It took me a while to like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold; I didn't like that Google basically retained the same feature-set as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and just added a bigger battery and IP68 ingress protection. At 258g, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the heaviest foldables — only my Huawei Mate XT is heavier, and that's basically a tablet that folds down to a phone.

The heft notwithstanding, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has other issues: the cameras are underwhelming compared to the Vivo X Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, battery life is average, and cellular connectivity isn't quite as stable as I'd like. But having used the foldable on and off for the better part of a year now, I will say that it is much better to use than its specs would suggest, and the software continues to be among the best around.

Software matters

Google's software is why I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold instead of other foldables. I like the bright colors and customizability that's available in Material You, and Google does a great job with the interface in general, delivering a clean UI without any clutter. And with the 10 Pro Fold, Google optimized the software a little better, and there's better fluidity than in previous generations, which makes a noticeable difference when navigating the interface.

Magic Cue is one of my favorite additions, and I like that it pulls up any contextual detail without me having to dig for it. Whether that's sharing waybill details when calling DHL about recent deliveries or surfacing reservation details, it is genuinely useful. Google does a good job bringing most Gemini features to other phones, but there are a few exclusive to Pixels, like Magic Cue.

The software has gotten better with Android 17, and Bubbles multitasking is easily my favorite feature. It's annoying that it won't be coming to other phones, but the floating windows mode makes it easy to maximize the real estate of the 8-inch inner panel, and I use it constantly. Other foldables do a great job with multitasking in general — ColorOS' Open Canvas is the gold standard — and while Google should have stolen the feature, it's good to see some progress in this area.

Shining bright

I also like the size of the cover screen; the 6.4-inch panel is slightly wider than its predecessor, and it's the ideal size. While Google had its share of screen-related issues in the past, I didn't see any problems with the outer or inner panels in the year I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Both panels are among the brightest in the category, and they have good color vibrancy.

After a year of unfolds, the crease hasn't deformed, and the hinge articulation is just as smooth as the day I set up the device. A lot of that has to do with IP68 dust and water resistance. While I didn't submerge the foldable in water, dust ingress is a constant problem on these devices, and thankfully, I didn't have to worry about that in the slightest.

Not quite point-and-click

With plenty of tuning updates over the course of the year, the cameras on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still don't pass muster. It has been a regular source of frustration with the foldable, and in a year where other brands made huge strides in this area — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 have outstanding cameras — the 10 Pro Fold is distinctly second-best.

I carry two phones, and for most of the last 12 months, the secondary phone was the iPhone 17 Pro, so I had an alternative whenever I needed to take photos. That doesn't make it any less annoying that a $1,799 foldable can't take reliable photos or videos.

Rounding out

The 10 Pro Fold is heavy enough as it is, so I didn't bother with a case. The foldable took its share of tumbles, but it is unscathed. There are some scratches that have accumulated over the course of the year, but on the whole, the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection did its job. If anything, I don't put a case on any phone that has Victus 2, and it's proven to be reliable — at least in the way I use my devices.

While I didn't think much of the design, the rounded corners definitely make a difference. They make holding the 10 Pro Fold a little easier, and there's enough thickness at the sides to open the inner screen. This is an issue on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and not just because they're thinner — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 are just as easy to unlock as the 10 Pro Fold. I'm chalking it up to the way Samsung designs its foldables.

I'll admit that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't have the best internals. It's continually annoying that Google prioritizes other areas like the TPU instead of CPU and GPU performance, and this means the Tensor G5 isn't suited for playing demanding games.

That said, it held up a lot better than I imagined. While I test visually-intensive games as part of a review, I don't play high-end games on my phone all that much, and the ones I actually play the most — Balatro, Ball x Pit, and CloverPit — run without any issues. There is some overheating with gaming sessions lasting over an hour, but that's the case with every foldable, and not unique to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Another bugbear is connectivity. The Exynos modem that Google went with isn't as good at maintaining a signal, so I frequently saw cellular connectivity issues while at home.

The single biggest annoyance with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold proved to be the cameras. Other than that, the foldable was better than I imagined. Thankfully, I didn't run into many software bugs; outside of Magic Cue getting disabled by an update, I didn't notice any problems. I know that's an outlier considering the thousands of messages on Google's troubleshooting pages, but it hasn't been much of an issue in my usage.

While I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the foldable. There isn't a single feature that truly stands out, and while that's not a bad thing, it doesn't make for an exciting phone.

Look, I generally prefer Google's software and don't mind some of the annoyances that come along the way, but it may not be what you're looking for in a device that costs over $1,700 — particularly when there are better all-round choices available.

If you're a Pixel fan and are considering a foldable, I'd suggest getting the 11 Pro Fold; I'm switching to it now, and it addresses a lot of the 10 Pro Fold's issues around imaging. And if you don't have a brand allegiance and just want to try out a book-style foldable, the Moto Razr Fold continues to be fabulous.

What you need to know

• Samsung and Corning are reportedly developing self-healing display glass for the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra.
• The new Gorilla Armor could recover from everyday micro-scratches instead of focusing purely on scratch resistance.
• Self-healing tech isn't entirely new, but the Galaxy S27 Ultra could bring it to a flagship phone's front display.
• The Galaxy S27 Ultra is also rumored to feature a major redesign with an iPhone 17 Pro-like horizontal camera plateau.

Rumors and leaks surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S27 series are starting to pick up, and the latest one claims Samsung could be working on a self-healing display for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Samsung already introduced a major display upgrade with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, adding its Privacy Display technology that prevents people around you from easily seeing what's on your screen. With the Galaxy S27 Ultra, though, Samsung could be preparing another major upgrade, this time allowing the display to recover from minor scratches on its own.

According to leaker Schrödinger on X, Samsung and Corning are reportedly working on a new self-healing surface for the next generation of Gorilla Armor. The goal, according to the post, is to create a display that can recover from a certain level of everyday micro-scratches over time.

Instead of simply making the glass harder and more scratch-resistant, Samsung and Corning could take a different approach. According to the leak, the surface itself may be slightly softer than the tempered glass we're used to, but would gain the ability to recover from smaller scratches on its own.

If the technology works as intended, Samsung could essentially move Gorilla Armor from focusing purely on scratch resistance to scratch recovery.

The leaker doesn't reveal much more about how the technology works or how far along Samsung and Corning are in its development. However, the feature is explicitly said to be intended for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, meaning we could potentially see it debut within the next six months.

This wouldn't be the first time we've seen self-healing technology on a smartphone. More than a decade ago, LG introduced the LG G Flex 2 with a self-healing back panel that could recover from smaller scratches. But we haven't really seen the idea make its way to the front display of a mainstream flagship, which could make Samsung's implementation particularly interesting.

There have been a few other Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks recently as well, including one suggesting a major redesign that looks eerily similar to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro lineup. Samsung could reportedly ditch its familiar vertical camera arrangement for a horizontal camera plateau stretching across the back, with two large camera lenses on the left and a pill-shaped module next to them.

Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet. The Galaxy S27 Ultra is still months away, and plenty could change before launch. But with leaks now starting to pick up, we're finally getting a better idea of what Samsung might have planned for its next flagship.

What you need to know

• PocketBook is ditching its classic wider designs for a tall, 5.84-inch e-reader that fits in your pocket.
• The PocketBook Q features a 5.84-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with 788 × 1576 resolution and 300 DPI, packed into a 154 × 75.8 × 6.5mm body weighing just 130g.
• It has physical page-turn buttons that pair with a Linux-based OS that skips notifications, feeds, and scrolling-focused apps.

PocketBook is stepping away from the classic, wider reader designs that we typically see across its lineup. The Swiss brand is announcing the PocketBook Q, a small device that ditches traditional ebook proportions for a tall, phone-like shape.

The PocketBook Q is set to debut at IFA 2026 in Berlin, shrinking everything down to a 5.84-inch E Ink Carta 1300 screen — that's 788 × 1576 resolution at a crisp 300 DPI — packed into a body measuring 154mm x 75.8mm x 6.5mm and weighing just 130g. For reference, that's lighter than the 131g PocketBook Mini of 2013 and thinner than just about any e-reader the company ever made.

Inside is a RockChip RK3566 processor, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a 1550mAh battery that PocketBook says will see you through well over a month of reading. The storage, in particular, is double what is on offer in the PocketBook Era, giving the tiny reader plenty of space for e-books, comics, and audio without making the device any bigger.

So why the phone format? The company is actually pushing the one-handed use. There are actual page-turn buttons on the side, so it feels more like flipping a page than swiping a screen.

The Linux-based OS is simple: no notifications, no feeds, and no apps to keep you scrolling. There are only books, audiobooks, and a text-to-speech feature that reads any text file aloud using natural-sounding voices.

PocketBook says the e-reader’s adaptive SMARTlight adjusts brightness and color temperature throughout the day.

The Q supports 25 ebook formats natively — EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, CBR, you name it — and Adobe DRM and LCP for library borrowing via the pre-installed PocketBook x Libby app. It features dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 for headphones, and USB-C with OTG support. It has an IPX4 water resistance, so it’ll survive a splash, though you probably shouldn't take it swimming.

Do people want an e-reader in the shape of a phone? PocketBook is betting the answer is yes — enough to price it at €175/$235 and release it this fall.

What you need to know

• Shokz debuted a pair of earbuds early this week: the OpenFit Air2 and the OpenRun Air 2.
• The OpenFit Air 2 is the brand's latest open-ear model, featuring a lighter weight, smaller charging case, improved patented drivers and algorithm for strong audio.
• The OpenRun Air 2 is lighter than previous models with comfortable ear hooks and a neckband for stability.
• Shokz says consumers can find these earbuds on August 27, starting at $129.

If you've been eager to get running or working out, but dreading the lack of appropriate earbuds, Shokz has a dual launch that could help. The company has unveiled two products: the OpenFit Air 2 and OpenRun Air 2.

This morning (Aug 24), Shokz published a press release detailing the launch of the OpenFit Air 2 and the OpenRun Air 2. Each pair focuses on the brand's open-ear and bone conduction-style devices. To make working out comfortable, the OpenFit Air 2 is the company's "lightest OpenFit" product at 7.2g. What's more, Shokz says it's redesigned the charging case to make it ~10.5% smaller, while also making it lighter.

If you're out, Shokz highlights the OpenFit Air 2's eight-hour battery life. If you have the case, it can provide up to 36 hours of charge. However, if you're short on time, a quick 10-minute charge is said to provide up to three hours of listening.

The OpenFit Air 2 features Shokz's Bassphere driver and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm, which offer "more dynamic sound in a compact design." Technically speaking, Shokz's new buds feature a 30-degree angled speaker. Since this is an open-ear product, the OpenFit Air 2 will direct sound into your ear for a "natural listening experience." This works in tandem with DirectPitch tech to make sure your audio remains private to you, and there's no leakage.

Grabbing your phone, Shokz says consumers can download its app (Shokz App) to personalize your earbuds' sound with custom EQ profiles and four preset EQ modes. Sweat and water resistance help make the OpenFit Air 2 hold its own while you're exercising.

The OpenFit Air 2 starts at $129; available in black, white, and Ice Blue on August 27.

OpenRun Air 2

The OpenRun Air 2 is the company's latest bone conduction entry this year. Similar to the OpenFit Air 2, this product is 9% smaller, with a weight of 26.4g. Shokz highlights the Run's lighter and lower-profile approach compared to past versions. Of course, being a pair of bone conduction earbuds, the OpenRun Air 2 features unibody ear hooks and a neckband. Shokz says these should help facilitate better stability.

On the other hand, we have PremiumPitch 3.0 to help the OpenRun Air 2's bone conduction driver. According to the post, this upgraded driver is an "all-metal, dual-coil, dual-reed structure engineered to deliver richer bass, greater vocal detail, and a more balanced listening experience than OpenRun."

Consumers will receive 10 hours of listening on a full charge with the OpenRun Air 2. A quick five-minute charge in its case is said to deliver up to two hours of listening. If you're missing physical buttons, the OpenRun Air 2 provides a few. Shokz says these buttons offer "precise" listening control, alongside a microphone with AI-powered noise reduction software for calls. Users can also download the Shokz App for the OpenRun Air 2 for similar custom EQ profiles and modes like the OpenFit Air 2.

On August 27, consumers can find the OpenRun Air 2 for $129 in black and Ice Blue. Additionally, Shokz has made this product available in Standard and Mini sizes.

What you need to know

• Samsung may revive its luxury foldable strategy with a Galaxy Z Fold 8 special edition planned for the second half of 2026.
• Thom Browne is reportedly a top contender, potentially bringing back a partnership that last appeared with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
• Availability will likely be limited, with select-market launches and a substantial price premium over the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Samsung has never treated its foldables as just another smartphone. Over the years, the company has collaborated with fashion labels like Thom Browne and Maison Margiela to give its Galaxy Z lineup a more exclusive edge. That approach could be making a comeback with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

According to reliable tipster Lanzuk on Naver Blog, Samsung is working on a luxury-brand collaboration for the Z Fold 8, with a special edition reportedly aimed at the second half of 2026. Samsung hasn’t confirmed any partnership, but Thom Browne is one of the leading candidates.

That would make sense, considering the companies’ history. Samsung has previously launched Thom Browne editions of the original Galaxy Z Flip, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, and Z Fold 5. These weren’t just simple reskins, either. They were available with custom hardware finishes (pebble gray, matte white, and even a sleek black suit-inspired design for the Z Fold 5), along with deep software customizations that extended even to the packaging and accessories like watches and S Pens. The last two generations of Folds missed this treatment, but it looks like the runways are clearing for a return.

Samsung’s last Thom Browne release is a good hint of how things might go. The Z Fold 5 edition wasn't simply a different paint job: Samsung included a matching Galaxy Watch 6 and exclusive accessories, hinting at how these collaborations can transform a phone launch into a broader lifestyle package.

Of course, Thom Browne is not the only option available. Samsung has previously partnered with Maison Margiela on the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5, so the tech giant could easily opt for another collaborator or someone entirely new. The gray-and-stripe look has become a collector's hallmark, and given how much previous bundles commanded eye-watering prices — the Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition retailed for $3,299 and still trades at a premium on secondary markets — it’s safe to say the Z Fold 8 luxury edition won’t be a budget-friendly affair.

Whoever it is, expect the usual limited quantities, rollout in select markets, and a price tag that's a significant jump from the standard model. The Fold 8 is on a roll, so a designer drop would be the perfect way to keep it in the limelight. We should hear more concrete details over the coming weeks.

What you need to know

• Recent rumors suggest Samsung's Exynos 2700 has posted positive scores that outperform Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips in "early benchmarks."
• These reports state the Exynos 2700 has beaten Qualcomm in the graphics department (GPU), as well as its CPU performance and AI capabilities.
• Earlier Exynos 2700 rumors claim the chip is progressing with better HPB tech for better heat dispersion and more.

Samsung's placed more focus on its in-house chip brand, Exynos, over the past couple of years. A rumor surfaced online this week, claiming the next chip could top Qualcomm's flagships.

These rumors about the Exynos 2700 started swirling after a post by Yonhap News (Korean), which highlighted "early benchmarks" (via SamMobile). What's incredibly interesting is what these tests have allegedly shown regarding GPU performance. The publication cites "industry sources" in saying the Exynos 2700 has surpassed Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip. In a test, Samsung's SoC outperformed Qualcomm by 5% in a peak performance scenario.

What's more, the Exynos 2700 also recorded "24% higher performance" over the 8 Elite Gen 6 and "22% higher" than the (rumored) 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. In a multi-core CPU performance test, the Exynos 2700's scores were roughly 9% better than the Gen 6 Pro. AI, especially Galaxy AI, has been a focal point for Samsung in developing its next-gen phones.

The company reportedly tested Qualcomm's chips and its in-house brand for AI performance and prompt understanding. In another test, Exynos 2700 generated responses and understood prompts faster than Qualcomm's chips. If this report is accurate, Samsung's chips could be in a better position compared to recent years.

A brighter future for Exynos?

In a bit of house cleaning, it's worth mentioning that Samsung created a "task force" to spearhead its Exynos chip creation. Samsung got serious about its in-house chip in 2025 in an "urgent" push for the Exynos 2600. What we received was an Exynos 2600 that was a major step in the right direction for Samsung. Exynos chips haven't always been the greatest, grappling with various performance and overheating issues. It's the latter point that Samsung is reportedly looking to solve with the Exynos 2700.

Rumors in March said Exynos 2700 development was progressing with upgraded HPB (Heat Path Block) tech. This upgrade would help phones disperse heat better. Elsewhere, we heard speculation about the chip's performance in April. It was alleged that the chip could sport a 10-core structure with its fastest cores clocking in at ~2.88GHz. A ~12% performance boost could make the difference for the 2700 over the 2600.

Android Central's Take

Now this is interesting. I want to reserve my thoughts for when the Exynos 2700 gets announced, and we see its performance for real. To think that Samsung's chip could outperform Qualcomm's in graphics is interesting, but I'm going to be skeptical. Would I like for this to be true? Absolutely. Imagine the competition there. Imagine both sides pushing to improve their gaming graphics, pushing to improve CPU performance. Exynos has always been behind the crowd. If it's trying to step up, let it.

Cheap earbuds can sacrifice audio quality, which is why it truly pays to find discounts on products that we already know and love. As one example, Amazon is cutting 27% off the price of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, representing a $70 price drop and bringing them down to just $80.

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds launched last August, bringing with them Galaxy AI features, voice commands, live translation, and a larger speaker than the previous iteration. We also loved the upgraded blade design when it was first leaked, along with the sleek two-tone look.

These Samsung earbuds will also sport a better active noise cancellation profile than pretty much anything else you can find around the $100 mark, as well as a solid battery life and charging speeds.

Basically, if you don't want to spend the extra money on Samsung or other brands' premium-level buds, these are a good way to go—especially if you can find a price drop like this one.

✅ Recommended if: you're looking for earbuds for around $100 that will still include ANC and decent-sounding audio quality; you like a sleek pair of earbuds that include a portable charging case and a long-lasting battery with or without ANC engaged; you like having hands-free features for voice commands and playback control.

