LIDE GBX-H5600 models featuring heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! ๐Ÿ’ก

(Casio)

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Best Samsung phones under Rs 20000 (April 2026)

Best Samsung phones under Rs 20000

Samsung offers dozens of smartphones in the sub-20,000 price segment, but finding the best one for your needs can be challenging. So, to make things easier, weโ€™ve prepared a list of the best smartphones below.

๐Ÿ’ก Quick verdict:

1. Best Samsung phone under Rs 20,000 for gaming: Galaxy S21 FE
2. Best Samsung phone under Rs 20,000 for battery life: Galaxy M35 5G
3. Best Samsung phone under Rs 20,000 for camera: Galaxy S21 FE
4. Best Samsung phone under Rs 20,000 (overall value): Galaxy F56 5G
5. Best newly-launched Samsung phone under Rs 20,000: Galaxy F56 5G

List of the best Samsung phones under Rs 20000

1. Galaxy S21 FE 5G

A flagship phone like the Galaxy S21 FE for around Rs 20,000 is almost a no-brainer pick. It features high-end hardware, including a great AMOLED screen and a high-performance Exynos 2100 chipset for great performance and efficiency.

The Galaxy S21 FE also features a high-end triple rear camera setup, which includes a telephoto unit, unlike any other phone on the list. The 32MP selfie camera also performs well. Plus, it supports wireless charging.

The overall hardware is solid, but the software support may be disappointing in 2026, as the device wonโ€™t receive any Android OS upgrades. So, if youโ€™re not concerned about that, then the Galaxy S21 FE is your best pick at this price point.

Galaxy S21 FE specs:

  • Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 2100 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 12, up to four major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 12MP (wide) + 8MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) + 12MP (123หš ultrawide)
  • Selfie camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4500mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired), 15W (wireless)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C
  • Others: under display fingerprint sensor (optical), stereo speakers

2. Galaxy F56 5G

The Galaxy F56 5G offers a solid value for its price. Itโ€™s powered by an Exynos 1480 processor, which delivers smooth, lag-free gaming, and a large AMOLED screen further enhances the experience.

The smartphone features an excellent rear camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide shooter, and a 2MP macro unit. Itโ€™s got a 12MP selfie sensor that delivers good results in daylight. You get a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging and an under-display fingerprint sensor.

The Galaxy F56 also offers excellent software support, promising up to six major Android upgrades, all the way up to Android 21. Thatโ€™s an unmatchable commitment for a mid-range phone.

Galaxy F56 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.74-inch Super AMOLED+, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
  • Software: Android 15, up to six major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 45W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: under display fingerprint sensor (optical)

3. Galaxy A53 5G

The Galaxy A53 delivers big on camera. It offers a powerful rear camera setup, led by a 64MP primary sensor. The other two sensors include a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 5MP macro unit. The 32MP selfie camera captures good details.

The device is powered by an Exynos 1280 chipset, which delivers smooth day-to-day performance and excellent power efficiency. It can even handle gaming at moderate graphics settings without any visible lag. The 5,000 mAh battery easily lasts a day on normal use.

While the Galaxy A53 packs solid hardware, software support in 2026 falls short. The device was promised four major OS upgrades, which have already been released, so it isnโ€™t eligible for Android 17 or future upgrades.

Galaxy A53 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 12, up to four major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 64MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: under display fingerprint sensor (optical), stereo speakers

4. Galaxy F55 5G

The Galaxy F55 (review) shines in selfie shots, thanks to a 50MP camera. The rear camera setup is also capable, offering a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro shooter.

The device features a big 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is excellent for multimedia. Furthermore, itโ€™s equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset for smooth operations and excellent efficiency. The device is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging.

The Galaxy F55 comes with a promise of four major Android upgrades, up to Android 18.

Galaxy F55 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+, 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm)
  • Software: Android 14, up to four major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 50MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 45W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: under display fingerprint sensor (optical), stereo speakers

5. Galaxy F36 5G

The Galaxy F36 is a reliable daily driver, featuring a 6.7-inch bright, smooth AMOLED screen and a triple rear camera setup led by a 50MP main shooter. The Exynos 1380 processor delivers smooth performance without any lag with excellent power efficiency.

Like most phones on the list, itโ€™s also got a 5,000mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging over a wired connection. Additionally, it offers robust connectivity features, including Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. On the software side, the F36 5G promises six major OS upgrades up to Android 21.

Galaxy F36 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 15, up to six major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: side-mounted fingerprint sensor

6. Galaxy M35 5G

The Galaxy M35 packs a massive 6,000mAh battery to deliver long-lasting battery backup, with support for 25W wired charging. It features a vibrant AMOLED screen and an Exynos 1380 processor for smooth performance.

The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary unit, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, thereโ€™s a 13MP snapper. The Galaxy M35 comes with a promise of four major OS upgrades, up to Android 18.

Galaxy M35 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 14, up to four major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 6000mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers

7. Galaxy A26 5G

The Galaxy A26 is another reliable daily driver, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, an Exynos 1380 chipset, and a 50MP triple rear camera.

The smartphone ships with Android 15 out of the box and promises up to six major OS upgrades. That means the A26 5G will receive updates up to Android 21. It has a 5,000 mAh battery that easily lasts a day and supports 25W fast charging.

Galaxy A26 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 15, up to six major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 5MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: side-mounted fingerprint sensor

8. Galaxy A17 5G

The Galaxy A17 doesnโ€™t go deep into the pocket to become a reliable daily driver. It features a large AMOLED screen, a 5,000mAh battery for all-day backup, and an Exynos 1330 chipset for reliable performance.

The device features a triple-camera setup on the back, including a 50MP main shooter, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro unit. Thereโ€™s a 13MP snapper for selfies and video calls. The best part? It promises OS updates for six years, up to Android 21. This is where Samsung phones stand out from the crowd.

Galaxy A17 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution, 90Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
  • Software: Android 15, up to six major Android upgrades
  • Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 5MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
  • Selfie camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 5000mAh
  • Charging: 25W (wired)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
  • Others: side-mounted fingerprint sensor

How we picked: We shortlisted Samsung phones available under Rs 20,000 in India and evaluated them based on real-world performance, display quality, battery life, and camera results. We also considered software experience, including One UI version and update support, as well as overall value for money.

Which Samsung phone under 20000 is best?

The Galaxy F56 5G is the best Samsung phone in this price segment, featuring high-performance processor, excellent cameras, and a long-lasting battery.

Best Samsung phone under 20000 with good battery backup

The Galaxy M35 5G comes with a huge 6,000mAh battery, lasting for up to two days easily.

Best Samsung phone under 20000 with 256GB storage

The Galaxy F56 5G is currently the best phone you can get for around Rs 20000, and itโ€™s also offered in a 256GB storage option.

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OPPO Pad 5 Pro Launched: 13.2โ€ 3.4K Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 , Now Available On Giztop

OPPO Pad 5 Pro

OPPO Pad 5 Pro enters the premium tablet space with a strong focus on display quality, flagship-level performance, and long-lasting battery life. Built for users who want a large-screen experience for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking, it combines a high refresh rate panel with a powerful chipset and modern connectivity features.

OPPO Pad 5 Pro is now available globally via Giztop, with a starting price of $799 for the base variant.

Design and Display

OPPO Pad 5 Pro features a large 13.2-inch LCD designed for immersive viewing. With a 3.4K resolution (3392 ร— 2400 pixels), the screen delivers sharp visuals and vibrant color reproduction. The 10-bit color support enhances gradients and overall visual accuracy, making it suitable for media consumption and creative tasks.

A 144Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which noticeably improve the overall user experience. The slim bezels contribute to an 89.4% screen-to-body ratio, giving the tablet a modern and premium look while maximizing usable screen space.

Performance and Software

At the core of the OPPO Pad 5 Pro is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 octa-core processor, built to handle demanding workloads. Whether itโ€™s multitasking, gaming, or running heavy apps, the chipset ensures stable and smooth performance.

The tablet runs on ColorOS 16 based on Android 16, offering a refined and responsive interface. The software experience is optimized for large screens, with features like split-screen multitasking, parallel windows, and cross-device collaboration, enhancing productivity. The UI feels fluid and well-integrated, especially when switching between apps or using multiple windows.

Memory and Storage

The OPPO Pad 5 Pro is available in two configurations:

  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
  • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage

With LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the tablet delivers fast app launches, smooth multitasking, and quick data access. This setup ensures that even heavy users wonโ€™t experience slowdowns during intensive usage.

Camera Capabilities

For a tablet, the OPPO Pad 5 Pro offers practical camera hardware:

  • 13MP rear camera for basic photography and document scanning
  • 8MP front camera with a 105ยฐ wide-angle lens for video calls

The front camera is especially useful for video conferencing, offering a wider field of view that keeps you properly framed during calls.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a large 13,380mAh battery, designed for extended usage. Whether youโ€™re streaming content, attending meetings, or working on tasks, the tablet is built to last through long sessions without frequent charging.

It supports 67W SuperVOOC fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery and get back to work or entertainment without long wait times.

Connectivity and Audio

The OPPO Pad 5 Pro comes equipped with modern connectivity options:

  • Wi-Fi 7 with dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
  • Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless connections

For audio, the tablet features quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support and Hi-Res audio certification. The sound output is loud, immersive, and well-balanced, making it ideal for movies, music, and gaming.

Additional Features

OPPO has included several smart features to improve usability:

  • Four-finger pinch gestures
  • Two-finger split-screen multitasking
  • Parallel windows for better app management
  • Cross-device collaboration for seamless workflow between devices

These features make the tablet more versatile, especially for productivity-focused users.

The OPPO Pad 5 Pro positions itself as a powerful large-screen tablet with a strong emphasis on display quality, performance, and battery life. The combination of a 144Hz 3.4K display, Snapdragon flagship chipset, and massive battery makes it a compelling option for both entertainment and productivity.

Itโ€™s clearly aimed at users who want a premium tablet experience without compromises, especially those who value a bigger display and smooth multitasking performance.


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OPPO Pad Mini Now Available at Giztop Starting at $699

OPPO Pad Mini

OPPO Pad Mini is a compact yet powerful tablet designed for both entertainment and productivity, featuring a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display and flagship-level performance. It is now available starting at $699, making it a premium small-tablet option, and can be purchased globally through Giztop.

Design and Display

The OPPO Pad Mini features a compact and premium design with an 8.8-inch 2.5K AMOLED display. It offers a sharp resolution of 2520ร—1680 pixels, making content look detailed and vibrant. The 144Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid visuals, which is especially useful for gaming and daily use. With up to 1600 nits peak brightness and ultra-narrow bezels, the viewing experience feels immersive and comfortable even in bright conditions.

Performance and Software

This tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 octa-core processor, paired with the Adreno 829 GPU. It delivers fast and stable performance for multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps. The device comes with 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring quick data access and smooth operation. It runs on ColorOS 16, based on Android 16, offering a clean, modern, and user-friendly interface.

Camera and Multimedia

The OPPO Pad Mini includes an 8MP front camera with a wide-angle lens, making it suitable for video calls and online meetings. On the back, there is a 13MP camera for basic photography and document scanning. The dual-speaker setup provides balanced stereo sound, enhancing the experience for watching videos or listening to music.

Battery and Connectivity

The tablet is equipped with an 8000mAh battery, which supports 67W SuperVOOC fast charging. This allows quick top-ups and long usage throughout the day. For connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 7 with 2ร—2 MIMO for faster internet speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for stable wireless connections.

The OPPO Pad Mini offers a strong mix of performance, display quality, and fast charging in a compact form, making it a solid choice for both entertainment and productivity.

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Oppo Find X9 Ultra vs Vivo X300 Ultra: Which Ultra Phone Is Actually Worth It?

Oppo vs Vivo

Flagship smartphones have reached a point where โ€œbestโ€ is no longer universal; itโ€™s personal. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra represent two different philosophies at the very top: one pushes hardware to extremes, while the other focuses on refinement and balance. On paper, they look nearly identical, but the real differences show up in how they feel, shoot, and last through a full day. This comparison cuts through the spec sheet noise to reveal which flagship actually fits different types of users, and where each one quietly pulls ahead.

Major Features:

FeatureOppo Find X9 UltraVivo X300 UltraWinner
PerformanceSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Adreno 840Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Adreno 840Tie โ€“ Same chipset & performance
DisplayLTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, higher peak brightness (3600 nits)LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, 2160Hz PWM dimmingVivo โ€“ Better eye comfort
Build & ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus 2, eco leather optionArmor glass, premium glass buildOppo โ€“ Stronger protection + unique finish
Battery7050mAh6600mAh / 6400mAhOppo โ€“ Bigger battery
Charging100W wired, 50W wireless, reverse wireless100W wired, 40W wireless, reverse wirelessOppo โ€“ Faster wireless charging
Main Camera SetupQuad: 200MP + 200MP (3x) + 50MP (10x) + 50MP UWTriple: 200MP + 200MP (3.7x) + 50MP UWOppo โ€“ More versatile setup
Zoom Capability3x + 10x optical zoom3.7x optical + optional external lensesOppo โ€“ Native zoom advantage
Camera FeaturesHasselblad tuning, O-Log2, LUTZeiss optics, gimbal OIS, 3D LUT importVivo โ€“ Better stabilization & color science
Video Recording8K, 4K 120fps, Dolby Vision, 10-bit Log8K, 4K 120fps, Dolby Vision, 10-bit LogTie โ€“ Similar video capabilities
Selfie Camera50MP with AF50MP with AFTie โ€“ Similar hardware
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4Oppo โ€“ Newer Bluetooth
Extra FeaturesIR blaster, advanced sensorsSatellite SOS (top variant), Hi-Res audioVivo โ€“ More unique extras
Price~$1100 / โ‚น1,03,000~$1000 / โ‚น96,000Vivo โ€“ Better value
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.

Design and Display

Build and Feel

Both phones feel unapologetically premium, but they approach luxury differently. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra leans toward a more expressive design with options like eco-leather, giving it a slightly more tactile and character-driven feel. The Vivo X300 Ultra, on the other hand, stays classic with a glass-and-metal build that feels cleaner and more understated. The Oppoโ€™s finish may appeal more to users who want something distinctive, while Vivoโ€™s approach feels safer and more universally polished.

Display Quality

On paper, both displays are nearly identical: LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, and ultra-high brightness. In practice, Vivo edges slightly ahead with its higher PWM dimming, which can feel easier on the eyes during long usage. Oppo, however, pushes peak brightness higher, making it a bit more impactful outdoors. Both are among the best displays available, but Vivo feels more refined for comfort, while Oppo feels more aggressive and vivid.

Verdict

Vivo X300 Ultra wins slightly for display comfort and balanced design, while Oppo offers more personality and brightness punch.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both devices run on the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with identical GPU and storage configurations, so raw performance is essentially identical. Gaming, multitasking, and heavy workloads feel equally fluid on both. The real difference comes from software tuningโ€”ColorOS feels smoother and slightly more optimized for sustained performance, while OriginOS adds more customization but can feel heavier at times.

Battery and Charging

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra clearly takes the lead with its larger battery and faster wireless charging. Itโ€™s built for endurance, easily pushing longer usage times under heavy workloads. Vivoโ€™s battery is still strong but slightly smaller, though it compensates with efficient optimization and stable performance. Charging speeds are similar on wired, but Oppoโ€™s wireless charging advantage is noticeable in daily use.

Verdict

Oppo Find X9 Ultra wins for battery and charging, while performance remains a tie with slight software preference toward Oppo.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

This is where both phones become extremely competitive. Oppo goes all-in with a quad-camera system, offering dual 200MP sensors and extended zoom flexibility up to 10x optical. It feels more versatile, especially for long-range photography. Vivo, however, focuses on precision with its Zeiss-tuned system and gimbal stabilization, delivering more consistent results and better control over color science. The optional external lenses also push Vivo into a more professional territory.

Selfie Camera

Both offer 50MP autofocus selfie cameras with strong video capabilities. The difference is minimal, though Vivoโ€™s tuning often delivers slightly more natural skin tones, while Oppo leans toward sharper, more processed results.

Verdict

Vivo X300 Ultra wins for consistency and professional-grade output, while Oppo Find X9 Ultra leads in zoom versatility and flexibility.

Pricing

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is priced at around โ‚น1,03,000, while the Vivo X300 Ultra comes slightly lower at approximately โ‚น96,000. The difference isnโ€™t massive, but itโ€™s enough to influence buyers looking for better value at the ultra-premium level.

Is the Price Justified?

Oppo justifies its higher price with a larger battery, faster wireless charging, and a more versatile camera setup. It feels like a powerhouse device built for users who want everything maxed out. Vivo, however, offers a more refined camera experience and comparable flagship performance at a slightly lower cost, making it feel more balanced overall.

Verdict

Vivo X300 Ultra offers better value for money, while Oppo Find X9 Ultra justifies its price with extra hardware advantages.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, and applicable taxes.

Conclusion

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra stands out with its massive battery, advanced zoom system, and aggressive hardware approach. It feels like a device built for power users who prioritize endurance and versatility. Vivo X300 Ultra, meanwhile, focuses on refinement, Zeiss optics, gimbal stabilization, and cleaner software tuning create a more polished overall experience. The addition of optional zoom lenses also gives Vivo a unique edge for photography enthusiasts.

Verdict

If only one has to be chosen, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is the better overall flagship; it delivers a bigger battery, faster wireless charging, and a more versatile zoom-focused camera system, making it feel more powerful and future-proof in daily use. The Vivo X300 Ultra is the more refined and balanced option with better camera consistency and slightly better value, but the Oppo simply offers more hardware advantage, which makes it the stronger pick overall.

Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.

Read More:

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Apple tipped to use quad-curved display for 20th anniversary iPhone

Apple rarely lets big milestones pass without doing something different. With the iPhone turning 20 in 2027, there has already been a lot of speculation about what the company might be planning. A new leak now adds a bit more detail, and at least on the display side, it suggests a noticeable shift from Appleโ€™s usual approach.

According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is working with Samsung on a custom display for the anniversary model. Two things stand out. The first is that the panel may drop the polarizer layer, which could help reduce thickness and improve efficiency. This is not entirely new in the industry, but it is something Apple has not done before on the iPhone.

The second detail is more visible. The display is said to use a quad-curved design, with all four edges slightly curved. Apple is reportedly fine-tuning the curvature specifically for this device, though it is still unclear how aggressive the curves will be.

What makes this interesting is Appleโ€™s past stance. No iPhone so far has used a โ€˜curved displayโ€™ in the traditional sense. That said, the company has already been moving in this direction, to some extent. Starting with the iPhone 15 lineup, the edges became slightly more contoured for a better in-hand feel, and the iPhone 17 Pro models pushed that further with a smoother aluminum unibody design.

A quad-curved display paired with a flat middle frame, something we still see on a few Chinese flagships, could give the anniversary iPhone a more premium look. And if that does happen, it would not be surprising to see similar designs trickle down across Android devices soon after.

Apple is also rumored to be working toward an all-screen design by moving the Dynamic Island components under the display. That is easier said than done with current technology, though. For context, dummy units of the iPhone 18 Pro Max already point to a roughly 25% smaller Dynamic Island, and earlier leaks suggest at least part of the Face ID system could be shifting under the panel.

(Source: Digital Chat Station on Weibo)

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OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra roundup before launch reveals nearly every spec

OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra - Ace Awakening

The OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra is set to launch on April 28th, and in typical pre-release fashion, most of its key details have already surfaced online. For one final roundup, leaker Digital Chat Station has compiled what looks like a near-complete spec sheet ahead of the official unveiling.ย 

Letโ€™s walk through it.ย 

OenPlus Ace 6 Ultra
OenPlus Ace 6 Ultra

OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra Specifications (Expected)

The OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra is rumored to feature a 6.78-inch flat LTPS display from BOE with a 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Powering the phone will be a flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset.

Up front, the device is said to house a 16MP camera, while the rear setup includes a 50MP main sensor (1/1.55-inch) paired with an 8MP ultra-wide. Itโ€™s a fairly functional camera system without much flair.

The battery, on the other hand, is hard to ignore. The Ace 6 Ultra is confirmed to pack an 8600mAh dual-cell battery with 120W fast charging. And of course, itโ€™s a Si/C cell.ย 

Combined with features like dual 1115W symmetrical speakers, a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and IP66/68/69/69K ratings, the device seems engineered for durability and endurance.

Moreover, OnePlus has already confirmed that the Ace 6 Ultra will include a custom touch chip designed to reduce gaming latency. And perhaps more interestingly, the company has also developed a dedicated gaming controller.

According to OnePlus, the optional controller features a touch-and-press integrated design that aims to bridge the gap between casual two-finger players and more advanced multi-finger setups.

Design-wise, the โ€œAce Awakeningโ€ color variant leans into a flat, almost industrial aesthetic, with a metal frame, a heat-insulating mid-frame structure, and exaggerated rounded corners. It will also be available in โ€œMeta Storm,โ€ which features a silk-textured back.

