Google’s September Android Drop is bringing a handful of new features designed to make everyday smartphone use a little more convenient. The latest additions cover misplaced belongings, motion sickness, accessibility, and messaging, giving users more ways to get things done without relying on separate apps.

The update includes five notable features across Gemini, Find Hub, Google Messages, and Android itself. Some are already rolling out, while others require newer Android versions or will arrive soon, so here’s a closer look at what Google is bringing to compatible devices.

Gemini can remember where you left things

One of the more practical additions connects Gemini with Find Hub, allowing users to save the location of items that do not have a tracker attached. You can tell Gemini where you put something such as a passport or spare key, optionally add a photo, and later ask where it was stored. The feature is coming to Android 16 and newer in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are supported.

Motion Assist targets motion sickness

Android 17 is getting Motion Assist, which places a moving bubble overlay on the display when you are traveling in a vehicle. The visual cue is designed to reduce the mismatch between what your eyes see on the screen and the movement detected by your body. Users can enable it automatically or through Quick Settings and customise the bubble’s appearance.

Guided vision brings camera-based assistance

Guided vision is designed for blind and low-vision users through Gemini Live. By sharing the phone’s camera, users can receive spoken descriptions of nearby objects, fine print, menus, and other surroundings. Voice guidance can also help position the camera correctly. The feature is coming to Android 9 and newer where Gemini is available.

Google Keep moves into Messages

Google Messages is gaining Google Keep integration, allowing people to create and edit shared notes or lists directly within conversations. It can be useful for coordinating grocery lists, trips, or other plans without switching between apps. The rollout starts now.

Chat themes make conversations more personal

Google Messages also gets Chat themes, letting users give individual conversations different backgrounds and colors. You can use Google’s wallpapers or your own photos, with message bubbles adapting to the chosen design. Chat themes are available now.

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Let’s be real for a second: for a long time, buying a foldable phone meant making a compromise. You wanted that big, beautiful tablet screen in your pocket, but you had to accept a device that felt like a brick, had sub-par battery life, and featured cameras that belonged on a mid-ranger from three years ago.

In 2026, the foldable landscape has fundamentally shifted. Thanks to the absolute magic of silicon-carbon batteries, next-generation titanium hinges, and the sheer brute force of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Tensor G6 chips, the compromises are gone. Foldables are now thinner than some standard slab phones, their batteries are pushing past 6,000mAh, and they pack 200MP camera sensors.

If you are finally ready to ditch the traditional smartphone form factor, here is the definitive guide to the best foldable phones you can buy in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

Samsung basically invented this category, and with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, they have perfected the mainstream foldable formula. Weighing in at just 201 grams, it’s Samsung’s lightest Z Fold ever, making it feel remarkably normal when closed. They’ve finally tweaked the aspect ratios to what we’ve been begging for, giving us a highly usable 10:16 cover screen that doesn’t feel cramped, and a 4:3 inner display that reaches a blinding 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and packs a 4,800mAh battery, making it a safe and reliable choice for most people. Samsung also introduced Flex Titanium Technology, which combines a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced plate to seriously reduce the visibility of the crease over time. The device also features dual 50MP sensors and the new My FanCam auto-tracking feature, making it one of the most refined foldable smartphones available.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

If the standard Fold 8 is the mainstream benchmark, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is Samsung bringing its unhinged Ultra philosophy to the folding world. This is for the power users who want absolutely everything without compromise. When unfolded, this thing is an absurdly thin 4.1mm. It features a massive 8-inch main display and bumps the battery up to a 5,000mAh cell.

But the real story here is the camera and productivity suite. Samsung crammed a 200MP primary sensor into this incredibly thin chassis, which actually processes full-resolution HDR imagery, backed by an expanded graphite cooling system so the phone doesn’t melt in your hands.

It also brings the new Gemini Notebook agentic AI features in One UI 9, which can automatically generate meeting recaps and visual summaries, making the Fold 8 Ultra a powerful productivity-focused device.

Oppo Find N6

The Oppo Find N series maintains its wider, passport-like shape, which many users prefer for typing on the cover screen. The Find N6 focuses heavily on camera quality and hinge durability. Using a new 3D-printed titanium hinge, the device manages to keep the inner screen crease very minimal.

The camera system, tuned in partnership with Hasselblad, includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP 3x periscope lens. Oppo also included a large 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 80W wired charging, all within an 8.93mm thick frame.

Honor Magic V6

Honor continues to focus on making foldables as thin as possible. The Magic V6 measures 8.75mm when closed, making it one of the slimmest options currently available. Despite the thin profile, it houses a 6,660mAh battery, which provides excellent longevity.

The displays are quite bright, with the cover screen reaching up to 6,000 nits for HDR content. It features a capable camera setup, including a 64MP periscope lens alongside dual 50MP sensors, and offers software features that integrate surprisingly well with other ecosystems, including basic cross-compatibility with some Apple devices.

Huawei Pura X Max

The Huawei Pura X Max is hard to get in the US, but it is an interesting device if you are looking at international options. In terms of its overall design and book-style form factor, it is actually quite similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

It runs on the Kirin 9030 Pro chip and features a 7.7-inch inner screen paired with a 5.4-inch outer display. It is relatively light at 229g and measures 5.2mm thick when opened. For cameras, it uses a 50MP main sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0) to help with natural depth of field, plus a 50MP telephoto and a 12.5MP ultra-wide.

It also packs a 5,300mAh battery with 66W wired charging and supports Huawei‘s M-Pen 3 Mini stylus. The main catch is that it doesn’t come with Google Play Services, which is a dealbreaker for a lot of people, but the physical hardware and updated hinge design are solid.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google’s latest book-style foldable, focusing heavily on software and everyday usability. It runs on the new Tensor G6 chip and features a redesigned gearless hinge that helps slim down the bezels and reduce the overall weight. For cameras, it uses a 48MP main sensor capable of 30x Super Res Zoom, relying on Google‘s well-known computational photography rather than massive hardware numbers.

A unique addition to the design is the HiLight, a multi-functional LED ring around the camera flash used for color-coded notifications. If you prefer a clean Android interface and practical AI features over having the most extreme hardware specs, it is a very solid choice.

Motorola Razr Fold

Expanding from their popular flip phones, Motorola’s Razr Fold is their entry into the full-sized, book-style foldable market. It uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 for added drop resistance and measures 4.55mm when open.

The device includes an 8.1-inch inner display and comes in several Pantone-validated colors. Inside, it runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, uses a 6,000mAh battery, and features a triple 50MP camera setup. Motorola is also promising seven years of OS updates for this model, matching Google and Samsung.

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This year’s smartwatch launches were packed into a short period. Samsung and Google introduced their new watches in July and August, while Garmin also released the Fenix 9 series just recently. 

Most of the major changes this year focus on health, fitness, and battery life. Samsung improved its sleep apnea and cardio tracking features, and Google introduced a breathing emergency detector that can contact emergency services automatically. Here are five of the best smartwatches to consider in 2026.

Best for iPhone Users

The Apple Watch Series 11 keeps the familiar design, but Apple has added some useful health features. The biggest addition is hypertension notifications. The watch looks for signs of long-term high blood pressure by analyzing blood vessel responses over 30 days using its optical heart sensor. Apple trained the feature using data from more than 100,000 participants and tested it in a clinical study involving 2,000 people.

Apple also introduced a new sleep score system that looks at sleep duration, sleep stages, and bedtime consistency. You can check the score on the watch or through the Health app.

The Series 11 also supports 5G through a redesigned antenna system. Its fast charging can provide up to eight hours of use after just 15 minutes of charging. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours with normal use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.

The aluminum models use updated Ion-X glass, which Apple says is twice as scratch-resistant as the previous generation. The watch comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Prices start at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for GPS + Cellular.

For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the easiest option to recommend thanks to its close integration with Apple’s apps, notifications, and health features.

Best Rugged Option

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is Samsung’s most rugged smartwatch, built for outdoor activities. It keeps the titanium case from the original Ultra but is 12% thinner. Its 1.52-inch Sapphire Crystal Super AMOLED display can reach 5,000 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.

Samsung launched the Watch Ultra 2 alongside the Galaxy Watch 9. Both watches are powered by Qualcomm’s 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset. The battery has also grown to 800mAh, which is 35% larger than the battery in the previous Ultra. Samsung has added a Trail Run mode that tracks elevation and terrain during outdoor runs.

The watch uses Samsung’s BioActive sensor system for health tracking. It supports features such as FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, Heart Health Score, and Daily Cardio Load tracking to help with workout recovery.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 starts at $699 for the LTE version in the US and €749 in Europe. 

Best for Google Users

The Pixel Watch 5 keeps the round design with curved glass that has become a signature of the Pixel Watch series. This year’s model adds deeper Gemini AI integration along with several new health features.

One of the most notable additions is Breathing Emergency Detection, which will launch first in Europe. It monitors for major drops in blood oxygen and can automatically contact emergency services if the wearer becomes unresponsive.

Google also improved the battery life on both versions. The 41mm model has a 332mAh battery and is rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled. The larger 45mm model has a 465mAh battery and can last up to 40 hours. Both models can charge to 50% in around 15 minutes with the included charging dock.

The 41mm model starts at $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE. The 45mm version starts at $429 for Wi-Fi and $529 for LTE, making the Pixel Watch 5 more expensive than the previous generation.

Best for Outdoor Adventures

Garmin’s Fenix watches are designed for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, and the Fenix 9 continues that approach. It has a display that can reach 3,000 nits of brightness, satellite messaging support, and much longer battery life than most mainstream smartwatches.

Garmin rates the Fenix 9 for up to 57 days of battery life, depending on the mode you use. The company launched it alongside the Fenix 9 Pro, with the Pro model adding built-in inReach connectivity for two-way satellite messaging without a phone.

The watch has 64GB of storage, enough for around 7,000 offline songs. It also includes TopoActive maps for multiple continents and fitness features such as Training Readiness, Endurance Score, and an ECG app for AFib detection.

Garmin has also added Garmin Epic, which puts several days of activities, photos, and health data into a single timeline. The Fenix 9 starts at $999.99, while the Fenix 9 Pro starts at $1,099.99.

Best Value

The Amazfit Balance 3 is made for people who want a capable smartwatch without spending flagship-level money. It has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with sapphire crystal glass and can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Amazfit launched the Balance 3 with a 51.4mm case. It is 14.6mm thick and weighs 62 grams in the stainless steel version. A lighter 55-gram titanium version is also planned.

The watch has a 10ATM water resistance rating, and its HybridCharge Energy Intelligence system tracks training load, daily stress, and sleep. It can then use this information to suggest when you should focus on rest and recovery.

Amazfit has not announced global pricing for the Balance 3 yet. The previous Balance 2 launched at $299 in the US and Rs 24,999 in India, which gives us an idea of where the new model could be priced.

Which Smartwatch Should You Buy?

The Apple Watch Series 11 is the best choice for iPhone users who want seamless access to Apple’s apps, notifications, and health features. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a better fit for Android users who want a rugged design, strong health tracking, and a larger battery.

The Google Pixel Watch 5 makes the most sense for Pixel users and anyone who wants Gemini AI features built into their smartwatch. The Garmin Fenix 9 is the better choice for outdoor activities, navigation, and long battery life.

Finally, the Amazfit Balance 3 is a good option for anyone who wants a capable smartwatch without spending as much as they would on a flagship model.

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Fitness bands have moved well beyond simple step counting. Today’s fitness bands focus on continuous health monitoring, recovery insights, sleep quality, and long battery life, while keeping the design light enough for all-day wear. Here’s a look at some of the standout models currently available.

Google Fitbit Air

Google’s Fitbit Air is one of the lightest trackers available. The body weighs just 5.2 g without the band and is designed for continuous, low-profile wear. It offers up to 7 days of battery life and tracks heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature variation, sleep stages, steps, and activity.

Core metrics work without a subscription through the free Google Health app. A paid Google Health Premium plan unlocks the Gemini-powered Health Coach, adaptive fitness plans, deeper sleep insights, and more personalized guidance. Every Fitbit Air includes three months of Premium free; after that it costs around $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (it is also included with Google AI Pro and Ultra plans).

The design is minimalist with no display, making it a strong choice for users who prefer a simple band that stays out of the way.

Price: The hardware costs $99.99 or around €95.99 to €99.99.

Hume Band 2.0

The Hume Band 2.0 is another screen-free option focused on longer-term health trends. It claims up to 14 days of battery life and tracks heart rate, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, sleep stages, activity, and strain/recovery. A notable addition in the 2.0 version is blood pressure trend tracking. The band also generates metrics such as Biological Age and Pace of Aging.

All of these core health metrics and scores are available in the free Hume Health app with no subscription required. An optional Hume Premium plan (around $8.99 per month) adds AI-powered coaching, personalized recommendations, and deeper reports, but the device works fully without it. It’s aimed at users interested in longevity and early health signals rather than traditional sports tracking or notifications.

Price: Available from the official Hume Health store with worldwide shipping for around $249 (one-time purchase; check the official Hume site for current offers).