❌ Skip this deal if: you're in the market for the best wireless earbuds available and would rather upgrade to the Buds 3 Pros, or at least something offering true high-resolution listening; you prefer a pair of earbuds without the silicone ear tips; you need a pair of buds that also includes wireless charging capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FEs (or Fan Editions) offer a more affordable entry point for pricing than the Buds 3 Pros, while still featuring modern conveniences like a charging case, ANC backed by three onboard mics, spatial audio, and IP54 water and dust resistance.

Samsung says they'll get up to 24 hours of battery life with intermittent case charges, up to 6 hours with ANC toggled on, or up to 8.5 with the mode turned off. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE don't feature the highest resolution audio available on the market, but they still sound pretty good, especially in this price range.

TL;DR: Amazon is slashing 34% off the Garmin Venu 3 (45mm), knocking the popular fitness watch down to its lowest price ever recorded. 

Garmin has been producing industry-leading fitness smartwatches for years, but major discounts on the wearables can be difficult to find outside of major sale events. This is particularly true if you're looking at the brand's popular Venu and Forerunner series of watches, which is why I was pleasantly surprised to see Amazon carve a record-smashing 34% off the price of the Garmin Venu 3 this week. 

This iconic fitness watch once topped our list of the best Garmin watches money can buy, but three years after launch, is the Venu 3 still worth it? It largely depends on what you're looking for in a wearable. Let's break it down. 

The Venu 3 is the predecessor to Garmin's Venu 4, which is currently sitting at the top spot in our guide to the best fitness watches of 2026. Shockingly, the last gen model actually surpasses the Venu 4 in a few areas, with better battery life (up to 14 days) and a lighter polymer casing. You also get the same accurate health sensors with both models, stainless steel bezels, and nearly-identical designs.

Furthermore, the Garmin Venu 3 boasts a ton of comprehensive health and fitness monitoring features (including ECG), NFC and GLONASS GPS tracking, and a built-in microphone for calls. All good stuff, so what's the catch? 

Well, if you're accustomed to a newer fitness watch, the Venu 3 can feel a bit lacking in the software department. You get all of the Garmin basics, such as Body Battery, VO2 Max, and 30 pre-installed sports modes, but you miss out on newer additions like Fitness Coach, Health Status, and Sleep Alignment. The Garmin Venu 3 also doesn't have the built-in flashlight or dual-band GPS. 

That being said, with the current Amazon discount, the Garmin Venu 3 is a whopping $205 cheaper than the Venu 4. If you're a self-guided athlete who doesn't need all of the latest software features, the Venu 3 is a reliable fitness watch at an exceptional price. It'd also make an excellent entry-level watch for someone who's just now getting into tracking their fitness.

For folks who want the latest and greatest in fitness-tracking technology, however, you may want to wait. After all, the Garmin Venu 4 is sure to get a hefty discount of its own one of these days, right?

When I heard that the Galaxy Watch 9 would be powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite, I was excited about the prospect of a proper flagship Qualcomm chip on a smartwatch. That’s not to say recent chips have been bad, but it finally feels like Qualcomm is putting its best foot forward- enough that Samsung is finally willing to ditch its own Exynos chips.

However, after testing the Galaxy Watch 9, I've questioned whether a premium smartwatch chip of this caliber is really necessary. Sure, performance is great, but I haven’t exactly struggled to use smartwatches powered by Qualcomm’s last two chipsets. And in the pursuit of power, the Galaxy Watch 9 seems to suffer in one major area, which makes me think Google had the right idea after all with the Pixel Watch 5.

A smartwatch comfortable enough to sleep with

The Galaxy Watch 9 continues a trend it started with the Watch 8, with a thin, lightweight design that's pretty much identical to its predecessor. It has a circular display encased in a square-ish and feather-light aluminum chassis, making it probably the most comfortable smartwatch I've used.

At just over 34g, it's not quite as light as something like the Fitbit Air or Garmin Cirqa, but it's more than comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. That's important because many of the Galaxy Watch 9's health-tracking features count on the ability to monitor your sleep.

Beyond the watch case, the proprietary Galaxy Watch 9 sport band is light and flexible, allowing it to sit relatively flat on a surface and more flush with your wrist, which should help with health and fitness tracking.

More scores, more to keep track of

The Galaxy Watch 9 builds on Samsung's previous smartwatches and features pretty much all the major health-monitoring capabilities you could want in a smartwatch, including newer ones like Blood Pressure Trends.

In addition to a Sleep score and Energy score, the watch now provides a look at my Vitals, a new, easy-to-understand view of my major health metrics as I sleep, allowing me to check if anything is off-kilter and find ways to address it.

As I track my activities with the Galaxy Watch 9, I can also check my Fitness Index, a set of five scores that measure my physical fitness. It's an interesting concept, but this is probably one of the more confusing features, and it's hard to know exactly how to improve any given score, such as Flexibility or Endurance.

But this confusion is kind of a theme in the upgraded Samsung Health app and in Samsung's overall approach to health and fitness tracking. There is a ton of information to keep track of and a lot of different scores, but much of it feels disparate, with little way to make it useful. There are also features I just can't even take advantage of, like Heart Health, which requires Blood Pressure tracking (I don't have a cuff to calibrate with).

That's not to say more information is bad, but it's definitely a bit overwhelming.

The Samsung Health app does provide occasional notices, including a large banner on the Home tab. But it feels like it's leading towards an AI health assistant that just isn't there (yet). That said, I can always ask Gemini or Bixby to show me certain metrics, such as my Sleep or Energy scores, in addition to their usual functions.

I also like the new layout of the Samsung Health Android app, and the ability to log food makes me want to stop using MyFitnessPal, especially with Antioxidant Index providing more metabolic context. The Watch is also great at workout tracking, automatically detecting exercises like Pilates and providing pretty accurate GPS data for runs.

The price of thinness

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch 9's thin profile has one major downside: battery life. Samsung squeezed a 445mAh battery into the larger 44mm model, but unfortunately, the watch doesn't last more than a day. In fact, during my testing, the Galaxy Watch 9 barely lasts through the day, and I often have to charge it before bed.

This is with the AOD turned off and Raise Wrist to Wake turned on, while using the watch sparingly throughout the day to check notifications, update apps, and occasionally chat with Gemini. I also monitor my sleep each night, track at least one workout per day, and let the watch automatically track activities like walking, running, and more.

I had been using the Pixel Watch 4 for so long that I forgot what it's like to have a smartwatch that can't last a full day (let alone two).

And to make matters worse, charging is incredibly slow. Going from empty to 100% takes well over an hour, to the point where I get tired of waiting for it to fully charge because, frankly, I have places to be.

You can likely get more battery life out of it by disabling certain features, but I feel like this sort of defeats the purpose of having a "smart" watch.

Should you buy the Galaxy Watch 9?

The Galaxy Watch 9 has a lot going for it, including great performance, a comfortable design, and a UI that's easier to navigate with gestures. It also has a bevy of health and fitness features that can feel a bit overwhelming, but ultimately are there to give you all the information you need to lead a healthier lifestyle.

That said, I wonder whether the watch could have benefited from a larger battery or a less "Elite" chipset to improve battery life, as the frequent charging kind of ruins the entire experience. I also think Samsung's health and fitness tracking needs the kind of AI overhaul we saw with Google Health to make all its information feel useful.

Still, the Galaxy Watch 9 isn't a bad smartwatch if you need something to track your sleep, runs, or workouts, so long as you remember to charge it frequently.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

Honestly, there isn't much of a difference between both phones. Google retained similar dimensions over the last two years, and the result is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL is nearly the same size and weight as the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

This is easily noticeable while holding the phones next to each other. If anything, I like the in-hand feel of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google sent me the all-matte Obsidian model of the 11 Pro XL, and it is dull. I like the matte texture, but the phone itself doesn't look exciting, and I would've preferred the vibrant Canyon model instead.

The one key difference is that the camera bar on the Pixel 11 Pro XL doesn't jut out as much, so it looks a little more elegant. Both phones have the same IP68 dust and water resistance, so they're equally good at weathering anything to do with daily use.

Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is when we saw the Actua display tech, and Google is using a continuation of the same this year as well. The 11 Pro XL gets brighter, but the 9 Pro XL does a terrific job as well, and the panel has vibrant colors and has zero issues in outdoor use.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and software

The Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Google's latest 3nm Tensor G6, and it is using new cores and is noticeably better in everyday use than the Tensor G4-powered 9 Pro XL. It has better efficiency as well, and even though both phones have similarly-sized batteries, my Pixel 11 Pro XL is lasting a few hours longer on average.

Where I see the biggest advantage is Qi 2.2 integration in the Pixel 11 Pro XL; having these magnets built into the phone means I can use any Qi 2.2 charger or power bank and get 25W charging, and it genuinely makes a big difference. Look, I didn't care about this at all in the past as wireless charging was limited to 12W — as is the case on the Pixel 9 Pro XL — but with 25W, it's close enough to the standard 45W USB PD charging standard that I use it all the time now.

Other than that, there honestly isn't much to differentiate both phones. While the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a little more power, it still isn't a gaming phone by any measure, so if that's what you're after, you should look at Pixel 11 Pro XL alternatives. It's a similar story with the software; both phones get seven years of software updates, and outside of a few extras that are exclusive on the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the software is identical.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

Both phones have a similar set of cameras: a 50MP main camera, 48MP telephoto lens with OIS and 5x optical zoom, and 48MP wide-angle lens. While the auxiliary lenses are unchanged between both, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has a new 50MP camera with better light intake, and it does a better job in taking photos and videos in challenging scenarios.

However, the best part about using Pixels is the camera software; Google introduced Camera Looks this year, and it gives you much greater control in tailoring the look of the photos.

There's also Magic Capture, which automagically gives you the best shot each and every time. If you have little children that constantly move about, this mode is definitely handy.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is $100 costlier this year, and while it has some new features, the fundamentals are pretty much unchanged from the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Honestly, with the 256GB model coming with 12GB of RAM instead of the 16GB that was standard for the last two years, I'd argue that you're getting less for your money. If you're using the 9 Pro XL and are mulling an upgrade, I'd wait — I don't see enough of a change to make the move.

If you're on an older phone and are considering an upgrade, however, the Pixel 11 Pro XL could be a good choice — unless you can get a good deal on the 9 Pro XL. While Google launched the 9 Pro XL two years ago, the phone is built to last, and it will get regular updates and new features for at least another five years.

What you need to know

• Early Galaxy S27 Ultra leaks point to a major redesign with a horizontal camera plateau similar to the iPhone 17 Pro.
• Samsung could finally bring native Qi2 support to the Galaxy S27 Ultra, with magnets seemingly visible in leaked renders.
• The Galaxy S27 Ultra could reportedly launch in two sizes, potentially giving buyers a smaller Ultra option for the first time.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series out of the way, attention is now turning toward Samsung's next flagship smartphone lineup. And if the latest round of leaks is anything to go by, the Galaxy S27 Ultra could be getting a major redesign that looks a lot like Apple's latest iPhones.

For the past few years, Samsung has stuck with a vertical camera layout across its Galaxy S lineup. In fact, the company has been criticized several times for shipping very similar-looking Galaxy S Ultra phones year after year. It now looks like Samsung is finally planning to move away from that design, but perhaps not in the direction everyone expected.

Leakers Sonny Dickson, Max Jambor, and Ice Universe have shared what is claimed to be the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new design on X, and it's hard not to see the resemblance to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

The leaked design shows a horizontal camera plateau across the back, similar to the latest iPhones, with two large camera rings and an elongated section that will likely house the remaining cameras and LED flash.

It's pretty clear where Samsung may be taking some design inspiration from this time around. On the bright side, though, the leaked renders also appear to show a Qi2 magnetic ring on the back, suggesting Samsung could finally build native Qi2 support directly into the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

The leaks also suggest Samsung could offer the Galaxy S27 Ultra in two different sizes, something we've heard rumored previously. If true, that could mean we're finally getting a more compact version of Samsung's Ultra flagship alongside the larger model.

Of course, we're still months away from the Galaxy S27 series launch, and plenty could change before Samsung makes anything official. But these early leaks certainly suggest Samsung is preparing a pretty major design shake-up, even if the inspiration appears to be coming straight from Cupertino.

What do you think of the rumored design? Let us know in the comments below.

Motorola may have kickstarted the modern flip phone, but Samsung popularized it, and for years the Galaxy Z Flip series was the standard for a stylish, pocketable foldable. Now that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is out, it arrives at a tumultuous time for both flip phones and smartphones in general.

On the plus side, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 undercuts and is, in some ways, the better buy than Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2026, something I never thought I would say. And despite rumors suggesting the Flip 8 may be the last of its kind from Samsung, it receives some notable changes that I think even Motorola can learn from.

However, with the price increase, few actual hardware upgrades, and the launch of the very compelling Galaxy Z Fold 8, it’s becoming harder to justify buying the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

If it ain't broke...

I didn't get to use the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but I was jealous of its thin profile, especially when compared to the Razr Ultra 2025. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 goes further with an even thinner chassis, and it's noticeably lighter than the Razr Ultra 2026. It's pretty impressive, especially since flip phones become quite thick when folded in half, so this goes a long way towards making it truly pocketable.

That said, that thinness comes at a bit of a price: the battery is much smaller than the Razr's, clocking in at just 4,300mAh. That's unchanged from its predecessor, and while it can get me through a day, I haven't been able to squeeze much more out of it. Also unchanged is the charging speed, which, at 25W, feels quite slow for a $1,200 smartphone.

Fortunately, performance is anything but slow, thanks to the beefed-up Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 12GB of RAM, which is as snappy as you'd expect. I play Honkai: Star Rail on the highest available settings and the phone doesn't falter. The only thing I notice when doing any heavy gaming is the top half of the phone getting rather warm, but that's nothing new for flip phones, given their limited internal space for things like a copper vapor chamber.

Beyond the overall performance, a benefit of the newer chip is better AI capabilities and access to newer features. Galaxy AI and Gemini Intelligence are found throughout the experience, and features like Now Brief and Now Nudge keep me up to date on my day and make it easier to grab the information or content I need when I need it.

Gemini Screen Automation also supports more apps, though I rarely find much need for it, aside from ordering food when I'm too lazy to open an app myself (is this what we've come to?).

The main display hasn't changed much, and unfortunately Samsung's new Titanium Flex isn't available here, so the crease isn't as inconspicuous as on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. That said, the crease feels very shallow, and dare I say, it feels even better than my Razr Ultra 2026.

My only annoyance is that the hinge joint protrudes quite a bit on either end of the screen, which sort of ruins the seamless feel of the display.

That said, the hinge remains relatively stiff, so I can open the Flip 8 to as wide as 45 degrees before it falls back. It's also much easier to flip the phone open with one finger and slam it shut, thanks to the redesigned display bumpers and a more forgiving hinge mechanism.

The cover screen gets (mostly) fixed!

That said, how the main display feels doesn't matter much to me, because most of my time with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 has been spent with the cover screen. Previous versions of Samsung's cover screen that I used felt half-baked, but the company did something new this year by integrating Now Brief into the cover screen and making it the default home screen. It's honestly pretty smart, and it turns the cover screen into a hub for updates on your day and activities.

But that's just the start of Samsung's cover screen overhaul. The company revamped the experience so that it acts more like the main UI. That means swiping down enables the Quick Settings menu, while swiping up reveals the app drawer. This differs from previous versions, where apps were available on a separate panel.

What I like about this is that it defaults to Samsung's first-party apps while providing easy access to third-party apps, which are sectioned off underneath. Samsung also makes it easy to access third-party apps, with a button to download the MultiStar module from Good Lock when you first set it up.

I find this new UI quite effective, making the cover screen much more accessible and useful than previous versions. I think Motorola could even take a note from Samsung's revamped UI, as it still keeps its apps on a separate panel.

Plus, any additional panels you create can be filled with app widgets, and some, like Spotify, will take up an entire widget panel. Unfortunately, not every widget is available on the cover screen, but there's a good amount to make them useful.

As for using apps, the experience is largely the same, but with some interesting updates. Apps can now open in three different aspect ratios: full screen, cropped up (to avoid the cameras), or in portrait mode for a more full app experience with black bars on either side.

There's a button at the bottom that lets you easily change the app's aspect ratio, which comes in handy depending on the app you're using. The only downside is that, for some reason, the app doesn't stay that way if I switch apps or go back to the home screen and then back to the app, and I find myself constantly switching views.

Of course, you can still use the camera with the cover screen for selfies, and you get quick access to photos, videos, and portrait mode. There's also an interesting Flip Shot feature that I didn't understand at first, but I think it's meant to add a little razzle-dazzle to your mirror selfies by displaying various graphics on the cover screen. And since I take a lot of mirror selfies with the camera preview on, this could be a good way to show off the Z Flip 8.

But as for the actual cameras, they're largely the same, and image quality is good but not spectacular. In good lighting, photos look fine, and the cameras even do a good job of freezing time, so you can be sure your dog photos should come out well enough. The downside is that you can't get too close to your subjects, as there's no Macro Mode, unlike on the Razr Ultra.

I also love the My FanCam feature, which can take any video and reframe it to focus on one subject, such as your kid or a friend. It's easily one of the best editing features Samsung has released in recent years, and a great way to make social-media-ready clips.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8?

On the outside, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a minor update from its predecessor. A new chipset and smaller chassis are welcome changes, although I wish the battery and cameras had been upgraded.

The software is the star of the show, and Samsung's One UI continues to be more useful, whether you're using the main display or cover screen. That said, for $100 more than the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I'm not sure it's worth spending this much on a phone that Samsung seems largely uninterested in these days.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is good, but it's not $1,200 good. If you can find a discount, however, I would say go for it, or grab the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 if you can find a good enough deal.

Samsung, Google, and Apple might be the biggest players in the North American market, but Motorola does pretty well for itself. In fact, Motorola has consistently had a larger market share than Google in the U.S. over the last five quarters.

And yet, when you head to a store or open an online shopping platform, Google Pixel cases, screen protectors, and accessories are much easier to find than Motorola accessories.

Mainstream brands like Spigen, OtterBox, and CASETiFY happily cater to Pixel phones, including the more niche ones like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. But when it comes to Motorola flagships and foldables like the Razr Fold and Razr Ultra 2026, most of these name brands are MIA. It's a real head-scratcher.

I can't fault an accessory maker for skipping a phone brand because of profitability concerns. Companies exist to make money, and when they fear losses due to demand concerns, it's sensible to remain pragmatic.