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Nothing Phone (3) April Update Improves Notifications, Calls and Performance

Nothing has begun rolling out the Nothing OS B4.1-260414-1846 update for the Nothing Phone (3). The update brings a mix of new AI features, interface tweaks, and system fixes, along with the April 2026 security patch.

The main addition is Essential Voice, a speech-to-text feature built into the keyboard. It can be started by tapping the keyboard icon or long-pressing the Essential key. The tool is designed to make dictation cleaner and easier to use. It removes filler words and repeated phrases, and adjusts for corrections made while speaking. It can also detect when you want to translate something and insert the translated text directly. Users can save commonly used phrases like email addresses, which can be added through voice commands. The system also formats spoken input into lists, steps, or bullet points when it detects that structure.

On the interface side, Nothing has added a new lock screen clock face. This design first appeared on the Phone (3a) Community Edition and was created with community member Jad Zock. It includes a custom typeface and a wake-up animation.

Live Updates is another change in this release. It lets users follow real-time activity from supported apps like Google Maps. This information can appear on the lock screen, in the notification panel, and on the Glyph Interface. Support depends on the app and region.

Notifications have also been updated. The Essential Notifications settings page now has a cleaner layout with clearer descriptions. The system can suggest which notifications should be marked as essential based on usage.

The update also includes a set of fixes. eSIM setup instructions have been improved for clarity. Video calls on some third-party apps should run more smoothly, with fewer stutters. Issues affecting the notification panel and Quick Settings have been fixed. Nothing says that overall system stability has also been improved.

The update is being rolled out in phases, so users who havenโ€™t received it yet should see the notification over the next few days.

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(Source)

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Windows 11 KB5083769 causing a death loop on 24H2 and 25H2 systems

Windows 11

Monthly updates are supposed to keep things running smoothly. Microsoftโ€™s April 2026 Patch Tuesday update has done the opposite for some Windows 11 users.

Windows 11

The update in question, KB5083769, is reportedly triggering serious boot issues on systems running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Complaints started showing up on Microsoftโ€™s Learn Q&A forums shortly after the update rolled out on April 14, and the reports follow a similar pattern.

For many users, the update installs normally at first. After the restart, things start to go wrong. Some systems show distorted or pixelated visuals before crashing into a Blue Screen of Death. From there, it turns into a loop. Windows offers recovery options, but selecting them often just sends the system back to the same screen again.

The issue does not seem tied to a specific setup. Reports include an HP Pavilion with a Ryzen 5 2600 and GTX 1080 Ti, as well as Dell desktops where multiple machines ran into the same problem. That makes it harder to pin down exactly what is causing it.

There are a couple of other side effects as well. Microsoft has acknowledged that the update can trigger BitLocker recovery on some systems after a restart. If you do not have your recovery key handy, that can quickly become a problem. Some users are also seeing more restarts than usual during installation, sometimes four or more before it completes.

So far, there is no emergency fix from Microsoft. If a system is already stuck, the suggested approach is to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and try System Restore. If that does not work, Startup Repair is the next option. Resetting the PC locally remains a last resort.

Users who are unsure whether KB5083769 is installed can head to Settings โ†’ Windows Update โ†’ Update history and check the list. If it is there, uninstall it and pause updates immediately afterward to avoid triggering the issue.

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Source: Microsoft

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iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy hints at significant camera upgrades

Apple does not usually make big design changes every year, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max looks set to follow that pattern. At a glance, it feels familiar. But a couple of smaller changes underneath could end up making a โ€œnoticeableโ€ difference.

A new hands-on video showing metal dummy units of the iPhone 18 Pro Max has surfaced online, giving us a clearer look at what might be coming. The source behind it has a decent track record. Their early preview of the iPhone 17 lineup last year turned out to be quite close to what Apple eventually announced, so this one is worth paying attention to.

One of the more obvious changes is the Dynamic Island. According to the dummy, it is getting smaller, by roughly 25%. That brings it down from just over 20mm to about 15mm. It will still disappoint people hoping for a hole-punch cutout, but thatโ€™s likely reserved for the 20th anniversary iPhone.

The camera setup is where things get a bit more interesting. Total thickness, including the camera plateau, is now around 11.54mm, up from 11.23mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. With the lenses included, that figure reportedly goes up to 13.77mm, compared to 12.92mm previously.

That extra space suggests Apple may be working with larger sensors, or possibly pushing optical zoom back to 5x after stepping it down to 4x last year, or even a mix of both. Either way, the dummy points to some meaningful changes in the camera hardware.

Apple has been gradually moving to larger sensors over the years, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max already catching up in main sensor size, using a 1/1.28โ€ณ sensor, the same as the Vivo X200 Ultra. Based on these dummy units, the iPhone 18 Pro Maxโ€™s camera system could be worth a closer look.

In terms of size, the phone is said to be marginally taller and wider than the current model, with a slight bump in thickness as well. That could be down to a larger battery, though nothing is confirmed yet.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is expected to arrive later this year, likely alongside Appleโ€™s first foldable iPhone, which is rumored to be called the Ultra. The rest of the lineup is expected to follow sometime in early 2027.

(Source: Max Tech)

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Anker replaces Soundcore with new โ€œAudio-Visualโ€ branding

Brand names usually stick around for a reason. They take years to build and tend to carry a lot of recognition. So when a company decides to drop one, it usually means something has changed behind the scenes. In Ankerโ€™s case, the shift actually makes a fair bit of sense.

Anker Innovations has confirmed that it is phasing out the Soundcore brand name in China, replacing it with โ€œAnker Audio-Visual.โ€ The announcement came through a local press release and social posts, and the reasoning becomes clear when you look at how the brand has been used recently.

Soundcore has always been closely tied to audio. Speakers, earbuds, headphones. That is what most people associate with it. But over time, Anker also started selling its Nebula projectors under the same umbrella, which is where things started to feel a bit off. A projector sitting under a brand called Soundcore never quite lined up.

The new name fixes that. โ€œAnker Audio-Visualโ€ covers both sides of the product range without any confusion. It feels more straightforward, and probably easier to scale going forward.

For existing users, nothing really changes. Anker says products will continue to appear under both names for a while, and there is no difference in quality or features. This is more of a branding update than anything else.

What is still unclear is how quickly this will expand beyond China. So far, the change has only been announced there. That said, Soundcore has a strong presence in markets like the US and Europe, so a wider rollout seems likely at some point.

For now, if you start seeing โ€œAnker Audio-Visualโ€ where Soundcore used to be, it is not a new product line. Just a new name for the same lineup.

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(Via)

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Casio Vintage A159WE-1 Listed in Europe With Classic Design and 7-Year Battery

Casio has listed the Vintage A159WE-1 on its official online stores across several European markets, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.

The A159WE-1 follows the same square digital design first seen on the A159W from 1989. It features a silver-tone chrome-plated resin case paired with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet includes an adjustable clasp and supports wrist sizes between 150 mm and 205 mm. The case measures 36.8 x 33.2 x 8.5 mm and weighs 44 g. It uses resin glass and is rated as water-resistant, suitable for light splashes.

The digital display supports both 12-hour and 24-hour time formats, with an accuracy of ยฑ30 seconds per month. Standard timekeeping includes hour, minute, second, PM indicator, date, and day. The watch also includes a daily alarm and an hourly time signal.

Additional features include a 1/100-second stopwatch with a measuring capacity of 59 minutes and 59.99 seconds. It supports elapsed time, split time, and first and second place time tracking. An automatic calendar is built in, preset to 28 days for February. Visibility in low light is handled by an LED backlight. Casio rates the battery life at approximately seven years using a CR2016 cell.

The A159WE-1 appears to have a slightly warm display tone. The bracelet design may also differ from the 1989 model, with wider, more rounded central links.

The Casio Vintage A159WE-1 is listed at โ‚ฌ49.90 across multiple European stores. The product page currently shows a โ€œcoming soonโ€ status, with no confirmed release date.

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TCL A400 Pro NXTVISION TV Announced for Europe With 4K QD-Mini LED 144Hz Display

TCL A400 Pro NXTVISION TV

TCL is getting ready to launch the A400 Pro NXTVISION TV in Europe after first introducing it in China in late 2025. The TV sits in the same category as lifestyle models like Samsungโ€™s The Frame, focusing on both design and display.

TCL A400 Pro NXTVISION TV

The lineup will include 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, and 98-inch options worldwide. In the UK, a smaller 43-inch version is also confirmed. Pricing starts at ยฃ599 for the 43-inch model. The 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch variants are listed at ยฃ899, ยฃ1,099, and ยฃ1,399. TCL has not confirmed when sales will begin or which other European markets will get it first.

The design is built around a light walnut-textured frame, made using a single-piece bending process. This removes visible joints and keeps the look clean. The screen uses a matte canvas finish, which reduces glare and gives it a texture closer to a painting than a standard TV. TCL has kept the profile slim across sizes. Models up to 75 inches measure 3.99 cm in thickness, while the 85-inch and 98-inch versions are slightly thicker at 4.15 cm and 4.45 cm.

TCL A400 Pro NXTVISION TV

For display, the A400 Pro uses a QD Mini LED panel with local dimming and high brightness control. It uses Quantum Dot Pro materials, covering 157 percent of the BT.709 color gamut. TCL claims a Delta E value below 0.99, which indicates accurate color output.

The panel supports 4K resolution with a native 144Hz refresh rate. With DLG mode, it can go up to 288Hz. Gaming features include VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The TV also runs TCLโ€™s TSR AI image engine, which handles scene detection, backlight control, and motion adjustments.

Art Mode is part of the core experience. It includes access to more than 100 artworks from museums. These can be displayed as still images or with subtle motion effects. There is also an AI tool that lets users create custom artwork by choosing styles and prompts.

Audio is handled by an Onkyo Hi-Fi speaker system with a side-firing setup, designed to work even when the TV is mounted close to a wall. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

For connectivity, the TV includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, USB 3.0, and Wi-Fi 6. It also supports NAS protocols such as FTP, SMB, and NFS. Most models come with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

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(Source, via)

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Fitbit App Gets Major Update With Fitness Plans, Coaching Chat, and Sleep Insights

Fitbit Personal Health Coach

Fitbit has started rolling out an update to its app that changes how its personal health coach works. The update touches fitness plans, coaching, daily insights, and sleep tracking. It is part of the latest app version, with some features still being tested in Public Preview.

Fitbit Personal Health Coach

For Premium users, the main addition is personalised weekly fitness plans. These plans set targets based on user goals and suggest workouts accordingly. During the Public Preview phase, the system can adjust recommendations based on feedback. Fitbit is also adding the option to edit plans, targets, and workouts, which is expected to roll out next week.

The coaching experience has been updated as well. Recommended workouts now come with step-by-step instructions, so users can follow sessions more easily. The โ€œAsk Coachโ€ feature has also been improved. Instead of fixed prompts, users can now interact with it in a more natural way to check progress or get suggestions.

There are also changes in the โ€œTodayโ€ tab. Users will start seeing updates at different points in the day, including a morning check-in, a summary after workouts, and an end-of-day recap. Weekly progress summaries are also being added. The idea is to give users regular updates without needing to look for the information.

Sleep tracking is part of this update too. Fitbit has begun rolling out a redesigned Sleep Score. It now shows a clearer breakdown of how the score is calculated, which makes it easier to understand sleep patterns.

The rollout is gradual and will vary depending on region, device, and app version. Premium users will get the weekly plans, while Public Preview users will see newer coaching features first. Other updates, including guided workouts and daily insights, will continue to roll out over the next few weeks.

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TEMPT Enigma Speaker Debuts with 30W Output, TWS Stereo Mode, and 12-Hour Battery

Tempt Enigma

TEMPT has introduced a new portable speaker in India, called the Enigma. It is positioned as a compact Bluetooth speaker with support for stereo pairing and outdoor use.

Tempt Enigma

The Enigma delivers 30W RMS output. When paired with another unit in TWS mode, the combined output can go up to 60W peak. The speaker uses dual 65mm full-range neodymium drivers along with a passive bass radiator to handle low-end output.

Tempt Enigma

It also comes with OxyAcoustics tuning. There are two EQ modes available, so users can switch between a balanced sound profile and a bass-heavy mode based on what they are listening to.

Tempt Enigma

For connectivity, the speaker supports Bluetooth 5.3 and has a wireless range of up to 10 meters. TWS pairing is supported, which allows two Enigma speakers to connect for stereo playback. A built-in microphone is included for calls, and the speaker also works with voice assistants. The device runs on a 3100mAh battery and is rated to deliver up to 12 hours of playback. Charging is handled through a Type-C port.

In terms of build, the speaker has a woven polyester mesh exterior and a carry strap, making it easier to move around. It also includes RGB lighting with multiple modes that sync with music playback. Lighting controls are integrated into the device.

The Enigma has an IPX5 rating, which means it can handle water splashes. This makes it usable in outdoor settings like balconies or small gatherings. The speaker measures 8.5 ร— 8.5 ร— 24.6 cm and weighs 1300 grams. TEMPT is offering a one-year warranty with the product.

Pricing & availability

The TEMPT Enigma Bluetooth speaker is currently available via TemptIndia.com and Amazon India at an introductory price of Rs. 3,999.

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Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9a

We rarely come across two phones that are so similar. The newly launched Google Pixel 10a is unapologetically more or less the same phone as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a. This leaves those looking for an affordable Pixel this year in a quandary. Should you go for the newer model, or should you just save some money and get last year's. And what even are some of these minor differences that separate the two? Well, let's find out. Table of Contents: Design Display Battery Life Charging Speaker Test Performance Cameras Verdict For starters, you can compare...

No RAMpocalypse at Apple: iPhone 18 in for 50% RAM boost, super-efficient 2nm A20 chip on track

There's no RAM crisis for Cupertino. The vanilla iPhone 18 is getting an extra 4GB of RAM for a total of 12GB RAM to support advanced Apple Intelligence on iOS 27, says top analyst. Powered by TSMCโ€™s 2nm A20 chip, the base model offers a 15% performance boost. Reports indicate a split release strategy - the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone will launch in late 2026, while the standard iPhone 18, 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are to come in early 2027.

One UI 9 expands Now Brief with richer Weather view

Samsung appears to be quietly reworking one of the most overlooked parts of its software experience, and this time, it could actually matter in daily use. One UI 9 is apparently upgrading Now Brief with extended Weather details.

According to a new leak from Tarun Vats, the Now Brief in One UI 9 is getting an extended weather view that shows the entire week at a glance.

The latest leak from One UI 9 shows a more practical weather card embedded directly into the Now Brief feed, with the latest version stretching into a full weekly forecast.

Temperatures, rain probability, and visual indicators are all packed into a single card that feels designed for quick scanning rather than deep interaction.

Samsung Now Brief Weather One UI 9

In One UI 7, the Now Brief concept leaned heavily on โ€œright nowโ€ data. Weather was present, but it was basic, often requiring a tap into the full app for anything beyond immediate conditions.

One UI 8 refined the layout and added a bit more context, but it still stopped short of offering a true planning tool. One UI 8.5 also improves the experience, but One UI 9 seems to change that mindset.

It may sound like a small tweak on paper, but in practice, this kind of refinement is what separates a good software experience from one that actually sticks.

If Now Brief continues in this direction, it could quietly become one of the most useful features on Galaxy devices, not because it is flashy, but because it gets the basics right.

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Galaxy Z Fold8 renders reveal ultra-tiny 2.5mm punch-hole; no under-display camera

Leak from reliable source has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 will feature a significantly smaller front camera cutout on its cover display. Shifting from the 3.7mm hole on the Galaxy Z Fold7 to a sleek 2.5mm diameter, the Z Fold8 utilizes new display technology to maximize screen real estate. This update arrives as Samsung prepares for its summer 2026 Unpacked event.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII first look: Major redesign confirmed; hints at triple 48MP camera, battery upgrades

First Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders reveal a major redesign for the 2026 flagshipโ€™s camera module, shifting to a square island. The leak settles the design debate, confirming Sony will retain symmetrical bezels and avoid a punch-hole camera. Physical dimensions show a thicker 8.58 mm chassis, hinting at significant camera hardware or battery upgrades.

Apple iPhone Ultra/Fold again tipped for autumn 2026 launch, schematic reveals dimensions

There were rumors that the launch of the Apple iPhone Fold, also referred to as iPhone Ultra, was delayed. But we later heard that the iPhone Ultra's launch was on track, and it would be unveiled at Apple's autumn 2026 product launch event alongside the iPhone 18 series. That launch timeframe has now been corroborated by reliable tipster Ice Universe, who posted an unofficial photo of an iPhone Ultra and Apple's new CEO John Ternus on X, with the caption "2026 iPhone autumn new product launch." While Ice Universe hasn't mentioned the launch date, it's safe to assume the launch event will...

Samsung begins Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 firmware development

Samsung has reportedly begun the firmware development for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The company is working on two premium smartwatches for 2026, including a Galaxy Watch 9 and a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

The new smartwatches will likely be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8 Wide in July this year. Galaxy Watch 8 will get a successor as usual, but the Classic model may be on hold in the year 2026.

Previously, the internal firmware of Galaxy Watch 9 was spotted on Samsungโ€™s server, indicating the beginning of development. Now, the initial firmware for Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (BT and 4G/5G) has appeared, via Aptivi.

  • Watch Ultra 2 (Bluetooth) โ€“ L710XXU0AZDB
  • Watch Ultra 2 (LTE/5G) โ€“ย L715NKOU0AZDB

Qualcomm recently introduced the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset for next-gen Wear OS devices. The company also confirmed that the next-gen Samsung watches will be equipped with its advanced wearable platform.

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is said to launch with 5G network compatibility for the first time. However, the availability may be limited and vary by region.

Samsung has been using Exynos W series chips in the Watch for recent years. The company may not entirely dump its evolving portfolio for Qualcomm. That said, we could see the Galaxy Watch 9 adopting the Exynos W platform.

The next Unpacked is rumored to take place on July 22, 2026. The venue could not be Seoul or San Francisco, but London. Samsung eyes the European smartphone market and thatโ€™s how the event is considered in the UK.

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Infinix GT 50 Pro unboxing

Just announced, and in the office, meet the Infinix GT 50 Pro, a high-end phone with some clever gaming-centric innovation. You can check out our quick unboxing video here. The Infinix GT 50 Pro comes in Black Abyss, Red Blaze, and Silver Glacier colors, and in either 12/256GB or 12/512GB trim. Prices start from IDR 6,499,000 ($376/โ‚ฌ330 converted), and sales begin tomorrow. Let's unbox it. The phone comes with a 45W charger, a USB cable, and a case with a magnetic ring on the back. Those magnets play a crucial role when using the GT 50 Pro with Infinix's new MagCharge Cooler 2.0...

Samsung Keyboard patch fixes battery drain on Galaxy phones

You may have been noticing a battery drain problem on Galaxy phones, but never suspected that Samsung Keyboard could be the culprit.

Users of Galaxy phones reported a battery drain problem in the Community forum, and Samsung Keyboard turned out to be the cause. The companyโ€™s moderator confirmed it to multiple users, but thereโ€™s good news, too.

Samsung phones are decent at battery life, but a software-driven bug can ruin everything. The same happened with the Samsung Keyboard app. Well, the problem has been addressed, and an update is rolling out through Galaxy Store.

The moderator advised Samsung users to update the Keyboard app to version 5.9.30.81. This build carries a fix for the problem that was draining the battery.

This rollout reiterates why Samsung reminds users to keep updating system apps to the latest versions for an optimal experience. Phones donโ€™t just play with operating system, but apps play a key role in providing the experience.

Samsung has also rolled out the April 2026 security update to Galaxy devices. The patch includes fixes for forty-seven CVE and SVE items. Updating the Keyboard app will further elevate security and battery life on Galaxy.

So, whether youโ€™ve encountered a battery drain or not, itโ€™s recommended to update the Samsung Keyboard app on your Galaxy device. Open Settings of Samsung Keyboard or Galaxy Store to install the latest version of the app.

April 30 could mark the beginning of the Stable One UI 8.5 update rollout. It will first appear for the Galaxy S25 series, probably in South Korea, with Global expansion reportedly taking place starting the 4th of next month.

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Weekly deals: Galaxy A57 gets its first massive price cut, Poco F8 Pro and F8 Ultra on sale

The Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 only just hit store shelves and the A57 is already sporting a massive price cut โ€“ the 8/256GB variant is 27% off. That puts it at an equal price with the A37 and the A57 is easily the better phone. You can check out our versus article to see how these two compare, but hereโ€™s a summary. Samsung Galaxy A57 โ‚ฌ160 off Read our review 8/256GB - โ‚ฌ430 at Amazon DE The Galaxy A57 has a slimmer 6.9mm metal frame vs. 7.4mm plastic frame, itโ€™s...

US lawsuit demands ban on Samsung foldable phones

A new legal challenge in the US is targeting Samsung foldable phones, with claims that could have serious implications if they hold up in court.

Lepton Computing LLC has filed a patent infringement lawsuit (via SeoulWire) against Samsung Electronics and its US subsidiary in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

The complaint alleges that Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones, along with its new Galaxy Z TriFold, infringe on a portfolio of nine patents tied to foldable smartphone technology.

