Latest from Android Central

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s One UI 9 Watch beta appears on test servers

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:40:42 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung just uploaded a One UI 9 Watch test firmware (L500XXU2ZZH2) for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to its servers.
The new firmware specifically targets the Watch 8 Classic, making it one of the first older models (outside the new Watch 9 series) to get public beta access.
This build runs on a newer bootloader version. Once you install it, rolling back to the previous software won't be possible.

Samsung is moving closer to bringing One UI 9 Watch to older Galaxy smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic seems to be among the first to receive it. A new test build has appeared on Samsung’s test servers, which could be a sign that a public beta could be launched soon.

As per the screenshots shared by Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has uploaded the firmware with build number L500XXU2ZZH2/L500OXM2ZZH2 for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Just because the software is ready doesn’t mean the beta will be available quite yet, but it’s a strong indication that Samsung is preparing to get things started soon.

Breaking news!Galaxy Watch8 Classic: The first One UI 9 watch beta build has been spotted on the test server.Build: L500XXU2ZZH2/L500OXM2ZZH2We can expect the beta program in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/FLzpdHihYQAugust 11, 2026

Samsung's smartwatch software usually goes through a few internal builds before it makes it to users. The test-server listing also suggests that downgrade might not be possible after the update is installed, and the new firmware seems to be built on a newer bootloader version.

This is important for anyone looking to get into the beta early. The software is still in testing, so expect unfinished features, bugs, and compatibility issues. If you rely on your smartwatch for notifications, exercise, or health monitoring, it might not be the best idea to put it on your everyday watch.

While Samsung hasn’t made an official statement regarding the beta program, the leaked build suggests that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could be one of the first devices, apart from the Galaxy Watch 9 series, to get access.

There is a bigger reason to follow this rollout. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 already ship with One UI 9 Watch based on Wear OS 7, so there's little reason for Samsung to now withhold the update from older models. If Samsung holds to its usual rollout pattern, the beta could be here in the next few weeks.

Amazon's Back to School sale has some incredible deals on Android tech — see my TOP 20+ discounts before they're gone

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Back to school season is here, and if you're looking to get equipped with the latest Android tech before the semester starts, you're in luck: Amazon just launched a sale that's slashing prices on dozens of our favorite devices.

Whether you're interested in a new smartphone, a laptop for studying, or a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out all distractions, all of the best Android deals from Amazon's sale can be found in this guide.

Of course, Amazon isn't the only retailer launching student-friendly deals ahead of the fall semester. You can find all of the latest shopping advice and deal coverage by yours truly by keeping an eye on our Back to School 2026 landing page. Didn't find anything today? Check back later: I'll keep adding relevant Amazon deals to this list for as long as it makes sense to do so.

See the full list of deals during Amazon's Back to School sale

Smartphones

Samsung

Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB

Google

Pixel 10a 128GB

Nothing

Phone (3) 512GB

Samsung

Galaxy S26 512GB

Samsung

Galaxy A56 5G 256GB

Samsung

Galaxy S26 Plus 256GB

Laptops and tablets

Lenovo

Chromebook 2-In-1

Lenovo

Idea Tab 256GB

ASUS

Chromebook CR11

Chromebook X360 14"

Samsung

Galaxy Tab S10 FE 128GB

Lenovo

Ideapad Slim 3 Chromebook 14"

Wearables

Samsung

Galaxy Watch9 w/ $50 gift card

Amazfit

Balance 2

Garmin

Epix Pro (gen 2) Sapphire Edition

Samsung

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025)

Garmin

Vivoactive 5

Amazfit

Active Max

Headphones and earbuds

Google

Pixel Buds Pro 2

Sony

WH-1000XM5

Beats

Solo 4

Beats

Powerbeats Pro 2

Sony

WH-1000XM6

Bose

QuietComfort Headphones

I took the best Bose and Sony earbuds to 3 noisy places to see which cancel out the most noise

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:05:00 +0000

So, you need a pair of ANC earbuds. Recommendations usually start with the pairs that match your smartphone: AirPods, Pixel Buds, Galaxy Buds, OnePlus Buds, or Moto Buds. If you opt for a pair of ANC earbuds from a trusted audio brand instead, you're likely choosing between Sony and Bose. I've used both the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) for months, and they're the best of the best when it comes to active noise-cancellation power.

But there can only be one best. So, I decided to take the flagship Sony and Bose earbuds to three noisy places to see how each one cancels out unwanted sound. This isn't a lab test or a benchmark — it's a real-world showdown that reflects how the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) perform in everyday scenarios. While it was close, there was one pair of ANC earbuds I consistently preferred for its ANC power.

How the specs compare

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) use eight onboard microphones — four per earbud — to cancel out sound. Bose is using new AI-powered algorithms for active noise cancellation, but we don't know the specifics. The Sony WF-1000XM6 also has eight microphones split evenly between the two earbuds. Sony uses a custom QN3e processor for noise cancelation, and it's said to be 3x faster than its predecessor.

For this test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to loud places and tested their ANC performance. I placed the earbuds in my ears and listened for active noise cancellation without any music playing. Then, I raised the volume to a modest 50% and started playing music to see how environmental noise is perceived at a comfortable listening level.

This test is purely gauging the earbuds' ANC chops. It ignores sound quality, battery life, call quality, and other features, but every detail is covered in our full reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds in a noisy coffee shop

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The first place I took the Sony and Bose earbuds to was my local coffee shop. I'm regularly working from a cafe, and it's a great environment. Good vibes, superb lattes, and free Wi-Fi. The one problem every digital nomad has run into is the noise. Loud espresso machines, constant chatter, and noisy foot traffic can quickly lead to distractions. The obvious solution to this issue is a pair of ANC earbuds, and that's why I brought the WF-1000XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) along with me.

Active noise cancellation works best with consistent noise, which is why environments like a coffee shop can trip up ANC earbuds. Sudden bursts of loud conversation or intermittent machinery can pierce the ANC barrier. When I wore the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) without music playing, most background noise and the radio music turned to silence. However, I could still hear laughter, the espresso machine screeching, and chairs sliding around.

I then switched to the WF-1000XM6, but Sony's earbuds struggled to cancel out the mid-frequency environmental noise. Without music playing through my earbuds, I could still hear the music from the overhead radio speakers and make out nearby conversations. Interestingly, the high-pitched sounds that broke through Bose's ANC bubble were suppressed by the Sony earbuds.

Starting to play music through each pair of earbuds at 50% volume made their flaws virtually indistinguishable. With music playing, the Sony WF-1000XM6 blocked out nearly all audible background noise. The same was mostly true of the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), except for lighter tracks with strong vocals and minimal production.

In this test, I preferred the ANC power of the Bose earbuds. I really didn't like that the Sony earbuds did little to block out the chatter and background music in the coffee shop, which can be distracting.

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds under a rumbling AC unit

(Image credit: @tshakaarmstrong)

Your air conditioning unit might be producing the loudest sound in your home. I live in the Arizona desert, so my AC is running almost nonstop this time of year. Using a sound measurement tool, I recorded my AC's noise level to be 60 decibels. That's quite loud, so I sat right underneath my air conditioner and put the Bose and Sony earbuds in my ears. These low-frequency hums and rumbles coming from your AC unit pose a challenge for even the best ANC earbuds.

Both earbuds nearly canceled out the AC unit's loud noise, but the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) did a better job. While the Sony WF-1000XM6 made the noise less irritating, it was still there. The Bose earbuds, by comparison, made the AC unit sound silent — even without music playing. After choosing a song and setting the volume at 50%, neither pair of earbuds had a problem blocking out the annoying rumble of my air conditioner.

In this test, the win goes to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2). Based on the results of the first two tests, it seems like the Sony WF-1000XM6 isn't quite as good at negating low- and mid-frequency sounds.

I wore Sony and Bose earbuds throughout a crowded shopping mall

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

For the final test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to the loudest place I could think of: a crowded shopping mall on a Friday night. I walked through a supermarket, a food court, and the concourse to get a feel for how each pair of earbuds responded to the noisy environments. Unlike the first two tests, which relied heavily on low- and mid-frequency background noise, the most challenging sounds to cancel out here were in the high-frequency range.

Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds actually did a better job blocking out the conversations and chatter around me in the wall, and I have a hunch as to why. There was so much talking going on that all the voices blended together into a kind of white noise the Sony buds easily canceled out. This could be why the WF-1000XM6 stopped voices in their tracks here, but didn't perform as well in the less-crowded coffee shop.

In the food court, the Sony earbuds' ability to block out higher-end sounds shined. The sizzle of frying pans and the clanking of utensils were mitigated by the WF-1000XM6, whereas they were much easier to hear through the Bose earbuds. Even at 50% volume, I could still hear some of those high-pitched noises while wearing the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).

The two pairs of earbuds didn't stand a chance at canceling out the infrequent PA announcements in the food court, but this isn't surprising. Overall, the Sony earbuds won in the mall. The chatter all blending together, paired with the high-pitched nuisance sounds, gave the WF-1000XM6 the perfect environment to put its ANC strengths on display.

Verdict

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Looking back on my week of ANC testing both the Bose and Sony earbuds, the winner on paper seems clear. More often than not, the Bose earbuds canceled out noise better than the Sony earbuds. Still, I'm not ready to write off the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds. I actually enjoyed wearing them for active noise cancellation more than the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), because the Sony earbuds are decidedly more comfortable.

They're smaller, and don't make as tight of a seal in your ear as the Bose earbuds. Perceived ANC power has as much to do with passive sound isolation as it does active algorithmic cancellation. The very reason the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) performed well might also be the reason I wanted to pull them out of my ears during longer listening sessions. While I found the Bose earbuds canceled out more noise on most tests, I'd reach for the Sony earbuds for their comfort anyway.

Sony

WF-1000XM6

Best for comfort

The Sony WF-1000XM6 are excellent ANC earbuds, and cancel out a whole lot of noise. Their supreme comfort helps you enjoy long listening sessions with ANC active. However, the fit may not be as secure as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2).

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2)

Most secure fit

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) do an excellent job of staying securely in your ears, creating a seal that helps with sound isolation. This improves ANC quality, but some users may find the characteristic uncomfortable after a while.

The Minimal Phone 2 trades E Ink for OLED and somehow keeps its soul

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:40:26 +0000

What you need to know

The Minimal Phone 2 swaps the original’s E Ink panel for a 3.92-inch 90Hz AMOLED display.
You still get the physical keyboard, now upgraded with backlighting, remappable shortcuts, and metal dome switches.
A curved aluminum body replaces the original’s boxy shell, while the front camera moves above the display.

The company that built a phone around making screens deliberately boring just gave its sequel a gorgeous OLED panel. Yes, the Minimal Phone 2 has ditched the E Ink display that made the original what it was and replaced it with a 3.92-inch 90Hz AMOLED screen.

Why the sudden U-turn? Because the original model with an E Ink panel, while great for reducing distractions, was genuinely painful to use. Owners complained of ghosting, sluggish animations, and a display that made anything but reading text a chore.

The Minimal Company seems to have decided that this intentional friction doesn’t have to mean unusable. Founder Armen Youssefian had posted the first renders of the sequel on X, which already hinted at a full visual overhaul.

Thank goodness, the physical QWERTY keyboard survives the transition, but now it sports backlit keys and remappable shortcuts and employs metal dome switches. The design language also changed from a blocky, sharp-edged shell to a curved aluminum body in black or silver. The front-facing camera was finally moved to a sensible place above the display, rather than hiding near the Alt key.

(Image credit: The Minimal Company)

Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 with 8GB RAM and up to 512GB storage, per the company’s Kickstarter listing. You also get a physical mute switch, NFC, and, surprisingly, a 3.5mm headphone jack. But this old-school charm comes in a noticeably smaller footprint than its predecessor.

There is a lot we still do not understand. Questions remain about pricing and launch date. The company first opened a waitlist for early-bird access, but the phone has since moved to crowdfunding, giving potential buyers a more clear-cut way to back it.

The Kickstarter campaign has already exceeded its goal, raising more than $650,000 from over 1,000 backers. So, this thing is happening. The big question is: Does an AMOLED screen on a "minimal" phone defeat the entire purpose or finally make the QWERTY-powered experience actually usable daily? We’ll see when it releases to consumers, but if you’ve been itching for a modern BlackBerry-esque device without the E Ink compromise, this could be your play.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel 11? Here's everything you should consider and how I'd spend my money

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:36:28 +0000

Usually, when a new smartphone model is about to come out, our advice is simple: wait. Either you end up liking the new one or get a sweet discount on the old one. Thanks to the AI boom, that isn't a cardinal rule anymore. Older models aren't seeing the drastic price decreases we're used to, and new models are more likely to launch with higher prices than ever before. So, if you're in the market for a new Pixel phone, should you wait or buy now?

Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 this week, but there's a case for buying your next Pixel phone right now. We've seen recent discounts on every mainline Pixel 10 phone, and there's one attractive Pixel model with a price that could make you forget about the Pixel 11 series entirely. That said, if you don't want to miss out on your chance to score the latest and greatest Pixel, the Pixel 11 might be worth the wait. As you can see, there's a lot to consider, so let's break down the cases for buying a Pixel now or waiting for the Pixel 11.

The case for buying a Google Pixel 10 now

(Image credit: Nandika Ravi/Android Central)

If you like the Pixel 10 series as-is and want to avoid a potential price hike, there's certainly a reason to buy one of Google's phones now. Since the Pixel 11 series is expected to shed the 128GB model and make the 256GB configuration the default, some phones will cost more. According to pricing leaks, the Pixel 11 will start at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro will cost $1,099, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL will cost $1,299. That's quite the jump — $100 more for every non-foldable phone.

This puts the Pixel 11 Pro XL in the same tier as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which costs $1,299 as well. Of course, we'll have to see what the Pixel 11 Pro XL holds, but that might give prospective buyers pause. Samsung flagships typically offer better performance with fast Snapdragon chips that trounce Google's Tensor chips in benchmarks. If you have $1,299 to spend, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is often the default pick, and Google will have to prove the Pixel 11 Pro XL belongs in that conversation.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Those that aren't eager to spend $100 more for the Pixel 11 series might be better off buying a Pixel 10 phone now. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are both slightly discounted on Amazon currently, but the deal looks better when you consider the impending possibility of a Pixel 11 price hike. The Pixel 10 isn't seeing major discounts at the moment. I see the case for buying a Pixel 10 now, but it would sting knowing we just saw major Pixel 10 deals during Prime Day.

The Pixel 10 series' price history makes me less inclined to buy the three mainline models now. The budget Pixel 10a is a different story, though. It's discounted to just $424 at the Google Store right now. This is the best bang-for-your-buck Android phone on the market, and it's a breath of fresh air at a time when flagship prices keep rising. If you think the Pixel 10a's budget hardware would meet your needs, I think it's worth buying now instead of waiting for the Pixel 11.

The case for waiting for the Google Pixel 11

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

We're always looking toward the next best thing, and the Pixel 11 appears to be just that. Leaks and rumors paint an early picture of what the Google Pixel 11 might look like, and how it would improve on the Pixel 10 series. It's a good bet that the Pixel 11 will be powered by the Tensor G6 chipset, which could be built on a 2nm process to improve processing power and efficiency. The design looks similar to the Pixel 10, according to renders, but we're on the lookout for potential display, battery, and camera upgrades.

(Image credit: Android Headlines)

The question you should ask yourself is: what does the Pixel 11 series have to upgrade to make it worth the rumored $100 price hike? If your wishlist includes super-fast charging or Snapdragon-like performance, you might be underwhelmed. In that case, you may be better off buying a Pixel 10 or Galaxy S26 series phone instead. But if you have more modest aspirations, like better optimizations and slightly improved hardware, the Pixel 11 could be worth the wait.

One neat Pixel 11 rumor is that the phone could sport a glow light on the back, possibly called Pixel Glow or Pixel HiLight. It'd be a novelty similar to that of Nothing's Glyph Interface. For those tired of iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxys all looking mostly the same, a quirk like this could make the Pixel 11 worth waiting for.

Specs and rumors aside, you should wait for the Pixel 11 if you want to take advantage of carrier promotions, trade-in deals, or pre-order deals. There are pros and cons to carrier promos and trade-ins — you enter a restrictive carrier contract and/or give up your old device in exchange for massive savings on a new one. Not everyone should enter into a carrier contract to get the Pixel 11.

However, if you're willing to make that decision, you will likely get the Pixel 11 for cheaper than a Pixel 10 currently costs at full price.

How I'd spend my money

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

If I were in the market for a new phone, I'd take a long look at whether the Google Pixel 10a could meet my needs. I tested that phone for weeks this year, and it offers long battery life, decent performance, and solid hardware for a fraction of the price of new flagships. You can get one brand-new from Google for about a third of what the flagship Pixel 11 Pro XL will likely cost. To me, it's a no-brainer if you can live with the device's few compromises.

If you're more interested in the mainline Pixel 10 or Pixel 11 models, waiting is probably your best strategy. The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL all saw major and enticing discounts over the summer, but the current deals are uninspiring by comparison. Instead of taking a small discount and getting a last-gen device, it's worth waiting for the Pixel 11.

There is a chance the Pixel 10 goes on sale again, especially as we approach Black Friday season. Or, you could be impressed by what Google has to offer and snag a Pixel 11 when it's available.

Made by Google 2026 is almost here — this is where the Pixel 11 will be officially revealed. Stay tuned for our coverage leading up to, throughout, and following the event, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. EDT.

Google

Pixel 10

The current contender

The Google Pixel 10 is soon to be replaced by the Pixel 11, but it'll remain an Android fixture for years to come. It is covered by Android OS upgrades for six more years, and still has decent hardware. However, some will prefer to wait and see what the Pixel 11 holds.

The preorder period is over, but T-Mobile will still give you a FREE Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 if you follow these steps

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:58:26 +0000

TL;DR: T-Mobile will give you the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for FREE when you add a line with the Watch Plan Plus 2.0 plan.

Samsung's newest smartwatches finally hit store shelves last week, but if you weren't being vigilant, you could've completely missed that one of the best Galaxy Watch 9 deals is still going strong at T-Mobile.

This leftover preorder offer will get you the flagship smartwatch for completely FREE when you add a line with Watch Plan Plus 2.0 on the carrier's site. No trade-in required!

That's a whopping $430 in savings on the 40mm version of the watch. Need something bigger? You can apply the same discount to the 44mm version or even the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 if you need a bit more power. The choice is yours.

Samsung's newest smartwatch is FREE at T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 40mm: ~~$429.99~~ FREE with eligible watch line at T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is here, and T-Mobile will already give you the flagship wearable for free when you add a line with Watch Plan Plus 2.0 on the carrier's website. You'll still have to pay the $35 activation fee, but you're looking at $430 in savings on a device that's sure to rank among the best Android smartwatches released this year. No trade-in required. View Deal

See my guide to the best T-Mobile deals of August 2026

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 takes the foundation of its excellent predecessor and adds a new Snapdragon processor and a larger battery without increasing the size or weight. The result is a sleek, lightweight smartwatch that doesn't skimp on premium specs and innovative Galaxy AI software features.

Just like the Galaxy Watch 8, the new model still features a vibrant AMOLED display with 32GB of onboard storage, plus you get dual-band GPS tracking, IP68 with 5ATM water resistance, and a powerful BioActive sensor with ultra-accurate health and fitness tracking capabilities.

So what's the catch? Well, as I mentioned above, you'll need to pay the $35 activation fee and sign up for the Watch Plan Plus 2.0 plan to enjoy the $430 discount. This plan costs just $15 per month and gives you unlimited talk, text, and data directly from your smartwatch, in addition to unlimited texting and 5GB of data in over 215 countries worldwide (15GB of data in Mexico and Canada).

Pixel 11 Pro XL leak shows off matte black finish and 'HiLight' LED days before launch

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:44:23 +0000

What you need to know

Hands-on images show the matte black model and "Dune" retail box for the Pixel 11 Pro XL.
The images were apparently sourced from carrier demo units arriving in the US ahead of the August 12 launch.
A larger LED module on the camera bar dubbed "HiLight" could act as an RGB notification light, even when the phone is face down.

Google usually tries to keep its flagship hardware under wraps until launch day, but carrier store inventory has spoiled the surprise yet again. Just days before the official Made by Google event, hands-on images of the Pixel 11 Pro XL have emerged online, giving us a look at the real-world design of Google’s upcoming flagship phone.

Images posted by @PixelNewsHub on X reveal what are claimed to be carrier demo units on their way to US stores. The images give us a crisp look at an all-matte black model, as well as retail packaging for a fresh colorway rumored to be either “Dune” or “Canyon.”

@PixelNewsHub / X

The design is very similar to last year’s, but upon closer inspection, there are some hardware updates. The lenses on the camera bar look to protrude a lot more this time around. Then there’s the larger LED module, which Google apparently calls "HiLight."

Previous leaks hint that the HiLight LED is an RGB notification light that sits on the camera bar and keeps lighting up even when your phone is face down. Gemini is also supposed to give visual alerts for certain contacts or pulse when you message it.

Of course, no Pixel launch would be complete without a little bit of drama. Reports from Turkey say that black market copies of the boxed Pixel 11 Pro XL are already available for $1,700, a bit above the rumored starting price of $1,299.

That said, it appears that Google is sticking with the familiar Pixel silhouette, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But with the Tensor G6 chipset, a rumored $899 base model price (and no more 128GB option), and this mysterious HiLight feature, the Pixel 11 series has some questions to answer. We will know all for sure on August 12.

Made by Google 2026 Launch Live: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 5, Gemini, and all the news

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:04:54 +0000

Google is back this year with its Made by Google event, and we’re expecting a lot of Pixel news. Of course, Google is set to launch the Pixel 11 series, which will likely include several different smartphones as well as a new foldable. In addition, Google is expected to launch the Pixel Watch 5, and there could be some additional devices in the mix.

We hope you’re as excited to learn about Google’s latest smartphones as we are! Last year’s launch was filled with celebrities and internet personalities, and this year looks to be no different, with Stephen Curry, Shubman Gill, Ayami Nakajo, and more, with Trevor Noah hosting.

Over the next few days, we’ll be going over what you can expect and covering the event live as it happens so you don’t have to miss a thing! Scroll down for all the details!

When and what time is Made by Google?

The event is Wednesday, August 12, and it starts at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. EDT.

How to watch the Made by Google event?

Google will stream the event on its official Made by Google YouTube Channel. You can also watch it live at the Google Store website. Click the Notify Me button below so you don’t miss a thing!

August 9, 2026 – 10:07 AM

Google has been low-key hyping up its Pixel 11 series for some time, although we just didn’t know it. Earlier this year, the company gave us a glimpse of new features arriving with Android 17, and while the update is already out, there are still some features that haven’t arrived yet, and likely more that Google hasn’t even teased. What are you looking forward to the most?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

August 9, 2026 – 11:32 AM

One feature I can’t wait to get my hands on is Pause Point. It’s supposed to remind you to take a break from distracting apps with things like timers, breathing exercises, and even suggestions for less-distracting apps to use. Because we all need a reminder to take a break from social media, right? It’s actually a pretty thoughtful feature, one I never expected from Google.

(Image credit: Google)

August 9, 2026 – 4:00 PM

Another feature I hope to see on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the Gamepad. It basically turns your foldable into a mini game console of sorts with a dedicated control pad on the bottom half of the screen, which should enhance the gaming experience. Google also says it will include native controller remapping for those of you who use external controllers, which is a great way to appeal to mobile gamers.

August 9, 2026 – 4:01 PM

Android 17 is shaping up to be a more social-media-focused update, and on the other side of Pause Point, the company launched Screen Reactions, which makes it incredibly easy to record yourself over another video. It’s an incredibly useful feature and very easy to use. It makes me wonder what other social features the Pixel 11 will introduce.