What I can't make sense of is the apparent lack of confidence that these phone case and accessory brands seem to have in Motorola. Why are these companies still not catering to them, especially now that Motorola holds about 50% of the foldable smartphone market in the U.S.?

I reached out to dozens of the top, most popular case makers who regularly offer products for Samsung, Google, and Apple to get some answers. My question was simple: Why aren't name-brand case makers prioritizing Motorola's flagships and foldables?

Almost all of them replied, but Android Central has kept some of their names anonymous to protect the source's identity.

Demand is a major concern for most accessory makers

OtterBox was one of the few brands that went on the record, citing demand as the key reason. They weren't alone; at least five to six others echoed the same sentiment, including one of the most respectable case makers in the business.

"We evaluate our device case portfolio based on customer demand and overall device adoption. While OtterBox has supported Motorola devices in the past, our current focus is on delivering protection for the devices used most widely by our customers."

An up-and-coming high-end case maker also doubled down on demand holding them back, but mentioned that they might open up support for Motorola devices in the future:

"From a case maker's perspective, product coverage decisions are primarily driven by device demand, market scale, and the broader ecosystem adoption rather than any individual brand preference. For major launches, we typically prioritize devices that demonstrate the largest global user base and strongest accessory demand at scale, which currently tends to concentrate around a small number of flagship smartphone lines.

Motorola’s recent foldables and flagships have certainly generated interest within the industry, particularly around design and form factor innovation. However, compared to the leading platforms, the overall installed base and accessory demand for these devices is still relatively limited at this stage."

The brand went on to say that they might consider expanding their accessory range to support Motorola once there is "clear and sustained traction for specific models or form factors."

Adding support for new smartphones comes is a costly venture for accessory brands

Another affordable accessory brand that focuses more on chargers said it mainly comes down to resource prioritization. This brand offers cases and screen protectors, but charging tech for Apple and Samsung is their primary concern.

They stated that launching an entirely new phone case lineup "would require additional investment, such as product design, manufacturing, and human resources. Our company may not be able to fully support this at the present stage."

TORRAS, a brand that focuses on magnetic phone cases as much as it does on chargers and power banks, shared that focusing on a single foldable makes it easier to perfect their craft.

"TORRAS’ focus in the foldable category has been on building long-term engineering experience within the Samsung Fold ecosystem over multiple generations. Each generation brings different mechanical and structural challenges, which helps us continuously refine key areas such as hinge protection, ultra-thin structures, magnetic alignment, and overall durability performance.

By staying consistent within a single foldable architecture, TORRAS is able to deepen our R&D in a more systematic and iterative way, improving product reliability through continuous optimization over time."

One brand saw this lack of support as an opportunity and took a personal request from Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich to heart.

Texas-born case maker Thinborne had initially scrapped its plans to launch a Moto Razr Fold case, just weeks after announcing it. I was very disappointed, because there are very few premium-grade cases that match the thinness and lightness of something from Thinborne.

Sutrich reached out to Thinborne after hearing the news, concerned about the lack of decent cases for Motorola foldables. Thinborne admits that their entire $32,000 investment in making this happen could very well result in a loss.

"After hesitating twice, we decided to make it happen — not for profits, but to make sure there is still an option for people looking for a premium minimalist case for their Motorola Razr Fold."

It is truly admirable that while bigger name brands shied away from the task, a small company like Thinborne stepped up. It created perhaps the best Motorola Razr Fold case we could ask for: a thin, lightweight aramid fiber case with MagSafe support, so you can take advantage of MagSafe accessories. Plus, it comes in different colors like Crimson and Navy, so you can give your Razr Fold a bit of life.

Motorola's own lack of enthusiasm is also a contributing factor

Dbrand shed more light on this topic, noting that, beyond demand, Motorola's lack of support for third-party retailers is another limiting factor.

"Motorola doesn't engage 3rd party consumer accessory manufacturers the way other OEMs do. Google has Made for Google. Microsoft has Designed for Xbox. Samsung has SMAPP. These structured programs give established brands the lead time to be ready at launch (not to mention, B2B opportunities that amplify attach to the hardware TAM). With Motorola, our starting gun for development is when consumer hardware hits shelves. By that point, we're already too late."

The brand went on to acknowledge that scale and numbers aren't everything. Far smaller, more niche brands like Minimal have approached Dbrand to make accessories for their devices happen. It's the effort that the smartphone maker put into collaborating with Dbrand that materialized into Dbrand skins for Minimal phones.

"Motorola's lack of engagement with the 3rd party ecosystem makes it structurally challenging to show up at the 'peak of interest' launch moment that matters."

Motorola could easily do the same, but seemingly chooses not to.

What does Motorola have to say about this?

I went to Motorola to hear it straight from the horse's mouth and asked whether they were aware of how accessory brands felt about Motorola's devices, and whether they were planning to address these concerns about demand and collaborative efforts.

Motorola's response was very vague. They don't seem to recognize that they have an accessory problem. In fact, Motorola emphasized that they "actively [develop] a robust partnership program to expand the range of high-quality accessory options for [their] customers".

The rest of the response felt like standard boilerplate and did not even seem to address the concerns from top accessory brands:

"Today, we proudly collaborate with a number of partners to anchor our official licensed cases and accessories initiative. Through this established program, we co-develop and validate products with trusted third-party accessory makers. This collaborative approach ensures that every product adheres to Motorola’s strict standards for quality, safety, and seamless customer experience. We are continuously expanding this ecosystem and welcome deeper strategic partnerships with leading accessory brands to deliver the premium experience our customers expect."

It's a perception problem

At the end of the day, I learned that most brands still perceive Motorola as having low demand, even when the numbers suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, Motorola is wearing rose-colored glasses or has seemingly convinced itself that it is doing a fine job of it and that there is no accessory support problem.

This can be fixed, however. Perhaps if Motorola were to extend an olive branch, it might move things along. If they want third-party accessory support to improve, they will have to put in the effort and make it easier for accessory and case makers to cater to their devices.

Based on everything I have heard, I hope Motorola will follow through. It could also improve smartphone sales, as accessory support is a major concern for consumers when buying phones. Perhaps if official "Made for Moto" accessories were to appear in the wild, a lot more people would be interested in buying Motorola phones, especially if they came from top-tier brands like Dbrand, Spigen, and CASETiFY.

I recently ran my first and second 5Ks, and I tracked the most recent run using the latest wearables from Google, Samsung, and Garmin. The Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 9 just hit the market, while the Garmin Cirqa is still pretty new.

Two of these wearables are traditional smartwatches, while one is a screenless fitness tracker. However, fitness tracking is a primary function of these devices, so I wanted to compare how they perform one of my most-used functions, especially now that I'm running more often.

Running the 5K

Last weekend, I ran the Emerald City 5K, which was just over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Each device measured my heart rate, but you can see from the chart below that there were some interesting deviations from the Galaxy Watch 9.

The Samsung watch took nearly four minutes to catch up to the Cirqa and Pixel Watch, only to continue rising well above the other two wearables for more than 10 minutes. The race had just started, and I know my heart rate wasn't so elevated right off the bat.

After about four minutes, the Cirqa and Pixel Watch 5 also diverged, with the latter dropping to about 135 bpm while the former remained relatively steady. The Pixel Watch eventually catches up, and they remain pretty much in sync for much of the run. That is, until the end, when it fell just below the Galaxy Watch 9 and Garmin Cirqa. At this point, I was "sprinting" (and I use that term loosely) to the finish line, so I know my heart rate was elevated.

I intended to record GPS data during the run, but for some odd reason, the Pixel Watch 5 did not track the route while the Galaxy Watch 9 and Garmin Cirqa (via my phone) did. I can only chalk it up to the Pixel Watch not properly connecting to GPS before the run started.

Still, you can see how the Galaxy Watch and Garmin Cirqa compare with the actual 5K route, marked in brown in the images below. Even though the Cirqa (blue) was connected to my phone for GPS data, it deviated quite a bit from the actual route, showing that I ran on the grass toward the beginning even though I remained on the pathway. It was also quite a bit off at the midpoint when I made a U-turn to head back to run the second half of the race.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 9 (orange) did surprisingly well throughout the run, pinpointing my position more accurately.

The Galaxy Watch 9 was also the closest to measuring the actual route distance, which was 3.146 miles, according to the official website. The Watch 9 logged 3.15 miles, the Pixel Watch 3.19 miles, and the Garmin Cirqa (via my phone) 3.29 miles. This tells me that, at least, there should be nothing wrong with the Pixel Watch 5's positioning, despite the lack of actual map data.

Also, perhaps the Galaxy Flip 8 isn't the best for connected GPS data, given the Garmin Cirqa's numbers and map data.

Getting in your steps

In addition to running a 5K, I figured I would also walk 5,000 steps and track it with each device to see which is more accurate. It's nearly 3 miles, so it's almost like walking a 5K. During the walk, I tracked my steps using a manual counter in an app, although there is a ~5-step error.

You can check out the results from that walk below. As you can see, the Pixel Watch 5 was pretty spot-on at the halfway point, whereas the Galaxy Watch 9 was a bit ahead by just under 40 steps. The Garmin Cirqa doesn't show steps while still tracking, so I couldn't get a midpoint figure.

Unsurprisingly, the Pixel Watch 5 did better at tracking the entire 5,000-step walk, as it was over by just 26 steps. The Galaxy Watch 9 didn't do too badly, still managing to be over by less than 100 steps, which is a win in my book. However, the Garmin Cirqa beat out both and was over by just 12 steps.

Another run?

In addition to running the 5K, I tracked a second, shorter run. I also monitored my heart rate during that 5,000-step walk.

During the run, the Pixel Watch 5 and Garmin Cirqa were largely in sync. However, the Galaxy Watch 9 started off strong for about one minute before logging much lower heart rate data throughout the 12-minute run.

Note: I ended the run on the Garmin Cirqa prematurely once I began my cooldown, which is why the data suddenly stops.

As for the walk, all three devices were within the same ballpark, which wasn't much of a surprise as it was a much lower intensity activity with less dynamic movement and fewer reasons for sudden jumps or dips in heart rate.

That said, the Galaxy Watch 9 was more consistently slightly lower than the other two devices. Toward the end, it was the Pixel Watch 5 that dropped below the other devices.

The data shows some interesting-looking straight-line jumps from the Garmin and later in the Galaxy Watch, although I think this was just an error in how the data is bring presented.

Verdict

If you want a low-key fitness tracker and don't necessarily need GPS (or can rely on your phone for it), then I think the Garmin Cirqa is a good option. It's lightweight, does surprisingly well with automatic workout tracking, tracks steps pretty accurately, and you can wear it on your arm, which is generally a preferred position for fitness wearables (second to a chest strap).

However, if you need a more fully functioning smartwatch experience, I am leaning towards the Pixel Watch 5. Both it and the Galaxy Watch log distance equally well, and despite not providing map data for my recent runs, the Pixel Watch 5 heart rate data feels more accurate and consistent, while the Galaxy Watch 9 tends to under- or overestimate your heart rate. It also tracks your steps more accurately and retains more of the heart rate data from automatically detected workouts.

That's not to say the Galaxy Watch 9 is a bad fitness watch; I enjoy how lightweight it is and its ability to map my running routes more consistently. But so far in my testing, I much prefer the Pixel Watch 5.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are two very full-featured smartphones. If you're a new Pixel user, you're going to spend days sifting through all the available options and features to find your favorites, but before you begin that long (but fun!) journey, you should focus on securing the freebies that come with every Pixel 11 phone.

I'm specifically talking about the 6-month Gemini Pro subscription that comes for free with your Pixel 11. In the past, I was always prompted to activate this trial during the first-time setup when I got a new Pixel, but this year was different. I had to hunt for the offer to make sure it still existed and, thankfully, it does!

With the Pixel 9 and 10 series, Google offered a full year of Gemini Advanced (now known as Google AI Pro), but the Pixel 11 series lowered that to 6 months. Still, it's hard to argue with 6 free months of Google's AI Pro service, which is roughly a $120 value you get just for owning a Pixel 11.

What is Google AI Pro?

Google renamed Gemini Advanced to Google AI Pro in 2025, and with it came a slew of new tools and benefits compared to the free Gemini model and the Google AI Plus subscription. Here's everything Google AI Pro gets you in 2026:

• 4x higher usage limits in the Gemini app
• 1,000 Google Flow credits (Google's creative studio)
• Gemini 3 Pro in Google Search
• Access to the Jules coding agent with higher limits
• Google Antigravity (Google's agentic development platform)
• 5x higher limits on Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM)
• Gemini in Gmail, Docs, and more
• Google Home Premium (30 days of event history for your Nest devices)
• Gemini in Chrome
• YouTube Premium Lite
• 5TB of cloud storage

There's a lot included with Google AI Pro, but I find only a few things particularly useful. Google Home Premium and YouTube Premium Lite are easily my favorite two features. Subscribing to those features by themselves would normally run you $18 a month, so you can already see how good of a value the Google AI Pro subscription is at the normal $19.99 a month rate.

I don't use the vast majority of the advanced Gemini features here, like Jules, Flow, Antigravity, or Notebook, but those would all be incredible values for anyone who might want to take advantage of everything Gemini offers.

How to activate your free Google AI Pro subscription

Now that you understand why Google AI Pro is worthwhile (and why a free 6-month trial is such a great deal), here's what you need to do to activate the trial:

1. Open the Gemini app. You can find it in your app drawer.

2. Click the menu button in the top-left corner, then tap the settings gear at the bottom next to your account name.

3. Tap the Start trial button underneath the "Manage subscription" button.

4. Make sure the screen says "With your Pixel 11, you get 6 months for $0," then tap the blue Start trial button.

Beginning a Google AI Pro trial starts a subscription through Google Play, so the next screen will ask you to select a payment method for when the trial ends. Don't worry, you're not going to pay anything right now; Google just wants to set up the subscription so that it cycles through the credits you get with your Pixel 11.

Remember, you can always cancel the subscription before the trial ends if you don't want to pay anything by the listed payment start date.

1. Verify that "6-month free trial" is listed under the "Starting today" section on the subscription screen.

2. Note the starting date for payments. I recommend asking Gemini to set a reminder for this date so you can cancel the subscription if you'd like.

3. Select the payment method you want to use when the trial ends, then hit Subscribe.

4. Congrats! Now you have Google AI Pro for the next 6 months for free!

Now, when you open the Gemini app, you can select from more advanced Gemini models (plus, use Gemini a lot more before you hit the daily limit), use new Gemini tools in Google apps like Gmail and Google Drive, watch YouTube videos ad-free, see 30 days of smart home history (and make advanced queries in the Google Home app), and lots more. Have fun!

CMF launched the Buds 2, 2 Plus, and 2a last year, and when I tested these earbuds, I said they're among the best budget buds around. Now, the Nothing sub-brand has an even more affordable option, the CMF Buds Neo.

The Buds Neo are now available in India, and they should make their way to other markets soon. They retail for just ₹1,999 ($20), and once again, CMF nailed the pricing. It's clear that the brand understands how the Indian market works, and by selling these at an aggressive price point, CMF will undoubtedly find plenty of takers.

As all other CMF products, the Buds Neo have a striking design, and they're sold in three colors: white, black, and dark blue. While the black is the most traditional model, the white and dark blue models have two-tone designs that look great; the white has orange accents, and the dark blue gets a teal highlight that contrasts the color really well. Having used all three colors, there's no question that the white model is the most distinctive.

The square case is on the smaller side, and it has a rotating dial, which I like to see in Nothing and CMF products. Build quality is great, and at no point did I get the feeling that I was using a pair of budget buds. More than anything else, it's this trait that makes the Buds Neo stand out; they don't look like budget earbuds at all.

What's particularly interesting is that these earbuds retain Active Noise Cancellation. They even get an adaptive option that changes the isolation based on your surroundings. In regular use, I found the Buds Neo to do a decent enough job tuning out the ambient sounds, including the sounds of my mechanical keyboard (MelGeek Centauri 80) and the hum of the air con. The buds did a decent job on a recent short-haul flight as well, but I'd suggest Buds Pro 2 if your main use case is traveling.

The Buds Neo have good ingress protection too; the buds have an IP54 rating, and the case itself is IPX2. They connect via Bluetooth 6.0, have Google Fast Pair, and I didn't see any issues with connectivity when using the buds with my Find X9 Ultra, Vivo X300 Ultra, and Pixel 11 Pro XL. You don't get any AptX codecs, with the buds limited to SBC and AAC — but that's understandable in this category.

There are no issues with battery life either. I got just over seven hours from a full charge, and the case holds enough power (465mAh) to charge the buds four times over, so you'll only realistically need to charge the case once a week even with heavy use. Oh, and fast charge gives you 5.5 hours of music playback with just a 10-minute charge, and this is definitely handy.

Let's talk about the sound. The Buds Neo have a 12.4mm dynamic driver, and the tonal signature is in line with the Buds 2. You get a warm sound with good detail and clean extension, with a rumbling low-end and natural vocals presentation. There's a mode to boost the bass if you're so inclined, and Nothing X has six EQ presets to tweak the sound profile.

Now, for a brand that says it doesn't like to do things the traditional way, CMF has three earbuds on sale at under ₹3,000 ($31). Why have three distinct products when one will do the job? I don't know, but it's clear that CMF wants to continually churn out budget earbuds.

Not that there's anything wrong with it — the Buds Neo are easily one of the best entry-level earbuds you can get at the moment. They have a stylish design, great sound, and build quality that's better than most products in this category. If you need budget earbuds that don't look or sound like they're built to cost, you should get the Buds Neo.

I knew Samsung hadn't changed the design with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but it was still surprising to see just how similar it is to last year's model — I had to double-check the box to confirm I wasn't sent the Z Fold 7 again.

That sums up the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra in a nutshell; at the surface-level, it is indistinguishable from the Z Fold 7. It is just as thin and light, weighs the same, and has the same in-hand feel. I was holding out on Samsung moving to a design with rounded edges — similar to what Google does with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold — but that isn't the case.

Thankfully, there are a few upgrades. Samsung finally moved to silicon-carbon battery tech, and was able to slot in a bigger 5,000mAh battery in a chassis that's the same size as last year. There's also 45W charging, a crease that isn't quite as noticeable as last year, a new rear camera, and Android 17 with One UI 9 out of the box. But is that enough to warrant a price hike to an eye-watering $2,099? Let's take a look.

