Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Pricing and availability

Google is all set to launch the Pixel 11 Pro Fold on August 12, and that is when we'll get official confirmation of what the foldable will cost. That said, a massive Pixel 11 leak gave us a good indication of the pricing, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to cost $1,899 for the 256GB model.

Coincidentally, the Razr Fold also retails for $1,899 in the U.S., but you're getting 512GB of storage as standard. While that's a lot of cash towards a phone, you get decent trade-in deals and carrier subsidies, so you don't have to shell out the entire amount in one go unless you're buying unlocked.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Design

I really like Google's design aesthetic, but I will admit that Motorola did a great job with the Razr Fold. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold was unwieldy to use because of its weight and size, and thankfully, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is set to address that; Google is said to be shaving the weight and thickness of the foldable. That's good news, because it would make the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in line with its immediate rivals.

The Razr Fold has a distinctive design thanks to the camera island, and I like Motorola's color and materials choices. The foldable looks and feels like a high-end device, and while it is heavy at 243, the weight is distributed evenly, so it isn't uncomfortable to hold. Another plus point is that the Razr Fold is just as thin as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Find N6, and this makes holding and using it that much more enjoyable.

Where the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should have an advantage is ingress protection; it should retain IP68 dust and water resistance that we saw on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Motorola also does a decent enough job, with the Razr Fold getting IP48 and IP49 resistance.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Specs

Google is finally set to address long-standing issues with its Pixels with the introduction of the Pixel 11. This is by way of the Tensor G6 platform, which is built on a new 2nm node. The node shift will bring inherent efficiency gains, but what I'm excited about is the switch to new cores, which will allow the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to be that much faster — and better at gaming. This has been a sore point on Google's devices for a long time now, and I can't wait to get my hands on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to see how it holds up against the likes of the Find N6 and Vivo X Fold 5.

If anything, Motorola also went a conservative route with the Razr Fold. Instead of Qualcomm's best silicon, the foldable gets the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, so it doesn't quite have the best possible chipset available. That said, it isn't slow in daily use, and it does a decent job with demanding games as well. But it just rubs me the wrong way to see anything other than flagship silicon on an $1,899 phone.

Now, where the Razr Fold has an unquestionable advantage is with battery life. Thanks to a massive 6,000mAh battery, the foldables lasts over a day regularly. What's also great is that Motorola is using silicon-carbon tech, which we just haven't seen a lot of in the U.S. until now. This allows better density and durability, and the Razr Fold gets much better charging as well: it uses Motorola's 80W tech.

Google is said to be lowering the battery size on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to 4,800mAh, and I think this is the wrong move. Of course, we will need to wait and see if the leaks pan out, but a foldable needs to have at least a 5,000mAh battery, and I want Google to do better this year.

Similarly, cameras are an area where the Pixel 11 Pro Fold must do better than its predecessor. Take the Razr Fold; Motorola outfitted it with the same cameras as the Signature, and it does an excellent job with photos and videos.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Which should you buy?

With the Pixel 11 Pro Fold projected to cost about the same as the Razr Fold, pricing isn't going to be the point of difference. Instead, it will be about the features. I really like what Motorola did with the Razr Fold; it has a great design, standout cameras, and a huge battery.

Google will need to offer those things with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as well — these are table stakes features at this point. The software is also a big selling point, and Motorola does well here too; its UI is clean, and you get a decent amount of extras. That said, Google has a sizeable edge with the software, and I'm excited to see what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold has to deliver in this area.

Samsung has officially confirmed that it will host its next Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, in London at 2 p.m. BST (9 a.m. ET). Managing Editor Derrek Lee will be in the U.K for the event and is ready to report on all things Summer Unpacked!

The company has previously preferred to hold its launch events mostly in the U.S., and occasionally in Korea and even France.

Now, nearly 14 years after the Galaxy S3 event, Samsung is bringing its launch event back to London, England. We're expecting a new range of foldable phones and new Galaxy wearables at the event.

What devices are launching?

Samsung expanded its Galaxy foldable lineup last year with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

This year, the company is expected to switch up the lineup, including successors to last year's phones as well as a brand-new form factor with a passport-like design that's shorter and wider, which will reportedly go head-to-head against the rumoured Apple's foldable iPhone.

Along with launching a new foldable form factor, Samsung is also expected to change its naming scheme in the most confusing way possible. You'd expect the Galaxy Z Fold 7's successor to be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but instead, it'll reportedly be named the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The new passport-style foldable will instead take on the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 name.

We're not sure why Samsung is shuffling things around like this, but we'll certainly be asking around at the event.

Alongside the foldables, Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy Watch 9. We are also expecting news around Samsung's AI glasses too!

Interestingly, it looks like we’re finally getting a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

Where to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?

There are three ways to watch Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event live. You can tune in via Samsung's official websites, including Samsung.com and Samsung Newsroom.

Perhaps the easiest way to watch the event is on YouTube. Head to Samsung's official YouTube channel and tap the Notify Me button to be reminded when the event is about to start. Or you can just do it from the video link below.

As always, renders of Samsung's new foldable phones have already leaked ahead of the launch, giving us an idea of what to expect from this new form factor. The leaked images suggest it will be quite different from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Of course, it will be shorter and wider when opened, mimicking a true mini tablet form factor. But there are a few other interesting things to note as well. First, Samsung isn't letting go of its sharp-edged design for this foldable, and we don't yet know whether that wider cover display will dig into your palms too much. Second, you can see on the back that it features only two cameras, compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra, which will reportedly stick with a triple-camera module.

Alongside the renders, the specs of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 have also leaked. The passport-style foldable will reportedly feature a 5.4- to 5.5-inch cover screen, while the inner display measures 7.6 inches. In terms of design, it'll reportedly be just 5.5mm thick when unfolded and 9.7mm when folded. As for internals, you can expect the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of starting storage. The good news is that Samsung isn't skimping on the battery front, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reportedly packing a 4,800mAh cell, which is bigger than last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. In terms of colors, you can expect Cream, Graphite, and Lavender, along with a reported Pistachio option that'll be a Samsung.com exclusive.

Samsung has already begun teasing what we can expect from its new Galaxy Watches, including “AI-driven insights in real time.” It’s not surprising that Samsung wants to put more AI on its watches, but I wonder what the company has in store for the Watch 9 and Ultra 2. There’s already an AI running coach, but perhaps Galaxy AI will act more like Google Health's AI Personal Health Coach? Hopefully, this doesn’t mean we’ll need a subscription.

Samsung says the next Galaxy Watch is built with “all-new internal components,” suggesting the BioActive health sensor is being upgraded. This could point to more accurate health monitoring and fitness tracking, but it could also mean a new chipset. Samsung is expected to use Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Wear Elite, which will deliver faster performance and charging while enhancing on-device AI capabilities. The Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will likely be among the first to feature the new chip, so we’re excited to see how they perform!

One thing we can definitely expect from Samsung’s upcoming watches is Blood Pressure Trends. After years without access to blood pressure tracking features, Samsung has finally brought the capability to the U.S., and it’s taking things a step further by launching Blood Pressure Trends to replace Vascular Load. Blood pressure trends will “check your blood pressure periodically to show you a trend over time. It will also give you tips to help support healthy habits.”

While remembering the original Pixel Fold’s design, I wanted to focus on how apps behaved on the phone's wider aspect ratio. On the outer screen, apps were shorter and wider than on a normal Android phone. This looked funny at first, but I quickly came to appreciate it because everything was easier to access with a single hand.

Things got even better when opening the phone, as apps automatically opened in landscape tablet orientation. This is a huge deal because most apps on modern book-style foldables, like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, still open like a giant phone app rather than in a tablet format, as they should.

Google did a lot of great work in Android 12L to fix this problem, but a foldable shaped like a landscape tablet just works better, since it doesn’t require specific app-level code to get things right. I hope the Z Fold 8 works this way since it’s supposed to be a wider aspect ratio.

The one thing I’m not looking forward to with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s smaller stature is the rumored downgrade in camera hardware. Samsung is said to be outfitting the wider Z Fold 8 with just a pair of cameras on the back. More specifically, that’s a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Not exactly great-sounding specs from a 2026 flagship.

That means no telephoto camera at all, which is one of my favorite ways to get great photos out of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. To make matters worse, a 50MP sensor isn’t exactly cutting-edge and will likely just be a rehash of the sensors Samsung has been using on its Z Fold line for years. I hope I’m pleasantly surprised by the official announcement, because this could be the one black mark on the Z Fold 8’s spec sheet.

While I’d rather have the smaller phone, Samsung is apparently souping up the bigger Z Fold 8 with more features from the Galaxy S26 Ultra and calling it the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra because of it. There’s been a mix of rumors around what Samsung’s plan for the “Ultra” moniker on this phone actually means, but the company will likely bring some of the best hardware features from the S26 Ultra.

My hope is that means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra gets the S26 Ultra’s camera hardware. More specifically, I’d love to see the 200MP main camera and 5x telephoto ALoP camera that were the highlight of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera for me. The Z Fold series has never been a camera powerhouse, but maybe this year’s Ultra entry will finally change that for good.

Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology aims to define a new generation of truly crease-free foldables, and I can’t wait to see how it holds up over a lifetime of constant folding. That crease has been a big complaint about foldable phones for years, and it’s been fun watching companies try new things to try to eliminate it. It’s wild enough that we can fold glass in the first place, but seeing it work without a worn-down crease will be the next-most impressive thing.

Alongside the new foldables, Samsung is also expected to introduce its latest Galaxy smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 9 series and a new Galaxy Watch Ultra. To prepare for the launch, Samsung has begun a major visual overhaul of the Wearables app. A recent leak revealed the company is reworking the app's UI, making it much cleaner and aligning it with the new One UI aesthetic. Beyond a larger smartwatch render when you open the app, Galaxy AI will reportedly be able to generate custom info tiles for your watch, with users simply describing what they want to see. Samsung is also reportedly working on a new Vitals tool that combines five distinct health metrics to calculate and improve your Energy Score.

Shifting gears back to the foldables, there's some bad news if you're in the market for a new phone this year. Rising RAM and component prices have pushed nearly every hardware maker to increase device pricing, and it looks like Samsung won't be an exception. Rumors suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will start at a steep $1,900 in the U.S., while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (the actual successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7) will start at $2,100. That's a $100 increase over last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7, something that might leave a sour taste in the mouths of potential buyers, but something we could very realistically see happen.

One of the major upgrades I'm looking forward to this year is the increase in the Galaxy Z Fold's battery capacity. Samsung has stuck with the same 4,400mAh cell for the past five years, but according to recent leaks, this is finally the year it bumps things up to 5,000mAh on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. That still won't bring it anywhere near Chinese competitors like the Oppo Find N6 or Honor Magic V6, but it should put Z Fold 8 Ultra buyers in a far more comfortable spot. I'm starting to wonder what took Samsung this long, but if we're getting the same thin design as last year with a bigger battery, I'm not complaining.

The biggest upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series might not be the new form factor at all. In my opinion, it could be the crease-free display that debuts with the device. Just ahead of Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung officially showcased its new Flex Titanium technology. The company says it has reworked the foldable display, adding a new titanium plate beneath the OLED panel designed to significantly improve structural durability and make the screen's center crease far less visible — something that's long been an issue for Galaxy Z Fold users. Too much of a coincidence with the foldable iPhone arriving later this year? I don't think so.

Speaking of Samsung showcasing technology that'll debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a recent report revealed that the company has already started displaying the phone at Samsung stores in Korea. A Reddit user reportedly visited a Samsung store where the new foldables were already on display. The showcase didn't include official device names, but the phones on show looked nearly identical to the leaked renders, giving us a real-world look at the Galaxy Z Fold 8. This might be the first instance Samsung has publicly displayed a device ahead of its own launch event.

We’ve been hearing about Samsung’s smart glasses for a while now, and we have yet to get them. What we did get in May was “Intelligent Eyewear.” This was a collaboration with Google, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. Now, personally speaking, this isn’t exactly what I’m looking forward to. What I’m looking forward to are Samsung’s glasses in development: codename Jinju and Haen. These are Samsung's take on the Meta Ray-Ban, and they should be quite interesting.

We don't know many details about the Galaxy Glasses yet, but it looks like Samsung is using Qualcomm's Snapdragon AR1 platform. These will take on Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, but with a camera that sits closer to the eye level. Another key piece of information suggests Gemini integration will be available out of the box, and that these glasses will rely on bone‑conduction tech to deliver sound. I can understand why Samsung would be interested in these glasses; they'd be ideal to pair with Galaxy phones, and with Meta gaining a huge amount of early ground and building on that with its own smart glasses, Samsung is looking to make its own debut with the Galaxy Glasses. It's unclear whether we'll see these glasses this week, but Samsung has been known to share early previews of its products in the past, so stay tuned.

What I want to see is Samsung's take on display glasses. The MemoMind One and Even Realities G2 showcased how waveguides can be used to good effect, and these glasses actually make a difference in daily use that goes beyond mirroring notifications. The MemoMind One records and automatically transcribes audio, and this is such a time-saving feature when attending meetings. While this tech is still in its infancy, we should see heady gains on a yearly basis — there's going to be full-color waveguides starting as early as 2027, and it will be interesting to see how those measure up. Ahead of all that though, Samsung needs to have a foot in the door.; we'll just have to wait a little longer to see what comes out of Korea.

As for what the Galaxy Glasses actually look like, an early leak suggested a design that's largely similar to the Meta Ray-Ban, with a rounded lens, camera on the left, and LED indicator on the right. The most intriguing thing about the glasses is that they run One UI XR, a derivative of Android XR designed to be used by Samsung. While this is just theorized, a leak suggested the glasses can be controlled with the Galaxy Ring, and that's exciting to me; this is a big reason why I use the Even Realities G2 and its unique control ring, and if Samsung can emulate the feature, it will make the Galaxy Glasses stand out just that little bit more. As is the case with all smart glasses, Gemini is going to take center-stage, and we should also get the new avatar of Gemini Live.

There isn’t much else to talk about Samsung’s smart glasses, but it will be interesting to see if we get a preview of what’s to come later in the year. Android XR is a bold move, and with Samsung building out One UI XR, there’s plenty of interest in seeing how the ecosystem builds out alongside Samsung’s phones, tablets, and other devices.

We’ve talked a lot about the differences in size and aspect ratio between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. I know which one I’d prefer, and it’s not the wider option, but I’m curious about what you think: Does the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 or square Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra appeal to you more?

I haven’t spent much time with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but I do think it’s quite amazing how Samsung managed to make it so thin. That said, I do wish Samsung had stuck a larger battery in it, especially since the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a larger one than Samsung’s foldables. That’s one thing I’m hoping to see change with the Galaxy Z Fold 8: more battery capacity, ideally in the form of a silicone-carbon battery, as we got with the Motorola Razr Fold.

The Google Pixel 11 family is right around the corner, and that means now is a great time to start considering whether you're going to upgrade to this year's phone, or save money and grab last year's best with a solid deal (or a second-hand offer).

In a year with rapidly rising technology prices, 2026 might be the best year ever to consider buying last year's phone, especially with the rumor that Google isn't giving the Pixel 11 Pro XL a massive overhaul. If you're choosing between the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro XL, or are considering upgrading year-over-year, here's everything you need to know!

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Design and display

The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro XL will likely look identical at a glance, but at least one key change will catch your eye and make you at least a tiny bit jealous. I'm talking about Pixel Glow, a new type of LED that appears on the Pixel 11's camera bar, seemingly as part of the camera flash unit.

Google may be taking a page from Nothing with this new initiative, likely offering ways to light up the camera bar whenever you receive notifications, talk to Gemini, or interact with specific apps or features on your Pixel 11.

I've already received Pixel 11 cases from Thinborne, one of Android Central's favorite case manufacturers, and the changes seen here showcase what we can expect from Pixel Glow. That lip around the camera island is where the subtle LED glow should emit from, and it's going to give Pixel 11 a unique look among all smartphones.

Elsewhere, we see subtle changes in microphone placement and a slight downward shift of the power and volume buttons on the Pixel 11.

We expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to feature the same built-in MagSafe-compatible Pixelsnap magnets, so you won't need a case to use the best MagSafe accessories for Android phones.

Based on rumors, we're not expecting any major changes to the Pixel 11 Pro XL's display, although it may receive a slight peak brightness bump as Pixels have in the past. Google has been good about introducing new display accessibility features, like Comfort Filters and last year's "sensitive eyes" feature, so I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised by the PWM dimming rate at the August 12 event.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Battery life, performance, and specs

All signs point to the Pixel 11 Pro XL being the most efficient phone in Pixel history. The more efficient Tensor G6 and the new MediaTek modem inside the Pixel 11 Pro XL are said to bring a 20-30% improvement in efficiency. This, plus a slight improvement in battery capacity, should be a great upgrade over any previous Pixel phone.

The Tensor G6 processor expected to power the Pixel 11 Pro XL should be manufactured on a 2nm process, resulting in performance gains of around 15% in daily use. Google is also said to be using a newer PowerVR GPU that's compatible with Vulkan 1.4, so mobile games will look and run better than on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Camera and software

Despite some awesome new features, I was largely unimpressed with the Pixel 10 Pro XL's camera last year. While it still did a great job of capturing objects in motion (like kids and pets), I found the telephoto camera strangely unreliable.

Hopefully, Google fixes these problems in the Pixel 11 Pro XL and gets back to that top-tier Pixel camera experience. Google still needs to work on its video recording quality, which was substantially improved with the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but continues to lag behind rivals like Apple and Samsung.

Pixels regularly make headlines with buggy updates and major problems, and it's generally a bad look for Google's otherwise great brand. Pixel Drop updates bring new features every quarter, and I hate to see this sort of support marred by carelessness.