The patents cited in the filing cover a wide range of enabling technologies that define modern foldables. This includes hardware structure, hinge design, and display protection, but also software behavior.

One key example is App Continuity, where an app seamlessly transitions between the outer and inner displays depending on whether the device is folded or unfolded.

The complaint also details how internal components are arranged within tight spatial constraints. Sensors, magnets, cameras, and speakers must all coexist with a flexible OLED panel that bends within a controlled radius.

Lepton positions itself as an early pioneer in foldable devices. It also points to a prototype device called the โ€œLepton Flex,โ€ which it describes as the first foldable smartphone developed in the US.

The company is targeting newer generations, starting from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and later.

All of these remain allegations and requests. The court has not made any determination yet.ย For Samsung, this is another high-stakes legal battle in a category it effectively brought into the mainstream.

US Samsung Foldable Phones Lawsuit

The post US lawsuit demands ban on Samsung foldable phones appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Redmi is working on three smartphones with 10,000 mAh batteries

According to a new rumor from the prolific Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Redmi is currently working on not one, not two, but three different smartphones which will all have a 10,000 mAh battery. The battery used in these handsets will be single-cell (so no chance of seeing it in the EU unfortunately), and will support 100W wired charging. The devices that will use it will be both in the mainstream Note line, as well as in the performance-oriented K series. The Redmi Notes in China have, in recent years, either been quite different from their similarly-named international...

Samsung labor strike could influence smartphone price

Samsung is on the verge of facing an 18-day labor strike over a bonus dispute, which could potentially make RAM and memory even more expensive. Internal estimates put potential strike losses at up to 30 trillion won (about 20.32 billion).

Rising AI demand has already made general-purpose DRAM and NAND flash memory chips pricier, and a potential Samsung labor union strike could worsen the situation further.

The strike

The Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group Super Enterprise Labor Union held a rally at the Pyeongtaek campus on the 23rd, with around 40,000 people showing up.

The union, which now counts more than 76,100 members and represents the first majority union at Samsung, is demanding that 15% of annual operating profit be distributed as performance bonuses.

The potential damage

Hereโ€™s the part the headlines arenโ€™t emphasizing: 18 days is probably a floor, not a ceiling.

If cleanroom operations and equipment maintenance halt for any significant stretch, engineers say it takes over a month just to restore normal operating conditions.

During a memory supercycle, when the entire industry is sprinting to ship as much product as possible, a month-long slowdown compounds into something much uglier.

SK Hynix and Micron are watching this closely. If Samsungโ€™s production stumbles, both stand to collect a premium on high-performance server DRAM and enterprise SSDs

Union leader Choi Seung-ho said Samsung would see the production losses in numbers if it kept treating workers like figures on a spreadsheet.

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Samsung may revive curved display phones if iPhone 20 does

Donโ€™t be surprised if you see the Galaxy S28 Pro and/or Ultra launching with a curved display, as Apple is reportedly exploring this radical redesign for the iPhone 20.

According to Weibo leaker DigitalChatStation, Apple plans to use a quad-curved display in the iPhone 20 next year, and Samsung might consider bringing it to the Galaxy S28 Pro or Ultra, just an assumption.

Apple surprised the industry with the 10th anniversary iPhone, and the next shock is being planned for the 20th anniversary model. iPhone 18 Pro is coming this year, and Apple will bring iPhone 20 in 2027, skipping iPhone 19.

The Cupertino giant is collaborating with the Korean company to develop a four-sided micro-curved display panel. The idea is currently in an early phase, and we may see a shift too, as the tentative launch is more than a year away.

Apple plans to bring a bezel-less design to the iPhone 20. The company has actively trimmed the thickness of bezels, but the next yearโ€™s model may completely eliminate that letdown by featuring quad-curved display tech.

Apple iPhone 20 Curved Display Design Rumor

Additionally, the iPhoneโ€™s screen may ditch the legacy polarizer layer for a pol-less design. This technological shift could offer extended brightness. Besides, the thickness of the screen will be reduced, and efficiency will improve.

Samsung is accused of blindly copying Apple in recent years. Removal of the charging adapter, adoption, and elimination of titanium frame are recent examples. The display redesign may also be explored for the following Galaxy model.

The post Samsung may revive curved display phones if iPhone 20 does appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone to use quad-curved display, new rumor claims

The first ever iPhone was unveiled in January 2007, and went on sale in June that year. Thus, in 2027, Apple is celebrating the iPhone's 20th anniversary. The company has long been rumored to be planning something special for this occasion, and today, a new leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo purports to bring us more information. According to the prolific leaker, Apple is working with Samsung on developing the 20th anniversary iPhone's screen. The panel will not have a polarizer, and will come with a quad-curved design, with the curvature radius customized by Apple. So after...

iPhone 18 Pro Max design unit hands-on video shows 25% smaller Dynamic Island; variable aperture likely

Hands-on video of the iPhone 18 Pro Max dummy units reveal a 25% smaller Dynamic Island and a thicker camera array with larger lenses, hinting at the rumored variable aperture for the main 48MP camera. The iPhone 18 Pro Max appears boring next to iPhone Ultra/Fold, but this might be the biggest front upgrade for Apple's Pro iPhone since iPhone 14 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide's dimensions get compared to the Huawei Pura X Max

Samsung is rumored to be introducing its first foldable smartphone with a wider aspect ratio this year in response to the iPhone Fold coming in September. Huawei has already unveiled its entrant in this arena, the Pura X Max. If you've ever wondered how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Wide (or whatever it will end up being called) compares to the Pura X Max in terms of size and dimensions, here's an image that has the answer, courtesy of a new leak by the prolific Ice Universe on X. The Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold is rumored to measure 123.9 x 164.4 x 4.3 mm when unfolded, and 123.9 x 82.2 x...

New batch of Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders detail its dimensions

Weโ€™ve got a new batch of renders for the upcoming Xperia 1 VIII, and they are our best look at the device yet. According to MyMobiles, weโ€™re looking at the finalized design, and the source assures us they are based on the same CAD data used by Sony suppliers. They depict a familiar design upfront with a tall and narrow-looking display with the front-facing camera integrated inside the top bezel next to the earpiece. Earlier renders suggested we might see a punch-hole cutout approach, but it seems thatโ€™s not going to be the case. The new renders suggest the bezel width will be unchanged...

iPhone 18 now rumored to get one key upgrade after all

The iPhone 18 was recently rumored to come with some downgrades to keep costs low, including a display material first used in the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. However, it's not all bad news for the iPhone 18, apparently. According to a new report, the device will come fitted with 12GB of RAM. That's up from 8GB on its predecessor, so it's quite a jump, especially seeing as how we're currently in the middle of a RAM pricing crisis thanks to AI data centers using up all of the production capacity. The iPhone 18 is said to be powered by Apple's upcoming A20 chipset, made on a 2nm process by...

OPPO Find X9 Ultra Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit hands-on

This is the OPPO Find X9 Ultra Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit, a fancy name for the Find X9 Ultra's photography kit. But a fancy name is fitting for such a fancy product. While vivo's X300 Ultra photography kit attaches either a 200mm or a 400mm teleconverter lens to the phone, the Oppo Hasselblad kit has a single option that sits in between - a 300mm lens. But it's a longer lens that gets longer still if you use the provided lens hood. Here's what's in the box. You get a case for the phone with a very compact built-in grip; the lens with a body cap, a lens cap, and a lens hood; a...

Samsung Galaxy Book6 Edge with Snapdragon X2 Elite chip leaks

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Book6 series of laptops at CES in January โ€“ those were powered by Intelโ€™s new 18A Core Ultra Series 3 processors. There is an Edge model coming too โ€“ โ€œEdgeโ€ is what Samsung calls its ARM-powered laptops. We know this because German retailer Cyberport jumped the gun and published the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Edge page on its online store. This appears to be the base 16โ€ model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The whole kit costs a hefty โ‚ฌ2,200. The laptop is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite, specifically the X2E-88-100 variant. It is an 18-core CPU (of which 12...

One UI Tizen 9 update rolling out widely for Samsung TVs

Following the initial drop, Samsungโ€™s Tizen 9 update, officially branded as One UI Tizen, is spreading to 2023 TV models across more regions.

The headline feature is a redesigned interface that pulls Samsungโ€™s phone design language onto the TV. Fonts, icons, pop-ups, settings menus, all of it has been reworked to feel consistent with One UI on your Galaxy device.

Every UI element in Tizen 9 shrunk compared to what came before it, and on a modest-sized Samsung TV or from a sofa ten feet back, parts of the interface can become genuinely difficult to read.

To Samsungโ€™s credit, an accessibility fix is already baked in (via SamMobile). Go to Settings, then All Settings, then General and Privacy, then Accessibility. From there, enable Zoom Menu and Text, which enlarges most interface elements fast.

Shipping a major UI update where the default experience breaks readability for a chunk of your user base isnโ€™t a proud moment.

Head to Settings, then All Settings, then Support, then Software Update, then Update Now. Donโ€™t expect much, as the rollout has been uneven, with neighbors owning identical TVs reporting wildly different availability.

Worth knowing: Samsungโ€™s 2026 TV lineup ships with a newer One UI Tizen version out of the box, with agentic AI features baked in from the start.

The post One UI Tizen 9 update rolling out widely for Samsung TVs appeared first on Sammy Fans.

DeepSeek-V4 Preview launches with open weights and API access

Chinese AI company DeepSeek caused quite a stir last year as it climbed to the top of the App Store charts and beat out incumbents like ChatGPT. That was over a year ago and now the company has launched a preview of its latest and much more capable model dubbed DeepSeek-V4. If you have a DeepSeek account, you can try out the new model here: chat.deepseek.com/. There are two versions available, Expert and Instant. Expert is a massive 1.6 trillion parameter model, Instant is a more reasonable (but still huge) 284 billion parameter model. DeepSeek-V4 Pro and Flash models And hereโ€™s...

iPhone 20 curved OLED display design leak: Samsung to make Steve Jobsโ€™ dream a reality soon

Apple is reportedly partnering with Samsung to develop a "micro-curved" OLED display for 2027's 20th-anniversary iPhone. This new panel features a bezel-less, quad-curved design and innovative tech, which promises a thinner, brighter, and more power-efficient screen. While rumors persist regarding under-display Face ID and camera integration, Apple's focus remains on a seamless, all-glass aesthetic that redefines the iPhone's form factor.

See it? Galaxy Z Fold8 renders reveal ultra-tiny 2.5mm punch-hole; no under-display camera

Leak from reliable source has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 will feature a significantly smaller front camera cutout on its cover display. Shifting from the 3.7mm hole on the Galaxy Z Fold7 to a sleek 2.5mm diameter, the Z Fold8 utilizes new display technology to maximize screen real estate. This update arrives as Samsung prepares for its summer 2026 Unpacked event.

Detailed design, size leak: Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is far thinner, less wide than Huawei Pura X Max

Exclusive leaked dimensions from social media reveal a side-by-side comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and the Huawei Pura X Max. Samsungโ€™s upcoming "Wide" foldable focuses on a 4:3 aspect ratio and an ultra-thin 4.3 mm profile, while the Huawei Pura X Max is bulkier. This early comparison suggests a major shift in Samsung's foldable design strategy for 2026.

Realme C100X gets listed in Europe and leaks in India, more details revealed

The upcoming Realme C100X first surfaced earlier this month, when it was said to be on its way to India as well as the EU. While the phone still isn't official, it has now been listed on both Amazon Italy and Amazon France. It will be available in Dark Blue and White Platinum, and the image you can see below is from the Amazon Italy listing and seems to actually portray the unannounced device. According to these listings, in the EU Realme will offer the C100X with 4GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone allegedly has a 6.8-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP rear...

Best Dumb / Simple Phones for Parents & Grandparents (2026)

Best phones for seniors

Buying a phone for parents or grandparents isnโ€™t about features; itโ€™s about removing friction. The goal is simple: they should be able to call, pick up calls, and use the phone without asking for help every day. This guide focuses on what actually impacts day-to-day usage, buttons, sound, battery, and clarity, so you can choose a device that feels effortless, not overwhelming.

What You Should Prioritize (Real-World, Not Specs)

Buttons, Not Touchscreens

Physical buttons are still the biggest usability win. Seniors make fewer mistakes with keypads because thereโ€™s clear feedback, press equals action. Flip phones and classic keypad phones reduce accidental touches, which is one of the most common frustrations with smartphones.

Loud Audio (This Is Critical)

Most people underestimate this. If the phone isnโ€™t loud enough, nothing else matters. Look for strong earpiece volume and loud speakers for ringtones. Phones designed for seniors often prioritize this, and it makes a bigger difference than any display upgrade.

Battery That Lasts Days, Not Hours

Charging every night becomes a problem quickly. A good, simple phone should last 3โ€“7 days easily. This removes anxiety around battery and makes the device more dependable, especially for users who forget to charge regularly.

Screen Clarity Over Resolution

Forget about HD or AMOLED. What matters is big text, high contrast, and brightness. A basic screen thatโ€™s easy to read in sunlight is far more useful than a sharper but smaller display.

Simple Menus (Zero Learning Curve)

If the user has to โ€œlearnโ€ the phone, itโ€™s already a bad fit. The best phones have 3โ€“5 clear options on screen, calls, contacts, maybe messages. Anything beyond that starts adding friction.


Choose Based on How Theyโ€™ll Use It

Only Calls? Go Fully Basic

If they just need calling, donโ€™t overthink it. A classic keypad phone is the best option. Itโ€™s reliable, long-lasting, and almost impossible to mess up.

HMD 105
Nokia 235
Moto A300

Best picks:

PhoneKey HighlightAmazon Link
HMD 105 Keypad PhoneUltra-simple, long battery, very durableAvailable on Amazon
Nokia 235 4GBetter connectivity, 4G support, still simpleAvailable on Amazon
Motorola Moto A300Budget-friendly keypad alternativeAvailable on Amazon

Ideal for: zero-tech users, call-only usage, maximum reliability


Calls + WhatsApp? Go Smart Feature Phone

If staying connected on WhatsApp matters, donโ€™t jump straight to a smartphone. Smart feature phones keep things simple while adding just enough modern functionality.

Jio Prima 2
Jio Pahrma
Nokia 2720
Nokia 2720

Best picks:

PhoneKey HighlightAmazon Link
JioPhone Prima 4GBest India option, keypad + WhatsAppAvailable on Amazon
Nokia 2720 FlipFlip design, big buttons, WhatsApp (global)Available on Amazon

Ideal for: light messaging, family groups, video/voice calls without complexity


Maximum Simplicity + Safety (SOS Focus)

If safety is a concern, this category matters more than anything else. Dedicated SOS buttons can instantly alert family.

Easyfone Star SOS Phone
Easyfone Star SOS Phone
Doro 8100
Doro 8100
Easyfone Udaan 2

Best picks:

PhoneKey HighlightAmazon Link
Easyfone Udaan 2Loud, simple, dedicated SOS button (India)Available on Amazon
Easyfone Star SOS PhoneEmergency-first design, GPS + long batteryAvailable on Amazon
Doro 8100Global senior-focused phone with assistance featuresLimited / Global Amazon availability

Ideal for: seniors living alone, medical concerns, safety-first users


Need a Bigger Screen? Go Simplified Smartphone

Some users prefer a larger display for visibility. In that case, a basic smartphone with โ€œEasy Modeโ€ works, but only if someone sets it up properly.

Redmi A5
Redmi A5
Redmi A4
Redmi A4
Galaxy A05
Galaxy A05
PhoneKey HighlightAmazon Link
Redmi A4 5GBig display, budget-friendlyAvailable on Amazon
Redmi A5Affordable alternativeAvailable on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A05Clean UI + Easy Mode supportAvailable on Amazon

Best picks:

Important: remove apps, increase font size, simplify home screen


What Actually Makes or Breaks the Experience

Setup Matters More Than the Phone

Even the best phone becomes frustrating if itโ€™s not configured properly. Speed dial, font size, and ringtone volume these small things define usability.

Fewer Choices = Better Experience

Phones that try to do more often confuse users. The best devices limit options and keep everything predictable.

Reliability Beats Features

A phone that never crashes, never lags, and always connects is far more valuable than one with extra capabilities.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a โ€œFuture-Proofโ€ Smartphone

This rarely works. Extra features donโ€™t get used; they just create confusion.

Ignoring Button Quality

Cheap keypads with poor feedback make dialing frustrating.

Choosing Based on Your Preference

Always think from their perspective, not yours.


Final Verdict

  • Most seniors: Go with a basic keypad phone (HMD/Nokia)
  • Need WhatsApp: Choose JioPhone or Nokia Flip
  • Safety priority: Pick Easyfone or Doro-type devices
  • Need big screen: Only then consider a simple smartphone (properly set up)

The mistake most people make is buying a โ€œbetterโ€ phone instead of a simpler one. In real usage, simplicity always wins.

Disclaimer:
This guide is for general information only. Availability, pricing, and features may vary. Choose based on individual comfort and needs, and verify details before purchase.

The post Best Dumb / Simple Phones for Parents & Grandparents (2026) appeared first on Gizmochina.

Best Phone for Your Parents/Grandparents in 2026 (Tech-Savvy Users)

Best phones for parents & seniors

Buying a smartphone for tech-savvy parents or grandparents is no longer about simplifying technology; itโ€™s about refining it. The right phone should feel fast, intuitive, and dependable while also acting as a safety companion in everyday life. In 2026, this decision goes beyond performance; itโ€™s about choosing a device that delivers clarity, consistency, and built-in health and emergency support for long-term peace of mind.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Simplicity and Clean User Experience

Even experienced users benefit from clarity. Phones with clean, predictable interfaces reduce friction in daily use, while cluttered software often becomes frustrating over time. Clear icons, readable text, and logical navigation matter far more than customization features. Devices known for consistent UI behavior tend to remain usable and comfortable even after years of use.

Health, Safety, and Emergency Features

This is now a core decision factor, not an add-on. Modern smartphones can act as personal safety systems, offering emergency SOS, real-time location sharing, medical ID access, and crisis alerts. Many Android devices now include a built-in safety framework, while some go further with crash detection and automated emergency alerts. Integration with wearables for heart rate monitoring or fall detection adds another layer of reassurance.

Performance Consistency Over Raw Power

Peak performance matters less than stability. A phone that remains smooth and responsive after years of use delivers a better experience than one that slows down over time. Optimized software, reliable app behavior, and consistent multitasking define long-term usability.

Battery Reliability That Lasts All Day

Battery life should comfortably last a full day of real-world usage. Efficiency matters more than capacity alone. A dependable battery ensures the phone is always ready, especially when safety features or emergency communication are involved.

Top Recommendations

Best Overall Balance (Safety + Simplicity + Longevity)

Samsung Galaxy S26
This is the most well-rounded choice for most users. It combines a refined interface with strong performance consistency and deep integration with Samsungโ€™s health ecosystem. Emergency SOS, medical info access, and seamless pairing with wearables create a more complete safety system. It balances modern features with usability, making it powerful without becoming complicated.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.


Best for Health & Safety Ecosystem (iOS)

Apple iPhone 17
This remains the benchmark for tightly integrated safety and health features. Emergency SOS, crash detection, medical ID, and seamless health tracking create a cohesive system that works reliably in the background. The experience is highly predictable, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize simplicity and long-term consistency.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.


Best Android for Built-in Safety + Simplicity

Google Pixel 10
Pixel devices offer the strongest built-in safety experience on Android. Features like emergency SOS, Safety Check, real-time location sharing, and crash detection work seamlessly without requiring manual setup. The clean interface ensures these tools are easy to access when needed. Itโ€™s the closest Android equivalent to the iPhone in terms of safety automation and ease of use.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.


Best for Battery + Reliability (Heavy Usage)

OnePlus 15
This is ideal for users who spend extended time on their phones. It delivers excellent battery life and maintains smooth performance under heavy usage. While it focuses less on advanced health features, its reliability ensures the phone remains functional and responsive at all times, an important aspect of practical safety.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.


Best Mid-Range Value (Practical Choice)

Samsung Galaxy A57
For buyers seeking affordability without sacrificing usability, this is a strong option. It offers a large, clear display, dependable battery life, and essential safety features like emergency SOS and location sharing. While it lacks premium refinements, it remains a reliable and approachable device for everyday use.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Simplicity in Favor of Features

Feature-heavy phones often create cluttered and confusing experiences. Simpler interfaces are easier to navigate and remain usable over time.

Overvaluing Specifications Over Experience

High-end specifications do not guarantee better performance in real-world use. Optimization and consistency matter far more than raw numbers.

Overlooking Health and Safety Features

Emergency and health-related capabilities are often underestimated. These features provide real, practical benefits and should be a key consideration.

Choosing Older Models to Save Money

Older devices may seem cost-effective but often lack modern safety features and long-term software support. Newer models provide better reliability and longevity.


Final Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is the best overall choice, offering a strong balance of simplicity, performance, and health ecosystem integration.