It's the little things that matter

Samsung didn't make any outward changes to the design, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a new hinge that feels better to use, and it allows the foldable to be fully flat. It's another thing that it took Samsung eight years to get to this point while Chinese brands have managed it in less than half that time, but at least there's some progress in this area.

The other side effect of the new hinge is the crease, which is barely noticeable now. It's still evident in daily use, and it isn't quite as creaseless as the Find N6, but there is a difference from the Z Fold 7. Samsung didn't change the panel sizes this year, so you get a 6.5-inch outer and 8.0-inch inner screen, and they're a little brighter this year.

What I like is that the inner panel has an anti-reflective coating, and it makes a difference when using it outdoors. It also gets a higher resolution (2504 x 2256), and as I prefer reading to watching media on my phone, I like these changes — that's one of the reasons I'm using the Z Fold 8 Ultra instead of the Z Fold 8.

There isn't anything missing when it comes to the internals as well. You get the latest Qualcomm silicon, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. I think a foldable that costs over $2,000 needs to have at least 512GB of storage, but with the RAM shortages, I'm glad Samsung didn't move the base model to 128GB and call the 256GB edition an upgrade.

While it has the same silicon as the S26 Ultra, the inherent foldable nature means the Z Fold 8 Ultra is thermally constrained, so it throttles sooner, and tends to get hot in extended gaming sessions. This is the case with all foldables and isn't something unique to Samsung. I didn't see any issues with connectivity (thankfully), but the only change in this area is that the foldable has a single SIM slot, with the secondary slot requiring an eSIM.

We need to talk about the wobble

The one thing Samsung should have changed with the design is the placement of the rear camera module. The Z Fold 8 Ultra has an oblong camera housing that sits to the left, and because the modules protrude quite a bit from the body, you get a constant wobble when using the foldable on a table.

It doesn't matter if you're using the phone folded or unfolded, the wobble is ever-present and a routine source of frustration. This is why all other brands have switched to center-mounted cameras; I didn't see this problem with my Find N6, Vivo X Fold 5, Moto Razr Fold, or the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

I just don't understand why Samsung continues to be obstinate about this; clearly, this is a major design flaw, yet the brand chooses to ignore it. On that note, the foldable once again misses out on IP68 dust and water resistance. You get IP48 instead, and while it's decent, it doesn't prevent dust ingress.

Samsung upgraded the wrong camera

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra uses the same 200MP main camera as last year, and it has a 10MP telephoto and a new 50MP wide-angle lens. Okay, great, but just one question: who uses the wide-angle camera? I take plenty of photos, and I predominantly use the 2x or 3x lenses while framing, and I think Samsung should've upgraded the ageing 10MP lens instead — this is the same module that's being used from the Galaxy S21 days.

Also, the tele lens is particularly useful as a portrait shooter, and I use it all the time because of this. To have a distinctly average tele lens on a foldable dubbed an Ultra is egregious to say the least, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra doesn't measure up to the Find N6 or the Vivo X Fold 5 in this regard. Shots at 3x don't have much in the way of definition, and anything shot at 10x and beyond is just a blotchy mess without any detail.

Thankfully, the other cameras are quite good, and you get decent shots with Samsung's traditional oversaturated look. It does a good enough job in low-light situations as well, and while the cameras aren't on the same level as regular phones — or current-gen Chinese foldables — they are pretty good for the most part.

The battery is better

Samsung finally started using silicon-carbon batteries, and the Z Fold 8 Ultra gets a 5,000mAh unit. The foldable manages to last a day as a result, and while I still had to plug in before the end of the day at times, it wasn't anywhere as frequently as previous years.

What I like even more is the 45W charging. It may not seem like a big deal, but the move means the battery gets to a full charge in just an hour, which is 30 minutes less than its predecessor. A 30-minute charge gives you a 40% charge, and it's just refreshing to be able to get decent charging speeds on a Samsung foldable. However, Samsung once again missed out on adding Qi 2 magnets, so if you want to use a Qi 2 or Qi 2.2 power bank or charger, you'll need to buy a case.

Double dose of AI

Just like the physical design, Samsung isn't changing things too much with One UI 9, its Android 17-based interface. The UI should be immediately familiar if you've used a Samsung phone, and while there are a few tweaks, the design as a whole is unchanged.

Galaxy AI (once again) is the key focus, with Samsung shoehorning on-device AI into just about every corner — and there's Gemini Intelligence as well if you wanted even more AI. The agentic model is designed to take actions on your behalf, but it isn't quite useful just yet.

You get good fluidity and an exhaustive feature-set, including intuitive multi-tasking modes to maximize the real estate. Just like previous years, the foldable will get seven years of software updates, similar to what Google offers on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Should you buy it?

It irks me that Samsung calls this foldable an Ultra — the only thing fitting of that moniker on the Z Fold 8 Ultra is the pricing. At $2,099, this is the costliest phone around (at least until the iPhone Fold shows up), and I'm not sure you're getting anywhere close to a good value.

Of course, this is a moot point in the U.S.; generous trade-in deals and carrier subsidies make getting the foldable a lot easier. That isn't the case in other regions, and I think the Find N6, X Fold 5, and the Moto Razr Fold are a better all-round deal if you're ready to move to a foldable. There's no denying that Samsung has a strong foldable in the Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the pricing makes it hard to recommend, and I'd suggest looking at other choices before making a decision — you'll be surprised to see just how good the competition is these days.

What you need to know

• Walmart is finally embracing contactless payments, as Apple Pay and Google Pay are coming to Walmart and Sam’s Club after years of resistance.
• Tap to Pay will reach all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs by the end of 2026, with fuel stations following by mid-2027.
• Cash, chip cards, Walmart Pay, and Sam’s Club Scan & Go will remain available alongside the new payment option.

Walmart is finally throwing in the towel on its notorious resistance to contactless payments. After years of pushing shoppers to its proprietary Walmart Pay app, the retail giant is rolling out standard Tap to Pay, meaning both Google Pay and Apple Pay are on their way to checkout lines near you.

Starting August 24, Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide will begin to deploy Tap to Pay, the retailer announced today. The feature will be rolled out to all of its U.S. stores and clubs by the end of 2026 and to its fuel stations by the middle of 2027.

This allows shoppers to tap an eligible contactless card, phone or smartwatch at the payment terminal instead of having to pull out a physical card or open Walmart’s app. Android users can add an eligible card to Google Wallet and tap to pay when the feature is available at your store, Google says. Walmart will also allow customers to add eligible Walmart, Sam’s Club, and OnePay cards to compatible digital wallets.

That sounds like a basic checkout upgrade for 2026, but Walmart has resisted it for years. Instead, the retailer promoted Walmart Pay, which uses a QR code at the register, and Sam’s Club offered Scan & Go, which let shoppers skip checkout altogether. Walmart also supported CurrentC, a rival mobile-payment initiative that ultimately shuttered a few years ago.

Customers, meanwhile, kept asking. And they weren't the only ones. With most U.S. retailers already accepting contactless payments, Walmart’s holdout was becoming more conspicuous. The company has effectively admitted defeat now, realizing that forcing shoppers into its own system was putting its own customers at a disadvantage.

Existing checkout options like cash, physical chip cards, Walmart Pay, and Sam’s Club Scan & Go aren't going anywhere – this just gives shoppers the frictionless checkout flexibility they’ve been asking for for years.

And there's a practical privacy benefit: when you pay with a digital wallet, the retailer generally doesn't get the physical card number that's stored on your account.

What you need to know

• A report discovered a Meta patent for new "hardware-level" locking for AI glasses microphones and cameras.
• It's been stated that this method removes software completely, meaning no nefarious actors could reactivate your mic or camera without your knowledge.
• The idea is to return privacy to the people, as Meta's AI glasses have come under severe backlash due to others recording people against their will or knowledge.

Having a pair of smart glasses is one thing. But to many, it's an entirely different topic when you factor in cameras and microphones that can record you. A report claims Meta's filed a patent that could help bring our privacy back.

The team at Patentlyze highlighted a patent from Meta that could help alleviate privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses. The publication states Meta has filed a patent for a "privacy shield" that's operated in full by hardware components. Software plays no role in muting/unmuting the microphone or cutting off the camera. As Patentlyze notes, this would be a notable shift from how these functions are operated on a device like a phone, which relies on software.

According to its discovery, this "hardware mute circuit" would lock the camera/micrpohone at "atomically." This reportedly leaves no room for hackers or other nefarious attackers to activate these sensitive areas without you knowing. More importantly, Patentlyze says, "no app, no operating system update, and no remote hack can flip it back on." Other details in the patent mention that the "trigger," the act of muting or cutting off the camera, would need to come from a "verified hardware source."

Right now, we can think of this as a button that you can press or perhaps a switch you can slide into a locked state.

This is a patent, and, as always, there's no telling if or when we could see this on the market. At present, we have something to hold us over.

Meta has a real problem

This patent discovery follows the same line as a recent mandatory patch Meta pushed to its AI glasses last month. This patch deserves context. It was reported that users with Meta's AI glasses were covering the LED indicator that illuminates when the camera is active. It would let people record others without their knowledge. It was creepy and unsettling. These same malicious users found other means of getting around the LED indicator, such as drilling holes and other modifications.

Meta's patch solves this. The company states that any tampering with the LED recording light will disable the camera completely. If the privacy light is tampered with or covered, this safeguard will activate. There's been no shortage of backlash from people about Meta's "pervert glasses," or however you may describe them. This update was a step in bringing back user privacy. Now, with this recent patent, it seems Meta isn't done.

Android Central's Take

People, right? It's like the one bad student in class that gets the teacher made, so now we all have extra homework for the weekend. Painful. Something like this gives a company's product a bad rep. But it's more than that. Put Meta aside and just think on a street level. No one wants to feel like they're being watched. No one wants to be recorded. For what? Why are you recording them? A person's privacy is nothing to scoff at, and it's definitely nothing to defile.

What you need to know

• RayNeo unveiled three new AR glasses: the iO smart glasses and the GT and GT Max.
• The RayNeo iO puts its focus on productivity with a transparent HUD for information, four microphones for transcription, and Android/iOS compatibility.
• The RayNeo GT series is more about entertainment, with three viewing modes and Dolby Vision support.
• These AR glasses see retail availability begin on September 4; pricing will likely be revealed closer to that date.

RayNeo unveiled a handful of new AR smart glasses for consumers early this morning (Aug 21) that aim to lead productivity and entertainment.

The company had a lot to discuss this morning, and what kicked things off was the reveal of the RayNeo iO smart glasses. In its press release, RayNeo says the iO is "designed for professionals, executives, and multi-screen operators." For this product, consumers should think of productivity with glanceable "ambient intelligence." To achieve this, the RayNeo iO features a HUD (heads-up display) with 97% optical transparency that will consistently feed the user information.

RayNeo says that at 1,300nits of peak brightness, the transparent HUD remains invisible to others, but clear to you. Since the iO is meant to be worn comfortably, RayNeo says the glasses weigh 33 grams.

Ambient Intelligence is assisted by RayNeo's Ambient AI Productivity Suite. The RayNeo iO features the Ambient AI Life Log, which "operates in a low-power background tier to capture schedules and conversation contexts." If you were in an important meeting, the iO smart glasses can pick out dates and other details for you. The user can confirm what the glasses have picked out with a head nod to save them.

Live Translation and the Auto-Teleprompter might also aid users in meetings and presentations. While the former is self-explanatory, the latter can provide the user with their script and scroll at their speaking pace. Multiple LLMs, such as Google's Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek, are available.

The RayNeo iO smart glasses take a different approach: they have no speakers. Everything you'd need for the day will appear on that transparent HUD. However, it does include a four-microphone array for transcription. RayNeo adds that this device features a 240mAh battery that can last up to two days with "typical use."

Hardware-wise, the iO features a Smart Crown rotary dial above the right temple. These glasses will launch with Android and iOS compatibility. Additionally, as we've come to appreciate, the iO will debut with a "hardwired LED status light" that shines when you're recording or transcribing. RayNeo reveals that the iO will debut on September 4 in Polar Night and Dune.

Pricing will likely be revealed closer to this date.

RayNeo GT series is pure cinema

If we were to flip the script on AR smart glasses, what would we get? RayNeo says we'd get the GT and GT Max smart glasses with a strong focus on entertainment. As a duo, the GT series shares a few important features. According to its press release, the GT series features full Dolby Vision support. With this, and alongside the RayNeo Pocket TV Pro, the GT glasses natively support Dolby Vision with "real-time" AI SDR-to-HDR conversion.

The other side of this is the GT series' quad-speaker setup, head-tracked spatial audio, and Whisper Mode directional transmission. Users can watch their favorite shows and movies with the RayNeo GT series, but your sofa might not always be available. To solve this, RayNeo includes three viewing modes: Steady (traveling bumps), Pinned (anchors screen, works with 3D experience), and Follow.

The RayNeo GT Max takes its experience a little further. These lenses come with the Peacock Optical Engine 3.0 Max and a 5.5th-gen Tandem MicroOLED display. As a result, RayNeo states the GT Max delivers a 59-degree FOV and gives users the ability to scale their virtual screen between three sizes: 227 inches, 267 inches, and 307 inches.

The GT series will join the iO smart glasses on September 4 for a retail release. RayNeo states consumers can find "official custom prescription lens inserts" for the GT and GT Max once they are available.

Mint Mobile has finally announced its Google Pixel 11 deals, and they're no joke. Bundle the purchase of the base model Pixel 11 with one year of the Unlimited plan, for instance, and you'll get $275 off the phone AND 50% off the wireless.

In other words, you're getting a full 12 months of T-Mobile-powered mobile coverage and a brand new flagship phone for just $804 (or $67 per month when you use affirm).

Considering that the retail cost of the Google Pixel 11 starts at $899, you're essentially getting a full year of unlimited talk, text, and data for free with the purchase of the phone. 

As far as carrier deals are concerned, this might be the best Google Pixel 11 deal I've seen yet. Sure, it's a mouthful, but if you were looking for a way to get a cheap new wireless plan and a new smartphone in one fell swoop, it's pretty unmatched. 

The Google Pixel 11 takes the stellar foundation of its predecessor, the Pixel 10, and adds a new processor, faster wireless charging, and an upgraded camera system. You also get Android 17 straight out of the box, in addition to the standard features you'd expect in a Pixel phone, such as a vibrant AMOLED display and seven years of OS/security upgrades guaranteed. 

Mint Mobile, for its part, is an approachable MVNO carrier owned and operated by T-Mobile. It utilizes a unique buy-in-bulk plan system that lets you purchase wireless in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time. The annual Unlimited plan, which is easily the best value, gives you 12 months of unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mo's vast 5G network, plus you'll get a free mobile hotspot and calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK at no additional cost.

Sure, you miss out on some of the premium perks offered by more-expensive unlimited plans, but if you just want cheap and straightforward wireless coverage, Mint Mobile is one of the best providers around. The Pixel 11 deal above is only available for new customers, but if you've been looking for a good time to switch phone plans, this might be it. 

TL;DR: Amazon has launched a bunch of deals on TCL's eye-friendly smartphones and tablets, just in time for Back to School 2026.

Considering how much time we spend staring at screens throughout the day, it's no wonder that many folks are concerned about their eye health. Some brands would pack the latest eye-friendly display technology into their most expensive devices, but not TCL.

The company's NXTPAPER lineup is full of fast and feature-packed smartphones and tablets that are built with your vision in mind, and they're often way cheaper than the competition. These devices boast cutting-edge 120Hz displays with customizable settings, anti-reflective finishes, and up to 61% less blue light than traditional screens.

Whether you're shopping for an eye-friendly Android phone or a versatile tablet to take with you to class, Amazon's Back to School sale is slashing prices on a bunch of our favorite TCL NXTPAPER devices. Keep reading for all of my top picks today.

Editor's pick - best smartphone

Editor's pick - best tablet

More TCL NXTPAPER deals today

Google got a lot right with the Pixel 11 Pro XL; it has better cameras, a cleaner design, brighter OLED panel, and is faster in just about every scenario. And with Google focusing on Gemini Intelligence, there's a lot of great AI-assisted software features that make the phone stand out.

That said, there are plenty of annoyances as well — if anything, the decrease in RAM and battery size along with the underwhelming GPU make the Pixel 11 Pro XL a downgrade in many ways. So if you're a Pixel user and are looking to switch, there are plenty of great choices available. I used all phones launched in the last 12 months, so all the options listed here are devices I used extensively.

Annoyingly, the two phones I consider to be the best choices — the Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro — aren't available in the U.S., but they are sold in plenty of western countries, including the U.K. The U.S. phone market is distinctly lackluster compared to most regions, and that's down to the chokehold carriers have in the country. That makes getting a hold of the best phones harder, and in some cases, it's just not worth the hassle. Having accounted for all of that, these are the six phones I suggest buying instead of the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

I don't like using Samsung phones, but there's no doubting that they're immensely popular. The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't too different to the Pixel 11 Pro XL in that it is also mostly unchanged to its predecessor, but you get faster internals powered by Qualcomm.

Outside of the silicon, the S26 Ultra is very similar to the Pixel 11 Pro XL; both phones have cameras that are at the same level, battery life is largely identical, and you get the same IP68 ingress protection. The biggest difference is with the software: Samsung's One UI 9 doesn't look anything like what you get on Pixels, and it has a lot of extras that are tied into Samsung's ecosystem.

Look, if you like Samsung's software and want all the unique extras that you get — and Galaxy AI — then the S26 Ultra continues to be a solid choice. It'll get the same seven years of software updates, and has a strong ecosystem of wearables and connected devices.

Redmagic 11S Pro

If you intend to play games on your phone or need a device that's just about the fastest available today, you should get the Redmagic 11S Pro. The 16GB/512GB model of the phone costs $899 in the U.S., which is $520 less than what you'd pay to get an equivalent Pixel 11 Pro XL. Now, the Redmagic 11S Pro's cameras are decidedly average, and they don't measure up to what Google is offering. But given the price difference, you may as well just get a dedicated camera if you're interested in taking a lot of photos and videos (I'm partial to the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV).