Xiaomi Smart Band 11 Active

Xiaomi’s affordable Smart Band 11 Active keeps things practical. It features a 1.47” color display and delivers up to 21 days of battery life in light use (around 8 days with more frequent tracking). Health features include all-day heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep tracking. It supports 50 workout modes and carries a 5ATM water-resistance rating. The metallic finish gives it a slightly more premium look than earlier budget bands while remaining lightweight.

Price: The Xiaomi Smart Band 11 Active is gradually rolling out to early markets in Europe and Asia. It costs PLN 139 (Poland), Php 1,999 (Philippines), and 990,000 VND (Vietnam). Outside these regions, expect a price around €30–€40.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and 10 Pro

The standard Smart Band 10 sits in Xiaomi’s mainstream range, while the 10 Pro steps up the experience. The Pro version uses a larger 1.74” AMOLED display that reaches up to 2000 nits peak brightness, making it easy to read outdoors. Battery life reaches up to 21 days in light use. Health tracking covers continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, sleep (including HRV during sleep on the Pro), and a wide selection of sports modes. The Pro also adds independent GNSS for better outdoor tracking and a more refined build with aluminium or ceramic options.

Price: The standard and pro variants cost about €45 and €65 respectively. Both models are available across global markets including Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro

The Watch Fit 5 Pro leans closer to a lightweight smartwatch while still functioning as a strong fitness band. It features a bright 1.92” AMOLED display and offers up to 10 days of battery life with lighter use (around 7 days with more typical tracking). Huawei’s TruSense system handles continuous heart rate, SpO2, sleep analysis (TruSleep), stress/emotion insights, and more. It also includes an ECG sensor. The design uses a rotating crown and a relatively slim profile, with solid water resistance for swimming and everyday wear.

Price: This one costs approximately €300, £249.99 in the UK, around 549 AUD in Australia. Check Huawei’s official store or authorised retailers for current regional pricing.

WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG

WHOOP takes a different approach from most fitness bands. It relies on a mandatory subscription model. The WHOOP 5.0 delivers up to 14 days of battery life. It continuously tracks heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, skin temperature, sleep, and recovery. Its Healthspan features estimate physiological age and pace of aging based on long-term data. It’s designed for people who want deep recovery and training insights rather than on-wrist notifications or a bright display.

WHOOP MG delivers over 14 days of battery life, adds medical-grade features including on-demand ECG readings, daily blood pressure insights, and AFib detection.

Price: WHOOP offers three different subscription tiers:

• WHOOP One: Includes WHOOP 5.0 device and features core fitness and sleep tracking for $199 per year.
• WHOOP Peak: Includes WHOOP 5.0, a wireless PowerPack, and offers advanced health and stress monitors for $239 per year.
• WHOOP Life: Includes specialized WHOOP MG hardware to provide medical-grade ECG and blood pressure tracking for $359 per year.

The hardware stops tracking once you cancel your membership.

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A little-known Google system app has started showing up in Play Store update lists on a lot of Android phones, leaving some users puzzled by its blank icon.

Android Pulse is an official Google app that’s been quietly pushed to millions of devices. Its Play Store description, which became more visible over the weekend, says it facilitates rule distribution for anomaly detection in critical system resource consumption by the Android operating system and installed applications.

In plain terms, it keeps an eye on whether apps or system processes are using unusually high amounts of resources like RAM, battery, or CPU. By sending out detection rules, it helps spot abnormal behavior that could hurt performance or efficiency. The name “Pulse” basically refers to this ongoing check on the phone’s vital signs.

The app isn’t brand new. Builds have been around since at least March, and the Play Store already lists more than 10 million downloads. It just stayed mostly under the radar until recent updates started making it appear in the available updates section for some people. The listing itself has a blank icon and empty screenshots, which is part of why it caused confusion at first.

Because Android Pulse works as a background system service rather than a regular consumer app, you can’t uninstall it once it’s there. You can disable it the same way you can many other built-in Android components if you really want to, though there’s no obvious reason to do so. It has no user interface and doesn’t need any interaction from you.

Google hasn’t given a detailed public explanation beyond the short Play Store blurb. Reports from reliable outlets covering the sudden appearance confirm it’s a legitimate first-party component meant to help with system health and debugging. If you see Android Pulse in your update queue, it’s safe to install. It’s designed to help keep your phone running smoothly rather than anything to worry about.

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(Source)

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The argument about flagship phones, or which is truly the best, has always been the same every year. Which one has the best camera? Which one lasts the longest? And, perhaps most importantly, which phone actually gives you a reason to upgrade?

The questions are the same in 2026, but there’s a new problem sitting around this year. Memory prices have gone up sharply, and so have the prices of smartphones. Xiaomi flat-out said that higher component has pushed the 17 Ultra price, while Samsung has reportedly been dealing with higher RAM costs from its own chip business.

You might expect that to make phone makers play it safe. And they likely will with all the flagships coming in September and beyond. For the time being, though, the top-end hardware is still priced relatively well, while offering the best of what they can.

So, if you’re already thinking about spending flagship money today, here are the best flagship phones that you can buy right now.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Samsung is known for playing it safe with its flagship phones, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra is no exception. It is built around the same formula we’ve seen in the previous Galaxy Ultras, but that’s not to say nothing is new here. 

It starts at $1,299.99 and gives you a huge 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. There’s Gorilla Armor 2 on top, but the more interesting addition this year is Samsung’s Privacy Display.

The idea around privacy on a phone’s screen isn’t new. We’ve had privacy-focused tempered glass for years, but Samsung decided to ship it on the phone itself. And that too with exclusive customizations.

Samsung’s privacy screen changes the way the pixels work so the screen becomes much harder to see from the side while staying clear when you’re looking straight at it.

It’s one of those features that sounds like a gimmick until you actually use it. What’s more impressive is that you can even hide a part of the screen, like the notification island or messages.

The S26 Ultra also gets a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip made specifically for Galaxy phones. Samsung finally increased wired charging to 60W as well, which is a welcome change after years of sticking with 45W.

The battery, however, is still 5,000mAh. That’s the one area where Samsung hasn’t really kept up with some of its Chinese rivals, which are now putting 6,000mAh and even larger batteries into their flagships.

Still, the S26 Ultra is difficult to fault as an overall package. You get the 200MP main camera, multiple zoom options, the S Pen, Samsung DeX, a polished version of Android, and years of software support.

It may not be the most exciting phone in every category, but that’s exactly why it’s such an easy recommendation. It does almost everything well.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra

Oppo has been working with Hasselblad for a while now, but the Find X9 Ultra feels like the point where the partnership really starts to show.

This is also the first time Oppo has brought its Ultra flagship to global markets, and it has gone all-in on the cameras. There’s a 200MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto, another 50MP periscope camera, and a 50MP ultrawide.

Yes, that’s a lot of megapixels. But the interesting part isn’t really the numbers. Oppo has worked the cameras into its Hasselblad Master Camera System, aiming for a more consistent look across the different lenses.

The rest of the phone doesn’t exactly feel like an afterthought either. There’s a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display running at 120Hz, while a massive 7,050mAh battery handles the power requirements. And when you finally do need to charge it, 100W wired charging gets the job done quickly.

The biggest question is whether you like ColorOS. It’s perfectly capable, but it can feel a little busier than the software on a Pixel or even a Samsung phone.

Then there’s the $1,499 starting price, which is a lot of money, but we also can’t factor out what it is offering in terms of hardware.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is another pick for camera nerds. Its main camera uses a 1-inch OmniVision sensor with LOFIC technology. It is designed to handle a wider range of brightness in difficult scenes. The 200MP periscope telephoto camera, developed with Leica as part of the companies’ deeper partnership, is another highlight here.

And this isn’t just a case of putting a Leica logo on the back. Leica has been involved in the camera’s development much earlier this time, including the design stage.

You can see where Xiaomi is going with this. The phone should be particularly good when you’re shooting after dark, zooming in on something far away, or dealing with scenes where the lighting is all over the place.

The hardware outside the cameras is flagship-grade too. There’s a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 6,800mAh battery. Charging is rated at 90W wired and 80W wireless. It’s available in the UK for £1,299.

So, should you buy it? If taking photos is one of the main reasons you’re upgrading, absolutely. If you’re more interested in software, gaming, or the overall ecosystem, there are better choices here.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is Google’s newest flagship in the market. And unlike other options in this list, it’s not big on camera megapixels or processing power. Pixel phones have mostly been known for software polish and tricks, and the 11 Pro XL is just that. 

The phone starts at $1,299 for 256GB and comes with a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display that can reach 3,600 nits of peak brightness.

Inside is Google’s Tensor G6 chip, along with a Titan M3 security chip. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom.

As usual with a Pixel, the camera experience isn’t just about the hardware. Google’s image processing does a lot of the work, which is why Pixel phones can often produce great photos without asking you to think too much about the settings.

A novel camera feature this year is Magic Capture. It lets you record videos as you usually do, but once you’re finished, the phone presents you with candid images from those past moments. Google is using AI to refine photos, but it’s still a neat trick for everyone who struggles with poses in normal shoots. 

There is one slightly strange change this year. The Pro XL now starts with 12GB of RAM, down from 16GB on last year’s model. That’s not something most people are going to notice in everyday use, but it does show just how much rising memory costs are affecting flagship phones.

What hasn’t changed is Google’s seven-year software support. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is probably the easiest phone on this list to recommend to someone who just wants Android to stay out of the way and work.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

If you’re already deep into Apple’s ecosystem, you probably don’t need much convincing about the iPhone 17 Pro Max. It’s still the phone Apple wants you to buy when money isn’t the main concern.

The 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199 for 256GB and comes with a redesigned aluminum unibody, a vapor chamber for better cooling, and Apple’s A19 Pro chip.

The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display runs at up to 120Hz with ProMotion and can reach 3,000 nits outdoors. Apple has also added Ceramic Shield 2 and its new N1 wireless chip, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

The camera setup has three 48MP cameras covering the main, ultrawide, and telephoto ranges, with up to 8x zoom. Apple also claims up to 39 hours of video playback, which should make this one of the better options here for heavy users.

Charging has finally become a little less painful too. With Apple’s new 40W adapter, the phone can reach 50% in around 20 minutes.

Of course, the biggest reason to buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t any single specification. It’s the ecosystem. If you have a Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, or other Apple devices, everything simply works together.

The $1,199 starting price is still a lot, but if you’re already invested in Apple, the Pro Max is the obvious choice.

Which One Should You Actually Buy?

Here’s the simple version. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the one I’d recommend if you don’t have a specific weakness or preference. It’s the complete package, and features like the S Pen and DeX give it things the competition doesn’t really match.

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is where I’d look first if the camera is the whole reason you’re upgrading. It isn’t cheap, but Oppo has clearly put a lot of work into making this a serious camera phone.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra makes more sense if you’re particularly interested in zoom and night photography. Its camera hardware is hard to ignore, although availability could be an issue depending on where you live.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is the easy choice for people who value clean software and long-term support. It’s also probably the least intimidating phone here if you just want something that works without a lot of tinkering.

And then there’s the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If you’re already using Apple products, there’s little reason to look elsewhere unless you specifically want Android.

Flagship phones have gotten expensive, and there’s no getting around that. In previous years, at least the price hikes came with real hardware improvements. The upcoming flagships are set to become more expensive, and AI is to blame. So if you’re thinking of getting a new flagship phone, it’s best not to wait. Rather, know your requirements and get the one that’s best for you.

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This is a script we write every year — listing the best mid-range smartphones you can buy. And there’s a reason we come back to it every year. Mid-range has always been the segment where brands trickle down flagship features, performance, and design choices into something that covers what most people actually need day to day, without a hefty price tag. 

This year, though, the story’s a little different. Our usual pattern is to find out the phones that are aggressively priced and offer the best bang for the buck. But 2026 threw a wrench into that formula. 

The global memory chip shortage, driven largely by AI data centers hoovering up DRAM and NAND supply, has pushed component costs up across the board, and mid-range devices have taken a real hit. Samsung reportedly pushed for as much as a 100% price hike on LPDDR5X memory, and brands everywhere from India to Europe have quietly raised prices on phones that used to sit comfortably under $500. 

So this year, mid-range stretches a bit further up the price ladder than it used to, and some of the phones below cost more than you might expect for the category. What hasn’t changed, fortunately, is the value proposition. You can still expect bright OLED screens, big batteries, and reliable cameras. 

Here are the five best mid-range phones you can get in 2026.  

Google Pixel 10a

You know the Pixel formula by now, and Google didn’t mess with it much this year. The Pixel 10a starts at $499 and offers a 6.3-inch OLED display running at 120Hz with a Tensor G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 5,100mAh battery. 

The camera setup keeps the same 48MP main sensor and 13MP ultrawide from last year’s model, and you also get a loyal seven years of OS and security update promise. The brand also launched the Pixel 10a with recycled cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten making up more than a third of the phone’s weight.

Nothing here will wow you in a spec sheet comparison, and the design is basically a repeat of the 9a. But if you want a phone you can buy once and stop thinking about for years, this is it.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro

Nothing has never been shy about wanting its phones to look different, and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is no exception. It swaps the brand’s usual plastic build for an aluminum unibody frame, adds a 6.83-inch AMOLED display that hits 144Hz, and carries over the circular Glyph Matrix from the pricier Phone (3), scaled down to 137 individually addressable LEDs on the back. 