  • Choose Apple iPhone 17 if you want the most seamless health and safety system
  • Choose Google Pixel 10 for the best Android safety experience with clean usability
  • Choose OnePlus 15 for battery life and consistent performance
  • Choose Samsung Galaxy A57 for practical value

The key takeaway is clear: in 2026, a smartphone is not just a device, itโ€™s a personal safety and reliability system. The best choice is one that feels effortless, dependable, and reassuring every single day.

Disclaimer:
Recommendations are based on general usage and available information. Features, pricing, and availability may vary by region and updates. Verify details before purchase.

Read More:

The post Best Phone for Your Parents/Grandparents in 2026 (Tech-Savvy Users) appeared first on Gizmochina.

Vivo Y6 5G debuts with 4nm chipset, 7200mAh battery, and a โ€œbreathing lightโ€

Vivo has quietly added a new model to its Y-series lineup, and this one seems built around a simple idea. Long battery life, decent performance, and a design that can take a bit of rough use.

The Y6 5G runs on the 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, which we have already seen in similar mid-range devices. It is not trying to be a performance powerhouse, but it should handle everyday things like scrolling, messaging, and streaming just fine. The phone itself is 8.39mm thick and weighs about 219 grams. You will probably feel the weight, but that is kind of expected with a battery this big.

On the front, there is a 6.57-inch LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Resolution is on the lower side at 1570 x 720, but the peak brightness goes up to 1,200 nits, so visibility outdoors should not be an issue. Going with an HD+ panel instead of FHD+ is likely a deliberate choice to ensure smoothness without putting too much strain on the Adreno 613 GPU of the lower mid-range chip.

Cameras are fairly straightforward. A 50MP main sensor handles most of the work, while an 8MP front camera takes care of selfies and video calls. A โ€œbreathing lightโ€ is added to the camera island, serving as both a notification indicator and a subtle design element.

The real highlight, though, is the 7,200mAh battery. It should easily last through a full day, maybe more, depending on usage. It supports 44W charging, so it is not too slow to top up either. There is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, and even IP68 and IP69 ratings for ingress protection.

The phone runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. Vivo has not said much about long-term updates yet, so that part is still a bit unclear.

Pricing and availability:

The Vivo Y6 5G has been launched in China and is already listed for sale on the official Vivo China website, but it is currently unclear if or when it will be released outside of China.

12GB+256GB: CNY 2199 (equivalent to โ‚ฌ 275)
8GB+256GB: CNY 1999 (equivalent to โ‚ฌ 250)
8GB+128GB: CNY 1799 (equivalent to โ‚ฌ 225)

Donโ€™t miss a thing! Join our Telegram community for instant updates and grab our free daily newsletter for the best tech stories!

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

(Vivo)

The post Vivo Y6 5G debuts with 4nm chipset, 7200mAh battery, and a โ€œbreathing lightโ€ appeared first on Gizmochina.

Redmi reportedly testing three phones with 10,000mAh batteries

A new leak suggests Redmi is working on multiple smartphones with 10,000mAh batteries. The information comes from tipster Digital Chat Station, who claims Redmi currently has three different phones in testing with batteries of this size.

While that number might sound extreme, itโ€™s no longer unprecedented. Devices like the Honor Power 2 and Realme P4 Power already have cells this big.

Redmi 10000mAh phones leak

What is changing is how comfortable brands seem to be with the idea. More companies are starting to treat ultra-large batteries as a viable selling point for new phones. Vivo has already teased its first entry, the Vivo Y600 Pro, and its sub-brand iQOO is reportedly working on one as well.

For Redmi, one of the rumored devices is said to belong to the Redmi Note 17 series, likely the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.

The global model might feature a smaller cell

However, a recent report claims the global version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max may feature a slightly smaller 9,210mAh battery, possibly to comply with EU safety regulations. The handset is still expected to support 100W fast charging. This would be necessary to make a battery of this size practical for daily use.

The same model is also said to feature a 200-megapixel Samsung HP5 primary camera and an 8-megapixel OmniVision OV8F10 ultra-wide sensor. For selfies, it is expected to include a 32-megapixel Samsung S5KKDS front-facing camera.

Honor Power 2 launch date-
Honor Power 2 Battery Size

Other hardware details include a metal frame, an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, and a 1.5K LTPS display with a high refresh rate.

The devices are still in testing, so nothing is confirmed yet. But taken together with what weโ€™re already seeing from brands like Honor and Realme, itโ€™s clear that 10,000mAh is no longer an outlier; itโ€™s becoming part of the conversation.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

Stay ahead in tech!ย Join ourย Telegram communityย andย sign up for our daily newsletterย ofย top stories!ย ๐Ÿ’ก

The post Redmi reportedly testing three phones with 10,000mAh batteries appeared first on Gizmochina.

Infinix GT 50 Pro Debuts with Dimensity 8400 Ultimate, Shoulder Triggers, 6500mAh Battery, and 144FPS Gaming Support

Infinix GT 50 Pro

Infinix GT 50 Pro is now official, with Infinix pushing it as a gaming-first device and the next step after the GT 30 Pro. The phone is also being positioned as the base of a wider GT Ecosystem, which includes accessories built around mobile gaming.

Infinix GT 50 Pro

At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, built on a 4nm process and clocked up to 3.25GHz. It is paired with a Mali-G720 MC6 GPU, 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. Infinix has also added its own N1 network chip to stabilise connections and reduce lag during online gameplay. The device runs Android 16 with XOS 16, with three years of OS updates and five years of security support.

Infinix GT 50 Pro

One of the more noticeable additions is the set of shoulder triggers. These pressure-sensitive buttons support light and heavy presses, along with sliding gestures. Each trigger can be mapped to four different controls, and sensitivity can be adjusted across 10 levels. Outside of games, they double up as shortcuts for actions like screenshots or screen recording.

The phone features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution of 1208 x 2644 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also supports 330Hz touch sampling and up to 2800Hz instant touch sampling. Brightness peaks at 4500 nits, and the panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i.

Infinix GT 50 Pro

Cooling is handled through a liquid system that uses a micro-pump and ceramic heat pump to circulate coolant at 6.5ml per minute. There is also an optional external cooler, the GT Magcharge Cooler 2.0, which adds 12W thermoelectric cooling and supports wireless bypass charging to reduce heat during use.

On the camera side, the phone includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 13MP front camera. All cameras support up to 4K 60fps video recording.

Other features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, an in-display fingerprint sensor, IR blaster, IP64 rating, and a 6500mAh battery with 45W wired, 30W wireless, and 10W reverse charging.

Pricing & availability

The phone comes in Black Abyss, Red Blaze, and Silver Glacier. Pricing starts at Rp 6,999,000 ($406) for the 256GB model and goes up to Rp 7,999,000 ($464) for the 512GB version. It will go on sale in Indonesia from April 25.

For more daily updates, please visit ourย News Section.

Stay ahead in tech!ย Join ourย Telegram communityย andย sign up for our daily newsletterย ofย top stories!ย ๐Ÿ’ก

(Source)

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Sony Xperia 1 VIII first look: Major redesign confirmed; hints at 48MP camera, battery upgrades

First Sony Xperia 1 VIII renders reveal a major redesign for the 2026 flagshipโ€™s camera module, shifting to a square island. The leak settles the design debate, confirming Sony will retain symmetrical bezels and avoid a punch-hole camera. Physical dimensions show a thicker 8.58 mm chassis, hinting at significant camera hardware or battery upgrades.

India's smartphone production was on the rise in 2025, but strong headwinds await

According to Counterpoint's "Make in India" tracker, smartphone manufacturing in India recorded an 8% growth year-over-year in 2025. The growth was fueled by a 28% year-over-year surge in exports and a modest 1% increase in domestic shipments. Exports accounted for one-third of all smartphones manufactured in India. Foxconn Hon Hai, Apple's main contractor, had a particularly strong showing with an impressive 48% YoY growth. Tata Electronics, being another key assembler for Apple, also contributed to the exports. Samsung's exports, on the other hand, grew only 4% compared to...

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 to bring a smaller punch hole for the selfie camera

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is rumored to be slightly thicker than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold7, a new rumor claims that the Fold8's punch hole in the display for the selfie camera will be smaller. The word comes from reliable tipster Ice Universe, who said that while the Fold7's front camera cutout measures 3.7mm in diameter, the Fold8's cutout measures only 2.5mm. The tipster further said that "Samsung appears to have adopted a new technology that significantly reduces the size of the front camera hole." Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 โ€ข Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 The Galaxy Z...

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide design compared to Huawei Pura X Max shows a clear shift

Ahead of Samsung and Apple, Huawei unveiled a new foldable with a wide display design. Samsungโ€™s reveal is anticipated in July 2026, but a tipster just leaked a design comparison of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide with its Huawei counterpart.

For years, Samsung stuck to a tall and narrow cover display. That approach had its logic, but it never felt fully natural in daily use.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, Samsung is finally stepping away from that identity. When you line it up against Huaweiโ€™s latest attempt, the shift becomes obvious โ€“ via Ice Universe.

Huawei Pura X Max

  • Width 166.5 mm | Height 120.0 mm
  • Thickness unfolded 5.2 mm | Thickness folded 11.2 mm
  • Folded width 85 mm
  • Outer display ratio 4.4:3 | Inner display ratio 4.24:3

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide

  • Width 161.4 mm | Height 123.9 mm
  • Thickness unfolded 4.3 mm | Thickness folded 9.8 mm
  • Folded width 82.2 mm
  • Outer display ratio 4.7:3 | Inner display ratio 4:3

Huawei still pushes a wider footprint; when folded, the Pura X Max sits at 85 mm, which is closer to a traditional slab phone than Samsungโ€™s 82.2 mm. The Fold 8 Wide is noticeably wider than older Folds, but it stops short of becoming bulky.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide vs Huawei Pura X Max

Source โ€“ Ice Universe

When it comes to thickness, Samsung comes in at just 4.3 mm when unfolded, while Huawei sits at 5.2 mm. This difference changes how the device feels entirely. It feels lighter in the hand, less tablet-like, and more refined.

When folded, Samsung holds the lead at 9.8 mm compared to Huaweiโ€™s 11.2 mm. That gap is even more noticeable in your pocket. A thinner foldable is easier to carry, sits flatter, and simply feels less like a compromise.

Samsungโ€™s outer display ratio of 4.7:3 is another big move. Huawei still leans slightly wider with 4.4:3, but Samsungโ€™s tuning feels more intentional. The inner display at 4:3 also signals a cleaner tablet-like experience.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide might not be the widest foldable out there, but it is arguably the most balanced one yet.

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Samsungโ€™s Milan Design Week exhibition blends AI, foldables and wearables

Samsung shared exclusive visuals right from its exhibition at the Milan Design Week. The pictures and videos spotlight artificial intelligence, foldables, and wearables.

The company took over Superstudio Piu with 12 immersive zones built around its โ€œExpressive Designโ€ philosophy, and the whole thing reads less like a trade show and more like Samsung trying to convince you it has feelings.

You walk in, and the first thing that hits you is The Welcome Show. Multiple devices, synchronized across a shared performance, each paired with its own screen.

From there, the exhibition moves into Unfold Your Story, a zone dedicated entirely to Samsungโ€™s foldables displayed across a spectrum of colors.

The Wearable Intelligence and Culinary Intelligence zones are exactly what they sound like. Wearables that track your body and AI that helps you cook.

The Forum zone hosts live discussions with Samsungโ€™s design leadership alongside video clips surfacing perspectives that rarely make it into press releases.

Adjacent to it, the XR Experience zone built on Android XR invites visitors into Galaxy XR territory. Transparent Symphony puts Samsungโ€™s transparent Micro LED displays to work, dissolving the boundary between screen and space.

The exhibition closes with The Goodbye Show, where Luna, Samsungโ€™s AI home device, waves you out.

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Xpeng aims to mass-produce flying cars from 2027 โ€“ over 7,000 orders already placed

Xpeng plans to start series production of a two-part โ€œflying carโ€ system from 2027, consisting of a carrier vehicle and an eVTOL. According to the company, more than 7,000 orders have already been placed. Whether this ambitious timeline can be met, however, will depend largely on approval from Chinaโ€™s aviation authorities.

Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 could launch soon with in-house chipset

Xiaomiโ€™s last foldable, the Mix Fold 4, was unveiled nearly two years ago in July 2024. Now, a new report suggests the company may finally be preparing to announce its successor. According to the report, a next-generation Xiaomi foldable has been spotted in the Mi Code database. The device bears the model number 2608BPX34C and is codenamed โ€˜lhasaโ€™. It also carries the internal designation Q18, where the number 18 is reportedly used for Xiaomiโ€™s foldable lineup. Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 The report suggests the device in the database is likely the Mix Fold 5, although Xiaomi may choose to...

Alleged Honor 600e pops up on Geekbench with key specs

Honor unveiled the Honor 600 Lite last month, and recently, the Chinese brand introduced the Honor 600 and Honor 600 Pro. But it seems Honor isn't done launching 600 Series smartphones yet, as an unknown Honor device, bearing model code LNA-NX3 and said to be the Honor 600e, has surfaced on Geekbench with its key specs. The Honor LNA-NX3 scored 993 and 3,054 points in Geekbench's single and multi-core tests, respectively. It runs Android 16 and is powered by MediaTek's MT6858 octa-core processor, which is likely the Dimensity 7100 SoC. We say so because the Geekbench listing...

UDC isnโ€™t returning, but Galaxy Z Fold 8 to shrink selfie camera hole

After an innovative back step, Samsung appears to be in the mode of course correction. Samsung is developing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 foldable smartphone, and the cover screen features a smaller camera hole than the Z Fold 7.

Samsung insiderย IceUniverse just revealed that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 selfie camera hole is just 2.5mm (diameter). Itโ€™s significantly smaller than the 3.7mm of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, with CAD rendering showcasing the difference.

The source hints at a technological shift inside Samsung, which may have led the hole to shrink. This change will offer even more functional estate on the cover screen of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold smartphone this year.

Samsung introduced an under-display camera with the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The technology evolved gradually until the Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, Samsung removed it, starting with the Z Fold 7, and the Z Fold 8 may follow the legacy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Selfie Camera Hole

Image โ€“ Z Fold 7 (Top) | Z Fold 8 (Bottom)

The CAD image aims to show the difference in the camera holeโ€™s diameter. If other aspects are true, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will feature thinner side bezels. The camera system design may remain the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung is expected to unveil three foldable phones this year. A new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide could join the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 this July. The company may hold an Unpacked event on July 22 in London, a strategic shift in venue.

Related article:

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Infinix GT 50 Pro arrives with HydroFlow liquid cooling, dual-pressure shoulder triggers and Dimensity 8400

Nearly a year after launching its gamer-centric GT 30 Pro, Infinix is back with a successor. The brand new GT 50 Pro brings a refined design, improved cooling and larger battery capacity. Staying true to its gaming phone heritage, GT 50 Pro is equipped with a dynamic RGB light array on its back. It is integrated with the all-new HydroFlow liquid cooling system, which covers a 6,437mmยฒ area, ensuring optimal thermal management. GT 50 Pro is equipped with MediaTekโ€™s Dimensity 8400, featuring an all-big core CPU architecture, faster GPU and better NPU performance. The...

Qualcommโ€™s 16-year Snapdragon recap ends with a Galaxy S27 hint

Qualcomm posted a video on X recapping every Samsung flagship that ran on Snapdragon, which ends up teasing the potential Galaxy S27 Ultra chipset.

Sixteen years is a long time in this industry, and Qualcomm knows it. The video posted by the chipmaker ends with the words, โ€œand thereโ€™s so much more to come.โ€

Samsung has been playing chipset politics for years.

The Galaxy S26 series brought Exynos back to the lineup after a brief exile, though the company kept Snapdragon inside the S26 Ultra. Smart move, given how badly some Exynos launches have gone historically.

With whispers circulating that Samsung could eventually push its in-house silicon into every slot across the S series, Qualcomm clearly felt it was time to speak up, and it chose nostalgia as the weapon.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Snapdragon Chip

Earlier reports already pointed toward Samsung using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, internally tagged as the SM8975, inside the Galaxy S27 Ultra. Samsung wonโ€™t unveil the S27 series until early next year, so thereโ€™s still runway for plans to shift.

The US chip designer is apparently preparing two variants of its next flagship chip, and the Pro version looks like Samsungโ€™s pick for its top-tier model.

Qualcommโ€™s posting video at this moment isnโ€™t random. These companies donโ€™t post retrospective timelines out of sentiment. They post them to apply pressure, to signal confidence, to remind a partner publicly that leaving would be a story.

The Ultra has always been where Samsung puts its best foot forward. Qualcomm wants to make sure that the foot is wearing its chip.

Related article:

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New iQOO phone with 8,000mAh battery, 200MP camera said to debut soon

iQOO could soon launch a new smartphone in China powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. While the official name remains unclear, a new leak suggests it could be a new Neo 11 series phone. The leak also reveals several key specifications of the upcoming device. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the handset is expected to feature a 6.83-inch flat AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. iQOO Neo11 While the tipster hasnโ€™t confirmed the deviceโ€™s name, several comments on the post suggest it could be part of the new Neo 11 series. Some users...

Galaxy Z Flip 7 surfaces with next-gen Android 17 (One UI 9) software

An alleged Galaxy Z Flip 7 has made its debut on Geekbench with Android 17-based One UI 9 operating system. This is the same software Samsung has been developing for the Galaxy S26 series inside its software labs.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 running One UI 9 atop Android 17 scored decent scores on Geekbench. The device reached 2275 in single-core and 7843 in multi-core. Itโ€™s said that the Flip phone was running firmware version F766USQU9CZDF.

Geekbench 6.7.0 scores

  • Single-Core Score: 2275
  • Multi-Core Score: 7843

Samsungโ€™s SM-F766U entry is live onย Geekbench, but it could also be a spoof listing, as mentioned by tipster MohammedKhatri. Judging from the chip specs, it seems a genuine device, powered by a deca-core Exynos 2600 processor.

Geekbench scores are largely identical to the models running Stable One UI 8. As the development progresses, the scores will improve as well.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Android 17 Geekbench

Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 will receive One UI 9 Beta with Android 17 in the near future. The Beta Program will first arrive for the Galaxy S26 series. Meanwhile, the software will make its official debut with the Z8 series.

Google recently released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel phones. One UI 8.5 is reportedly built on Android 16โ€™s QPR2 version. The next major upgrade may not be actually major, just like the Android 16-based One UI 8.

Galaxy Z Flip 7โ€™s entry follows the Galaxy S26 Ultra on Geekbench. We are actively seeing early visuals from the internal One UI 9 firmware. The development is going well, with the addition of new features also progressing.

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WhatsApp is now testing the notification bubbles feature

Meta-owned WhatsApp keeps testing new features for its Android and iOS users, with the latest feature in the works being notification bubbles, which Google has supported on Android since Android 10. This revelation comes from the folks at WABetaInfo, who found that WhatsApp is testing the notification bubbles feature in its Android app. If you've used Meta-owned Facebook Messenger on Android, then you already know how notification bubbles work. When you receive a message from an individual or in a group chat, you'll see a floating bubble on the screen, regardless of whether you are on...

Tables arrive in Samsung Notes, joined by pencil and highlighter tools

Samsung Notes app is getting a major update, and that finally adds the long-overdue support for Tables. What makes the update more interesting is the addition of new pen options along with the screen visibility option.

For a long time, Samsung Notes has been solid for quick scribbles and S Pen users, but it lagged behind when it came to structured note-taking.

Tables arrive in Samsung Notes

The biggest addition is table support; it sounds basic, but it completely changes how you can use the app.

You can now:

  • Organize study notes in rows and columns
  • Create simple schedules or planners
  • Compare information without turning your notes into a messy wall of text

Having tables built directly into Samsung Notes keeps everything in one place. Until now, many users had to switch to apps like Excel or third-party note apps just to do this.

New pen tools

Samsung has also added two new pen types:

  1. Pencil
  2. Highlighter

The pencil gives a more textured, sketch-like feel, which is great for rough work or diagrams. The highlighter, on the other hand, is perfect for marking up PDFs or emphasizing key points without ruining readability.

Improved note creation menu: You can now long-press to quickly import PDFs, and there are new note style options. This cuts down a few unnecessary steps when starting a new note.

โ€œFit to screenโ€ view option: This is one of those features you donโ€™t think about until you need it. Notes now adjust better to your screen, making reading and reviewing content more comfortable, especially on larger Galaxy devices.

Cleaner settings screen: The app settings have been reorganized, which makes navigation less confusing.

Samsung Notes Table, Pen, Fit to Screen

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Square Enix forces apology and compensation from FF14 content creator in harassment case

Square Enix says it has reached a court-backed settlement with a Final Fantasy XIV content creator accused of harassing staff, securing an apology, financial compensation, and a ban on similar conduct after obtaining the uploaderโ€™s identification. The move follows a recent case against the blog Netoge Sokuho and coincides with another FF14 news aggregator, Umadori Sokuho, voluntarily shutting down and issuing an apology amid the companyโ€™s broader anti-harassment push.