Other than that, the Redmagic 11S Pro is a beast. It doesn't have a cutout, so you get an all-screen design that I like quite a bit — it's one of the main reasons why I like using these phones. And I get that the design may be a little ostentatious (it is a gaming phone, after all), but the cameras sit flush with the body, and I like the in-hand feel. Oh, and there's legitimate liquid cooling on the device, and it holds up to marathon gaming or Netflix binge sessions without breaking a sweat.

You also get a huge 7,500mAh battery that lasts up to two days, better connectivity than the Pixel 11 Pro XL in any situation, the best Qualcomm silicon available today, a vibrant OLED, and an IPX8 ingress protection.

The software is pretty good too! Redmagic cleaned up its act two years ago, and you get a plain interface that doesn't have any overt styling, but with great optimization and a good range of customizability. The only issue is that the phone will get just two Android OS updates, which is pitiful next to Google and Samsung. But if you're okay with that limitation, the Redmagic 11S Pro is a great choice.

POCO F8 Ultra

Okay, POCO doesn't sell the F8 Ultra in the U.S., but you can easily get it via resellers on Amazon for $889. That's the 12GB/256GB edition, and it is close to what the phone costs in the U.K. (£599 ($818)). The F8 Ultra has a trio of 50MP cameras, and they're great; you get good photos in any lighting condition, and the versatility of the lenses means you get usable shots from 0.6x to 10x without any issues.

Then there's the design. POCO went with a unique denim finish, and it makes holding the F8 Ultra decidedly different (but in a good way). The texture feels great, and the phone is lighter than the Pixel 11 Pro XL in spite of having a bigger 6,500mAh battery. There's 100W fast charging as well, and as it uses a standard USB PD profile, you can use any 100W GaN charger with the phone.

Oh, and the F8 Ultra has the best onboard sound of any phone I tested in the last two years. It is tuned by Bose, and there's a dedicated woofer unit that adds a lot of character to the sound. The software is decent as well, and you don't get much in the way of AI. The UI is relatively modern, and while there is a lot of bloatware out of the box, it can be easily uninstalled. The phone will get four Android OS updates, which is decent in this category.

iPhone 17 Pro

If you're looking to switch away from Android altogether, the iPhone 17 Pro is the way to go. I use it as my secondary phone, and while battery life isn't as good as a Pixel, you get good software features, guaranteed stability, and a strong ecosystem of accessories.

Switching to an iPhone is easier than ever, but it isn't just about buying another device — you'll also need to think about your digital purchases. If you're like me and bought hundreds of apps and pay for subscriptions via the Play Store, you will need to set up all of that again on the App Store, and that's daunting. That's one of the reasons why moving to a different mobile OS is difficult; you're basically starting from scratch if you haven't used iOS in the past.

The upside is that the iPhone 17 Pro isn't usually plagued by software issues, and as a daily driver, it's one of the most stable phones around.

OPPO Find X9 Pro

The Find X9 Pro is my second-favorite phone of 2026 — only bettered by its even costlier sibling, the Find X9 Ultra — and it is a fantastic phone. The cameras are on another level entirely, the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform is noticeably faster than the Tensor G6, and you get a massive battery.

Now, a big limitation with Chinese phones in the past was the software, but that isn't an issue in 2026. ColorOS 16 has a modern design, plenty of great features, and it's just as good to use as the Pixel Launcher. In fact, it is the Android skin I used the most in 2026, and features like AI Bill Manager are genuinely useful.

The Find X9 Pro costs £1,099 ($1,500) in the U.K., and that's the 16GB/512GB model — the equivalent Pixel 11 Pro XL is £1,419 ($1,936!). Additionally, you get the Watch X3 bundled with every phone, which is pretty great in its own right.

Vivo X300 Pro

The X300 Pro is the only phone that has the same caliber of cameras as the Find X9 Pro. Vivo did a great job with the phone in general, and I really like the design — even though the camera housing is gigantic. The phone costs €1,089 ($1,274) for the 16GB/512GB edition, so you're not paying as much as the Pixel 11 Pro XL (€1,329 ($1,553)).

What I like the most about the X300 Pro is that Vivo brought its excellent OriginOS software to global regions. The UI is clean and highly customizable, and it makes using the X300 Pro a delight. It doesn't quite get as many updates as the Pixel 11 Pro XL, but Vivo guarantees five Android OS updates.

Which should you buy?

If you just need one recommendation and don't mind going the reseller route, I'd suggest getting the POCO F8 Ultra — it is a pretty good all-rounder. The Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro are costlier and harder to get in the U.S., and while they have better cameras, you're ultimately paying too much.

The Redmagic 11S Pro is also a solid choice if you need something with plenty of raw power. And if you want the closest feel to a Pixel and are interested in buying a broader ecosystem of devices, then the Galaxy S26 Ultra or the iPhone 17 Pro are your go-to choices in the U.S.

What you need to know

• Google just posted the official factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, introducing a unified build strategy.
• The Pixel Watch 5 now uses a single software build (CD5A.260611.00) for both Wi-Fi and LTE models.
• Flashing factory images still requires Google’s invite-only debug adapter.

Google has released factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5, and it seems the new smartwatch uses a single software build for both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models, which could make future updates easier.

The Pixel Watch 5 is listed with the codename “goteria” and build CD5A.260611.00. Interestingly, it’s not split between Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE models like previous generations (via 9to5Google).

That sounds like a small developer-facing change, but it could simplify Google’s internal software process by consolidating the builds and may reduce the complexity of future updates. The Pixel Watch 5 runs on Wear OS 7, which is based on Android 17.

There’s one more catch for anyone who thinks about tinkering with the software. As with the Pixel Watch 4, flashing the factory image still requires a debug adapter that Google only ships by invite. Google also notes that unlocking the bootloader will make the watch less secure and that installing a factory image will wipe it.

The Pixel Watch 5 is already receiving new software features like Gemini Intelligence and At a Glance along with hardware upgrades such as 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

With the software foundation now in place, the September update should give us a better idea of how quickly Google can extend that experience to older Pixel Watches.

What you need to know

• Overseas reports claim TSMC has developed a new 1.6nm process intended for a new A16 chip.
• At present, this chip isn't designed for phones, but rather for AI and "high-performance computing" devices.
• TSMC could begin mass production of this chip in Q4 2026, which could help bring the 1.4nm process into reality for mobile devices.

There are reports from overseas sources that claim TSMC is taking significant steps toward a 1.6nm chip.

This report, highlighted by Chosun Biz, claims the Liberty Times' sources suggest TSMC has "completed" its development for a 1.6nm chip (via Android Headlines). Apparently, this 1.6nm process is intended to work with the company's new A16 chips. It's been stated that TSMC increased the A16's chip density by ~8% (or higher). Moreover, its performance could be ~10% better than its 2nm process and ~15% more power-efficient.

While this new A16 chip running on the 1.6nm process switches how it manages its power (for efficiency and performance), the report claims TSMC isn't targeting the usual crowd. The publication purports that TSMC's A16 chips are designed for AI and "high-performance computing" devices as its "main market." With that, it looks like we shouldn't expect this 1.6nm process in a phone chip anytime soon. Which, if you consider the timing, would put us in 2027.

Mass production of these A16 chips could begin in Q4 2026.

However, TSMC is supposedly using what it's done with its A16 chips and the 1.6nm process to develop a 1.4nm process. This version is suspected to make its way into phones.

Chips are getting better, stronger, faster

It's almost that time of the year when Qualcomm's next chip comes out. Hearing about 1.6nm is funny (even 1.4nm) since we're just on the edge of 2nm with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Expectations say this chip should feature TSMC's 2nm process. What's more, the SD 8 Elite Gen 6 could feature a 2+3+3 CPU structure. Another 2nm process chip we're expecting is MediaTek's Dimensity 9600. That should also debut soon, as we push into the final four months.

Rumors aside, Qualcomm started teasing its next Snapdragon chips for its Summit 2026 event in Maui, Hawaii. We've heard rumors about Qualcomm making two flagship chips, and the company says we can expect "Dual 8 Elites" this year. It hasn't said what the other chip will be called; however, earlier reports said it would be the "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro."

Choosing the best Google Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors isn't an easy job. It's easy enough to match your Pixel Watch 5 size variant to 41mm or 45mm screen protectors, but narrowing it down to one choice can be tough. There are so many decent options out there, after all. This is exactly why I have rounded up the best picks in terms of quality, price, performance, and durability, and gathered them here in one place. Enjoy your shopping, and don't forget to grab a sweet Pixel Watch 5 band or two afterward.

Have your pick of the best Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors

• Back to the top ^

Pick the right set of Pixel Watch 5 screen protectors

The best overall Google Pixel Watch 5 screen protector is the plant-based creation from ZAGG. The ZAGG Ultra Eco Smart Watch Screen Protector for the Google Pixel Watch 5 might be a bit pricey at $24.99, but it comes with a no-questions-asked lifetime replacement warranty. This will basically pay for itself over the years! Plus, you get a very high quality edge-to-edge impact and scratch-proof screen guard with ZAGG's own Self-Healing Nano-Memory Technology. You get an installation tray and cleaning kit in the box as well.

Bargain hunters will find that virtually every other pick that I have listed here is very affordable. If you want to split the difference between a budget buy and a branded pick, Ringke has a great two-pack for below $20. This includes two high-grade EPU films with self-repairing properties and an installation and alignment tool that simplifies the installation process.

For bottom-of-the-barrel deals, both EGV and AmorSuit have $10 kits with six units of TPU screen protectors for the Pixel Watch 5, available in both 41mm and 45mm variants. You can't go wrong with either, as both are very well-reputed names in the biz.

I enjoyed using the Reno 15 Pro, and the new imaging hardware was a revelation: the new 200MP camera and dual 50MP auxiliary lenses meant it could measure up to the likes of the Find X9 Pro. As is tradition with OPPO, the brand is following up the phone with the launch of a new model, the Reno 16 Pro — just in time to challenge the Xiaomi 17T Pro.

The Reno 16 Pro isn't too different to the 15 Pro; it has the same cameras, and retains the delightful compact design. You get a bigger 6,700mAh silicon-carbon battery, but only in select markets — Europe gets a smaller 6,000mAh battery this time.

The biggest change is the rear design, or as OPPO calls it, the 3D Pop Planet Design. The rear glass uses a custom three-layer structure, and it creates a unique floating effect of a planet that seemingly shifts around as you move the phone around. It is undeniably cool, and I like that OPPO is constantly bringing fresh designs to its phones. The effect is limited to the Pop White model, and if you don't care for it, there's also a black model with a standard matte texture.

As striking as the design is, what I like the most about the Reno 16 Pro is its compact form factor. The phone retains the 6.32-inch AMOLED panel, and it is an absolute delight to use. The in-hand feel is just right, and it's using a similar choice of materials as the Find X9 Ultra and X9 Pro. Oh, and it retains IP68 and IP69K dust and water resistance as well, which is great to see. The only issue is that the fingerprint sensor is located a little too low on the panel, and that makes accessing it a bit of a hassle.

There's no doubt that the 6.32-inch AMOLED is one of the best in its class. It is one of the brightest in outdoor use, colors are vibrant out of the box, and you get all the usual customization options. There was an intermittent lag when I initially set up the phone, but a software update sorted that out.

The Reno 16 Pro comes with MediaTek's Dimensity 8550, which is identical to the Dimensity 8400 but with a slight boost in frequencies. OPPO should have used the Dimensity 9500 — like Xiaomi did with the 17T Pro — instead, because that platform uses the latest C1-Ultra cores and Mali-G1 Ultra, and is much better at gaming.

As it stands, the Reno 16 Pro is quite good at mundane tasks and handles demanding workloads, but it throttles during intensive gaming sessions, and it doesn't quite measure up to the 17T Pro in this area. That said, the 17T Pro is much bigger, so if you need a small phone with standout gaming potential, I'd suggest getting the Xiaomi 17 — it's now selling for the same price as the Reno 16 Pro.

Where the Reno 16 Pro truly comes into its own is the cameras. The sensors are unchanged, but you get a slate of new filters and effects. There's a 200MP Samsung HP5 main camera, 50MP tele lens, and a 50MP wide-angle module. You get a 50MP camera at the front, and it is one of the best you'll see on a phone today.

Predictably, the Reno 16 Pro does an outstanding job in just about any scenario. The main camera is fantastic by any measure, and it easily outshines other phones in its class. But what I like the most is that the telephoto and wide-angle lenses aren't just an afterthought; they're genuinely good in their own right. The tele lens has 3.5x optical zoom, and you get usable shots up to 7x without any visible grain or noise.

The phone doesn't quite manage shots on the same caliber as the Find X9 Pro or X9 Ultra, and that's the only shortcoming I can think of. Basically, you're getting flagship cameras, but the phone itself doesn't cost as much as Find X models, so if you intend to take a lot of photos and videos, the Reno 16 Pro is easily worthy of your consideration.

Reno models always sold well with younger audiences, and OPPO did a good job adding unique filters to the 16 Pro. You get 4K60 video out of all the lenses — including the selfie camera — and there's a new Pop mode that brings a little bit of vintage camera flair to the device. With eight filters available, you can heavily customize the look and feel of the shots when using this mode, and there's even the option to tailor the balance of each filter. I enjoyed using AI Remix Collage as well; it uses AI to create stickers effortlessly, and it's a fun tool.

Battery life is reliable; I'm using the model with a 6,700mAh battery, and I easily got over a day even with heavy use. I was able to eke out a day and a half on average with medium use, and with 80W charging tech, there's no need to plug in this phone overnight.

I like ColorOS 16 a lot, and it has the right blend of modern design, customizability, and fluidity. I used the skin predominantly in 2026 — thanks to the Find X9 Pro and X9 Ultra — and it is one of the best around on Android. The only issue is that the device won't get as many software updates, and that's annoying.

Now, let's get down to pricing. While the Reno 16 Pro debuted at an exorbitant £899 ($1,195) in the U.K., it's down to £749 ($996), and this is for the 12GB/512GB edition. It's a similar situation in other countries in the region, with the Reno 16 Pro now down to €899 ($1,022) from its €1,099 ($1,250!) launch price. Incidentally, this brings the phone in line with what the Reno 15 Pro debuted for earlier this year, and that model is still available for €799 ($908).

This is how much Find X flagships used to cost just a few years ago, but phone prices are getting increasingly higher, and the Find X9 Pro was introduced at €1,299 ($1,477). With RAM and storage demand exceeding availability, we should see even higher prices in the next 12 months. It makes sense, then, that OPPO didn't launch the Pro model in India, with the standard Reno 16 selling for ₹61,999 ($647) in the country.

The Reno 16 Pro isn't a sizeable upgrade, and if you're in a country where the 6,000mAh model is sold, you're not even getting as big a battery as its predecessor. There's also the fact that the 15 Pro is still a solid phone, so if you can get it on a deal, I'd suggest buying it while it's still available. Otherwise, the Reno 16 Pro is your best bet if you want flagship-level cameras in this category.

What you need to know

• Reports highlight Xreal's recent achievement with the Aura smart glasses, which state reservations have "surpassed" 10,000 units.
• Two of the Xreal Aura reservation packages have sold out ahead of its fall launch, with the company teasing its final price will be "no more than $1,500 before tax."
• In June, Xreal started its reservation period for the Aura, highlighting its work with Google's Android XR and partnership with game studios to create an experience consumers won't forget.

Xreal stoked the hype flames for its Aura smart glasses around Google I/O this year. After launching reservations for the device in June, Xreal is over the moon with early interest.

Earlier today (Aug 20), a report by GamingTrend surfaced, highlighting Xreal's official reservation numbers for its Project Aura smart glasses. According to Xreal, reservations for Aura have "surpassed" 10,000 units. The publication obtained a statement from the company, which reads, "The milestone reflects strong early interest across both consumer and enterprise audiences as XREAL continues building toward the next phase of lightweight, spatial computing."

Xreal's CEO and co-founder, Chi Xu, offered their remarks about the Aura's reservation achievements. Chi Xu states, "Surpassing 10,000 reservations is an exciting signal of demand across consumers, developers, and enterprise partners." While Xreal is reportedly "encouraged" by the early interest from so many consumers, there's still more to unravel about Aura.

The Xreal Aura Founder Priority Pass was limited when reservations first began in June, and it quickly sold out. The "Launch Credit" reservation package has also sold out, which let consumers put $99 down and receive $199 toward the Aura's launch. Right now, consumers can still reserve the Xreal Aura for $199 through the "Priority Deposit" option. Regarding price, Xreal finally says the Aura's "final retail price will be no more than $1,500 before tax."

Looking forward to it

The Xreal Aura is expected to launch this fall, so we can take a moment to revisit its highlights. Xreal announced the smart glasses in June, stating the Aura will feature Google's Android XR and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite. During its reservation announcement, Xreal's CEO Chi Xu said, "XREAL AURA sets a new benchmark for OST XR glasses, bringing powerful AI-driven experiences to both work and everyday life."

Staying lightweight was a true goal for Xreal with these glasses. As a result, the Aura weighs less than 95g and offers a 70-degree FOV. Since Xreal is working with Google, the company confirmed that the Google Play Store will be open to users with Aura. Android apps for mobile and tablet devices can be downloaded onto the Aura whenever users wish. There are also a series of games on the way, such as Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars, thanks to an Amazon MGM Studios partnership, and Fallout: Factions from Modiphius Entertainment.

Sports lovers are getting the Fox Sports VR app, which is sure to be a unique experience. Xreal teased two months ago that when the Aura launches, consumers can find it in-store at Best Buy, its first retail partner.

Android Central's Take

From a techie standpoint, the Xreal Aura is pretty cool. I said this during my June coverage that the Aura looks good—and it does. Its a clean design, and the spatial capabilities, plus what's been integrated on the AI side, look useful and fun.

Google's newest smartphones are finally available in stores, but if you missed the preorder period, fear not: there are still quite a few impressive Pixel 11 deals worth checking out today. 

Head to Verizon, for instance, and you can get the base model Google Pixel 11 for 100% free when you add a line with the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. No trade-in required!

• See my complete guide to the best Google Pixel 11 deals on the web

I wouldn't call the Pixel 11 a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, but Google did introduce a few thoughtful improvements that make the base model a worthwhile purchase in 2026. The phone comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 chipset, an upgraded camera system, and considerably faster wireless charging than the Google Pixel 10. The new model is also a few grams lighter than the 2025 flagship, despite the fact that the Pixel 11 actually comes with twice the base storage.