I fully expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to launch with some exclusive features, but Google is usually good about bringing those features to older Pixel phones after some time. So while Pixel 10 Pro XL users may have to wait to get any fancy new features announced in August, it's almost certain they won't miss out.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Pixel 10 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

I'm going to hedge my bets and say the Pixel 10 Pro XL will be a better buy given the price increases we're seeing on this year's new smartphones. Undoubtedly, the Pixel 11 Pro XL's new processor, GPU, larger battery, and fancy new lights on the back will be great reasons to upgrade, but I'm not sure they'll make the gulf in price worthwhile for most people.

These days, it's hard for me to get particularly excited about a new phone. I've tested so many that it often feels like I'm seeing much of the same thing. The Tecno Pova 8 5G tries to switch things up by borrowing some design cues from other phones while offering a unique feature that I wish more phones had: an Active Matrix display.

I often say that I miss when phones had built-in indicator LEDs for notifications, as I find them more useful than the whole display turning on when I need my phone to be more subtle about when I receive a message. A few OEMs, like Nothing, have started implementing more distinctive lighting fixtures that take that idea and elevate it into something more fun to look at. Even Google is expected to implement a rear "Pixel Glow" feature on its upcoming Pixel 11.

It's nice to see Tecno bringing something unique to the Pove 8 5G, but this affordable phone has surprisingly even more to offer for its price.

Flashing lights

The first thing I thought when I saw the Pova 8 5G is that it kind of looks like a Nothing Phone. The rear design is not as exciting as the Nothing Phone 3; it's more subtle, like the Nothing Phone 4a, thanks to what it calls a "semi-transparent back cover" design. The Arctic White color option is pretty sleek, although the rear design is a big more noticeable on the other color options.

Adding to the design's uniqueness is the triangular camera housing, which features three modules, only one of which is an actual camera. However, below that is the Tecno Pova 5G's Active Matrix display, which is another reason why this phone resembles Nothing's recent phones, and in the best way.

The display can let you know when you have a notification and show icons for apps like Instagram and Facebook Messenger. It also shows when you're charging the device, displays a moving waveform when you play music, and even flashes the time when you flip the phone face down.

But beyond that, the display is actually quite customizable. You can either choose from a selection of premade lighting effects or make your own, while even adjusting the brightness and duration for when you want the lighting effects on.

People who have come across me using the Tecno Pova 8 5G have been thoroughly surprised and intrigued by its Active Matrix display, and the overall consensus seems positive, with only one friend calling it "excessive."

I have to disagree; I think it's a cool way to implement something seemingly old-school to spice up a phone's utility, even just a bit. It gives the Tecno Pova 8 5G character, more so than I've seen from most of the phones I've come across in my years reviewing devices.

What about the rest of the phone?

The Tecno Pova 8 5G is about as mid-range as it gets. It's powered by a MediaTek 7100 chipset, which does surprisingly well in day-to-day use with just 8GB of RAM. It's no powerhouse, and games play decently well when not set to the highest settings. Apps may also take a second to open, but overall the software experience is pretty smooth, thanks to Tecno's UI.

It's also aided by the 144Hz LCD panel, which isn't particularly amazing, but it still looks decent, thanks to the FHD+ resolution.

As for the UI, Tecno switched things up on the Pova 8 5G with a unique Vision Art-style theme, giving the phone a more gamer-style look with orange and black accents. At first, it felt like a lot, and I normally don't care for themed icons, but it quickly grew on me. Not every app can be themed, but most are, including third-party apps like Instagram, and the designs are quite nice.

You'll also find a widget on the home screen to easily enable or customize the Active Matrix display.

Tecno also stuffed as much AI as it could into this phone. One interesting feature is YouTube Notes, which will automatically create an AI-generated note whenever you copy a YouTube video. It will summarize the video for you and even highlight timestamps for key points throughout. It's surprisingly effective and does it all in the background, so even if you don't think this kind of feature is useful for you, it will still be there for you to reference if you need it.

There are also plenty of AI image-editing features in the Gallery that let you remove flares, shadows, and reflections to clean up your photos.

Ella is the default AI chatbot, and you can trigger it by double-tapping the navigation bar at the bottom, which I think is a pretty cool gesture I would love to see on more Android phones. Like with other Tecno phones, you can change the AI model Ella uses, including Gemini, Meta AI, Grok, and DeepSeek. Of course, you can also set Gemini as your default AI, which can be triggered by other means, such as swiping from the bottom corner or long-pressing the power button.

Unfortunately, the camera experience leaves a lot to be desired. The Pove 8 5G takes better photos than the Spark 50 5G, and with the right lighting, you can get some decent contrast and color reproduction. However, there's a bit of fuzziness in the images, and some detail is lost as a result.

And since there's only one camera, you don't get much versatility. You can still get a decent image with the 2x lossless zoom, but go any further and things start to really fall apart.

There's also no 4K video capture, but you can at least get 2K 30fps, something I'd like to see on more mid-range and budget phones. You also get features like Live Photos, Auto Capture, and a cool Vlog feature that lets you create stylized video journals using different templates.

Of course, I have to touch on the battery, because it's quite impressive. Tecno "squeezed" an 8,000mAh battery into the Pove 8 5G, which provides multi-day battery life. In my use, I easily make it to two days, and I expect you could go beyond that depending on your use.

I say "squeezed" because the Pove 8 5G is actually quite thick at 8.8mm. In fact, it reminds me of the Pixel 10 in this regard, which is only .2mm thinner, although the Pova 8 5G at least has the battery capacity to show for it.

Charging is capped at 45W, which would normally be pretty quick on a device like a Samsung phone, but with an 8,000mAh battery, it ends up being relatively slow. That said, the Pova 8 5G could almost act as a power bank itself, thanks to 10W reverse wired charging. It's no speed demon, but having such a big battery is helpful in a pinch.

Should you buy the Tecno Pova 8 5G?

While I wasn't a fan of the Spark 50 5G, the Tecno Pova 8 5G is a nice step up. Performance is about what you'd expect from a phone at this price point (starting at roughly $400 in India); the battery life is quite phenomenal, and the rear Active Matrix display is a fun addition. The singular camera performance won't win any blind camera tests, but the rest of the phone feels like a solid package.

If you're in a market where the Nothing Phone 4a Pro is available, you might be better off taking the battery-life hit and getting that. Otherwise, the Pova 8 5G isn't a half-bad option if you're in the market for an affordable phone and live in a market where it's sold.

OnePlus announced earlier this week that it's no longer launching new phones in the U.S. and Europe. Current devices will remain supported, but the company is effectively exiting these markets, and for people like me, that's a problem.

The OnePlus 13 remains the only smartphone I've ever given a 5-out-of-5 score to. Looking back at the early 2025 launch, it's clear this was the company's last-ditch effort to impress would-be buyers, and I know it would have worked if OnePlus had a better presence with U.S. carriers. The fact of the matter is that smartphones — especially flagships — live or die based on carrier availability, and OnePlus could be found in exactly zero U.S. carrier stores.

This tremendous misstep is but one of many mistakes the company made over the years, but it was likely the single largest problem that simply couldn't be overcome in a very broken retail system. Losing OnePlus particularly sucks in the U.S. because no other smartphone companies in the country push specs the way OnePlus did, and no other flagship phones here have flicker-free displays.

That's not to say some other phones globally don't have even better displays than the OnePlus 13 or 15, but the company's models have been the only choice for PWM-sensitive people in the U.S. since the OnePlus 12 debuted, and now it's difficult to know where these folks will turn.

What made OnePlus and its displays so great

I've been writing about PWM dimming and its negative effects on people since I became PWM-sensitive in early 2023. My sensitivity stemmed from using the Galaxy Z Fold 4 too often in dim light (I regularly read in bed at night on the phone), and it took me months to learn that PWM dimming was the cause of the increasingly debilitating headaches I was getting.

OnePlus and Motorola were among the first companies to make phones I could comfortably use again, and it was amazing to me that these companies were paying attention to a problem that the Big Three (Apple, Samsung, Google) seemed unaware of. Honor has also become a favorite among the PWM-sensitive community over the years, but the company mainly operates in Europe rather than North America.

Now that OnePlus is exiting the U.S. market, the only companies left making major phones with healthier dimming options are Motorola and Nothing. Smaller vendors, like TCL and Nuu, also make phones with healthier displays, but those companies typically target more budget-friendly releases, not the spec-boundary-pushing flagships that OnePlus has long made.

Motorola's last traditional flagship phone in the U.S. was the Edge Plus 2023, and while the company has pushed its folding phone lines with the Razr Ultra and Razr Fold since then, there's no sign of an iPhone, Galaxy S Ultra, or Pixel competitor from them. Nothing also makes some pretty great phones, but even the company's "flagship" phone is not a true flagship.

The only real solution for flicker-sensitive people is to either choose an under-specced phone or to import something, and both options have their downsides. Oppo told Android Central that Realme is replacing OnePlus in the global market but didn't speak specifically to U.S. availability. And thus remains the problem of what to do.

My recommendation right now is to buy whatever is available from OnePlus until it's no longer available. The company is still offering the promised seven years of support for the OnePlus 13 and 15, and the OnePlus 15R has the best OLED display for flicker-sensitive people I've seen to date. You'll also still get warranty support if something goes wrong.

But the future looks murky at best. No companies based in China want to enter the tumultuous U.S. market because of politics, and, aside from UK-based Nothing, no new brands have entered the market in a while anyway.

Unless Samsung decides that it all of a sudden cares about our eye health, or vendors like Google and Apple start adopting displays with better eye-care solutions, the only real solution is to import and hope the phone works on your carrier of choice, and that's a pretty lousy place to be in.

Google is expected to unveil its newest flagship lineup on August 12th, but if you don't want to wait, there are some exceptional Pixel 10 deals that are available NOW. Head to Amazon today and you can score $300 off the Google Pixel 10 Pro, a limited time offer that drops the price of the super-powered flagship down to just $699. That's $100 cheaper than the starting price of the base model Google Pixel 10!

Considering that the upcoming Pixel 11 is getting a price increase and it isn't expected to be a massive overhaul from its predecessor, I would seriously consider this deal if you're in the market for an unlocked smartphone.

After all, 2025's Google Pixel 10 Pro is still considered to be one of the best Android phones on the market, and its seven-year software update promise means it will be a long time before it even begins to feel obsolete. 

The Google Pixel 10 Pro takes the compact frame of the base model Pixel 10 and packs in a ton of premium hardware and software features under the hood. Straight out of the carton, you'll behold a lovely 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and IP68 water-and-dust protection. 

The phone comes loaded with 16GB of RAM and the powerful Tensor G5 chipset, plus you get versatile cameras, unrivalled haptics, and all of the latest AI tricks from Gemini. Google even added Qi2 wireless charging support. 

The big question, of course, is whether or not you should buy the discounted Pixel 10 Pro today or wait for the Google Pixel 11 to be unveiled on August 12th. We don't have a lot of confirmed information yet, but if the latest leaks and rumors are to be believed, the 2026 version of the phone isn't expected to feature many dramatic upgrades over its predecessor. 

You'll get a new Tensor G6 chipset and an upgraded battery, for sure, but does that justify the $1,099 price tag? Only time will tell. There is a good chance that many retailers will be offering some impressive preorder discounts starting August 12th, so it's up to you whether you'd like to take the chance and wait for a good Google Pixel 11 deal to come along.

What you need to know

• Pinwheel introduced its Home series this week, a pair of landline phones for kids aged five to 10.
• The Home series includes the Spark (smaller, lightweight) and the Classic (a true landline experience) that needs a power outlet and Wi-Fi to work.
• Pinwheel says its goal with the Home series was to deliver a screen-free experience for kids that is built on talking to one another and crafting friendships.

Have you ever thought about using a phone without a screen? Pinwheel's bringing that bit of history back for kids aged five to 10, which is all about friendship.

The Pinwheel Home series is the latest from the company that's putting a "modern take on the old-school landline." Kids nowadays might not know this, but landline phones didn't have Wi-Fi, nor did they have a proper screen. However, Pinwheel's Home series features Wi-Fi connectivity and parent management. What's more, the company's choice not to provide a screen is more of a social aspect.

Pinwheel says this solution "helps kids build real back-and-forth conversation skills without the distractions of apps, notifications, or social media feeds." While talking on the phone is becoming increasingly more "rare," Pinwheel wants to cut back on screen addiction, too. According to its research, roughly 78% of homes are "cell-only," which pushes one in four kids to get a phone by eight years old.

On the other hand, parents can keep a watchful eye on their kids. The Pinwheel Home series lets parents approve contacts and set "calling hours" to prevent late calls, spam, and more.

Setting up a Pinwheel Home is rather easy. The press release says all users will need is a power outlet and Wi-Fi. Parents will also find a relatively straightforward onboarding process to customize their child's phone experience.

Sorry, wrong number

The Pinwheel Home series consists of two models: Spark and Classic. The former is a smaller, lightweight landline phone with vibrant colors (black, blue, purple). Pinwheel designed this one with the younger ones in mind. The Pinwheel Home Spark is available for $68. The Home Classic is larger and gives that true nostalgic landline phone experience. This phone can be purchased for $79 in pink, black, or white.

Pinwheel is running a bulk purchase incentive for customers. Groups ordering 10 or more Home Sparks can do so for $55/each. If the Classic is more your style, you can buy 10 or more for $70 each.

Consumers can call other Pinwheel Home devices for free (Pinwheel Circle); however, when calling external numbers, the company says you'll need a service plan. Alternatively, parents will find the Friends & Family plan for $6.99 a month. This provides "everything in Circle, plus a full 10-digit phone number to call up to 5 external numbers." What's more, the Unlimited plan for $9.99 a month delivers "everything in Circle, plus a full 10-digit phone number to call any external number."

The Pinwheel Home series has started shipping on July 14. The company says consumers can expect its landline phones to arrive on Amazon this fall.

Google has officially confirmed that the 2026 Made by Google event will be held on August 12th in London, which means we're likely just weeks away from the launch of the Pixel 11 lineup.

While many folks can hardly wait for the new phones to drop, the arrival of a new generation has led some Android users to wonder if now is a good time to pick up last year's model, the Google Pixel 10.

While Pixel 10 deals have become more common in recent months, the answer may not be as cut-and-dry as you think. Should you buy the Pixel 10 today or wait for the new generation to launch? Let's discuss.

What we know

The Google Pixel 11 lineup is expected to be announced on August 12th at 6pm EST during the 2026 Made by Google event. According to the latest rumors, the flagship lineup is going to include four phones: the base model Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Unfortunately, Google hasn't been exempt from the memory shortage that has been impacting tech prices this year, which means most of the phones will be seeing a $100 price increase in 2026. Here are the new prices for each phone, according to the latest leaks and rumors:

• Google Pixel 11: $899 / €999
• Google Pixel 11 Pro: $1,099 / €1,199
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: $1,299 / €1,399
• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold: $1,899/ €1,999
  
  (Prices displayed are for the 256GB starting configuration. Google is reportedly ditching the 128GB of base storage this year.)

Those prices are pretty daunting in this day and age, and it doesn't help that the Pixel 11 series isn't expected to be a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, according to the latest reports. You get the new Tensor G6 processor, yes, plus the rumored LED light array that is expected to border the phones' camera bar (which is admittedly quite cool).

Aside from that, however, the upgrades appear to be largely iterative, which returns us to our original questions: is it worth skipping the Google Pixel 11 and grabbing last year's Pixel 10 instead? If so, will the Google Pixel 10 get cheaper once the new generation launches, or should I buy it today?

Is the Google Pixel 10 about to get cheaper?

While some Android phones do get permanent price drops when a new generation launches, it's just as likely that the Google Pixel 10 will be completely sold out by the time the 2026 phones hit store shelves next month. Think about it this way: when was the last time you saw a great deal on a Google Pixel 9 that wasn't refurbished?

This is because retailers generally try to make room for new devices prior to their launch, which means they will often discount last year's model right before its successor arrives. In other words, if you want to buy the Google Pixel 10, now is a good time to do it.

Fortunately, there are plenty of active Google Pixel 10 deals that could make the 2024 flagships dirt cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right. Stock is already running low, however, so don't wait too long if a particular offer catches your eye.

If you do miss these last-minute Pixel 10 offers, don't worry too much: the launch of the Google Pixel 11 series is sure to come with some incredible preorder deals in tow, and I'll be covering all of those promotions as they go live.

Whichever generation you choose, you can rest easy knowing you're getting a great Android phone with a sophisticated design, versatile cameras, and all of the latest AI-boosted software tricks straight out of the box.

The top Google Pixel 10 deals this week

What you need to know

• Motorola debuted the Edge 70 Max overseas with a 6.8-inch Quad HD Plus (2K) display and a smooth glass back.
• Bigger moves were made elsewhere, as the Edge 70 Max features a huge 7,100mAh battery and fully integrated Qi2.2 wireless charging.
• The phone is available in India for ₹59,999 (~$622), and there's no word yet on a U.S. release.

Motorola is expanding its latest phone series overseas in 2026. Its Max model is walking an interesting line that's putting all eyes on Moto.

Motorola debuted the newest entry to its 70 series: the Edge 70 Max. The company states this phone delivers "strong performance and power" over previous iterations. Immediately, the Edge 70 Max features a 6.8-inch Quad HD Plus (2K) display. Motorola states it has included "Extreme AMOLED" tech, which helps produce "enhanced contrast so that blacks are truly black and colors pop..." With 7,000nits of peak brightness, the Moto Edge 70 Max boasts a smooth 144Hz refresh rate.

What catches our eyes about the Edge 70 Max more are the upgrades Motorola has given it. Its press release states the phone offers a huge 7,100mAh battery with 90W wired charging. A battery like this would keep users in the game longer; however, Motorola integrated 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging, too. What's more, Motorola has placed Qi2 magnets inside the phone, meaning users won't need anything extra (other than the charger) to charge wirelessly.

Let's be real, Samsung has yet to build Qi2 magnets into its Galaxy phones.

Elsewhere, the Moto Edge 70 Max delivers a 50MP main sensor that's been Pantone SkinTone validated. The company says this "assures the camera captures results representing the vast spectrum of human skin tones." An 8MP ultrawide plus macro lens and a 32MP selfie lens round out its camera.