Counter-Strike 2 pro receives lifetime ban after punching opponent at LAN event

A Counter-Strike 2 LAN final at CAGGTUS Leipzig erupted into violence when Berlin-based streamer Maurizio โ€œMAUschineโ€ Weber punched opponent Fabian โ€œSpidergumโ€ Salomon during the awards ceremony after allegedly being taunted with his own catchphrase. Organizers and regulators responded swiftly, issuing escalating sanctions that culminated in an Esports Integrity Commission lifetime ban, alongside regional bans and a Twitch suspension.

Nothing OS 4.1 rolls out to the Nothing Phone (3)

Nothing launched the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro last month running the latest Nothing OS 4.1 on top of Android 16. Now the company is starting to roll out Nothing OS 4.1 to the Nothing Phone (3), which has been running Nothing OS 4.0, also based on Android 16. While this doesn't bring an Android version bump, it does include the Essential Voice functionality that was announced earlier today. There's also a new lock screen clock, and Live Updates now work across the device including the lock screen, notification panel, and Glyph interface. The Essential Notifications UI is cleaner...

Samsung enhances widget list display in new MultiStar update

Samsung MultiStar is getting updated, and the latest release enhances the widget list. Enhancements come through version 10.4.06, and the changelog indicates that the update is aimed at the cover screen of foldable phones.

MultiStar is one of those hidden gems inside the Good Lock suite that quietly upgrades how you use your Galaxy phone.

It focuses on multitasking, letting you push beyond Samsungโ€™s default limits with features like better split-screen control, more flexible pop-up windows, and improved app compatibility.

If youโ€™re someone who juggles multiple apps at once, MultiStar makes the whole experience feel faster, smoother, and far more customizable than stock Android.

With the latest MultiStar update, Samsung is addressing the widget list issue, which was preventing accurate visibility in the cover launcher. Users of Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip phones should notice even better functionality.

  • To update MultiStar, open Good Lock > Plugins > Download.

Samsung foldables running either One UI 8.0 or One UI 8.5, both based on Android 16. One UI version 8.5 is currently in Beta, which is expected to start rolling out to the Stable Galaxy S26 channel, starting May this year.

The major One UI 8.5 update elevates the Good Lock experience. However, the MultiStar module hasnโ€™t received any notable update, so far. Hope Samsung will consider enhancing the multi-window experience even further.

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Samsung gains traction with Galaxy S26, Apple marks first top-five entry in India

Galaxy S26 helped Samsung retain its smartphone share, with Apple entering the top five in India for the first time in Q1 2026.

Indiaโ€™s smartphone market had a rough start to 2026. Shipments dropped 5% year on year to 30.9 million units in the first quarter, according to Omdia.

vivo held the top spot for a seventh straight quarter, shipping 6.3 million units for 20% market share. Samsung came in second at 5.1 million units and 16% share, with the Galaxy S26 arriving late in the quarter and giving the numbers a jolt.

OPPO, excluding realme and OnePlus, grabbed third place with 4.7 million units and 15% share, making it the fastest-growing vendor in the top five. Xiaomi and Apple rounded out the rankings at 3.8 million and 2.9 million units, respectively.

This is the first time Apple has cracked Indiaโ€™s top five in the first quarter. For a market where the vast majority of volumes still live below INR 20,000, Appleโ€™s placing fifth isnโ€™t a curiosity.

Samsungโ€™s performance here tells a familiar story.

The Galaxy S26 landed toward the end of Q1, meaning its full weight doesnโ€™t really show up in these figures.ย The mid-range A-series got refreshed; entry-level workhorses like the A07 and A17 kept the volumes honest.

Sanyam Chaurasia, Principal Analyst at Omdia, framed it as a phased approach, where Samsung deliberately avoided blanket price hikes to protect channel absorption and demand momentum.

Omdia is forecasting double-digit shipment declines for India across the full year. Entry-level devices are already seeing price increases of 18 to 20% as memory inflation forces a hard reset of the economics.

Apple Samsung India 1Q26 Smartphone Market

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Samsung reveals new Galaxy S26 offers and Kyrene Edition accessories

On April 24, 2026, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 Family Festa to mark the Family Month in South Korea. It includes offers, cashbacks, and a gaming-themed pop-up on the Galaxy S26 series alongside Kyrene Edition accessories.

According to the announcement, Samsung will give away a KRW 50,000 (~ $35) worth of game item discount coupons. Consumers who make a purchase by May 10 will receive this coupon, which can be redeemed on the Galaxy Store.

Samsung also has a cashback program, which offers KRW 55,000 (~ $38) to Galaxy S26 buyers who subscribe to the โ€œNew Galaxy AI Subscription Club.โ€

Buyers are advised to check the detailed terms and conditions on Samsung.com to ensure their benefits and cashback amount.

As part of strengthening its experiential marketing, Samsung will operate a pop-up store themed around the popular RPG game โ€œHonkai: Star Railโ€ at Samsung Store Hongdae from April 24 to May 5.

The pop-up is designed as a hands-on gaming experience zone using the Galaxy S26 series. Visitors can take part in various events and stamp missions in spaces decorated with in-game backgrounds and characters.

Additionally, Samsung will also sell 2,000 limited units of the โ€œGalaxy S26 Ultra Kyrene Accessory Edition,โ€ which includes items such as magnet cases, acrylic music boxes, and smartphone stands featuring game characters.

Jung Hojin, executive vice president and head of Korea at Samsung Electronics, said, โ€œTo mark Family Month, we prepared a variety of promotions that families can enjoy together,โ€ and added, โ€œWe hope you enjoy not only the powerful performance of the Galaxy S26 series but also the additional purchase benefits.โ€

Samsung Galaxy S26 Family Festa

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iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra dummy units leak

Dummy units have leaked today showing the shapes of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra (which is the name the iPhone Fold is rumored to actually get). The dummy units are created based on CAD renders sent to case makers, so they are usually accurate with the most important details - things like the overall shape and dimensions, as well as the shape and size of the camera islands. In the family shot above you can see that the iPhone Ultra is missing MagSafe support, which is an interesting omission for sure. We obviously can't tell if it has wireless...

The Galaxy S-series should get major updates together

The Galaxy S-series smartphones are the highest-selling Samsung devices, accounting for millions of units sold worldwide. The company offers these phones with powerful processors, high-quality cameras, large power backup, long software update support, and more. However, one part of these phones isnโ€™t really appreciated by consumers, and it is the phoneโ€™s launch date-based rollout priority.

In the past five years, Samsung has drastically changed its software policy for S Series, Foldables, and non-flagship phones. However, itโ€™s the Galaxy S-series that is at the center of all discussions.

Starting with the Galaxy S24, Samsung started offering 7 major OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates. So, we have three Galaxy S-series phones that are part of the 7 major software updates club:

  • Galaxy S24 series (2024)
  • Galaxy S25 series (2025)
  • Galaxy S26 series (2026)

Not to forget, the Galaxy S23 series is eligible for four OS updates. It means this lineup will also get Android 17 (One UI 9).

All of these phones are well-received and praised by consumers. Yet, the same consumers are also criticising the way Samsung is treating their phones as time passes by.

To be specific, Samsung releases One UI beta for three phones, the most recent flagship. Then expand it to the program to the most recent foldables. The next phase includes the S-series from the year before. And the cycle continues in that descending order for all eligible phones.

Now comes the important part. The first phone to enter the beta also receives the first stable update. Since the latter devices entered the beta program on a separate timeline, their beta program will close later. In other words, the rollout dates for devices will vary.

Previous-gen S-series users criticize Samsung for these practices. They say Samsung has reduced the importance of their phones in terms of OS upgrades, even though they paid the same price as the most recent release. They also suggest that all Galaxy S-series phones should get major OS updates together, instead of different dates.

Thatโ€™s true, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra cost as much as the S26 Ultra, which makes them as important as the other devices. The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, is only $100 less than these three generations. So, basically, all of these customers have paid a high price to buy these phones.

Yet, the first shot at a major update belongs to the most recent flagships. Then, gradually turns its eyes toward other devices.

Why does it happen?

Itโ€™s about the development. Samsung has a process of developing the firmware first for the most recent releases. Then move the development toward previous generations based on their release dates.

Though this is a common software development practice among Android smartphone makers, it doesnโ€™t suit the company that claims to be the top smartphone maker in the world.

In fact, it becomes very crucial at a time when Samsung is directly competing against Apple in markets like the U.S. Apple has a long-standing practice of releasing software updates simultaneously for many iPhones. And theyโ€™re consistent on that part.

Some argue that Apple releases only three or four phones a year, but Samsung releases many. Thatโ€™s true, but you canโ€™t put this logic on consumers who care about their own devices, and why should they care about the companyโ€™s overall sales? They are buying phones based on their face value.

For example, I have a Galaxy S26 Ultra, and I want the major software updates as soon as they are released. I donโ€™t care about how many flagships or non-flagship phones Samsung has to cover with the latest update; I will only care about my device, and thatโ€™s how it is for the majority of consumers.

In reality, the update priority for Galaxy S26 Ultra will start to decline once the S27 hits the market. That cycle will continue with the following release. This can be seen as a potential case of consumer discrimination.

How to fix this problem?

If Samsung cannot provide updates for all of its devices at once, it should at least release the software update for the S-series and Foldable lineups at the same time. Followed by other price categories. If Samsung is running low on developers, hire new ones to maintain the rollout consistency.

Why it should be done

The company should treat these S-series and foldables with equal priority. There are two reasons why it should be done.

First, it provides consumer satisfaction. Seeing their phones getting new updates on time builds brand reputation. Itโ€™s an unprompted expression that expands ecosystem awareness from one user to another. That also works as indirect promotion, which is more powerful than paid ads.

Second, if the user has to wait for the release, they will share that experience with other users and other people in their circle. It wasnโ€™t the case before, but consumers have become more aware of what theyโ€™re getting for what theyโ€™re paying. Therefore, it will leave a bad impression.

Reflecting on the second reason, Iโ€™ve seen a bunch of people commenting that Apple provides updates all at once, or my next phone will be an iPhone. These are the most common comments that Iโ€™ve come across in different online communities and conversations.

Who knows, they might eventually hold on to their thoughts by the end of their Samsung flagshipโ€™s lifespan.

Before that happens, Samsung needs a drastic change in its major updates and release strategy for the Galaxy S-series, its best seller. This is the least improvement consumers are expecting from the company.

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vivo X300 FE in for review

It's been kind of hectic here at GSMArena HQ in the last few weeks - we're getting phones left and right and are working pretty much nonstop to bring you guys content! But we're slowly getting through the pile, and today, we've got the recently globalized vivo X300 FE in the house! Unveiled and rolled internationally alongside the vivo X300 Ultra, the vivo X300 FE is coming in two configurations - 12/256GB and 12/512GB. We're not sure of the price just yet. The phone ships with a color-matching case, a 90W charger, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. The X300 FE is the compact flagship...

Sennheiser launches the HD 480 Pro: Closed-back headphones designed with accurate audio reproduction for music monitoring and recording

The Sennheiser HD 480 Pro closed-back headphones are designed for accuracy in audio reproduction, with high clarity of sonic details, making them suitable for music production, tracking, and monitoring. They are designed for hours of comfortable wear, and the cables and cushions can be replaced.

vivo X500 series screen details leak

vivo's upcoming flagship series will probably be called X500, to avoid the number 4 due to tetraphobia. These will of course be the successors to the X300 line. Today in China, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station has seemingly revealed what we can expect from the X500 family in terms of screens. While he doesn't mention the exact model names, he does say there will be one device with a 6.37-inch flat LTPO OLED display with 1.5K resolution, and another device employing a 6.83-inch flat LTPO OLED panel with 2K resolution. There's also a third option that's allegedly still pending (so...

Nothing introduces Essential Voice speech-to-text transcription and translation

Today Nothing has unveiled Essential Voice, a speech-to-text engine that promises to deliver "clear, ready-to-send text in real time". Thus, it improves upon the traditional dictation that, while turning speech into text, includes all the ums, uhs, and ahs, all of your stutters, and sometimes zero punctuation (or, perhaps even worse, wrong punctuation). Essential Voice promises to give you "the speed and ease of talking with the clarity and flexibility of text". It cuts filler words "for a more streamlined and considered output". It auto-detects more than 100 languages, and lets you choose...

Samsung's mobile division may be facing its first-ever annual loss because of crazy memory prices

Samsungโ€™s MX division (which builds its smartphones) may be facing its first-ever annual loss โ€“ meanwhile, the folks over at Device Solutions (where the memory business is housed) posted guidance for a record-breaking Q1. You have already figured out that there is a single cause for these two events. To spell it out, the soaring prices of DRAM and NAND memory are eating into the margins. According to the analysts at Counterpoint, the bill of materials (BoM) for a flagship phone ($800+) is predicted to rise by $100-$150. Memory makes up the most with 23% of the total going towards RAM and...

Google confirms: revamped Siri will be powered by Gemini

Back in January, Apple confirmed that Google's Gemini AI models would be powering the next evolution of Apple Intelligence, which is expected to be unveiled this June at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference. This should include a completely revamped Siri, and will hopefully ship in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 in the fall. Now, Google has also confirmed that this is happening, on stage during the Cloud Next 2026 conference that's currently taking place in Las Vegas. Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian said: Earlier this year, we announced a monumental partnership with one of the most...

The Android Show returns before I/O 2026, with Google teasing a big year for Android

Google debuted The Android Show in 2025, with 2026 bringing the second iteration right before the I/O 2026 event.

The US tech giant has already announced the I/O 2026 keynote scheduled for May 19 and May 20. At this event, Google will introduce the new Android operating system along with many other software and AI advancements.

Now, Google revealed The Android Show is set to take place on May 12 at 10 a.m. PT. The company published a YouTube video, which pulled quickly after, teasing โ€œthis is going to be one of the biggest years for Android yet.โ€

Like last year, this yearโ€™s The Android Show will livestream on YouTube. Android enthusiasts will be able to join the event livestream to witness the unveiling live. As said, this is going to be one of the biggest years for Android yet.

This is going to be one of the biggest years for Android yet. Tune in to The Android Show | I/O Edition on Tuesday May 12 at 10 AM PT and be the first to take a look at what the future holds.

Android 16 introduced a major visual upgrade, thanks to Material 3 Expressive. Gemini also received fruitful enhancements to elevate user experiences. Pixel lineup continues to expand depite struggling for market share.

This year, we expect Android 17 to compete with Appleโ€™s Liquid Glass design philosophy. Leaked visuals showcased that Google is on the right path. Quick Share to AirDrop sharing will also be a key highlight at I/O 2026.

The Android Show

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vivo Y6 5G unveiled with 7,200 mAh battery, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC

After launching the Y6t a few days ago, now vivo has also made the Y6 5G official. It is powered by the same Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC as the Y6t. The Y6 5G comes in silver, gold, and black. It measures 166.64 x 78.43 x 8.39 mm and weighs 219g. It boasts a 6.75-inch 720x1570 LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200-nit peak brightness, a 50MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and a 7,200 mAh battery with support for 44W wired charging. vivo Y6 5G official images The phone has 5G support, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded into the power button, an IR blaster, and...

Once a Samsung Fold fanboy, now I warn everyone: Never Again

Hey Sammy Fans, I need to get this off my chest. I was a true Samsung Fold fanboy. The first time I unfolded my Galaxy Z Fold (It was Fold3), it felt like I was holding the future of smartphones. The reason was obvious โ€“ a big screen for videos, split screen, and cool folding tricks. I showed it off to everyone. โ€œThis is the best phone ever.โ€

After using my first foldable daily for over almost a year, the problems started coming up. The center crease started getting deeper and more annoying. Then one day, when I unfolded my phone, the inner screen was dead. There were no drops, no scratches, nothing crazy. I took it to the service center, hoping for warranty support. The service guy looked at it and said it was โ€œuser damage,โ€ and quoted me almost $600-700 for the inner screen replacement. Thatโ€™s more than half the price of a normal flagship phone. I was shocked.

This isnโ€™t just my bad luck, the same happened with Fold4. I have seen many people in the Samsung community and on X with the same stories. The fold hinges were getting loose or making noise, screens failing after 8-12 months, and dust getting inside somehow.

Hereโ€™s another annoying issue. The protective film on the inner screen started peeling off by itself in less than 6 months. I didnโ€™t misuse the phone, the film just lifted from the middle and started bubbling and peeling on its own. It looked ugly and felt terrible while using. I tried pushing it back, but it kept coming off worse. I ended up replacing the film once or twice on both my Fold5 and Fold6, but the same problem kept returning.

Samsung promises about โ€œ200,000 foldsโ€ or even more now, but in real life, it wonโ€™t stand up (my experience is horrible) to the companyโ€™s promise. If anything goes wrong, the repair cost is brutal. Many times, instead of repairing the current fold, it feels like the company is pushing you to just buy a new one.

Thereโ€™s another downside โ€“ the battery life. The foldables have average battery life, but not great for such an expensive device. The cameras are fine, but nothing compared to regular Samsung S series phones. The phone feels thick even after Samsung made Fold7 thinner. Multitasking is cool at first, but while watching videos, you notice little bugs and that disturbing crease.

Look, I still love the idea of foldables. With foldable, you can have a big screen when you need it and small when you donโ€™t. But right now, Samsungโ€™s foldable devices are not ready to be a primary phone.

Samsung Fold 4 One UI 5.0 Canada

If you really want a foldable, you should wait for a perfect Fold in coming years. Or honestly? Just get a normal flagship like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The available option is cheaper, tougher, and you wonโ€™t stress every time you open your phone. Even the repair cost is also less.

I stopped using my Samsung Fold (Fold3 after 11 months, Fold4 after 6 months, Fold5 in just 2 months, Fold6 in 1 month, and Fold7 after 10 days) and went back to a regular phone. No regrets. The excitement disappeared quickly once I started worrying about the next repair bill.

If you are thinking about buying a Samsung Fold, please read this first. I love the concept, but hate the experience. It is โ€œnever againโ€ for me. What about you? Drop your experiences on X handle @thesammyfans.

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DJI Mic Mini 2 vs Mic Mini: All the differences - Mobile Version, Vocal Tone Presets, faster charging, colors

Here is your detailed specs comparison between the DJI Mic Mini 2 and the original DJI Mic Mini, highlighting upgrades like Vocal Tone Presets and faster 70-minute transmitter charging. While both the DJI Mic Mini 2 and Mic Mini maintain the ultra-lightweight button design and 400m range, the Mic Mini 2 adds customizable magnetic colorful covers. We break down the hardware shifts, including the new Mobile Charging Case.

Honor MagicPad3 Pro 12.3โ€ announced with 165Hz OLED, SD 8 Gen 5 and 10,100mAh battery

While the Honor 600 series has been making headlines over the past few days, the brand has also expanded its tablet lineup with the brand new MagicPad3 Pro 12.3โ€, which was announced in China earlier today. As the name implies, this is a slightly smaller version of the MagicPad3 Pro 13.3, which was announced last year, and it comes with several spec differences. Instead of the LCD panel found on the MagicPad3 Pro 13.3โ€, you get a 12.3โ€ OLED with 3,000x1,920px resolution, an adaptive 60-165Hz refresh rate and a 15.6:10 aspect ratio. The display is rated at 3,000 nits peak local...

For record chasers: Speedrun shooter with top rating (98%) cheaper than ever on Steam

Deal | I Am Your Beast is a first-person shooter for record chasers. The goal is to eliminate enemies as quickly as possible, complete levels in the shortest possible time, and keep setting new records. Steam users have given the game a 98% positive rating. It is currently available at 40% off for $11.99 โ€“ its lowest price to date.

GWM plans European comeback with 10 new models

Great Wall Motor is accelerating its European comeback by 2026 with a technologically diversified model offensive consisting of electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles. Through the planned construction of a dedicated European plant with a capacity of 300,000 units by 2029, the Group further intends to meet local market demand more efficiently and circumvent import restrictions. This strategic shift marks a departure from the pure electric brand Ora toward a diversified portfolio under the GWM umbrella brand.

Ultrahuman ring app now supports Les Mills workouts

Ultrahuman's app now supports Les Mills workouts. Les Mills is a global brand known for its training programs, and these can now be recommended by the Ultrahuman app based on your current state. You start by setting a goal and telling the app how often and how long you want to train. Then, you'll get recommendations from the Les Mills workout catalog, including for high intensity interval training, strength sessions, yoga, and recovery classes. The suggestions are tied to the Ultrahuman ring's recovery data, so if you're well rested you'll get more intense workouts, and if you...

Android 17 QPR1 beta 1 is now available for Pixel users

Google rolled out the fourth beta of Android 17 last week and has now followed it up with the first Android 17 QPR1 beta. The new update is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices. Ahead of Android 17โ€™s stable release, expected in September, users can try upcoming refinements through the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1. Google notes that this beta build is stable enough for general use. The update is available for devices ranging from the Pixel 6 to the latest Pixel 10a. Interested users can enroll in the Android Beta Program and install the QPR1 update. While the release doesnโ€™t introduce...