August 9, 2026 – 4:02 PM

Google was already in the midst of doing some heavy brand reworking with Gemini, and Android 17 only furthers those actions. Google says that Android is no longer an "operating system" but, rather, an "intelligence system." This sounds like marketing nonsense, and I'm some of it certainly is, but the idea is that Android is moving beyond a traditional point-and-click (or tap) UI and, instead, becoming a system that does exactly what you ask of it.

Case in point, the newer Gemini Automation features which will navigate entire apps and websites for you with a single command. I used it to order food and tea from two different restaurants and all I had to do was hit confirm. While I'd argue that having Gemini order food for me is silly and completely unnecessary, seeing Gemini have the ability to navigate complex UIs without error is impressive, and there will no doubt be more sensible reasons to use this feature in the near future.

August 9, 2026 – 4:47 PM

For me, the most interesting part of Gemini Intelligence and automation is when Gemini is used to interact with apps that aren't usually deemed "compatible." Let's say you're particularly find of an obscure note app that wouldn't normally have tie-ins with services like Gemini. No problem, because Gemini Intelligence is supposed to be able to work with it, regardless.

Say you took a photo of a banner or poster for an upcoming event and want to make a shopping list based on what you'll need for it. Gemini can help navigate the content in the photo and fill out a note in your favorite app without you manually typing it in. That's just one of many features we're expecting to see expanded on the new Pixel 11 series, too!

August 9, 2026 – 6:01 PM

One of the other Gemini highlights from The Android Show 2026 was the new Create A Widget feature, which turns Gemini into a professional coder so you can make custom home screen widgets. Nothing started this trend a few months ago and did a spectacular job with the implementation, and I expect to see Google take the concept even further on the Pixel 11.

The concept is pretty simple. Say you want a specific widget that doesn't seem to exist in the Play Store. Just ask Gemini to create a widget for you, and it'll begin the coding process, complete with the ability to revise and modify things as the widget is being built.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

August 9, 2026 – 6:57 PM

Since we're looking back at The Android Show from earlier this year, it's worth remembering that it was actually the first time Google quietly gave us a look at what is now rumored to be called Pixel Glow, or HiLight.

During the Googlebook teaser, you could spot a glowing light bar across the top of the laptop lid. Since then, we've seen the same design language appear on the new Google Home Speaker, and according to recent leaks, it's also expected to make its way to the Pixel 11 series.

August 9, 2026 – 8:53 PM

Speaking of Googlebook, Google has been unusually quiet about it ever since The Android Show. That makes me wonder whether the upcoming Made by Google event could finally give us a proper look at Google's next-generation premium laptops. What do you think? Do you expect Googlebook to make an appearance next week? Let me know in the comments.

August 9, 2026 – 8:53 PM

Speaking of the Pixel launch event, as a Pixel 10 Pro owner, I'm honestly not that excited about the Pixel 11 series itself. Based on everything we've seen so far, there don't seem to be many major hardware upgrades this year. What I'm actually looking forward to is Android 17 and the new features launching alongside the Pixel 11.One feature I'm especially excited about is the new 3D emojis. Google first showed them off during The Android Show, but we still haven't seen them arrive on Pixel phones. They're still not quite on the same level as Apple's emoji design, in my opinion, but they're definitely a big improvement over what Android has today.

August 9, 2026 – 9:56 PM

Another Android 17 feature I'm really looking forward to is Rambler. I've talked about it before, but it's essentially Google's new AI-powered voice typing system. Instead of speaking carefully and trying not to make mistakes, you can just talk naturally. Rambler automatically ignores your "ums" and "ahs," understands corrections as you speak, and turns everything into properly formatted text. It's very similar to what we've recently seen with Gemini on macOS, but this time it's coming to Android smartphones. That's one of the Android 17 features I'm probably most excited to try.

August 9, 2026 – 11:01 PM

While we wait for Made by Google, why not have a little to snack on? The Android Show this year talked up the company’s security improvements. One of the major highlights was Location Access. I know, I thought the same thing. Google made this more transparent so we can manage how an app accesses our location, and when it happened. We don’t always want to put ourselves out there like that, so I like that Google worked this into Android.

August 10, 2026 – 12:04 AM

Another Android upgrade Google gave us—in line with its recent behavior—involved scam protections. At the Android Show 2026, Google talked about protections for your banking apps by introducing “verified financial calls.” We work hard for our money. The last thing we want is for it to get swiped. If Google deems that call to be a fraud, it will tell you to hang up now.

August 10, 2026 – 1:03 AM

Since we’re now, officially, in the second half of 2026, we should start seeing Google’s upgraded Live Threat Detection. This will deliver “warnings about suspicious behavior that could be potentially harmful.” Take, for example, an app trying to force a text message to another number you don’t know. The idea is to ward off malicious trickery, and there’s a chance we’ll see this talked about with the Pixel 11’s launch.

August 10, 2026 – 2:04 AM

Be honest: Android Auto has been lacking, right? If you’re asking me, I’d say “kind of.” Google has continued to improve Android Auto over the years. Gemini’s involvement has helped, too. At the Android Show, Android Auto was shown with a vastly improved, “immersive” Google Maps experience with an edge-to-edge display, and a robust 3D view. Android Auto will tell you what you should keep an eye out for, like traffic lights and lanes. It’s no longer generic. It’s actually helpful.

August 10, 2026 – 3:07 AM

One of the main reasons why Google pushed the Android release ahead last year is to ensure its latest devices get the latest build of the OS out of the box. With Google releasing phones in August and subsequently rolling out a new Android version in the month of October didn't really make much sense, so it's good to see Android builds coming out earlier. The stable Android 17 version was released on June 16, and Google's eligible devices have made the switch already.

August 10, 2026 – 4:04 AM

Samsung also joined the Android 17 bandwagon with its foldables, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 models come with One UI 9.0 and the latest version of Android out of the box. Of course, Samsung's vision of Android looks very different to what Google has on the Pixels, and that's one of the best things about Android; you can choose what kind of interface you want on your phone. On that note, other brands are starting to roll out the stable Android 17 update to their phones, with Xiaomi getting us underway.

August 10, 2026 – 4:57 AM

What I like the most in Android 17 is the Bubbles multitasking mode. The ability to use floating windows allows much greater flexibility, and it makes a lot of sense on a foldable like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. There's better fluidity in general with the interface, and this was a phoe problem in the past.

August 10, 2026 – 6:21 AM

Returning to highlights of The Android Show, the Googlebook teaser got everyone excited about how Google will deliver the Chromebook successor. What stands out this time is that the Googlebook is aimed as a high-end device, with Google noting that it puts Gemini front and center. We'll also get a mix of regular x86-based models and Arm devices, and I'm interested in the latter — there's much better battery life with Arm notebooks in general, and I can't wait to see how Google utilizes this with the Googlebook.

August 10, 2026 – 7:11 AM

(Image credit: Google)

What's notable with the Googlebook is that it could showcase what Android and ChromeOS can do together. Google is going about this the right way, with major hardware vendors slated to release Googlebooks later in the year. The software will ultimately prove to be the defining factor, and I think there's definitely potential to see how Google brings Android and ChromeOS together into a unified ecosystem.

August 10, 2026 – 8:30 AM

(Image credit: Google)

The defining feature of the Googlebook is the Magic Pointer, where you can easily get contextual information from Gemini just by wiggling your cursor at whatever you're browsing. This is what Google says when it's talking about Gemini Intelligence being integral to the Googlebook, and I'm very excited to see how it holds up in daily use.

August 10, 2026 – 9:07 AM

Chromebooks have dominated classrooms over the last decade, and it is a bold bet by Google to switch things up with the Googlebook. The high-end hardware combined with tight-knit integration with Gemini is interesting, but Google is going up against a well-established Windows ecosystem and MacBooks. I guess we’ll have to wait and see where the initial batch of Googlebooks slot in; that will give us a good idea as to what Google is planning to get out of its latest product category.

August 10, 2026 – 10:13 AM

I’ve (Derrek Lee) been using the base Pixel 10 for about a year, and it’s quite a step-up from the Pixel 9. The cameras are phenomenal, and I love the Qi2 support since it doesn’t force me to put a case on this already thick phone.

I’m curious how the Pixel 11 will upgrade the base Pixel experience, perhaps with more base storage and faster charging?

It would also be nice if Google made the Pixel 11 a bit thinner, perhaps by giving it a denser silicon-carbon battery… but I won’t get my hopes up.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

August 10, 2026 – 11:39 AM

I’m also excited to see what’s coming with the Pixel Watch 5. Based on Google’s teaser, it won’t look much different from the Pixel Watch 4, which has been one of my favorite smartwatches in the past year. However, early rumors suggest there also won’t be a change in chipset, while more recent rumors suggest it’ll feature an “Accelerated” version of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. It’s a bummer that it may not feature the premium “Snapdragon Wear Elite” found in the new Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2, but last year’s chip was no slouch, and it’s likely this is to help keep costs down while providing more AI capabilities.

August 10, 2026 – 1:27 PM

Speaking of keeping costs down, it looks like even Google won’t be able to avoid the inevitable price increase with the Pixel Watch 5. One rumor points to Google increasing the base price by $50, bringing it to a starting price of $399 for the 41mm variant. Would you pay that much for a smartwatch?

August 10, 2026 – 2:25 PM

One change I’m hoping to see with the Pixel Watch 5 is an upgrade to the fitness tracking. Garmin is my go-to for fitness because it can set detailed workout routines and track reps and sets. As someone who frequents the gym and lifts weights, this is incredibly useful to me, and the reason why I switch out my Pixel Watch for the Garmin Venu 4 when I work out. If the Pixel Watch 5 can get this right, I can probably just stick to one smartwatch going forward. That said, I won’t get my hopes up.

August 10, 2026 – 3:33 PM

While Derrek might be disappointed in the rumor that the Pixel Watch 5 isn't going to use the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, I'm actually quite happy to hear this news. I've (Nick Sutrich) been using the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for the past two weeks, which uses that new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, and the battery life is comparatively awful compared to any other recent Snapdragon Wear chip I've gotten my hands on.

The W5 series, by comparison, seems to have a much better performance efficiency balance than Qualcomm's newest supercharged chip. Considering all the Pixel Watch models powered by Snapdragon still feel snappy to this day, I'd much rather stick with this more efficient chipset line than something that's unnecessarily more powerful.

August 10, 2026 – 4:46 PM

And before I move on from the Pixel Watch 5 rumors, I'm also quite stoked about the rumored changes to fitness tracking. One of the reasons I've stopped using Wear OS entirely is because fitness tracking on the platform is extremely lacking when compared to brands like Amazfit, Garmin, and Coros. Seeing as how I only use smartwatches for fitness tracking these days, this is a key feature for me.

I'm probably echoing Derrek's sentiments too much from earlier, but the point is that I know Wear OS can do so much better than it currently does, especially with the powerful chipsets inside and the excellent software Google has been building over the past few years since the big Wear OS reboot.

August 10, 2026 – 6:09 PM

On to the Pixel 11 series, I'm tentatively looking forward to the new displays Google will inevitably use in these phones, but not for the same reason as many other people. We're not expecting any revolutionary changes here, likely just another bump in brightness for all four rumored models, but I am hoping that Google enhances its "sensitive eyes" feature that launched with the Pixel 10.

If you're not aware, the Pixel 10's display accessibility feature doubled the PWM dimming rate, but those numbers weren't high enough to fix these painful displays for people sensitive to flicker. Instead, Google will need to increase that rate by at least 10x (something most smartphone companies have done at this point), or disable PWM dimming entirely (as Motorola and Honor offer), to make its OLED displays comfortable for this group of folks. Here's hoping!

August 10, 2026 – 7:21 PM

Remember the glowing light bar Google teased on Googlebook earlier this year? Well, it now looks like it's officially coming to the Pixel 11 series, and it may be called HiLight. According to the leaks, it'll light up when you're interacting with Gemini and will even change colors dynamically, making it feel like a modern version of the old Android notification LED. I just hope Google lets us customize it. Imagine assigning different colors to different contacts, so you'd know who's calling or messaging even when your Pixel is face down.

August 10, 2026 – 8:29 PM

It also looks like Pixel Glow, or HiLight, won't be available across the entire Pixel 11 lineup. According to the latest leaks, the feature will be exclusive to the Pro models. In fact, Google is reportedly redesigning the camera housing on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to make room for the new LED. It'll be interesting to see whether this becomes a long-term Pixel design language, much like the camera bar did a few years ago.

August 10, 2026 – 9:48 PM

One leak I wasn't expecting is that the standard Pixel 11 might lose its telephoto camera. Google only added a telephoto lens to the base Pixel last year with the Pixel 10, but now there are reports suggesting it's going away again, possibly to help keep costs under control. Instead, the Pixel 11 is said to ship with just a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. If that's true, it'll actually be a downgrade from the Pixel 10.

August 10, 2026 – 10:29 PM

Speaking of cameras, one upgrade I'm actually looking forward to is the touted 120x Pro Zoom on the Pixel 11 Pro. Google already does a great job with computational photography, and while the phone still uses a relatively modest telephoto camera, AI does a lot of the heavy lifting. It'll be interesting to see whether Google can make 120x zoom genuinely useful, or whether it's just another big number for the spec sheet.

August 10, 2026 – 11:44 PM

Another feature we've been hearing about for months now is finally expected to arrive with the Pixel 11 series: Night Sight Video. Google is reportedly bringing Ultra Low Light Video to the lineup, allowing users to record much brighter videos in extremely dark conditions. If it ends up being anything like what Night Sight did for phone photography all those years ago, this could easily become one of the biggest camera upgrades on the Pixel 11.

August 11, 2026 – 12:46 AM

Thinborne makes some pretty nice phone cases and, in typical fashion, it showcased a set of Pixel 11 cases way earlier than you’d usually expect. We had no clue where to turn with these, but one thing was significant: the cases had a wider camera bar cutout. You remember all those “Pixel Glow” talks, right? Things might not play out how we think.

August 11, 2026 – 1:47 AM

If there’s one thing I’ve always wanted more of is Google’s in-house chip, the Tensor. I don’t mean that in the greatest of ways. What I mean is it’s lacking. Google hasn’t had the best track record with Tensor. Some Tensor G6 rumors (Pixel 11’s chip) said Google would chase a 2nm process. This would, in theory, improve its performance. How much? We’re not sure. You also can’t leave out Google’s AI; however, user health could take a few steps forward with this chip, too.

August 11, 2026 – 2:35 AM

While some Tensor G6 leaks for the Pixel 11 seemed positive, others brought us back down to Earth. What was weird (and incredibly important to me) is what was said about the chip’s GPU. Some claim the Tensor G6 could feature a “very old” GPU. The Pixel series hasn’t been the “greatest” for games. They do good, yes, of course. But rumors say the Pixel 11 might not perform any better than the Pixel 10 in this department (and I’m sad).

August 11, 2026 – 3:35 AM

On a more techie side, leaks say the Tensor G6 could bring MediaTek’s modem into the fold, not Samsung’s. Reports mentioned MediaTek’s M90 modem, specifically, which could offer 12Gbps speeds, dual-active 5G, and more. It’s not a lightweight modem by any means, and that might help the Pixel 11 stand taller. It would give consumers a crisp, smooth experience with their mobile data.

August 11, 2026 – 4:16 AM

Another interesting tidbit around the Tensor G6 is that it may be built on a 2nm node. This could give Google an advantage when it comes to efficiency, as a node shift from the existing 3nm to 2nm will ensure the same cores don't consume as much power to do the same tasks. With Qualcomm and MediaTek still on 3nm and not likely to switch to designs based on 2nm until next year, this is an area where Google could lead things on Android.

August 11, 2026 – 5:44 AM

The main thing I want to see in the Tensor G6 is better gaming potential. The Pixel 10 Pro XL did a better job at this last year, but the Tensor G5-based phone still had a tendency to overheat in sustained gaming sessions, and Google needs to address that with the Pixel 11 models. While Google says that it prioritizes the AI side of things and tailors hardware to suit its Gemini models, there's no getting around the fact that these are high-end phones, and they need to measure up in all areas.

August 11, 2026 – 6:44 AM

That said, I am keen on seeing how the Tensor G6 holds up against its Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals. Google needs to show this year that it can deliver a platform that's at the same level. Thermals management is going to be a key area of focus as brands increasingly rely on local AI models, and this will be interesting to test on the Tensor G6 and its 2nm node.

August 11, 2026 – 8:01 AM

Another thing to keep an eye on is battery life. Chinese manufacturers have made considerable strides in this regard in the last two years — mostly by adding huge silicon-carbon batteries — and it will be interesting to see how Google delivers better battery life this generation. We haven't gotten much in the way of information around this, but the few leaks point to Google going with a smaller battery in the Pixel 11 Pro XL. That sounds counterintuitive, but we will need to wait and see what Google does.

August 11, 2026 – 8:50 AM

Talking about batteries, we'll have to see if Google also switches to silicon-carbon tech. Samsung started using the tech in its latest foldables; that's the main reason why the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a bigger battery while being thinner and lighter than its predecessor. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold could do with a thinner and lighter design, but will Google use silicon-carbon batteries or something else? We'll know tomorrow.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 changed my mind, and after testing it for two weeks, I'm convinced it's the foldable phone most people should buy

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:09:07 +0000

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 surprised me. As someone who has not been a big fan of book-style foldables and generally prefers flip phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 seems to flip everything on its head. In fact, given its small stature, it sits somewhere in the Goldilocks zone between both types of foldables.

I think this is why I like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 so much. I was ready to dismiss the new design when I saw leaks of the phone, but as soon as I put it in my hand, something clicked, and in my two weeks of testing, the phone has been a joy to use. Between the pocketability, the performance, and the price, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might be the ideal foldable phone for most buyers, although you'll have to deal with a few compromises.

Specifications
Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades
Display	Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1-120Hz, crease-less, 1,848x2448 pixels Outer: 5.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1248x1972 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB/16GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras	50MP main; 50MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	10MP (internal), 10MP (external)
Battery	4,800mAh
Charging	45W wired, 20W wireless
IP Rating	IP48
Weight	201g
Dimensions	Folded: 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm Unfolded: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5 mm
Colors	Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Pistachio

It's a little strange that Samsung popularized the current foldable design, only to shift to a form factor that few others have tried and abandoned. That said, Samsung's iteration seems to take the design a bit further by incorporating a shorter chassis and wider displays.

The result is a phone that feels admittedly very different from what we're used to, especially following the advent of taller smartphone displays. But holding the phone sort of puts the whole thing into perspective; it's thin and light, and nearly the entire phone fits in the palm of my hand. That's important for reachability, something that taller smartphones seem to have forgotten is still important.

It's literally the size of my passport, and it fits in my pocket better than any other smartphone I've used in recent years, including flip phones like the Motorola Razr Ultra.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Part of my original concern was how apps would scale to this odd 16:10 aspect ratio on the external display, and my concerns were mostly unfounded, although not completely.

Vertical videos are still watchable on the external display, and while the minimum black bars on the sides may annoy some, I don't mind them. I actually like that the app’s UI elements are pushed away from the video. Watching longer-form videos like movies, TV shows, and YouTube also feels pretty natural on the external display.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

The downside of having such a short, wide external display is that app content is a bit condensed, and there are times when I find myself scrolling more than I normally would because of the lack of vertical real estate.

This can be addressed somewhat when you open the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to reveal the surprisingly seamless and tablet-like display.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The wider aspect ratio reminds me of how I felt when I first saw the Galaxy Z TriFold: this is exactly how a foldable phone should feel, like a phone when closed and a tablet when open. It also helps that the new Titanium Flex display makes for a barely noticeable crease. If Apple's been waiting to get rid of the crease for its eventual foldable, now is definitely the time.

Videos are also a joy to watch on the larger display, and there are fewer black bars on the top and bottom, at least compared to the Ultra.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 also acts like a tablet when it's open. That means apps like Gmail, YouTube Music, and Chrome open in tablet mode, and you can pull up a taskbar of apps at the bottom from just about any screen.

Oddly enough, there's no support for the Flex Mode panel, which is on both the Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8. That's because the hinge can't really be freely adjusted to stay at different angles, especially beyond 90 degrees. It's a bit of a missed opportunity for viewing content.

But the wider display means better multitasking. One thing I love about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is that you can use three apps side by side, instead of having one app take up a full side and two apps split in half on the other. And of course you can drag and drop content between apps and resize them to your liking.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Another benefit the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has over the more square Ultra is that the wider display gives you more options for app layouts. Sure, I can use apps like Instagram or read ebooks in a horizontal orientation, but I can turn the phone and use the app vertically so that certain content fits the screen better.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Of course, not all apps will scale very well on either display. That mostly goes for games, and while some like Honkai: Star Rail look just fine on either panel, Pokémon Go doesn't look very good on the inner display. Scaling is very awkward for this game and for a lot of other vertically oriented games as well, and you're like I'm going to have to fiddle around with the scaling options to find a fit that works for you.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy and base 12GB of RAM help the Fold 8 perform just as well as you'd expect, with no hiccups. That said, I notice that the phone gets pretty warm, mostly when gaming, and I imagine it's due to the phone's small stature.

The small chassis also means there's not much room for a huge battery. The 4,800mAh battery should get you through most of the day, although now that Samsung is using silicone carbon batteries, I feel that the company could have squeezed in its larger-capacity unit. After all, the smaller Razr Ultra 2026 squeezed in a 5,000mAh battery with much faster charging.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

There are plenty of AI features scattered throughout One UI 9, although admittedly they're the least interesting thing about the Galaxy Z Fold 8. If you can stand using Samsung Keyboard, which is still pretty bad, you'll get access to many of Samsung's Galaxy AI features like writing tools, translation, and Gemini Intelligence.

When I receive a message, for instance, the AI will suggest responses based on the conversation, and even gave me prompts in German when a friend of mine texted “Danke," which I found pretty fun. It also suggests certain actions, like opening my calendar when my friend asked if I was back in town after a long trip, or sending my location when another friend asked how my trip was going.

And of course, with Gemini intelligence, you can have it perform actions on your behalf, and it supports even more apps than before.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

One of the highlight features on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is My FanCam, which can pinpoint a person in a video and focus on them, allowing you to crop out the rest of the video so that it's social media-ready. It's actually quite ingenious, and the result is often better than I expect.

The phone does a good job keeping up with the subject, wherever they happen to be in the video, although the camera movements can be a bit wobbly when tracking subjects. Still, it saves me a ton of time having to edit the videos manually.

Derrek Lee / Android Central

As for the cameras, the dual 50MP sensors on the back can capture decent images, and you can see my Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera review/comparison for more on that. There is no telephoto sensor, which is also likely due to the phone's limited space. On the plus side, Samsung included new video capture features the creators will love, such as the ability to capture LOG video or add LUTs to give your videos a dramatic look.

This is one of the things I loved about using LG smartphones like the V30, so I'm glad to see it here.

Should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Th writing has been on the wall for some time that the era of modern flip phones may be coming to an end. Samsung hasn't said anything about it, but reports have pointed to the rising popularity of book-style foldables, so much so that even Motorola has joined the party.

If there's one phone that I can see killing the flip phone and taking foldables truly mainstream, it's the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It may not have all the Ultra features of its sibling, but it brings much of that added utility of a larger foldable to a smaller, more pocketable, and much more affordable form factor. And it's a damn joy to use.

Does an 'Elite' chip really matter? I put two Android flagships to the test to find out

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:23:54 +0000

Qualcomm is making major strides in mobile processing by introducing custom Oryon cores in a smartphone processor. Now, the generational improvements have made their way across Qualcomm's chip portfolio — even to processors that don't bear the "Elite" branding.