The design of the Edge 70 Max's back panel also leaps forward. The phone features an all-glass back, bringing about a cleaner (and slipperier) experience.

Max means power

On the power front, the Moto Edge 70 Max is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC. While this is a one-year-old chip, Qualcomm designed it to bring flagship-quality power to affordable phones. The chip targeted users who want to game on affordable devices, while also bringing AI and device performance up to par. The SD 8 Gen 5 is built on a 3nm process with Qualcomm's strong Oryon CPU cores.

Motorola says this chipset facilitates a 36% boost in CPU performance, an 11% increase for its GPU, and a 46% boost in NPU (AI-related performance). The phone offers 8GB and 12GB of RAM paired with 256GB of internal storage.

GSMArena spotted that the Moto Edge 70 Max has been announced for India. It seems like this is the only market to have received this announcement. The phone will be available on July 20 for ₹59,999 (~$622), and consumers can grab the phone in Dark Shadow, Aqua Gray, and Ice Melt. There's no word yet about a U.S. launch.

Android Central's Take

I need to remind everyone of something: in the U.S., in Q1 2026, Motorola was the only phone maker that made serious headway in a struggling market. Motorola jumped 18%, and I think it's because the company's been making some incredible moves. I saw comments from my colleagues Derrek Lee and Nicholas Sutrich when the Edge 70 Max debuted. I completely agree with them: this is interesting, especially coming from Motorola. Its foldables are already interesting to me, now a phone has caught my attention for the first time in a while.

Years ago, you could go nearly anywhere outside of a city and have no cell coverage. Mobile networks have improved substantially since then, but there are still places that don't have adequate cell coverage for one reason or another. Thankfully, T-Mobile has an ingenious solution to fix this problem: satellite connectivity.

While some phones have had satellite connectivity for decades, modern smartphones only recently received the feature when Apple introduced it on the iPhone a few years ago. Since then, Google has adopted it on its Pixel phones, and T-Mobile has taken things further by expanding coverage to phones that were never advertised to have satellite connectivity in the first place.

T-Mobile calls this program T-Satellite, and it's available to both T-Mobile customers and subscribers to other phone carriers. The program uses StarLink satellites to connect to T-Mobile's Network anywhere you can see the sky, which substantially opens up the coverage possibilities when compared to traditional cell networks.

What is T-Satellite?

T-Satellite is the name of T-Mobile's satellite connectivity service, which operates using newer StarLink satellites. These satellites have a new kind of cell radio that can transmit via the 1980-2000 MHz spectrum, using T-Mobile's FCC-authorized LTE Band 25. This means that phones that support T-Satellite can automatically switch between T-Mobile's terrestrial Network and the StarLink-based satellite Network on the fly to ensure that you have connectivity 99% of the time.

Because of this, T-Mobile says its T-Satellite service can be used across over 500,000 miles in the U.S. that aren't covered by any other cell phone service. T-Satellite is also available internationally in select countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and Japan.

Other satellite-based connectivity with phones like the iPhone, for example, requires you to point the phone toward a satellite to initiate contact. This also means that connectivity is limited to basic text messaging and is only intended for emergencies. T-Satellite doesn't require you to hold your phone a certain way because it connects via an LTE channel, making the experience seamless.

You can use full voice and data services through a specific set of approved apps. Thankfully, this includes common apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, AllTrails, AccuWeather, X (formerly Twitter), and even MMS texting, so you can send and receive pictures in addition to text messages. T-Mobile maintains a full list of compatible apps here.

Voice calls are made through WhatsApp, while users can text 911 from anywhere. You'll know you're using the T-Satellite service when the connectivity icon on your phone changes to show "T-Mobile SpaceX" or "T-Sat+Starlink" in the status bar. Compatible apps may also show a banner letting you know that you're connected via satellite.

T-Satellite isn't as fast as T-Mobile's regular 5G Network, but since it's available virtually everywhere, that's an okay trade-off. The company launched this service in 2025, and things have only gotten better since then, making this a must-have service in the modern era.

Is my phone is compatible with T-Satellite?

T-Mobile T-Satellite is available for T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile customers on any of the company's "Experience Beyond" plans can use the service without additional fees or add-ons. Folks using other carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, etc) can sign up for T-Satellite service separately for $10 per line per month via the secondary SIM on your phone.

T-Mobile says most phones sold in the last four years are compatible with T-Satellite, but I found that doesn't seem to be the case. What T-Mobile likely means is that most phones sold through its distribution channels and stores are compatible, but a significant number of smartphones made over the past four years don't appear to work with the T-Satellite service.

I tested phones from several phones from major brands not sold by T-Mobile and found that none of them are compatible. That includes phones from brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Nothing, Honor, RealMe, and Xiaomi. Phones officially sold through T-Mobile channels, like Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Apple iPhone, Motorola, and even the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro, all work splendidly with the service. Thankfully, T-Mobile regularly runs great deals so you can get a compatible phone.

To find out if your phone is compatible, head over to T-Mobile's official compatibility tool and input your IMEI and EID numbers to check. To find these numbers, open your phone's system settings (found in the app drawer) and scroll down to About Phone. Most phones show these numbers in this section, although you may also have to open the Status section (under About Phone) to find them.

How to enable T-Mobile T-Satellite

If you're already signed up for a compatible T-Mobile plan (as discussed in the section above), or you have a separate SIM just for T-Satellite, you should be all set. It's good to double-check and make sure things are working before you venture out, though, so follow these steps to ensure that T-Mobile T-Satellite is enabled:

1. Open your phone's system settings. On most Android phones, this is found by tapping the settings icon in your app drawer.

2. Open the Network & Internet section (Connections on a Samsung phone).

3. Select SIMs & mobile network.

4. Tap your SIM card in the list (not the toggle button to the right of it). On Galaxy phones, you can go directly to Satellite networks and skip the next step.

5. Select Satellite connectivity from the list.

If your phone doesn't support satellite connectivity, you will not find a Satellite Connectivity option in the menu.

The next screen will let you know if your phone is set up for satellite connectivity. On one of my T-Mobile plans, my Motorola Razr Fold shows that the plan doesn't support satellite connectivity features.

On another T-Mobile plan that supports T-Satellite, the connectivity section shows that data and messaging are included with the account, plus a list of all supported apps currently installed on the phone.

Now that you're all set up, enjoy advanced satellite connectivity anywhere you can see the sky. Keep in mind that any obstructions, including trees, signs, and buildings, could block your connectivity.

For the best results, get to a clear, open area and keep an eye out for the special "T-Mobile SpaceX" or "T-Sat+Starlink" in the status bar on your phone to know you're connected to T-Mobile's

What you need to know

• Caviar unveiled a luxury Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra edition before Samsung has even announced the phone.
• The special edition honors Lionel Messi with hand-painted cloisonné enamel artwork and 24-karat gold accents.
• Only 19 units will be made, with prices starting at a staggering $13,130 for the 256GB model.

Samsung’s next foldables aren’t expected to be announced until its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, but luxury customization brand Caviar has beat it to the punch with a wildly expensive special edition based on the unreleased Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The customized Fold 8 Ultra is part of Caviar’s new Legends collection, swapping out the standard rear panel for a hand-painted portrait of football icon Lionel Messi in the colors of Argentina’s national team. The artwork is created using the centuries-old cloisonné enamel technique, and the outlines, jersey number 10, national symbols, and frame accents are finished with 24-karat gold plating. Caviar says the jewelry craftsmanship and the premium materials are meant to help make the foldable a collectible, not just another smartphone.

It sounds exclusive by design, and the production numbers reflect that. Only 19 units of the Caviar will be made worldwide, and pricing begins at $13,130 for the 256GB variant before any optional customization. Buyers can also request additional services such as custom engravings, logos, design modifications, or custom packaging.

The collection launches ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup final and the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra phone, an appropriate time considering that the 2026 tournament is expected to be the last World Cup appearance for both stars.

None of this, of course, gives us any new information about Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone. The base phone is still expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra that Samsung will unveil on July 22. What Caviar has done is give us a peek at how luxury brands are already betting on Samsung's next flagship, if you're willing to pay more than the price of a decent used car to own one.

Android Central's Take

I can personally appreciate the craftsmanship here, and there’s no denying that turning a foldable into a piece of collectible art is going to have a tiny niche of deep-pocketed football fans eating this up. But for the rest of us, this is more evidence that luxury phone customizations are less about improving the actual user experience and more about showing off. I’d rather see Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra wow me with meaningful hardware upgrades instead of a layer of gold and enamel that sends the price soaring into the five-figure range. At the very least, this special edition proves there’s always someone willing to pay for exclusivity.

If you missed all of the festivities during Prime Day last month, you're in luck: the Google Pixel Watch 4 just scored another $100 discount at Amazon, returning the LTE version of the beloved wearable back down to its lowest price ever recorded. 

The discount comes just weeks before the expected unveiling of the new Pixel Watch 5, but if you don't need the latest gadgets on the market, this is an awesome way to save some serious cash on one of the best Android smartwatches ever built. 

We gave the Google Pixel Watch 4 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review last October, and it isn't hard to see why. Straight out of the box, the watch sports a lovely water-droplet-inspired design with a domed 3,000-nit display and a 5ATM / IP68 water-and-dust resistance rating. 

Things get even more impressive under the hood, as the Pixel Watch 4 is powered by a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with 2GB of RAM and some fantastic Wear OS software. In addition to all of the latest health and fitness tracking technology powered by Fitbit, the watch features dual-frequency GPS tracking, upgraded battery life with lightning-fast charging speeds, and all of the Gemini features you'd expect from a Pixel device in 2026. 

So yes, it's a great smartwatch, but let's address the elephant in the room. Should you buy the Google Pixel Watch 4 now that it's on sale, or should you wait for the Pixel Watch 5 to be revealed on August 12th? 

I'll start by saying that, unlike the upcoming Pixel 11 phones, we don't know a lot about the Pixel Watch 5 just yet. In fact, one of the only reputable bits of information that we do have so far is that the new watch is expected to have a price increase of $50 for the Wi-Fi version and $100 for the LTE variant.

I'm sure that the Pixel Watch 5 will come with some new features and a boost in performance/battery life to offset the price hike, but it's unlikely to be a dramatic transformation from its predecessor. So in conclusion, unless you're a passionate Pixel fan who needs the latest and great gadgets from the OEM, if you simply want a reliable smartwatch today, I'd grab the Pixel Watch 4 while it's on sale.

Samsung debuted its latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, back in March, and it's been a real hit. The company saw a huge uptick in preorder demand thanks to the Ultra's new Privacy Display and other great features.

But Google's latest releases are right around the corner, with the Pixel 11 family debuting on August 12. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is rumored to bring notable improvements in processing speed and power efficiency, plus a fun design addition that incorporates LEDs into the camera bar on the back. Here's how to choose between them.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design

For this comparison, I'm going to use the Pixel 10 Pro XL since we're not expecting any major size or design changes from Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Both the Pixel and Galaxy S lines feature flat sides and fully flat glass on the front and back surfaces. Google uses more rounded corners and edges on its phones, making them more comfortable to hold without a case.

Pixels also use a horizontal camera bar, which provides a better balance and prevents the device from wobbling when placed on a table. Most cases aren't thick enough to fix the Galaxy S26 Ultra's annoyingly off-balance design.

We're expecting the Pixel 11 Pro XL to add a new Pixel Glow LED in the camera bar, which will light up when you talk to Gemini or display an array of colors. Pixels also feature Pixelsnap, which are built-in magnets that work with MagSafe accessories. If you want this functionality on a Galaxy S26 Ultra, you'll need to get one of the best cases for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

But Samsung's S Pen might be a more useful feature for folks who love to take handwritten notes. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra's S Pen lacks the cool Bluetooth features of previous Galaxy S Ultra S Pens, it's still a handy tool for precision input.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has the new Privacy Display, which makes it difficult for people to view your screen at an angle. Privacy Display is one of the coolest display innovations we've seen in years, but it comes with some significant drawbacks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen doesn't look as crisp as the Pixel 10 Pro XL's, and it also sports lower brightness and a chromatic aberration-like effect.

Pixel 11 Pro XL users can achieve a similar effect by using a privacy-tempered glass protector on their phones, like this one for the Pixel 10 Pro XL, but Samsung's built-in privacy function lets you dim specific types of content on-screen. A tempered glass protector will dim the whole thing at an angle.

Neither of these phones' displays is suitable for people with PWM sensitivity since they use very slow dimming rates. Samsung's Privacy Display also seems to cause headaches and discomfort in a different group of people. These problems don't affect everyone, but they make the phones unusable for people who are affected.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery life, performance, and specs

Both phones are expected to feature the same 5,000mAh battery cell, and with the more efficient Tensor G6 and the new MediaTek modem inside the Pixel 11 Pro XL, the Pixel may actually match the Galaxy S26 Ultra's battery life.

Samsung improved charging speed on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but we haven't seen any rumors of charging upgrades on the Pixel 11 Pro XL. Likewise, the Pixel is still expected to use a slower chipset than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, making it a poorer choice for mobile gaming.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Camera and software

Last year, my Pixel 10 camera review showed how close Samsung was getting to Google's historically superior camera experience, but this year could be anyone's game. In my Galaxy S26 Ultra camera review, I found that the phone's ultrawide camera and portrait modes left a bit to be desired, and this is an area where Google may once again overtake Samsung.

While I expect the Pixel 11 Pro XL to take a slight lead in photo quality over the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung has historically offered better video recording quality.

If one thing is clear, Google is behind Samsung's software quality. Samsung's One UI is not only the most full-featured Android skin on the market, but it's also one of the best-supported and often most bug-free.

Google packs Pixel phones with cool features like Magic Cue and call screening, but Samsung offers most of them. Google often adds new features via quarterly Pixel Drops but doesn't always keep them around for long, and new experimental features cause big problems more often than we'd like.

Additionally, you can choose to limit AI processing on the Galaxy S26 Ultra to local-only processing (and off the cloud), while the Pixel offers no such option.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Which should you buy?

For most people, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely the better buy, since you're getting the best from both Google and Samsung in one premium phone. That said, the Pixel 11's August 12 announcement will settle the argument, and we'll see if users prefer the S Pen or this mysterious Pixel Glow. Barring a huge surprise that hasn't been leaked yet, I'm confident Samsung's best will still be the champ between these two choices.

What you need to know

• Google Store's official Pixel 11 teaser highlights its Pixel Glow design, which sits inside the camera bar beside the phone's camera lenses.
• Google describes the video as showcasing an "olive and coral Pixel 11 Pro phone."
• The company sent its invitations, confirming its Made by Google event will take place on August 12 at 6 pm ET in New York.

Pixel Glow has been a more intriguing topic in the world of Pixel 11 rumors. However, after the company's storefront teaser, we have something a little more substantial.

The Google Store is getting ready for the Pixel 11 in August. The company's Pixel 11/Made by Google event teaser page has been updated with a new animation. As the animation rolls on, we're now able to see Pixel Glow's LED indicator beside the phone's camera lenses. This confirms that Google is placing Pixel Glow inside its iconic camera bar.

There's still a lot we're curious about, but the animation suggests Pixel Glow will offer a soft, multi-colored LED experience. What's more, my colleague Derrek Lee got crafty. Inspecting the page revealed a little more about the device we're looking at. According to his discovery, Google says this video shows "The side view of an olive and coral Pixel 11 Pro phone."

It's difficult to make out the color of the phone in question. All we're treated to, much like its emailed invitations, are phones with a gold or rose gold finish along the camera bar and sides. At the least, we can (potentially) take this as confirmation that there will be olive and coral variations of the Pixel 11 Pro. Google teases once more that pre-orders for the Pixel 11 will begin on August 12.

We've been wondering

Rumors about Pixel Glow have had us speculating about its design for months. Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich made the mockup you see above. We hoped that Google would create a ring of RGB lights around the camera bar. In our heads, it would make the phone pop even more. That hope continued with users online after Google I/O 2026. Social media was buzzing after a Gemini Omni teaser showed a model holding a Pixel phone with a glowing camera bar.

Everyone wondered, "Could this be Pixel Glow?" The odds were stacked against this theory. It was a segment about Google's AI, for one. Moreover, the phone looked like it was in a case, and the glow was coming from the case. Rumors had also evolved, claiming Google might opt for an RGB LED dot in the camera bar, replacing the temperature sensor.

Google confirmed earlier this month that the Pixel 11 series will debut on August 12 at 6 p.m. ET in New York.

Android Central's Take

I feel like the design Google's gone with keeps things... classy? There's a chance that a full LED ring around the phone's camera bar makes it stick out too much. Perhaps it takes away from the Pixel design in an unnatural way. Still, I think it would've been sick, but that's the gamer in me. Regardless, an LED dot like this has its uses. I think back to Nothing's Glyph Matrix or Glyph Bar. The lights mean something. So, how will Pixel Glow be helpful?

What you need to know

• Galaxy Z Flip 8 leak points to another incremental upgrade, with familiar hardware and few meaningful changes.
• Samsung may opt for its in-house Exynos 2600, a surprising move for a premium foldable.
• European prices could jump by up to €180, making the Flip 8 significantly more expensive despite its modest improvements.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is expected to launch on July 22, alongside the Z Fold 8 models, but the latest leak reveals a frustrating reality: you may soon be paying a lot more for almost the same hardware, except without the premium Snapdragon silicon everyone was expecting.

Thanks to a detailed leak from WinFuture, we now know precisely what this foldable brings to the table. The phone is said to pack a 6.9-inch 120Hz inner display and a 4.1-inch outer screen. The camera hardware seems to have been left entirely untouched, with the same 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP selfie shooter.

But instead of the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that’s expected to power the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung is said to be opting for its own 10-core Exynos 2600. This chip runs at a respectable 3.8 GHz, but at this price point, passing on Qualcomm’s flagship silicon is a tough pill to swallow.