April 2026 One UI 8 update arrives for Galaxy S24 FE and S23 FE

Samsungโ€™s Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 FE are getting the April 2026 security update. Users in South Korea can now grab the latest firmware, which is readily available for download.

April 2026 update carries forty-seven fixes for Samsung devices, with those applicable to the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 FE as well. The SMR is rolling out sequentially, so the availability may vary depending on model and carrier.

PDA build version numbers:

  • Galaxy S23 FE โ€“ S711NKSSEDZCH
  • Galaxy S24 FE โ€“ S721NKSSBCZD2

Updating software on Samsung phones isnโ€™t a tricky task. Simply open the system Settings, followed by the Software update page. Hit the Download and install button, and the phone will begin fetching the latest firmware from the server.

Samsung updates also wipe out unnecessary and junk files, including cache. Removal of that stuff improves the overall experience of your device. System apps also install alongside the software update for optimal performance.

One UI 8.5 Update

April patch has arrived for users who have not updated through the Beta Program. The patch has already landed on the Fan Edition phones as part of One UI 8.5 Beta, with One UI 8 users can now grab this incremental OTA.

Samsung is preparing to start the Stable One UI 8.5 rollout on April 30. The update may first appear for the Galaxy S25 series in South Korea. Users outside Samsungโ€™s home ground may begin grabbing it, starting on May 4, 2026.

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Honor 600 beats iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 in unusual battery test

The Honor 600 series was unveiled yesterday and made its way to Europe today with one major change. While units sold across Asia are equipped with a 7,000mAh Si-C battery, the European versions come with 6,400mAh cells. And while the difference in battery capacities surely favors the international Honor 600 variant, Honor decided to undertake a rather unusual battery test against its key competitors. Instead of comparing running times across regular use-case scenarios, Honorโ€™s engineers took out the Honor 600โ€™s 7,000mAh Si-C battery and fitted it to power a miniature RC car. They...

Poco C81 arrives with a 120Hz screen and 6,300 mAh battery, C81x tags along

As promised, Poco has expanded its portfolio of C Series smartphones with the launch of the Poco C81 and Poco C81x. Poco C81 Let's talk about the Poco C81 first. It's a 4G smartphone powered by the Unisoc T7250 SoC, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The smartphone has 64GB of onboard storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card. On the software side, you get Android 16-based HyperOS 3, with Poco promising four major Android upgrades and six years of security updates. The Poco C81 is built around a 6.9" 120Hz HD+ LCD with 800 nits HBM brightness. The display also has a notch for the...

Samsung shifts Galaxy device design toward AI and emotion

Mauro Porcini, the chief design officer at Samsung, revealed a Galaxy design manifesto that signals a hard turn away from hardware obsession. After years of winning on cameras, chips, and folding screens, Samsung is now chasing emotion and AI.

The framework Porcini laid out runs on four tracks.

Live Longer covers health and safety through wearables. Live Better hands routine tasks to AI and robotics. Live Loud pushes tools for creativity and self-expression. And then thereโ€™s Live On, which is where things get genuinely strange.

Samsung is openly discussing AI systems that build digital versions of people, instead of avatars and chatbots. Persistent, data-trained representations of actual human beings, their personalities, their knowledge, and presence.

Within a decade, Porcini argues, robots could become the dominant interface inside homes. Samsung is playing across three timelines: short term: itโ€™s refining what already exists, mid term: itโ€™s pushing harder, and long term: itโ€™s trying to redefine what a product even is.

Samsung has announced pivots before, but this oneโ€™s different.

If the robots-as-primary-interface bet lands, every smartphone company will be scrambling to catch up to a future Samsung spent a decade building toward while everyone was still arguing about camera bumps.

Related article:

Samsung One UI 7 Design

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Elon Musk confirms Samsung is working on Tesla AI4+ chip

During the Q1 2026 earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that AI4+, the upgraded version of Teslaโ€™s existing AI4 chip, is headed for production by mid-2027, and the company entrusted Samsung Foundry for production.

AI4+, which Samsung Foundry will produce, is also being called AI4.1 internally, though Tesla hasnโ€™t locked in an official name. The specs are meaningfully better than the current AI4: more memory, wider bandwidth, stronger compute.

Samsung already holds orders for both the AI5 and the upcoming AI6. Tesla completed tape-out on AI5 on April 15, and the company is planning to route it first toward Optimus robots and data centers.

Elon Musk said thatย AI4 is already capable of human-level autonomous driving. Thereโ€™s no reason to blow up working production lines chasing a chip that cars donโ€™t actually need yet. AI4+ squeezes more performance out of a proven architecture.

As Musk put it, if AI4 hardware gets too outdated, factory continuity becomes the only argument for keeping it alive. Samsung isnโ€™t just making Teslaโ€™s chips, but making Teslaโ€™s decisions possible.

Elon Musk stated that โ€œIt may make sense to transition to AI5 for vehicles at some point, but itโ€™s not urgent right now. If AI4 hardware becomes too outdated, it could end up being the only reason to keep factories running.โ€

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Motorola Razr 70 Ultra emerges in official-looking renders

Motorola is set to introduce its Razr 70 series next week with no less than two models. Weโ€™ve seen a generous number of leaks so far, and we now have official-looking press renders of the Razr 70 Ultra shared by Evan Blass. Razr 70 Ultra in Orient Blue Alcantara and Pantone Cocoa Wood By the looks of it, Motorola is not changing all that much in terms of design. Razr 70 Ultra features a nearly-identical look to last yearโ€™s Razr 60 Ultra with dual cameras on the cover screen and a largely unobtrusive main display with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie cam. We do get a...

Honor 600 and Honor 600 Pro land in Europe, here are the prices

Yesterday, the Honor 600 and Honor 600 Pro got their global launch, and today they've been announced for European markets as well. The phones come with a 6,400 mAh battery in Europe (down from 7,000 mAh internationally), but the rest of the specs have remained the same, thankfully. Both the Honor 600 and the Honor 600 Pro purchased in Europe will receive six years of Android updates. The Honor 600 is priced at โ‚ฌ549.99 with 128GB of storage, โ‚ฌ649.99 with 256GB of storage, and โ‚ฌ699.99 with 512GB. However, if you're an early bird you can get both the 256GB and the 512GB versions for just...

Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 changelog leaks days before Stable rollout

Leaked changelog reveals One UI 8.5 stable update for the Galaxy S25 series will bring a noticeable visual refresh, leaning into cleaner layouts, blur effects, and more fluid elements that adapt naturally to how you use the phone daily.

Galaxy AI takes center stage with smarter, more practical tools. From screening calls with Bixby to editing photos using simple text prompts, the update makes AI feel less like a feature and more like part of the experience.

Camera upgrades focus on convenience and control, via TarunVats. Document scanning is faster, dual video recording is easier, and real-time color previews remove guesswork, giving users more confidence before they even hit record.

Everyday usability gets a boost across the system. Lock screen personalization is smarter, weather insights are more detailed, and call handling now includes direct voicemail and context-aware quick replies that actually make sense.

Connectivity and ecosystem features continue to expand. Sharing files across Galaxy devices, and even Apple hardware, becomes smoother, while hotspot access and family-based device syncing feel more polished and reliable.

Security, battery, and accessibility improvements round things off. You get clearer battery insights, stronger theft protection, and better assistive controls, making the update feel balanced between flashy upgrades and meaningful daily improvements.

Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 changelog

Visual Design

Fresh new look: One UI seamlessly integrates into your daily routine by combining immersive visuals with meaningful personalization for a more refined and sophisticated design. Transparent blur effects add depth and make content easier to navigate, while floating elements react organically to your workflow for a more focused experience. Through familiar and intuitive data visualization, One UI delivers a design that feels both personal and relatable, helping you focus on what matters.

Galaxy AI

Screen calls before answering: Use Bixby Text Call to decide if you want to talk. You can let a call assistant answer for you and ask the caller who they are and why theyโ€™re calling.

Edit images with text prompts: Image editing has never been easier. Just describe how you want your image to change. You can change the color of someoneโ€™s clothes, add something to an empty table, or anything else you can think of.

Add items from one image to another: Photo assist makes it easy to combine elements from different images. Take an object from one picture and add it to a different picture. Galaxy AI smooths it out and makes it look natural.

Add style to any photo: You can now apply fun styles to any photo with Photo assist, not just pictures of people or pets. In thumbnail view, you can touch and hold to reorder your styles and put your favorites near the front.

Continuous image generation: Keep creating without stopping. Photo Assist now lets you generate AI images using different features from the results screen without saving each iteration. When youโ€™re done, you can review all your creations in your history and pick your favorites.

Create images with Creative Studio: Creative Studio is now available on the Apps screen for easier access. You can use creative studio to create custom wallpapers, unique stickers, and personalized profile images that you can use throughout on your phone.

Now brief on the Lock screen: Get more personalized suggestions on your Lock screen. Now brief will show useful information based on your context.

Enhanced AI select: Start AI select instantly by touching and holding the edge handle. Missed something in a video? Use the Rewind button to go back and select exactly what you need.

Auto language detection in Interpreter: Keep the conversation flowing. After you choose which languages to translate, Interpreter will detect when each one is being spoken, so you donโ€™t need to press the Microphone button each time someone talks.

Bixby

Smarter device control: Talk to Bixby in your own words. Bixby is now better at finding the setting or feature you need, even if you donโ€™t use exact commands or feature names. Just say what you need and let Bixby do the rest.

Ask anything, anytime: Whether you need a quick answer or detailed information, just ask Bixby for an instant response. Thereโ€™s no need to spend time on multiple searches or switching between apps.

Conversation history: Looking back at past conversations with Bixby is easier than ever. You can now access your conversation history from the side panel in the Bixby app.

Camera

Pro-grade document scans: Scanning documents is now faster and more powerful. A scan button will appear automatically whenever you point your camera at a document. You can easily capture multiple pages into a single PDF file, while the new Remove tool automatically cleans up distracting fingers, folded corners, and unwanted moire for a perfect finish.

Auto motion photos: When set to Auto, your camera will only record a motion photo if it detects movement in the scene. Otherwise, itโ€™s saved as a still image to save space.

Capture both sides of the story: Now you can record yourself and the action in front of you. Just tap the dual recording icon in the video mode quick controls to start filming with the front and rear cameras at the same time.

Log video color previews in real time: Take the guesswork out of filming in Log. You can now apply a cinematic LUT preview while you record, letting you see exactly how your final color-corrected video will look before you even start editing. LUT previews are also available in Gallery and Studio.

New portrait filters: Three new filters are available to add vibrant film-like effects to your pictures.

Home and Lock screens

Automatic Lock screen layout: Wallpapers with pictures of people or pets now fit perfectly every time. When you choose a photo for your Lock screen, the photo will automatically be adjusted to best fit your clock and widget layout.

New downloadable wallpapers: Discover new wallpapers featuring interactive elements. Wallpapers are downloadable so they donโ€™t use up your storage space when not in use.

Add weather effects to wallpapers: Bring your wallpaper to life with the current weather conditions. When you choose your wallpaper, you can add weather effects directly from the preview screen.

More customizable clock fonts: Personalize your Lock screen clock. You can now adjust the thickness of more font styles to match your preferred look.

Weather

Enhanced weather widget: Quickly check upcoming precipitation in the Weather widget on your Home screen. The widget now shows a graph if precipitation is expected in the next few hours.

Pollen index: Check how much pollen is in the air to help manage your allergies. You can check pollen levels for trees, grass, and ragweed.

Communication

Direct voicemail: Canโ€™t answer right now? Let callers record a voice message directly on your phone that you can listen to later. The message will appear on your screen as itโ€™s being recorded so you can answer at any time.

Decline calls with personalized messages: When a call is ringing, new quick decline messages will appear based on your calendar events and other activity. You can tell callers that you canโ€™t answer because youโ€™re in a meeting, exercising, or other reasons even without typing.

Clock

Weather alarm backgrounds: Wake up to an alarm that gets you ready for the dayโ€™s weather. Your alarm screen can now show the current weather conditions as a background when it rings.

Time zone converter: Compare time zones at a glance. The new slider in the Clock app makes it easy to check the time difference between places around the world.

Connectivity

Storage Share: Access your files anywhere. Files from your other Samsung phones, tablets, and PCs are available in the My Files app on your phone. You can also access your phoneโ€™s files on other Samsung devices, even your TV.

Auto Hotspot: Share your phoneโ€™s internet connection more easily. You can now share your hotspot with your Samsung account family group, or create your own hotspot sharing group with anyone you choose.

Family device sharing: Easily connect and share files, screens, cameras, storage and more with your family. Family device sharing lets you use features like Quick Share, Camera Share, Storage Share, Auto Hotspot, and Multi control with Galaxy devices that belong to your family members.

Quickly connect to Smart View devices: Connect to your favorite display faster. You can now add a shortcut on your Home screen to instantly mirror your phoneโ€™s screen to a TV or other display device.

Enhanced Auracast features: Itโ€™s easier than ever to listen to and broadcast sound with Auracast. Options for both broadcasting and listening are now located in the Audio broadcast menu in Settings.

Voice broadcasts: Broadcast your voice to people around you with Auracast. In addition to media sound, you can now broadcast your voice using your phoneโ€™s built-in microphone.

Quick Share

Share with Apple devices: Share with even more devices than before. You can now use Quick Share to seamlessly share photos, videos, and other files with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices that support AirDrop.

Avoid unwanted sharing requests: You can now set Quick Share to only receive files from other devices signed in to your Samsung account or Google account.

Photo sharing suggestions: Share photos with the right people faster. When you share pictures that include friends or family, Quick Share can recognize whoโ€™s in them and suggest sharing directly with those people.

Samsung Health

Enhanced weekly reports: See a fuller picture of your health each week. Weekly reports now include data from your medication tracker and mindfulness sessions.

Upgraded sharing experience: Share your workouts your way. Mix and match your exercise stats with photos from your workout to create the perfect social media post.

Start meditations from your watch: Find calm right from your wrist. You can now start favorite or recommended meditations directly on your Galaxy Watch without picking up your phone.

Antioxidant measurements from your watch: Check your antioxidant levels anytime. Measure directly from your Galaxy Watch, even if itโ€™s not connected to your phone. Works with Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Battery and power

Revamped battery info: See your battery use more clearly. The redesigned Battery settings screen makes it easier to check remaining time, charging status, and daily usage over the past week.

Improved Power saving: Use Power saving to make your battery last longer without charging. Choose Standard for moderate savings and customizable limits, or choose Maximum to turn off all non-essential features and make your battery last as long as possible.

Security and privacy

Privacy alerts: Stay informed about your privacy. Youโ€™ll now get alerts when an appโ€™s permissions could put your personal data at risk along with suggestions for what you can do about it.

Theft protection: Keep your phone and data safe in case it is lost or stolen. Turn on Failed authentication lock to automatically lock the screen in case there are too many failed attempts to verify your identity using your fingerprints, PIN, pattern, or password. Identity check also protects even more settings than before.

Turn off Auto blocker temporarily: If you need to temporarily disable Auto blockerโ€™s security protection, a new option lets you turn it on automatically 30 minutes later so you donโ€™t forget.

Check the security status of your devices: Keep all your devices protected. Knox Matrix now shows when any of the supported devices signed in to your Samsung account need a software update for the latest security protections.

Accessibility

Easily control Bluetooth hearing aids: Access settings for your Bluetooth hearing aids directly from the Accessibility shortcut. A pop-up will appear that lets you change your hearing program, turn Ambient sound on or off, and more.

Control magnification with mouse or keyboard: Keep what you need magnified in view with these new options. You can make the magnified area follow the cursor as you type or move when you change focus using the keyboard. When using a mouse, you can make the magnified area shift as you move the pointer to the edge of the screen.

Dwell action and Corner actions: The Auto action after pointer stops feature has been divided into 2 features. Dwell action lets you set custom actions when your mouse stops moving for a certain amount of time. Corner actions let you set a different action for each corner of the screen.

Dim strobing in videos: A new setting lets you dim strobing effects in videos for more comfortable viewing.

Even more improvements

Continue using apps when folding: Enjoy more seamless app experiences. You can now keep the app you were using on the main screen open on the cover screen when you fold your phone.

More customizable quick panel: Arrange your quick settings just the way you like them. You can now add, remove, reorder, and reorganize controls in the quick panel.

Customize Calendar countdown widgets: Make your countdown widgets look just the way you like. Use Drawing assist to generate a background image, choose an image from Gallery, or go with a solid color.

Early alerts for reminders: Get alerts before reminders are due to make sure you donโ€™t forget important tasks. You can choose how far in advance to get an alert for each reminder.

Insert tables in Samsung Notes: Organize information in your notes with tables. You can adjust column widths, colors, and border designs while the auto calculation feature helps you stay productive and save time.

Redesigned New tab page: The page that appears when you open a new tab in Samsung Browser has been redesigned to help you quickly access the websites and features you need the most. The New tab page now shows the current security status as well as open tabs from Samsung Browser on other devices.

Partial screen recording: Include only what you need in your screen recordings. You can now select only the part of the screen that you want to record.

Calculator nudges: Save time on calculations. Numbers and formulas copied to your clipboard will be suggested when you open Calculator so you can enter them with a quick tap.

Keep window sizes in DeX: DeX now remembers your app window sizes and positions. When you open an app again, it appears just as you left it.

Triple Zero service enhancement: Software enhancement to provide an additional layer of connectivity to Triple Zero services during emergency service outages.

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Galaxy S26 Ultraโ€™s camera crop mismatch fix may take more time to arrive

The Galaxy S26 Ultra camera crop mismatch issue is back in focus, and this time it is tied to Samsungโ€™s Close Focus Enhancement feature. Samsung once again acknowledged the problem, and the fix may take more time to arrive.

Galaxy S26 Ultra users are running into a frustrating camera glitch that refuses to stay subtle. What users see in the Viewfinder does not always match what gets saved after post-processing.

The issue is tied to Close Focus Enhancement

The bug shows up when users shoot ultra-close subjects and the phone switches lenses automatically. Close Focus Enhancement is designed to improve macro shots by shifting to a different sensor and adjusting framing.

You frame a subject tightly, hit the shutter, and the saved image ends up slightly zoomed out or reframed. That inconsistency breaks trust in the shooting experience, especially for users relying on precise composition.

Galaxy S26 Ultra camera crop mismatch

Samsung acknowledges the issue but offers no timeline

A moderator on the official Community forums has now acknowledged the bug, via MojoTrick. According to the moderator, Samsung is aware of the discrepancy and is working on improvements; however, no firmware rollout window has been shared.

Not the first time this problem has surfaced

Many Galaxy S26 Ultra users have already reported the close-up camera problem. Like this time, Samsung moderator acknowledged the problem and pledged to provide a firmware update to fix the glitch upon verification.

For now, users are left to work around the issue. If precision matters, it is safer to double-check framing after capture. Keeping the device updated is also key, as fixes will likely arrive through a future firmware rollout.

The post Galaxy S26 Ultraโ€™s camera crop mismatch fix may take more time to arrive appeared first on Sammy Fans.

OnePlus 16's display detailed, again tipped to come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro SoC

We are still months away from the OnePlus 16's unveiling, but we've already come across a few leaks and rumors about the phone, with reliable tipster Digital Chat Station claiming it will be powered by Qualcomm's yet-to-be-announced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro SoC. In a Weibo post, the tipster has reiterated that the OnePlus 16 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro (SM8975) and revealed a few details about the flagship's display. OnePlus 15 According to DCS, the OnePlus 16 will pack a custom 6.78" 1.5K resolution LTPO BOE display, surrounded by narrow bezels on all...

Galaxy S28 may feature 3D display you can switch on and off

Samsungโ€™s newly unveiled display tech could offer glasses-free 3D viewing on the Galaxy S28 Ultra. The official press release itself confirms the potential adoption of the screen technology in phones, tablets, and other devices.

A newly published paper in Nature details a collaboration between Samsungโ€™s Visual Technology Team and POSTECH. The focus is on a new display architecture built around something called a Metasurface Lenticular Lens.

Instead of relying on traditional lenticular layers, Samsung uses nanoscale structures to precisely control how light is directed toward your eyes. The system can switch between standard 2D and immersive 3D using voltage control.

The display adjusts polarization states in real time; users can toggle depth effects on demand. Samsung claims a viewing angle of up to 100 degrees, which is roughly six times wider than older glasses-free 3D implementations.

Samsung switchable 2D to 3D display

This eliminates the rigid head positioning that killed earlier attempts. You are no longer locked into a narrow zone where the effect works. Move naturally, share the screen, and the 3D holds up. The entire optical layer comes in at just 1.2mm thin.

This approach of the South Korean tech giant fits into modern OLED stacks without forcing major design trade-offs. The team has already tested the concept on real OLED panels using a fabricated 50x50mm metalens.

Samsung switchable 2D to 3D display

The timing lines up with the Galaxy S28 generation, especially as Samsung continues to push display differentiation beyond brightness, refresh rate and Privacy screen.