Aside from those upgrades, the Google Pixel 11 is largely indistinguishable from the 10. You get the same AMOLED display size and brightness, the same 12GB of RAM, and the same seven-year OS upgrade guarantee.

If you already own the Pixel 10, in other words, don't feel compelled to upgrade right away. But if you've never bought a Google phone before, the Pixel 11 is a great starting point — particularly when it's paired with an excellent Verizon deal like this one. 

Need more power?

More Google Pixel 11 series deals

What you need to know

• Huawei's Pura X View delivers a wider screen real estate in a non-foldable body.
• Its 96.1% screen-to-body ratio and 1.05mm bezels maximize usable display space.
• Huawei is taking orders through VMall and JD.com ahead of the August 28 retail launch in China.

The all-new Pura X View from Huawei breaks the rules of standard flagship design, a wide, non-foldable smartphone that places pure screen real estate above traditional form factors.

Ahead of its retail debut, the Huawei Pura X View is now up for preorders, but there’s still one big piece missing: the price. The company has opened preorders through its official VMall and JD.com stores, giving buyers an early look at the storage configurations and colors before the phone hits brick and mortar stores on August 28.

Unlike Huawei's foldable phones, the Pura X View has a different take on getting more screen real estate. It's a wide, non-foldable smartphone built around a display that reaches much closer to the edges. Huawei claims the phone has a 96.1% screen-to-body ratio, while the bezels around the panel are just 1.05mm.

Huawei says the Pura X View provides 16% more screen space for watching videos and 21% more for browsing in portrait mode than typical flagship phones. That could make the phone especially attractive for people who spend a lot of time reading, scrolling or watching content on their phones.

There are three storage configurations available for preorder, all paired with 12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GB, and a 1TB model. Buyers can also opt for red, gray, white, and black.

To reiterate, Huawei hasn’t announced pricing yet. That leaves shoppers ordering the phone without knowing just how much this unusual design will cost. A previous rumor claimed that the Pura X View could arrive at around 7000 yuan, but that is unconfirmed.

Huawei has not even revealed the complete specs of the phone, so there is still a lot we don’t know. It's highly likely the phone won't be sold outside of China anytime soon. The Pura X View is, for now, looking like an experiment in making a traditional smartphone feel more expansive without a hinge.

The preorder period has come to an end, but there are still a few Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals hanging around if you know where to look. From trade-in opportunities to free gift cards, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals on the web (so far).

The long-awaited Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes equipped with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM as standard, and one of the most advanced camera systems ever built into a foldable phone. It's also thinner and lighter than its predecessor while sporting a new reinforced hinge and IP68 durability straight out of the box.

At $1,899 for the 256GB configuration, the Pixel phone is also pretty expensive, which is why the following deals are so essential. Keep reading for the best offers so far, and don't forget to check back later: I'll keep adding new deals to this list as they go live.

Quick links

• The best Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro deals
  
• Verizon: Up to $1,100 off with trade-in, new line
• T-Mobile: $900 off with most plans
• Amazon: free $350 gift card with purchase
• Best Buy: free $350 gift card with purchase
• Google Store: Up to $1,000 off with trade-in

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals

FAQ

How much does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold cost?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 for the 256GB configuration. That's obviously not cheap, but I was delighted to see that the foldable phone didn't receive a price increase this year (unlike some 2026 phones). All Pixel 11 series devices also come with six free months of the Google AI Pro plan.

How does the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold compare to other foldable phones?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is being presented as the ultimate multitasking device, coming complete with the new Tensor G6 processor, 16GB of RAM, and useful productivity features like Split Screen and Drag & Drop.

You get two gorgeous Super Actua displays that are 20% brighter than last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold, plus an upgraded hinge, scratch-resistant glass, and a design that's 10% lighter than the previous generation. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also equipped with an upgraded battery that's supposed to last up to 30 hours on a single charge.

These are some bold claims from Google, but we'll need to test the phone ourselves before we can attest to their veracity. If they're accurate, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold might be the best foldable phone that the company has ever produced.

Robbing a bank isn't something anyone should ever aspire to, but it's clear the fantasy of being a would-be bank robber is quite lucrative, given the nature of the Payday game series. The series is 15 years old this year and spans 3 entries, and I got a chance to play the new fourth entry with the game's developers for an hour on my Meta Quest 3 headset.

I've been a fan of the series since the beginning, particularly when hosting LAN parties at my house during the original's 2011 release, then again for several years after the 2013 sequel (plus a revival when Payday 2 added VR support years later). To say the new Payday: Aces High felt like a revival of the LAN party days (in all the best ways) is an understatement, and it brought back not only those joyful glory days of in-person multiplayer gaming, but a sense of comradery that few games manage to deliver.

The Payday concept is pretty straightforward: choose a mission, plan the heist, execute the plan, and get out with every team member intact. Of course, what seems like a fairly simple task is never simple, especially once the cops get called in and the stress piles on. Veteran VR developer Fast Travel Games is at the helm of this one, and I couldn't think of a better company to put in charge of Payday's first VR-only entry.

Planning a heist for dummies

Payday: Aces High branches from the main timeline and includes four new characters instead of the long list of folks from the mainline Payday series. In this game, you'll choose one of the Aces — the Ace of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, or Spades — in a quest for revenge on billionaire Warren Jupiter, who landed the crew in jail a few years back.

At launch, Payday: Aces High features six missions with varying difficulties and a range of objectives to complete. Many objectives are randomized to ensure unique playthroughs. For example, you might find the keycode to the security room on a sticky note in a desk during one run on a mission, while another run on the same mission sees that key code written on a whiteboard in the breakroom.

Likewise, missions can be completed in numerous different ways. The ultimate goal is perform missions as stealthily as possible, as that always guarantees the greatest rewards at the end, but you can go in guns blazing, if you prefer. Just remember that the easiest exist are only available when no one is aware of your heinous acts.

A huge set of unlockable skills will also help change things up as you progress in the game. Starting out, it's going to just be you, a pistol, your AMCAR-4 Carbine Rifle, and three friends along for the ride. Communication is key in a game like this, and there's no downplaying the importance of studying the map of each area on the planning table ahead of a mission.

Because VR is so inherently good at communication and body language as a medium, planning and executing a heist feels like you're actually there doing the dirty deed. During one of the three missions I played during the hands-on event, one player used his grappling hook to get on the roof and sneak into the security room using the code another player found in the employee breakroom. It felt like an Oceans 11 heist played out in real time.

I also loved the new VR-centric mechanics and interactions. Drilling into the vault requires a "skill check" sort of minigame to hone the drill to the materials on the door, while opening safes requires you to deftly turn the dial left and right to the correct positions using a combination you find somewhere in the office.

The amount of replayability in this game is far beyond what I had expected, especially with the massive skill tree and equipment list available. I also loved that skills weren't just for you as an individual; there's an entire skill tree is devoted to team buffs, and plenty of skills that work just as well for you as an individual as they do for your team as a whole.

While I played this on my Meta Quest 3, the game is also available on Steam VR and will have official Steam Frame support with full crossplay between platforms. If you're lucky, you can join the beta test, which starts today, August 20. Otherwise, look forward to the game launching sometime in the next few months. I know I sure am!

Google's latest flagship lineup has finally hit store shelves, and I'm hard at work tracking down the best Pixel 11 deals (and Pixel 11 Pro deals) so you don't have to go searching. Whether you're interested in the base model Pixel 11, the powerful Pixel 11 Pro, or the super-sized Pixel 11 Pro XL, there are already quite a few deals and leftover preorder promotions that could make these AI-powered flagships pretty cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right.

The new generation of Pixel phones takes the stellar foundation of the Google Pixel 10 series and adds a new processor, an upgraded camera system, and a set of stylish new color variants. The Pixel 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL also feature the new HiLight LED system, a fancy light array around the camera bar that's sure to turn heads.

Another bit of good news is that, other than the Pixel 11 Pro XL (which now starts at $1,299), Google's 2026 lineup wasn't hit with a price increase this year. Still, the phones aren't exactly cheap, which is why the following deals are so important. Whether you're looking for a trade-in opportunity or a free gift card, keep reading for all of the best Pixel 11 discounts on the web (so far).

Quick links

• Google Pixel 11 hands-on review
• Google Pixel 11 Pro official review
• The best Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold deals
  
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro with eligible line
• Verizon: FREE Pixel 11 with eligible line
• AT&T: FREE Pixel 11 phones with trade-in, new line
• Amazon: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Best Buy: free gift cards worth up to $200
• Google Store: up to $600 off with trade-in
• Xfinity Mobile: FREE Pixel 11 with trade-in, new line

Google Pixel 11 deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL deals

FAQ

How much does the Google Pixel 11 series cost?

The base model Google Pixel 11 is set to retail for $899 / €999, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,099 / €1,199 and $1,299 / €1,399, respectively. The 128GB storage configuration has been removed with the Pixel 11 series, which means all three phones now start with 256GB of onboard storage.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is the only phone in the flagship lineup to receive a price hike this year, selling for $100 more than its predecessor.

Which Google Pixel 11 phone should I choose?

It depends on what you're looking for! If you want something compact and affordable, the base model Google Pixel 11 is a great choice, with a stunning display, Tensor G6 processor, and a seven-year software promise.

If you want the same size but more power, you can upgrade to the Google Pixel 11 Pro and get a brighter display, better cameras, and the new HiLight LED light array. Last but not least, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the foundation of the Pixel 11 Pro and supersizes it, adding a 6.8-inch display with a larger battery and up to 16GB of RAM. Despite the higher cost, it's a great choice if you like using large phones (consider it Google's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra).

No matter which device you choose, you're getting a powerful AI-boosted Android phone with an efficient Tensor G6 chipset, at least 12GB of RAM, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed.

I already own the Pixel 10. Should I upgrade to the Google Pixel 11?

This is always a tough question whenever new phones come out. On the one hand, I'm generally of the opinion that manufacturers don't need to be producing new phones every single year, particularly when most flagship releases come with seven years of OS upgrades as standard.

If you already own the Google Pixel 10, you won't see a massive upgrade with the Pixel 11. I'd only jump to the new phone if you're particularly interested in the latest and greatest Pixel experience.

If, on the other hand, you own an older device and can score a good deal through the channels listed above, then by all means go for it. After all, these phones are sure to rank among the best Android phones ever built, so you won't be disappointed.

What you need to know

• Honor is bucking the slowdown, with shipments jumping 35% in the Middle East even as the overall market fell 13%.
• Honor is also gaining across multiple regions: Shipments climbed 53% in Africa and 15% in Southeast Asia, with strong growth in Malaysia and the Philippines.
• Competitors like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo suffered double-digit global shipment drops in Q2 due to their heavy exposure to budget segments hit by component costs.

While the smartphone market is getting squeezed from both sides, with weaker demand and rising memory costs, one Chinese phone maker seems to be finding room to grow across some of the industry's toughest markets.

New data from market research firm Omdia finds the Middle East smartphone market fell 13% overall in the first half of 2026, but Honor grew its shipments 35% year-over-year. That raised its market share from 10% to 15%, keeping it in second place for a second consecutive quarter.

Globally, Counterpoint Research says Samsung reclaimed the smartphone lead in Q2 with a 24% share and recorded the strongest year-over-year growth among the top five brands. The Galaxy S26 series, especially the Ultra, helped cushion weaker demand for cheaper phones.

Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo haven't had such a lucky run. All three saw double-digit shipment declines globally in Q2 due to rising memory costs that have hit their heavier exposure to entry-level and midrange phones, according to Counterpoint. Oppo and Vivo came in fourth and fifth places, while Xiaomi still had 12% of the global share.

Honor’s expansion is not confined to one region. Its shipments rose 53% in Africa in H1, while Southeast Asia grew 15% in a shrinking market. The brand also ranked as the fastest growing major vendor in Malaysia and the Philippines in Q2.

An important exception is Huawei. Counterpoint says its Q2 shipments in China rose 24%, giving it a 23% market share and the top spot. Apple also gained 23% in China, showing that premium phones are holding up better than the broader market.

Honor is also leaning hard into that same premium trend. IDC reported that in Q2 it captured 53% of the foldable market in Malaysia, 67% in Singapore, and an incredible 89% in Hong Kong.

That makes Honor's 9% global H1 shipment growth all the more interesting: it was the only Chinese Android manufacturer among the top brands to post year-over-year growth, according to IDC.

The trick now is to sustain that momentum amid ongoing memory shortages and rising component prices that continue to squeeze the industry.

What you need to know

• Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Event on August 27, where it is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 FE.
• The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display and Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset.
• Leaks point to a 50MP main camera, 3x telephoto lens, 4,900mAh battery, and support for 45W charging.

It's the day the Pixel 11 series officially goes on sale, but Samsung isn't keeping quiet either. The company has confirmed its next Galaxy launch event for August 27, 2026.

Samsung has sent out invites to the media for its "Galaxy Event August 2026." Interestingly, the company isn't calling this one Galaxy Unpacked. Samsung says it will introduce the latest addition to the Galaxy S26 family at the event. While it hasn't officially named the device, all signs point toward the Galaxy S26 FE.

Samsung says the keynote will also be livestreamed for anyone watching from home. You'll be able to catch the event on Samsung's website as well as the company's YouTube channel, with the keynote scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. KST (8 a.m. ET) on August 27.

As with almost every Samsung launch these days, though, there probably isn't much left to surprise us. A massive leak recently gave us our clearest look yet at the Galaxy S26 FE, including what appear to be Samsung's official marketing materials, revealing both the phone's design and most of its specs.

According to those leaks, the Galaxy S26 FE will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone is expected to be powered by Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset, the same processor that powered the Galaxy Z Flip 7 last year. It's also expected to come with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.

On the back, the Galaxy S26 FE is rumored to feature a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto camera with up to 3x optical zoom. The phone is also expected to pack a 4,900mAh battery, the same capacity as last year's Galaxy S25 FE, along with support for 45W wired charging.

There's no word on pricing just yet. But with the ongoing RAM crisis and memory shortage affecting smartphone makers across the industry, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Galaxy S26 FE arrive at a higher starting price than its predecessor.

Thankfully, we don't have much longer to wait. Samsung's next Galaxy event is just a week away, and if everything points in the direction we expect, the Galaxy S26 FE will finally make its official debut on August 27.

What you need to know

• Samsung Galaxy users are reporting RCS issues in Google Messages after switching to a new phone with Smart Switch.
• Some affected users are seeing error code 3100 when trying to enable RCS or send messages on their new Galaxy phones.
• Google says corrupted cache files transferred through Smart Switch may be responsible for the RCS connection problems.

Samsung Galaxy users are reporting a surge in RCS issues with Google Messages after recently switching to a new device.

Samsung recently shut down its Messages app in the U.S., asking both new and existing users to switch to Google Messages instead. Google Messages is the only messaging app on Galaxy phones that supports RCS, making it the most sensible replacement. However, it seems that some Samsung users are running into problems getting RCS to work after setting up their new Galaxy devices.

As spotted by Android Authority, several users have taken to Reddit to report that RCS stops working after switching to a new Galaxy phone and transferring their data using Samsung Smart Switch. Some affected users are seeing error code 3100 when trying to enable RCS or send RCS messages from their new device.

It looks like Google has already identified a potential cause. A Google representative said that the issue may be related to corrupted cache files that were transferred during the Smart Switch process.

Google recommends updating to the latest version of Google Messages, turning off RCS, clearing the Carrier Services data, restarting the phone, and then enabling RCS again. Unfortunately, that workaround doesn't appear to be working for everyone.

Some affected users say they were only able to get RCS working again after factory resetting their Galaxy phone. Even then, there's no guarantee that a factory reset will solve the problem for everyone, making it a pretty drastic workaround to try.

There are also Reddit users reporting similar RCS issues after switching carriers. Google says those cases could instead be related to the number-porting process not being fully completed.

Either way, it seems like some Galaxy users are currently having trouble getting RCS working after switching devices or carriers. Google is aware of at least some of these reports, but for now, there doesn't appear to be one guaranteed fix that works for everyone.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm teased its Snapdragon Summit 2026 on X, stating consumers should expect "Dual 8 Elites."
• Better connectivity, camera functionality, and graphics for games were highlighted for its pair of flagship chips.
• Rumors have said that Qualcomm is preparing a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro alongside the 8 Elite Gen 6.
• Snapdragon Summit 2026 runs from September 22-24 in Maui, Hawaii.

This morning (Aug 19), Qualcomm posted a teaser on social media about what consumers can expect from Snapdragon Summit in September. Based on the post, it looks like there's a pair of chips involved.

Qualcomm says it's preparing to reveal the "next chapter" in its "agentic AI era" at Snapdragon Summit next month on X. The meat and potatoes of this teaser are what it said after: "When Two Changes the Game." Qualcomm followed up this short blurb with a video that shows two unnamed Snapdragon chips. Connectivity and "advanced camera functionality" were highlighted as hallmarks for these chips.

An improved GPU with "immersive gaming experiences" was also teased. Qualcomm uses a short clip of gameplay from a game called NTE (Neverness to Everness). Qualcomm suggests that these advanced solutions will be present in both Snapdragon chips it has planned.

Following its Snapdragon Summit, consumers and the smartphone market should expect "twice the options" with "Dual 8 Elites." Unfortunately, that's where the excitement ends. Qualcomm encourages us to tune in to its Snapdragon Summit 2026 on September 22 to learn more. But we're not entirely out of the loop. While we are expecting the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, rumors say there's a "Pro," too.

Spoiled for choice?

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro rumors claim Qualcomm's additional flagship chip would be reserved for "Ultra phones." Immediately, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra comes to mind, and several phones from Chinese OEMs will likely make the cut, too. Early speculation claims the Pro chip could feature a 2+3+3 CPU arrangement. The specifics surrounding these cores weren't stated.

However, it will likely be built on TSMC's 2nm process. What's more, the 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could feature the Adreno 850 GPU. Qualcomm's latest teasers push its gaming potential. We'll have to see how well it fares with current games with higher graphics, particle effects, and more. All we can do is wait. Qualcomm confirmed in July that Snapdragon Summit 2026 will take place from September 22-24 in Maui, Hawaii. It didn't call out the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, but that's what we're expecting, alongside this Pro edition, since "Dual 8 Elites" are coming.