Note that there are a few minor physical tweaks. The Flip 8 is likely to lose some weight, dropping down to 180g from last year’s 188g. Strangely enough, though it loses mass, the device is actually two-tenths of a millimeter thicker in height and width when unfolded.

On the battery front, the 4,300mAh capacity is tipped to remain the same, but there is now optional 45W wired charging and standard 12GB of RAM.

The real pain is at the till. Base pricing in Europe could start at €1,299 for the 256GB configuration — a flat €100 hike over the Flip 7, if true. The 512GB will reportedly be €180 more expensive at €1,499. The device is said to be available in Graphite, Cream, and Pink. WinFuture shared a few renders of the device, as seen below.

Android Central's Take

We’ll find out soon enough if these leaks pan out, but from where I sit, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 seems more like Samsung checking boxes than pushing its foldable forward. After years of iterative releases, I can’t get away from the feeling that Samsung is leaning a bit too hard on the fact that it remains the biggest name in foldables. If these specs are true, existing Flip owners will have a hard time justifying the jump, while first-time buyers get a refined device that still doesn’t move the category forward in any meaningful way.

The Google Pixel 10 series includes three flagship phones — the base model Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the large Pixel 10 Pro XL. Regardless of which device you choose, there are plenty of deals that could make these AI-boosted Android phones dirt cheap (or even free) if you play your cards right, and I've dropped a selection of this month's best offers below.

The deals on display for July 2026 range from simple no-strings discounts to incredible trade-in opportunities and carrier promotions. Didn't find anything today? Check back later to see what's new: with the launch of the Pixel 11 lineup just around the corner, deals on last year's model are certain to get even more impressive in the coming weeks. So what are we waiting for? Let's jump right in.

Quick links

• Google Pixel 10 review: ★★★☆
• Google Pixel 10 Pro, XL review: ★★★☆
• T-Mobile: FREE Pixel 10 Pro; up to $1,000 off Pixel 10 Pro XL
• Verizon: Pixel 10 Pro XL from $5 per month; trade-in savings
• Mint Mobile: $650 off the Google Pixel 10, 50% off wireless
• AT&T: FREE Pixel 10 phones with eligible trade-in, new line
• Amazon: up to $300 off the Pixel 10 series
• Best Buy: up to $300 off the Pixel 10 series
• Boost Mobile: up to $700 off with eligible unlimited plan

Google Pixel 10 deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro deals

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL deals

FAQ

When does the Google Pixel 11 come out?

Although we don't know much for certain, recent leaks and rumors about the Google Pixel 11 series have left very little to the imagination. That said, Google has officially announced that the next Made by Google event will be held on August 12th at 6pm EST, which means we're likely to get our first look at the Pixel 11 lineup on that date.

How much does the Google Pixel 10 cost?

The Google Pixel 10 starts at $799 for the 128GB version, while the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL start at $999 (128GB) and $1,199 (256GB), respectively. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the base model Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro both kept the same starting price as their Pixel 9 counterparts, which feels somewhat unusual in a time of widespread price increases on tech. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, on the other hand, did receive a $100 price hike while removing the 128GB storage option.

If you want something affordable, it's also worth mentioning that the Google Pixel 10a is an option for budget-minded consumers, retailing for just $499. There's also the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is a premium foldable phone that starts at a hefty $1,799.

Which Google Pixel 10 should I buy?

It depends on what you're looking for in a smartphone. All three devices in the flagship lineup will give you ultra-efficient performance with powerful cameras and a bunch of fun AI features, but that doesn't mean that all three of the devices are made equal.

Starting at $799, the Google Pixel 10 will give you the perfect entry-level experience, with a 6.3-inch OLED display, 12GB of RAM, and a long-lasting 4,970mAh battery. If you need a bit more power, you can upgrade to the Pixel 10 Pro and receive 16GB of RAM, better camera tech, and up to 1TB of storage. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is very similar to the standard Pixel 10 Pro, you just get a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED display with a considerable boost in battery size.

No matter which Google Pixel 10 model you choose, all three devices boast the Tensor G5 chipset with a ton of AI-boosted software features and seven years of software support guaranteed. Check the table below for some more granular info on the flagship series.

OnePlus is exiting the U.S. and European markets by the end of this week. A report from earlier this week indicated as much, and the company has confirmed to Android Central that it is pulling out of these regions. Additionally, OnePlus is killing off OxygenOS, with the company noting that its phones will use ColorOS, made by its parent company OPPO.

OnePlus also mentioned that OPPO will take over warranty agreements in Europe. "Backed by OPPO, existing OnePlus devices will continue to receive scheduled software updates and security patches within the support periods originally committed for each device model." However, the company is ending all presence in North America by the end of this week.

This isn't the end of OnePlus altogether; I had a meeting with OnePlus India's Marketing Director Ishita Grover earlier in the week, where I received confirmation that the Indian business is unaffected by these changes. OnePlus will maintain its China unit as well, but it will no longer have a global presence outside of these two countries.

The move itself isn't surprising. The smartphone industry as a whole had to contend with flagging sales and increasing costs this year, and estimates suggest storage and memory prices will be inflated at least until 2028. It's clear that OPPO found OnePlus' global business to be unsustainable as a result of these headwinds, so it's pulling the plug.

By contrast, its India business is doing relatively well — for now. From the beginning, India contributed an outsized share of OnePlus' global market, with the country regularly exceeding 50% of the company's overall shipments. If anything, OnePlus has doubled down in India in recent months, launching the Nord CE6, Nord CE6 Lite, and the budget-focused OnePlus N6.

As for existing users, the biggest change will be the switch to ColorOS. After 11 years, OnePlus is shuttering OxygenOS, and future phones will launch with ColorOS. Existing phones will migrate to ColorOS with a platform update, and OnePlus said it will honor all existing update guarantees — these phones will just get ColorOS instead of OxygenOS.

Honestly, this is long overdue; ever since OxygenOS merged its codebase with ColorOS in 2021, I didn't see the point of having two interfaces. For all intents and purposes, OxygenOS 16 is identical to ColorOS 16, and barring minute tweaks to the design and unique AI features, there isn't any difference between the two.

With OnePlus now pulling out of most global markets, there's a distinct dearth of choice in the Android ecosystem — particularly in North America and Europe — and it's sad to see the brand make such an unceremonious exit.

Xiaomi is now rolling out the stable Android 17 update to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17. I just got the update on both phones today, and there's no telling when other Xiaomi phones will make the switch — my Xiaomi 17T Pro is still on Android 16.

Xiaomi has struggled to deliver platform updates on time in the last two years, so this is a refreshing change of pace. It's almost as if someone at Xiaomi read my post on Android 17 updates and decided to take action. As it stands, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17 are the only phones outside of Google Pixels to have made the switch to Android 17.

There's just one problem: I don't see anything new with the update. Although the phones are now on Android 17, they're still based on HyperOS 3.0.332, so I don't see any changes to the interface or new feature additions. It's possible we will get those with HyperOS 4.0, so if you're looking to delve into all the new stuff that Google introduced with Android 17 on your Xiaomi phone, you will have to wait until Xiaomi updates its skin.

Interestingly, Android 17 isn't mentioned in the 9.6GB update changelog; it just lists the usual stability tweaks and June 2026 security update. While I didn't see any changes in the UI or features, the only difference is that the interface has slightly better fluidity.

Outside of that, it's virtually identical to the Android 16-based version of the interface. That's by design; Xiaomi largely ignores Google's platform-related changes, instead focusing on its own interface and features as a point of differentiation. While that was a positive in the past, Xiaomi's interface is in need of an overhaul, and I was counting on the brand to do so with Android 17 and HyperOS 4.0 — leaks pointed to an iOS-esque Liquid Glass design that looks much more modern. It looks like I'll just have to wait a little longer.

The Pixel 10 is one of our favorite smartphones of 2025, but now that we approach the Pixel 11 launch, I'm taking a speculative look at both phones to determine whether it's worth upgrading from the Pixel 10. Or at least which phone you should consider buying.

For now, we don't have any official information on the Pixel 11, aside from rumors and leaks. Fortunately, there have been plenty of both, allowing us to paint a pretty good picture of what to expect. And having reviewed the Pixel 10 myself, I'm more than interested to see what upgrades Google is bringing to its successor.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: More of the same design with one illuminating mystery

From the leaks we've seen, the Pixel 11 won't look much different from the Pixel 10. The dimensions are supposedly very similar, although the Pixel 11 may be a hair thinner. The Pixel 10 is already pretty thick, so we welcome any way Google can reduce that, especially given the battery bump.

More noticeable design changes may appear on the rear. The camera visor appears to have removed the aluminum bit housing the camera flash on the Pixel 10. Instead, the entire housing appears to be covered in glass for a more uniform look.

There's also the matter of this mysterious Pixel Glow. We're not entirely sure what this is, but based on Google's Pixel 11 teaser on the Google Store, it appears to be part of the LED flash unit within the camera bar, serving as a colorful indicator light (not a light bar as previous rumors suggested). This could be an indicator for notifications or AI interactions, similar to what we expect with the upcoming Googlebooks.

There's also a chance this won't be available on the base model, but I have my fingers crossed!

On the front, the display won't change much either. It will likely remain a 6.3-inch OLED panel, and Google may improve display brightness, as companies usually do with each generation. With any luck, Google could include some of the accessibility features introduced with the Pixel 10 Pro, but we won't hold our breath.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: Rumored specs point to some important changes

The biggest changes to the Pixel 11 will mostly be under the hood. The phone is expected to be powered by the Tensor G6, likely a 2nm chipset built by TSMC, which should make it more efficient. I didn't have many problems with the Pixel 10's performance, but any improvements here are welcome.

One benefit of the Tensor G6 may be a new MediaTek-built modem. This could mean we'll see marked improvements in connectivity, which users often complain about on Pixel phones with Samsung modems.

Interestingly, the Pixel 11 may come with an outdated GPU, so you probably won't count on it for heavy gaming. Fortunately, compatibility should improve, especially after the Pixel 10 initially lacked updated GPU drivers, which made games look a little wonky.

Unfortunately, there probably won't be much in the way of battery gains, but I didn't have any issues with battery life on the Pixel 10. I hope Google improves charging speeds from the Pixel 10's 30W wired and 15W Qi2 wireless, but I won't hold my breath.

One thing I'm excited to see with the Pixel 11 is the new base storage. These days, 128GB just doesn't cut it for a flagship, so I'm happy to see that 256GB may become the new standard. Unfortunately, this may come with a higher price tag for the base Pixel 11, with rumors pointing to a $100 increase to $899.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: How will the Pixel 11 enhance the software and AI experience?

One good thing about Pixels is that the software experience will be pretty much the same across models. The Pixel 10 adopts Material 3 Expressive, so it's very colorful and full of fun shapes. I actually enjoyed the Pixel software experience for the first time with Android 16, thanks to improvements like the customizable Quick Settings menu and the notification organizer.

That extends to the AI experience, which has been enhanced with the Tensor G5 chip. Google introduced some neat new AI features, like Camera Coach and automation that lets Gemini place orders for rideshares and food deliveries on your behalf. And with features like Gemini Live, the Pixel 10 is the full package.

The Pixel 11 will no doubt improve upon the software and AI experience, especially with Gemini Intelligence set to arrive this summer. The Pixel 10 will likely receive many of these features as part of the upgraded AI experience, but a new chipset could bring exclusive capabilities to the Pixel 11.

For now, we don't know what features the Pixel 11 will launch with aside from the potential Pixel Glow light array. It's expected to launch with Android 17 out of the box, and since we're still waiting on some previously announced features to arrive, there's a good chance they'll come with the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: Welcome camera improvements in tow

Last year's Pixel 10 featured a 48MP primary camera "downgrade," although it still took great photos. Thanks to the addition of a third 5x telephoto sensor, zoom photos were excellent. For the Pixel 11, rumors suggest Google is returning to a 50MP primary sensor, which could improve noise reduction and low-light performance.

Overall, we could see minor improvements in image quality compared to the Pixel 10. However, I would like to see the Pixel 11 receive the same camera features as the Pro models, since the Pixel 10 missed out on a few.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 10: So should you upgrade?

If you already have the Pixel 10, I expect there will be little reason to upgrade to the Pixel 11. The Tensor G5 is a very capable chipset and will likely support most of the new features coming to the Pixel 11. And even so, I doubt any new features will be enough to convince many to swap their device.

Plus, with seven years of OS upgrades and security patches, the Pixel 10 still has a lot of life left in it.

Still, the Pixel 11 may be a good phone to consider for anyone who doesn't own a Pixel 10. That is, if you can handle the rumored base price increase (which will likely include double the storage, mind you). Perhaps if you're coming from a Pixel 9 or earlier, the Pixel 11 could be worth the upgrade, especially if it means you're getting a third camera lens.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim that Samsung might not offer its free storage upgrade for its upcoming Galaxy foldables.
• This was offered to customers who pre-ordered devices, helping them to upgrade from a 256GB model to the 512GB model for free.
• A report claims that Samsung might have customers pay half the cost to upgrade to higher storage, and soaring memory prices might be the reason.

Future Samsung Galaxy customers might have a sour future ahead of them. Reports claim the company might not offer one of its sweetest upgrades.

The report surfaced from Chosun (Korean), which cites "industry sources" in stating Samsung might remove its free storage upgrade offering (via Android Authority). This upgrade was reserved for customers who pre-ordered an upcoming Galaxy device. Think Galaxy S25, S26, or Samsung's upcoming foldables, which is what this rumor is focused on. The Korean publication claims that Samsung might remove its free storage upgrade for all pre-ordered Galaxy Z Flip 8s and Fold 8s.

This storage upgrade would double what you previously selected. If you wanted to grab a 256GB Flip, Samsung would give you the 512GB version at no extra cost. However, the company might replace this free offer by pushing half of the storage upgrade cost onto you, the consumer.

We'll have to wait and see how prices shake out for U.S. customers once the foldables are fully released (if this is true). Chosun's sources reportedly highlight the only culprit anyone's pointing fingers at nowadays: soaring memory prices. That's where things get interesting.

Can't have nice things

We're already stir-crazy over price hikes. There were a few rumors that said the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could cost $2,099 in the U.S. For reference, that's $100 more than the Fold 7. The Fold 8, which might be the wide foldable we've been hearing about, could start at $1,899. Prices are all over the place, but the ongoing situation with AI taking up all the memory is real.

A research report was published earlier this week, citing another drop in the global smartphone market. For Q2 2026, the phone market fell by 4%, and Omdia places the blame squarely on soaring memory prices. It adds that the market might not recover in 2026, and the holiday season, which typically brings a surge, might not happen. In Q1, the U.S. phone market fell by 3%, so things have been bleak this year.

That's not the only issue. These soaring memory prices might also claim budget phones as collateral. Researchers suspect that the budget phone market might fall by 22% as companies struggle to find a way to make a profit off such devices. We're a week away from knowing for sure if Samsung's free storage upgrade is gone or not. Samsung confirmed Galaxy Unpacked will take place in London, U.K., on July 22 at 9 am ET.

What you need to know

• Google announces that it's running an open enrollment period for its Pixel Care Plus program for customers with a Pixel 9 or 10 device.
• Users who skipped out on this plan before can get it now; however, users have from July 14 to August 2 before this "limited-time" chance is gone.
• Pixel Care Plus gives customers $0 screen and battery repairs, unlimited accidental damage protection, and more.

Like everything in tech, device makers often provide protection plans that consumers can pay for. Google's version is typically offered within a narrow window, but it's now available to everyone who skipped it at checkout.

Open enrollment arrives for Pixel Care Plus this week. Google announced the open period in a Keyword post. The company states that from July 14 to August 2, consumers who purchased a Pixel 9 series (including Pixel 9a) or Pixel 10 series phone (including Pixel 10a) qualify for a "limited-time opportunity." Consumers with one of these models can add Pixel Care Plus protection to cover any damage.

Google states consumers enrolling in Pixel Care Plus through this open period will be awarded "$0 screen and battery repairs, unlimited accidental damage protection, and optional loss and theft coverage." However, while this is open to quite a decent cast of phones, Google says that not everyone qualifies.

It's great if you have a Pixel 9 or 10 series phone, but Google needs to ensure that you're a U.S. customer and that your device "is in good working condition." In layman's terms, your Pixel 9 or 10 needs to be "fully functioning and free from cracks, mechanical defects or liquid damage." If your device checks out, you're good to go.

Google directs users to the My Pixel app or its online store to add Pixel Care Plus protection.

Another chance

Pixel Care Plus was first announced last summer, shortly after the Pixel 10 series launched. The plan replaced Google's old Preferred Care and Fi Device Protection for U.S. customers. With Pixel Care Plus, consumers receive $0 screen/battery repairs and post-warranty malfunction claims, priority support, and a few more goodies. As previously stated, customers usually have a limited window to grab a protection plan for their new device.

This window of opportunity typically lasts 60 days from the phone's purchase. Google made sure to highlight last summer that Care Plus customers were eligible for free "upgraded shipping" during repairs. Priority Support is another perk. Customers can speak to Google's experts about any issues. Preferred Care and Fi Device Protection in the U.S. were migrated from those older plans to Google's updated offerings.

Android Central's Take

This a mini-event that's pretty good to capture. To break things down, Google offers monthly coverage for a Pixel 10 Pro XL at $13, $239 for two-year protection. Having protection for a device you use every day for calls, scrolling, gaming, what-have-you, isn't a bad idea. But not everyone splurges on that sort of thing amidst the assortment of other bills we have to pay. But, hey, here's a chance if you've ever felt like you should've gotten it at checkout.

Just yesterday, I was putting together a guide to the best Google Pixel 10 deals on the web, and I remember being disappointed that Mint Mobile wasn't running any kind of promotion on the flagship phones. Fortunately, my prayers were answered overnight, as the T-Mobile-owned wireless carrier is now running one of the best Pixel 10 promotions I've ever seen.