Under the hood, it is powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Nothing is asking $499 for all this. 

The camera experience isn’t as consistently impressive as what you get from Google’s Pixel lineup, and battery life isn’t its strongest point either. Still, if you care about having a phone that feels a little less generic, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is an easy one to recommend.

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G

Samsung’s Galaxy A series has quietly become one of the strongest choices in the mid-range segment, and the Galaxy A57 continues that trend.

The A57 stands out because it feels more expensive than it actually is. Samsung has given it a slim design and a premium-looking glass-and-metal build, while also improving the hardware over the previous-generation A56.

It has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display at 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a 50MP main camera backed by a 12MP ultrawide and 5MP macro lens. 

It is a particularly good choice if you already use Samsung devices. One UI makes you right at home, Samsung’s ecosystem is easy to work with, and the company is offering six years of OS upgrades and security patches. A recent teardown even scored the Galaxy A57 highly for repairability.

The downside is that it isn’t the most exciting phone for gaming. If raw performance is your priority, there are better options in this list.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion

Motorola’s Edge Fusion lineup has always been about finding the sweet spot between price and features, and the Edge 70 Fusion is just that. It gives you enough hardware that you won’t feel like you’re settling.

The phone packs a 6.7-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5200 nits peak brightness, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, and a large 5,200mAh battery with 68W fast charging. The camera setup is led by a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, joined by a 13MP ultrawide camera.

Motorola also keeps the Edge 70 Fusion relatively slim and light, and it also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Its main weakness is software support. 

Motorola has improved in this area, but it still doesn’t match Google’s seven-year commitment or Samsung’s six years of updates. Still, it’s an option you can consider if you want a good screen and battery life for entertainment. 

OnePlus Nord 6

If the Pixel 10a is the sensible choice and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the one you buy with your heart, the OnePlus Nord 6 is the phone for people who just want things to be fast.

It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, giving it considerably more performance headroom than most phones in this price range. 

The phone also has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, while its 9000mAh battery gives it plenty of endurance. OnePlus supports that battery with 80W fast charging, so even when you do run it down, you don’t have to leave it plugged in for long.

The camera system isn’t the main reason to buy the Nord 6, and its design isn’t as distinctive as Nothing’s either. But that’s fine. OnePlus wants you to spend the money on performance and battery with the Nord 6.

The biggest catch with buying a OnePlus phone in 2026 comes down to availability. Since OnePlus has pulled out of almost every international market except India, the Nord 6 is really only a practical choice if you live there.

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Smartwatches have improved significantly over the years. They now do far more than count steps and display phone notifications. Modern models can track heart rate throughout the day, record detailed workout data, measure sleep quality, monitor stress, and provide GPS navigation for outdoor activities. Many also include advanced tools such as ECG readings, blood-oxygen monitoring, recovery scores, personalized training plans, and emergency safety features.

The best option depends on the type of exercise you do, the health data you want to monitor, and how often you are willing to charge the device. Some watches focus on detailed training and recovery insights, while others prioritize smartwatch features, comfort, durability, or multi-day battery life.

If you are looking for a good smartwatch to track your fitness, workouts, heart rate, and overall health, these are the best smartwatches you can buy in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is the easy recommendation for Android users who want a conventional smartwatch without treating workouts as an afterthought. Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, it is slim, lightweight, and far less imposing than the company’s rugged Ultra-tier watch.

Its strengths are familiar: continuous heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, workout recording, GPS, stress data, blood-oxygen readings, and Samsung’s BioActive sensor platform. But Samsung is leaning harder into interpretation, not just measurement. Features such as Heart Health Score, Daily Cardio Load, Fitness Index, Vitals monitoring, and sleep-based health baselines attempt to turn a sprawling dashboard of numbers into something actionable.

The Watch 9 also offers a bright Super AMOLED display that can reach 3,000 nits, dual-frequency GPS, LTE options, NFC, and up to 32GB of storage. It runs Wear OS 7 with One UI 9 Watch, so it remains useful as an actual smartwatch rather than a fitness tracker with notification spam attached.

Its biggest weakness is battery life. The 44mm model has a 445mAh battery, while the 40mm uses a 390mAh cell, fine for a day or perhaps more, but not Garmin territory. Still, for general workouts, heart-rate tracking, sleep insights, and daily Android life, it is one of the most complete options.

For a wider view of what else is worth buying this year, see our roundup of the best smartwatches of 2026.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 remains the default choice for iPhone users, and for good reason. It is not the longest-lasting watch here, nor the most rugged, but Apple’s health and safety software remains unusually polished.

This generation adds hypertension notifications, which use long-term optical heart-rate sensor data to look for consistent signs associated with chronic high blood pressure. It also introduces a Sleep Score, combining sleep duration, schedule consistency, awakenings, and sleep stages into one digestible rating. Neither feature replaces medical testing or a clinician, but both could be useful prompts to pay closer attention.

The rest of the package is classic Apple Watch: ECG, irregular-rhythm notifications, blood oxygen tools where available, cycle tracking, noise monitoring, crash detection, fall detection, depth and water-temperature sensors, and a deep catalog of workout modes.

The Series 11 is available in 42mm and 46mm cases, with aluminum and titanium finishes. The aluminum model gets tougher Ion-X glass with a ceramic coating, while the titanium version uses sapphire crystal. Apple rates the battery for up to 24 hours of normal use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. Fast charging can reach up to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Google Pixel Watch 5

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is for Android users who want their smartwatch to be more proactive. It combines fitness tracking with Google’s expanding Gemini AI features, contextual information, and Fitbit-inspired health tools.

The watch comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes and uses a bright 3,000-nit domed AMOLED display. Its dual-frequency GPS is designed to improve route accuracy in dense cities, wooded trails, and other areas where satellite signals can struggle. For runners, cyclists, and hikers, that can matter more than another dozen sports modes.

Fitness features include recovery recommendations based on sleep and heart-rate variability, improved sleep-stage detection, Smart Wake alarms, strength-training guidance, and customized workout plans. Google is also expanding the watch’s role in safety with Breathing Emergency Detection, which uses heart-rate, movement, and barometric data to identify severe oxygen-related emergencies and potentially contact emergency services if the wearer is unresponsive.

Battery life is better than on previous Pixel Watches. The 41mm model is rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled, while the larger 45mm version can last up to 40 hours

Garmin Venu 4

The Garmin Venu 4 is one of the best choices for people who see fitness tracking as the main event rather than a smartwatch side feature. It is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes and delivers up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, making it dramatically easier to wear continuously for sleep, recovery, and workout tracking.

Garmin’s health suite is particularly strong. The Venu 4 tracks heart rate, heart-rate variability, Pulse Ox, skin temperature, sleep stages, Body Battery, stress, women’s health metrics, and ECG. The important difference is that Garmin is good at connecting those measurements to training readiness. If sleep quality is poor or recovery is low, Garmin Fitness Coach can adapt workout recommendations rather than simply pushing you to close another activity ring.

The Venu 4 also includes GPS, onboard music, Garmin Pay, Bluetooth calling, smart notifications, a built-in flashlight, and safety-tracking functions. Its software is not as app-heavy as Apple’s or Google’s platforms, but athletes may not care. This is a watch designed for someone who wants reliable heart-rate trends, recovery data, workout plans, and battery life that does not turn every evening into a charging session.

Amazfit Balance 3

The Amazfit Balance 3 targets users who want advanced training metrics without paying flagship smartwatch prices. It features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, sapphire glass, dual-band GPS, offline maps, Bluetooth calling, 64GB of storage, and up to 21 days of battery life on the titanium version.

Amazfit uses its Hybrid Training System to combine fitness, recovery, and lifestyle data. The system includes BioCharge, LifeLoad, and Training Load metrics. BioCharge estimates current energy and recovery levels. LifeLoad measures daily lifestyle stress. Training Load tracks workout strain.

The Zepp app uses that data to show whether a user should train hard, recover, or adjust their schedule. Weekly Focus and Training Balance tools also help users understand how their workouts are distributed across endurance, strength, and recovery.

The Balance 3 supports more than 180 sports modes. It can recognize 25 strength exercises and eight standard activity movements. It also supports external heart-rate straps, cycling sensors, and running power meters.

Amazfit has added HYROX-specific features, including workout tracking, race simulations, training plans, virtual pacing, and post-race performance analysis. The Balance 3 is a strong choice for runners, gym users, and hybrid athletes who want deeper fitness data and long battery life.

Xiaomi Watch 5

The Xiaomi Watch 5 offers a large battery, Wear OS 6, and a complete set of health and fitness tools. It uses a dual-chip design with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and a BES2800 low-power chip. Xiaomi says the watch can last up to six days in regular smart mode and up to 18 days in power-saving mode.

The watch has a 930mAh silicon-carbon battery, a 1.54-inch AMOLED display, sapphire protection, dual-band GPS, NFC, ECG support, and continuous heart-rate and SpO2 monitoring. It also supports more than 150 sports modes and includes offline maps for outdoor training.

Google Gemini is available on the Xiaomi Watch 5, along with Google Wallet, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and the Google Play Store. The watch also supports Xiaomi HyperConnect for smart-home controls and connected-device features.

Xiaomi has also added gesture controls that use EMG, IMU, and PPG sensors. Users can pinch, rub, snap, shake, or rotate their wrist to control functions such as calls, alarms, workouts, camera controls, and media playback.

The Xiaomi Watch 5 is a good option for Android users who want Wear OS features without charging their smartwatch every day.

Amazfit Active 2

The Amazfit Active 2 delivers many key fitness features at a lower price than flagship smartwatches. It has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, stainless-steel frame, GPS, Bluetooth calling, heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress tracking, temperature sensing, and more than 160 workout modes.

The watch uses the BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor and includes Zepp Coach training guidance. It can recognize strength-training movements, track running performance, provide virtual pacing, and estimate race achievements.

The Active 2 also offers readiness scores, sleep data, smartphone notifications, music controls, camera controls, and up to 10 days of typical battery life. The premium model includes sapphire glass for added display protection.

The Amazfit Active 2 is a sensible pick for users who want workout tracking, GPS, and heart-rate data without paying for premium smartwatch features they may not use.

Honor Watch 6

The Honor Watch 6 (full review) is built around an idea that many smartwatch owners will find refreshing: not charging every day. Its 980mAh silicon-carbon battery is rated for up to 35 days of use, making it one of the most endurance-focused watches in this group.

It includes over 120 workout modes, dual-band GPS, continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress measurements, sleep analysis, and body-energy estimates. Trail runners get climbing and route-deviation metrics through Honor’s AccuTrack GPS system, while sports such as badminton and football receive more specific performance data.

The 1.46-inch AMOLED display reaches up to 3,000 nits, which should make it easy to read stats during outdoor training. It also has IP69 water and dust resistance, 5ATM water resistance, Bluetooth calling, NFC support in select markets, and gesture controls for managing alarms, calls, and music.

The Honor Watch 6 is less focused on third-party apps than Apple, Google, or Samsung models. But if you prioritize a bright screen, fitness fundamentals, outdoor tracking, and exceptionally long battery life, it is a compelling alternative.

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro (full review) focuses on outdoor training and health tracking in a slim, lightweight design. It has a large AMOLED display, built-in GPS, continuous heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood-oxygen measurements, wrist-temperature tracking, Bluetooth calling, and support for more than 100 workout modes.

Huawei adds several features for more serious activities. The Watch Fit 5 Pro supports trail-running navigation, golf-course maps, ECG alerts, and diving tracking to depths of 40 meters. These tools give it a broader fitness focus than a standard activity tracker, especially for users who run outdoors, play golf, or spend time in the water.

The watch also offers up to 10 days of battery life, which makes it easier to wear overnight for sleep tracking and for multi-day trips without packing a charger. The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro is a strong choice for users who want a lighter alternative to a traditional round smartwatch but still need GPS, health tracking, and outdoor sports features.

Oppo Watch X3

The Oppo Watch X3 combines Wear OS 6 with a dual-engine system that moves background tasks to a low-power RTOS platform. Oppo says the approach delivers up to five days of battery life in Smart Mode and up to 16 days in Power Saver Mode.

The smartwatch includes ECG support, continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, HRV-based stress insights, sleep analysis, dual-band GPS, fall detection, Bluetooth calling, and more than 100 sports modes. It also supports Google apps and services through Wear OS, which gives users access to Google Wallet, Maps, notifications, and third-party apps.

Oppo uses a titanium case and sapphire display protection for a more premium design. The Watch X3 also carries IP69 protection and MIL-STD-810H durability certification. It is a strong option for Android users who want a full Wear OS smartwatch with detailed health tracking and better battery life than most mainstream rivals.

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The Tensor G6 has been released with the new Pixel 11 series, and it brings serious upgrades over last year’s Tensor G5. The new chip utilizes ARM’s latest C1-Ultra and C1-Pro cores running at higher speeds, a significantly upgraded Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), and advanced imaging pipelines that enable next-gen camera features.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, on the other hand, have long been dominating the battle against Tensor chips by maintaining a huge performance gap. So, whenever a new Tensor chip arrives, it’s exciting to test it against the latest high-end Snapdragon chip to find out if Google has narrowed the gap.