This makes it tricky to compare the performance capabilities across smartphone models and chip generations. For instance, Motorola's new Razr Ultra 2026 is powered by the last-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. By comparison, the Razr Fold runs on a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform, just the non-Elite version.

I wanted to see whether an older Elite chip or a newer "base" chip offered better performance, so I put the Razr Ultra 2026 and the Razr Fold through a six-text benchmark gauntlet. The results weren't what I expected.

How I tested the Razr flagships

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

I put the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 and the Motorola Razr Fold through a series of six tests, each designed to gauge a specific aspect of device performance. To test CPU performance, which affects how snappy your device feels when opening apps and during basic use, I used both Geekbench 6 and Geekbench 7. For on-device AI testing, I ran Geekbench AI and its TensorFlow Lite framework. To see how the phones handled gaming and graphics-based tests, I ran 3DMark's Wild Life Extreme benchmark and stress test.

I ran each benchmark test three times, starting the next run immediately after the first one finished. This provides a clean average of the results that is more representative of real-world performance than a single run. Running the benchmark trials in quick succession hints at how the Razr Ultra 2026 and the Motorola Razr Fold handle sustained loads, and whether the phones experience major thermal throttling.

After completing three runs of each benchmark test, I allowed the phones to cool down before beginning the next test. This ensures the strain of former tests isn't impacting the performance of a current test.

CPU and AI benchmark performance

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip inside the Razr Ultra 2026 features two prime CPU cores that can be clocked up to 4.32GHz, plus six more performance CPU cores that can reach 3.53GHz. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip inside the Razr Fold is built on newer Oryon Gen 3 prime CPU cores, but they are only clocked at up to 3.8GHz. The processor's six performance CPU cores can hit up to 3.32GHz.

So, the older Elite chip offers higher clock speeds, and the base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip has newer prime cores. Since the two chips have the same number of prime and performance CPU cores, the Razr Ultra 2026 and the Razr Fold's benchmark results should be in the same ballpark. Let's see how they turned out.

Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark results
Device/chip	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
Motorola Razr Fold (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5)	2,612 single-core / 8,809 multi-core	2,596 single-core / 8,480 multi-core	2,572 single-core / 8,388 multi-core	2,593 single-core / 8,559 multi-core
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 (Snapdragon 8 Elite)	2,830 single-core / 8,372 multi-core	2,782 single-core / 8,261 multi-core	2,762 single-core / 8,170 multi-core	2,791 single-core / 8,268 multi-core

In Geekbench 6, the older Snapdragon 8 Elite chip consistently beat the newer base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor by a few hundred points in single-core CPU performance. The Razr Fold averaged a 2,593 single-core score, whereas the Razr Ultra 2026 averaged a 2,791 single-core score. This kind of performance is what makes your phone feel fast when opening apps, loading webpages, or navigating the UI. Despite the Razr Ultra 2026's older chip and constrained form factor, the Elite processor still wins here.

As for multi-core performance, the Razr Fold manages to pull more out of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5's eight CPU cores. The newer, base chip's best benchmark run resulted in a multi-core score of 8,809, and an average of 8,559. The Razr Ultra 2026 was notably behind, putting up an 8,268 multi-core score. Essentially, this means the Razr Fold's non-Elite chip will be better for multitasking and parallel workloads than the Razr Ultra 2026's older Elite chip — at least as configured here.

In terms of performance trends, each phone unsurprisingly posted its best result on the first try. However, the three CPU tests didn't cause either phone to noticeably throttle. The results for the second and third trials weren't too far off what we saw in the first run.

Geekbench 7 CPU benchmark results
Device/chip	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
Motorola Razr Fold (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5)	1,082 single-core / 5,883 multi-core	1,077 single-core / 5,935 multi-core	1,103 single-core / 5,717 multi-core	1,087 single-core / 5,845 multi-core
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 (Snapdragon 8 Elite)	1,235 single-core / 6,787 multi-core	1,018 single-core / 6,697 multi-core	990 single-core / 6,848 multi-core	1,081 single-core / 6,777 multi-core

Geekbench 6 is widely used for smartphone comparisons and chip benchmarking, but Geekbench 7 is here. This updated test offers "both new and improved workloads to measure the performance of your CPUs and GPUs." In other words, it's better built to test how phones and chips will handle the demanding AI and media workflows used in 2026.

The results painted a different picture. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip in the Razr Fold was better at multi-core performance in the Geekbench 6 test, the opposite was true using the Geekbench 7 benchmark. The older Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Razr Ultra 2026 posted multi-core scores as much as over 1,000 points higher than the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip in the Razr Fold.

Single-core performance was about the same across the two phones and chips. The shift in multi-core performance does beg the question: Is the older Elite chip actually better-positioned for modern multitasking?

Geekbench AI benchmark results
Device/chip	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
Motorola Razr Fold (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5)	4,101 quantized score	3,726 quantized score	3,968 quantized score	3,932 quantized score
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 (Snapdragon 8 Elite)	3,586 quantized score	3,248 quantized score	2,900 quantized score	3,245 quantized score

If you care about on-device AI performance, it seems having a newer chip is more important than having an "Elite" one. The base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 averaged a Geekbench AI quantized score of 3,932, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Elite was further behind with an average score of 3,245.

GPU benchmark performance

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Perhaps the most surprising part of this test was seeing the difference in GPU performance between the two Motorola flagships. I used 3D Mark's Wild Life Extreme, a 4K UHD gaming benchmark, to push each phone and processor to its limits in a one-minute test. The results were clear: the older Elite chip in the Razr Ultra 2026 is better for gaming and graphics-heavy tasks.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Razr Ultra 2026 averaged 32.36 frames per second across the three minute-long trials. Meanwhile, the Razr Fold could only muster a 25.04 average FPS. The final scores showed the same result: the Razr Ultra 2026 averaged a 5,404 overall score, while the Razr Fold averaged a 4,181 overall score. I should note that I ran every test on the Razr Fold's cover display, so the foldable wasn't being penalized for having a larger internal screen.

3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
Device/chip	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
Motorola Razr Fold (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5)	4,307 overall score; 25.79 average FPS	4,340 overall score; 25.99 average FPS	3,897 overall score; 23.34 average FPS	4,181 overall score; 25.04 average FPS
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 (Snapdragon 8 Elite)	5,743 overall score; 34.39 average FPS	5,614 overall score; 33.62 average FPS	4,855 overall score; 29.08 average FPS	5,404 overall score; 32.36 average FPS

Keen-eyed readers will notice that the Razr Ultra 2026's graphics performance really started to tail off in the third trial. Frame rates dipped under 30FPS, and the overall score was nearly 1,000 points lower than the first trial. This is a sign of thermal throttling, and it's a foreshadowing of what happened in our final test.

Geekbench 7 GPU benchmark
Device/chip	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Average
Motorola Razr Fold (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5)	9,332	13,430	13,155	11,972
Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 (Snapdragon 8 Elite)	10,263	12,866	13,405	12,178

Before that, though, we have the Geekbench 7 GPU benchmark results. Oddly, each phone performed at its worst in the first trial run. Performance stabilized in the second and third runs, which is the opposite of what we're used to seeing. The Razr Fold had the highest-scoring trial, but the Razr Ultra 2026 finished with a higher average score.

Stress test results

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

My final test was 3DMark's Wild Life Extreme stress test. It's one of my favorite tests to run on phones, because it's excellent at showing how they will perform under sustained heavy loads.

Specifically, the Wild Life Extreme stress test forces phones to render high-resolution 4K UHD game visuals for 20 minutes. Rather than providing a single score at the end, the stress test shows how performance and temperature changed over time throughout the 20-minute test.

I planned to make a big chart showing how the Razr Fold and Razr Ultra 2026 performed under heavy loads, but I couldn't. That's because the Razr Ultra 2026 couldn't finish the stress test without overheating, and it didn't even come close.

Just a few minutes into each stress test attempt, the Razr Ultra 2026 overheated and force-stopped the Wild Life Extreme stress test. This is certainly a bad result, and it's a sign that the Elite chip might be a tad bit too powerful for the small form factor of a clamshell foldable.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Razr Fold and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip did complete the stress test with 56.5% stability. This isn't the best I've seen, but it isn't the worst either. The phone's highest stress test loop score was 4,946, and the lowest was 2,801, so there's a lot of fluctuation. It does thermal throttle, but hey, it finished.

The stress test results (or lack thereof) show why we can't just stop at classic benchmarks when evaluating phones and chips. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip in the Razr Ultra 2026 is better in benchmarks, but the stress test failure proves you'll never be able to maximize it in sustained loads.

Verdict

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Overall, it's clear that whether a phone has an Elite chip or not shouldn't factor highly into your purchasing decision. It's true that the older Snapdragon 8 Elite chip did outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips on a few occasions. However, the newer design of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 helped it come out ahead in on-device AI performance. If anything, the takeaway here is that a base Snapdragon chip is better than an Elite chip that runs too hot for your phone to handle.

I wore 4 top smartwatches through a Spartan race, 12 miles of running, and sleep tracking to find the ultimate fitness companion

Nicholas Sutrich — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:33:01 +0000

"Hold on, hold on. What's going on here?" my coach asked as he noticed me wearing four watches before I went out running. I often wear two watches to the gym because I'm constantly comparing them, but I've never worn four before, and that was clearly enough to raise eyebrows.

After explaining the article you're currently reading, in which I wear four smartwatches through a series of tests, he laughed and told me I must have a fun job. Indeed, I do! But the results of the test should be a real help to anyone looking to buy a smartwatch this year (and help save some money in the process).

So stick with me as I run through my past week, in which I wore four smartwatches to sleep, every time I ran during my half-marathon Spartan training, and during a full 5K Spartan race over the weekend.

Starting off with a good night's sleep

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

I would never recommend sleeping with four smartwatches on, but I will say that it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as I had been dreading. Most smartwatches collect the same sleep data, but every so often you'll find a watch that does something different. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, for example, included a skin temperature measurement, measured against a baseline it had determined in the past 2 weeks since I started wearing it.

Sleep stats
Metric	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2	Honor Watch 6	Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro	OnePlus Watch 3 43mm
Sleep time	6h 33m	6h 38m	6h 43m	6h 31m
Sleep score	72	77	54	70
Deep sleep	1h 3m	2h 24m	1h 17m	1h 2m
Light sleep	2h 36m	2h 48m	3h 8m	3h 47m
REM sleep	2h 2m	1h 26m	1h 22m	1h 42m
Times awake	18 (52m)	2	9 (38 min)	2 (7m)
Breathing quality	12.9 times/min (high rate)	63 (low score)	14 BRPM	N/A
Heart rate range	45-84 (51 avg)	30-122ms HRV	47-73	46-64 bpm (52 avg)
Blood Oxygen	93%	N/A	94%	N/A
Skin temperature	+1.3F	N/A	N/A	N/A

Of all the watches I wore, the Honor Watch 6 showed the least data. Most of it is holed up in a sleep analysis section that gives you percentages and glanceable "normal," "high," and "low" ranges so you don't have to dive deep. That's good because I couldn't figure out how to dive deep into this data.

The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm offered a better look at the data, but it didn't include as many data points (like SpO2 or breathing quality). The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 did a great overall job, but it seems like it's a bit more sensitive to my restless sleep than the other watches.

Overall, I felt like the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro's data was the most accurate. I know I woke up more than 2 times (which the Honor and OnePlus watches say), but there's no chance I was up 18 times as Samsung suggests. The T-Rex 3 Pro has a temperature sensor onboard, but apparently, it doesn't include this data for sleep. Weird choice, but that terrible 54 sleep score lines up with how I felt when I woke up, not the 72 Samsung gave me.

Time for a run (or four)

(Image credit: Android Central)

I began training for a Spartan Beast a few weeks ago using Amazfit's incredible running coach feature because I already felt confident in the watch's ability to accurately measure everything. Since I had already been comparing the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro to every other watch I've worn over the past few years, it made sense to keep it on for this comparison.

My intuition wasn't wrong. Looking at the map data above, where I ran 2.5 miles over two loops around this Walmart and the surrounding business park, things look pretty even until you zoom in. I broke off sections of the track so you can see the GPS tracking discrepancies between the watches.

Overall, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm was the least accurate (genuinely a surprise to me), while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro tied for first. The Honor Watch 6 also did an excellent job, but there were two points on the map with notable tree cover that showed me running in the road instead of on the sidewalk, while the other two kept me on the side of the road.

(Image credit: Android Central)

As I dove deeper into the rest of the data, I found a consistent pattern among all four watches. In each data point, there was a clear outlier. The Honor Watch 6, for example, got the altitude all wrong, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 completely fumbled the cadence measurement.

The OnePlus Watch 3 43mm had some very strange spikes and dips in speed, almost assuredly owing to the GPS tracking issues I mentioned earlier, while all four watches tied for heart rate accuracy. Notably, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro didn't show up as an outlier on any of the data points, owing to its excellent overall accuracy.

One Spartan Race to finish it off

(Image credit: Android Central)

As I approached the Spartan Race, it was clear that Amazfit and Samsung were leading the pack here. Since I had to wear an RFID bracelet and a separate time bracelet for the race, I only had room for two smartwatches, so this was going to be between the winners.

I don't see any obvious discrepancies in the GPS data between the two watches. Clearly, each is slightly different from the other, but it's impossible to tell which one is right since this is a trail course. I'll give this section a tie.

(Image credit: Android Central)

You'll need to click the expand button on the image above and zoom in to see all the details, but once you do, you'll understand why Amazfit did a better job of tracking this race. In the heart rate data, you'll see three points where the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 did something weird. Just after 9:20 and around 10:05, it registered a far lower heart rate than I actually had.

Then, around 10:46-10:50, it seems to have failed to get a heart rate at all. Strangely enough, that same lapse in data also appears in the speed and cadence graphs. While both watches were dead-on with speed data and mostly similar with altitude, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 wildly messed up my running cadence, which happened during other runs I've gone on with this watch, too.

This particular Spartan Race was both very busy and extremely muddy, causing quite a bit of backup at each obstacle. On the cadence graph, you can see where the Amazefit T-Rex 3 Pro properly measured me not moving while waiting in line, yet the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 seems to think these moments didn't happen. Trust me, I was frustrated enough to remember them, and that's enough to give the T-Rex 3 Pro the win.

Truly amaze

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Amazefit T-Rex 3 Pro has been my go-to smartwatch for the past two years, and it's no wonder, with the results I've seen over the past week. While several watches have caught my attention since then, this one is consistently the most reliable and one of the most feature-rich.

Aside from being a great watch, the Zepp app that powers the experience is second to none. The UI is excellent; it's got a ton of amazing features (like this AI-powered food logging feature), and the subscription is only necessary if you want additional AI-powered insights, which I haven't typically used in the past. All in all, it's easily my favorite workout companion and an experience I think fitness fans will love.

I took 1,000 photos with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra and compared them to my two favorite foldable phones. The results may surprise you

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:55:25 +0000

Samsung makes some of the best camera phones in the ever-shrinking North American market. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra hitting the market, I decided to take their cameras for a spin, taking 1,000 photos between both phones to get a good idea of how they perform.

Beyond just testing the cameras of Samsung's newest foldables, I also took the time to compare the camera performance to two of my favorite foldables: the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 and Razr Fold. Motorola has come a long way, and the Fold has proven that the company knows how to make a good camera.

How I tested them

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

I've been testing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra since their launch on July 22. I captured photos in various scenarios and environments, using both devices alongside the Razr Ultra 2026 and Razr Fold.

I didn't fiddle with any settings or tap a subject in the viewfinder to adjust the exposure; all of these were just point-and-shoot.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Juggling four phones isn't easy, and it isn't the most scientific method, but I tried to keep things as fair as possible. I made sure to capture photos with the same or similar composition across devices. Still, there may be some slight differences between photos.

Also, for the sake of my sanity (and your time), I'm not uploading all 1,000 photos I captured with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. However, I have selected a number of images that I think best represent the capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series in different situations.

Note: Click the expand button in the corner for a better view of the images.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Between the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, the hardware differences are quite massive. The former sticks to two 50MP cameras, while the latter has a massive 200MP primary sensor and a third telephoto camera. The result is noticeably more detail in the Fold 8 Ultra's images, while the Fold 8 tends to lean a bit softer.

That goes for color as well; images from the Fold 8 Ultra tend to be punchier, while the Fold 8 tends to appear a bit muted. I find I prefer the Ultra's images, although it can go a bit overboard with saturation, especially when it comes to the color red.

This is the complete opposite for the ultrawide sensor, which is punchier on the Fold 8, and I tend to prefer these images over the Fold 8 Ultra's ultrawide.

Both phones do relatively okay when it comes to selfies and portrait images, although I still feel like they lack proper tuning for skin tones like mine.

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

The Ultra clearly has the upper hand with zoom. The Fold 8 can take 2x shots at optical quality, but anything beyond that and you'll see the quality drop. In most cases, images for the Ultra appear much cleaner, while the Fold 8 can sometimes struggle to produce the necessary detail.

Sometimes the Fold 8 gets it right, and while the AI is clearly putting in some work to make up for the lack of a telephoto camera, things like text can appear sharper on the Fold 8 compared to the more natural processing from the Ultra's optical sensor. Still, the Fold 8 isn't as consistent with zoom shots, and your best bet is to stick with 2x.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Both phones do a decent job with challenging lighting, but I wouldn't say either excels. Photos are often a tad noisy, though this is more of an issue with the base Fold 8 than the Fold 8 Ultra, which often delivers cleaner, more detailed shots.

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Overall, both phones have their strengths, and Samsung seems to have improved how its phones capture movement. I really like the ultrawide shots on the Fold 8, but the Fold 8 Ultra unsurprisingly comes out on top, with the 200MP primary camera bringing more vibrancy and detail to images, while the telephoto camera keeps zoom shots relatively clean.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Motorola Razr Ultra 2026

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Both the Galaxy Fold 8 and Razr Ultra 2026 have dual 50MP cameras for wide and ultrawide shots. However, both phones handle color and lighting a bit differently. Regarding color reproduction, the Razr Ultra 2026 does a better job of staying true to the scene, while elements (like the sky) can be a bit more dramatic due to the added contrast and detail. The Fold 8 again feels a bit more muted in many scenes, but still does a decent job.

The Razr Ultra 2026 also handles trickier lighting situations a bit better, brightening subjects without adding a ton of noise in the process. However, the caveat is that while it does better with things like neon signs, my unit doesn't seem to like bright street lamps very much, as they can flare up and ruin a scene.

I also tend to prefer selfies on the Galaxy Z Fold 8's external front-facing camera, as the Razr Ultra tends to do some weird overprocessing. However, I find the Razr is better at portrait mode photos.

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026Derrek Lee / Android Central

When it comes to zoom, neither phone excels here, and they tend to trade blows in detail, lighting, and color. Sometimes, I prefer the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and other times the Razr comes out on top. Either way, I don't think there's a winner here, as neither is particularly good beyond 2x zoom.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (2x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Ultra 2026 (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Overall, I think the Razr Ultra 2026 has the upper hand when it comes to just the point-and-shoot camera experience. That's not to say the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is bad, but there's a general lack of pop in its images. I think the camera could use some additional tuning, perhaps with future updates (which Samsung is good about).

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Motorola Razr Fold

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Fold 8 Ultra's 200MP camera should theoretically come out on top compared to the Razr Fold's 50MP sensor, right? Well, surprisingly, Motorola holds its own. Both phones bring plenty of detail to their images, and while photos from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra can appear more vibrant, such as when taking photos of the sky or of water, the Razr Fold handles low-light situations better.

As you can see from the photo of the door or the floating planets, the Razr Fold's camera brings more light into a scene while keeping noise levels low. The alleyway also shows how the Razr Fold handles tricky lighting better, as you can see much more clearly into the distance than in the Fold 8 Ultra's photo. And I don't even know what happened with the Carnegie Library; the Fold 8's color is way off.

That said, the Fold 8 handles moving objects better than Motorola's, as the Razr Fold's post-processing can often result in a missed moment or a blurry subject. The Fold 8 Ultra also handles selfies better with its external front camera.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 UltraDerrek Lee / Android Central

Razr FoldDerrek Lee / Android Central

But what I was really curious about was how both phones handle zoom. This was a big highlight of my Motorola Razr Fold camera review, so I wanted to see if the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra was up to the challenge. Shockingly, that doesn't seem to be the case.

At 3x zoom, both phones are neck-and-neck, and unless you need to go any further than this, you should be fine with images from either phone. If you go beyond this point, however, Motorola's AI kicks in and handles a lot of the work, and it does a bang-up job doing it in most cases. Lines are cleaner, text is more legible, and you can see clearer figures of people from off at a distance of even 30x zoom.

That 30x zoom happens to be the limit of the Fold 8 Ultra's zoom capabilities, but perhaps Samsung should have limited it even further, because images at this level are not very usable. You can probably get away with decent 10x zoom photos, but more often than not, the Razr Fold will produce the better photo, regardless of the lighting (although there are some exceptions).

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (10x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (3x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Razr Fold (30x)Derrek Lee / Android Central

Verdict

Samsung doesn't make bad cameras, but it doesn't make the best cameras either. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra hold their own, and I don't think anyone would be particularly disappointed with either phone's camera.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is clearly not as good as its Ultra sibling, and it even falls behind Motorola's Razr Ultra 2026 in some areas. However, unless you're trying to zoom in really close or take photos in the dark, I think it's more than adequate.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the better of Samsung's latest foldables, and produces great images with vibrant colors and plenty of detail. However, its zoom capabilities leave a lot to be desired, especially compared to the Razr Fold, and I'm hoping Samsung can address this in future updates.

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals — trade-in discounts, free gift cards, and more

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:26:09 +0000

It's official: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has landed, and it doesn't disappoint. One problem, however, is that the innovative foldable now boasts a starting price of $1,199.99 for the 256GB configuration, which is $100 more expensive than its predecessor.

Fortunately, I'm already hard at work tracking down the best Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals so you don't have to go searching. The offers aren't quite as good as the promotions we saw during the preorder period, but you can still score some impressive savings if you know where to look. Keep reading for my recommendations on buying the brand new flip phone, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I'll keep adding new offers to this list as I find them.

Quick links

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra deals
T-Mobile: Get the Z Flip 8 for $100 with eligible plan
Samsung: up to $600 off with trade-in, free credit
AT&T: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line
Amazon: free $200 gift card
Best Buy: free $200 gift card
Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals

T-Mobile: Get the Z Flip 8 for just $100 with eligible unlimited plan, trade-in

Add a line with the Experience More or Experience Beyond plan and T-Mobile will give you the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 for just 100 bucks when you trade in an eligible device.View Deal

AT&T: just 5.56/month with eligible trade-in, new line

Add a line with an eligible data plan and send in an old or broken device and AT&T will give you up to $1,000 off the new Galaxy Z Flip 8.View Deal

Samsung: up to $400 off the Galaxy Z Flip 8 with trade-in | $100 off

Trade in an old or broken device and Samsung will give you up to $400 off your Z Flip 8 preorder. Alternatively, you could skip the trade-in process altogether and secure yourself a $100 discount. View Deal

Amazon: FREE $200 gift card with preorder

Order the Z Flip 8 unlocked from Amazon and you'll get a free $200 gift card, no trade-in required!View Deal

Best Buy: FREE $200 gift card with preorder

Just like Amazon, Best Buy will give you a free $200 gift card when you order the unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 8 on its site. There's also some trade-in credit up for grabs if you'd rather go that route. View Deal

Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in | $600 off without

Sign up for Xfinity Mobile with the Mobile Plus plan and you'll be eligible for up to $1,000 off the new Galaxy Z Flip 8. Even without the trade-in, the affordable carrier will hook you up with a $600 discount. View Deal

FAQ

(Image credit: Derek Lee / Android Central)

How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cost?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 will start at $1,199.99 / €1,299.00 / £1,149.00 for the 256GB configuration of the phone. That's $100 more expensive than last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7, which was already more expensive than its predecessor. This price increase is even further proof that no one is exempt from the ongoing RAM crisis, which is why finding good deals is so important nowadays.