For a limited time, if you bundle the purchase of the Pixel 10 with one year of the Unlimited plan, Mint will give you $650 off the phone AND 50% off the wireless. That means you're getting a full 12 months of unlimited talk, text, and data alongside a powerful Android phone for a single payment of $329 (or $28/month if you use affirm). It's as simple as that.

There's a bit of urgency here, however. With the arrival of the Google Pixel 11 series slated for August 12th, Mint Mobile can't have that many Pixel 10 phones left in stock. In other words, once this deal sells out, it's gone for good. Don't wait too long if you're interested.

This Pixel 10 deal sounds too good to be true

The Google Pixel 10 is a sophisticated flagship phone with a lovely OLED 120Hz display, endlessly versatile and fun-to-use camera tech, and an upgraded battery with lightning-fast charging. The Google Tensor G5 chipset will handle just about any task you throw at it, while the seven guaranteed software updates ensure that your phone will feel cutting-edge for many years to come.

So what's the catch?

If you're looking for a new wireless carrier, there are honestly very few drawbacks with this deal. Unlike some carrier deals, which involve so many eligibility requirements that it hardly feels worth it, with Mint Mobile's deals, what you see is what you get.

Sure, you have to pay for some wireless to get the discounted phone, but it shakes out to only $15 per month for one of our favorite unlimited plans around. You get talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast network, in addition to a mobile hotspot and free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK.

And come on, think about how nice it would be to drop a single payment today and not think about your phone bill again until mid-2027.

I will note that this Google Pixel 10 deal is exclusive to new Mint Mobile customers, and the carrier only has the 128GB configuration of the phone left in stock. If you need lots of bells and whistles with your phone plan, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you simply want some reliable wireless and a great new phone for as cheap as possible, this Google Pixel 10 promotion is worth jumping on ASAP.

What you need to know

• Samsung is taking aim at the foldable crease with its Galaxy Z Fold 8, promising a dramatically slimmer, tougher, and nearly crease-free display.
• Flex Titanium replaces carbon fiber beneath the screen with a titanium support layer that's lighter, stronger, and better suited for ultra-thin foldables.
• Early hands-on impressions back up Samsung's claims, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reportedly feeling thinner while maintaining a premium build.

For seven years, across seven generations of devices, owners of foldable phones have been contending with the same glaring compromise: the inescapable display crease. You either got used to ignoring the physical trench down the middle of your screen or you skipped foldables entirely.

But the hardware landscape is transforming. There is a lot of talk about Apple entering the market with a foldable iPhone Ultra, and Samsung is directly answering the threat with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8. The firm claims to have completely re-engineered the flexible screen to be almost crease-free, far more robust, and considerably thinner.

Samsung has announced Flex Titanium, a new display structure that replaces the support layer of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) used in previous Galaxy Z Fold models with a titanium-based plate. Samsung says the material is lighter, stronger, and more suitable for ultra-thin foldables, as it can hold its shape while taking less space.

Thinner without compromise

The company’s announcement is in sync with hands-on impressions from Tom's Guide’s Mark Spoonauer, who had a chance to get an early look at what Samsung says is the new display of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The screen is significantly thinner but still retains the premium feel of a foldable, the outlet (sister publication of Android Central) reports.

The change is not simply swapping out one material for another. Traditionally, CFRP under the display is used to provide reinforcement for the flexible screen of foldable OLED panels. Titanium offers the same structural support but allows a thinner overall panel, helping manufacturers to squeeze precious millimeters from ever-thinner devices, per Samsung. The company also combined the new support layer with a new OLED process, which is designed to improve flexibility and durability, two areas that have defined the evolution of foldables since the original Galaxy Fold.

Samsung’s announcement comes amidst ongoing rumors surrounding Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone, with Samsung Display expected to be a major supplier of foldable OLED panels.

Android Central's Take

Personally, I’m all for anything that makes foldables thinner and tougher, because that’s what people actually notice after the novelty wears off. Titanium sounds impressive, but Samsung still has to prove this is more than just another flashy material name. If Flex Titanium means a phone that’s easier to carry, survives daily wear better, and doesn’t come with compromises, users win. Otherwise, I don't think buyers are going to care what metal is hiding under the display.

What you need to know

• Samsung has reportedly started rolling out One UI 9 Beta 4 (Android 17) to the Galaxy S26 series overseas.
• The beta carries a ~1.25GB download with mostly bug fixes ahead of a hopeful launch for current and past-gen devices.
• Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is coming up next week (July 22), and the company is expected to debut new foldables and watches.

Android 17's been out for a few weeks now, and Samsung is continuing to work on its version for Galaxy phones.

Earlier this morning (July 14), SamMobile spotted the Korean OEM rolling out the next version of its Android 17 beta. One UI 9 Beta 4 is rolling out for the Galaxy S26 series; however, the publication reports it's only been spotted in India. The patch is ~1.25GB and carries the July 2026 security update for the S26 series. So far, it seems that Samsung is more focused on fixing a handful of problems its current flagship series has experienced.

One issue affects the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung states it's rolling out a fix for the Privacy Display routine. While this routine is running, the changelog states it would "not operate normally" when users turn it on/off in the Quick Panel or Settings. Another issue hampered Galaxy S26 gamers.

It says that the navigation bar would disappear under "certain conditions" while gaming. This should be fixed, alongside a Bluetooth problem. Samsung says a problem crippling its "Bluetooth audio media volume" when connecting to a vehicle should be solved in Beta 4.

The following fixes are also included:

• Fixed an issue where timer notification numbers are cut off or the Ul is unstable in Live notification
• Improved Ul performance issues that occur when opening and closing the Quick Panel
• Improved an issue where the clock size appears abnormal when rotating the lock screen horizontally/vertically

One UI 9 launch soon?

Samsung has been consistent with its beta, rolling updates for it at a near-monthly cadence. Mid-June is when we got Beta 3, which was also over a gigabyte in size. The patch was available early in several overseas regions, similar to what we've got with Beta 4. However, that should begin to change. Nevertheless, Beta 3 brought several fixes, such as a solution to a rebooting issue that plagued the S26 series during video streaming.

A focus accuracy at 30x zoom was included, as well as a white screen during calls.

Samsung's next wave of products is on the way, and there's a chance One UI 9 is on the horizon, too. We're expecting the usual suspects: the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8. There's also been hype around a Wide Fold 8, which we could see during this summer's Unpacked, alongside Samsung's new smartwatches.

What you need to know

• Google accidentally listed the entire Pixel 11 series on Amazon a month early, revealing pricing, specs, and colors.
• Prices are rising by $100 across the board, with the base Pixel 11 now starting at $899 with 256GB of storage.
• Google is hit by the memory crisis, with base Pro and Pro XL variants dropping to 12GB of RAM instead of 16GB.
• The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899 but drops to a smaller 4,750mAh battery, down from last year's 5,000mAh.

Ahead of the Google Pixel 11 series launch next month, a massive leak on Amazon has revealed almost everything you might want to know about the upcoming Pixel phones.

Google has officially confirmed that it's launching "next generation of Pixel devices," Which is expected to be the Pixel 11 series, on August 12 at 6:00 PM ET in New York. Surprisingly, there haven't been many leaks about the lineup so far. Sure, we've seen renders and a few smaller leaks here and there, but not much concrete information. Well, that was the case until now.

A new leak from Android Authority has revealed pretty much everything about the Pixel 11 series, including US pricing, storage options, specifications, and more.

According to the publication, the Pixel 11 series will once again consist of four models: the base Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The listings were accidentally published by Google on Amazon, though the company has since taken them down.

In the official listing, you can see the new colors of the Pixel phones as well as the suggested pricing. It appears the Pixel 11 series will now start at $899 for the base variant with 256GB of storage. There seems to be no 128GB model this year, meaning Google is bumping the base storage to 256GB, though the starting price is also rising by $100.

• See our guide to the best Google Pixel 10 deals of July 2026

According to the listing, the Pixel 11 will be available in four colors: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian. There may also be a 512GB variant priced at $1,019 (via Droid-Life). Other specs for the base Pixel 11 include a 6.3-inch OLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a sub-5,000mAh battery, and a 13-MP front camera.

Moving on to the Pixel 11 Pro, it also looks set to rise by $100. That means the Pixel 11 Pro will start at $1,099 for the base 256GB variant in the U.S. The 512GB variant may come in at around $1,219, while the 1TB variant will reportedly cost $1,449.

Similar to the base Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to come with a 6.3-inch display and up to 120Hz refresh rate. The battery will be slightly smaller than the base variant at 4,850mAh, though it will reportedly offer up to 120x digital zoom.

However, according to another report, Google appears to be hit by the memory crisis this year too. The base 256GB model will reportedly come with just 12GB of RAM, while the higher 512GB and 1TB storage variants will retain 16GB. That's a change from last year, where all Pixel 10 Pro variants came with 16GB of RAM across the board.

Moving on to the Pixel 11 Pro XL, pricing will reportedly start at $1,299 for the base 256GB variant, while the 512GB and 1TB variants will cost $1,419 and $1,649, respectively. Just like the Pixel 11 Pro, there's a RAM split here too, with the base variant offering 12GB and the higher storage variants offering 16GB.

In terms of specs, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is expected to feature a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a slightly smaller battery than last year, at 5,115mAh. There's also support for Wi-Fi 6E (no Wi-Fi 7 just yet,) along with Bluetooth 6.0.

Finally, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold looks set for a price increase this year, as with every other foldable out there. The 256GB variant will reportedly cost $1,899, while the 512GB variant will come in at $2,019.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold's specs include a 6.5-inch OLED cover display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,750mAh battery, and folded dimensions of 6.11 x 5.92 x 0.4 inches. One thing worth noting is that the battery is actually shrinking compared to last year. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold featured a 5,000mAh battery, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold drops slightly to 4,750mAh.

So there you have it. This is pretty much the biggest Pixel leak we've ever seen, with Google accidentally listing the phones on Amazon almost a full month ahead of launch.

Although it's no surprise that prices are going up this time around, especially with component and memory pricing climbing across the entire tech industry.

What you need to know

• OnePlus' future in the West looks increasingly uncertain, with a new report claiming OPPO will announce the brand's exit from Europe and the US this week.
• The latest report builds on months of warning signs, including shrinking operations, executive departures, and earlier claims that OnePlus was scaling back its global presence.
• OnePlus has denied similar rumors before, but the steady stream of reports continues to fuel doubts about the company's long-term strategy outside China.

The uncertainty around OnePlus just refuses to die. After months of rumors about shutdowns, executives leaving, and reports of shrinking global ambitions, a new report says the brand is about to make its biggest move yet, and it might not be good news for fans in Europe or the US.

A new Bloomberg report states OnePlus is getting ready to shut down its operations in the US and Europe as part of a larger restructuring led by parent company OPPO. The exit from both markets could begin as early as this week, the report said. Bloomberg cites OPPO’s attempts to streamline its smartphone business after failing to gain traction in key markets such as the US, Europe, and India.

Realme, another OPPO-owned brand, is also expected to leave the Chinese market, according to Bloomberg. OnePlus will reportedly continue operations in China before finally shutting down operations in other regions, such as India, sometime in 2027. Neither OPPO nor OnePlus responded to the report.

Earlier, German outlet WinFuture reported that parent company OPPO would announce this week that OnePlus would stop operating in Europe and the US. If that sounds familiar, it's because the warning signs have been building up. Earlier this month, Android Authority reported that OnePlus seemed to be getting ready to exit the US, with evidence pointing to a retreat from another major international market.

That was not long after reports surfaced that the company was already reducing its footprint in Europe, sparking speculation that OnePlus was shifting almost all of its focus to China.

The writing was on the wall

This latest claim also fits in with OnePlus' increasingly complicated year. The company had strongly denied reports of a shutdown in January following reports that OPPO was restructuring its smartphone business. More recently, OnePlus confirmed the departure of a top executive who publicly dismissed those earlier claims, adding more uncertainty to the company’s long-term plans.

The rumored withdrawal comes amid a host of challenges. Poor sales of smartphones, geopolitical pressure on Chinese phone makers in the US, and Apple’s lawsuit against OPPO for trade secrets are cited by Bloomberg. OPPO is said to focus more on Central Europe going forward, while it is said to rely on Realme to cover Nordic countries where the latter’s products gained stronger traction.

For existing OnePlus owners, the reported withdrawal wouldn't necessarily mean their phones stop working. Existing OnePlus devices are expected to continue to receive promised software updates and after-sales service during a transition period, but new product launches, retail sales, and local marketing activities are expected to end.

But until OPPO confirms it, nothing is official. The company has denied similar reports in the past. Nevertheless, if this announcement does come, it would mark the end of OnePlus as a meaningful competitor in the West after more than a decade of challenging Samsung, Google, and Apple with flagship specs at aggressive prices.

Android Central's Take

I hope this report isn’t true. It would be a shame if OnePlus drops out of Western markets, whether or not you own one of its phones. Competition keeps brands honest, drives innovation, and gives buyers more than just the same handful of flagship options year after year. If OnePlus is really pulling back, Samsung, Google, and Apple won’t really be crying about one less competitor to worry about. And if the company is wrong about these reports again, it may also want to consider changing its communication strategy, because if rumors of your departure are front page news every few months, clearly something is not working.

What you need to know

• Omdia's latest research report states Q2 2026 brought a 4% decline in the global smartphone market, and the memory crisis is getting all the blame.
• Samsung and Apple saw a 2% and 4% increase, respectively, while all others trend downward.
• Omdia's researchers suspect that the phone market will continue to decline even into the busier holiday season later this year.
• Budget phones are also expected to take a major hit with an expected 22% drop in market share.

Research data for the second quarter is in, and while the market has dipped, there are two shining stars.

Today (July 13), Omdia shared its data regarding how the smartphone market has performed in Q2 2026. According to its research, the phone market dipped by 4% year-on-year, and Omdia is pointing a finger at the ongoing memory shortage for this drop. Its analysis states, "The current dynamic has created severe market polarization, reflecting stark differences in vendors’ mitigation strategies which vary according to their priorities, scale, price-band focus, and core audience demographics."

Despite this decline, Omdia says Samsung and Apple have gained ground, and the former is in first place. Samsung reportedly held 22% of the market share, a 2% increase compared to Q2 2025. The post states this is likely thanks to its "resilient demand" and the delayed launch of the Galaxy S26 series. Coming in second place is Apple with 20% market share (4% increase). However, Omdia raises two key points: Q2 is typically a slow period for Apple, but the company has raised prices for its other devices.

There are questions about whether or not this could impact its iPhones later this year. While Samsung and Apple are the only two companies to see an increase in volume in Q2, Runar Bjorhovde, principal analyst at Omdia, says this might not last. Bjorhovde states, "We anticipate the sharpest volume declines to hit in the upcoming two quarters, where normal seasonal demand peaks – driven by new launches, holidays and shopping festivals—collide with constrained memory chip supply."

It's also not the memory shortage that's putting more stress on companies. Bjorhovde says "semiconductor bottlenecks, such as within foundries," are also causing cost issues.

Searching for better times

The phone market hasn't had the best of years. A Q1 2026 report saw the U.S. market drop by 3% YoY. It was said that while the memory shortage and storage costs were significant culprits, so were "restrained carrier upgrades." Samsung and Apple were highlighted earlier this year, as well. Samsung, while dropping 5% YoY, still led the Android charge with 24% of the market. On the other hand, Apple dropped 3%, but held a 60% majority.

The surprise in Q1 was Motorola. While everyone else struggled, Motorola saw an 18% growth earlier this year.

A recent research report published by Omdia says times aren't looking good for budget phones. Devices placed more affordably might be the hardest hit, thanks to the pressure companies are feeling from rising memory costs. The budget phone market could plummet by 22%. This is a sour future for phones priced under $400. With that, Omdia speculates that devices priced at $400 or higher could be where companies turn next.

The reason has to do with materials. Omdia states that higher-priced phones typically offer more leeway in what a company can swap out to lower costs.

Android Central's Take

Prices are everything in the market. No one wants to burn a hole in their pocket. This is an issue Omdia brought up in its research. Le Xuan Chiew, a research manager at Omdia, said that memory prices might decline early in 2027, but there's a chance consumers won't see market prices anywhere near 2025 levels. We've seen how consumers' worries have caused them to buy phones now, not later. I can only hope that things get better.

What you need to know

• Hisense has started teasing a 6.1-inch hybrid E Ink phone with a detachable LCD, called the A10.
• A separate report claims Hisense might sell the LCD separately, meaning users would need to buy the accessory for the A10.
• This is giving BigMe some early competition and its Hibreak Dual 2 hasn't released yet.

A new trend's getting started in the world of pocketable e-readers. Hisense has started teasing a hybrid phone that's giving BigMe's next iteration a run for its money.

Hisense says it wants in on the unique e-reader, E Ink market. The company has started teasing the A10: a 6.1-inch E Ink device (via Gizmochina). This phone reportedly utilizes a 4nm 8-core Qualcomm chip, alongside Android 16. The "hybrid" nature of the phone comes into play with its magnetically atachable/detachable" LCD secondary screen.

This display sits right beneath its horizontal camera bar. The idea, which is a sentiment we've heard from another company, is to give consumers versatility. The Hisense A10's E Ink display will be (primarily) reserved for reading and writing, while the LCD brings a more traditional phone experience. It's full color, so users can open apps that are far more enjoyable on this type of screen, rather than an E Ink, paper-like display.

Interestingly, NotebookCheck cites a tipster who claims this detachable LCD might not ship with the Hisense A10. If true, then we might have to prepare for an attachable screen accessory. A separate purchase users can grab if they desire. Hisense has started teasing the A10 in China, and it's been listed with a CNY 3,999 (~$590) starting price.

Competition is good

This device will seem familiar if you caught BigMe's Hibreak Dual 2 teasers last week. BigMe finds itself in an interesting spot with the Dual 2. Its first iteration was fine, but if you were to ask my colleague Nicholas Sutrich, he'd tell you that it left a lot to be desired. The Hibreak Dual 2 looks like a step in the right direction. BigMe states this phone will feature a 6.1-inch color/BW E-Ink display and a 5-inch LCD.