A switchable 3D panel fits naturally into that strategy. It also opens doors for the Galaxy Z Fold lineup, where larger screen real estate makes depth effects more meaningful for gaming, media, and even multitasking.

If Samsung gets this right, glasses-free 3D will not feel like a gimmick anymore.

Samsung switchable 2D to 3D display

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iPhone 18's display downgrade detailed in new report

Yesterday a rumor claimed the vanilla iPhone 18 would have some downgrades, and now a report seemingly clarifies one of the areas where Apple will save some money: the screen. The leading candidate for the handset's display allegedly uses Samsung's M12+ material, which is a very slight enhancement of the M12 that was used in the iPhone 14 Pro and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. On the other hand, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will both use the M16 material, the successor to the M14 which made its debut in the iPhone 16 Pro and which was then used in the entire iPhone 17 family. So, if this...

Samsung unveils switchable 2D-3D display for smartphones and other devices

With the demonstration of switchable 2D-to-3D display tech, Samsung is not just refining smartphones, tablets, and commercial displays anymore. It is rewriting how depth itself is perceived on a flat slab of glass.

In a newly published paper in Nature, Samsung, alongside POSTECH, details a switchable 2D to 3D display built around a metasurface lenticular lens. The reveal hints that it quietly solves the problems that killed 3D on mobile long ago.

The new tech allows the display to decide when to behave like a normal panel and when to bend light into a multi-view field. The switch happens through polarization control, effectively toggling the metalens between concave and convex states.

  • In 2D mode, the optics cancel out. Light passes straight through. You get a clean, high-resolution image, no penalties.
  • In 3D mode, the same layer reshapes the light field. Depth appears. Perspective shifts with viewing position; no glasses, no tracking.

Samsung switchable 2D to 3D display

Samsung is pushing the viewing window to 100 degrees. It means multiple people can view the same 3D scene from different angles. Samsungโ€™s metalens sits at just 1.2 mm, thin enough to integrate into an OLED without redesigning the device.

What this means for future Galaxy devices

Expect 3D to emerge as a premium toggle, not a permanent mode. A glasses-free 3D mode on a Fold could turn it into a portable light field viewer. Tablets could quietly become the first mainstream 3D consumption devices.

Samsung switchable 2D to 3D display

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Samsung Sound app introduces a new way to manage audio devices

Samsung Sound is a brand-new app from Samsung that facilitates the management of audio devices. The app made its first appearance in February 2026 and is readily available for free download on the Play Store.

After rolling out Hearapy, Samsung followed up with a second app called Samsung Sound. Itโ€™s a dedicated tool for controlling Samsung Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars, landing in a slightly awkward spot next to SmartThings.

Samsung Sound looks modern, bringing soft gradients, subtle transparency, and a cleaner layout compared to SmartThings. However, the app hasnโ€™t matched the One UI 8.5 aesthetics yet, which is a major letdown.

The app is arguably cleaner than SmartThings, but the lack of visual consistency stands out. Samsung Sound mirrors the soundbar controls inside SmartThings. You can tweak sound modes, adjust equalizer settings, and manage audio sync.

Meanwhile, there is no IP control, no Auto Power Off toggle, and no Tap Sound shortcut. ou cannot turn the soundbar off from the app. You can power it on remotely, but once it is on, the option to turn it off disappears.

Samsung has placed a large โ€œOpen music appโ€ button right on the main screen. However, the button simply launches third-party apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music if they are installed.

Samsung Sound App

Source โ€“ Google Play Store

Samsung Sound is an interesting addition. It offers a cleaner interface and a more focused experience for managing audio devices. For users who prefer a dedicated app over the broader SmartThings ecosystem, there is some appeal here.

  • Samsung Sound on Google Play Store โ€“ Download

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Jmgo N3 Ultimate 4K projector launches with high brightness and a 3-in-1 optical system for easier setup anywhere

Jmgo has announced the global launch of its N3 Ultimate 4K projector, featuring a new integrated 3-in-1 optical system designed to simplify placement and setup. The projector offers up to 5,800 ISO lumens brightness, optical image correction for off-center projection, and AI-powered spatial memory for switching between different viewing setups.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra teardown video goes in-depth with every component

Oppo unveiled the Find X9 Ultra yesterday, and today there's already a full teardown of the device available, courtesy of the YouTube channel WekiHome. As always, they have recorded an incredibly in-depth disassembly, where the phone isn't just quickly taken apart - every component is described in depth. So if that sounds like just your cup of tea, check out the video embedded below. Note that it is in Chinese, but the auto-translated YouTube closed captions do seem to work extremely well for it. The Find X9 Ultra is, of course, Oppo's all-out flagship for 2026, competing head-on...

Samsungโ€™s refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 up for purchase in the US

Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are entering Samsungโ€™s official refurbished smartphone portfolio in the US. As part of Certified Re-Newed program, Samsung is bringing its latest foldables at a reduced price (not really this time).

On April 22, 2026, Samsung announced the refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 in the US. The two foldables can now be purchased in like-new condition at a reduced price, with exclusive availability on Samsung.com.

Thereโ€™s no doubt on the genuineness of the products. Samsung says its Certified Re-Newed devices have been serviced by specialists and repaired with 100% genuine parts. You also get Samsungโ€™s one-year manufacturer warranty.

Every refurbished device ships with a brand-new battery, regardless of the previous condition, which ensures the buyer will have maximum battery life. Other parts are repaired/replaced as per the requirement upon inspection.

Price

  • Galaxy Z Fold7 Certified Re-Newed starts at $1,699.00 for the 256GB storage model.
  • Galaxy Z Flip7 Certified Re-Newed starts at $939.00 for the 256GB storage model.

Save through trade-in

Samsung lets you save up to $580 on a Certified Re-Newed Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 when you trade in an old qualifying phone.

Samsung Care Plus

Beyond manufacturerโ€™s warranty, you can extend the protection by subscribing the Samsung Care+ plan.

Samsungโ€™s Certified Re-Newed smartphones are eligible for Care+, safeguarding your device against unlimited drops, spills, mechanical breakdowns as well as theft and loss.

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Android 17 hits major milestone as Google releases QPR 1 Beta 1

The development cycle of Android 17 has just taken a major turn, with Google starting to roll out QPR 1 Beta 1 update to Pixel phones.

Android 17 has been in Beta status since the beginning of the year. Google released the fourth Beta merely six days ago, and today the QPR 1 Beta 1 of Android 17.

Regarding the QPR 1 Beta 1, Google says it continues to update the platform with fixes and improvements. Changes and improvements deployed throughout the QPR 1 Beta will be provided as part of the September Feature Drop.

Unlike major OS releases, QPR builds donโ€™t include app-impacting API changes. However, this Android Program is limited to Google Pixel phones. Samsung is expected to utilize it as a base for its One UI 9 Beta or Stable release.

Android 17 QPR 1 OTAs and downloads are available for the following Pixel devices:

  • Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
  • Pixel 7a
  • Pixel Tablet
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
  • Pixel 8a
  • Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 9a
  • Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL
  • Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Top Issues fixed in Beta 1

  • Fixed a crash in the Default Print Service occurring during low ink conditions that prevents users from completing print jobs.
  • The Terminal app triggers an Application Not Responding (ANR) error that results in the application and device becoming unresponsive.
  • Resolved an issue where uncontrollable hardware audio processing on the voice communication path caused distortion and phase cancellation in VoIP applications.
  • Direct audio output may fail to open on devices using the AIDL audio HAL when playing audio streams longer than five seconds.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Top-tier smartphone with unique features reviewed

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a very powerful Android flagship that stands out with strong performance, very good build quality, long-term software support, and the new Privacy Display. At the same time, it does not deliver a major leap in innovation, and its high price is mainly justified for users who will actually make use of its many premium features.

These are the camera upgrades coming to the next iPhone generations

Apple has twice so far been rumored to explore a 200MP camera for upcoming iPhones. The first time it was supposedly going to be the main camera, and then, a few days ago, we heard about a 200MP telephoto camera that would only arrive in 2028. Today a new leak from Digital Chat Station on Weibo clears up some of the confusion. According to him, Apple will launch a big camera update every year starting with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this September. Those two are getting the much-rumored variable aperture. Then, in 2027, the Pro models are allegedly going to come with a...

Up to 35% cheaper: Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Hasselblad camera kit can be imported

More storage options, an additional color, and a lower price to go with it. Anyone primarily interested in the Hasselblad camera can also import the Oppo Find X9 Ultra as a China model and save a substantial amount of money in the process. Import pricing for the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is up to 35% lower than in Europe, and the Hasselblad camera kit is already available as well.

ChatGPT Images 2.0 brings thinking capabilities to image generation

OpenAIโ€™s latest image generator has thinking capabilities. ChatGPT Images 2.0 arrives one year after version 1.0, and it promises expertly curated end-to-end automation for visual tasks. Images 2.0 has the ability to research and synthesize information from the web into detailed โ€œproduction-levelโ€ visuals. GPT Images 2.0 generated content OpenAI is positioning Images 2.0 as a full replacement for dedicated image editing apps, too, as it can remove backgrounds, transform aspect ratios and output up to eight images simultaneously in 2K resolution. GPT Images 2.0...

Detailed foldable iPhone Ultra design units leak: Touch ID is back; Apple will push your buttons

Leaked "official" dummy units reveal the final design of the iPhone Ultra/Fold and iPhone 18 Pro. While the iPhone 18 Pro remains mostly unchanged, the iPhone Ultra features Touch ID; unique top-mounted button placement. This design choice solves will most definitely divide the room. Apple is prioritizing the "iPad" state of the foldable iPhone, and some won't like that.

OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra shown off in new Metal Storm color

The OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra will be unveiled on April 28 (thatโ€™s Tuesday next week). Last week, the company posted details on the Ace Awakening design, which features the word โ€œAceโ€ etched on the back of the device in a way that creates a 3D effect. Now OnePlus has revealed another look for the Ace 6 Ultra called โ€œMetal Stormโ€. Itโ€™s a combination of a metal frame with a matte finish and a glass back panel with a โ€œsilkโ€ texture. This texture is created by etching a nanoscale pattern that is soft to the touch but glitters in the light. The company says that it will shoo away...

More details about the iPhone 18 Pro's hero color leak

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to have a new 'hero' color - the one that gets marketed the most, like Cosmic Orange was for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. A few days ago we heard that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max would come in Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver, and these colors were then shown on leaked camera islands for the iPhone 18 Pro. Today a leaker from China has shared more information about that Dark Cherry hue, which will be the hero color. Apparently it's not clear exactly what Apple will call this (so...

Google Wallet now tracks your flight on your home screen

Back in October, Google said it would give Google Wallet on Android the ability to track live flight updates on your home screen through a persistent notification, and this is now finally live. These live updates show up if you've previously added a boarding pass to Google Wallet. Doing that already gave you notifications with updates like boarding time and gate changes, and Wallet also uses its Gmail integration to remind you to check in if you haven't added a boarding pass for a flight booking that you have in your emails. Google Wallet flight tracking Now, if you're on...

Honor launches its latest earphones globally

During an event in Malaysia, Honor launched a slew of earphones globally. Most models aren't new. Some were announced in late 2025, but now, they are made available globally. The launch was garnished with prices for the local Malaysian market, too. The most recent pair, the Honor Earbuds 4, is priced at MYR 399 ($100) and is seemingly a great all-arounder with 48 hours of battery life, more than decent ANC rated at 50dB and dual titanium-coated drivers. You can check out our unboxing and hands-on article while you wait for the full review. The Honor Choice Earbuds Clip 2 Pro...

Honor 600 in for review

Now that we've unboxed the Honor 600 Pro, it's time to do the same with the Honor 600. Just like the Pro, the Honor 600 ships with a USB cable and nothing more. You'd need to supply your own case and charger. So, how does the Honor 600 differ from its sibling? Well, from the outside, it doesn't really. The only telltale sign is the missing third camera lens on the back for the zoom camera - the Honor 600 only has a wide-angle and an ultrawide. On the upside, the 200MP main camera and the 12MP ultrawide are the same as those on the Pro. In the hand, the Honor 600 feels just as...

Samsung One UI 9 has a new font for Adaptive Clock

Adaptive Clock was one of the most significant additions of One UI 8, and Samsungโ€™s One UI 9 appears to be bringing a new font style.

Samsung is internally working on Android 17-based One UI 9. It will follow the One UI 8.5 rollout, which is expected to start later this month. Users can expect a Beta Program sometime in the latter half of May 2026.

X user Kailash shared an image, showcasing a new Adaptive Clock in One UI 9. With the current iteration adapts to a wallpaper with an object, the newer applies to landscapes and regular wallpapers as well.

The clock appears in HH:MM format, with the new font showing application to the two characters in the middle. However, the newly added clock font design would adopt the appearance based on the wallpaper.

Design-wise, the new Adaptive Clock font has a similar appearance to an already available clock style, but thatโ€™s static. Itโ€™s clear that the company is bringing even more ways to tailor the lock screen per your preference.

One UI 9 Adaptive Clock

The new font has been added in the internal version of One UI 9. Since itโ€™s functioning well, its debut in the official version seems sure. Meanwhile, changes can be made throughout the Beta testing program.

One UI 9 is based on Android 17 and it will first debut on the Galaxy S26 series. It will be available as Beta Program and the Stable version will land with the next-generation foldable phones, including the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.

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Oppo Watch X3 Mini arrives with a smaller footprint than the Watch X3

Oppo launched the Watch X3 in China last month, and now it's unveiled the Watch X3 Mini to go along with it. As the name implies, this is smaller, and it probably won't surprise you to see that its design seems to be more blingy since that's usually what smartwatch makers assume will appeal more to women. We're not sure if that's true or not, but given the smaller size, that alone might make this a much better option for women than the 47mm Watch X3. The Watch X3 Mini has a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen with 466x466 resolution, 1,000-nit peak brightness, and a sapphire crystal on top. The watch...

Microsoft drops Game Pass pricing after user complaints

Microsoft has announced that it is revising prices for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Two of the four plans will now be cheaper, but with some changes to their content. The company is changing the price of the most expensive Ultimate plan from $29.99 to $22.99. However, this plan will no longer get new Call of Duty titles at launch. Instead, they will become available during the following holiday season, about a year later. The existing Call of Duty titles will continue to be available. The PC Game Pass plan pricing is also being revised, and it will now cost $13.99...

Insta360 Luna Ultra video shows glimpse of modular gimbal design: Not another DJI Osmo Pocket 4

A new leak for the Insta360 Luna Ultra hints at a modular design that distinguishes it from the DJI Osmo Pocket 4. An unverified teaser shows a deconstructed unit, fueling rumors of a detachable gimbal head for remote-controlled shooting. Expected to launch by June 2026, the dual-cam Luna Ultra and Luna Pro aim to redefine the handheld gimbal market through superior hardware flexibility.

vivo Y600 Pro with a 10,200mAh battery is coming next week

After key specifications of the vivo Y600 Pro surfaced online yesterday, vivo has now officially confirmed the phoneโ€™s launch date and revealed a few details about the handset. The vivo Y600 Pro will be unveiled in China on April 27. It will be available in three color options and is confirmed to pack a massive 10,200mAh battery. The phone will support 90W wired fast charging and is claimed to deliver a standby time of 16.7 days. It is also said to offer over 24 hours of usage under light-usage conditions, and over 12 hours under heavy-load. vivo also confirmed that the Y600 Pro...

Lenovo's upcoming 4K tablet will come in two sizes

Lenovo is unveiling its new Legion Y70 smartphone on May 19, and it will be joined on stage at that event by a new Legion tablet. Lenovo is reusing the Y900 name for this one - the first Y900 came out in 2023 and was known as the Lenovo Tab Extreme outside of China. Anyway, the new 2026 edition of the Legion Y900, which you can see in the official image above, has a 3840x2560 4K LCD screen with 144Hz refresh rate and 1,100-nit peak brightness, and will be offered in two sizes: 11.1" and 13". The display has Gorilla Glass 7i on top. Undoubtedly, the new Y900 will be powered by a...

Samsung reportedly leasing a huge warehouse near Taylor chip plant

Samsung is reportedly leasing 140,000 square feet warehouse at the Park79 Commerce Center, an industrial park sitting right on US 79 near its chip plant in Taylor, Texas.

According to TaylorPress, the source had direct knowledge of the deal, while Samsung declined to comment. Thatโ€™s 40% of the entire Park79 development, locked up by a company that officially wonโ€™t admit itโ€™s the tenant.

Samsungโ€™s Taylor fab is inching toward full operation, anchored in part by a reported $16 billion chip contract with Tesla running through 2033.

The Taylor plant was announced in November 2021 with an initial $17 billion investment. By the end of 2026, itโ€™s expected to directly employ around 1,500 people, with hundreds more supplier jobs trailing behind.

Samsung has operated in Texas since breaking ground in Austin back in March 1996. It knows how this state works. Now itโ€™s quietly stitching together real estate around Taylor before the doors are even fully open.

The warehouse lease isnโ€™t a footnote; itโ€™s a signal that Samsung is building something permanent here, and doing it without asking anyoneโ€™s permission first.

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Nvidiaโ€™s new technology could revolutionize path tracing โ€“ with speeds up to 2.74 times faster

With ReSTIR PT Enhanced, Nvidia has introduced a new technique aimed at making path tracing in games significantly more efficient. According to the accompanying research paper, performance gains of up to 2.74ร— are possible, while visual artifacts are reduced and overall stability is improved. The announcement has already generated considerable excitement in the community, although it remains unclear when and in which games the technology will actually be used.

vivo X300 Ultra and X300 FE's India launch date announced

vivo started teasing the X300 Ultra and X300 FE in India last week, and today, the brand announced that both smartphones will be launched in India on May 6 at 12 PM local time. vivo X300 Ultra and vivo X300 FE launching in India on May 6 In addition to announcing the launch date, vivo also revealed that the X300 Ultra will be available in India in Victory Green and Eclipse Black colors. The flagship will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, pack a 6,600 mAh battery with 100W wired charging support, and feature the same rear camera setup as the global and Chinese X300...

OnePlus Watch 4 announced with titanium case, Wear OS 6

The OnePlus Watch 4 made it to the Google Play Console a few days ago, and now it's been listed by the brand on its official website, and this has officially revealed its most important specs. The watch has an all-titanium case and it's going to be offered in two colors: Evergreen Titanium and Midnight Titanium. As you can see, the former is basically silver with a green band, while the latter option is darker and comes with a gray band. The OnePlus Watch 4 is "built to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards" and supports wet-hand touch and "full seawater corrosion resistance". The...

Apple wants Samsung data for its case, but US regulators raise concerns

Apple wants internal documents from Samsung to help fight its antitrust case, but the US DOJ just made that a lot harder.

Earlier this month Apple asked a US court for permission to pull documents directly from Samsung Electronics. Apple wants to show that users can jump freely between iPhone and Android, that the so-called walled garden isnโ€™t actually trapping anyone.

US DOJ fired back (via 9to5Mac) in a new court filing, and the core complaint isnโ€™t really about Samsung. The US regulator pointed out that Apple has known for months just how central Samsungโ€™s data is to this case.

Hereโ€™s where it gets awkward for Apple: the process required to obtain documents from a foreign company runs through the Hague Convention, a slow-moving international legal mechanism that nobody confuses with fast.

Thereโ€™s a real chance the Samsung data arrives after the discovery phase has already closed. The DOJ is essentially saying Apple knew all this and stalled anyway.

The DOJ explicitly told the court not to extend deadlines or push the trial back just because Apple is scrambling for evidence. The DOJโ€™s position is narrower: keep the schedule, donโ€™t let Apple turn a late evidence request into a delay tactic.

Samsung sits at the center of a case it didnโ€™t ask to be in, watching Apple and the US government argue over whether its internal data can arrive on time to save Cupertino from itself.

The irony is that Apple needs Samsung to prove it doesnโ€™t need anyone.

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CEO John Ternus' first iPhone could get 200MP zoom camera like Oppo Find X9 Ultra, says leak

Leaks from China suggest Apple is testing a brand-new 200MP periscope telephoto camera for future iPhones. This move mirrors the high-resolution hardware seen in the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, signaling a potential shift in Appleโ€™s conservative camera strategy toward ultra-high-resolution sensors for enhanced optical zoom and detail. Could new CEO John Ternus have anything to do with it?

Maingear revamps its MG-1 offering with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, custom artwork and more

Maingear has refreshed its MG-1 desktop lineup ahead of AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2's arrival, pairing expanded CPU/GPU options with higher-end build refinements and deeper customization, including custom artwork, up to 128GB of DDR5, and as many as six M.2 NVMe SSDs. The update also emphasizes value and usability with a BYO RAM program, bloatware-free Windows image, optional warranty extension, and zero-interest financing aimed at smoothing the upgrade path for 2026 gaming and AI workloads.

Motorola Edge 70 Pro goes official with a 6,500mAh battery, Dimensity 8500 Extreme SoC

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro has been launched in India as the latest addition to the Edge 70 lineup. It joins the Edge 70 Fusion, introduced in early March, and the Edge 70, which debuted late last year. It comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED display that offers a Full-HD+ resolution, a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, and a peak brightness of 5,200 nits. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme chipset, which is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage. At the back, the Edge 70 Pro features a 50MP Sony Lytia 710 primary sensor with OIS,...