I already own the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Is it worth upgrading?

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 and last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7 share a lot of similarities on the design and hardware side, especially at first glance. Both flip phones come with 12GB of RAM and a 4,300mAh battery, and they feature virtually identical camera systems and displays, although the Z Flip 8 does clock in at 8 grams lighter than its predecessor. The Z Flip 8 also uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which is a bit more powerful than the last generation's Exynos chip.

Do these minor upgrades justify the $100 price increase? It's a tough call, but if you're already happy with your Galaxy Z Flip 7, I see no reason to rush to the store to grab the new phone. On the other hand, if you're a flip phone fanatic, the Z Flip 8 offers one of the best experiences around.

I gathered all of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch deals into this guide — free phones, leftover preorder discounts, and more

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:25:15 +0000

Samsung's new lineup of foldable phones has finally hit store shelves, but if you missed the preorder period, fear not: there are still plenty of Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals that are worth checking out today. Whether you want the ultra-wide Z Fold 8 or the super-powered Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, if you want to save money on these innovative Android phones, all of the web's best offers can be found in this guide.

Unlike some phone releases that feel purely perfunctory, Samsung is really changing things up with its newest book-style foldable phones. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 sports a brand new form factor that we've compared to a passport, while the brand new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is one of the largest foldables we've ever seen.

These phones aren't just pretty to look at, however. They also feature incredible specs under the hood, with powerful Snapdragon chips, useful AI-boosted software features, and years of guaranteed OS updates. Starting at $1,899, they're also pretty expensive, so I gathered all of the web's best Z Fold 8 deals in this guide. Didn't find anything yet? Check back later: we're sure to see more offers go live in the coming days.

Interested in Samsung's newest clamshell-style flip phone? I also put together a guide to the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals for your perusal.

Quick links

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 / Fold 8 Ultra hands-on review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals - quick links
T-Mobile: FREE Galaxy Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in, new line
Verizon: new line savings, trade-in deals
Samsung: up to $1,000 of trade-in credit
Amazon: free $350 gift card with purchase
Best Buy: trade-in savings, free gift cards
AT&T: FREE Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in, new line
Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals - quick links
T-Mobile: up to $1,900 off Z Fold 8 Ultra with trade-in, new line
Verizon: new line savings, trade-in deals
Samsung: up to $1,000 of trade-in credit
Amazon: free $350 gift card with purchase
Best Buy: trade-in savings, free gift cards
AT&T: up to $1,900 off with trade-in, new line
Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals

T-Mobile: Get a FREE Z Fold 8 with new line and eligible trade-in

The preorder period has come to an end, but T-Mobile will STILL give you a free Galaxy Z Fold 8 when you trade in an eligible device and add a line with the Experience Beyond plan. That's $1,900 of savings, but you better act fast. View Deal

Verizon: Save up to $1,200 with trade-in, new line on Unlimited Ultimate

Add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan and you'll be eligible for up to $1,200 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 when you trade in an old or broken device at Verizon. View Deal

AT&T: get a FREE Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in, new line

Trade in an old or broken phone and add a line with a qualified unlimited plan and AT&T might hook you up with a FREE Galaxy Z Fold 8. View Deal

Samsung: up to $1,000 off with trade-in | $200 off without

Trade in an old or broken phone and Samsung will give you up to $1,000 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Don't have anything to trade in? Skip that part of the process and you'll still score a $200 credit when you buy unlocked.View Deal

Amazon: get a FREE $350 gift card with unlocked phone purchase

Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8 unlocked from Amazon and you'll get a free $350 gift card with your order! There's also some additional trade-in savings up for grabs (in the form of an additional gift card).

Note: this deal is currently listed as Out of Stock on Amazon. There's a good chance it'll return once more before disappearing forever, so keep an eye on that product page if you're interested. View Deal

Best Buy: free $100 gift card, trade-in savings

Purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 8 today and Best Buy will hook you up with a free $100 gift card. There's also some trade-in credit up for grabs if you're looking to ditch an old phone. View Deal

Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line on Mobile Plus

Looking for a cheaper phone plan? Xfinity Mobile will give you up to $1,000 off the Z Fold 8 when you trade in an old phone and add a line with the Mobile Plus plan. That may not seem like a lot compared to the other deals, but considering that the required data plan starts at just $45 per month (before any promo discounts are applied), it's actually one of the most cost-effective deals on the list.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals

T-Mobile: Score $1,900 off with eligible trade-in, new line

Similar to the Z Fold 8 deal described above, T-Mobile will slash $1,900 off the price of the Z Fold 8 Ultra when you add a line with an eligible unlimited plan and trade in an old or broken device. View Deal

Verizon: Score up to $1,200 off the Z Fold 8 Ultra with eligible trade-in and new line

Add a line with Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan and you'll score up to $1,200 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra when you trade in an old or broken phone.View Deal

AT&T: up to $1,900 off with eligible trade-in, new line

Add a line with an eligible data plan and AT&T will give you up to $1,900 of trade-in credit, which could put a serious dent into the price of the Z Fold 8 Ultra. View Deal

Samsung: up to $1,000 off with trade-in | $200 off without

Buy the Z Fold 8 Ultra directly from the source and you'll be eligible for up to $1,-00 of trade-in credit, no activation required. If you don't have anything trade in, you'll still get a $200 credit with your purchase, plus some bundle discounts when you pair the phone with Samsung accessories.View Deal

Best Buy: $200 gift card, plus up to $1,200 off with trade-in

Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra unlocked from Best Buy and the retailer will hook you up with a $200 gift card. There's also some considerable trade-in credit available if you have an old or broken phone lying around. View Deal

Amazon: get a FREE $350 gift card with Z Fold 8 Ultra

Just like the Z Fold 8, Amazon will give you a free $350 gift card when you order the unlocked Z Fold 8 Ultra on its site, no strings attached. View Deal

Xfinity Mobile: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line on Mobile Plus

Just like the Z Fold 8 deal detailed above, you can get up to $1,000 off the Z Fold 8 Ultra when you trade in and add a line with the affordable Mobile Plus plan at Xfinity Mobile.View Deal

FAQ

How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cost?

The new wide-style Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to cost $1,899.99 for the 256GB version, while the Fold 8 Ultra will start at $2,099 USD. Samsung's foldable phones have always been expensive, but the ongoing RAM crisis has contributed to increased prices across the board. It's just one more reason why the above deals are so essential.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

How does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 compare to the Z Fold 8 Ultra?

It may sound strange, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. Starting at $2,099, the phone boasts virtually identical dimensions to last year's foldable with an upgraded 5,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and 12GB of RAM for the 256GB and 512GB models. It also weighs just 215 grams, which is the same as last year's model. The fact that Samsung was able to pack a larger battery into the same thin frame as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impressive, but some folks may be disappointed that the design is otherwise largely unchanged.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, is where things start to look interesting. The phone boasts a 7.6-inch main display and 5.5-inch cover display (both stunning AMOLED, of course), resulting in a device that looks a bit like a passport book. Clocking in at just 201 grams, the Z Fold 8 also comes with the same Snapdragon chip as the Ultra, plus a 4,800mAh battery, the latest AI-boosted software features, and up to 16GB of RAM. Moreover, the Z Fold 8 is $200 cheaper than the Ultra.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 worth it?

It depends! If you already own a foldable phone, such as the Z Fold 7 or the Motorola Razr Fold, there's really no reason to upgrade right away. These OEMs push out new foldable phones every year, so it's okay (and probably financially responsible) for you to skip a generation here and there.

On the other hand, if you want to try the latest in foldable phone technology and you're able to get a good deal that works with your budget, the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra really do offer some of the most innovative Android experiences around.

I drop-tested the best Pixel cases (and drove over the toughest) to see what "military grade" really means

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:28:19 +0000

As I leaned over the railing, heart pounding and hands shaking, I questioned how I ended up here. A flagship $699 phone in hand, ready to be hurled to its death. Let me explain.

I'm big on phone cases and test them for a living. One of the most common business tactics employed by case makers is to advertise their drop protection. Buzzwords like "impact absorption," "heavy-duty," and even "military grade" are thrown around all the time.

Do they actually mean anything? And what even is military grade? I decided to use my Pixel 8 as the sacrificial lamb and put four incredibly well-known and reputable brands to the test.

I wanted to bump these cases around and fling them from the heights the brands claim they can survive, going as far as driving over the toughest case that I found.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The four cases I chose for this drop test are the Poetic Revolution, Dbrand Grip Case, Quad Lock MAG Case, and BURGA Tough Case. These cases range from mid-range to expensive pricing.

Poetic guarantees 20ft military-grade drop protection and full-body rugged defenses.

BURGA promises reliable, everyday protection against drops, bumps, and daily wear, which I'd say should be your average accidental phone drops from your hands.

Quad Lock promises the same everyday protection from its MAG Case.

Lastly, Dbrand assures us that the Grip Case has military-grade impact resistance, but provides no exact figures in terms of drop or impact resistance.

A tumble and roll in the sack to check scratch resistance

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

To start off, I grabbed a few heavy objects, random things like my power bank and keys, and chucked them in a bag along with the Pixel 8. I shook the bag like it owed me money and repeated the process with each case.

I won't lie, I was a little nervous about the pointy keys and power bank as they are pretty solid metal objects and I usually keep them in separate compartments of my bag to be safe. I was happy to learn that the scratch-proof claims are accurate, but obviously only the back of the phone is protected. Poetic was the only exception to this rule, as it comes with a built-in screen guard. I had a screen protector on, so there were no scratches on the screen with any of the other cases either.

In fact, the only trouble I had during this part of the test was taking off the darn tough cases. Poetic gave me the most trouble, and I ended up cracking a nail taking it off.

The real test — dropped face first onto tiled floors

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Finally, the fun part arrived. I decided to drop the tough cases offering everyday protection from 5ft onto hard tiled floors. This is actually more than the typical "military standard" of drop protection.

Expert case maker SUPCASE detailed this standard, where "the phone case undergoes 26 drops from a height of 4 feet onto a plywood surface laid over a concrete base with a steel backing" to qualify.

Each one of the four cases survived unscathed, so for the next test, I moved on to the toughest contender: Poetic.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Unlike BURGA, Dbrand, and Quad Lock, Poetic takes things a lot further and promises heavy-duty 20ft drop resistance, which is about two floors of an average building.

With a mighty heave-ho, I hurled the Pixel 8 in the Poetic Revolution case from the second floor of my parents' house.

The built-in screen guard stayed glued to the top of the phone even after such a terrible drop, but the case itself came off from the impact. However, the Pixel 8 still worked perfectly afterward, with not even a scratch or crack to be found.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The only damage was a barely discernible dent in the camera bar in the front, but it did not interfere in the functional operation. The aesthetics of the phone were largely intact too.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

Unbelievably, the phone was still working. The camera lenses didn't shatter. I could still take pictures and make calls.

I decided to test just how impregnable the Poetic Revolution phone case really is and maybe took things too far with the final challenge.

I drove over the Poetic Revolution heavy-duty phone case with a car

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

And for my last trick, I decided to literally run the Poetic Revolution case over with a car.

My heart was in my mouth as I watched my dad drive over the phone in his MPV that seats seven. I was hesitant before chucking the phone off the second floor, but this was even more frightening.

Once the deed was done, I picked up the phone and...

Hallelujah! The phone was still working! The touchscreen responded as it should, I took a few pictures, sent a voice note on WhatsApp, and watched some YouTube videos.

Sure, the phone was a little dusty, but I washed off the dirt. Everything was as it should be — until I took the case off and checked the backside of the Pixel.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

It hurt to see the bottom part of the glass back with spiderweb-like cracks spreading up. Clearly, the Poetic Revolution case has its limits. One must not drive over it with a car, but that's on me. Poetic never said you could.

I am still impressed that this was after multiple back-to-back drop tests, that too in the searing hot 45°C (or 113°F) Arabian summer. I can still use the Pixel 8 to do everything it needs to do. I even washed it with water, though I do not recommend you to do that with a cracked glass back.

It charges fine, the screen works, the cameras are functional, the mic records properly, and the speakers sound as they should. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are operating normally too.

All my ruthless drop testing proved that a good case can save your phone from disaster. The bottom line is, always get a good quality phone case. Those drop protection numbers clearly are not marketing slop. Just make sure it's a reliable brand like Poetic, not some off brand knockoff, so you can trust that the brand actually drop tested their case.

I tested 5 of the best Chromebooks for students, and this is the one I'd buy during Best Buy's Back to School sale

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:48:29 +0000

Back to school season is upon us again, and if you're in the market for a new laptop, there are plenty of student-friendly Chromebooks worth considering in 2026. We test these devices every year to ensure that they still meet Android Central's rigorous standards, and I was pleased to see that my personal favorite for students on a budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, is currently chilling with an impressive $220 discount at Best Buy.

The class-ready Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 just scored an epic discount at Best Buy

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 4GB RAM / 64GB eMMC: ~~$419~~ $199 at Best Buy

The IdeaPad Slim 3 by Lenovo is a versatile laptop with a gorgeous touchscreen display, great battery life, and a MediaTek processor that's powerful enough for both work and play. Grab the campus-ready device from Best Buy today and you'll score a straight $220 off your purchase, no strings attached. View Deal

Whether you're studying, drawing, or streaming your favorite series after class, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is one of the best Chromebooks for students because of its overall versatility and bang for the buck.

Straight out of the box, you get a vibrant 14-inch 1080p display with a touchscreen and a durable enough build that you can easily throw the laptop into a backpack or briefcase. The Chromebook will also last up to 18 hours on a single charge, so you don't have to worry about juicing up mid-class or during those long study sessions.

The IdeaPad Slim 3's MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor with 4GB of RAM is capable enough for studying, streaming, and browsing the web, plus you get plenty of ports (including a microSD card slot) for all of your devices and storage needs.

So what's the catch? Well, as the saying goes: you get what you pay for. The IdeaPad Slim 3 is a basic laptop that's built for basic tasks, and as it's a 2023 device, you shouldn't expect the latest software features as soon as you boot it up.

If you want a cheap laptop that's reliable and durable enough to bring with you wherever you go, the Slim 3 is a great pick. But if you want something with a bit more power and innovation under the hood (and you don't mind paying for it), there are plenty of other outstanding Chromebooks to consider this semester.

My Hydrangeas were dying, and it took a 20-minute Gemini conversation to fix them. This is how I used AI to help bring my flowers back to life

shruti.shekar@futurenet.com (Shruti Shekar) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:10:00 +0000

It’s been my goal this year to perfect my gardening skills and really hone in on my green thumb. And since becoming a homeowner, the one thing I’m incredibly proud of is the perennial hydrangeas the previous owners planted and that I’ve been taking care of.

But this year I noticed something terribly wrong: one entire side of my perennials wasn't growing as fast, almost seemed to be dying, and didn't look nourished.

I went to Gemini to help me figure out what was going on and how I could fix it, and it took me all of 20 minutes and about a day’s work. And I’m going to tell you the step-by-step procedure I used, not only to fix your hydrangeas but also how you can probably do the same thing for any of your gardening-related queries.

It started with a simple question

Hydrangeas in the front of Shruti's home on the left sideAndroid Central

Hydrangeas in the front of Shruti's home on the right sideAndroid Central

I find that when you’re using Gemini, the more specific you are, the better, and if you can include images, it’s even better.

I took pictures of the left and right sides of my garden and asked what was going on with my perennials. I also said that I had no idea how to fix it. Offering Gemini a photo visual of what you are working with can help diagnose exactly what you need to fix.

Gemini indicated that there was a huge night-and-day difference and that it usually comes down to environmental microclimates and resource competition. I liked that it explained exactly what happened: that one side’s growth is affected by its environment versus the other side, and that much of the issue comes from the grass and weed population.

(Image credit: Android Central)

It then gave me a solution. It said that I would have to get rid of the competing properties (grass and weeds) using a weed whacker. Lay a compostable material first, then add fertilizer, and top it off with mulch.

The back and forth

(Image credit: Android Central)

Here’s where it got fun for me and also complicated. I am not a simple person; I like options, and I want to know what exactly I would need to make this project happen successfully. I questioned Gemini what the right compost was, in my case using something high-quality like sheep or cow manure. I asked what kind of mulch I needed, and if I could use yard waste bags as the compostable layer.

I liked that Gemini would push back if I offered a specific kind of mulch and would give me a reason why one is better than another.

The biggest pushback I had was whether I should use a ground fabric liner versus cardboard or yard waste bags. Because I wanted to do this on a budget and effectively.

The quick check with real humans

Here’s the part that I highly recommend you do when you are using Gemini to help you do a DIY project or fix anything at home.

Talk to a professional!

With the information I had (the environmental conditions and the fix), I called the Terra that is near my home to ask questions. Side note: Terra is a garden center for those who don’t live in Ontario and are reading this.

I spoke with a professional, detailing everything, and I did not say I used Gemini, not because I cared what the person would think, but sometimes people have weird feelings about Gemini or any AI use. So I wanted to keep it neutral.

The professional told me exactly what Gemini said, and even when I asked about fabric liner, the professional told me not to use it and that it would not really help with the regrowth of my flowers.

I would recommend doing this step because Gemini can always be wrong. It can also tell you things that might require more steps than usual, and it might also tell you things that might cost more than you think.

The final result

Hydrangeas on the left side of Shruti's houseAndroid Central

Hydrangeas on the right side of Shruti's houseAndroid Central

While it took me an entire day to do this project, the actual back-and-forth with Gemini was all of 20-30 mins. And I think that’s super worth it. I love that even after cross-referencing with a gardening professional, I was told the exact same steps, and that I could do it in one day.

The result was so epic because after a few weeks I started seeing that my hydrangeas looked healthier and happier and started blooming too. I am actually pretty impressed with how Gemini was able to help.

Android Central

And I think you can do this with any home gardening project.

I even used Gemini to help fix the side of my home that leads to the shed.

A few weeks later, I went back into my Gemini and asked if it remembered the conversation I had with it about my hydrangeas, and whether a similar process could be done to the side of the house. Surprisingly, it remembered everything and also told me that the same process could be taken with the side of my home.

I don’t think Gemini needs to be taken too seriously. I think this is the real intention of Gemini, and I think it can totally be helpful.

I put this NAS through 2,500 hours of testing and 50TB of writes — it's the only one I trust with my data

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:11:00 +0000

As I write this, I have 78 devices connected to my home network, including phones, tablets, Windows machines, Android TVs, way too many Govee lights, and other smart home tech. The most important device, however, is my network-attached storage (NAS) system; it houses all my data, acts as my media and music server, and essentially runs my smart home.

So when it comes to selecting a new NAS, I'm exacting in my needs. I'm still using the 100TB home server I set up two years ago with the DiskStation DS1823xs+, but I wanted a new NAS solely as a media server, and there was an obvious choice: UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro.

I tested the DXP4800 Pro when it came out, and it became clear to me that it is a powerful Plex NAS. After the review, I slotted in two 24TB Seagate Exos X24 along with two 22TB IronWolf Pro NAS HDDs, and began transferring media and installing all the utilities and services I rely on every day.

How I tested the DXP4800 Pro

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

After three and a half months of extensive testing — totaling well over 2,500 hours of use — streaming 4K Plex content on well over a dozen devices, and writing 54TB of data to the drives, I can state with confidence that the DXP4800 Pro is the best all-round media server you can buy in 2026. I'll go into plenty of detail about how I tested the NAS over the last three months, but before I get started, here's a high-level overview of the hardware.

The DXP4800 Pro is a 4-bay NAS with the best internals in its class. It's powered by an Intel Core i3-1315U and has hardware transcoding (ideal for Plex and Jellyfin), 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and a 2.5 Gigabit connection, 8GB of memory, a 128GB built-in SSD, and two NVMe M.2 SSD slots. The Intel Core i3-1315U platform is a solid choice for NAS servers, and it's no surprise that most manufacturers are using it in their enthusiast models. The DXP4800 Pro is available for $719 on Amazon, and you can also buy it on UGREEN's site.

Putting the DXP4800 Pro through its paces

I started testing the DXP4800 Pro by installing UGOS Pro, UGREEN's web-based software. It has come a long way in the last 12 months and is now at a point where you don’t feel like you’re missing out on any of the basics. After installation, I created a storage pool with the four drives; I recommend using a mirrored configuration if you’re looking to set up a NAS, as that way you’ll maintain data integrity should a drive fail. As I had this data in at least two other locations (I’m obsessive about storage), I just went with JBOD.

(Image credit: Future)

Then came setting up all the services I use, and this constituted the bulk of the testing. I installed Plex and Jellyfin to manage media, an instance of Roon to manage my music library, Immich to handle photos, and Tailscale to access the NAS remotely. While Jellyfin and Home Assistant are listed in UGREEN’s app store, they’re installed as containers anyway, so I just relied on Docker to install everything. It’s easier to manage, and I get better insights into how much system resources each service is using.

I prefer installing utilities like Plex and Jellyfin via Docker. I find these instances more stable, and I get the flexibility to make any configuration changes I need. On that note, the 8GB of pre-installed memory makes a big difference. Even with eight services running 24/7 within containers, I had 3.2GB of usable RAM left, with enough headroom to run a VM by allocating 2GB of memory.

That said, I subsequently installed a 16GB DRAM module, boosting the memory to 24GB and giving me much better headroom to work with VMs and other containers. Even if you don't want to go this route, know that the built-in 8GB of memory is more than adequate for most homelab hobby projects.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

I took ten days to move the data to the DXP4800 Pro, transferring over 54TB in that time. I was conservative in this regard, as I didn’t want to transfer the entire dataset in one go, and I used rsync to move each category — photos, music, documents, and media — individually. A big chunk of that was my music production library that includes VST instruments and their associated media.

I connected the DS1823xs+ to the DXP4800 Pro using a 10GbE switch to take full advantage of the 10GbE connectivity available on both servers, and I was able to saturate the NAS HDDs' bandwidth quite easily. I got close to the 280MB/s maximum bandwidth of the Exos X24 and IronWolf Pro drives, and I saw aggregate transfers hit as high as 580MB/s — both NAS systems could easily handle six times that bandwidth, so this wasn't a problem at all. This was while moving bigger files; images and documents generally transferred at a much more modest average of around 120MB/s.

Thermal management can become an issue with sustained file transfers, and thankfully, it didn’t prove to be a problem on the DXP4800 Pro. The 140mm fan was effective at moving heat away from the internals, and the drives didn’t exceed 48 degrees Celsius.

What I like about Seagate's NAS HDDs is that they’re designed to run 24/7, and they come with unique features like vibration resistance, which is necessary in a NAS system.

But more than anything else, it’s long-term reliability that matters. While the drives I used in the DXP4800 Pro have now clocked just under 3,000 hours (I still count that as almost new), I've had several IronWolf Pro HDDs in the last decade that have clocked over 50,000 hours of usage, and I haven’t run into any issues with any of these drives yet (thankfully).

(Image credit: Future)

After the data transfer came the real test: media streaming. I used Plex predominantly, and the DXP4800 Pro delivered three high-bitrate 4K transcodes simultaneously, which is no small feat. Hardware-assisted transcoding via the built-in Intel Quick Sync platform is limited to Plex Pass users, and if you have older client devices like an early-gen iPad, this feature will come in handy.