Users can find this LCD on the back of the phone. BigMe said on Reddit that the goal was to "create a phone that gives you both a comfortable E Ink screen for reading/writing and a smooth LCD for everything else. No more carrying two devices." Versatility is the name of the game for BigMe and Hisense.

Users have their concerns about this device from BigMe. The company has been active on Reddit, listening to user feedback and making an effort to get it right.

The upcoming Google Pixel 11 series may be dominating the headlines, but with back to school season upon us, you may not want to wait any longer to buy that new smartphone. 

Last year's Google Pixel 10 Pro continues to reign as one of the best Android phones on the market today, and now you can get one for FREE by adding a new line with an eligible data plan at Verizon. 

The carrier's Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate plans will all earn you the full $999.99 in savings over 36 months, making this one of the best Verizon deals I've seen all year. No trade-in required!

Although many new phone releases feel somewhat iterative these days, Google bucked that trend by making the Pixel 10 Pro a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Straight out of the box, the phone boasts a lovely and compact 6.3-inch pOLED display — the same size as the base model Pixel 10 — while under the hood you get a hefty 16GB of RAM, outstanding performance from the Tensor G5 processor, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security upgrades.

The Pixel 10 Pro also comes packed with the latest exclusive AI-boosted software features from Gemini, including Voice Translate for Calls (a godsend when traveling), Magic Cue, Edit with Ask Photos, and more. Moreover, you get all of the features we've come to expect from Pixel phones, like excellent haptics and versatile camera tech, plus you get to enjoy some new additions like Pixelsnap Qi2 support.

All things said and done, if you're a Verizon user (or willing to switch), this is an excellent Google Pixel 10 Pro deal that comes with surprisingly little fine print attached. Sure, buying an unlocked device may be more straightforward, but if you need a new wireless plan any way, why not give Verizon a shot and get an incredible Android phone out of the deal?? 

Modern displays are truly amazing. The paper-thin, flexible OLEDs in the latest TVs and smartphones are not only amazingly thin but also sport unparalleled color accuracy, astounding contrast, buttery-smooth refresh rates, and brightness like no one could have imagined until now. But among all these specs, something keeps getting forgotten: our eye health.

Staring at blindingly bright screens for hours a day is, unsurprisingly, causing massive discomfort for an ever-growing percentage of the populace. Experts once thought that a blanket "screen time" metric could help reduce the pain, but it turns out that there's a lot more to what makes displays painful to look at. Thankfully, a few companies are actively working to fix those problems.

Chief among them is BOE Technology Group, whose displays power many of the world's most popular phones, and has been the world's leading display manufacturer since 2023. I write tons of display reviews every year for Android Central, and BOE's displays are always the most eye-friendly displays from any major brand.

The company took its most recent innovations to SID Display Week in Los Angeles, and I couldn't help but be impressed by its ever-growing focus on making displays that not only look good but also feel good to look at. BOE broke it down into four categories that I'll analyze today: spectrum optimization, depolarization, anti-glare, and flicker.

What's in a spectrum?

The light spectrum isn't something we think much about in our daily lives, unless we're shopping for light bulbs or toying around with night mode display features on our phones. Our eyes were built to absorb the full spectrum of light from natural sources, but, unsurprisingly, the artificial light from most displays is anything but natural-looking.

Most OLEDs and LCDs follow a similar pattern. Since they use red, blue, and green subpixels, a graph of the light spectrum emitted by these displays shows steep peaks in each of these three colors, while the rest of the spectrum is left out.

It's usually possible to go into display settings and tweak the color output a bit (usually described as a warmer or cooler temperature), but this doesn't spread the colors across the spectrum; it just alters the height of the red, green, and blue peaks.

Looking at the graph above, you can see that the natural light graph (which represents sunlight filtered through cloud cover) shows a fairly even distribution across all colors in the spectrum. Some colors are slightly more intense than others, but none are "missing" from the graph.

Meanwhile, most LCD and OLED displays have pronounced valleys and steep peaks, which inherently cause some degree of eye strain due to the missing colors. Some LED bulbs and LED backlights on e-readers can produce quite a bit more color than LCD or OLED, but you'll often find parts of the spectrum missing entirely in the outermost sections.

BOE's next-generation display technology uses what it calls Beneficial Natural Light (BNL) to fill that color spectrum far more than existing technologies, and it does so across several different display types, too. On the show floor, BOE presented this across LCD, OLED, and micro-OLED displays, adopting the best features of each technology while leveraging the advantages of a more natural color spectrum.

Flicker, the headache machine

For several years now, I've written about how display flickering is causing debilitating pain in an increasing percentage of the population. While some companies refuse to provide solutions for customers facing these problems, BOE has done a superb job of introducing new displays with lower flicker rates since then.

At the show, BOE focused on three solutions that help solve the flicker problem: DC dimming, 4320Hz PWM dimming, and ultra-high refresh rates. Phones like the Honor Magic 8 Pro use BOE Displays with DC dimming at medium to high brightness, then switch to 3840Hz or 4320Hz PWM dimming at low brightness to strike an excellent balance between image quality and eye care.

BOE is taking that one step further by creating new displays that operate at 1000Hz refresh rates at full 1080p resolution (pictured above). This particular display uses Oxide TFTs with a 1ms response time to create the smoothest experience you've ever seen. This was only shown off on a 24.5-inch monitor, but I'm hoping to see this kind of tech make its way to mobile devices.

Kill the glare

Boe is a bit behind on this one, as companies like TCL and Samsung have been utilizing anti-glare layers on their phones for a few years. TCL's next-generation NXTPAPER display is launching later in 2026 and will be the world's first OLED display with an anti-reflective layer. Samsung has been using an anti-glare layer on its flagship Ultra series since 2024 (pictured above), but it cuts glare rather than preventing reflections entirely.

The first BOE OLED I used with an anti-glare layer is on the Honor Magic V6, a phone that launched in June and sports an anti-glare layer similar to that of the Galaxy S Ultra series. The tech BOE showed off at the SID show looked identical to this, so while I'm not expecting anything new from the company compared to what's on the Magic V6, it likely means we'll start seeing more phones with this important feature.

Anti-glare is about more than just cutting annoying reflections. It also enhances colors and black levels, helps prevent eye strain, and keeps your phone from emitting peak brightness as often (since it doesn't have to fight against reflective light).

Depolarized light

Circular polarizers have become more commonplace in modern mobile displays because they help prevent the annoying blackout that occurs when viewing linearly polarized content through polarized sunglasses. In other words, you can use your phone in portrait and landscape while wearing polarized glasses, so long as it uses a circular polarizer. Plus, circularly polarized displays are brighter than linearly polarized ones in the same situation.

Surprisingly, circular polarizers are good for more than just outdoor or in-car phone visibility. They also help scatter light in a way that's more natural and less direct than an LCD or OLED might otherwise be, helping lutein levels to remain higher than with linearly polarized displays.

Studies show that higher lutein levels improve eye performance, so your display (and everything else) continues to look good with prolonged use, while contrast and clarity can diminish over time as lutein levels decline.

Just the tip of the iceberg

If you want to see more of what BOE is working on, the display tour video above is the most comprehensive I could find from SID Display Week 2026. It goes over a ton of additional products and concepts the company is working on — like a true creaseless foldable display, transparent OLEDs, ultra-wide-gamut TVs, etc — but it's telling that BOE has such a large section devoted to eye health.

To my knowledge, only TCL shows such strong commitment to eye health with its NXTPAPER products (and beyond), while companies like Samsung never even mention eye health when announcing new products. I often get completely ignored by Samsung when I ask questions about color spectrum output, display flicker improvements, and similar topics, and my eyes (and the feedback from many people online) tell me that eye health simply isn't a concern for the company.

As we add more and more displays to our lives — whether that's the phone in our hand or the multitude of signs and advertisements in public spaces — eye health is becoming an increasingly important topic for display companies to focus on, and I'm glad to see that significant work is being put into ensuring the long-term health of the people who look at them.

Many retailers will regularly offer decent Motorola deals, and this next entry is a perfect option for anyone who is currently in the market. This 2025 Motorola Edge is currently just $400 at Best Buy, marking $150 in savings on last year's best Motorola phone.

The Edge is just steps behind the 2026 release, still offering Motorola's well-liked, anti-slip vegan leather backing, a good suite of cameras, and a solid battery life and charging speeds. As with any of even the best Motorola phones, the Edge going to come with some amount of bloatware. But if that isn't a dealbreaker for you, this deal might be one worth considering.

✅Recommended if: you like having a phone with a sleek design that feels luxurious and is easy to hold with one hand; you're looking for a phone that comes with a good range of camera lenses and high-quality photo- and video-taking capabilities; you value having a long battery life when it comes to phones, and you also prefer a fast-charging device.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking for industry-leading performance and you have the budget to upgrade; you prefer phones with a long-term software update promises and you'd rather consider a device from another manufacturer; you don't want to have to purchase fast-charging hardware separately to unlock your device's best capabilities

In our 2025 Motorola Edge review, we were quick to point out some of the phone's many strengths that can be found across the Moto lineup: high-powered charging and battery life, cameras, and an excellent design with the vegan leather anti-slip back.

What's especially likable about the Edge series is its compact 6.3-inch form factor, which also doesn't compromise on picture quality. It features a pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate display, with an impressive 5,200 nits of peak brightness, all housed in a comfy, easy-to-hold device.

Perhaps the biggest downsides of this phone are Motorola's software promise of just two years, and the company's bloaty approach to OS systems. Still, at just $400, those issues might be worth putting up with, especially when considering the device's many strengths.

What you need to know

• A new leak gives us a clear look at the Pine green Pixel 11 Pro Fold, similar to last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold shade.
• The camera module is slightly redesigned, with edge-to-edge sensor pills and the flash now integrated inside the island.
• There's no sign of the rumored Pixel Glow LED in the render, though a hidden sensor in the module can't be ruled out.

We're just about a month away from the official reveal of the Google Pixel 11 series. And now, ahead of the launch, a new leak has given us a clear look at the green color of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, along with its slightly redesigned camera module.

Google has confirmed that it'll reveal its new generation of Pixel devices on August 12th at 6:00 PM ET in New York. Unlike past Pixel launches, there have been noticeably fewer leaks about the Pixel 11 series this time around (though no major upgrades are expected anyway). Still, a new leak from Mystic Leaks on Telegram has given us a clear look at the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

The leak shows off the Pine variant of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which looks similar to the green shade Google released with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold last year. This color is also expected to be available on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

The overall design, according to the leak, stays mostly the same. It's really just the camera island that looks slightly different this time. Compared to before, the pills housing the camera sensors now (mostly) stretch edge-to-edge across the module. The flash, which used to sit on the outside, now appears to be integrated within the module itself.

The camera module also looks a little squarer this time, compared to the slightly more rectangular shape before. You can also spot a faint golden hue on the 'G' logo on the back. Otherwise, the phone looks largely similar to last year's model.

One disappointing thing, though, is that there's no sign of the Pixel Glow LED in this render. Google is reportedly integrating Pixel Glow across its portfolio.

We first saw it on the Google Home Speaker earlier this year, and it was also featured as part of a Googlebook showcase earlier this year. But this Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn't show anything of the sort. It's possible there's a hidden light sensor within the camera module itself, but we can't say for sure.

Either way, everything will be confirmed at Google's upcoming showcase, since we're only about a month out from the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's release.

In the meantime, if you're after a great deal on a foldable, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is currently down by nearly 20% on Amazon, making it one of the best foldable deals right now. That's especially worth considering given that prices for this year's upcoming foldables are expected to climb north of $2,000.

What you need to know

• Pixel 11 Pro Fold FCC filing points to a major modem shake-up, with Google expected to replace Samsung's Exynos modem with MediaTek's M90.
• Tensor G6 could complete Google's break from Samsung, following Tensor G5's reported move to TSMC for chip manufacturing.
• MediaTek's M90 brings meaningful upgrades, including up to 12Gbps 5G speeds, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power efficiency.

Google’s long-term partnership with Samsung for Pixel modem hardware might be ending, and a new regulatory filing indicates that change is coming sooner rather than later.

A new FCC filing for the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems to confirm that Google is ready to switch to a MediaTek modem and replace Samsung’s Exynos solution, as spotted by Android Authority. The filing corroborates earlier reports that the Tensor G6 platform will be paired with the company's M90 5G modem, instead of using Samsung's modem technology.

Google has been heavily reliant on Samsung for chip design and modem components since the original Tensor chip debuted in the Pixel 6 series. Although Tensor G5 is reported to have moved to TSMC for manufacturing, Google is still using a Samsung modem. The one for a clean break seems to be Tensor G6.

For Pixel users, the modem swap might matter more than benchmark numbers. Samsung's modems have been among the more common complaints on recent Pixel phones, with users citing inconsistent cellular reception, increased battery drain, and less reliable signal strength compared to other flagship devices. A more recent modem could fix those long-term pain points.

On paper, MediaTek’s M90 modem has some promising upgrades. It supports download speeds of up to 12Gbps, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power management that promises to improve efficiency without compromising performance. With the rumored Tensor G6 shift to TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process, the Pixel 11 lineup could deliver meaningful gains in battery life, thermal performance, and overall connectivity rather than just the raw processing power.

If the leaks are true, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be the company's first foldable to come with a MediaTek modem, and that points to a wider change for the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

Android Central's Take

I think this is one of the smartest hardware decisions Google could make. Pixel phones have always had great cameras and some genuinely helpful AI features, but modem performance has been a frustrating Achilles heel for years. If the move to MediaTek finally solves the connectivity and battery problems, most users will probably not care whose logo is on the modem — they will be happy with a Pixel that has a better signal and lasts longer.

Last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold didn't really have many new features; other than better water resistance, Tensor G5, and a bigger battery, it was identical to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With other brands rolling out noticeable upgrades — including Samsung with the thinner Galaxy Z Fold 7 — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold felt like a tame release.

That's why I'm excited to see what Google has in store with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The latest leaks suggest the upcoming foldable will get new cameras — a long-overdue upgrade — alongside a new Tensor G6 platform built on a 2nm node, brighter OLED panels inside and out, and design tweaks. This might finally be the year where Google takes the fight to Samsung and Vivo, and I can't wait.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

Google has confirmed that it will showcase the Pixel 11 on August 12. Like last year, we should get four models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I don't see any changes to Google's release strategy this year, so these models should be up for pre-order as soon as the launch event ends, with general sales starting before the end of August.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold retailed at $1,799 for the 256GB model, but with rising memory and storage costs, it's a given that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be at least $100 costlier, bringing it up to $1,899. We'll need to wait until the launch event to know what the foldable actually costs, but considering trends across the industry, it's almost guaranteed that you'll need to pay more to get your hands on Google's upcoming phones.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Design

Leaks point to Google tweaking the design of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a little bit to make the rear camera island a little more distinctive, but other than that, the device looks similar to its predecessor. This is a good thing; Google has a distinct design aesthetic, and that isn't changing in 2026.

The one thing I'd like to see is a lighter foldable. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighs 258g, a full 43g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and that difference in heft is immediately noticeable. The added bulk and weight makes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a little cumbersome at times, and this is something that Google needs to address this year.

Another thing that Google needs to consider is the size; most foldables are now under 4.5mm unfolded and 9mm when folded, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold needs to be able to measure up in this category. A thinner and lighter foldable would go a long way in making the Pixel 11 Pro Fold stand out against its predecessors, and this is a key requirement in 2026.

A new feature coming to this year's Pixels is Pixel Glow, an LED notification light that's located on the rear camera island. This is something Nothing uses to great effect on its phones, and I can't wait to see how Google leverages it.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has one of the best OLED panels on any foldable, and while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold isn't set to change the size of the panels, it may get brighter. That's a positive move, and I like that Google isn't changing the size; the inner 8.0-inch panel is the ideal size to multitask, and the outer 6.4-inch panel has adequate real estate.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Specs

The headlining change with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the Tensor G6 platform. Google's phones haven't really stood up to their Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals in the past, but that could finally be changing. I'm not going to suggest that the Tensor G6 will be as fast as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but it shouldn't be as hobbled as the G5 and G4 when it comes to gaming.

A big part of that has to do with the node switch to 2nm, which inherently delivers better efficiency. Google is also said to be using new cores, and that should bring the Tensor G6 up to scratch, and I'm crossing my fingers that it holds up a lot better in gaming — this is an area where Google just hasn't done enough in the past.

The other big change is around cameras; the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is said to get a new main camera, which should allow the foldable to take better photos. This is something that Google needed to address last year on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but I'm glad the brand is making amends in 2026; with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 incoming and the Vivo X Fold 6 slated to launch globally, Google needs to do much better with the cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I want to see a better 3x lens as well, but the leaks point to just the main camera getting a new sensor, so it looks like the rest of the modules will be similar to last year.

Then there's the battery; leaks have pointed to a smaller 4,800mAh battery this year, but we will need to wait until the launch event to see if that's legitimate. A smaller battery is the easiest way to shave weight and thickness, but the obvious downside is that the phone doesn't last as long.

It is feasible that Google is counting on the efficiency gains of the Tensor G6 to offset the smaller battery. I would much prefer to see a bigger battery, and if every other brand is able to deliver at least a 5,000mAh battery in a foldable that's under 10mm and 220g, I don't see why Google couldn't do it.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which should you buy?

With the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google needs to deliver a thinner and lighter foldable with better cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold should bring decent upgrades this year, and the move to the Tensor G6 could resolve long-standing issues. Then again, this is all conjecture — we'll need to wait until August 12 to know what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold actually brings to the table.

In spite of the average cameras and the weight, I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The software is a real joy, and Android 17 made the foldable even better. If you don't need the best cameras and are okay with a heavier foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a great choice — and you don't have to pay anywhere as much.

One of the best things about tablets and foldable phones is the taskbar at the bottom of the folding screen, which houses your most-used apps. But did you know you can have something just like it on regular non-folding phones?