TL;DR
– Raw Power vs. Intelligence: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 dominates in raw CPU/GPU benchmarks and heavy gaming performance, while Tensor G6 focuses on deep on-device AI integration and computational photography.
– The Better Pick: Choose Snapdragon for maximum horsepower and sustained performance, but go with Tensor if you prioritize smarter Pixel software features powered by custom silicon.

For a broader view of how this chip stacks up against the rest of Qualcomm’s lineup, see our roundup of best Snapdragon chipsets in 2026.

Let’s get straight to the spec sheet, and then to benchmark comparison to find out how the Tensor G6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 stack up against each other.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Spec sheet

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Benchmark scores

Note: The benchmark tests were performed on the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL (powered by the Tensor G6) and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5).

Geekbench score (v6)

The Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, heavily outperforms the Tensor G6-powered Pixel 11 Pro XL. The single-core performance is up by 39%, while the multi-core performance increase jumps to 67%.

Geekbench shows the latest Snapdragon chip continues to dominate Tensor chips in CPU performance.

But what other GPU and other performance metrics? We’ve put them to the test on AnTuTu and 3DMark to find out.

AnTuTu score (v11)

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also dominates the AnTuTu benchmark. It scores about 3.9 million in total, while the Tensor G6 struggles at 1.8 million. That’s a solid 110% boost for the Snapdragon chip.

The breakdown of the AnTuTu score gives a rather clearer picture.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 pulls ahead across all AnTuTu tests. The CPU score is up by 48%, while the GPU score is up by a massive 263%. That itself is enough to know which is for gamers. Still, we ran the 3DMark gaming-specific test for better clarity. (check the score below)

The memory and user experience tests during the AnTuTu test also favor the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 over Tensor G6.

3DMark score

Wild Life Extreme Stress Test

The 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Stress test measures how well a device maintains its graphical performance and manages heat over an extensive period of demanding 3D sequences.

When tested, the Tensor G6-powered Pixel 11 Pro XL gets an overall score of 3386 with an average of 20.31 fps. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, pulls off 7738 in average score with an average fps of 46.34.

Not only does the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 achieve over a 128% higher score, but it also maintains an average fps more than twice that of the Tensor G6. 

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 absolutely shines compared to the Tensor G6 across every benchmark we ran them through, and Google’s fine with it. Tensor chips aren’t designed to compete on synthetic benchmarks, but there’s something unique about these chips.

Tensor G6 lags much behind its competitors on benchmarks, and Google’s fine with it

Google has explicitly stated that its Tensor chips are not designed to win benchmark battles against high-end chips from Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek. Instead, they focus on delivering helpful experiences and excellent on-device AI capabilities.

Unlike Apple or Qualcomm, which focus on maximizing single-core and multi-core clock speeds, Google’s design goal is heterogeneous computing. This means Tensor chips are designed so that different subsystems (CPU, GPU, ISP, and TPU) work together to execute specific tasks efficiently, rather than just making the CPU as fast as possible.

The defining feature of Tensor chips is the TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). All of us are aware of Pixel’s software magic, and at its core is a powerful TPU that can run complex AI models locally on-device. It powers features like Live Translate, Magic Eraser, Real Tone processing, and other on-device generative AI smarts.

Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Which one is right for you?

If you prioritize raw power and top-tier sustained gaming performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 remains the undisputed powerhouse. However, if you value personal AI assistants and intuitive features like Magic Eraser, real-time Live Translate, and Google’s computational photography magic, the Tensor G6 delivers a much more intelligent, tailored smartphone experience.

Choose Snapdragon for excellent gaming performance, but pick Tensor if you want software magic powered by purpose-built silicon.

Best Google Tensor G6 phones:

• Google Pixel 11
• Google Pixel 11 Pro
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Best Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Oppo Find X9 Ultra
• Vivo X300 Ultra
• Xiaomi 17 Ultra
• iQOO 15 Ultra

The post Tensor G6 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Benchmark score, spec sheet, and more appeared first on Gizmochina.

YouTube is about to change one of the platform’s most visible numbers, and it could affect how creators and viewers read the view count. Starting next week, the site will update its public view-counting system across every type of content, with the goal of making things more consistent and clearer for everyone.

From August 24, YouTube will start counting a public view the moment any video begins to play, from the very first frame, with no minimum watch-time requirement. This new rule will apply globally to long-form videos, Shorts, live streams, and everything else. Until now, regular videos generally needed people to watch for about 30 seconds before the public counter went up, while Shorts already counted a view as soon as playback started. That inconsistency made it harder to compare performance across different formats.

YouTube says the update comes from creator feedback asking for a clearer, more unified picture of exposure. By switching everything to the same first-frame rule that Shorts already used (introduced last year), the platform wants to cut down on metric confusion and help creators better show their audience size to brands and sponsors. As a result, public view counts are expected to climb faster than before, especially on videos that only get brief attention.

The change won’t affect advertising revenue or eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program. YouTube will keep its older, more engagement-focused measurement under a new name: “Engaged views.” Creators can still find that data in YouTube Analytics under Advanced Mode to see how many people actually stick around past the opening moments. Earnings will continue to be based on engaged Shorts views and engaged watch hours.

Existing videos will keep their current public totals; only new plays after August 24 will follow the updated system. The move brings YouTube closer to how platforms like TikTok and Instagram count views, focusing more on exposure while still offering deeper engagement numbers behind the scenes.

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(Source: @TeamYouTube on X)

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Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 are premium Wear OS smartwatches designed to combine fitness tracking, health monitoring, navigation, and everyday smart features. Both offer bright AMOLED displays, ECG support, GPS, LTE options, 2GB of RAM, and water resistance. However, they take different approaches. 

The Pixel Watch 5 focuses on Google’s software ecosystem, a larger 64GB of storage, advanced positioning, and a broad sensor package. The Galaxy Watch8 counters with a thinner design, sapphire protection, Samsung’s BioActive health sensor, and a more rugged build. The better choice ultimately depends on whether health features, durability, storage, or Google’s ecosystem matters most.

Major Features:

Design & Build

The Pixel Watch 5 has a rounded 45mm body measuring 45 x 45 x 12.3mm, with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It weighs between 31g and 36.7g depending on the configuration and carries IP68 water and dust resistance with 5ATM protection. The Galaxy Watch8 has a slightly wider 46 x 43.7mm body but is considerably thinner at 8.6mm. Its sapphire crystal, Armor Aluminum 2 construction, IP68 rating, 5ATM water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H compliance give it a stronger durability focus. The Samsung also weighs 34g in its 44mm version. For everyday comfort and rugged use, the slimmer Samsung design has the advantage.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — thinner profile, sapphire crystal, and stronger durability credentials.

Display

Both watches offer high-end AMOLED displays capable of reaching 3000 nits peak brightness, making them suitable for outdoor viewing. The Pixel Watch 5 uses a 1.4-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 456 x 456 resolution and around 320 ppi density. Its LTPO technology can help manage refresh rates efficiently. The Galaxy Watch8 provides a larger 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display with 480 x 480 resolution and around 327 ppi. It also uses sapphire crystal for improved scratch resistance. The Samsung therefore offers slightly more screen area and marginally higher pixel density while matching the Pixel’s peak brightness. The Pixel remains excellent, but the larger panel and stronger protection make Samsung more practical.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — larger, sharper display with sapphire crystal protection.

Battery Life

The Pixel Watch 5 packs a 465mAh battery in the 45mm model, compared with 435mAh for the Galaxy Watch8 44mm model. Google also provides detailed wired charging figures, with the 45mm Pixel Watch reaching 50% in 15 minutes, 80% in 30 minutes, and full charge in about an hour. The Galaxy Watch8 uses 10W wireless charging. Battery capacity alone does not determine real-world endurance, so the larger Pixel battery should not automatically be interpreted as longer battery life. Still, its larger capacity and faster specified charging make it attractive for users who want quick top-ups. Samsung’s wireless charging is convenient for compatible charging setups.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5 — larger battery and more clearly specified fast-charging performance.

Health Tracking

Both watches provide a strong collection of health sensors, including heart-rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen measurement, temperature sensing, accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, and altimeters. The Pixel Watch 5 additionally lists skin conductance and advanced environmental sensing, giving it a broad sensor package for wellness and activity monitoring. The Galaxy Watch8 adds Samsung’s BioActive sensor and supports body-composition measurements, while its health platform includes features such as blood-pressure monitoring, ECG, irregular heart-rhythm notifications, and an antioxidant index. This gives Samsung a broader set of dedicated health metrics. The Pixel remains a capable health tracker, but Samsung offers more specialized measurements for users focused on detailed wellness analysis.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — broader health-monitoring capabilities and body-composition tracking.

For more options beyond these two, our guide to top smartwatches this year covers other models worth weighing.

GPS & Navigation

Both watches support dual-frequency GPS using L1 and L5 signals, which can provide more accurate positioning than single-frequency systems, particularly around buildings, trees, and other signal-obstructing environments. The Pixel Watch 5 supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, while its positioning system also benefits from L1+L5 support. The Galaxy Watch8 supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS, giving it broader satellite-system compatibility. Both therefore provide a strong foundation for outdoor workouts and route tracking. The Pixel also includes UWB support, which expands its positioning-related capabilities beyond conventional GPS. Samsung’s broader satellite compatibility gives it an advantage on paper for global positioning coverage.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — dual-frequency GPS plus broader satellite-system support.

Sports & Training Features

Neither watch is positioned simply as a basic step counter. Both provide the sensors required for tracking movement, heart rate, elevation, temperature, and activity-related data. The Pixel Watch 5 combines its accelerometer, gyroscope, heart-rate sensor, altimeter, compass, barometer, SpO2 sensor, skin-temperature sensor, and skin-conductance sensor to provide detailed activity data. The Galaxy Watch8 similarly combines motion, heart-rate, barometric, temperature, and compass sensors with Samsung’s BioActive system. This makes both suitable for running, walking, cycling, gym sessions, and general fitness tracking. Samsung has the edge for users who want deeper health-linked training insights, while Pixel offers a particularly comprehensive sensor setup.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — stronger integration of fitness tracking with its wider health platform.

Smart Features

The Pixel Watch 5 runs Wear OS 7, while the Galaxy Watch8 runs Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch interface. Both provide core smartwatch functions such as notifications, apps, wireless connectivity, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE support on cellular models. The Pixel Watch 5 offers 64GB of internal storage, twice the Galaxy Watch8’s 32GB capacity, giving Google a significant advantage for storing apps and other compatible content. Samsung counters with a highly customized interface and deeper integration within the Galaxy ecosystem. The choice here largely depends on the phone ecosystem, but Pixel’s newer operating system and substantially larger storage make it more compelling for long-term app-heavy use.

Winner: Google Pixel Watch 5 — newer Wear OS version and twice the internal storage.

Outdoor Features

For outdoor use, both watches provide IP68 protection, 5ATM water resistance, GPS, compass functionality, barometric sensors, altimeters, and temperature sensing. The Pixel Watch 5 also includes UWB and satellite SOS on LTE models, adding useful emergency and positioning capabilities. Its 3000-nit display is designed to remain visible in bright conditions. The Galaxy Watch8 takes a more rugged approach with Armor Aluminum 2 construction and MIL-STD-810H compliance, alongside sapphire crystal protection. This makes it particularly appealing for hiking, travel, and outdoor activities where accidental knocks and scratches are more likely. Pixel offers excellent connectivity-oriented features, but Samsung’s physical durability gives it the stronger outdoor profile.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — tougher construction and military-standard durability.

Which One Should You Buy?

The better choice depends heavily on the type of smartwatch experience you want. The Google Pixel Watch 5 is more appealing for users who prioritize Google’s Wear OS experience, larger storage, UWB, a broad sensor package, and fast wired charging. Its 64GB storage is especially useful for users who expect to install many apps or keep more content on the watch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the more rounded option for health-conscious and outdoor-focused users. Its sapphire crystal, thinner body, BioActive sensor, body-composition tracking, broader health features, and MIL-STD-810H rating give it a wider feature set. At around $300 versus approximately $400 for the Pixel Watch 5, Samsung also offers the stronger value proposition.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — more features, stronger durability, and lower pricing.

Final Verdict

The Google Pixel Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 are both capable premium smartwatches, but Samsung delivers the more complete package for most users. The Galaxy Watch8 combines a thinner design, sapphire crystal, 3000-nit display, dual-frequency GPS, advanced health sensors, body-composition analysis, and stronger durability credentials. The Pixel Watch 5 stands out with 64GB storage, Wear OS 7, a larger 465mAh battery, UWB, and its extensive sensor selection. It is the better alternative for users who specifically prefer Google’s ecosystem and need more onboard storage. However, the Galaxy Watch8 offers the better balance of health features, durability, smart functionality, and value.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Watch8 — the stronger all-round smartwatch for most buyers.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region and retailer. Recommendations in this article are based on editorial opinion, feature-based value, and market positioning at the time of writing. Readers are advised to do their own research before making a purchase.