However, most newer devices have the requisite media containers and codecs to play media files, so you don't actually need to transcode content most of the time — outside of testing how the NAS holds up in this area, I only had to rely on direct play. That said, if your video is encoded using H.265 and you have a TV or streamer that can't handle the codec, it will need to be transcoded to H.264 to play on the client device, and all of this is done automatically.

The verdict is clear

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

After playing dozens of hours of footage via Plex and Jellyfin over the last three months, it became clear that the DXP4800 Pro is the best 4-bay Plex NAS.

I did notice higher-than-usual power draw in general, with the NAS idling at 24—28W, going up to 60W when the drives are in use, and exceeding 85W under load. There is plenty of headroom, though, given that you get a 150W power brick, so this is not a problem as such. Averaged over three months, the power usage was well within the limits of a powerful 4-bay server, so I didn't worry about it too much.

Overall, the DXP4800 Pro is without a doubt one of the best 4-bay NAS servers around. The combination of powerful hardware and UGREEN's sensible software choices gives it a leg up over its rivals, and after extensive testing, it has consistently proven to be reliable, which is what I look for the most in a media server.

Ugreen

DXP4800 Pro

The DXP4800 Pro does everything I want in a Plex NAS, and if you need a new media server, this is the one I recommend.

I let two AI apps track every bite I ate for three days straight to help me count calories and get back into shape. Here's the most accurate one

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:55:00 +0000

I went snorkeling a few weeks ago, and it was an eye-opener to just how sedentary my lifestyle has gotten. I have been meaning to get back into shape after completely letting myself go in recent years, and what better way to do that than to start maintaining a food diary on my phone?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of fitness and wellness apps on the Play Store, but I wanted to kick things off with something easy to use consistently. BitePal and SnapCalorie are two AI calorie-tracking apps that stood out because they both advertise the same thing: take a picture of your food, and the app will log all your calories and macros. Sounds easy enough!

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

As someone who has never followed a diet plan before, I needed an app that could do the thinking and planning for me, in addition to the tracking. I am the antonym of a gym rat; a home cat, if you will. I decided to spend three days logging everything I consumed as well as my activity data on both apps to help me decide which one would be better in the long run.

Both apps offer the same features at their cores. You can choose the kind of lifestyle you lead, set a goal weight, choose your pace, and the app will use its nutritional database to spit out a diet plan for you to follow, giving you your target macros to hit daily.

You can connect your Google Health data to both apps, so it logs not only your food and water intake but also factors in your activities and workouts. You can also record your workouts and activity info manually if you want.

Reface Lithuania

Perception Labs Inc.

I like BitePal because it gamifies the entire food-tracking experience and takes the diet plan a step further, including step-by-step recipes that fit your daily goals. The app has a cute virtual pet raccoon that you can name yourself, and based on how well or poorly you're meeting your fitness plan goals, the pet's health fluctuates daily. The entire UI is colorful and fun, but the free plan limits the number of food picture scans, meal tracking, nutritional advice, and pet-related features.

SnapCalorie is a more traditional fitness app with a straightforward UI, which can be boring, but it offers free users unlimited access to food logging tools and features, including barcode scanning and recipe creation and logging. Its AI food photo capture requires you to describe the food in a few words, which helps the AI analyze it more accurately and yield better results. It takes some time to process, but I found it much more accurate than BitePal.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

From homemade meals like goat meat biryani to foreign drinks such as Kinza Cola, SnapCalorie was shockingly able to recognize food items a lot better than BitePal. I had to just settle for the closest item BitePal could find, such as substituting the lesser known soda with Sprite. Clearly, the AI picture analyzing tool on SnapCalorie does more extensive research.

I know I can manually add the calories and nutritional values of the items unrecognized by BitePal, but that just defeats the purpose of using an AI food logging app. The entire reason why I want to rely on an app is so I don't have to measure everything I put in my body and go looking for its nutritional info.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

When I forgot to record an iced coffee I drank, I used a screenshot of the app I ordered it from and used that on both apps. SnapCalorie found the exact coffee from the specific cafe I ordered it from, pulled the calorie and nutritional info from the internet, and logged it in my food diary. It was amazingly easy!

BitePal couldn't even clock that the iced coffee had milk in it, let alone find the exact drink. Instead, I resorted to manually typing out that additional info once the app created the wrong record based on the screenshot of the coffee. Even though you can edit the name of the food once the AI creates a record based on the image, BitePal lacks the smarts to identify the item properly.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The verdict is in...

After three days of extensive food logging on both apps, I have decided to stick with SnapCalorie for long-term use. The fact that it can recognize foods from different cultures and parts of the world is a vital feature. It also offers all of the most important features of the app with the free basic version.

I can see BitePal being a kid-friendly fitness app, though parents will have to be prepared to pay for it. It's an exciting and interactive way to teach children about the importance of eating clean, consuming the right amount of fiber, calories, and fats in a day, and staying hydrated. Parents can even connect their child's Google Health data from the Fitbit Ace LTE or whatever fitness watch their kids use. The pet raccoon is adorable, and the entire layout and UI are so well done. I just wish the AI food recognition was better, because that's the main purpose of the app.

Interestingly enough, when I was first setting up BitePal and SnapCalorie, both gave me different timelines for me to achieve my goal weight even though I chose the exact same pace, with SnapCalorie giving an earlier date to achieve my target. Based on how much more extensive SnapCalorie's food library and analysis seem to be, I'll be trusting it to help me achieve my goal.

SnapCalorie

Create a diet plan to reach your health and fitness goals and track everything, from the food and drinks you consume to your physical activity, all in one app. Calorie tracking is as easy as taking a picture of your food and hitting save!

Free w/IAP: Google Play Store

I put my Pixel phones through a strenuous 24-hour battery life test to see if they hold up as well as they should, and the winner might surprise you

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:25:59 +0000

The Google Pixel 11 series is almost here, and while this year's lineup isn't expected to bring any groundbreaking upgrades over the Pixel 10 series, there are still a few notable improvements on the way, including a new MediaTek modem and Google's first 2nm Tensor G6 chipset.

But new smartphone launches aren't just about what's coming next. They're also a good opportunity to look back at the phones we already own and ask an important question: Is it actually worth upgrading?

For many people, that decision comes down to one thing more than anything else: battery life. A phone can still be fast, take great photos, and receive software updates, but once the battery starts struggling to last through the day, it's much easier to justify buying something new.

Google's Pixel phones haven't exactly built a reputation for class-leading battery life, but the company has steadily increased battery capacities over the past few generations while introducing new battery health features designed to preserve long-term battery performance.

So ahead of the Pixel 11 launch, I wanted to see how well recent Pixel batteries have actually held up.

How I set up my battery test

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

To find out, I picked up three different Pixel phones: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro.

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro both feature a 4,700mAh battery alongside Google's Tensor G4 processor, while the Pixel 10 Pro packs a slightly larger 4,870mAh cell and the newer Tensor G5, built on a more efficient 3nm process. On paper, the Pixel 10 Pro should have the advantage. It has the newest battery, the largest capacity, and the newest chipset.

The Pixel 9 series is now roughly two years old, while the Pixel 10 Pro has been my primary Android phone for around a year. That makes this a good comparison to see how Pixel batteries hold up over time.

To keep things as fair as possible, I updated all three phones to the latest Android 17 version available, connected them to the same Wi-Fi network, charged each device to 100%, set the displays to roughly the same brightness, and looped the same YouTube video on all until they eventually ran out of battery.

Of course, a continuous video playback test isn't a perfect representation of how people use their phones every day. But it does give every device an identical workload, making it one of the fairest ways to compare battery performance across multiple phones.

How do older Pixel batteries hold up?

(Image credit: Sanuj Bhatia / Android Central)

I kicked off the test at around 5:45 p.m. with all three phones sitting at 100%.

For the first couple of hours, there was virtually nothing separating them. Each phone dropped by around 8%, leaving all three sitting at roughly 92%.

The first meaningful difference didn't appear until around the four-hour mark. By then, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 Pro had dropped to 83%, while the Pixel 9 Pro held a slight lead at 85%.

That trend continued for most of the test. Six hours in, the Pixel 9 sat at 74%, the Pixel 10 Pro at 73%, and the Pixel 9 Pro at 75%. In other words, there was only a two-percentage-point gap between all three phones despite the difference in age.

Battery life test
Time	Pixel 9	Pixel 9 Pro	Pixel 10 Pro
5:45pm	100%	100%	100%
9:45pm	83%	85%	83%
11:45pm	74%	75%	73%
11:00am (next day)	12%	16%	13%
1:08pm	0%	3%	1%
1:17pm	0%	2%	0%
1:41pm	0%	0%	0%

As the test stretched into the following morning, the gap widened slightly. At around 11 a.m., the Pixel 9 had dropped to 12%, while the Pixel 10 Pro sat at 13%. The Pixel 9 Pro continued to hold onto a small lead at 16%.

The Pixel 9 was the first phone to die at 1:08 p.m. At that point, the Pixel 9 Pro still had around 3% remaining, while the Pixel 10 Pro had just 1% left.

The Pixel 10 Pro eventually shut down at 1:17 p.m., followed by the Pixel 9 Pro at around 1:41 p.m., lasting almost 20 hours from the start of the test.

So what do these results actually tell us?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

On paper, the Pixel 10 Pro should have comfortably led the pack. It has the newest battery, the largest capacity, and the Tensor G5 chip, which is built on a more efficient manufacturing process. Yet throughout the test, it remained remarkably close to the two-year-old Pixel 9 series and ultimately finished behind the Pixel 9 Pro.

To me, that's actually a positive sign for older Pixel owners. Despite nearly two years of use, the Pixel 9 Pro kept pace with Google's newer flagship throughout almost the entire test and even managed to outlast it in the end.

One battery test obviously doesn't tell the whole story. Real-world battery life depends on everything from network conditions and screen brightness to the apps you use every day.

Still, I think the results are encouraging. While Pixel phones may not lead the Android market in outright battery life, Google's recent efforts to improve long-term battery health appear to be paying off.

Based on this test, older Pixel batteries seem to be holding up surprisingly well. So if battery life is the only reason you're considering an upgrade, there may not be enough here to justify switching to the Pixel 11 when it arrives next week.

How to get a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2) with an AT&T internet plan — yes, it's real

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:45:50 +0000

TL;DR: AT&T will give you a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Gen 2) when you sign up for the 5 GIG fiber internet plan. You'll also get a free $200 reward card.

Fiber internet plans can get pretty expensive, which is why providers like AT&T are eager to provide discounts and free gifts that will soften the blow. Sign up for the 5 GIG internet plan, for instance, and the legendary carrier will give you a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Gen 2), just for kicks. Sign up online and you'll also be eligible for a $200 reward card.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2): ~~$379~~ FREE with 5 GIG internet plan at AT&T Fiber

Sign up for AT&T Fiber with the 5 GIG plan and you'll get a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2) within 5-7 days following installation and redemption of the offer. Only new customers are eligible, but it's a great way to get our favorite smart glasses for free while also enjoying some of the fastest internet speeds in the biz. View Deal

The internet plan in question starts at $135 per month, but you can drop that price to as little as $70 per month by using AutoPay, paying in advance, and/or bundling the service with one of AT&T's phone plans. You get the free smart glasses either way.

It doesn't hurt that the 5 GIG tier is AT&T Fiber's best internet plan, with the highest speeds available, advanced VPN and security features, and unlimited Wi-Fi extenders included with your purchase. Sure, fiber internet may not be for everyone, but if you've been planning to upgrade anyway, now's your chance to get one of the industry's best plans AND a great pair of smart glasses in one fell swoop. Just be sure to confirm that fiber is available in your area before you commit.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

We gave the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) a 4.5/5-star rating when we reviewed them last fall, and it isn't hard to see why. These feature-packed smart glasses boast 32GB of onboard storage for photos and videos, plus you get up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge (up to 48 hours with the charging case), hi-res photo and video capturing, and integrated AI-boosted software features from Meta AI.

I put this foldable Android phone through the ultimate durability test, and it refuses to die, even after being slathered in mud and tossed in the dishwasher

Nicholas Sutrich — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:02:00 +0000

This past weekend, I ran the muddiest Spartan Race I've ever been on. We're talking knee-deep mud in several places on the course, and no shortage of slippery conditions no matter where you go, which made me wonder: what if I dropped my foldable phone into this kind of nastiness?

Since the Honor Magic V6 sports the highest durability among any phone today (not just foldables), I figured it would be a perfect candidate for such a test. The IP68 and IP69K ratings mean it can withstand all sorts of nonsense, from being submerged for long periods of time to taking a nasty mud bath and being tossed into a hot dishwasher afterward.

The test sounded good on paper, and I was certainly a bit hesitant to put such a wonderful phone through such torture, but the two of us came out all the better for it. Here's how the journey went.

That time I dropped my phone in mud

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

For this test, I went out in my backyard and filled an aluminum cooking pan with dirt, then got it nice and wet with rain barrel water to make a lovely, thick mud. After some hesitation, I dropped the Honor Magic V6 into the mix and got to scrubbing in the worst way possible: with mud. I made sure to get all the ports full of mud, and I even opened the phone to get the inside and the hinge covered, as well.

Afterward, I took it over to the grass to wipe it off a bit and see how well it worked when it was this dirty. After a series of spine-tingling crunches from the hinge as it opened and closed, I took it back over to my rain barrel for a wash-off. I'd rather not have this gunk in my dishwasher, after all, so I might as well clear a bit off before I go inside.

Despite all the abuse, the phone worked perfectly. I even took a few pictures with it before going in. The hinge was still a bit crunchy-sounding by this point, but I figured that would work itself out in the dishwasher. This IP69 rating protects it against water jets and hot water, and it's fully dustproof, so things should be fine, right?

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

I purposefully left plenty of room for the phone on the top, so I left it unfolded, loaded the dishwashing soap into the machine, and hit start. I never use heated dry or the extra hot setting for my dishes, so I also kept those off for this test. The dishwasher gets plenty hot without those settings, so we're still getting a great test here.

After the cycle was about half over, I wanted to make sure the phone was still alive, so I popped it open and gave it a quick test. Everything looked great! Since there was room for another phone in there, I stuck my Honor Magic 8 Pro (no, this article is not sponsored by Honor) in the rack and hit record.

That phone features the IP69K rating, after all. Here's the brief footage it captured before the water clicked the stop button. Make sure to turn your sound DOWN:

Another hour later, and the dishwasher was finally done. A quick pop of the hatch, a waft of steam later, and a brand new phone emerged from the rack. Unsurprisingly, the phone had an alert message about potential overheating, which makes a lot of sense since dishwashers run at 120-140F (48-60C) while running, depending on the cycle.

Despite the warning, the phone never turned off and doesn't seem worse for wear because of it. The glass surfaces all had a bit of soap spots left on them, but a brief wipe from the kitchen towel took care of that.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Unfortunately, rubbing mud on the inner display caused the screen protector to gain a few minor scratches. Thankfully, they only appear when held at a certain angle, so I don't think they'll annoy me too much while using the phone.

The hinge also makes almost no noise when I open and close it now, a bit of an improvement from when it was slathered in mud. I'm going to assume this will continue to work its way out as I use it. Just to make sure everything functioned correctly, I also took a few pictures of my cat using each of the three cameras on the back.

Android Central

I don't see any debris or water damage on any of the lenses, and the pictures look as flawless as always from this phone. I'd say the Honor Magic V6 passed this rather extreme test with flying colors! I guess Honor wasn't joking when they talked about this one's durability.

Last chance! Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder deal could get you the foldable for as little as $699.99, but you're running out of time

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:25:40 +0000

The latest foldable phones from Samsung hit store shelves in just a few days (August 7th), but there are plenty of preorder deals for the folks who don't want to wait to save.

One such offer comes from Samsung itself, where you can score up to $1,200 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 when you trade in an old or broken device. Don't have anything to trade in? The company will still hook you up with a $200 credit when you order the Z Fold 8 through its site. There are also some bundle discounts up for grabs if you pair your preorder with a Samsung watch. The promotion ends in just a few days, however, so you better act fast if you're interested.

Score up to $1,200 off your Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 256GB: ~~$1,899.99~~ From $699.99 with trade-in at Samsung

Samsung changed things up with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, giving the foldable phone a 16:10 aspect radio that's perfect for reading, streaming, or browsing the web. The innovative device also boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with 12GB of RAM, a seven-year software promise, and all of the latest Galaxy AI features.

Buy the phone directly from the source and you'll be eligible for up to $1,200 of trade-in credit, potentially dropping the price of the foldable to as low as $699.99. Skip the trade-in process altogether and you'll still receive a $200 Samsung credit.

Interested in the powerful Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra? Samsung is also running a similar deal on that phone ahead of its August 7th launch. View Deal

What about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8?

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 256GB: ~~$1,199.99~~ From $599.99 with trade-in at Samsung

Easily one of the best flip phones ever built, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 takes the foundation of last year's Flip 7 and adds a slightly thinner build, a powerful Snapdragon chipset, and the latest Galaxy AI software features.

The iterative upgrades mean that you shouldn't give up on last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7 just yet (if you can find a good deal), but if your heart is set on ordering the 2026 flip phone, you can score up to $600 off by trading in at Samsung. Alternatively, skip the trade-in and you'll score a $150 credit. View Deal

More Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 deals

Back to school already? I've been testing ePaper notebooks all week so you can start the year off right

Nicholas Sutrich — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:06:53 +0000

Whether you're just starting high school or finishing up your college Master's Program, a good note-taking tablet can make all the difference in class success. The latest note-taking tablets from companies like TCL and Boox sport technology that looks and feels a lot like paper, but each gives you all the best features of a modern smart device.

If you've never used a digital note-taking device, know that these are tablet-sized (not e-reader size), so you probably won't want to hold them up for long periods. They are also both powered by Android and include the Google Play Store, so you can download all your favorite apps.

The TCL Note A1 NXTPAPER and the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II both ship with styluses that magnetically attach to the side of the tablet, so you can take notes anytime you need to. Whether that's bedside journaling or attempting to jot down everything important during a lecture, both tablets will give you quick access to recording and handwritten notes, and I've spent the last week putting these two through rigorous tests to find out which should be in your backpack this year.

Not all ePaper is created equally

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

E Ink is the most common type of ePaper display you'll find today, but TCL's NXTPAPER displays give it a run for its money in several ways. The TCL Note A1 features a special type of NXTPAPER display that works just as well for black-and-white notes as it does for YouTube videos.

The matte display is wonderful for cutting glare from those annoying overhead classroom lights, and the fluid 120Hz refresh rate feels fast and smooth. This makes using apps feel like any normal Android tablet, and it may prove nicer for note-taking for people who want something smoother than E Ink.

While these tablets are primarily designed for handwriting, you can also use any virtual keyboard you choose. I always love using Gboard, but typing on it always feels slow on E Ink. NXTPAPER is fast and fluid and feels like typing on a normal tablet.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

But that's about where the positives end and where the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II's E Ink display takes over. One of the inherent advantages of E Ink is that it doesn't need a backlight to illuminate the screen. It's got one just in case you need it, but I rarely find that I need to use it.

If I'm taking notes outside, the Boox Go is the clear winner. That black-and-white E Ink display perfectly absorbs and reflects sunlight, so you can see the display even better in direct sunlight than elsewhere. The built-in front light also gets extremely dim when you need it, which I found important for lecture rooms that can sometimes be too dim.

The TCL Note A1's display is really only easy to see in moderate indoor lighting. It doesn't get bright enough to see outdoors, and it doesn't get dim enough to comfortably use in a low-lit room. There's also no dark mode, curiously enough, which probably would have helped a lot in those dim rooms.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Both displays' lights are fully flicker-free, but TCL's NXTPAPER display uses something called temporal dithering to enhance the colors. This effect can give some people splitting headaches, and since there's no way to disable it, I can't recommend the tablet for anyone sensitive to dithering.

That makes the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II the best display of the two, despite the advantages that color and a faster refresh rate on the NXTPAPER might otherwise seem.

Note-taking gets leveled up

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Displays affect more than just readability, too. Boox's E Ink technology looks a lot more like traditional paper and pen, but typing on the display isn't as nice since the refresh rate is lower. Likewise, typing on the TCL Note A1 feels smoother, but I wouldn't say there's any meaningful latency difference when writing.

In fact, I far prefer writing on the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II because the stylus feels like writing with a marker, and the display's textured surface also feels uniquely wonderful to swipe on. TCL's Note A1 stylus offers an incredibly unique built-in haptic engine (yes, into the stylus!), but writing on the screen still feels too much like writing on glass for my liking.

Taking notes is faster on the Boox Go, and I find the default note styles and options are better than TCL's. Both companies offer some great template options to get you started, as well.

Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central

Boox also offers a superb handwriting-to-text engine that even understands my terrible chicken-scratch writing. TCL offers some truly fantastic AI writing tools built in, but curiously doesn't offer a direct handwriting-to-text option — the only way to achieve this is to have TCL's AI rewrite your notes, which isn't always preferable.

But TCL offers a suite of AI tools that Boox simply does not. If you're a student who enjoys utilizing AI to help give you better writing, summarize your notes, make things searchable, or even add live transcription of lectures to your notes, TCL is the easy winner in this category. The Boox Go can record audio directly to a note, but there's no transcription option at all, something I thought was very odd in this day and age.

Lastly, the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II passes all Google Play Integrity tests, which means any apps that require an extra layer of security (think banking apps) run just fine on it. TCL's Note A1 doesn't pass any of them, which I thought was curious. I haven't run into issues with normal apps on TCL's tablet, but there are undoubtedly some more secure ones that simply won't work on it.

Boox to replace your notebooks

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

While the TCL Note A1 offers far better built-in AI tools and a faster refresh rate, I like everything else about the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II better. This even includes the hardware design, as the TCL Note A1 feels like a heavy iPad while the Boox Go is sleeker, lighter, and more ergonomic, with curved sides that rest comfortably in my hands, a lighter overall weight, and a luxurious vegan leather back.

Boox and TCL are running a back-to-school sale this month to sweeten this deal further. The Boox Go bundle I'm using is currently $40 off, while the TCL Note A1 is $50 off. This still makes the Boox Go 10.3 Gen II $100 cheaper than the TCL Note A1, and that's easily enough of a reason for me to recommend it.

Boox

Go 10.3 Lumi Gen II

Boox's latest E Ink tablet ships with a brilliant stylus that feels like writing on paper with a marker. It's got an impressively light and thin frame, with ergonomic curves and a vegan leather back. With support for 26 file formats, great note-taking software, and full Google Play Support with Android 15 built-in, you'll love toting this around school instead of 45lbs of books on your back.

TCL's new budget tablet just landed in the US with a surprising launch discount

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:04:10 +0000

TL;DR: the TCL Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER tablet just dropped in the United States, and it already has a $100 discount at Amazon.

It took a while for TCL to release its newest Android tablet in the United States, but now the Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER is here with an impressive launch discount in tow.

For a limited time, you can score $100 off the 256GB device by clipping the coupon on Amazon's product page. If you want to save even more, you can go with the 128GB version and pay as little as $219 for the device (provided you have an Amazon Prime account).

It's rare for a brand new tablet to receive a straight discount at launch — especially since the Tab A1 Plus was already pretty affordable — but TCL has never been one to play by the rules.

TCL Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER 256GB: ~~$399.99~~ $299.99 with coupon at Amazon

TCL has produced a lot of cheap tablets, but the Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER might be its greatest creation yet. The device boasts an eye-friendly display with smooth performance and an included stylus, and you can already save $100 by clipping the coupon at Amazon.View Deal

Whether you need a new tablet for Back to School season, a presentation at work, or as a road trip companion, the TCL Tab A1 Plus NXTPAPER is a great pick that won't break the bank.