Whenever I set up a new Samsung or Motorola phone, this is the first thing I enable and customize, and it is probably my most-used Android feature. In fact, the side panel — Sidebar, Edge Panel, or whatever you want to call it — is a very common Android feature available across various OEMs, although it's still surprisingly missing from Pixel smartphones.

An app taskbar you can access from anywhere

The side panel on Android phones acts as a sort of taskbar on non-folding phones. When activated, it hides on the side of your display, identifiable by a small bar. When you swipe inwards on the bar, you get access to a customizable set of apps, as well as some recently opened apps and/or (in Samsung's case), a dedicated set of AI apps.

What's great about this is that it's accessible from nearly every screen. If you're already in an app, you can open the side panel to access another frequently used app in an instant or your full app drawer.

It's also a good option for multitasking. Frankly, I find that activating split screen mode can be a pain, but with the side panel, you can drag an app to one side of the screen or open it in freeform over another open app.

Samsung also offers a set of additional side panels you can activate that are more than just apps. You can access your clipboard, favorite contacts, weather, navigation tools, and more. The side panel can essentially become a one-stop shop if you use it right.

How to enable the side panel on a Galaxy phone

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Display.

3. Toggle on Edge panels and tap the option to enter the Edge Panels menu.

4. Tap Panels and select the panels you want to add.

5. Tap Edit under the Apps panel, then tap the apps you want to add to the panel. Do the same with the People panel if you wish to add it.

6. Optional: Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner and toggle on split screen, Galaxy AI, Show recent apps, and Show app names.

7. On the Edge panels menu, tap Handle.

8. Choose the position of the screen you want the handle to be on, the color, transparency, size, and width.

9. Hold and drag the handle to your preferred position so it's easy to access.

Download Good Lock for even more goodies

Now, you can swipe from the bar on nearly any screen to access your favorite and most-used apps or functions! But if you want to customize your panel even more, you can do so by Installing Samsung's Good Lock app from the Play Store or Galaxy Store. Once downloaded, scroll through the plugins and install the Home Up module.

Once installed, open Home Up and toggle on Edge panel. Here, you will find additional settings you can apply to the panel, such as the ability to integrate multiple types of panels into a single panel so you can access apps, contacts, and shortcuts, the ability to scroll through the recent apps section, and an expanded view that adds columns of apps.

One user on Android 17 has demonstrated that the upcoming One UI 9 update will enable even more customization for the Edge Panel. An update to the Home Up module will let users add backgrounds and colors, change the corner radius, and even adjust the blur effect.

Keep in mind that Samsung has not yet officially released Android 17/One UI 9, so unless you're on the beta, you'll have to wait a bit longer for this functionality.

Pixel is missing out

As I noted, it's not just Samsung that has a side panel for easy access to apps. It's also available on Motorola phones. You can access it by navigating to Settings > Gestures > Sidebar, then toggle the feature on. Then, tap the Settings icon to add apps, tools, and contacts to the bar. It basically combines three of Samsung's panels into one.

For OnePlus, the feature is buried in a less obvious spot. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility & convenience > Smart Sidebar, then toggle the feature on. There, you can edit its position, functions, and more. Then open the Sidebar and tap Edit to add and change the apps you want.

I wish I could tell you how to enable this feature on Pixel smartphones, but for some reason, Google refuses to add it to the Pixel lineup. There are a number of things I don't like about the Pixel UI, but the fact that Google won't give me an app sidebar is one of the main reasons I don't like using it. There are third-party apps that can add similar functionality, such as Panels, but I would rather use a built-in feature that doesn't have a paywall.

The closest the Pixel comes is the new App Bubbles, which lets you easily multitask across multiple apps with floating bubbles, but it's not really comparable to having a dedicated sidebar. With any luck, Google will add this in future OS updates or Pixel Drops.

Motorola's latest midrange earbuds, the Moto Buds 2 Plus, aim to deliver high-quality sound at an affordable $150 price point. Compared to the regular Moto Buds 2, the Plus version adds Sound by Bose tuning, featuring 11mm dynamic drivers and 6mm micro-planar magnetic drivers. In other words, the Moto Buds 2 Plus have the hardware chops to sound as good as any of its competitors at this price point.

To realize the Moto Buds 2 Plus's potential, you'll need to tweak your software to match your listening preferences. Spatial audio is enabled out of the box, but extras like hi-res audio, gaming mode, and equalizers aren't on by default. I adjusted these settings on the Moto Buds 2 Plus, and it improved everything from sound and call quality to the multi-device connections. Here's how you can, too.

Enable hi-res audio mode

Bluetooth is often the audio-quality bottleneck for wireless headphones and earbuds. Still, there are ways to improve your sound quality without a cable within the constraints of Bluetooth. As such, the Moto Buds 2 Plus support Bluetooth 6 and the LHDC audio codec. LHDC stands for Low-Latency High-Definition Audio Codec, and it promises wireless playback at up to 1,000kbps.

By switching on the Moto Buds 2 Plus' high-resolution audio mode, you can enjoy the 24-bit/96kHz max quality offered by the LHDC codec. To do so, open the Moto Buds app, tap Sound, then press the toggle next to Hi-Res Mode. Tap Continue to start hearing music through your Moto Buds 2 Plus at the highest possible quality.

Switch on gaming mode for low latency

LDHC is the saving grace of the Moto 2 Buds Plus, and the hi-res audio isn't the only thing it offers. This codec also supports low-latency audio, which is ideal for gaming. Motorola's Gaming mode is designed to minimize latency to improve your gameplay, prioritizing responsiveness over almost everything else. However, it doesn't turn on automatically — you need to switch it on every time you want to use it.

To find it, open the Moto Buds app and tap Sound. Then switch the toggle next to Gaming mode to the on position. Remember that this low-latency audio mode automatically turns off when your earbuds disconnect from your device. Additionally, you can't use hi-res audio and gaming mode simultaneously. It's one or the other.

Play with the EQ to personalize your sound

There's one more setting in the Sound page of the Moto Buds 2 Plus settings worth paying attention to: the equalizer. Motorola offers a customizable 10-band EQ that lets you fine-tune your earbuds' sound to your liking. If you like more bass, go for that. If you prefer a more subtle bass and brighter highs, bump up the treble. You can find the EQ on the Sound page, and tapping Equalizer opens the interface.

There are four ready-to-go presets to choose from: Brilliant Treble, Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, and Flat. Or, you can build a Custom preset of your own. Simply grab the slider for one of the 10 bands and drag it up or down to adjust the gain for a specific frequency range. This gives your Moto Buds 2 Plus a personal sound you won't get any other way.

Activate Crystal Talk for clearer calling

If you plan to use your Moto Buds 2 Plus for calling, it's worth enabling the Crystal Talk feature. The toggle for this one is right on the homepage of the Moto Buds app, and flipping it on enables AI-powered noise cancellation for your calls. It amplifies your voice while blocking out unwanted environmental sounds, like wind. If you make calls in noisy environments, this setting is for you.

Share your audio with Dual connection

For those switching between devices often, the Moto Buds 2 Plus support connecting to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. At least one of those devices has to be an Android phone, and you can set up Dual connection in the Moto Buds app. Flip the toggle next to Dual connection in the Moto Buds app on your primary Bluetooth device. Then, hold down the button on the Moto Buds 2 Plus case to enter pairing mode.

Pair your earbuds to a second device, and the Moto Buds 2 Plus will automatically juggle the connections between both devices. The earbuds will automatically play and pause audio and switch between devices based on priority. If you're listening to music on your laptop and a call comes through on your phone, the Moto Buds 2 Plus will switch to your earbuds to help you take the call.

It's a convenient feature that helps you use multiple devices at once, saving you the hassle of pairing and unpairing manually.

At $150, the Moto Buds 2 Plus make a compelling case for being your next pair of midrange earbuds. They pack impressive software features for the price, all of which are found in the Moto Buds app. After you make the Moto Buds 2 Plus your own with settings and equalizers, you'll notice the difference in quality.

What you need to know

• Reports claim that the Galaxy S26 series has been shattering Samsung's sales expectations, as the company holds "Appreciation Events" and more.
• Sales for the Galaxy S26 have risen by "three times" the amount in recent history, and it's likely consumer fear over a pricier Galaxy S27 that's cultivated this boost.
• Samsung reported a major boost in Galaxy S26 popularity and production earlier this year, but with soaring DRAM and NAND prices, cost

We're caught at a midway point between the Galaxy S26 series and the upcoming Galaxy S27 series. These series are reportedly influencing one another, as fears mount over higher prices for Samsung's next wave.

Late this week, ETNews (Korean) reported that Samsung is experiencing another surge in Galaxy S26 sales (via SamMobile). The publication's sources claim that Samsung observed significant sales performance domestically and globally in June. What's more, the company reportedly held an "Appreciation Festival" for consumers. If a Galaxy S26 series device were purchased, consumers would receive a 20% refund "in Digital Onnuri Gift Certificates."

Another contributing factor is Samsung's website, alongside various "open markets," which have seen sales "three times" higher than before. As a result, Samsung is boosting its Galaxy S26 production to 1.5 million units over the previously planned 1 million units for July. A report by EInfoMax adds that domestic Galaxy S26 sales have surpassed 3 million units for Samsung in 117 days, shattering Galaxy S25 records (via GSMArena).

With everything going on with the phone market, it's been alleged that this growing demand for the Galaxy S26 is due to pricier Galaxy S27 concerns. The memory shortage is (of course) a primary contributor to these worries.

A changing market

The Galaxy S26 series' popularity was discussed a few times, leading to a production boost reported back in April. The spring saw Samsung boost its Galaxy S26 Ultra production by 200,000 units (1.5 mil total in April) and its base S26 model by 500,000 units. The Plus model was pulled back soon. Samsung knocked off roughly 100,000 units as the other two phones were more sought after.

We're not entirely sure what's going on with the Galaxy S27, but some rumors said it could be kept mild to avoid ridiculous pricing. Certain upgrades were allegedly being put on the back burner, such as the series' display and cameras. It's still early, and things can change. Soaring memory prices are affecting everyone. Companies are struggling to find ways to keep their profits without suffering a loss.

Recent research by Omdia suggests budget phones could take a hit, thanks to high DRAM and NAND prices. The market could see far fewer budget phones, as higher-priced devices give companies more leeway to make cost-conscious changes.

Android Central's Take

The Galaxy S26 series is a popular series for Samsung, coming off the back of the popular Galaxy S25. It goes without saying that the S26 Ultra is leading the charge by a mile, too. But the shift I'm seeing in how people are buying is a tell of the times. If the price of a phone is "more acceptable" right now, and we risk seeing those disappear in the future, why not buy now? Why not buy right now and see where the market takes us later? At least, right now, we're not "suffering" as much. This is all subjective, as we all have our limits on what we'd like to pay.

If you're looking to save money on your phone bill, Mint Mobile is one of the best options around — particularly if you also need a new phone. That being said, the carrier has been running out of stock on a lot of devices lately, so I've done the work of gathering the best Mint Mobile deals today so you don't have to go searching.

This T-Mobile-owned wireless carrier is all about providing great service in bulk, with savings that increase the more you buy. Mint also offers bundle opportunities that can get you new devices for dirt cheap, as long as you don't mind paying in advance. Keep reading for all of my top picks from Mint Mobile this month, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I update this list on a regular basis.

The best Mint Mobile deals of July 2026

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

Mint Mobile FAQ

How does Mint Mobile work?

Mint Mobile offers a straightforward buy-in-bulk plan system that lets you purchase wireless in 3, 6, and 12-month increments of time. There are four data plans to choose from: 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, and Unlimited, all of which give you coverage on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, along with a free mobile hotspot, unlimited talk and text, and coverage in Mexico, Canada, and the UK.

How much does Mint Mobile cost?

Mint Mobile's wireless plans start at $15 per month, but since you have to pay for a minimum of three months of coverage, you're looking at an upfront payment of at least $45. That can make things a bit confusing when you're first introduced to Mint's pricing model, but as long as you're comfortable buying phone service in bulk, the potential wireless savings could be immense. Just imagine dropping a single payment of $180 and not worrying about your phone bill again until 2027. Sounds pretty good, right?

Who owns Mint Mobile?

Although Mint Mobile used to be partly owned by actor Ryan Reynolds, the prepaid carrier is now fully owned and operated by T-Mobile. This allows Mint to give you the Big Three carrier experience without charging the Big Three carrier price, and since Mint Mobile is no longer an independent company, network de-prioritization from T-Mo is much less common.

Wondering how Mint Mobile compares with other prepaid wireless carriers? Witness the battle of the MVNOs with our Mint Mobile vs. Boost Mobile or Mint Mobile vs. Metro by T-Mobile to see which alternative carrier is right for you.

Let's face it: many of us stare at bright screens for a large portion of the day, so it's no wonder folks are trying to find a way to reduce the eye strain from their devices. Nowadays, you might expect an eye-friendly smartphone to cost an arm and a leg, but there's one budget phone that's completely breaking the mold.

Currently 15% off at Amazon, the TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is an innovative budget phone with a customizable paper-like display, IP68 build, and solid performance that could rival any midrange device from Samsung or Google. This discount knocks the price of the phone down to only $279.99, which is the same record low we saw during the big Prime Day sale last month. No trade-in required, no strings attached: just good old-fashioned savings on an already-affordable device. 

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro boasts a generous 6.9-inch 120Hz display with a textured matte finish, plus you get an efficient MediaTek chip with 8GB of RAM, expandable storage up to 2TB (using microSD), and an IP68 water-and-dust resistance rating, which is a rarity in this price range. 

But again, the main selling point with the NXTPAPER 70 Pro is its display. The phone somehow lands between an LCD and E Ink finish, delivering a visual experience that's smooth, customizable, and easy on the eyes. The device lets you choose between four display modes so you can select the best settings for any light, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures that images always look butter-smooth. 

For an Android phone under $400, the NXTPAPER 70 performs quite well in most situations, even if the haptics and software features aren't that impressive on their own. Considering the growing number of users that are affected by PWM sensitivity nowadays, it's amazing that we have an eye-friendly phone that performs great without breaking the bank. This record discount from Amazon is simply the cherry on top. 

Mint Mobile offers some of my favorite Android phone deals on the web, but when these promotions go out of stock, they're usually gone for good. Fortunately, that's not the case with the Samsung Galaxy S26, as the prepaid carrier just brought back one of my favorite deals of 2026 thus far.

Purchase the Samsung Galaxy S26 with one year of the Unlimited plan and Mint Mobile will give you $500 off the phone AND 50% off the wireless. That means you're getting a powerful 2026 flagship phone and a full 12 months of T-Mobile-powered wireless service for only $580 upfront (or $49 per month using affirm). The deal gets even better when you trade in, as Mint Mobile will give you up to $400 of additional savings depending on the age and condition of the device.

In fact, the entire S26 lineup is included to the deal, which means you can save $500 (and get the discounted wireless) on the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra if you need a more powerful phone.

Mint Mobile just resurrected one of my favorite Galaxy S26 deals of all time

I've been covering Samsung Galaxy S26 deals on a regular basis since the phone first debuted in March, and Mint's offer continues to impress as one of the best on the web. It's really all about the simplicity for me. Unlike most carrier deals, which force you to process a trade-in or sign up for some expensive data plan to receive the savings, all you need to do is hit the Add to Cart button to receive the phone and wireless bundle.

Activation just takes a few minutes, and again, it'll only cost you $580 out the door to get a new phone AND cover your phone bill until 2027. Considering that the Galaxy S26 usually retails for $900 on its own, it's a pretty remarkable opportunity.

Sure, if you prefer the simplicity of unlocked phones or you don't want to commit to a full year of Mint, then this deal isn't for you. But if you hate paying your phone bill and you want a great deal on a great Samsung phone, grab this Mint Mobile offer before it really disappears.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is expected to cost $2,099 in the US, which is $100 more than last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7.
• The wider Galaxy Z Fold 8, tipped to take on the iPhone Ultra, is rumored to start at $1,899 for the 256GB base model.
• A Reddit user claims a Samsung store in South Korea is already displaying the Galaxy Z Fold 8 ahead of its official reveal.
• Samsung has confirmed its next Unpacked event for July 22 in London, where the Z Fold 8 series will finally go official.

As if there was nothing left for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 series to leak, we now have images showcasing the official device a week ahead of launch, along with rumored pricing.

We're only about a week away from the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The company has already confirmed its Unpacked event for July 22 in London. But ahead of the launch, we've already heard about European pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, and now U.S. pricing has leaked as well.

As reported by Korean outlet SE Daily, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 series will be priced above $2,000 in the U.S. According to the outlet, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7 successor, reportedly to be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, will "likely" be priced at $2,099.

The wider Galaxy Z Fold 8, said to compete with the upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra, will sit at $1,899.

Samsung seems to have spoiled its own launch

It's worth noting that these prices are for the base 256GB variant, with higher storage options likely costing more. For comparison, last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7 started at $2,000, meaning its direct successor will be $100 more expensive.

The most interesting bit, though, is that Samsung has allegedly already pulled the trigger and started showcasing the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 on retail displays in Korea.

A Reddit user claims a Samsung store in South Korea has already put the Galaxy Z Fold 8 out on display. The user says a Samsung store employee "confirmed" the device on display was indeed the Z Fold 8, and they even managed to sneak in a photo of it.

The retail unit doesn't mention the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name anywhere, but it lines up pretty closely with what's leaked so far.

This might be the first time Samsung has showcased a device ahead of its official reveal, and it's interesting to see that the company's new form factor is real and arriving soon.

What you need to know

• A leaker claims the Galaxy Z Flip 8 could be Samsung's last small folding product.
• Samsung's July 22 Unpacked event in London will bring the Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Z Flip 8.
• The new passport-style Z Fold 8 could eventually replace the flip-style form factor in Samsung's lineup.
• Rising component costs and Apple's foldable iPhone may be pushing Samsung away from flip-style phones.