TM Roh signals rare risk of annual loss for Samsungโ€™s mobile business

Samsungโ€™s mobile business could be heading into unfamiliar territory this year. TM Roh, who leads the companyโ€™s Device eXperience division, has internally warned of a possible full-year loss for the MX unit, according to industry sources.

According to MoneyToday, TM Roh internally warned that Samsungโ€™s mobile unit could face an annual loss. If that happens, it would mark the first annual loss since Samsung reorganized its mobile operations under the MX business.

Samsung has already hiked the price of the Galaxy S26 series. The company is also rising prices of existing products that were released in the past. Future products donโ€™t seem to be safe from a price bump, given the current scenario.

At the center of the issue is LPDDR, the low-power memory used in nearly every smartphone. For years, it was a mobile-first component designed for efficiency.

Smartphones ship in millions, but each device uses relatively small amounts of memory. AI infrastructure, on the other hand, consumes massive quantities in a single deployment. As a result, suppliers are prioritizing high-value AI demand.

LPDDR costs nearly doubled in the first quarter compared to the previous one, with expectations of another steep jump in the current quarter. DRAM and NAND are both rising together, amplifying the pressure on manufacturers.

An industry official said, โ€œAs the AI industry absorbs even mobile memory, smartphone manufacturers are struggling to secure sufficient supply. Prices have already increased, and further hikes may occur in the second half of the year.โ€

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Qualcomm ditching TSMC for Samsung? First 2nm Snapdragon for Android could emulate Exynos

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon is reportedly in talks with Samsung Foundry to manufacture the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. After years of TSMC exclusivity, improved yields and rising costs may push Qualcomm back to Samsung for its 2026-2027 flagship processors. This means phones like the Xiaomi 18, OnePlus 16, and Galaxy S27 could use chips made by Samsung.

Asus exited the smartphone market and now it's making a tablet, here's what it looks like

Asus officially confirmed its exit from the smartphone market in January, but apparently that doesn't apply to tablets. Today a new leak brings us our first look at the upcoming Asus Pad with some nice-looking renders. As you can see, the bezels are reasonably thin for a tablet. The Asus Pad is rumored to sport a 12.2-inch dual-layer OLED screen (think Apple's Tandem OLED and you get the idea) with a 144Hz refresh rate. There will be support for Dolby Vision as well as Dolby Atmos. Asus Pad leaked images The Asus Pad will have a 9,000 mAh battery which will support fast...

Honor 600 Pro in for review

This just in, the freshly announced Honor 600 Pro is in the office and joining our review queue. It joins the vanilla 600 and the 600 Lite with emphasis on great cameras and big batteries, the Pro is the flagship. Pictured with the Honor 600 below, the Honor 600 Pro isn't bigger as both share the same 6.57-inch display. The two also share the same battery - a 7,000mAh unit outside of Europe, and a 6,400mAh unit in Europe. In terms of body durability, the pair is very robust, with coverage for both IP68, IP69, and IP69K

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Pro leak hints at Galaxy S27 performance roadmap

Leak season for the next Galaxy S lineup has already begun. A new leak sheds light on specs and features of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 6 Pro that will potentially power the Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra globally.

Weibo leaker DCS revealed key specs of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, and the chips powering the Galaxy S27 series may be made by TSMC.

TSMCโ€™s 2nm process node means better efficiency, sustained performance, and improved thermal behavior. Qualcomm is also considering a 2nm Snapdragon chip, but it seems unlikely to be from the 6th generation.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (SM8950) configuration:

  • 2 prime cores
  • 3 performance cores
  • 3 efficiency cores

The Pro variant keeps the same layout but pushes it harder. Higher clocks are expected, but Qualcomm is also stacking more resources around it.

The standard chip reportedly uses 16MB L2 + 6MB SLC cache, while the Pro bumps system-level cache to 8MB SLC. It may sound minor, but SLC plays a big role in reducing memory latency during heavy workloads like gaming and AI tasks.

Graphics processing unit:

  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 โ€“ Adreno 845, 6 slices, 12MB graphics cache
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro โ€“ Adreno 845, up to 18MB graphics cache

Memory support:

  • Gen 6 โ€“ LPDDR5X
  • Gen 6 Pro โ€“ LPDDR6 (quad-channel 24-bit) or LPDDR5X (quad-channel 16-bit)

LPDDR6 is not just about speed; it is about bandwidth efficiency and power scaling. Both chips still share the essentials: integrated 5G with sub-6 and mmWave, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, UFS 5.0 storage, and 10Gbps USB-C.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro Specs Rumor

The Galaxy S27 and S27+ are expected to use Samsungโ€™s in-house Exynos 2700 in most markets. Meanwhile, regions like the US, Canada, and China could get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra are tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro globally, which at least brings some consistency at the top end.

Samsung may launch the Galaxy S27 series early next year.

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Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 might be made by Samsung

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has been spotted in Korea meeting with Samsung executives. The trip is all about manufacturing chips on the 2nm process, and there's a chance that Qualcomm will turn to Samsung to fabricate the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoCs. Back at CES in January, Amon revealed that Qualcomm was talking to Samsung about this, and it seems like the discussions are still ongoing. If all this pans out and Qualcomm does indeed pick Samsung to fab the next top of the line Snapdragon SoC, it would mark a return to the Korean company for the first time since 2022, which is...

Honor 600 and 600 Pro arrive with 200MP cameras, IP69K ratings and bold new designs

While last year's Honor 500 and 500 Pro remained exclusive to China, the brand-new Honor 600 and 600 Pro are making their debuts internationally from the jump. The newest members in Honorโ€™s lineup bring a revamped design which takes some clear inspiration from the iPhone 17 Pro series with the oversized camera island and vibrant orange colorway. But outside of the iPhone look, Honorโ€™s new phones offer impressive batteries, top-tier IP69K ingress protection and 200MP main cams. Honor 600 (left) and Honor 600 Pro Both phones are built around 6.57-inch AMOLEDs with 2,728 x 1,264px...

Samsung Now Bar may soon show Google Wallet flight updates

Google Wallet may start showing live flight and travel updates on the Samsung Now Bar. This update will make tracking travel status easier than ever.

Recently, the Google Wallet app silently rolled out support for Live Update. Pixel phones running Android 16 (and Android 17 Beta) have started showcasing flight updates on the lock screen and always-on display.

Androidโ€™s Live Update is quite similar to Samsung Now Bar, so expect an imminent Google Wallet support rollout to the latter system.

A flight ticket stored in Google Wallet will trigger tracking of the flight and display status in real time. It will go beyond the existing notification system that alerts you with updates like boarding time changes.

On Pixel phones, the Status bar displays the Google Wallet logo for flight tracking. Expanding it shows the estimated arrival time and airline. On the AOD and lock screen, you see a progress bar that shows flight duration.

The alert is interactive too; when you tap the pill, the system takes you to the Google Wallet app. Itโ€™s the usual functionality of Live Update and the Now Bar system to stay linked with roots.

Google Wallet Live Update

Samsungโ€™s Now Bar should feature a similar appearance. When it arrives, Google Wallet will join the existing services, including Sports from Google, Google Finance, and Google Maps.

Google and Samsung closely work to tailor Galaxy experiences. Like existing ones, Google Wallet will be integrated into Now Bar, but the timeline is not known yet.

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iPhone with 200MP telephoto camera may not arrive until 2028

Rumors about Apple testing a 200MP rear camera for the iPhone have been circulating for a while, with the first leak emerging in May last year. Now, a tipster suggests that the first iPhone to feature a 200MP sensor may not arrive until 2028. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple is currently testing a 200MP periscope telephoto camera for the iPhone. However, Apple may still take a few years to bring the technology to market. This aligns with a recent Morgan Stanley investor note, which claims that an iPhone with a 200MP camera is unlikely to arrive before 2028. The...

New Galaxy Buds 2 Pro update brings stability improvements

You may not have minded that your Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds havenโ€™t received a new firmware update lately. Well, Samsung hasnโ€™t forgotten, bringing a new update with stability and reliability improvements.

Galaxy Buds Able are in development with an open-clip design. Samsung has Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro as the latest hearable offering. Meanwhile, the company is also making sure older products function pretty well.

Earlier, Samsung rolled out new firmware to the Buds 3, Buds 3 FE, and Buds 3 Pro. Now, the company is rolling out (via TarunVats) the April 2026 update to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (and probably for the Buds 2 as well) in India.

The update carries PDA build version ending withย AZD1. Samsung keeps security patches limited to mobile devices; that said, the earbuds are getting โ€œstability and reliabilityโ€ improvements.

Samsungโ€™s update changelog says these OS-level tweaks improve the device behaviour. Expect an even more fluid experience while accessing your Buds 2 Pro settings through Galaxy Wearable, along with better listening.

The update weighs nearly 6 megabytes, and you can get it through the Galaxy Wearable app. Open the application to access connected Samsung wearables. Here, you need to access Buds settings, followed by Buds software update.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 India Update

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Buds 4 and XR showcase at 2026 World IT Show

Samsung has announced that it will enter the 2026 World IT Show in Seoul to showcase its Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Buds 4 series, Galaxy XR series, and other products. The event kicks off on April 22 to April 24, 2026.

Samsung has installed Spatial Signage, a glasses-free 3D screen, at the entrance of its exhibition hall to provide guidance on products and the experience program for each section. The exhibition also includes Micro RGB for visitors to experience the immersive picture quality.

Electronics

A dedicated space will showcase the Galaxy S26 series with an upgraded camera and Galaxy AI features. Visitors are allowed to test the camera quality with the main and telephoto cameras. People can also test the Super Steady with Horizontal Lock for super stable video recording.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Camera

Visitors can check the upgraded photo assist to edit images with generative AI and view the result on a large display in the exhibition area.

Furthermore, Samsung is hosting a special AI session, โ€œGalaxy AI Live Show,โ€ to help people understand the Galaxy AI features that come with the Galaxy S26 series. The show consists of two segments โ€“ Creative Show to walk through creative and editing features. The privacy show will focus on security features such as call screening and privacy display.

Additionally, the Galaxy Buds 4 will demonstrate high-quality sound, and the Galaxy XR has a dedicated section for an on-site XR experience.

Gaming zone

A Cross-Platform Zone will enable visitors to enjoy top games on Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S11 series tablets, Galaxy Book 6 series PCs, OLED smart TVs, and Odyssey gaming monitors.

Samsung Smart Product Exhibition

Samsungโ€™s Gaming Section at the 2026 World IT Show

Additionally, the FreeStyle+ AI portable projector and Vision AI companion are coming to Samsung TVs.

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Tamara de Lempicka collection goes live on Samsung Art Store

Samsung Art Store has launched 22 art collections by Tamara de Lempicka, a Polish painter and preeminent artist of the Art Deco movement, renowned for her highly polished, glamorous, and sensual portraits of aristocrats, celebrities, and wealthy socialites.

Her art style fuses classical tradition with machine-age modernism. It is often described as โ€œsoft cubismโ€, bridging the gap between decorative and the fine arts.

The latest collection on the Samsung store includes the iconic Autoportrait from 1927, a self-portrait painted in Paris and commissioned by the German fashion magazine Die Dame to celebrate womenโ€™s independence.

Another art is St. Moritz, which depicts a skier, likely her muse Ira Perrot, embodying 1920s liberation. The painting is recognized for its vibrant red sweater, which contrasts with a geometric alpine landscape.

Samsung Tamara de Lempicka

โ€œAt the heart of Tamara de Lempickaโ€™s work is a powerful sense of identity, elegance, and modernity,โ€ said Marisa de Lempicka, President of the Tamara de Lempicka Estate. โ€œIt is important for us to continue sharing that vision in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. This collaboration with Samsung Art Store enables her work to enter new spaces.โ€

โ€œTamara de Lempickaโ€™s work has a timeless quality that feels especially relevant as Art Deco comes back into focus,โ€ said Marta Di Gioia, Curator for Samsung Art Store Europe.

The newest Tamara de Lempicka art collection is now available on Samsung Art Store for Frame TV lineup, Neo QLED, Micro RGB, Micro LED, and OLED TVs.

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Samsungโ€™s audio company Harman made new sales record in 2025

Samsung Electronics is seeing massive progress with the Harman audio unit, which is becoming a core pillar of Samsungโ€™s automotive electronics business. According to reports, this subsidiary has recorded 15 trillion won ($10.1 billion) of sales in just 10 years after Samsungโ€™s acquisition.

In 2025, Harman reached 15.7833 trillion won from sales, with an operating profit of 1.5311 trillion won, marking a record high. Compared to this, the company had 7.1034 trillion won in 2017. So, its sales revenue has doubled in the past decade.

Samsung acquired Harman in November 2016 and finalized all of the acquisition process in March 2017 for 9.4 trillion (about $8 billion), which was the largest merger and acquisition of a foreign firm by a South Korean company at that time.

Since then, Samsung has integrated Harman in all of its electronics products, including home appliances, smartphones, semiconductors, telecom devices, smart TVs, and electronics. However, the most notable application was Smart Carโ€™s cockpit and in-car audio systems.

The Korean tech giant is planning to put more investment in the audio business to improve its technologies. In December, Harman acquired ZFโ€™s ADAS division in Germany for 1.5 billion euros to harness an autonomous driving smart camera module.

It also purchased Marvellโ€™s audio brand for 500 billion won. The next plan in line is to invest 131.18 million euros in Hungary to improve Harmanโ€™s automotive production base and set up a research and development center for autonomous driving software and hardware.

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Redmi K Pad 2 debuts with 8.8-inch screen, Dimensity 9500 SoC

Alongside the K90 Max smartphone, Redmi today also unveiled the K Pad 2 tablet. Like its predecessor, it's a mini tablet with very high performance. It's powered by the Dimensity 9500, which is MediaTek's current top dog. This is paired with 8/12/16GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage. The tablet has an 8.8-inch 3008x1880 LCD screen with 165Hz refresh rate, 1,100-nit peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 on top. Redmi K Pad 2 official images On the rear sits a 13MP camera, and on the front you get an 8MP snapper. The Redmi K Pad 2 has a 9,100 mAh battery with support for 67W wired...

Union: MindsEye studio Build A Rocket Boy used keyloggers, violating data protection laws

Build A Rocket Boy employees, represented by the IWGB Game Workers Union, have unionized to pursue legal action alleging the studio installed Teramind surveillance software, including keylogging, screen recording, and microphone monitoring, without consent, potentially capturing activity in workersโ€™ homes. Although the software was reportedly removed in March after a collective grievance, the union says management has not disclosed what data was collected, where it was stored, or why it was deployed, and has also filed a separate claim over last summerโ€™s redundancy process that cut 300 jobs.

Oppo Find X9s and Find X9 Ultra's India launch timeframe officially confirmed

Oppo unveiled the Find X9s and Find X9 Ultra yesterday in China, but these smartphones will also be launched in international markets. Oppo hasn't revealed the international rollout dates for the Find X9s and Find X9 Ultra yet, but the company has announced that the two smartphones will launch in India in May, without providing pricing or availability details. Oppo Find X9 Ultra The Find X9 series also includes the Find X9, Find X9 Pro, and Find X9s Pro. The Find X9s Pro remains China-exclusive for now. The Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are available in India at base prices of INR74,999...

Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ renders leak in five colors

Motorola is launching the Edge 70 Pro tomorrow, and it may be joined by the Edge 70 Pro+ and even the Edge 70 Pro Lite. We have no new information about the latter, but some renders showing the Edge 70 Pro and Edge 70 Pro+ have been outed today. Before you take a look, note that we don't know specifically which device we're looking at here. The X post that is the source of these implies that they show both models, and that may well be true - in that case, the differences between the Pro and Pro+ shouldn't be that many, if they look identical and are offered in the exact same...

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 won't upgrade battery, charging

Last month, we heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 will have a 4,300 mAh battery, the same as last year's Galaxy Z Flip7. A new rumor out of South Korea confirms it, while also shedding light on the Flip8's battery charging speed. The source claims that the Galaxy Z Flip8 won't get any charging speed upgrades either, meaning the smartphone will support 25W wired charging. That's not just the same as last year's Flip7, but also the Flip4 launched in 2022, as Samsung hasn't upgraded the charging speed on the Flip models since then. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8's leaked CAD-based render...

iPhone 18 to have some important cost-cutting downgrades, new rumor claims

The 'vanilla' iPhone 18 has long been rumored to miss its traditional September launch window this year. It's instead said to land next spring at the same time as the iPhone 18e, leaving only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Fold (or is that iPhone Ultra?) to be unveiled at Apple's annual event in September. Now, a leaker from China claims that not only will the iPhone 18 launch alongside the iPhone 18e, but it will be more similar to the affordable model than you may expect. That's because Apple is allegedly going to cut some costs in the iPhone 18, we assume due to...

Google Photos adds quick facial touch-up features

Google has now introduced new touch-up tools in the Google Photos image editor. These let you "apply subtle enhancements" that refine skin texture, remove blemishes, brighten eyes, or whiten teeth. To use the new tools, select a face in a photo and choose one of the options: heal, smooth, under eyes, irises, teeth, eyebrows, or lips. Once you've selected an effect, you can then adjust its intensity. These tools are currently rolling out globally in the Google Photos app for Android, for devices with at least 4GB of RAM that are running Android 9.0 and later. Source

Moto G87 surfaces on Motorola.com and on an online store in Italy

Back in January, Motorola unveiled the Moto G67 and the Moto G77. It seems there is a third model planned, based on some help pages on Motorola.com plus one Italian retailer. The Motorola Moto G87 can be seen on this page โ€“ Learn about the moto g87 over on Motorola.com. The page contains a hardware overview, alas, with no details. From the schematic images, we can tell that it looks like a typical Motorola, which isnโ€™t much. We did find some good news โ€“ hereโ€™s how to insert a microSD card into the G87, which apparently supports cards up to 2TB in a hybrid slot. Moto G87 hardware...

Oppo Pad 5 Pro and Pad Mini arrive with Snapdragon 8 series chips, stylus support and 67W charging

Oppo took the wraps off its latest tablet entries with the Pad 5 Pro and Pad Mini. Pad 5 Pro is Oppoโ€™s flagship slate featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 13.2-inch LCD and a sizeable 13,380mAh battery with 67W charging. Pad Mini is a more compact version with an 8.8-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (non-Elite) and an 8,000 mAh cell with the same charging speeds as the Pad 5 Pro. Oppo Pad 5 Pro Pad 5 Pro is the logical successor to last yearโ€™s Pad 4 Pro, which eventually made its way internationally as the OnePlus Pad 3, and it seems weโ€™ll see a similar scenario soon with the...

$5 Bluetooth tracker in postcard exposes $585M Dutch warshipโ€™s location for 24 hours

A Dutch journalist demonstrated a major operational-security flaw by slipping a $5 Bluetooth tracker into a postcard that, once aboard the $585 million HNLMS Evertsen, broadcast the frigateโ€™s real-time location via a crowdsourced network for roughly 24 hours. The incident, enabled by lenient mail screening and a tracker โ€œphone-leechingโ€ design, prompted the Dutch Ministry of Defense to ban battery-powered electronic greeting cards and renewed scrutiny after similar location leaks, such as Strava activity on Franceโ€™s Charles de Gaulle.

Samsung announces seamless integration of IKEA smart home devices into SmartThings

A while back, Samsung added the option to join your SmartThings and IKEA smart home networks โ€“ but you needed both a SmartThings hub and an IKEA hub. Today, the company announced that you can connect IKEA smart devices directly to your SmartThings hub, which simplifies the setup. There are 25 compatible IKEA smart devices including: a scroll wheel remote, smart bulbs, plugs, temperature and humidity sensors, air quality sensors, motion sensors, door sensors and water leak sensors. Here is an example setup. IKEA has an air quality sensor that monitors temperature, humidity, carbon...

Motorola Razr 70 listed ahead of announcement

Motorolaโ€™s next-gen Razr 70 series is expected to launch soon with no less than three members. Razr 70 will be one of them, and we stumbled across a listing by a Ukrainian retailer that has the phone on sale ahead of its official unveiling. The listing is complete with detailed renders, specs and pricing. As previously rumored, the Razr 70, which will be called the Razr 2026 in North America, features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED main display with 2,640 x 1,080px resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Motorola Razr 70 (aka Razr 2026) It is joined by a 3.6-inch AMOLED cover screen...

Here's our best official look at the vivo X300 FE's green model coming to India, processor confirmed

Last week, vivo announced that it would launch the X300 Ultra and X300 FE in India soon, while also revealing that the X300 FE will be available in green in India. Now, the brand has posted a couple of images on its X account, giving us our best official look yet at the X300 FE's green model. vivo X300 FE in green Additionally, the images shared by vivo confirm that the Indian X300 FE will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC - the same chip that powers the global model. The Indian X300 Ultra is also likely to have the same chip as its global counterpart under the hood -...

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