Straight out of the box, the device boasts a unique 12.2-inch display that's specifically designed to reduce eye strain, letting you instantly switch into Ink Paper or Color Paper mode as needed.

The tablet comes with a stylus for drawing and taking notes, a solid Snapdragon processor, and a huge 10,000mAh battery, all of which are rare specs for a device in this price range. You also get stereo speakers, some onboard AI features, and 256GB of storage (up to 2TB when you expand using microSD).

The Tab A1 Plus may not be the most powerful Android tablet ever built, but if you're concerned about eye strain and you want a device that offers good old-fashioned bang for the buck, it's pretty unmatched. And with a $100 launch discount knocking the price down to only $299.99, the TCL device is really starting to feel like a no-brainer purchase in 2026.

'The best Android phone for students': why I decided to buy the Google Pixel 10a ahead of the Pixel 11 launch

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:59:12 +0000

TL;DR: Amazon has given the top-rated Google Pixel 10a a rare 15% discount, just in time for Back to School season.

The Pixel 11 series is set to be unveiled on August 12th — just in time for Back to School shopping — but for folks who don't want to wait, last year's Google Pixel 10a remains a tempting and budget-friendly alternative.

Currently selling for just $424 at Amazon (a 15% discount), the Google Pixel 10a is easily one of the best Android phones for students in 2026, with exceptional battery life, flagship-level camera tech, and an approachable price tag that won't break the bank. We probably won't see another A series Pixel phone until early 2027, so I'm grabbing this discounted Pixel 10a while I can — the Google Pixel 11 can wait.

The best Android phone for students was already cheap, and Amazon just made it even cheaper

Google Pixel 10a 128GB: ~~$499~~ $424 at Amazon

The Google Pixel 10a was unveiled earlier this year with an agreeable $499 price tag, and now Amazon is making the midrange masterpiece even more approachable by slashing 15% off the 128GB device. At a time when tech seems to be getting more and more expensive, no-strings discounts like this are a refreshing sight.View Deal

The Google Pixel 10a is a cheap Android phone that punches way above its weight class. The phone impressive with a stunning 6.3-inch pOLED display and IP68 durability out of the box, while under the hood you get the tried-and-tested Tensor G4 chipset, Android 16, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates.

The Pixel 10a also comes with the same main and ultrawide camera lenses found in the more-expensive Google Pixel 10, while the cheaper phone actually boasts a bigger battery than its flagship counterpart.

It's not the most powerful Android phone on the market, but if you're shopping for a new smartphone on a student's budget and you don't want to sacrifice the latest specs and features, the Google Pixel 10a is an unbeatable device.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Again, the only real catch with this deal is that the Google Pixel 11 lineup is going to be revealed on August 12th with some preorder deals in tow. These early offers will largely be confined to wireless carriers, but if you want to wait and try to get a Pixel 11 through your phone plan, go for it.

However, if you want an unlocked phone ASAP, I'd jump on this Google Pixel 10a deal while you can. The Pixel 11 isn't going to get any straight discounts any time soon, and as it's expected to start at $899, the new device is not nearly as cost-effective as the Pixel 10a offer described here.

It's your last chance to get a FREE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder at T-Mobile — the deal ends this week

patrick.farmer@futurenet.com (Patrick Farmer) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:54:59 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 finally hits store shelves on Friday, August 7th, which means you only have a few more days to take advantage of the many preorder deals that are available for the eye-catching foldable.

As usual, T-Mobile is hosting one of the best early offers, giving away the device for free when you process a trade-in and add a line with the Experience Beyond plan.

Don't have anything to trade in? Skip that part of the process and you can still score $1,100 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 when you add a line with the Experience More or Experience Beyond plans on T-Mobile's website.

Sure, T-Mobile's Experience plans aren't exactly cheap, but when I'm looking at grabbing a $1,900 smartphone, I'll take just about any deal I can get. It doesn't hurt that they are also two of the best unlimited plans in the business. If you're interested in one of the most innovative phones of 2026 and you were planning to update your wireless service anyway, this deal is worth grabbing ASAP.

Last call: grab a FREE Galaxy Z Fold 8 before the preorder period ends

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 256GB: ~~$1,899.99~~ FREE with eligible trade-in and new line at T-Mobile

Trade in an old or broken phone and add a line with the Experience Beyond plan and T-Mobile will give you up to $1,900 off the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, enough to make the innovative foldable phone completely free!

Don't have anything to trade in? Skip that part of the process altogether and you'll still enjoy $1,100 off the phone with any Experience plan, or you can save $900 by adding a line with "most plans" on T-Mobile's site. View Deal

See my guide to the best T-Mobile deals of the month

Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (alongside the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8) during a Galaxy Unpacked event a few week ago, and the phones are already turning heads. For starters, it's hard to describe the Z Fold 8 as a true successor to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7, as Samsung has given the phone a shorter and wider, "passport-style" design.

This new look makes the phone easy to pocket and use with one hand while folded, while unfolding the device gives you an experience akin to an Android tablet. And as usual, the foldable phone's two AMOLED display are absolutely stunning and smooth as butter.

Under the hood, you still get the powerful Z Fold experience that we've all come to know and love, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and all of the latest AI-boosted software tricks. The phone does clock in at $1,899, however, so deals like the T-Mobile promotion above are essential.

What about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra 256GB: ~~$2,099.99~~ From $200 with trade-in and new line at T-Mobile

If you prefer the narrower form factor of last year's Z Fold 7, the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the answer, coming complete with an ultra-thin design, upgraded 5,000mAh battery, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. It's also quite expensive, which is why T-Mobile is offering up to $1,900 off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra when you trade in and add a line with the Experience Beyond plan.

Don't have anything to trade in? Just like the Z Fold 8, T-Mobile will give you $1,100 off the Z Fold 8 Ultra when you add a line with an Experience plan on its website. Other plans will still secure you $900 off, so take your pick. View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Built thin vs. built to last

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:02:08 +0000

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Minimal upgrades

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra focuses on incremental upgrades rather than a full redesign. It comes with a similar overall design as the last year's Z Fold 7, but incorporates a newer chipset, a larger 5,000mAh battery with faster charging, and a new 50MP ultra-wide camera.

Pros

More powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Faster 45W charging
Less visible crease
Much sharper 50MP ultrawide sensor

Cons

Similar design to the Galaxy Z Fold 7
No IP68 dust and water resistance
No S Pen support

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Best Pixel foldable

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is Google's most refined foldable yet, bringing an IP68 rating, a redesigned hinge, slimmer bezels, and a faster Tensor G5 chip. It also supports PixelSnap Qi2 for magnetic wireless charging and comes with Google's AI features and Pixel-exclusive tools.

Pros

IP68 dust and water protection
Built-in Qi2 magnets
Upgraded Tensor G5 chipset
Clean software experience with day-one updates

Cons

Slower wired charging speeds
Thicker, heavier, and bulkier design
Pricey in many regions

After months of leaks and rumors, Samsung finally unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Pixel Fold, meanwhile, was once close in form factor to the standard Z Fold 8, but the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has since shifted closer to the Z Fold 8 Ultra's dimensions.

If you're in the U.S. and looking to buy a top-tier Android foldable, your choice may come down to Samsung and Google: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Now that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is official, the real question is which foldable is actually right for you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Samsung officially introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on July 22, 2026. Unfortunately, what we expected is now true: Samsung has increased the Z Fold 8 Ultra's price by $100 this year, so it starts at $2,100 in the U.S, with 256GB of storage and only 12GB of RAM.

On the other hand, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold was announced alongside the Pixel 10 series on August 20, 2025. It starts at $1,799 for 256GB, undercutting the Fold 8 Ultra by $300. It's also available in 512GB and 1TB variants at higher prices, but all variants offer 16GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Design and display

(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)

Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company has kept minimal upgrades for the Fold 8 Ultra. That means you get a triple-camera setup on the back, arranged vertically in a pill-shaped module, along with a clean back and squared edges.

What's great is that Samsung has made the Z Fold 8 Ultra even slimmer than before, coming in at just 4.1mm when unfolded, while fitting in a larger battery, which we'll get to later.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also sticks to the same design as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold remains thicker and heavier. The former measures 8.9mm when folded and weighs just 215 grams, while the latter is about 10.8mm thick and weighs around 258 grams.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold leads in durability, offering IP68 dust and water resistance, which is rare for foldables. Samsung, on the other hand, despite the upgrade to the hinge mechanism, offers only IP48.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a much less visible crease on the inner foldable display, thanks to its new Flex Titanium technology.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch cover display, but the inner display is also around 8 inches. Both phones offer high-brightness displays, offering up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Samsung leads the pack, powering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This is currently the best chipset for Android phones, so you can expect the best performance.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is powered by the Tensor G5, the same chip used across the Pixel 10 lineup. It's Google's first TSMC-made 3nm chipset, and while it's a big step up over the Tensor G4 in terms of performance and efficiency, it falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in raw power.

Specifications
Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	Android 17, six years of OS upgrades
Display	Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, crease-less, 3000 nits (peak); Outer: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz	Inner: 8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits (peak); Outer: 6.4-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Google Tensor G5
RAM	12GB, 16GB	16GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras	200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (3x zoom)	48MP wide, 10.5MP ultra-wide, 10.8MP telephoto (5x zoom)
Front Camera	10MP	10MP
Battery	5,000mAh	5,015mAh
Charging	45W wired, 20W wireless	30W wired, 15W wireless, Qi2 support
IP Rating	IP48	IP68
Weight	215g	258g
Dimensions	Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm; Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm	Unfolded: 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.2 mm; Folded: 155.2 x 76.3 x 10.8 mm
Colors	Graphite, Cream, Violet Shadow	Moonstone, Jade

Internally, Samsung has also upgraded the battery to silicon-carbon tech, which means the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra now features a 5,000mAh cell. In terms of charging, Samsung has upgraded to 45W wired charging, which is much faster than what you get on the Pixel Fold.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold already comes with a 5,000mAh battery, so it's still too early to say which one offers a better battery life. But one area where the Pixel clearly has an advantage is charging convenience. It supports PixelSnap, Google's take on Qi2, with built-in magnets, meaning you can use MagSafe accessories without needing a case.

This is something Samsung skipped on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which requires a case for Qi2 magnetic charging.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Cameras

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Samsung upgraded the primary camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to 200MP, and this time it upgraded the Fold 8 Ultra's ultrawide sensor to a 50MP unit, alongside the same 200MP primary sensor as before and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold comes with a 48MP primary sensor, a 10.5MP ultra-wide, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. It's still too early to say which one will perform better, but considering Samsung has been refreshing its camera setup over the past couple of generations, I do expect the Fold 8 Ultra to have an edge here.

That said, we'll be doing a proper camera comparison soon, so do keep an eye out for the same.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which foldable is better?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

All things considered, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra brings some genuine upgrades this year, including a less creased inner display and, finally, a much more capable battery. But Samsung has also raised the price by $100, and the omission of Qi2 magnetic charging still stings on a phone at this price point.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold, on the other hand, not only costs less to begin with, but it's also often available at a discount for even less. Add in better durability and the promise of day-one Android updates, and it's hard not to see the Pixel as the more lucrative pick on paper.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Better in (almost) every way

bradypsnyder@gmail.com (Brady Snyder) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:30:57 +0000

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Thinner and lighter

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a major leap over the Galaxy Z Fold 6, offering a svelte form factor, a new chip, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and similar camera hardware to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Pros

Faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor
Silicon-carbon 5,000mAh battery
Only 8.9mm thick, weighs 215 grams
200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto

Cons

No S Pen
More expensive
No Qi2 magnets or IP68

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 6

For the S Pen lovers

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 doesn't have much that'll help it beat the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the one exception is its support of the S Pen. If you want a phone with a stylus, this is the Samsung foldable to get. Another perk is the price, which is about $500 refurbished.

Pros

Still has many years of upgrades left
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor is still capable
Last Samsung foldable to support the S Pen
Excellent deals on used and refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 6 phones

Cons

Much thicker than Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Less comfortable display aspect ratios
Worse camera hardware; no 200MP main sensor
Smaller battery, slow charging, no Qi2 support of any kind.

Samsung found a hit with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra does even more to solidify its spot as the best North American foldable. It's the first Samsung foldable to bear the Ultra name, and for good reason.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra proves to be a major upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 6 — in every way but one. The latter is the last Samsung foldable to support the S Pen. If you're a Galaxy Z Fold 6 user wondering if it's time to upgrade, the answer is probably yes... unless you need the S Pen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Pricing and availability

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra launched in July 2026 at a Galaxy Unpacked event. It hits store shelves Aug. 7, 2026. The new foldable retails for $2,099.99 with 256GB of storage. You can optionally upgrade to 512GB and 1TB of storage for an additional cost. Out of all the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra colors, Green Shadow is exclusive to Samsung's online store.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was released on July 10, 2024, for $1,899. It was available in Pink, Navy, Silver Shadow, Crafted Black, and White colorways. Now, the phone is mostly unavailable in new condition, but refurbished and used models are enticing — they'll only run you about $500.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Design and display

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra keeps the same general design language as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it has a different chamfer that makes it easier to open. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, though, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is considerably thinner and lighter. The new model measures 4.1mm thick opened and 8.9mm closed. That's quite the jump from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm folded and 5.6mm unfolded.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is also heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, with the older foldable measuring 239 grams versus 215 grams. The thinner and lighter form factor makes the Fold 8 Ultra feel like a regular phone that happens to unfold, rather than two phones stuck together.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has an 8-inch main screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Compared to newer models, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a more visible crease.

The older foldable's main screen is only 7.6 inches, but it supports the same 120Hz refresh rate and uses identical OLED technology. The outer screen is narrower than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, as Samsung has finally settled on a slightly wider cover-screen aspect ratio. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 6.3-inch outer screen, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes with a 6.5-inch cover screen.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Both devices are covered by an IP48 water and dust resistance rating, despite higher levels of protection from other foldables. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra adds anti-reflective properties to the folding display cover.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Hardware and specs

(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is still supported with Android OS upgrades and has a capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor with 12GB of memory. However, the latest Qualcomm chips are major leaps over older Snapdragon platforms. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is faster and more capable than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.

Specs
Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17)	One UI 6.1.1 (Android 14) [upgradeable]
Display	Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, reduced crease Outer: 6.5-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz	Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2160 x 1856 resolution, 20.9:18 aspect ratio, 374 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness Outer: 6.3-inch, LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2376 x 968 resolution, 22.1:9 aspect ratio, 410 ppi, 2600 nits peak brightness
Stylus support	No	Yes
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB (16GB with 1TB variant)	12GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear cameras	200MP wide camera, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom	50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front camera	10MP (cover display) + 10MP (folding display)	10MP (cover display) + 4MP (folding display)
Battery	5,000mAh	4,400mAh
Charging	45W wired	25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5 reverse wireless
IP rating	IP48	IP48
Weight	215g	239g
Dimensions	Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm	Unfolded: 132.6 x 153.5 x 5.6 mm Folded: Folded 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.1 mm
Colors	Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream, Green Shadow (online)	Silver, Shadow, Pink, Navy

Samsung upgraded the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's battery by increasing the capacity to 5,000mAh and using silicon-carbon battery tech. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a 4,400mAh capacity, which is the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It also has slower charging, supporting 25W speeds over a cable and 15W wirelessly.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 6's camera system is already behind the curve. It offers a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom capabilities. By comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's primary camera is a 200MP sensor. Even the secondary lenses are better, with a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6: Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is quite capable for 2026, even though its form factor might feel outdated as foldables chase thinner and lighter designs. The thicker build makes the Fold 6 feel more premium and lets its hinge stay open at more angles without tipping over. The S Pen support is an added bonus, since the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ships without it.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra builds upon the upgrades already introduced with the Fold 7. That means you get great performance, a thin and light design, a superb camera system, and excellent software. It may be tough — if not impossible — to justify spending $2,000 on a new foldable if you already shelled out for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 two years ago.

That said, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is tempting. Almost everything is better, and if you get a good trade-in deal, the upgrade could be worthwhile.

Pixel 11 Made by Google 2026 launch event: How to watch and what to expect

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:14:39 +0000

The wait is almost over. Google has confirmed that its next Pixel hardware launch event will take place on August 12th in New York at 6:00 PM ET. We're expecting big reveals around the Pixel 11 series, of course, along with some new wearables and possibly a few surprises from the brand.

If you're wondering how to watch the event live and what to expect, here's everything you need to know.

How to watch the Made by Google event on August 12

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

Google has confirmed that its Made by Google event is taking place in New York on August 12 at 6:00 PM ET. As always, the company has invited select media, journalists, and a handful of influencers to join the event in person, where it'll be unveiling its new phones and wearables.

For the rest of us at home, Google will once again be streaming the launch event on its Made by Google YouTube channel, so you'll be able to tune in live and watch everything unfold in real time.

The company hasn't set up a YouTube event listing for the Pixel 11 series just yet, though we'd expect that to go live closer to the date. Once it does, we'll be embedding the live stream directly above, so you'll be able to access it right here.

What to expect from Google's next Pixel hardware launch event

Made by Google is where the company unveils its next-generation hardware. This year, we're expecting the Pixel 11 series to take center stage, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 lineup, new wearables, and a handful of software announcements.

Based on the multitude of leaks we've seen over the past few weeks, here's a complete roundup of everything we're expecting Google to announce at its August 12 event.

Pixel 11 series

(Image credit: Google Store)

It's no surprise that the Pixel 11 series will be the star of this year's Made by Google event. While leaks were relatively quiet at first, the floodgates have opened over the past few weeks, giving us a pretty clear picture of what to expect from Google's next flagship phones.

In terms of design, the Pixel 11 lineup is expected to look very similar to the Pixel 10 series, with the same rounded corners, flat sides, and signature camera bar. The only new hardware change, design-wise, is expected to be the new Pixel Glow LED, which the company has even been teasing on the Google Store.

Google is also expected to stick with the same four-model lineup: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

The new phones are rumored to arrive in a range of fresh colors, but the bigger changes are expected under the hood. Google may finally switch to a new 2nm Tensor G6 chip built by TSMC, which should address many of the performance and efficiency complaints surrounding previous Tensor processors.

There's also expected to be a modem upgrade, with Google reportedly moving to a MediaTek modem for the first time.

Unfortunately, like many smartphones launching in 2026, the Pixel 11 series is also expected to get a price hike. Current leaks suggest every model could cost around $100 more than its predecessor.

The silver lining is that Google is also rumored to double the base storage to 256GB. Thankfully, we won't have to wait much longer to find out how accurate the leaks have been.

Pixel Watch 5

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Pixel Watch 5 first leaked in perhaps the most unexpected way possible, after a diver reportedly found one on the ocean floor near St. Martin. Since then, a number of other leaks have filled in the rest of the picture.

In terms of design, the Pixel Watch 5 is expected to retain the same curved, circular display we've seen on previous Pixel Watch models. Google is also reportedly sticking with the same 41mm and 45mm size options.

Under the hood, however, the report suggests there won't be a new chipset this year, meaning we won't see the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip that debuted on Samsung's latest Galaxy Watches. That said, Google is reportedly increasing the RAM, which should help with the new on-device AI features.

As for pricing, leaks suggest Google is planning a small price increase compared to last year's models. If that proves true, it would mark the first time Google has raised Pixel Watch prices since the lineup debuted.

More wearables? New software features?

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Made by Google is never just about the hardware that's already leaked. In fact, Google almost always has a few surprises up its sleeve, and this year is unlikely to be any different. We're expecting the company to show off a few more devices alongside the Pixel lineup.

Could we finally see the launch of Google's Android XR smart glasses developed in collaboration with Xreal? It's certainly possible, but we'll have to wait until the keynote to find out.

Google is also expected to debut its partner hardware for Googlebooks this fall, but perhaps we can expect a look at first-party Googlebook hardware this year at the Made by Google event.

And, of course, Pixel launch events are never just about new hardware. Google also spends a significant amount of time showcasing the software experiences that power its latest devices. That means we can expect to hear much more about Android 17, including new features like Rambler, new emojis, and Gemini Intelligence coming to the Pixel 11 series.

As in previous years, Android Central will be on the ground at Google's Made by Google event, bringing you full coverage and live updates from the keynote. We'll also be running a live blog throughout the event, so you can follow along in real time as Google unveils its next generation of Pixel devices.

This app let me turn my phone into a mouse for my PC, and it was ridiculously easy

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:04:48 +0000

There are many reasons why you would want to use your smartphone as a mouse to control your computer. Maybe you're watching something, and it's just easier, or maybe you can't get a physical mouse at the moment. Regardless, I can teach you how I turned my Android phone into a remote mouse that connects to my Windows laptop seamlessly. You'll see just how simple the steps are and will find no trouble doing it yourself!

All of this is possible thanks to Unified Remote, an Android and iOS app that works with Windows, Linux, and macOS. The app's basic, most essential functions are free to use, but if you want more customization and features, you can always purchase the premium version. This tutorial uses the free basic version on a Pixel 10 Pro running Android 17 and an HP laptop running Windows 11.

How to use your phone as a mouse for your laptop or computer

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

There are two parts to this tutorial. The first half is done on your computer, and the next half is completed on your phone. Although slightly different depending on the OS, the steps are more or less the same across platforms in essence.

Let's begin with the initial setup on your PC.

1. Go to the Unified Remote download page on desktop and download the Unified Remote Server setup file.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

2. Run the Unified Remote Server setup file and to install it.

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

3. After installation is complete, launch Unified Remote on your computer.

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

4. You should see your server status and information once the Unified Remote Server has been launched on your computer. If the server is up and running, this is what it should look like:

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

The next steps are to be carried out on your phone.

5. Download and install the Unified Remote app on your phone. Be sure to grant the necessary permissions to the app.

6. Launch the app and select "I'VE INSTALLED THE SERVER".

Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

7. Your phone should connect to your computer's server automatically, so you can immediately start using the app's interface to control your computer.

Unified Remote is a fantastic free-to-use app that works perfectly well without paying for the premium version

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

It's really that easy and doesn't require any money. The touchpad in the app works like a laptop's touchpad. You can scroll, right-click, single-click, double-click, move the pointer on the computer screen, and even pull up a keyboard and type! A bonus feature is that swipe texting works in the app, so you don't need to tap individual keys.

If you want to have access to remote controls beyond the basic touchpad, keyboard, and media controls, or if you want to get rid of ads, you'll have to subscribe to the premium version of the app. The ads aren't even that invasive, so you shouldn't stress about that aspect too much.

Unified Remote

Unified Remote is a foolproof app that enables Android users to convert their phone into a remote mouse that works seamlessly with any computer, whether it runs Windows, Linux, or macOS.

Free w/IAP: Google Play Store | Unified Remote for PC

I can't get the Pixel's Now Playing feature on my Android phone, but one of my long-time favorite apps gets the job done

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:06:00 +0000

There's a lot to like about Google Pixel phones, but Now Playing is perhaps one of the best features on these devices. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Google is interested in extending this functionality to other Android phones any time soon. On the plus side, you probably have an app installed on your phone that can perform a similar function to Now Playing: Shazam.

Shazam has been around for as long as I can remember, and it's my go-to app when I need to identify a song that I like. Normally, using Shazam requires you to open the app and tap a button to start the song recognition process, but you may not know that it also has an Auto Shazam feature that functions similarly to Now Playing, and it's available on just about any Android phone.