Read More:

• Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: Specs, Camera and Price Compared
• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Specs, Cameras and Price Compared
• Amazfit Balance Ultra vs Garmin fēnix 8: Display, Battery, GPS & Health Compared

The post Google Pixel Watch 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch8: Which Smartwatch Is Better? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Foldables are evolving beyond bigger screens, and the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 show two very different ways to build a flagship. The Pixel focuses on display quality, cameras and Google’s smart software, while Samsung emphasizes raw performance, multitasking and productivity. With both targeting the ultra-premium segment, this comparison explores which foldable offers the more complete experience.

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold combines a glass-ceramic front, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back and aluminum frame with IP68 protection. Its design prioritizes stronger dust and water resistance, while the Pixel styling gives it a distinctly modern flagship character. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 uses Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Armor Aluminum and IP48 protection. Samsung also introduces Flex Titanium technology, giving the Fold8 a more refined and durability-focused construction. The Galaxy’s design feels especially polished for users who prefer a slimmer foldable experience.

Display Quality

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold features an 8-inch LTPO OLED inner display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and up to 3600 nits peak brightness. Its 1:1 aspect ratio makes it particularly appealing for reading, multitasking and large-screen apps. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has a 7.6-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz, HDR10+ and 3000 nits peak brightness. Its anti-reflective coating is a useful advantage outdoors.

Verdict

Winner: Google — The Pixel offers the larger, brighter inner display and stronger IP68 protection, making it the more compelling overall display package.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G6 3nm chipset with 16GB RAM across its storage configurations. Android 17 and seven major OS updates also give it a strong long-term software proposition. The Galaxy Z Fold8 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with up to 16GB RAM. Its flagship Qualcomm platform is better suited to demanding gaming, sustained performance and intensive multitasking. Samsung’s One UI 9 also brings a mature foldable software experience with Samsung DeX support.

Battery and Charging

The Pixel packs a 4806mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 25W magnetic wireless charging through Qi2.2. Bypass charging is another useful feature for prolonged gaming. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has a slightly smaller 4800mAh battery but supports faster 45W wired charging, 20W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Samsung therefore has the more convenient charging setup, particularly for users who regularly need quick top-ups.

Verdict

Winner: Samsung — The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers stronger performance potential, while 45W charging makes the Fold8 more practical for demanding users.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold uses a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom and a 10.5MP ultrawide camera with a 127-degree field of view. Pixel-exclusive features such as Best Take, Zoom Enhance, Pixel Shift and Ultra-HDR strengthen its computational photography capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold8 instead has a 50MP main camera and 50MP ultrawide camera, but it does not include a dedicated telephoto lens. Samsung compensates with 8K video recording and 4K recording at up to 120fps.

Selfie Camera

Both foldables offer 10MP selfie cameras, along with separate cover cameras. The Pixel focuses on computational imaging and supports 4K recording from its selfie cameras, while Samsung’s cover camera also records in 4K and provides a wider 24mm perspective.

Verdict

Winner: Google — The dedicated 5x telephoto and Pixel’s computational photography features make the Pixel more versatile for photography and long-range shots.

Pricing

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced around $1,900, or approximately ₹187,000. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is priced around $1,900, or approximately ₹180,000. That makes the Samsung slightly less expensive in the Indian pricing comparison, although both sit firmly in the ultra-premium foldable category. At this level, buyers are paying not only for hardware but also for advanced foldable software, premium construction and long-term support.

Is the Price Justified?

The Pixel’s price is easier to justify for users who prioritize its larger inner display, 16GB RAM, IP68 protection, 5x optical zoom and Pixel software features. Samsung offers stronger value for users who want Snapdragon performance, faster wired charging, DeX and a mature multitasking ecosystem. The Fold8 also costs less in the stated Indian pricing, giving it a small value advantage.

Verdict

Winner: Samsung — At a similar US price but lower stated Indian price, the Fold8 delivers stronger performance and productivity features for the money.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold stands out with its 8-inch 1:1 inner OLED display, 3600-nit peak brightness, IP68 protection, 5x optical telephoto camera, 16GB RAM and Pixel-focused computational photography. Its Qi2.2 magnetic wireless charging and bypass charging also add useful everyday flexibility. The Galaxy Z Fold8 counters with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, Samsung DeX, Flex Titanium technology, anti-reflective display treatment, 45W wired charging and up to 16GB RAM. These features make Samsung’s foldable particularly attractive for productivity and performance-heavy workloads.

Verdict

Winner: Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold — The Pixel takes the overall lead because its larger display, superior water and dust protection, dedicated telephoto camera and computational photography create a more complete feature set. The Galaxy Z Fold8 remains the better choice for users who prioritize gaming, raw performance, DeX and faster charging. For photography, display quality and everyday versatility, the Pixel feels more distinctive, while Samsung remains the stronger productivity-focused alternative.

FAQs

1. Which phone is better for photography?
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is better for photography, especially for users who want dedicated 5x optical zoom.

2. Which phone offers better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 offers stronger gaming performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

3. Which foldable has faster charging?
The Galaxy Z Fold8 supports faster 45W wired charging compared with the Pixel’s 30W wired charging.

4. Which foldable offers better value for money?
The Galaxy Z Fold8 offers better value at the stated Indian price of ₹180,000.

5. Which foldable should you buy overall?
Choose the Pixel 11 Pro Fold for cameras and display, or the Galaxy Z Fold8 for performance and productivity.

Read More:

• Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Specs, Cameras and Price Compared
• Amazfit Balance Ultra vs Garmin fēnix 8: Display, Battery, GPS & Health Compared
• POCO M8 Power vs Vivo Y500: Which Budget Smartphone Offers Better Value?

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Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra take very different approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. Google leans into AI, computational photography and a clean Android experience, while Samsung pushes hardware versatility with a powerful Snapdragon chip, S Pen, DeX and a more flexible camera system. With both phones targeting the same premium segment, the real question is not which is more expensive, but which flagship delivers more for the way you use your phone. 

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL uses a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 protection. Samsung uses Gorilla Armor 2 on the front, Victus 2 on the rear and Armor Aluminum 2. Both deliver a premium flagship feel, but Samsung has a slight edge with its tougher front glass and more advanced anti-reflective treatment.

Display Quality

The Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1344 x 2992 resolution and up to 3600 nits peak brightness. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with 1440 x 3120 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 2600 nits peak brightness. Samsung also adds DX anti-reflective coating and Privacy Display, making it more versatile for outdoor use and sensitive content.

Verdict

Samsung wins the display category for its sharper panel, anti-reflective coating and Privacy Display. Pixel offers higher peak brightness, but Galaxy S26 Ultra feels more polished for everyday viewing.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Android 17 and is powered by Google’s Tensor G6 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Samsung’s flagship Qualcomm platform has the stronger performance profile for demanding gaming, sustained workloads and intensive multitasking, while Tensor focuses heavily on AI-powered experiences.

Battery and Charging

Pixel packs a 5115mAh battery with 45W wired charging, 25W magnetic Qi2.2 wireless charging, reverse wired charging and bypass charging. Samsung has a 5000mAh battery with faster 60W wired charging, 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Pixel has the larger battery, but Samsung’s faster wired charging is more practical when a quick top-up is needed.

Verdict

Samsung takes the performance category with its Snapdragon chipset and faster wired charging. Pixel counters with a slightly larger battery and bypass charging, making it appealing for users who prioritise endurance and sustained device use.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 50MP main camera, 48MP 5x periscope telephoto and 48MP ultrawide camera. Samsung offers a more extensive setup with a 200MP main sensor, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x periscope and 50MP ultrawide. Samsung therefore provides more focal-length flexibility, while Pixel relies on computational photography features such as Best Take and Zoom Enhance.

Selfie Camera

Pixel has a 42MP ultrawide selfie camera with PDAF and 4K video recording at 30 and 60fps. Samsung uses a 12MP front camera with dual-pixel PDAF and 4K recording at 30 and 60fps. The Pixel’s higher-resolution ultrawide sensor is better suited to detailed selfies and group shots, while Samsung delivers a more conventional front-camera experience with strong video support.

Verdict

Samsung wins overall because its four-camera system offers greater versatility across different focal lengths. Pixel remains more attractive for computational photography and high-resolution ultrawide selfies, especially for users who value Google’s imaging software.

Pricing

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is priced around $1300 / ₹135,000, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced around $1300 / ₹140,000. Their US pricing is almost identical, although Samsung commands a roughly ₹5,000 higher price in India. At this level, both phones compete directly as premium flagship devices with extensive hardware and software features.

Is the Price Justified?

Pixel justifies its price through Tensor G6, Android 17, advanced computational photography, a large battery and Google-focused AI features. Samsung offers a broader hardware package with Snapdragon performance, S Pen support, DeX, a more versatile camera system and a sophisticated display. The Galaxy therefore provides more functionality for users who want their phone to cover productivity as well as entertainment.

Verdict

Pixel offers strong value for Google-focused users, but Samsung provides more hardware versatility at almost the same global price. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is easier to justify for power users seeking an all-round flagship.

Conclusion

The Pixel 11 Pro XL stands out with Android 17, Tensor G6, Google’s computational photography features, a 42MP ultrawide selfie camera, a 5115mAh battery and magnetic Qi2.2 charging. Samsung counters with S Pen support, Samsung DeX, Privacy Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance and four rear cameras covering multiple focal lengths.

The Pixel feels better suited to users who prefer Google’s software approach, AI features and photography processing. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is more compelling for power users who want gaming performance, productivity tools, flexible photography and desktop-style capabilities from one device.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the stronger all-round flagship thanks to its performance, camera versatility, S Pen, DeX and display features. The Pixel 11 Pro XL remains the better choice for Google-first software and computational photography.

Read More:

• Amazfit Balance Ultra vs Garmin fēnix 8: Display, Battery, GPS & Health Compared
• POCO M8 Power vs Vivo Y500: Which Budget Smartphone Offers Better Value?
• Vivo Y500 vs Oppo A7 Pro Max Comparison: Battery, Camera, Performance & Price

The post Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Specs, Cameras and Price Compared appeared first on Gizmochina.

Losing your keys used to mean checking every couch cushion, drawer, and jacket pocket in the house. Now, you can clip a small tracker to your keys, bag, or wallet and use your phone to find it.

Apple popularized this category with the AirTag, and we have since seen several makers — smartphone and not — launching their own tracking devices. That market now has a new big name. At the Made by Google event alongside the Pixel 11 series, Google launched its first item tracker, the Pixel Tag. It will go on sale on November 11.

Apple has had the AirTag since 2021 and updated it earlier this year, while Samsung has offered the Galaxy SmartTag2 since 2023. All three do the same basic job, but they work very differently depending on which phone you use.

Here’s a comparison of the Google Pixel Tag, Apple AirTag, and Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 to help you decide which one makes the most sense for you.

Price and design

The three trackers are priced almost the same. The Pixel Tag costs $29 for one or $99 for a four-pack, matching the AirTag. The Galaxy SmartTag2 costs $30 for one or $100 for four.

For a broader look at pricing across the category, see our roundup of Bluetooth tracker options for 2026.

Visually, they look different. AirTag is a small, flat, round disc, closer to the size of a large coin. The Galaxy SmartTag2 is pill-shaped with a large metal ring loop built into one end, so it clips onto keychains without needing a case. The Pixel Tag also uses a pill-shaped, pebble-like body, measuring about 46 x 28 x 5.4mm and weighing under 12 grams, but it has no built-in loop, so you’ll likely need a case or holder to attach it to keys. For now, it comes in just one color called Fog, which is a light gray.

All three use a replaceable CR2032 coin battery, so users can replace the battery when it runs out instead of buying a new tracker.

Google and Apple say their trackers can last more than a year on a single battery with normal use. Samsung claims up to 500 days of battery life in normal mode, or up to 700 days with power-saving mode enabled.

They are also similarly durable. All three have an IP67 rating, meaning they are protected from dust and can survive being submerged in up to about a meter of water for a short time. So a little rain or a wet backpack shouldn’t be a problem.

How they find your stuff

Each tracker has its own strength and/or weakness in how they work. All three use two main ways to find your belongings. They can connect directly to your phone when you’re nearby, or use a larger network of other phones to find the tracker when it’s far away.

AirTag

The latest AirTag uses Ultra Wideband (UWB) to help you find a lost item when you’re nearby. Your iPhone can show you which direction to walk and how far away the tracker is. Speaking of which, the Precision Finding on the new AirTag covers 50% more range than the previous generation, thanks to Apple’s second-generation UWB chip.

Apple also made the new AirTag’s speaker louder by 50%, which the company claims can be heard from up to twice as far away. And when you’re too far away for a direct connection, AirTag uses Apple’s Find My network, so that other nearby Apple devices can detect the lost AirTag and anonymously send its location to its owner.

Pixel Tag

The Pixel Tag works similarly, but uses Google’s Android ecosystem. It uses both UWB and Bluetooth Channel Sounding for precision finding, but the exact features you get depend on your phone’s hardware and software.

UWB uses a dedicated ultra-wideband chip to provide more precise distance and directional information, while Bluetooth Channel Sounding uses newer Bluetooth technology to measure distance without requiring UWB hardware. However, Channel Sounding requires a compatible phone running Android 16 or newer with Bluetooth 6.0 or later, while UWB also requires a phone with a UWB chip.