What you need to know

• Original Pixel Watch users on Reddit quickly reported a warning message in the Google Health app that said they were about to lose major features.
• Sync for sleep and workout data was apparently going to be removed unless they updated Wear OS, which isn't possible for this four-year-old watch.
• Google confirmed that this warning was a bug in its systems and that the original Pixel Watch is still "fully supported" in the Health app.

Owners of Google's original Pixel Watch were frightened this week by an on-device alert that said they were losing access to Health features.

We're coming off the back of the Pixel Watch 5's launch, and the last thing consumers want is for their tech to become obsolete. That nearly felt like a reality, as users on Reddit posted an alert that read: "Update your watch to keep using Google Health" (via Android Authority). This warning made its rounds, as more users replied to the thread, reporting the same alert. The message said their watch was running an "older version of Wear OS" and that it would soon "stop syncing sleep and workout data with Google Health."

Many users were in an uproar. The first Pixel Watch debuted four years ago. While the device received its last minor update last November, it stunned many to think that Google would drop it outright after the Pixel Watch 5. Becoming ineligible for new features is one thing, since it's an older model. But cutting support entirely wasn't sitting well with the majority. Not everyone saw this warning message, and that's where things became curious. A community moderator highlighted Google's official response to the warning O.G. Pixel Watch users have been seeing.

Google confirms that the first Pixel Watch remains "fully supported" with the Health app and features. It adds, "We had a bug where some users received this card incorrectly. Thanks for raising this, it has now been resolved."

Pixel Watch is still hanging on

Google had a Health app double-feature in July. The first update focused on key stats, as the app rolled out a massive selection of metric tiles for the Today and Health tabs. Google said users would find new tiles for "heart rate variability, breathing rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), resting heart rate, skin temperature variation, blood glucose, mindful days, mindful minutes, resilience, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, and your friend leaderboard." Convenience was the goal for this.

Many of these metrics can be viewed in the Health tab; however, taking a quick glance at them in the Today tab would save you time. What's more, your sleep session statistics will now account for any naps (20 mins or longer). The second July update was about nutrition. Nutrition Logging, or rather "Quick Logging," focuses on calories and macro estimates. Google states users don't have to worry about the exact name of what they've eaten.

So long as they can fill out the meal's calories and macronutrients, it will be logged. These nutrition updates rolled out with vv5.04 of the Google Health app.

Android Central's Take

The funny thing that a few users mentioned on Reddit is that the original Pixel Watch runs Wear OS 5.1. Given that, you'd think the device would be spared from any EOS in the Health app. These alerts were a scare, for sure. They're not that far behind in software. Sure, the hardware is older, which is why many aren't expecting new features (EOS came for Wear OS, not the app). I'm glad it worked out. The original Pixel Watch isn't that bad, even four years later.

The new school year is upon us, and if you were hoping to grab some fresh Android tech before heading back to class, you're in luck: a bunch of my favorite devices for students have just gone on sale, and I've dropped a selection of the best deals below.

The best devices for students need to be fast enough to handle most tasks with ease, durable enough to throw into a backpack, and affordable enough that they won't break your budget. Good battery life is also essential, as you'll need the device to last through those long lectures and study sessions.

I have recommendations that check all of those boxes, whether you're in the market for a new smartphone, laptop, or wearable, so keep reading for all of my favorite Back to School deals on the web today.

Best smartphone: Google Pixel 10a

📚Why it's great for students: We chose the Google Pixel 10a as the best overall phone for students because it's durable, long-lasting, and cheap. The device's IP68 water-and-dust resistance rating means that it can handle the occasional spill, while the Gorilla Glass 7i construction means that you won't need to worry about throwing the phone into a backpack or briefcase.

The Pixel 10a also boasts up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge (which is better than the more-expensive Pixel 10), while the Tensor G4 chipset with 8GB of RAM can handle all-day web browsing and video streaming without skipping a beat. Furthermore, the camera system is just as versatile as you'd expect from a Pixel phone in 2026, and the seven years of guaranteed OS updates means that you can use this phone throughout your entire educational journey and beyond.

Best smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

📚Why it's great for students: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a perfect smartwatch for students because it's lightweight, durable, and full of useful Wear OS software features. The device's four-year update promise also means that it will feel cutting-edge throughout your entire high school or college experience without becoming sluggish or outdated.

The AMOLED display is bright and fun to use, the on-device AI features are useful for instant study assistance and calendar management, and the 24/7 health and fitness tracking capabilities ensure that you're getting enough sleep and staying sufficiently active.

For younger students, the device also boasts 'Galaxy Watch for Kids' support that lets you easily turn the Galaxy Watch 8 into a kid-friendly smartwatch with parental controls, activity tracking, and more.

Note: It's worth mentioning that the Galaxy Watch 8 has technically been supplanted by the next-gen Samsung Galaxy Watch 9. If you can afford it, the Watch 9 is a better Android smartwatch. But if you're looking for bang for the buck, it's currently easier to find good deals on last year's model.

Best Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Plus 515

📚Why it's great for students: if you just need a simple laptop for class that won't break the bank, the Chromebook Plus 515 by Acer is an excellent pick. The 2026 model boasts great battery life (up to 10 hours), a vibrant 15.6-inch touchscreen display, and military-grade durability so you can take it with you wherever you go.

The laptop is also incredible thin and weighs just under four pounds, while generous USB and HDMI ports ensure that you can connect all of your favorite devices in an instant. You also get a few premium features that you might not expect in this price range, such as a backlit keyboard, 1080p webcam with privacy shutter, and DTS-powered speakers. Your purchase will even come with a free one-year subscription to Google AI Pro, giving you advanced AI-boosted software features, 5TB of cloud storage, and more.

Best wireless headphones: Beats Studio Pro

📚Why it's great for students: I wouldn't say that the Beats Studio Pro are the best wireless headphones for students, but they're comfortable, regularly discounted, and full of enough features to justify the approachable asking price.

The active noise cancellation is powerful enough to block out sound when studying or commuting, the sound profile is crystal-clear and customizable in the companion app, and you even get premium features like spatial audio support. The battery life is where the Beats Studio Pro really shine, however, as you'll get up to 40 hours on a single charge before you need to juice up again.

If you can afford them, premium cans like the Sony WH-1000XM6 will offer a better all-around experience, but if you're looking for a good deal on wireless headphones this semester, look no further than the Beats Studio Pro.

For years, Google Pixel phones were considered to have the best smartphone cameras. That was especially true if you were taking pictures of objects in motion, like pets or kids, but things seemed to peak with the Pixel 8 Pro series. I called that camera the best in the business, but competitors have since eclipsed it.

Now that the Pixel 11 Pro is out and includes a new ISP, upgraded hardware, and a ton of new software features and enhancements, Google is coming back to claim its crown, and it's mostly successful in this task.

It begins with a little magic

Of all the new features, Magic Capture is by far my favorite. Two and a half years ago, Honor debuted a similar feature that would automatically take photos based on facial expressions and motion, and Google is redefining that feature with something a little more predictable (and user-friendly).

Magic Capture can be accessed via the third button on the bottom bar in the camera viewfinder, making it a separate main mode from photography or video recording. That's because it combines both of these modes into one, giving you a full video of your photo session, plus highlight photos chosen specifically by Gemini.

Since this is run by AI, it's not going to take photos at the same time you might want, but it's probably going to catch something unexpected you might have missed if you were taking photos manually.

During the capture session, you can change zoom levels and even take manual photos at points where you want to ensure a photo gets saved. Magic Capture can be used in portrait or landscape orientations. It's easily my favorite camera feature in years, and truly a great reason to buy a Pixel 11 Pro.

Loving that fine detail

One of my favorite things about Pixel photos is the fine detail present in places most smartphone cameras miss. Too many companies try to make pictures look "perfect" by scrubbing away all the noise, but this results in photos that look artificial or "watercolor-like." The Pixel 11 Pro rarely makes this mistake.

In the two examples above, you'll see what I'm talking about. At 1x, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 11 Pro photos look nearly identical, but zoom in a bit, and you'll see some stark differences. The iPhone's noise-canceling algorithm scrubs all the texture off those bricks, making them look fake and sterile. In the Pixel 11 Pro's photos, the bricks show their natural texture, and the photos look excellent.

This also gives the Pixel 11 Pro's photos a more film-like quality than the overly digital look most smartphones aim for, making them feel more authentic.

Picture-perfect portrait

For the past several years, Google Pixel phones have had arguably the worst portrait quality among major brands. Edge blurring was a mess, and Google's software, puzzlingly, had difficulty understanding where the subject ended and the background began. This year, that's completely changed, and I'm happy to report that Google's portraits are finally competitive again.

It seems the true problem here was a combination of camera hardware and the ISP (Image Signal Processor). As you can see above, the Pixel 10 Pro's shot is a mess, with weird edge blurring and messy cutouts around my hat. The Pixel 11 Pro's shot has none of that, and it looks fantastic.

The selfie camera also looks much better this year compared to the Pixel 10 Pro's, which regularly suffered from a weird digital/pixelated look. You probably don't zoom into selfies all that much, but if you ever find youself doing it, they'll look much nicer on a Pixel 11 Pro.

Telephoto me a story

Last year, I was extremely disappointed by the Pixel 10 Pro's telephoto camera. It often snapped blurry photos — something Pixel phones historically haven't had a problem with — and the overall zoom detail failed to match that of phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This year, things are more competitive, but the Pixel 11 Pro still falls short of most Chinese brand smartphones (Honor, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi).

Across the hundreds of photos I've taken so far for this review, I've noticed a few trends between these phones. The Honor Magic 8 Pro often captures the most detail and offers the widest usable zoom range, but it tends to slightly overexpose shots and is a bit too vibrant. The iPhone 17 Pro Max tends to be the weakest telephoto camera, and Apple's processing is a little less aggressive with sharpening.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro sits in the middle ground between these two, often delivering more detail than the iPhone but less than the Honor. It also seems to have better overall exposure values in these shots, giving it a more natural look. The iPhone tops out at 40x zoom, though, so let's take a look at what happens beyond that.

At 30x and beyond, the Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro, and Honor Magic 8 Pro all allow you to use generative AI to enhance shots. For the most part, I find that this helps provide believable detail to images, so long as you don't zoom in too far.

The Honor Magic 8 Pro's larger telephoto sensor already pulls in more detail than the Pixel 11 Pro's, giving it an advantage right off the bat. The difference in detail and overall quality between these phones is obvious in the photos above, and it's here where Google loses to Chinese OEMs who use better hardware.

But at 120x zoom, things are more competitive. Since this zoom level is a bit silly anyway, I'm not taking much stock in the performance, but it's fun to look at the differences in each company's AI algorithms. Clearly, Honor understands what a roof texture is supposed to look like, but Google apparently knows how to get other building details just right.

A good year for Pixel cameras

Magic Capture is by far my favorite new camera feature of the last several years, making photo sessions fun and effortless for everyone. It's a perfect evolution of the shot-framing feature from last year and a great example of how AI can help people in everyday situations.

Overall, the Pixel 11 Pro's camera is quite excellent, and while the telephoto performance is still a bit disappointing at times, it's better than most of the competition here in the U.S., which is likely what Google is aiming for, anyway.

The Pixel Watch 6 is likely a year away, but it's never too early to speculate about what Google could be cooking up for its next smartwatch. Of course, we'll take a look at what we might expect based on the current Pixel Watch 5, Google's latest smartwatch.

The Pixel Watch 5 may not bring many hardware upgrades; it comes with compelling software that should appeal to health-conscious and fitness enthusiasts. Even so, the Pixel Watch 5 may not be the upgrade consumers were looking for, which is where the Pixel Watch 6 could come into play.

Here's what we know so far and what we hope to see in the Pixel Watch 6.

Price and availability

The Pixel Watch has always been an expensive smartwatch, but Google raised the price for the first time in the smartwatch's history with the Pixel Watch 5. The watch starts at $399, which is $50 more than its predecessors. This may be due in part to rising memory costs resulting from the RAM crisis, which is expected to last through 2027 and likely into 2028.

That means we can expect the Pixel Watch 6 to start at $399, at least for the smaller Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model, while larger sizes and LTE models will cost even more.

Performance gains where they count

The Pixel Watch 5 features more or less the same chip as its predecessor, although the "Accelerated" chip promises a 20% boost in performance, which isn't nothing. This should help the Pixel Watch 5 run AI features faster, though we admit we were hoping for something a bit more "Elite" for a $400 smartwatch.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite already powers the Galaxy Watch 9 and supports powerful on-device AI, better power efficiency, faster charging, and enhanced connectivity options like 5G RedCap.

This is the type of chip we expect to see in Google's Pixel Watch 6. Even if it's already a year old by the time the Pixel Watch 6 arrives, it should still be more than enough and adequate for the types of AI experiences Google is trying to provide on its smartwatch.

I would like to see larger batteries in the Pixel Watch 6, although I can easily get two days of use per charge with the Pixel Watch 4, and the Pixel Watch 5 has a very slightly larger battery capacity, so I expect the experience to be roughly the same. If Google can figure out how to squeeze larger batteries into the watch, as OnePlus has, perhaps we could be looking at a 3- or 4-day battery life?

Wear OS and Android XR

The Pixel Watch 6 should arrive with Wear OS 8 in tow, although we don't yet know what to expect from Google's next major smartwatch update. Wear OS 7 is already pretty fully featured with new widgets (to replace Tiles), Gemini Intelligence, and improved health and fitness capabilities.

What we don't expect is a major visual overhaul, as Material 3 Expressive is still pretty new on watches. However, Google could update some UI elements, perhaps making widgets more customizable, as Samsung's One UI Watch allows users to stack multiple widgets in a single view.

That said, we expect a greater emphasis on AI, perhaps with more on-device AI, especially if the watch is powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite.

Google is expected to roll out Android XR glasses with Samsung later in 2026, and with them will come Wear OS-specific features that allow the watch to connect to and even control the glasses. With Android XR becoming more widely available for consumers, I expect future versions of Wear OS to build on these experiences, although it's unclear how until we get the first batch of glasses out in the wild.

Pixel Watch Pro?

We've seen the same batch of Pixel Watches for years now, but we hope to see something akin to a Pixel Watch Pro in future models. Like the Pixel Pro series, this would offer higher specs and additional features not found on the base Pixel Watch 6, such as more storage and RAM.

This could also include a new design, perhaps something a bit more rugged than the current models. Google has proven it can make a beautiful watch, but the glass dome doesn't exactly inspire confidence in people who like to go hiking, rock climbing, or even diving.

Google should emulate what Samsung and Apple have done with smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, giving consumers a more rugged build, larger batteries, and features tailored to outdoor experiences.

Google has shown its hand by unveiling the Pixel 11 series. Now that the latest Pixel family is out in the open, it's only natural to speculate whether it can stand its own against the Samsung Galaxy S26 family.

You might already own a Galaxy S25, or maybe you have a Pixel 10 Pro. Regardless of your reasons for curiosity, I'm here to help bring to light the key details of the Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 battle. Here's how both phones compare.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Hardware that delivers style and substance

The Pixel 11 Pro looks nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro, except for the colorful HiLight LED in the camera bar.

Much like Google's upper-tier phones, the Galaxy S26 also remains largely unchanged appearance-wise when compared to the Galaxy S25. The only difference is a slightly larger screen, from 6.2 inches to 6.3 inches, which is the same as the Pixel 11 Pro.

In addition to screen sizes, they also share an IP68 rating, and both have poor PWM rates.

The Pixel 11 Pro has a 4,850mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 25W Qi2.2 PixelSnap wireless charging. The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, has a smaller 4,300mAh battery, slower 25W wired charging, and non-magnetic wireless charging. The S26 also lacks mmWave 5G, UWB, and Bluetooth 6. It does, however, have a beastly Snapdragon processor with Vulkan support, so it easily beats the newer Tensor G6 chipset at heavy-duty tasks like gaming.

Photography is a pleasant experience with both phones, but the cameras on the S26 are old. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro has been upgraded with larger sensors that offer a wider field of view, with the main setup consisting of a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lenses, and the front snapper featuring a new 42MP ultrawide lens. The S26 features a lower-specced camera setup consisting of 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 12MP selfie lenses.

The 11 Pro finally starts at 256GB for the base model with 12GB RAM, and comes in 512GB/1TB variants with 16GB RAM. The S26 comes in 256GB/512GB with 12GB RAM.

Unfortunately, these upgrades come at an added cost, and the Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099, while the S26 starts at $899.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Software and AI features

Samsung and Google both promise seven years of OS and security updates for their flagships. The S26 comes with One UI 8.5 w/Android 16 installed, while the 11 Pro comes with Android 17, so you get one extra Android update with the Pixel.

Gemini is ever-present in both phones, as Samsung and Google have strengthened ties. Many AI features will be available on both phones, including Circle to Search, Gemini Live, and agentic automation.

With the death of Samsung Messages, Google Messages is the default texting app on the S26, meaning both phones get Magic Compose and other Gemini features like sticker creation.

Samsung users enjoy features like Samsung DeX, Now Nudge (the Samsung equivalent of Magic Cue/Proactive Intelligence on Pixel), AI Select, Creative Studio, Audio Eraser, Galaxy AI Eraser, and Photo Assist. Pixel users get similar features, including a desktop mode, Best Take, Camera Coach, Audio Eraser, and Magic Eraser.

The Pixel 11 Pro also debuts some new tools and Gemini features that are currently exclusive to the Pixel 11 series. This includes Instant Night Sight, Camera Look, Gemini Intelligence and its capability to handle "multi-step task" actions, Rambler with its new sign-to-text feature, location-based insights in Gemini, and Magic Capture.

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: Which small phone is better value?

Unless you're an avid mobile gamer who runs heavy-duty games and apps all the time, the Pixel 11 Pro is the better phone for most people. Sure, it costs $200 more than the S26, but you also get a more holistic smartphone experience, superior cameras, faster charging, and one additional year of software upgrades. It also supports magnetic Qi2 and HiLight, and its customizable notifications add a unique selling point.

In his review, our reviewer Brady Snyder made an astute observation about the value of the S26, stating that he found it difficult to recommend the pricier S26 Ultra, but even then, the Ultra is better value than the S26. I echo his sentiment and only recommend the S26 with a good $150-$200 discount.