What is Now Playing

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

If you own a Pixel smartphone, you're likely familiar with Now Playing. It's a built-in song recognition software that works in the background on your Pixel. Whenever there's music playing nearby, the Pixel microphones will pick it up and identify it without you needing to do anything.

The feature has been available for years, but it's so subtle that it goes mostly unnoticed. However, if you glance at your lock screen while music is playing nearby, you may notice a song title pop up, which means Now Playing is working its magic.

The best part is that it works on-device, so you don't have to worry about Now Playing sucking up your battery life or data. And when you need to figure out what that song was that was playing at the bar, you can easily access your library to find the list of songs your Pixel has identified.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Auto Shazam works similarly, in that it runs in the background to identify songs for you. However, since it's a third-party app, it's not as seamless as on a Pixel. It will show you songs playing, but it will clog up your notification panel a bit unless you do a little tweaking.

It's also not an on-device solution, so it will utilize quite a bit of battery power and data. However, you can easily toggle the feature on and off, which is helpful for moments when you don't need it sucking up battery and for times when you find yourself somewhere playing good music you might be interested in but don't want to have to manually identify each song.

How to enable Auto Shazam

(Image credit: Android Central)

1. Open Shazam and tap Library.

2. Tap the Settings icon in the top-left corner.

3. Tap the Auto Shazam toggle.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Note: Alternatively, you can press and hold the Shazam button on the home screen to enable Auto Shazam.

4. A pop-up menu will appear asking if you want to end Auto Shazam after one song or if you want to leave it on continuously.

5. From your notification panel, you can see a persistent notification informing you that Auto Shazam is on. Tap Turn off if you no longer want to use it, or Change if you want to manage any settings.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Finally, you can also add an Auto Shazam tile to your Quick Settings menu, which lets you quickly toggle the feature on and off.

Other ways to easily trigger Shazam

(Image credit: Android Central)

Still, if Auto Shazam isn't for you, or if you just want to quickly identify one song, Shazam makes it easy to do so without digging for the app. One of the main ways I use it is by adding the Shazam tile to the Quick Settings menu. Unlike the Auto Shazam tile, this one lets you identify just one song, and once you tap it, it runs in the background without opening the app.

In fact, it's probably one of my favorite ways to identify songs whenever I hear something interesting, especially because it's one of the few third-party tiles that works on the Motorola Razr's cover screen Quick Settings. That means I don't even have to open the phone for it to work.

Android Central

The other option is to add a Shazam pop-up to your screen. This adds a floating Shazam button that you can move around and tap whenever you need it. To add this, go to the Shazam settings and enable Pop-up Shazam. You may need to grant the app permission to draw over other apps; once you do, the floating button will appear on your screen.

We need more Now Playing on more phones

(Image credit: Android Central)

I sorely wish Google would bring Now Playing to the Pixel, or at least that other Android OEMs would implement their own versions of the feature. What makes it superior to Shazam's offering is that it works on-device and in the background, so you don't really need to do anything or worry about it constantly burning through your battery.

Newer chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 have gotten quite good at on-device tasks such as this; it's kind of crazy that Google is seemingly the only company doing it (that I know of).

Still, Shazam is a great alternative if you don't own a Pixel smartphone, and it's one of those apps I always download first whenever I set up a new phone, becoming a staple for me when building up my music library.

Which Galaxy Z 8 phone should you buy? Here's what I think after using all three

derrek.lee@futurenet.com (Derrek Lee) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 23:43:37 +0000

Samsung recently unveiled three new foldable phones, and for the first time, that includes two book-style foldable models. This year, we have the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8, all of which Samsung says target different types of consumers. However, what does that mean, and which Galaxy Z 8 model is right for you?

It's never an easy answer, but I've used all three Galaxy Z 8 phones, and I feel like I have a pretty good idea of who these devices are for. And with the Galaxy Z 8 phones going on sale on August 7, this should hopefully help you get a better idea of which device you should buy.

In the meantime, check out the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 promotions and Flip 8 deals to see how you can spend less on these incredible phones.

Samsung GAlaxy Z 8 series: Spec comparison

Specifications
Category	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
Operating System	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades	One UI 9 (Android 17), seven years of OS upgrades
Display	Inner: 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1-120Hz, 1080x2520 Outer: 4.1-inch AMOLED, 60-120Hz, 948x1048, pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2	Inner: 7.6-inch LTPO AMOLED, Titanium Flex, 1-120Hz, 1,848x2448 Outer: 5.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1248x1972, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3	Inner: 8-inch LTPO AMOLED, Titanium Flex, 1-120Hz, 2,504x2,256 pixels Outer: 6.5-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2520 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, Exynos 2600	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB	12GB/16GB	12GB/16GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras	50MP Wide, ƒ1.8, OIS, 85˚ 12MP Ultrawide, ƒ2.2, 123˚	50MP Wide, ƒ1.8, OIS, 85˚ 50MP Ultrawide, ƒ1.9, 120˚	200MP Wide, ƒ1.7, OIS, 85˚ 50MP Ultrawide, ƒ1.9, 120˚ 10MP Telephoto, 3x zoom, ƒ2.4, 36˚
Front Camera	10MP Wide, 85˚	Internal: 10MP Wide, 100˚ External: 10MP Wide, 85˚	Internal: 10MP Wide, 100˚ External: 10MP Wide, 85˚
Battery	4,300mAh	4,800mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired, 15W wireless	45W wired, 20W wireless	45W wired, 20W wireless
IP Rating	IP48	IP48	IP48
Weight	180g	201g	215g
Dimensions	Folded: 85.7 x 75.4 x 13.1mm Unfolded: 166.9 x 75.4 x 6.1mm	Folded: 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7mm Unfolded: 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5mm	Folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm Unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1mm
Colors	Pink, Graphite, Cream, Mint	Lavender, Graphite, Cream, Pistachio	Violet Shadow, Graphite, Cream

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Short and sweet

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Samsung's newest fold factor, taking what we love about the Galaxy Z Fold series and shrinking it. The result is something in between the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip: a more pocketable, book-style foldable. When folded, it's roughly the size of a passport, and when open, it provides a wider, more tablet-like view than its larger Ultra sibling.

This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 a great tablet for things like reading articles and other content, as you can easily flip it vertically for less scrolling. And in addition to e-books and other similar content, this makes the inner display better suited for vertical games like Pokémon Go.

It also makes content like videos look less awkward, as you have fewer black bars on the top and bottom of the screen when the phone is unfolded, at least compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. And videos seem to fit perfectly on the external display.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is easily one of the most accessible foldables. It's for anyone who wants the utility of a book-style foldable in a lighter, more comfortable form factor that feels more natural to use. It also helps that at $1,900, the phone is cheaper than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, while still sporting the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, a crease-less folding display, and a great pair of cameras.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Productivity powerhouse

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Even though I've been using the Z Fold 8 for most things, I realized that I subconsciously defaulted to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra when it came time to get work done. That's indicative of how Samsung is positioning the Ultra; it's for anyone who wants to get work done using the absolute best that Samsung has to offer in a foldable in a larger form factor.

The 8-inch display makes it an ideal canvas for multitasking, and while there is no S Pen support, the Ultra makes up for it with its stronger battery life and thinner profile. Then there's the 200MP camera, which gets you much more detail in every shot, while the 3x telephoto sensor can get you closer to your subject without sacrificing quality.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

And of course, you can do everything the Z Fold 8 can do, just on a larger screen. That means reading, watching videos, scrolling through apps, drafting papers, and more. And who doesn't like showing off their photos and videos on a large tablet-like display that you can fold in half when you just need a phone?

Of course, the Ultra comes with an ultra price tag, starting at an eye-watering $2,100. But if you need a phone that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, this is likely the one for you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8: Fashionable and nostalgic

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

For years, flip phones have leaned on nostalgia to attract sales, but it's a bit more than that. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 continues to build on Samsung's expertise by introducing an even thinner model than last year's, making it not only extremely pocketable, but also a very good-looking phone.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is for anyone who doesn't need the extra screen real estate of a larger book-style foldable, but still wants the utility of a foldable. With the Galaxy Z Flip 8, you can use apps on the cover screen instead of the main screen, which can potentially save battery and makes using apps less conspicuous than on a larger display.

There are also other benefits, such as Camcorder mode, which makes recording videos really easy and smooth. Taking selfies is also a better experience on the Flip 8, as you can just use the main 50MP camera and larger 4.1-inch cover screen to take high-quality selfies.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points, aside from its stylish and pocketable design, is the price tag. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the cheapest of Samsung's Galaxy Z 8 phones, costing "just" $1,200, while still offering a powerful chipset, the latest AI features, and seven years of software updates.

Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

namerah.saud-fatmi@futurenet.com (Namerah Saud Fatmi) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:47:42 +0000

Can you use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

Best answer: No you cannot use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Though they might look very similar in shape and size, minor differences in the camera module and hinge make this impossible.

A more in-depth explanation about the incompatibility of older cases with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

When you hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the last-gen Galaxy Z Fold 7 in your hand, or look at pictures of them next to each other, it is very reasonable to think they could share cases. After all, their dimensions are nearly identical, even on paper.

Here's a comparison of the measurements of the two large-form foldable devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Dimensions	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Folded	158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm	158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm
Unfolded	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm	158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm

Looking at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the numbers hint at potential backward compatibility of cases. After all, the measurements match almost perfectly.

When folded, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra measure 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm, and when unfolded, they're almost identical too, 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm and 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm. Even their displays have the same sizes, 8 inches internally and 6.5 inches externally.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

So what gives? Why can't you use the phone cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the Z Fold 8 Ultra? Well, if you can't tell from the pictures, the raised unit housing the camera lenses does not match, differing in sizing and placement.

The second difference hindering backward compatibility of cases between the two Z Fold models is the hinge. Because of these two small but important discrepancies between the two Z Fold devices, you cannot use cases for either foldable on the other.

It's hard to say whether these were functional design changes, or alterations that were made to warrant purchasing new phone cases so Samsung could make more money. Regardless, if you've taken advantage of the excellent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra preorder deals and are waiting for your new foldable, be sure to check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases to go with it too.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

The true Z Fold successor

Unlike its wider counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It has similar dimensions, a robust IP rating, incredibly powerful hardware under the hood, and almost no crease to speak of. If you want a slim and tall foldable, this is the one to get. Just don't forget to buy device specific cases for it, since older Fold 7 cases are incompatible with it.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold?

harish.jonnalagadda@futurenet.com (Harish Jonnalagadda) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:58:32 +0000

There's a decent amount of choice if you're looking to buy a foldable right now. But if you're into Google's ecosystem and are mulling a switch, you should wait until the Pixel 11 Pro Fold becomes available. Google will unveil the foldable alongside the Pixel 11 models on August 12, and the foldable should go on sale shortly thereafter.

Between the Motorola Razr Fold, Samsung's all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the wide Z Fold 8, and the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold, you're pretty much covered if you want a solid book-style foldable. It's a little annoying that the Find N6 and the Vivo X Fold 5 — two of my favorite foldables — aren't available in the U.S., but it's clear by now that these brands don't want to branch out into North America.

There's also the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and I like Google's foldable quite a lot even though it doesn't take the best photos, isn't the lightest, or the fastest. It has delightful software, and I like the build quality and durability. That said, I wouldn't recommend buying one at this moment in time — Google is set to roll out decent upgrades this year to the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Evan Blass / Leakmail

Recent leaks point to a thinner design, which is honestly something Google should have done last year itself. The rest of the industry made huge strides in this area, and even Samsung started using silicon-carbon battery tech to slot in a 5,000mAh battery in a body that's roughly the same size and weight as last year's Z Fold 7 (which had a 4,400mAh unit).

Google absolutely needs to have a noticeably-thinner and lighter foldable, and it needs better cameras. Thankfully, the leaks point to Google delivering a new main camera, so the Pixel 11 Pro Fold should take better photos out of the box. I also want to see a bigger battery, but information has been light on that — what we do know is that Google is using a brand-new Tensor G6 platform that's built on a 2nm node, so it should have better energy-efficiency, allowing the foldable to last longer.

(Image credit: Evan Blass / Leakmail)

Where Google absolutely nailed the brief with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is with the inner and outer OLED panels. They're calibrated well, have vibrant colors, and get brighter than other foldables, and I want this to continue with this year's device. Where Google needs to do better is the crease; OPPO showcased how to make a foldable with no visible crease in the Find N6, and Samsung came mighty close to it with the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Google now has to show how its efforts in this category have panned out over the last 12 months.

If you don't want to wait and want a foldable right now, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra would be the obvious choice. It has the best design, an extensive feature-set, and great cameras. But if you prefer Google's software and are ready to finally switch to a foldable, I'd suggest waiting until the Pixel 11 Pro Fold goes on sale — we don't have to wait too long.

Samsung

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Like previous years, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the go-to choice if you need a foldable and like using Samsung's software. Otherwise, I'd recommend waiting to see what Google has in store with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold this year.

Gemini’s new blurred UI is finally reaching Android phones

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:40:40 +0000

What you need to know

Google is rolling out a refreshed Gemini AI overlay, which was first teased at Google I/O.
The updated interface is appearing on both Pixel devices (like the Pixel 10 Pro XL) and Samsung hardware (like the Galaxy S26 Ultra).
The signature visual tweak replaces the basic floating box with a prominent blurred backdrop.

Google is quietly rolling out another Gemini makeover on Android, this time tweaking the AI’s overlay. The new interface was announced at Google I/O and is now starting to roll out to some Pixel and Galaxy owners.

A Reddit user spotted the refreshed Gemini UI on their phone, while others reported receiving it on devices including the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL. That hardware mix means the update isn’t a Pixel-exclusive update. It also appears to be server-side controlled, so an update to the Google app may not instantly enable it for everyone.

The most significant change is that instead of just placing the assistant’s compact interface over an unchanged screen, the new design applies a prominent blur to whatever is underneath. The background is blurred and softened but still identifiable, visually separating Gemini from whatever app or home screen is open but not hiding it completely.

(Image credit: Vulkaan34 / Reddit)

That’s on top of the Gemini overlay Google has been steadily reworking this year. Previous changes included thinner icons, a redesigned plus menu sheet, and Dynamic Color support. Gemini Live also stopped jumping to a separate screen, instead keeping the interaction within the overlay.

There’s no obvious switch to turn it on yet, so if your Gemini overlay still looks the same, you’ll probably just have to wait for Google to flip the switch.

Android Central's Take

I like the new look, especially because the blur makes Gemini feel more integrated into Android rather than just some random panel layered on top of what you're doing. It retains enough of the background to provide context while keeping the assistant front and center, which should make quick Gemini interactions feel cleaner and less distracting. My only complaint is the usual Google server-side rollout lottery, which makes it hard to get excited about a redesign when two people with the same app version can open Gemini and somehow end up living in different design eras.

Never lost: rumors claim a 'Pixel Tag' is on the way from Google to keep tabs on your stuff

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:53:00 +0000

What you need to know

An alleged rendering of an oblong "Google Pixel Tag" has surfaced, showing a tracker in all white with a "loud speaker."
Rumors claim there isn't a place to mount the tracker, meaning consumers will have to slip it into their bags or wallets.
There's still a lot that's unknown about the tracker; however, there's speculation that Google could debut it at its Pixel 11 reveal event in August.

A rumor taking us into the weekend suggests Google is working on a tracker to finally enter competition with some big-name brands.

A render of the alleged "Google Pixel Tag" was posted by 9to5Google, who state the name has started circulating across various online sources. According to the publication, the Pixel Tag could feature an oblong shape (rounded corners, not quite like a football), and Google's classic "G" icon in the center. What's more, the post claims there aren't any "mounting mechanisms" on the tag.

This gives the impression that consumers would pop this into their bag and go. One of the sources where the Pixel Tag has leaked is a Slovenian retailer. The folks at 9to5 snagged the tag's alleged description, which says the Pixel Tag is a "smart tracker that helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items." As you might expect, this would work over the Find My Device (Find Hub) network.

The tag's description highlights items we're used to attaching smart trackers to: wallets, keys, and luggage. What's more, the Pixel Tag will reportedly feature a "loud speaker" to help users quickly pinpoint its location.

A Pixel tracker

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Android Central's Take

As far as trackers go, it doesn't look too bad. It's simple. That's pretty much all you can expect from a device like this. If, as the rumors say, this is preparing to launch alongside the Pixel 11, it'd be smart. "Here's the new Pixel 11 series! Grab a tracker so you don't lose you stuff, too!" I feel like I can already hear the keynote.

One of the immediate comparisons we can make with the Pixel Tag is the Moto Tag 2 or even Apple's alternative. The Moto Tag 2 debuted at the end of June, and it was probably the biggest upgrade Motorola's announcements had to offer. The Tag 2 offers Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB support. Additionally, Google Find Hub was fully integrated with the tracker, alongside a whopping 500 days of battery life on a replaceable CR2032 battery.

Seeing how the Moto Tag 2 shapes up has us wondering about the true form of the Pixel Tag 2. There's still a lot that's under wraps. Rumors assume Google could have a reveal on the way that lines up with the Pixel 11, but nothing's certain. If true, then that means we'll have the Pixel Glow and this Pixel Tag to wow us during the Made by Google event on August 12. Google teased the Pixel 11 Pro recently, showing off Pixel Glow: an LED indicator that sits beside the phone's cameras in the camera bar.

Rumors suggest Gemini would have a heavy presence here, offering bright indicators for various happenings from alerts to order tracking.

Nano Banana 2 in Google Earth lets users go wild with AI in cities and more

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:21:00 +0000

What you need to know

Google Earth is receiving an update this week that brings Nano Banana 2 into its AI portfolio.
Users can zoom in on a place and click "create image" to prompt Nano Banana 2 to create an infographic with Gemini or a rendering in an empty plot of land.
Google Earth's recent major AI update was about helping researchers predict and understand disasters and weather patterns.

Google Earth is getting another round of AI updates late this week. This time, the company is leaning on its next-gen image generation model.

Imagining, or rather seeing what's possible, is something Google Earth is bringing to users this week. Gemini's image generation model, Nano Banana 2, is rolling out in Google Earth. The post states users can "generate custom images using satellite, aerial, and 3D imagery." Google states Nano Banana 2 can be helpful in a few different ways, such as bringing history to the present. If you're interested in seeing what a city looked like centuries ago, Google says Nano Banana 2 can create "a hyper-realistic" render of that place.

While the history can be fun, users can change a landmark, city, or building with an entirely different aesthetic. Google states users can type "transform X into a futuristic sci-fi utopia with glowing walkways..." For companies, Google says Nano Banana 2 can help "create estate plans" using empty lots you find in the Earth app. Moreover, this extends to any user looking to "visualize" a backyard project or what a home would look like secluded in the woods near the lakefront.

An AI update in a place like Google Earth wouldn't be complete without a chance to learn. Nano Banana 2 can lean on Gemini to generate infographics about a specific city directly in the app.

To get started, users need only head to Google Earth on their computer, zoom in on a location, hit "create image," and type their prompt.

Our World

(Image credit: Google)

Android Central's Take

I could see the infographic generation being helpful in schools. But also, the idea of helping people visualize larger projects feels like an extension of what Gemini can do already. On my phone, I could ask Gemini to fill a room with specific furniture, so I have an idea of how to design my living room or kitchen. Google Earth literally took that and made it bigger for empty plots on stretches of land.

Google Earth received an important AI update for researchers. Disasters are a reality we have to deal with on this big blue ball; however, they don't always have to catch us off guard. Google Earth's Gemini-based update brought "deeper insights" about the planet's weather patterns. At the time, the company said Gemini could help "instantly find objects and discover patterns from satellite imagery." Sandstorm predictions were mentioned, as well as the ability to monitor clean drinking water conditions.

As our planet is complex, Google was also preparing to introduce a Geospatial Reasoning update for Trusted Testers. This would help researchers and Earth AI answer more complex questions, leveraging weather forecasts, population maps, and satellite imagery.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra leak reveals massive camera and battery overhaul

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:21:07 +0000

What you need to know

A new Galaxy S27 Ultra leak suggests Samsung could ditch its long-running floating camera ring design in favor of a unified camera module.
A rumored 5,700mAh silicon-carbon battery could deliver a major boost in battery life over previous Ultra models.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy and up to 16GB of RAM are tipped to power the flagship.

Samsung may finally be moving away from small incremental updates to make some serious structural upgrades with its next flagship model. Freshly leaked specs shared by tipster Anthony (@TheGalox_) on X suggest the upcoming Galaxy S27 Ultra could bring major hardware upgrades in multiple areas.

The tipster says that Samsung seems set to take on the silicon-carbon battery tech with a massive 5,700mAh capacity. That's a big jump over previous generations, promising much longer endurance for heavy power users.

Galaxy S27 Ultra | Updated leaks• 6.9 inch QHD+ Privacy Display• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy • 16mp selfie camera with OISOIS• 200mp main, 50mp UW, 50mp 5x Telephoto & Second Telephoto• 5700mah Silicon-Carbon battery• 12/16GB memory pic.twitter.com/1t8qW9wMuuJuly 31, 2026

Like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the phone is said to feature a 6.9-inch QHD+ Privacy Display, designed to keep prying eyes away from your sensitive screen content. The flagship is said to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for Galaxy silicon under the hood, with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. That said, a recent rumor claims the device might miss out on LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage upgrades.

On the front, we might see an upgraded 16MP selfie shooter that now packs optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady video logging and crisp low-light shots. Samsung could put a 200MP main sensor on the back, paired with three 50MP lenses: an ultrawide, a 5x telephoto camera, and a second dedicated telephoto sensor for extended zoom ranges.

(Image credit: @TheGalox_ / X)

The leak also hints at a new design for the Galaxy S27 Ultra’s camera module. The next flagship is said to feature a redesigned camera housing that brings the rear sensors into a more unified module, moving away from the familiar layout Samsung has used since the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

If true, that would be one of the largest visual changes to the Ultra lineup in years, although this information should be taken with a pinch of salt despite the leaker's decent history with phone leaks.

Likewise, early leaks can change before official production lines are rolled out. But if these specs hold up for the official reveal, Samsung is poised to set an aggressive high-water mark for premium smartphones.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 is here, and Pixel users get a much-needed audio fix

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:15:24 +0000

What you need to know

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8 eliminates the long-running audio bug that caused random crackling, distortion, and loud static on Pixel devices.
The audio issue lingered across multiple beta releases and generated 30+ reports in Google's issue tracker before this fix.
Build CP31.260623.010 arrives two weeks after Beta 7, focusing purely on system stability and bug fixes ahead of the official September Feature Drop release.

Google has released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 8, fixing one of the most frustrating bugs Pixel testers have been dealing with: distorted audio that would randomly blast loud static during media playback or notifications.

The update, build CP31.260623.010, comes a little over two weeks after Beta 7 and is another cleanup release before the Pixel Feature Drop in September.

Google’s changelog says the biggest fix is for an issue with managing buffers in the audio framework that could cause unexpected crackling, corruption, and bursts of static. It’s a problem that has persisted over many QPR1 beta releases, spawning more than 30 separate tickets in Google’s issue tracker.

Android 17 QPR1 was already at Platform Stability with Beta 6, so developers have been working against finalized APIs while Google turns its attention to stability.

Beta 8 is available for eligible Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series through the latest Pixel 10 lineup. There is, however, one big exception. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro owners still get this QPR1 Beta 8 update, but it’s basically the end of the line for those phones. Google has already confirmed that those models won’t be moving on to Android 17 QPR2, with the stable Android 17 QPR1 release expected to be their last major software update this September.

Beta 8 might finally make the preview stable enough for you to use on a daily basis if you’ve been putting off trying it because of audio glitches. Otherwise, you might want to hold off a little longer because the polished, stable QPR1 release is now just around the corner.