When the tracker is out of direct range, it switches to Google’s Find Hub network, which relies on participating Android devices to detect lost items. Android smartphone pool is much bigger compared to Apple, and such a large network could be a major advantage in crowded places like airports, shopping centers, and city streets. The more Android devices nearby, the better the chance that one of them will detect your lost tracker.

Galaxy SmartTag2

Samsung’s Galaxy SmartTag2 also combines Bluetooth and UWB. Samsung claims a Bluetooth range of up to 120 meters under ideal conditions. However, the most accurate UWB tracking only works if your Galaxy phone has a UWB chip. Not every Samsung phone has one, so some cheaper Galaxy A-series phones and certain other models won’t offer the full tracking experience.

For finding lost items from a distance, the SmartTag2 uses Samsung’s SmartThings Find network. Unlike Google’s network, this is limited to Samsung Galaxy devices.

The ecosystem problem

This is probably the most important thing to consider before buying any of these trackers. The three trackers don’t work together, and two of them are heavily tied to their own phone brands.

The Galaxy SmartTag2 is the most restrictive. It works with Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets through the SmartThings Find app. If you use a Pixel, OnePlus, or iPhone, you can’t use it as your everyday tracker.

AirTag has a similar limitation on the Apple side. You need an iPhone or iPad for setup and regular tracking. Android phones can scan a lost AirTag using NFC and see the owner’s contact information if Lost Mode is enabled, but Android users don’t get the full tracking experience.

The Pixel Tag is more flexible and works with Android phones running Android 9 or later, although some advanced finding features require newer hardware and software. This gives Google a much wider reach than Samsung. However, it still doesn’t work as a full-featured tracker with iPhones.

So the real choice is fairly simple. AirTag for Apple users, Pixel Tag for most Android users, and SmartTag2 for Samsung Galaxy users.

Which one should you buy?

If you use an iPhone, the AirTag is still the obvious choice. Apple’s Find My network is large and well established, while the new UWB chip and louder speaker make it easier to locate the tag when you’re nearby.

If you use a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Galaxy SmartTag2 is a good option. It has excellent battery life and works well within Samsung’s ecosystem. Just remember that the best tracking features depend on your specific Galaxy phone.

For other Android users, the Pixel Tag makes the most sense. It works across a much wider range of Android phones, costs about the same as an AirTag, has an IP67 rating, and uses Google’s Find Hub network, which the company says covers more than a billion devices. However, note that Pixel Tag doesn’t go on sale until November 11, so you will have to wait if you’re willing to get one.

If you want something thinner or designed specifically for wallets, third-party trackers such as the Ugreen FineTrack Slim Duo 2 are also worth considering. But for a simple first-party option, the Pixel Tag fills a gap Android users have had since the AirTag launched in 2021.

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Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 5. This year, the smartwatch is available in two sizes: the standard 41mm and a new 45mm option. The device runs on Wear OS 7 and incorporates Gemini Intelligence for on-device processing, daily tasks, and health tracking.

Google Pixel Watch 5 Specifications

The watch uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor and a Cortex-M55 co-processor. Google increased the RAM by 50%, which the company says provides a 20% performance increase over the previous generation. The display is an AMOLED LTPO panel with a 1-60Hz adaptive refresh rate.

It has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for outdoor visibility and a minimum brightness of 1 nit for the always-on display. The casing is made from recycled aluminum, and the screen uses custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Base storage is set at 64GB, and the device includes Gen 3 Premium haptics, NFC, and a built-in microphone and speaker.

Gemini is integrated directly into Wear OS 7. You can activate the assistant by lifting your wrist using the Raise to Talk feature. Basic commands like setting timers, pulling up emails, or starting workouts are processed on the watch. This allows you to work without an internet connection and reduces response times. The watch also uses Gemini to surface contextual information, such as flight boarding passes or upcoming calendar events, directly on the watch face.

Health and fitness tracking includes several updates. Along with standard features like an ECG app for AFib detection, SpO2 monitoring, and heart rate variability, Google added a body-response feature to help identify physical signs of stress.

For location tracking, the Pixel Watch 5 includes dual-frequency GPS. It uses 3D building models and local weather data to maintain a signal in cities and wooded areas. Google plans to release software updates in September 2026 that will track blood pressure trends and monitor for signs of insulin resistance using the watch’s sensors.

Additionally, a new Breathing Emergency Detection tool, launching first in Europe, will monitor for severe drops in blood oxygen and automatically contact emergency services if the wearer becomes unresponsive.

The 41mm model has a 332mAh battery, which Google estimates will last up to 30 hours with the always-on display turned on. The 45mm model has a 465mAh battery, estimated at up to 40 hours. Both versions can charge to 50% in about 15 minutes using the included dock.

Pricing and Availability

The Pixel Watch 5 is available for pre-order today and will hit store shelves on August 20. In the US, the 41mm model starts at $399 for the Wi-Fi version and $499 for LTE, while the 45mm model is priced at $429 for Wi-Fi and $529 for LTE. In India, the 41mm model is priced at Rs. 42,990, and the 45mm model costs Rs. 45,990.

At the event, the company has also launched the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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(Google)

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Google used tonight’s Made by Google event to launch its first item tracker, the Pixel Tag, alongside the new Pixel 11 series. If you’ve been waiting for an official Google-made alternative to Apple’s AirTag, this is it.

The Pixel Tag comes in a single color, Fog, with a metal front and a polycarbonate back. It measures 28 x 46.1 x 5.4 mm and weighs 11.8 grams with the battery installed and 8.8 grams without it. The front carries the Google G logo, with a small speaker sitting just below it.

Flip it over, and you’ll find a plastic back cover that pops open to reveal the battery compartment. Google went with a user-replaceable CR2032 button battery, so you won’t need to buy a whole new tag once it runs low. One battery should last you more than a year before you have to swap it out.

What’s inside Pixel Tag?

Inside, the Pixel Tag packs a built-in accelerometer and supports ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking. The built-in speaker also lets you trigger an audible alert to help you zero in on the tag once you’re close. For durability, the Pixel Tag carries an IP67 rating, so it can survive a dunk in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without issue.

You’ll need a phone running Android 9 or later just to use the Pixel Tag. But if you want Bluetooth Channel Sounding, your phone needs Android 16 or later and Bluetooth 6.0 support. Bluetooth Channel Sounding does a similar job to UWB but trades some precision for lower power use: UWB gets you within centimeters, while Bluetooth Channel Sounding lands you within roughly 0.3 to 0.5 meters.

The Google Pixel Tag costs $29 for a single tracker or $99 for a four-pack. The company says it’s coming to markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. 

Google isn’t the first to chase this category. Xiaomi launched its own cross-platform tracker back in February, built to work with both Apple’s and Google’s networks.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

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Google has officially launched the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, its latest foldable smartphone, alongside the rest of the Pixel 11 phones. The foldable starts at $1,899 and is available in Obsidian and Olive color options.

Google has kept the overall design close to the previous generation, but the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is thinner, lighter, brighter, and more durable. It is also powered by the company’s new Tensor G6 processor.

A thinner and more durable foldable

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google’s thinnest foldable phone so far. Compared with the previous generation, the new model is just under 1mm thinner and nearly 10% lighter. Despite the reduction in size and weight, Google claims the new foldable is three times more durable than the previous Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The company has made several changes to improve the so-called durability. The hinge has been redesigned to reduce the risk of damage to the inner display when the phone takes an impact around the hinge area.

The outer display is protected by ceramic glass, while the rear uses a glass-fiber composite material. The phone also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. When folded, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold measures 155.2mm in height, 76mm in width, and 10.1mm in thickness. Once unfolded, it is 5mm thick. The phone weighs 239 grams.

Brighter displays are a major upgrade

Both the inner and outer screens can now reach up to 3,600 nits of peak brightness. Google says this is a 20% improvement over the previous generation.

The internal display is an 8-inch OLED Super Actua Flex panel with a resolution of 2,076 x 2,152 pixels. The external screen measures 6.5 inches and has a resolution of 1,080 x 2,342 pixels. 

Google has also increased the thickness of the ultra-thin glass used for the inner display and added two layers of impact-resistant film. These changes are designed to provide better protection without giving up the benefits of the foldable design.

Tensor G6 brings more AI power

Like the rest of the Pixel 11 lineup, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G6 processor. Google says the new Tensor chip has an upgraded TPU that is optimized for on-device AI models such as Gemini Nano. The company claims that the new TPU provides 50% more computing power than the Tensor G5 for these workloads.

The phone also comes with 16GB of RAM and Google’s Titan M3 security coprocessor. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold launches with Android 17 and will receive seven years of operating system updates, security patches, and Pixel Drop updates.

Camera hardware gets a small upgrade

Google has kept much of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold’s camera system similar to the previous generation, but the main camera does get an upgrade. 

The foldable now features a 48MP primary camera, along with a 10.5MP ultrawide camera and a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Super Res Zoom can reach up to 30x. The new main camera is claimed to offer 56% better light sensitivity than the previous model.

There are also two 10MP selfie cameras, one on the outside and another on the inner display.

Google is also adding software-based camera features, including Magic Capture, which can automatically select moments and capture photos, while Camera Looks lets users apply customizable visual styles.

The camera strip also includes the new HiLight indicator. It glows in different colors to indicate messages and other activities. Google says the system can even work with WhatsApp notifications.

Smaller battery but faster wireless charging

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes with a 4,750mAh battery, which is smaller than the 5,015mAh battery found in the previous model. However, Google says the Tensor G6 is 20% more power efficient than the Tensor G5. The company claims the phone can provide more than 24 hours of use on a single charge.

Wired charging can take the phone to 50% in around 30 minutes with a compatible charger. The foldable also supports 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging through Google’s Pixelsnap system.

Price and availability

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold starts at $1,899. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with higher-capacity versions costing more.

The new foldable is $100 more expensive than the equivalent Pixel 10 Pro Fold configurations at launch. Google is trying to offset some of the increase by offering six months of Google AI Pro, which includes Google Health Premium and 5TB of Google One cloud storage.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is available in Obsidian and Olive. It also includes a physical SIM card slot, unlike the US versions of the standard Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

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Google has officially launched its new Pixel 11 lineup containing three slab phones, Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL, and one foldable. More on the foldable here. 

Pre-orders for the Pixel 11 series have started in the US, while sales are scheduled to begin on August 20. 

One of the biggest changes across the Pixel 11 range is the increase in base storage. All models now start at 256GB, compared with 128GB on the previous generation. Google says this allows the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro to maintain the same effective pricing as the 256GB versions of last year’s Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro.

Tensor G6 powers the Pixel 11 lineup

The Pixel 11 series is powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 chipset. According to Google, the new processor improves web browsing performance by 25% and app launch speeds by 15% compared with the previous-generation Tensor G5.

The chip is also designed to work with the latest Gemini Nano models, allowing Google to put more AI processing directly on the phone. Google has also added a new Titan M3 security co-processor on all Pixel 11 phones, while the new Pixel generation puts Gemini features more prominently into the software experience.

All three conventional Pixel 11 models have a thinner body than their predecessors. Google has also redesigned the camera strip to make it narrower and extend the glass design across the back of the phone. Another new addition is called HiLight. It is a small indicator built into the camera strip that lights up during calls or when Gemini wakes up.

Pixel 11 specifications and price

The standard Pixel 11 comes in Frost Purple, Hibiscus Peach, Pistachio Green, and Obsidian Black.

The phone has a 48MP primary camera, a 10.8MP 5x optical telephoto camera, and a 13MP ultrawide camera. The telephoto camera supports up to 30x Super Res Zoom. For selfies, the phone has a 10.5MP autofocus front camera.

The Pixel 11 starts at $899 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version. The 12GB/512GB model costs $1,019.

Google is also offering trade-in deals that can reduce the cost by up to $500, depending on the device being exchanged.

Google Pixel 11 specifications

• Display: 6.3-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 1080 × 2424 pixels, 60/120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,000 nits HDR brightness and 3,000 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Processor: Google Tensor G6 with Titan M3 security chip
• RAM/storage: 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB storage
• Cameras: 48MP main + 13MP 120° ultrawide + 10.8MP 5x telephoto + 10.5MP 95° front camera
• Battery: 4,985mAh
• Charging: 30W wired, 25W Qi2.2 Pixelsnap wireless
• Software: Android 17
• Connectivity: 5G SA/NA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 LE, UWB, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, dual-band GNSS, Satellite SOS (US only)
• SIM: Dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM)
• Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock
• Video: Up to 4K at 60fps, 10-bit HDR recording, Cinematic Blur, Super Res Zoom up to 20x
• Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance
• Dimensions: 152.8 × 72 × 8.6mm
• Weight: 197g

Pixel 11 Pro gets a larger camera upgrade

The Pixel 11 Pro sits above the standard model and comes with a more advanced camera system. It features a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera with macro focus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto camera. There is also a 42MP front-facing camera.

The Pro model is available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on storage configuration. The base 12GB/256GB version costs $1,099, while the 16GB/512GB model costs $1,219. The 16GB/1TB version is priced at $1,499.

The phone is offered in Sandstone Pink, Olive Green, Mystic Gray, and Obsidian Black with a matte finish.

The Pixel 11 Pro also gets a Super Actua display with up to 3,600 nits of peak brightness. Google has added a new scratch-resistant coating to the display as well.