The memory shortage is showing no signs of stopping any time soon, but fear not: Amazon has apparently decided to drop a bunch of pretty incredible UGREEN NAS deals anyway. One notable example is this discount that drops 15% off the UGREEN DXP4800 Pro, a model that we called the 'best 4-bay NAS that you can buy in 2026'.

The NAS for home boasts the same design and features of the acclaimed DXP4800 Plus, but now you get the new 6-core Intel Core i3-1315U processor, improved hardware transcoding, and 8GB of DDR5 RAM (expandable up to 96GB). The finished product is a versatile storage system that delivers standout performance and plenty of privacy for your home, office, and beyond.

The best 4-bay NAS of 2026 is now $120 off at Amazon

In addition to the hardware upgrades described above, the DXP4800 Pro
comes with 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, dual M.2 slots, and several HDMI and USB ports. The metal chassis feels durable and built to last through whatever life can throw at it, while privacy features like Data Vault ensure that each file gets the exact amount of encryption that it needs.

One issue is that the DXP4800 Pro does use a bit more power than some NAS servers, and since we're talking about a device that's meant to run 24/7, it's worth considering the impact to your energy bill before you take the leap.

Aside from that, however, the DXP4800 Pro is a pretty perfect file management system, whether you're new to NAS storage or looking to upgrade your existing servers.

Every year, buying a Pixel feels a little bit like making a deal with Darth Vader. What started as an incredible-sounding concept slowly became less desirable. Even when something gets better, something else seems to get worse. I can almost hear Google telling me to pray it doesn't alter the deal any further.

Case in point: the Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL. This year, you'll get less base RAM, a slightly smaller battery, and a GPU that's still not particularly capable. But you'll also get amazing new features like Magic Capture, Creator suite, instant Night Sight, live translation for videos, and the new Rambler voice keyboard.

Are those enough to make us forget about these devices' shortcomings? In some ways, absolutely, as Pixels are designed to appeal to the masses (who often don't care as much about raw performance or other metrics), and we were initially impressed with many of the new Gemini features arriving on the Pixel 11 series during our hands-on.

However, a year with the Pixel 10 Pro and more time with the Pixel 11 Pro have shown me that Google is more focused on figuring out its next big AI toy than on putting good work into creating truly great phones.

Starting off on the wrong foot

Last year, Google removed the physical SIM tray in U.S. models, and this year brings about its own reductions. The entry Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL models ship with 12GB of RAM to start, 4GB less than last year, and the XL is $100 more than last year on top of that. RAMageddon is certainly causing problems Google can't control, but it still feels bad to get something worse for a higher price.

Both models feature smaller batteries and, somehow, slower charging, despite claiming otherwise. Data from our parent company's Future Labs backs up this claim (see below). Google also no longer includes a year of Gemini Pro with these phones, instead giving just six months of the service to Pixel owners.

And while Tensor G6 is supposed to be a bit more efficient, our battery tests show near-identical battery life between equivalent Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro models. Tensor G6 is most certainly faster than the G5 in many areas, but overall performance still puts this chip several years behind the competition.

To make matters worse, while the PowerVR GPU here performs better than the one in the Pixel 10, it still doesn't support the latest Vulkan API, meaning games that require Vulkan for advanced performance or graphics (like Minecraft's Vibrant Visuals setting) will give you worse visuals on a Pixel 11 Pro series phone. This is particularly disappointing because this year's GPU performs much better than last year's.

I also can't say I've found better cell coverage on these phones despite the change in modem. My calls get dropped in the same areas as the Pixel 10, while phones from Motorola and Honor (for example) hang on to the signal without issue.

And, of course, there's the display. Google loves to highlight how color-accurate and insanely bright its displays are, but the company's use of low-frequency PWM dimming continues to make its phones unusable for flicker-sensitive people year after year.

None of these things would be quite as egregious if Google weren't charging as much as Samsung or Apple, but the reality is that these are too expensive for what you get.

Experience over performance

Pixel has long focused on delivering a unique experience that trumps raw performance, and most of the new features fit that mantra. Magic Capture, a new camera mode that automatically takes pictures for you, feels like the first time the term "Magic" was correctly applied to one of Google's Gemini experiments.

It's an upgraded version of what Honor introduced two and a half years ago, and it feels truly magical to use. Open the camera, select Magic Capture, tap start, and you'll soon have a video plus truly amazing pictures to share. I've used it many times over the past week, and it never gets old.

Creator Suite is a godsend for anyone making videos for social media, as it places the script right on screen for you to read while recording, plus additional tools that help with editing. Instant Night Sight is the perfect execution of a feature Google has excelled at for years, and the difference in capture speed in low-light situations compared to any other phone on the market is truly impressive.

Hearing the Pixel real-time translate someone's voice (and language) in a video into one I understand is magic. And while Rambler isn't a Pixel 11 exclusive feature, it's still the evolution of voice typing that many have wanted for years.

Now, while I had high hopes for HiLight, the feature is mostly useless. That glowing LED on the back lights up for phone calls, messages, and when you talk to Gemini, but that's it. There's no customization, making this an inferior version of Nothing's Glyph Interface. Likewise, Gemini Proactive Intelligence didn't seem to do anything of note for me, much like last year's Magic Cue feature.

One of the highlights of this release is a set of new cameras, all of which show notable improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro series. The main camera produces very fine detail, aided by Google's willingness to include grain in the image. I rather prefer this look, as it feels a bit like looking at film rather than an image from a digital sensor. That said, the colors are often too muted for my taste.

Telephoto performance is somewhat disappointing, but it has its highlights. While I can see some improvements over the Pixel 10 Pro's poor telephoto experience, it's still not as good as most Chinese phones' telephoto cameras (although it has a slight edge over the iPhone 17 Pro series). The new 120x zoom is surprisingly effective in some scenarios, though it's not something you'll use regularly.

Google also finally seems to have figured out how to make a food portrait mode, and I can happily report that the terrible artifacts and digital noise that appeared in Pixel portrait photos for the past several years are gone. Plus, the selfie camera no longer has that awful, compressed-image look that Pixel 10 Pro selfies suffered from, so overall, a very good camera upgrade year.

Should you buy it?

I can only genuinely recommend getting a Pixel 11 Pro or Pro XL for the Magic Capture feature. Google hasn't said anything about it coming to other Pixels, which makes sense given Tensor G6's improved TPU. Aside from this one amazing feature, however, the cost of these Pixels far outweighs the benefits.

But in addition to the downgrades, Google has simply given away too many Pixel-exclusive features to other phones (such as Gemini Automation and Rambler). I can't help but feel like it cheapens what the unique Pixel experience used to be. Maybe next year, Google.

What you need to know

• Leaked images show a polished, Apple-like magnetic puck from Motorola.
• The images show a slim, MagSafe-style circular puck with a braided USB-C cable, metallic finish, and a purple accent ring.
• The accessory hints that native magnetic charging could expand across Motorola's mid-range and flagship lineup.

Android hardware makers have been slow to adopt magnetic wireless charging, allowing Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixel lineup to dominate the market. But it seems Motorola wants to join the party. A leaked accessory dubbed the Moto Snap suggests the company could be preparing more phones for Qi2.

Images posted by leaker Evan Blass on X show a slim, round Motorola charging puck with a USB-C connector and braided cable. It looks very similar to Apple’s MagSafe charger, with what look like magnets to automatically align the phone with the charging coil.

Interestingly, Motorola has taken a rather unusual step with the Edge 70 Max, its first phone with built-in Qi2 magnets. The handset supports wireless charging up to 25W, with the magnets built directly into the phone, rather than requiring a special case.

Motorola says its phone can also get up to 12 hours of battery life from six minutes of wired charging with its 90W TurboPower setup.

The Moto Snap itself is much more portable. It’s a flat puck with a metallic finish, a Motorola logo, a braided cable, and what looks like a purple illuminated ring around the edge. It’s designed to be attached directly to the back of a compatible phone.

Of course Motorola has still not said anything. The charger may just be an accessory for the Edge 70 Max. But it makes more sense if Motorola plans to bring magnetic charging to more devices. That could be a big deal for Motorola, whose wider lineup still has plenty of phones without wireless charging in tow.

If the company begins adding native Qi2 magnets to more of its mid-range and flagship models, then magnetic charging could finally become the mainstream Android standard we’ve been promised for years.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy S26 FE leak reveals a familiar Samsung design with Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio colors.
• Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE could feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, Exynos 2500 chipset, and 4,900mAh battery.
• The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto camera.

Now that the flagship phone season, including the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 series, is mostly out of the way, it's time to turn our attention toward some new budget Android phones. And now, an extensive leak has revealed almost everything you need to know about the upcoming Galaxy S26 FE.

The leak, shared by Android Headlines, gives us an extensive look at not only the Galaxy S26 FE's design, but also its specs and marketing materials. The publication has shared a total of 28 marketing images, revealing pretty much every major detail about Samsung's upcoming FE phone.

Starting with the design, the Galaxy S26 FE will reportedly look similar to Samsung's other recent smartphones. Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the S26 FE appears to feature a vertical, pill-shaped camera module in the top-left corner of the rear panel.

In terms of colors, the phone is expected to be available in Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio. The Galaxy S26 FE will also reportedly carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Coming to the specs, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to feature a 6.7-inch Full HD+ display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone will reportedly be powered by Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset, the same processor the company used in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 last year.

The phone is also expected to pack a 4,900mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging. If that sounds familiar, it's because those numbers are pretty similar to what Samsung offered with last year's Galaxy S25 FE.

In terms of software, the Galaxy S26 FE is expected to pick up the new My FanCam feature that debuted with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup, alongside features like Horizontal Lock for video recording.

On the back, the Galaxy S26 FE will reportedly feature a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto camera. The phone is also expected to ship with Android 17 and One UI 9 out of the box, along with Samsung's usual promise of seven years of OS updates.

The leak doesn't reveal anything concrete about pricing just yet. However, with RAM and other component prices continuing to rise this year, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Galaxy S26 FE launch at a slightly higher price than its predecessor.

What you need to know

• Google will showcase its new Googlebook platform at an in-person media event in New York City on September 15.
• The event will include a keynote detailing Googlebook's software, Gemini features, and native Android codebase.
• Google will also have hands-on stations featuring Googlebook hardware from partners like Lenovo, ASUS, and HP.

Google has confirmed that it will host an in-person media preview for its new Googlebook platform in New York City on September 15, 2026.

At The Android Show earlier this year, alongside announcing Android 17, Google also gave us our first look at its new lineup of premium laptops called Googlebooks.

At the time, the company didn't reveal too many details, apart from confirming that these laptops are being built from the ground up for Gemini Intelligence. Google also showcased a few interesting features, including the ability to create your own widgets using Gemini, Magic Pointer, and deeper integration with Android phones.

But since then, Google has remained quiet about Googlebook. The company didn't share much about the platform during the recent Pixel 11 launch either, only confirming that we'd hear more about the laptops this fall alongside hardware partners like Lenovo, ASUS, HP, and others.

Thankfully, we now know exactly when that's happening.

Google is finally ready to talk more about Googlebooks

Chrome Unboxed has received an official invite from Google for an in-person Googlebook showcase in New York City on September 15.

According to the publication, Google has also shared an itinerary for the event, which includes a keynote from Google leadership introducing the new computing platform, its software features, and the native Android codebase powering Googlebooks.

There will also reportedly be hands-on stations from Google's OEM partners, which presumably means we'll finally get to see some of the actual Googlebook hardware coming from companies like Lenovo, ASUS, HP, and others.

So there you have it. We finally have a date for when Google plans to properly unveil Googlebook, and it's now less than a month away.

Leaks have already given us an early look at some of Lenovo's upcoming Googlebooks. The new laptops are also expected to feature Google's HiLight LED bar, the same glowing design element we've now seen on the Google Home Speaker and Pixel 11 Pro lineup.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out a Chrome update on Android, bringing Gemini webpage summarization, Q&A, and connected apps to all U.S. users.
• AI Pro and Ultra subscribers will gain auto-browse in this update, which lets Gemini purchase items for you or secure events based on your prompt.
• Nano Banana is also rolling out in this Gemini in Chrome on Android update.

AI assistance has been a major trend for Google, especially for phones. This week, Google will continue that trend with a Gemini in Chrome update for Android.

This afternoon (Aug 18), Google announced that Gemini is now available in Chrome for all U.S. Android users. Two major features are rolling out in light of this update. All users can lean on Gemini to summarize and answer questions about webpages. Google states its AI can quickly summarize the content in longer articles, and simply tapping its icon in Chrome brings a Q&A experience akin to its app.

On the other hand, Google says users can connect their favorite apps, such as Calendar and Keep, with Gemini in Chrome. This will likely help users save content or important dates "without switching between tabs." Image generation arrives, too, which means Gemini's Nano Banana is available.

While the bulk of users will receive this update, Google highlights a little more for subscribed AI Pro and AI Ultra consumers.

In the U.S., AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can access auto-browse with Gemini in Chrome. The post states this feature aims to make "tedious everyday tasks" easy to manage. Users on a webpage can tell Gemini to order an item or book a venue/event. Google states it's continued to roll out safeguards for its AI, especially now that it's arriving fully in Chrome.

These features are rolling out today in Gemini for Chrome on Android for U.S. users.

Let Gemini take the lead for shopping

Google said this was its plan during The Android Show: !/O Edition 2026 in May. What users on Android are receiving is Gemini 3.1, and you'll find its icon in the toolbar for easy access. The above examples provided by Google highlight Gemini's auto-browse helping a user find an item for their pet on Chewy. Users must provide a prompt (task) for Gemini to complete, and it will detail its "plan."

This is for confirmation reasons, if we're being honest. Users can review this to make sure Gemini understands their prompt, then hit "start task." Gemini will hop across Chewy, locating the item you desire, then adding it to your cart. In Google's example, Gemini finds a bowl that needs to be customized, and it waits for the user to fill this out before continuing.

The other side of Gemini arriving in Chrome is Personal Intelligence. This makes the AI more personal, as it tunes its responses to fit your hobbies and preferences.

Android Central's Take

Not a bad update. I knew this was coming since The Android Show, but to see it is another thing. The majority of people send the majority of their time on their phone, anyway. Bringing Gemini into the mix for mundane things has never screamed "bad idea" to me. The best thing is that I can see what it's doing at all times and step in if I need to. This is AI we're talking about. It's not going to be perfect, so our watchful eye is always required.

What you need to know

• A report claims that Google is preparing to exit China in 2027, moving its Pixel line production to India and Vietnam.
• This move will take everything Pixel-related (phones, watches, buds), as Google is reportedly becoming confident in this decision.
• The post also highlights that Google wants to push its Pixel shipment momentum in 2026 to 13 million units, which would be a ~8% increase at the lowest.

Changes are afoot for Google next year, as reports claim the company is preparing to move all Pixel production out of China.

Earlier this morning (Aug 18), Nikkei Asia reported that Google "plans to stop" producing its Pixel products in China by 2027 (via 9to5Google). It has been reported that Google plans to move its Pixel production to India and Vietnam. This move isn't coming out of left field. The publication states Google ran what could be considered a "trial run" of this future with the Pixel 11.

The latest flagship was produced in Vietnam, and that's supposedly given Google the confidence boost it needed to prepare the complete shift. This Pixel production move will involve Google's entire portfolio of Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds. Information obtained by Nikkei Asia suggests Google has "no burden" in making this move, as its Pixel portfolio is not sold in China. What's more, Google is reportedly actively chasing more Pixel shipment momentum in 2026 off the back of the Pixel 11 series.

The publication highlights Google's increased "expectations," with Pixel shipments forecast to rise by 8% to 10% in 2026. The company shipped roughly 12 million Pixel units in 2025, but it hopes to reach ~13 million for 2026.

Google's placement in the world

Google finds itself in an interesting position in the smartphone world. It was incredibly popular in Japan last year, right before the Pixel 10 launch, but that's not where we're headed right now. A few months ago, Omdia reported that the U.S. phone market in Q1 2026 struggled. The market dipped by 3% YoY, and that was attributed to rising memory and storage costs. Regarding Google, the company ranked fourth among top-selling phone companies, behind Apple, Samsung, and Motorola (first to third).

Google shipped 0.8 million units, accounting for 3% of the market. If we jump to Q2, the market declined by 4%; however, Samsung and Apple were the only ones to gain ground. Now, this report was more on a global scale. A scale on which Google didn't even crack the top five. It'll be worth watching if Google can reach 13 million shipped phones following the Pixel 11, given the price increases.

What you need to know

• Samsung's new Warranty and care menu in One UI 9 centralizes warranty tracking, diagnostics, repairs, and support inside Settings.
• See remaining warranty period and Samsung Care+ eligibility for your current device, plus coverage details for every Galaxy product linked to your Samsung account.
• Built-in Diagnostics tests battery, charging, sensors, touch response, and connectivity, then suggests fixes or points you to repair options.

Samsung is adding a new Warranty and care hub in One UI 9, giving Galaxy users a single place to check warranty coverage, run device diagnostics, access repair options, and get support.

The feature debuted on Samsung’s latest foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. Now Samsung has made clear what the hub actually does, and it goes way beyond checking when your warranty expires.

Open the new hub and you can see the remaining warranty period for your current device, along with Samsung Care+ eligibility. If you have other Galaxy products linked to the same Samsung account, their warranty and coverage information can appear there too.

The hub also acts as a troubleshooting center. Its Diagnostics tool can test hardware and functions such as battery, charging system, sensors, touchscreen, and connectivity. If something does go wrong, Samsung can recommend fixes or point you to repair options.

Bixby is also baked into the experience for troubleshooting questions. If something doesn’t feel right, you can ask the AI without leaving the Settings app for troubleshooting steps. Samsung's warranty process has always been a nightmare — online forums are full of users stuck in an endless loop between Samsung and service centers, with warranty claims getting lost in a no-man's-land between the standard warranty and Care+ policies. This new hub is designed to cut through that bureaucratic black hole and give you one clear path forward.

When software updates don’t work, you can request repairs from a Samsung-authorized service center without leaving Settings. You can also get remote support and compare estimated repair costs with Samsung Care+ pricing.

Warranty and care isn't necessarily identical everywhere. Available services may differ by country, device, and coverage plan.

While this hub currently debuts across Samsung's newest foldables, keep an eye out for the streamlined experience coming to Galaxy S26 series phones and older flagships as One UI 9 spreads its wings.