Here's your first look at Lenovo's upcoming Googlebook devices

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:59:20 +0000

What you need to know

A new leak reveals Lenovo's first Googlebook lineup, including two laptops and a detachable 2-in-1 tablet.
The leaked devices feature Google's new Pixel Glow Bar design and a familiar Chromebook-inspired look.
Lenovo's 2-in-1 Googlebook appears to support a keyboard case, kickstand, and stylus for productivity.

Lenovo is set to launch its first lineup of Googlebook devices later this year, and a new leak has given us our first look at all of them.

Earlier this year, Google unveiled its vision for Googlebook, a new Android-based laptop platform with Gemini and AI at its core. At the time, the company confirmed that the first wave of Googlebook devices would come from partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Now, a new leak from Android Headlines appears to reveal what Lenovo has been working on.

Android Headlines

According to the leak, Lenovo is preparing three Googlebook devices in total: two laptops and a 2-in-1 tablet.

The laptops look fairly similar to Lenovo's existing Chromebook lineup. Based on the leaked renders, one of them features a white finish with Lenovo branding on the lid, along with what appears to be Google's new Pixel Glow LED near the top. The larger model also seems to include both a USB-A port and a USB-C port, while the speaker grilles are positioned along the sides.

The leak also gives us our first look at Lenovo's Googlebook 2-in-1 tablet. It resembles a fairly typical Android tablet paired with a keyboard cover and kickstand case, with support for a stylus as well. The Googlebook branding is visible next to the trackpad, while the Pixel Glow Bar appears to have been integrated into the camera housing on the back.

Lenovo hasn't confirmed when these devices will be officially announced. However, since Google previously said the first Googlebooks would arrive this fall, it's likely we won't have to wait much longer.

There's also no word on pricing yet. That said, with RAM prices continuing to climb throughout the year, I wouldn't be surprised if Lenovo positions these devices firmly in the premium segment.

We may also learn more about Google's Googlebook ecosystem at the upcoming Pixel launch event on August 12.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra could finally have some serious competition from Motorola

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:44:29 +0000

What you need to know

Leaked renders suggest Motorola is preparing a premium Moto Watch Ultra to rival Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Moto Watch Ultra is rumored to feature a 46mm stainless steel case with a rotating crown and LTE support.
The smartwatch is also expected to offer built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, IP68 protection, and 5ATM water resistance.
It's still unclear whether the Moto Watch Ultra will run Wear OS or Motorola's own smartwatch platform.

Motorola could be cooking up a proper Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra competitor.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra back in 2024 as its answer to the Apple Watch Ultra. Since then, the smartwatch has received a couple of meaningful upgrades and has established itself as one of the best premium Android smartwatches you can buy. Now, though, it looks like Samsung could soon have another competitor on its hands.

As revealed by The Mac Observer, the Moto Watch Ultra has leaked in a series of renders, giving us our first look at Motorola's upcoming flagship smartwatch.

From the leaked images, the Moto Watch Ultra looks very much like an upgraded version of the Moto Watch (2026), but with a much more premium design. It features a large circular display surrounded by a numbered bezel, similar to what we've seen on Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The Mac Observer

The watch is also expected to feature a 46mm stainless steel case, giving it a noticeably more premium finish than Motorola's current smartwatch lineup. You can also spot a rotating crown on the side alongside an additional hardware button.

Similar to Samsung's flagship smartwatch, the Moto Watch Ultra is expected to offer LTE connectivity, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi. The leaked specifications also point to an IP68 rating along with 5ATM water resistance.

The renders show the watch paired with a black leather-style strap featuring red stitching, although Motorola will likely offer additional color options at launch.

One big question still remains, though. Motorola moved away from Wear OS earlier this year, and it's currently unclear whether the Moto Watch Ultra will return to Google's smartwatch platform or continue using the non-Wear OS software.

Personally, though, I think launching a direct Galaxy Watch Ultra competitor without Wear OS would be a risky move, especially if Motorola plans to position it in the premium smartwatch segment.

CMF by Nothing's first OWS earbuds, the Clip Pro, are going to shake up August

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:28:15 +0000

What you need to know

CMF announced the Clip Pro, a set of OWS (open-wearable stereo) earbuds, that will launch on August 4 at 9 am EDT (6 am PDT).
Interested consumers can sign up at nothing.tech in preparation for the launch event.
CMF is no stranger to audio devices, as it's developed the Headphone Pro and the Buds 2 Plus in recent history.

The teasers continue for CMF's next product, but now there's a date we can attach to it.

This morning (July 31), CMF by Nothing shared the details of its next product launch: the Clip Pro. The company states the Clip Pro will be its first "OWS" earbuds. These are open-wearable stereo earbuds for the "open" market. Devices like this will sit outside of your ear canal. Traditionally, devices will have a silicone tip that you slide in, but these, since they're outside, might feel more comfortable while you're outside or exercising.

CMF states the Clip Pro will launch on August 4 at 9 AM EDT (6 am PDT). We can expect these buds to clip onto our ears, funneling high-quality sound into our ears. CMF is still keeping the full design under wraps; however, its announcement teaser shows off a bit of its body.

The company says anyone who wants to be kept up-to-date about the launch can sign up.

No stranger to audio

Clip Pro. 4 August. pic.twitter.com/ig2yi2xfJiJuly 31, 2026

CMF had a bit of interesting news last year when Nothing spun it off as an independent entity. Headquartered in India, a joint venture with Optiemus saw a $100 million investment and the creation of 1,800 jobs. As always, CMF will continue to focus on budget devices under $200. The company's Clip Pro will likely sit under that line, too. Also, CMF is used to developing audio devices, though OWS will be its first.

The company announced the Headphones Pro a few days after its spin-off was announced. These are over-ear headphones for $99 with a roller for ANC/volume, an Energy Slider to control bass and treble, and a shortcut button. CMF highlighted the Headphone Pro's strong battery with 100 hours of life with ANC disabled. What's more, it claims users can get four hours of audio after five minutes of charging.

If you're looking for a more "traditional" earbud, there's the CMF Buds 2 Plus.

Android Central's Take

Open earbuds sound interesting, but never interesting enough for me to grab a pair. I' sure it's probably easier on your ears. There's always been that thing growing up about not leaving earbuds in for too long. So, I can see comfortability with open buds, as well as better ear health. Nothing's launches are always good to keep an eye on, and CMF is no different.

Moto's Razr 2026 leaks with Swarovski crystals that shimmer like stars in space

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:16:33 +0000

What you need to know

Motorola is allegedly preparing another Swarovski crystal edition phone, and it looks like the Razr 2026 is being fitted.
The device is highlighted with a deep black colorway with shimmering crystals, diverging from Moto's previous white variants.
The Razr 2025 had its crystal edition debut in August last year, and there's a chance this could happen again.

Motorola's latest flip foldable, the Razr 2026, finds itself in leaks late this week that claim it's getting the Swarovski crystals treatment.

The folks at The Mac Observer pointed this out to us, highlighting a few alleged renders of a Moto Razr 2026 rocking a set of Swarovski crystals. Typically, Motorola's collaboration with Swarovski delivers a quilted design, studded with clear crystals. This will reportedly continue with the Razr 2026; however, there's a change: the special edition's gone dark.

The Razr 2026 could feature a black quilted back panel covered with crystals. The bar right above the phone's cover display is said to feature three crystals, while the rear panel offers 31. Everything else about the phone is rumored to remain the same, which would be the norm for this Moto x Swarovski collaboration. The Razr 2026 features a 6.9-inch Extreme AMOLED internal screen and a 3.6-inch cover display.

The publication surprises with more, offering a glimpse into the box's contents. Rumors claim Moto's Swarovski collaboration will include the Razr 2026, a clear phone case, a USB-C cable, and a 33W adapter. Nothing's been pinned down about a release date, but we have last year's to look back on.

Shine bright

(Image credit: The Mac Observer)

Motorola has even created a Swarovski Edition variant of the Edge 70. The design language remains the same: a quilted back, studded with crystals. One major difference is that this collaboration is usually done in white. Now, as we've seen alleged for the Razr 2026, Moto's changing it up to black. For history's sake, the Razr 2025 had its Crystal Edition debut in August last year. Again, this was in a PANTONE Ice Melt color.

Swarovski and Motorola announced the phone together, stating consumers would find "35 precisely hand-positioned Swarovski crystals, including a larger one with 26 facets on the hinge." Paired with this brilliant phone was a premium crossbody case. The rumors for the Razr 2026 don't mention a crossbody case, only the clear case and other items inside the box. If Motorola is doing anything extra, perhaps we'll hear about it soon.

Our favorite last-gen Sony headphones are $150 OFF during Best Buy's Back to School sale

Zachary David — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:21:08 +0000

As part of its back-to-school sale, Best Buy has launched a $150 discount on the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, marking a certified good deal for those who don't mind going last-gen.

Despite being older than the top-rated Sony WH-1000XM6, the WH-1000XM5 headphones include nearly identical hardware, albeit at a substantially lower price and with regular price drops like this. They feature a powerful sound profile with advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), impressively long battery life with fast charging, as well as a range of other features like multi-point connection. The current deal is available for all four of the device's colors, which include Black, Blue, Silver, and Smoky Pink.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: ~~$398.00~~ $248.00 at Best Buy

End of summer back-to-school deals are going live left and right, including a $150 discount on these powerful last-gen wireless headphones at Best Buy. While they may not be the latest-gen version of Sony's top noise-cancelling headphones, they still hold up in 2026, offering plenty of high-quality listening modes that most casual users will find mind-blowing.View Deal

See our TOP 20+ deals from Best Buy's Back to School sale

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones with comfortable ear cups and a battery life that can handle long periods of listening; you're looking for headphones for around $250 but you still want to get a high-quality pair with access to high-res listening codecs; you're looking for headphones with high-quality microphones for video conferencing, phone calls, and easy-to-use voice commands.

❌Skip this deal if: you need headphones with a dust and water resistance rating for concern-free outdoor excursions in a variety of weather conditions; you're not looking for industry-leading audio quality and you'd prefer to go with something even more affordable than these, even at this discounted rate; you'd prefer a smaller overall design that's easy to stow for optimal portability.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 may be our top pick for the best headphones on the market today, but they're not that different from their predecessor. The Sony XM5 offer super comfortable speaker cups, up to 30 hours of battery life, and fast charging that can replenish up to 3 hours' worth of battery life in just 3 minutes. Built with eight different mics, these sport a powerful ANC suite, and crystal-clear audio for phone and video calls.

While they aren't known for being very collapsible or easy to stow, the WH-1000XM5 headphones do still come with a carrying case that can at least protect them when transported in a backpack or other bag.

Not what I wanted to hear: rumors now say Galaxy S27 Ultra could miss a huge upgrade

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:17:00 +0000

What you need to know

Rumors now claim Samsung might hold off on a RAM/storage upgrade for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
A Korean tipster suggests Samsung might provide LPDDR6 RAM upgrades to other companies' "limited edition" phones.
As a result, Samsung might leave this and a UFS 5.0 storage upgrade out of the S27 Ultra.
This walks back previous rumors; however, those same reports said Samsung was concerned about pushing the cost of the phones too high.

The phone industry has been through it with memory issues, and now rumors say an upgrade we thought we'd get might not happen.

A consistent tipster on Naver (Korean), Lanzuk, says "details have emerged" about the situation regarding Samsung's storage and memory (via SamMobile). Lanzuk speaks first about Samsung's LPDDR6 RAM, citing information obtained from Weibo. They claim this hardware is "expected to be featured in flagship models from major manufacturers next year." These "flagship models" from major companies might only involve "limited edition commemorative" (machine-translated) phones.

When we see "limited edition," we think limited quantities, and that's exactly what Lanzuk claims. It seems this will involve Samsung's UFS 5.0 storage, too. It's this upgraded storage tech and LPDDR6 RAM that Lanzuk says might not be in the cards for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Lanzuk claims it's "not good" for the S27 Ultra to receive these major upgrades next year. If true, this would be a bummer. Also, the situation must've changed drastically, considering this tipster said the opposite in April.

Things have changed

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

A few months ago, rumors got underway about a possible UFS 5.0 storage upgrade for the Galaxy S27. This was an upgrade that many believed would hit the Galaxy S27 Ultra at the very least. Rumors only said this would affect "some models," and Samsung's top player seemed like the best fit. UFS 5.0 would bring "an increase to a device's sequential performance to 10.8GB per second," while also taking AI into heavy consideration.

On the surface, this seems like a major and worthwhile upgrade. However, those same reports were a little hesitant to go all in. Samsung reportedly had a lot on its plate to consider. The phone's price, as well as its mass production costs, could've hindered this possibility. Since the rumors have walked back on what was said in April, maybe these worries became a reality for Samsung.

Cost concerns might make the base Galaxy S27 more of a mild phone than we want. Talk online says Samsung might "freeze" any major upgrades for the S27. This could include its cameras and display materials.

Android Central's Take

If you haven't seen my coverage of Samsung's Q2 earnings, I'd suggest you give a quick little gander. Basically, the concerns that have been "expressed" in previous rumors about Galaxy S27 upgrades were mentioned. Rising costs. RAM and storage. It's a tricky climate that companies have had to navigate. For consumers, we're trying to hold onto our wallets. We want new devices, sure, that's fine, but there comes a point where we have to make a decision that truly benefits us. Samsung knows the number one issue is price, as do many others.

This Android phone maker just built the closest thing to an all-screen phone

sanujb6@gmail.com (Sanuj Bhatia) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:35:10 +0000

What you need to know

Tecno has revealed a new concept phone with a next-generation, truly bezel-less display ahead of its debut at IFA 2026.
The concept features a 0mm display border, which fully removes the physical black edge around the smartphone's screen.
Tecno says achieving this required advanced internal stacking, structural re-engineering, and new screen-packing techniques.

We've all been dreaming about a bezel-less smartphone, and thanks to Tecno's new concept, we may be closer to that dream more than ever.

While brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, and Vivo usually grab the headlines, Tecno has quietly been innovating behind the scenes. Last year at IFA, the company showcased its ultra-slim Spark concept, which eventually launched earlier this year as an iPhone Air competitor.

Now, ahead of IFA 2026, Tecno is back with another concept, this time focusing on a next-generation bezel-less display.

(Image credit: Tecno)

For those unfamiliar with the term, the bezel is the black border that surrounds your smartphone's display. Smartphone makers have spent years trying to shrink it as much as possible, but even today, devices like Google's Pixel A-series phones and several mid-range Samsung smartphones still have fairly noticeable bezels.

Tecno is now claiming to have eliminated them entirely. Ahead of its IFA 2026 ShowStoppers debut in September, the company has unveiled a concept phone with what it calls a true 0mm display border, essentially removing the visible black frame around the screen.

(Image credit: Tecno)

According to Tecno, "eliminating the bezel required rethinking the smartphone from the inside out." The company says it achieved this through advanced internal stacking, structural re-engineering, and new screen packing techniques.

Tecno says this will allow for a genuinely unique experience, since content like videos will now fill the entire screen. And for gamers, it should provide an even more expansive view during gameplay.

Based on the concept renders the company has shared with the media, it's still pretty hard to picture exactly how the device might look in real life and in the hand. That said, we'll be going hands-on with Tecno's concept smartphone once it's showcased at IFA 2026.

Wait—Samsung's Ballie isn't gone? Its app UI might've leaked

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:56:00 +0000

What you need to know

A rumor claims to have discovered early "design illustrations" for a Ballie app from Samsung.
The illustrations lay out Samsung's supposed plans for an app, showing battery, location, status icons, as well as a "Streaming" button for the robot's built-in camera.
It's unclear if this means that Samsung hasn't completely abandoned Ballie, as the last report said the company "delayed" Ballie to figure out "its place in the home" and to likely handle that intense price point.

This certainly wasn't on our bingo card. A leak has surfaced online, offering a glimpse of what could be Samsung's companion app UI for its smart home assistant, Ballie.

Earlier today (July 30), SammyGuru posted a series of alleged "UI design sketches" for what would be Samsung Ballie's companion app. The illustrations give us a good look at the app's main screen. Taking up the center is Ballie's circular frame with its battery percentage, location, and an "Error"/"Ready" icon. There's a chance this could be used in scenarios when the device gets stuck, since it rolls around. If everything's all green, users can likely launch Ballie.

There is a hard-to-miss "Streaming" button. Earlier info about Ballie suggested it would feature a camera. There's a chance this app could let users see what Ballie sees in real-time. "Home Monitoring" seems to be quite an important aspect of this app and of Ballie as a smart home assistant. According to the post, the "monitoring" aspect could involve a setup process in which Ballie maps out its routes, maps out your home for navigational purposes.

Taking another look at the initial icons: battery, location, Error/Ready icon, Home Monitoring might play more of a role than we think. This app could give users every ounce of information they need to view their home, understand where Ballie is, and handle any scenarios that might occur.

Oh, Ballie, Ballie

(Image credit: SammyGuru)

Android Central's Take

I never would've thought that Ballie would make a "return" via app design drawings. This isn't even a real app (yet?). Ballie looked cool. By that, I mean it reminds me of sci-fi movies where there's a robot that rolls around, quips, and beeps. I know that sounds like R2-D2. Maybe Samsung delaying it was the right call. You see that suspected price? A $2,000 price tag? I don't think I know anyone who would splurge on something like that for a little yellow ball.

This is quite surprising. The last time we heard anything about Ballie was when a report suggested Samsung delayed it to "find its place in the home." It gave the impression that Samsung was questioning the right place for Ballie within the home. The company reportedly expressed "caution" about the AI companion. Other concerns, such as a potential high price point and whether consumers would truly engage with Ballie or not, ranked high on its list of worries.

Speculation claimed Ballie could cost consumers ~$2,000, and with everything going on in the world, that might've been too steep a price. Samsung hadn't officially said anything about Ballie. This report was in July, and nothing more has come of the little rolling robot. However, if we want to get real, Ballie was first introduced at CES 2020. Samsung was said to have a "human-centric vision" for robots, and Ballie was the start of it. The company said Ballie "understands you, supports you, and reacts to your needs."

Its built-in camera would be its "eye" into your life, your home, and your needs. There was an announcement that saw Google and Samsung working together to bring Gemini into Ballie for enhanced AI support.

Samsung suffers Q2 loss, looks to Galaxy S26 FE, Tab S12 later this year

nickodiaz@sbcglobal.net (Nickolas Diaz) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:23:00 +0000

What you need to know

Samsung posted its Q2 2026 earnings, stating it recorded KRW 171.5 trillion in consolidated revenue, a 28% QoQ increase.
The company's DS division recorded an all-time high thanks to its Memory Business; however, it MX (phone) division marked a decline.
The smartphone market has been struggling all year, but Samsung has been hanging in there, partly due to its Galaxy S26 series.

It's about that time when earnings calls take place. Samsung is reporting its Q2 performance, and the company has confirmed a loss in its mobile division.

Samsung announced its Q2 2026 earnings, highlighting consolidated revenue of KRW 171.5 trillion (28% QoQ increase) and operating profit of KRW 89.5 trillion. Initially, the report begins well. As a company, Samsung says Q2 delivered "another all-time quarterly high." A majority of this concerns the company's DS (device solutions) division. Of course, we're talking about Samsung's Memory Business, which reportedly set "an all-time high for quarterly revenue and operating profit."

Its DS division posted KRW 127.5 million in revenue (56% QoQ increase). According to the company, "The Memory Business achieved another record-breaking quarter by proactively addressing AI demand despite limited capacity with a primary focus on server products." Samsung expects this trend to continue into the second half of 2026, as the adoption of Agentic AI and AI infrastructures continues.

Where there's a plus, there's a minus, and Samsung's MX (mobile eXperience) division took a hit. Samsung says it saw KRW 33.2 trillion in revenue, marking growth YoY (year-over-year) thanks to the Galaxy S26 series and good sales for its A-series phones. However, operating profits dropped in Q2 "due to increased cost burdens across the industry, such as rising component costs," which can only be attributed to the memory issues.

Seeking Alpha's transcripts of the earnings call see Samsung mention what it's looking forward to in 2026, teasing new devices (via 9to5Google). Samsung says it expects the Galaxy S26 series to retain its "momentum" in the second half with the Galaxy S26 FE launch. What's more, it's looking to "ensure the successful launch of new premium products," such as the Galaxy Tab S12 series later on.

Samsung did mention its Intelligent eyewear smart glasses, stating it's "bringing a new form factor experience for the AI era..." A date wasn't given, but it seems we can still expect it later in the year.

The 2026 trend

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

It's hard to say we're surprised by Samsung's Q2, especially when we look back at 2026 so far. In Q1, Omdia's research report about the state of the U.S. smartphone market showed a 3% YoY dip. Rising memory and storage costs were attributed to this decline. Samsung was the top OEM; however, it posted a 5% decline in smartphone shipments. Omdia said that this decline was likely kept to a minimum by the Galaxy S26 series. The latest series may have performed well, but Samsung was reportedly in crisis mode in March.

The Galaxy S26 saw record pre-orders, but that didn't help its outlook. It was still estimated that Samsung's smartphone profits would fall in 2026, and we're seeing that here in Q2. This memory crisis is taking a toll on the phone industry as a whole. A Q2 market report showed a 4% global decline. Still, the Galaxy S26 series' "resilient demand" helped Samsung post a 2% increase.

Android Central's Take

This has "become the norm" in the industry. AI is causing a bit of a sitr in more ways than memory and storage issues. Some companies see the light at the end of the tunnel. That things will get better. Others are trying to buckle down and figure out a way to weather the storm. The issue is pricing. I'm sure we can all agree on that. Companies start struggling, and it's often the consumer that gets the worst of it.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold renders surfaced, and Google is sticking to what works

techkritiko@gmail.com (Jay Bonggolto) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:28:20 +0000

What you need to know

Fresh Pixel 11 Pro Fold renders suggest Google is refining, not redesigning, its next foldable.
Official-looking renders reveal a new Pine green finish with a light gold frame, matching the Pixel 11 Pro lineup.
A redesigned camera bar moves the cutouts closer to the edge and reshuffles the autofocus sensor beneath the flash.

Google’s next foldable doesn’t seem to be trying to reinvent itself, though a new leak suggests it’s getting a more polished look ahead of its expected debut next month. Official-looking renders of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold have now been leaked, and they reveal a familiar design with subtle refinements that may make a bigger difference than they appear.

Evan Blass shared images of the upcoming foldable in a new Pine finish via his Leakmail newsletter. This color has been revealed in a previous leak, showing a muted green paired with a light gold frame and Google’s signature “G” logo. The same paint job is also expected to match the Pine option coming to the Pixel 11 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

At first glance, the phone looks almost identical to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. That’s not surprising, as Google previously said it plans to refresh Pixel hardware designs every two to three years rather than overhauling them annually. Instead, the company appears to be shifting its focus to enhancing what works well.

The biggest visual difference is the new camera bar. The camera cutouts now stretch closer to the edge instead of being surrounded by extra metal. The camera array has also been shifted, with the autofocus sensor now located under the flash zone, next to the ultrawide and main lenses, but the telephoto lens still sits in the top right corner.

Evan Blass / Leakmail

The other thing that jumps out is the much larger camera flash. That's almost as big as one of the camera lenses, sparking new speculation that Google's rumored Pixel Glow notification system could be built into the flash module rather than around the camera bar. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the hardware certainly leaves room for that possibility.

Will a millimeter trim and a stylish coat of dark green paint lure upgrade-wary shoppers? It won't be long before we know. Google is officially pulling back the curtain at its upcoming launch event on August 12.