Google Pixel 11 Pro specifications

• Display: 6.3-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display, 1280 × 2856 pixels, adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,400 nits HDR brightness and 3,600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Processor: Google Tensor G6 with Titan M3 security chip
• RAM/storage: 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
• Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP 123° ultrawide with macro support + 48MP 5x telephoto + 42MP 103° autofocus front camera
• Battery: 4,850mAh
• Charging: 30W wired, 25W Qi2.2 Pixelsnap wireless
• Software: Android 17
• Connectivity: 5G SA/NA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 LE, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, dual-band GNSS
• SIM: Dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM)
• Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock
• Video: Up to 4K at 60fps and 8K at 24/30fps with Video Boost, 10-bit HDR recording, Cinematic Blur, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x
• Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance
• Colors: Canyon, Fog, Obsidian, Olive

Pixel 11 Pro XL is the most expensive traditional Pixel

The Pixel 11 Pro XL shares most of its hardware with the Pixel 11 Pro but comes in a larger form factor.

It starts at $1,299 for the 12GB/256GB version. The 16GB/512GB variant costs $1,419, while the 16GB/1TB model is priced at $1,649.

The Pro XL is available in the same color range as the Pro model and also features the Super Actua display with a peak brightness of 3,600 nits.

There is, however, a notable pricing change compared with the previous generation. Google says the 256GB Pixel 11 Pro XL costs $100 more than the equivalent Pixel 10 Pro XL at launch. The base configuration also drops from 16GB to 12GB of RAM.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL specifications

• Display: 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, 1344 × 2992 pixels, adaptive 1–120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,400 nits HDR brightness and 3,600 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Processor: Google Tensor G6 with Titan M3 security chip
• RAM/storage: 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
• Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP 123° ultrawide with macro support + 48MP 5x telephoto + 42MP 103° autofocus front camera
• Battery: 5,115mAh
• Charging: 45W wired, 25W Qi2.2 Pixelsnap wireless
• Software: Android 17
• Connectivity: 5G SA/NA, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 LE, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, dual-band GNSS
• SIM: Dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM)
• Security: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, face unlock
• Video: Up to 4K at 60fps and 8K at 24/30fps with Video Boost, 10-bit HDR recording, Cinematic Blur, Pro Res Zoom up to 100x
• Durability: IP68 dust and water resistance
• Colors: Canyon, Fog, Obsidian, Olive

Seven years of software support

Google is continuing its long software support policy with the Pixel 11 series. The new phones will receive seven years of operating system updates, security patches, and Pixel Drop updates.

The Pro models also come with six months of Google AI Pro at no additional cost. The package includes access to Google’s Gemini Premium plan, 5TB of cloud storage, and Google Health Premium.

The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL sold in the US are eSIM-only. Physical SIM support remains available in Canada and other international markets.

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Google is just a couple of days away from the Pixel 11 series launch, and if you’ve been waiting to see how Google’s next flagship chip performs, we have some early numbers to look at. A Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has shown up on Geekbench with the Tensor G6 chip.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL with Tensor G6 runs Geekbench

The listing shows Pixel 11 Pro XL scoring 2,112 points in single-core and 5196 points in multi-core tests. Compared to the Tensor G5, the numbers don’t really show a jump in performance, but the actual devices might post higher figures. 

The benchmark also confirms that the Tensor G6 is a 7-core chip. You get two cores at 2.65GHz, four cores at 3.38GHz, and one core running at 4.11GHz. This matches earlier reports about the chip’s core configuration, so the layout itself isn’t a surprise at this point.

This isn’t the first time a 7-core Tensor chip has shown up on Geekbench. An earlier listing from February posted much lower scores: 845 single-core and 2,657 multi-core. The listing was from very early hardware, since the numbers were well below what a modern flagship chip would be expected to hit. 

The new scores are a sizable jump from that earlier result, though they still don’t show notable improvements over Tensor G5.

On the memory side, the listing shows 16GB of RAM, in line with what’s expected from a Pro XL model. Graphics duties go to a PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536 GPU, which has already been mentioned in previous leaks. On the software side is new Android 17. 

For more context on what else is expected across the lineup, our Pixel 11 series roundup covers the rest of the leaked specs, and retail packaging has already started surfacing ahead of launch.

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Every now and then, unannounced Pixel devices start popping up in weird places before Google officially says a word. This time it’s the next big-screen Pixel that’s allegedly already floating around in limited numbers.

X user @erenylmaz075 posted a photo of seven sealed retail boxes clearly labeled “Google Pixel 11 Pro XL.” You can see the sides of the boxes, though the serial numbers, IMEIs, and tracking barcodes are all heavily blacked out. According to the post, these are already up for preorder on the Turkish grey market… for a painful $1,700 each.

Pixel hardware leaks aren’t exactly rare, but seeing what look like actual retail units listed in bulk this early raises a lot of eyebrows. Early “pre-orders” like this sometimes turn out to be stolen pre-production units or region-locked test devices. Authenticity is basically impossible to verify at this stage.

The Pixel 11 series, as covered in our roundup of the leaks, is expected to show up around mid-August 2026, right on Google’s usual schedule. Until we get an official announcement, any early preorder claims should be treated with a heavy dose of skepticism. You could end up with a non-working unit, a phone locked to another region, or something that simply never arrives.

If the rumors are accurate, the Pixel 11 Pro XL keeps the same 6.8-inch LTPO display as last year’s model, but with a brighter peak (around 3,600 nits). The big internal jump is the new Tensor G6 chip, built on a 2nm (TSMC’s N2) process, which should deliver better efficiency and slightly snappier performance. Battery capacity looks to be a touch smaller (around 5,115 mAh versus 5,200 mAh of the predecessor), but the more efficient chip and modem should still improve real-world endurance.

Other notable shifts include a lighter body (about 226g) and a new interactive RGB LED notification system that replaces the temperature sensor. Camera hardware is largely carried over, though digital zoom may stretch to 120x.

If you’re actually interested in the next Pixel, you’re probably better off waiting for Google to announce it properly, with real pricing and authorized retailers.

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Fresh info from a Google Play Console listing gives us our first solid look at what’s under the hood. While it keeps a lot of the same foundation as the last few models, there’s one meaningful upgrade that could make a real difference in daily use.

The watch (codenamed “godric”) is sticking with the Qualcomm SW5100 platform that powered the Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2. That means the same CPU (four ARM Cortex-A53 cores up to 1.7 GHz) and Adreno 702 GPU at 1 GHz. It’s proven reliable for Wear OS, even if it’s not the absolute fastest chip out there.

The big news is the jump in RAM, from 2GB in previous models to 3GB. That extra memory should help with smoother multitasking and snappier performance. It’ll likely make the watch feel more future-proof than its predecessor.

We don’t have details yet on any coprocessor (the Pixel Watch 4 added an upgraded one for things like satellite SOS), but the RAM upgrade alone is a welcome change for everyday use.

As per leaked renders, the Pixel Watch 5 is keeping a very similar design to the previous generation. It should come in four nice color options: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite, and Warm Gold. If you liked the look and comfort of the last model, this one will probably feel familiar in the best way.

Google seems to be playing it smart here: focusing on meaningful little improvements instead of reinventing the wheel every year, which would increase costs. More RAM without changing the main chipset should still bring better app performance, smoother background health tracking, and more responsive AI features. We’ll probably see more leaks as we get closer to the expected August 12 launch date.

What do you think? Is the extra RAM enough to get you excited, or are you hoping for bigger changes like a better battery or new health sensors?

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Google is getting ready to announce its next generation of smartphones. The company has scheduled its Made by Google hardware event for August 12 in New York City, with an Indian launch following on August 13.

While the official reveal is still a few weeks away, a steady stream of leaks has already provided a clear picture of what to expect from the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

Here is a roundup of everything we know so far about Google’s upcoming phone lineup.

Pricing and Colors

The Pixel 11 series is getting more expensive. According to a report by Droid Life, which cited prematurely published Amazon listings, the base price for the Pixel 11 series is increasing by about $100 across the board. However, this price bump comes with a storage upgrade. Google is reportedly dropping the 128GB tier entirely, making 256GB the new standard starting point.

Based on the leaked listings, the standard Pixel 11 will start at $899. The Pixel 11 Pro is expected to cost $1,099, while the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL will start at $1,299. For the foldable model, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is listed with a starting price of $1,899.

We also have a good idea of the color options. As first spotted by 9to5Google, the standard Pixel 11 will be available in Midnight, Fuchsia (referred to as Hibiscus in some listings), Moss (Pistachio), and Frost. The Pro models will feature slightly different tones, including Dune, Light Fog, Midnight, and Pine.

Internal Hardware

On the inside, the Pixel 11 series will be powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 processor. While a new chip is standard for a yearly upgrade, the more significant internal change is the modem. Leaks indicate that Google is moving away from Samsung’s Exynos modems and switching to the MediaTek M90. Pixel phones have occasionally struggled with cellular connectivity and standby battery drain in the past, so a more efficient modem could be a very practical improvement for daily use.

Battery capacities are also seeing some adjustments. The leaked Amazon listings point to a 4,985 mAh battery for the base Pixel 11 and a 5,115 mAh battery for the Pixel 11 Pro XL. Interestingly, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is listed with a 4,750 mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the battery found in the previous generation.

Design Upgrades

The overall design language of the Pixel 11 remains similar to the Pixel 10, featuring flat displays and the familiar horizontal camera bar. However, Google is removing the infrared temperature sensor that was present on previous Pro models.

In its place, the company is introducing a feature called Pixel Glow. Confirmed by Google’s own teaser materials, Pixel Glow is a circular, color-shifting LED light integrated into the camera bar. It is designed to serve as a visual indicator for notifications and alerts when the phone is placed face down.

Looking Ahead to the Pixel 11a

For those who prefer Google’s mid-range offerings, details about the Pixel 11a are already surfacing. According to the tipster Mystery Leaks on Telegram (via 91mobiles), the Pixel 11a (codenamed Formosan) will feature a 6.3-inch 120Hz display and will also utilize the new Tensor G6 chip and MediaTek M90 modem.

It is expected to include a 4,870 mAh battery and a new front-facing camera sensor for better video calls. While the flagship Pixel 11 series launches in August, the Pixel 11a is expected to arrive a few months later.

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If you look at the back of a modern flagship smartphone, you’ll notice that camera modules have grown significantly. We have moved past the simple megapixel race; today, manufacturers are focusing on larger sensors, better glass, and practical software that actually helps you take better photos.

The line between a dedicated point-and-shoot camera and a smartphone is thinner than ever, making it an excellent time to upgrade if photography is your priority.

Whether you prefer the tactile feel of physical lenses, the reliability of a simple point-and-shoot, or the flexibility of advanced editing software, the current market has something tailored to your workflow. Here is a look at the seven best camera phones available in July 2026.

Vivo X300 Ultra

Vivo has positioned the X300 Ultra as a pocket camera, and the hardware reflects that approach. The phone features three Zeiss-branded cameras on the back, built around a 200MP 35mm main camera using a Sony LYTIA 901 sensor. It also includes a 200MP 85mm gimbal-stabilized periscope telephoto lens for long-range shots and a 50MP 14mm ultra-wide camera.

What makes the X300 Ultra unique is its modular ecosystem. Vivo offers a Professional Imaging Kit that includes a camera grip and two physical Zeiss teleconverter modules: a 200mm lens that provides 8.7x optical zoom at a 200mm equivalent focal length, and a 400mm lens.

It also features Vivo’s Blueprint Original Color Camera technology and a dedicated 5MP spectral sensor for more accurate color reproduction, helping deliver a tactile, traditional photography experience.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra leans heavily into its partnership with Hasselblad. The device features an eco-leather back and a comprehensive six-lens array. The primary setup includes a 200MP main sensor, a 200MP telephoto, and a dedicated 10x optical zoom Hasselblad lens that maintains optical quality up to 20x.

Oppo is using its new LUMO internal optical zoom technology, which helps retain detail by quadrupling the pixel count at the 2x and 6x zoom ranges. The software includes Hasselblad Master Mode, which allows for 8K photo output and includes Original Film profiles designed to replicate classic analog film stocks.

For those who want more physical control, Oppo’s Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit adds a professional teleconverter, a camera grip, and a 67mm filter adapter ring.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple updated its camera hardware last year, giving the iPhone 17 Pro a triple 48MP rear array. This includes a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a redesigned 48MP Telephoto lens with a significantly larger sensor. The optical zoom reaches 4x at 100mm and 8x at 200mm, offering more versatility for framing subjects.

The A19 Pro chip handles the image processing, bringing updates to Apple’s Photonic Engine. The physical Camera Controls on the device make it easy to adjust exposure, depth, and photographic styles on the fly.

Apple also updated the front-facing camera with an 18MP square sensor for a wider field of view, while maintaining its strong video capabilities with 4K Dolby Vision at 120fps and spatial audio capture.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra earns its spot by focusing heavily on low-light performance and practical video upgrades. Samsung has widened the apertures across its camera array, giving the 200MP main sensor an f/1.4 lens and the upgraded 50MP ultrawide an f/1.9 lens.