If you're a fan of Samsung's flip-style foldable lineup, we may have some bad news for you, as the next Galaxy Z Flip might be the last flip phone Samsung ever releases.

Samsung is set to launch its new foldable phones later this month at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London. The company is rumored to introduce two new Galaxy Z Fold 8 series phones, including a wider form factor device for the first time. Alongside those, Samsung is also expected to release the Galaxy Z Flip 8 as usual.

However, it seems the next Galaxy Z Flip could be the last one the company ever makes.

Popular tipster Ice Universe shared on X that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product. That suggests we may be nearing the end of the small flip-style foldable from Samsung.

It's worth noting, though, that the tipster doesn't explicitly say it'll be the last Galaxy Z Flip. Instead, they refer to it as the last small folding product.

Samsung is entering a new era with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, launching a passport-style form factor for the first time. That form factor will be less tall and much wider than previous Galaxy Z Fold products, so it's possible it ends up replacing the Galaxy Z Flip series going forward. Of course, it's far too early to say for certain.

Either way, this is sad news for anyone who's been a fan of the Galaxy Z Flip or flip-style foldables in general.

There's no denying that making these phones is becoming increasingly expensive. We recently saw Motorola raise prices across this year's Razr lineup as well.

And with Apple entering the foldable market with a passport-like form factor of its own, it's possible that this ends up being the only foldable form factor that survives, with Samsung wanting to compete head-on.

Regardless, it's disappointing for flip-style foldable users. Plenty of people still genuinely prefer the flip form factor, even with book-style foldables dominating the market. If this turns out to be true, it really will be the end of an era.

What you need to know

• Samsung has confirmed its next Unpacked event for July 22 in London, where the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series will debut.
• A new Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser hints at a "brand new shape," pointing to the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 form factor.
• A second teaser shows Spider-Man catching what appears to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, though few details are shown.

Samsung is all set to announce its new foldables soon, with a reportedly wider form factor launching for the first time. And the company isn't leaving anything to guesswork in its new teaser, released in collaboration with Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Samsung took to Instagram, X, and other social media platforms to drop new teasers for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The company has confirmed that its next Unpacked event takes place on July 22 in London, where it's expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, new Flip phones, and new Galaxy watches.

One of the teasers features a Spider-Man postcard with the text "A brand new shape is coming," with the top half tearing off to reveal the new Spider-Man movie logo and details. The teaser ends with the line "A brand new shape for a brand new day," clearly hinting at the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its wider form factor.

For those unaware, Samsung is reportedly launching two Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones this time around, with the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 set to take on Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone. It'll reportedly have a shorter but wider form factor, almost like a passport, meaning it'll feel like a true mini tablet when unfolded. This poster teaser seems to be pointing at exactly that.

Another teaser posted on Instagram shows Spider-Man catching a foldable phone, which appears to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Not much else is revealed beyond the collaboration itself, but it's interesting to see Samsung partnering with Spider-Man for the new Z Fold series.

Thankfully, we won't have to wait long for the full picture. Samsung's launch event is just about a week away, where we'll be getting all the details about these upcoming foldable phones.

What you need to know

• BigMe posted a teaser on Kickstarter for the Hibreak Dual 2, a phone with a 6.1-inch color/BW E-Ink display and a 5-inch LCD.
• The company was also active on Reddit, stating its goal with the Hibreak Dual 2 is to create a device that gets users away from carrying two devices.
• The Hibreak Dual launched in April, and while the device had the right idea in mind, it fell flat in other areas.

BigMe's returning with news about a successor to its dual-screen device, which is probably going to happen sooner than any of us imagined.

BigMe's Kickstarter page teased the Hibreak Dual 2, the "world's first 80FPS Large Dual-Screen E-Ink Smartphone." The company's tagline for the device slips in an interesting "unmatched power" statement, too. This device is reportedly "launching soon." Official launch dates have yet to be posted. However, BigMe states the Hibreak Dual 2 will feature a 6.1-inch color/BW E-Ink display and a 5-inch LCD.

This phone will arrive with Android 16, Stylus support, and MediaTek's Dimensity 8300 SoC. It adds that the phone's upcoming RAM storage variants will include 12/256GB and 16/512GB. BigMe published more details about the Hibreak Dual 2 on its store, stating it features a 50MP main camera and a 5MP selfie lens. NFC capabilities were highlighted, as well as facial recognition for phone security.

As BigMe stirs interest, a company team member went on Reddit to capture early user comments and feedback. BigMe acknowledges that, while there is interest, there is likely concern. BigMe states its goal with the Hibreak Dual 2 is to "create a phone that gives you both a comfortable E Ink screen for reading/writing and a smooth LCD for everything else. No more carrying two devices."

However, many users on Reddit voiced concerns over the phone's software and bloatware. BigMe has been active in the thread's comments, jotting down notes on user concerns.

Are these the right moves?

Hi everyone, I’m from the Bigme team. We’re bringing the Hibreak Dual 2 to Kickstarter soon, and we’d love to hear your honest thoughts. from r/Bigme

A dual-screen phone sounds cool, but its practicality was called into question. Android Central's Nicholas Sutrich covered the Hibreak Dual when it launched in April. That model, similar to what's been teased for its successor, features an E Ink display alongside an LCD. The goal is to give users options with their device, instead of walking around with two devices, as BigMe has also stated.

An E Ink display provides "superior readability" and is much more "eye-friendly," per Sutrich. The original features a 42Hz refresh rate for its E Ink display, which was the fastest on the market. This is nowhere as quick as other displays, but it's good for the E Ink sector, and now BigMe says it's taking that up a notch with the Dual 2. We're still waiting to hear more about this phone. One thing is certain: the Hibreak Dual 2 needs to do more than the original.

Sutrich didn't feel that BigMe did all that it could with the first model; however, this early glimpse at the Dual 2 seems like it's taken the steps it needs to for a much better experience.

Android Central's Take

This most certainly is an interesting device. I'd be lying if I said I didn't agree with the concerns people have on Reddit. Also, many users tried to sway BigMe in a different direction. Urging the brand to focus on devices that separate the experience, rather than melding them into one.

With memory prices going up all across the board, there has been some concern that the budget smartphone industry might be in danger. Fortunately, wireless carriers seem to be largely unaffected (for now), which means you can still find some amazing cheap Android phone deals if you know where to look. For instance, Verizon will give you the Google Pixel 10a for 100% free when you add a line with any of its standard unlimited plans. The carrier is even waiving the activation fee if you're a new customer (a $40 savings).

Sure, it's not unusual for the Big Three carrier to give away its phones for free, but most Verizon deals require a sign-up on one of the more expensive unlimited plans to enjoy the full savings. With this deal, the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, AND Unlimited Ultimate plans are all eligible, making this offer a pretty inviting opportunity for new and existing Verizon users alike. 

The Google Pixel 10a is one of the best cheap Android phones we've ever used, coming complete with a gorgeous 6.3-inch pOLED display, large 5,100mAh battery with fast charging capabilities, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. 

The phone's Tensor G4 chipset still punches well above its weight class (despite being last-gen), while the camera tech and onboard AI features make the overall experience of using the Pixel 10a almost indistinguishable from that of a modern flagship. 

There are still some issues, of course. Like I already mentioned, the phone wasn't a huge upgrade from its predecessor, and the lack of Qi2 support and limited AI software could make the Pixel 10a feel a bit dated if you're particularly stringent about that kind of thing.

Still, for 500 bucks, the Google Pixel 10a offers one of the best value propositions around, and a Verizon deal that makes the phone completely free seems like a no-brainer in this day and age.

What you need to know

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro is shaping up to be a major flagship upgrade, with a next-gen Snapdragon chip, revamped cameras, and a massive battery.
• Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 could power the phone, giving Xiaomi another early lead in adopting the latest flagship silicon.
• A new 6.4-inch flat OLED display may bring slimmer bezels, rounded corners, and a privacy mode that limits off-angle viewing.

Xiaomi’s next flagship is starting to come into focus, and if the latest leak is accurate, the Xiaomi 18 Pro could sport a new flagship Snapdragon chip, an overhauled camera system, and one of the biggest batteries we’ve seen in a premium Android phone yet.

The latest details come from reliable leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, who claims Xiaomi is testing an engineering prototype powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (via Android Authority). The chipset, built on a 2nm process, should make its debut shortly before Xiaomi’s 18 series officially launches, maintaining the company’s record of being one of the first Android OEMs to ship Qualcomm’s newest flagship silicon.

But Xiaomi could be making some significant hardware changes, too, beyond raw performance. Earlier, the same source had tipped a custom flat OLED display of ~6.4 inches with ultra-slim symmetrical bezels and larger rounded corners. Previous reports have suggested that the panel may also feature a Samsung-style Privacy Display mode that reduces the viewing angles to help shield on-screen content from prying eyes.

It looks like photography is getting an even bigger upgrade. According to DCS, Xiaomi is experimenting with dual 200MP sensors, one serving as the main camera and the other as a periscope telephoto lens, instead of relying on a conventional flagship camera configuration.

The primary sensor is rumored to use LOFIC tech that aims to improve dynamic range and reduce shutter lag, giving Xiaomi another advantage in the highly competitive flagship camera market.

Another headline feature could be battery life. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is said to have a 7,000mAh battery but still supports 100W wired fast charging and wireless charging. That’s a lot of capacity for a flagship phone, especially if Xiaomi manages to keep the device somewhat compact.

Android Central's Take

This is the kind of flagship I'd want to carry on paper. I love seeing bigger batteries and meaningful camera upgrades instead of another round of AI gimmicks dressed up as “innovation.” That said, leaks always tend to make phones sound too good to be true. Xiaomi still needs to demonstrate it can transform these specs into a polished real-world experience — and ideally resist the urge to slap a flagship price tag on it that makes all those upgrades a lot less exciting for the people who actually have to buy it.

What you need to know

• The Redmi Note 17 Pro comes with a promise of free battery replacement if battery health drops below 80% within four years.
• Durability gets a boost too, with an IP69K rating for strong dust and high-pressure water resistance.
• The Pro model also gets a refreshed look, featuring a more prominent dual-camera island than the standard Redmi Note 17.

Smartphone makers love to talk about bigger batteries, but Xiaomi is taking a different approach with the Redmi Note 17 Pro. The company promises to keep that battery healthy for years, and it's willing to replace it for free if it doesn't.

Xiaomi has confirmed a new battery guarantee for the Redmi Note 17 Pro ahead of the phone's July 14 debut in China. The battery is designed to retain at least 80 percent of its original capacity after four years of use. If it falls below that threshold during the coverage period, eligible users can receive a free replacement, Xiaomi Group President Lu Weibing revealed on Weibo (via Android Authority).

As people keep their phones longer, the health of the battery becomes a bigger concern. Most lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, after a number of charges, so Xiaomi’s promise is to ease one of the biggest long-term ownership concerns.

Xiaomi revealed much more than just the battery guarantee before its launch. The Redmi Note 17 Pro will pack a large 9,000mAh battery, per Xiaomi's separate Weibo post.

Leaks and official teasers are also starting to paint a clearer picture of the hardware. The Redmi Note 17 Pro is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 processor. Camera upgrades seem to be another major focus, with the Pro model tipped to carry a 200MP primary sensor, while the standard Redmi Note 17 is expected to stick with a 50MP main camera.

The design also keeps the two phones apart. Official images show the standard model with a less complicated rear camera arrangement, while the Pro sports a more pronounced dual-camera island.

Android Central's Take

Hopefully this is an indication of a wider change and not a one-off marketing stunt. Phone brands keep pushing for bigger batteries and faster charging, but none of that matters much if the battery dies long before I'm ready to replace the device. If Xiaomi is serious about this free replacement promise, it could save users some cash and make upgrading less of a necessity. Now the rest of the industry has to decide if they are going to follow suit or continue to pretend battery longevity isn’t a problem worth solving.

What you need to know

• Samsung has confirmed the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.
• The "for Galaxy" version means a custom-tuned Snapdragon processor, which has historically delivered slightly higher CPU and GPU performance than the standard chip.
• Performance should get a meaningful boost for multitasking, gaming, and on-device AI, helping justify rumored price increases.

Recent rumors pointed to a major price hike for Samsung’s next wave of foldables. But hold your horses before you dismiss the upcoming lineup, because Samsung just confirmed a huge hardware upgrade that could actually make the extra cash worth it.

Samsung has now confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chip, solidifying its position on flagship processors for its high-end foldables. The confirmation comes ahead of the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, where the company is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 along with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 8.

In a post on Weibo, the Korean tech giant revealed that the Fold 8 will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the same silicon that powers the Galaxy S26 series. That might not be a huge surprise, but it settles weeks of speculation on whether Samsung would tap its own Exynos silicon in some markets.

No Exynos this time

Reports out earlier had already hinted that the U.S. model would stick with Qualcomm, but Samsung’s announcement makes it clear that Snapdragon will power the device worldwide.

It's a notable confirmation because Samsung didn’t just stop at the processor name. The company specifically noted the “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy” branding, suggesting users should expect Samsung’s custom version of Qualcomm’s chip, not the standard version.

Historically, those “for Galaxy” editions have come with slightly higher CPU and GPU clock speeds, giving Samsung’s phones a modest performance edge over other Android flagships.

But the processor is not expected to be the only upgrade. Rumors suggest a wider, redesigned Fold 8 that will act more like a standard smartphone when closed, addressing one of the main complaints of previous Galaxy Fold models. Leaks have also hinted at improvements like a bigger battery and faster charging, though Samsung hasn’t confirmed those details yet.

Android Central's Take

I can't say I'm shocked that Samsung stuck with Snapdragon here — it would've been far riskier to gamble on anything else for a phone that will almost certainly cost well north of $1,800. The good news is that buyers should get the best performance Samsung has to offer for multitasking, gaming, and on-device AI. That said, I’d rather the company put as much energy into fixing the Fold’s long-standing pain points — like battery life, charging speed, and camera performance — as it does confirming the obvious.

Samsung has confirmed that the next Galaxy Unpacked event will be held on July 22nd in London, which means we're likely just two weeks away from the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. 

That being said, if you don't want to wait (or you simply don't want to shell out $2,000 for a smartphone), you're in luck: last year's Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently $500 off at Best Buy, making it a pretty compelling prospect for folks who want a great foldable phone experience without breaking the bank.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a beautiful foldable phone with a thin and lightweight design, two Dynamic AMOLED displays, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset with 12GB of RAM. When opening the book-style foldable, the center crease is finally as imperceptible as Samsung claims it to be, and the upgraded camera system is one of the best we've ever seen on a foldable. 

The phone's thin frame means that the battery life isn't anything to write home about (and Samsung removed the embedded stylus), but if you want a premium foldable phone experience, it doesn't get much better than the Z Fold 7 (well, maybe with the Motorola Razr Fold, but that's another discussion). 

How does last year's phone compare to the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8? Well, we don't have official specs just yet, but the latest leaks and rumors suggest that the Z Fold 8 simply takes the foundation of its predecessor and adds a larger battery with faster charging and possibly an upgraded screen. Are those small updates worth an additional $500 at minimum? I don't think so, but you'll have to make the call. 

Android Central's take

I've said it before and I'll it again: we don't need new phones every single year. With the current global memory shortage and prices going up on tech all across the board, maybe OEMs like Samsung should focus more on optimizing the devices that people already have rather than pushing out new generations every year. 

This is particularly true when new devices only offer small upgrades between generations. If I were in the market for an unlocked foldable phone, I'd go with this discounted Galaxy Z Fold 7 and keep a bit of cash in my pocket for a rainy day. After all, what's the point of giving a device a seven-year software promise if you're not going to keep it for more than a year or two? 

What you need to know

• Google started rolling out its July security update for Pixels, which serves as its first post-Android 17 launch patch.
• The update fixes a few early issues affecting Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 series phones, as well as a navigation button problem for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
• Google has achieved Platform Stability for Android 17's first quarterly update with Beta 6.

Android 17's debut was huge, alongside Google's other major Pixel news. Now, the company is rolling out its first post-Android 17 patch, and it's of the monthly variety for security and bug fixes.

Google posted the changelog for its July 2026 security update for Pixel 6 and newer phones. Globally, Pixel users can expect to download vCP2A.260705.006 once it hits their devices. Google says the patch is "rolling out in phases" over the next week, so its availability will be staggered to start. Android 17's UI is receiving a couple of fixes. The first involves only the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, as users reported problems with its navigation buttons.

Google says these buttons would occasionally "change alignment after folding and unfolding the device." The July patch should solve this issue for those affected users. The second fix concerns every supported Pixel device for this July update (Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10 series). Google states it's rolling out a fix for the wallpaper shape effect as it would "incorrectly cover the subject instead of appearing in the background."

You can check out the remainder of the patch notes below. It's worth noting that the following fixes concern all supported Pixel phones receiving this patch.

• Fix for an issue where certain applications would unexpectedly close or fail to launch
• Fix for an issue where various system widgets were displayed with incorrect colors or contrast settings
• Fix for an issue where some devices would fail to load the Android system or become stuck in a boot loop under certain conditions

Testing underway

Google is rolling out a small fix for widgets, but it doesn't solve the main issue most Pixel users were experiencing. Users said their home screen widgets started disappearing after updating to Android 17. Google is aware of this and says a fix is on the way. We've seen that fix appear in the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 5 update. Specifically, it states the fix is for widgets that "disappear or become unavailable in the widget picker after a device reboot."

Since this is in its QPR1 beta, we'll likely have to wait for Android 17's first quarterly patch, which is what the tests are for. However, Google hit us with a pretty quick double whammy. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 6 rolled out last week, and it's now in Platform Stability. This is the part of the beta where devs can begin testing and applying their APIs to the software in preparation for users to receive it.

Android Central's Take

Android 17 wasn't a flashy update, and most other phones from other makers are awaiting their turn to get it. Not all major OS updates need to be, so long as they offer something worth our time. Android 17 focuses on security and threat detection for phones, which is always appreciated.