In practical terms, this allows the hardware to capture much more light naturally, resulting in cleaner photos and improved Nightography video in dim environments without over-relying on software processing. The zoom setup remains highly versatile, featuring a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 50MP 5x periscope lens.

For video shooters, the S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support the Advanced Professional Video (APV) standard, which efficiently compresses high-quality video files so they don’t eat up your storage as quickly.

Combined with upgraded Super Steady stabilization, updated native AI editing tools, and a front-facing camera equipped with a new AI Image Signal Processor for more accurate skin tones in mixed lighting, it is a thoroughly well-rounded tool for mobile photography and filmmaking.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Xiaomi’s ongoing collaboration with Leica continues with the 17 Ultra. The phone retains its distinct circular camera module, housing a quad-camera array. The main camera uses a 1-inch type sensor with a variable aperture, supported by three 50MP lenses for ultra-wide, 3x telephoto, and 5x periscope duties.

The image processing is handled by Xiaomi’s custom Surge chip, which is tuned to deliver Leica’s signature color science and contrast-heavy look with minimal shutter lag. Xiaomi also offers a Photography Kit for this model, which adds a case with a two-stage shutter button, a zoom lever, and a 67mm filter thread, making it feel much more like a traditional point-and-shoot.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

While other brands focus heavily on physical attachments, the Pixel 10 Pro XL remains a showcase for Google‘s computational photography. The hardware is solid, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens.

The real differentiator is the Tensor G5 chip and its custom Imaging Signal Processor. This enables new software tools like Camera Coach, which uses on-device AI to suggest framing and lighting adjustments in real-time. Features like Auto Best Take and Magic Cue help refine group shots and action photos. It also supports 100x Pro Res Zoom and 8K video recording through Google’s Video Boost processing.

Vivo X300 Pro

The Vivo X300 Pro is a strong alternative if you don’t want to step all the way up to the Ultra model. It is the first phone to use the 50MP Sony LYT828 main sensor, and it pairs that with a 50MP ultra-wide and the same 200MP periscope telephoto lens found on the X300 Ultra.

It relies on Vivo’s custom V3+ and VS1 dual imaging chips, which are particularly effective for shooting 4K HDR cinematic portrait videos. The X300 Pro is also compatible with the Zeiss 2.35x telephoto extender kit, allowing users to experiment with physical lens attachments on a slightly more accessible device.

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Google’s affordable Pixel A-series is getting ready to make another strong impression with the upcoming Pixel 11a.

Fresh leaks have given us a pretty detailed look at what’s coming. The phone (codename Formosan) will be powered by Google’s Tensor G6 chipset (codenamed Malibu), paired with the Titan M3 security chip.

This is a solid generational upgrade. One of the more interesting changes is the switch from Samsung’s Exynos modem to MediaTek’s M90, a move that’s expected to improve connectivity and efficiency across the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

The display is a 6.3-inch panel with 1080 x 2424 resolution and a smooth variable 60-120Hz refresh rate. Brightness looks strong too, with up to 2,250 nits in HDR and a peak of 3,350 nits. It’s expected to come with 8GB of RAM and a 4,870 mAh battery. There’s also a new front camera sensor (internally called “dokkaebi”), which suggests some imaging improvements.

On the design side, the Pixel 11a is rumored to launch in four nice colors: Obsidian (black), Olive (green), Frost (purple), and Fog (silver). These feel in line with Google’s recent colorful, nature-inspired aesthetic.

Overall, the Pixel 11a looks like it will bring more of Google’s AI magic and clean software experience to the mid-range segment. The jump to Tensor G6 and the new modem should help fix some of the thermal and connectivity issues that have been common in previous A-series phones.

The full Pixel 11 series is expected around August 2026. If these leaks hold up, the Pixel 11a could once again be a compelling value-focused Android phone, thanks to its long software support and clean software experience.

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Google‘s next smartwatch has stayed mostly out of the spotlight compared to the heavily leaked Pixel 11 series, but that’s starting to change. After earlier reports hinted at the Pixel Watch 5’s pricing and color lineup, fresh press-style renders are now giving us our first look at the upcoming wearable ahead of its rumored August 12 unveiling.

The renders come from tipster OnLeaks, working alongside The Tide Chart, and show the Pixel Watch 5 in four different case finishes across two case sizes.

Google Pixel Watch 5 renders confirm familiar design

Based on the images, it’s safe to say Google isn’t changing the design language this generation. The Watch 5 looks similar to last year’s Pixel Watch 4, with the same curved, domed-glass display, the charging pins on the side of the case, and Google’s proprietary band-attachment system rather than standard lugs.

The watch is tipped to come in two case sizes, 41mm and 45mm, each available with either Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity.

Color options differ slightly between the two sizes. The smaller 41mm model is expected to come in four finishes: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite, and Warm Gold. The larger 45mm version, however, reportedly skips the Warm Gold option, leaving buyers with three finishes to choose from instead.

Beyond the design, rumors suggest the Pixel Watch 5 will ship with Wear OS 7 out of the box, alongside modestly larger batteries than the previous generation for improved battery life. On the pricing side, earlier leaks suggest the new watch could cost about $50 more than the Pixel Watch 4 did at launch.

With the renders now out, we can also expect more technical details to come out soon. Stay tuned for more as the launch date approaches.

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Google Pixel 11 series is a little over a month away from its reveal, but a premature Amazon listing has revealed the three phones — Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold — in most of their color options.

First spotted by 9to5Google, the listing shows the base Pixel 11 in three different shades. The listing titles used playful names like “Hibiscus” and “Pistachio,” though the actual product descriptions referred to them as “Fuchsia” and “Moss.” A third color, listed simply as “Midnight,” rounds out the trio. 

As for the Pixel 11 Pro, it is listed in Dune and Sterling finishes. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, meanwhile, comes in Pine and Midnight options.

The listings are tied to the “Google Store” seller account on Amazon, which adds some weight to their credibility, though it’s worth noting Amazon’s marketplace is also full of third-party sellers, so a degree of caution is warranted. 

Google Pixel 11 Series Specifications

A few small specs slipped through in the descriptions too: the base Pixel 11 is listed with a 6.3-inch display at 1080 x 2424 resolution, 12GB of RAM, a 4,985 mAh battery, and a starting price of $899 for the 256GB model. 

Not everything in the listings checks out, though. The pages reference Android 16 as the software on board, despite the fact that these phones are expected to ship with Android 17. There are also mentions of a Google Pixel Tag as a compatible accessory for Pixel 11 phones, but no such thing exists as of now. 

Given the inconsistencies, it’s best to treat these color reveals as likely, but not fully confirmed. Google has already scheduled its Pixel 11 launch event for August, so official confirmation isn’t far off.

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A new leak is giving us an early look at another color option for the upcoming Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold. A source that goes by the alias Mystic Leaks on Telegram posted a render of the upcoming Pixel Fold in a shade called “Pine.”

The render shows a low-saturation gray-green color. Visually, it looks more or less similar to the Jade color of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The difference seems to be that the overall tone is likely muted compared to its predecessor. 

Pixel 11 Pro Fold render confirms redesigned camera module

The render also shows a change to the camera module. Compared to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the camera bump on this render is smaller, with almost no metal bezel around the lens openings. The main camera and ultra-wide lens are placed at the bottom of the module, while the telephoto lens has moved to the upper right corner. 

The flash unit on the left side is also larger than before. This matches earlier leaks, including CAD renders shared in March that showed a thinner body and a redesigned camera island, as well as other reports pointing to a full camera upgrade for this generation.

Separately, a feature called “Pixel Glow” was found in the Android 17 Beta 4 code. It is said to use lights and colors on the back of the phone to show information, such as calls or notifications. We reported on this feature earlier, and it is still not confirmed whether the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will include it. None of the renders seen so far show any visible LED hardware on the back panel.

Google’s Pixel 11 series, including the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, is expected to be announced in August. More leaks and details are likely to surface before the official launch.

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Google’s hardware events rarely come with surprises these days. The company has a well-documented history of its upcoming devices appearing online months before they are officially announced, and the Pixel Watch 5 is following that same pattern.

With the Made by Google event scheduled for August 12, 2026, a bit earlier than the company’s usual fall timeline, Google is preparing to introduce the Pixel 11 smartphone lineup alongside its newest smartwatch. Thanks to a series of supply chain reports, regulatory filings, and one unusual real-world discovery, we already have a clear idea of what the Pixel Watch 5 will offer.

Until the Pixel Watch 5 lands, current buyers can compare what’s already available in our list of top-rated smartwatches.

Based on the leaks, the upcoming watch looks very similar to last year’s Pixel Watch 4, but it will come with a few new hardware updates and a higher price tag. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.

Underwater prototype

If you were expecting a major redesign for the Pixel Watch 5, the current evidence suggests otherwise. In an unusual turn of events, a prototype of the device was recently found underwater. Randy Pitchford, the co-founder of Gearbox Software, was scuba diving near the Caribbean island of St. Martin when he discovered the unreleased smartwatch.

Pitchford posted photos of the device online, which confirmed a few basic details. First, Google is sticking with the familiar circular, domed glass design that has defined the Pixel Watch line since its introduction. Second, the device’s water resistance appears to be quite effective. Despite being submerged in the ocean, the watch was still functioning in low-power mode and displaying the correct time.

The markings on the back of the recovered prototype also confirmed a few specifications, including a 45mm size option, IP68 water and dust resistance, an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, and the standard array of health sensors for tracking heart rate, SpO2, and skin temperature.

Sizing and new color options

Google introduced a larger size option with the Pixel Watch 4, and it looks like that strategy is continuing. The Pixel Watch 5 will reportedly be available in both 41mm and 45mm variants, giving users an option depending on their wrist size and screen preference.

While the overall shape remains the same, Google is updating the color options. According to leaks from Dealabs, the company is introducing a new color called “Pyrite.” It is described as a pale, brassy-yellow hue with a matte finish, and it will be available on both watch sizes.

For the 41mm model, buyers will reportedly have four finishes to choose from: Dark Anthracite (matte), Natural Silver (polished), Pyrite (matte), and Warm Gold (polished). The larger 45mm model will have a slightly smaller selection, dropping the Warm Gold option but keeping Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, and Pyrite.

Processors and ultra-wideband

The internal hardware is where things are a bit less clear. The previous generation used the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, which provided a much-needed improvement to battery life and everyday performance. For the Pixel Watch 5, the rumors are currently divided.

Some reports indicate Google will use Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, which would likely bring standard improvements to battery efficiency and app loading times. Other rumors suggest Google might introduce a custom Tensor chip for its wearables, aligning the watch with the processors used in its Pixel phones.

Regardless of the processor, the addition of an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip is a practical upgrade. UWB technology allows for precise spatial tracking. In everyday use, this means the Find My Device network will be much more accurate if you misplace your watch, and it could also allow the Pixel Watch 5 to function as a digital car key for supported vehicles.

Pricing

The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to see a price increase across all models, marking the first time Google has raised the base price of the lineup since the original watch launched in 2022.

According to leaked pricing data for the US and Europe, the base 41mm Wi-Fi model will start at $399. That is a $50 increase over the Pixel Watch 4. The larger 45mm Wi-Fi model is expected to start at $429, representing a $30 increase.

The models with cellular connectivity will also cost more. The 41mm LTE version is rumored to be priced at $499, while the 45mm LTE model will likely cost $529.

This price adjustment is likely tied to broader trends in the tech industry. Manufacturers are currently dealing with higher component costs, particularly for memory and storage chips, due to increased demand in other tech sectors.

Rather than absorbing these higher manufacturing costs, it appears Google is adjusting the retail price accordingly. At $399, the Pixel Watch 5 will sit in the same price bracket as the base Apple Watch Series 11.

Release date

Google’s hardware event will take place in New York City on August 12, 2026. Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 5 and the Pixel 11 series are expected to open on the same day. The devices are expected to begin shipping to customers and arrive in retail stores a week later, on August 20.

We will know the full details soon enough, but for now, it looks like the Pixel Watch 5 will be a straightforward refinement of last year’s model, focused on internal upgrades rather than a visual overhaul.

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As AI agents get smarter and start handling more complex tasks on our phones, one big challenge is keeping users in the loop without forcing them to constantly switch apps. Google is tackling this with a new feature called Android Halo.

In a recent video on Google’s official developer YouTube channel, Android President Sameer Samat gave more details about it (around the 30-minute mark). First previewed at Google I/O in May, Android Halo is designed to make communication between users and their AI assistants much more seamless and transparent.

A dedicated spot in the status bar

The idea is simple but clever: Android Halo creates a persistent space in the phone’s status bar for your chosen AI agent, whether that’s Gemini or a compatible third-party one. When the agent is working on something, you’ll see a subtle indicator there. It can show progress updates, ask you quick follow-up questions, or display final results without you needing to open the app again.

Samat explained that while AI agents are getting good at running multiple tasks on their own, they still need human input at key moments. Halo acts as a dedicated channel for three main things: asking clarifying questions, sharing updates, and showing completed work.

“This is a dedicated location on the status bar where the user-selected agent can report updates to the user and receive the user’s latest instructions for the current task queue,” he said. He called it an interesting new direction for how we’ll interact with intelligent systems in the future.

By keeping everything visible and easy to access, Halo brings more transparency to background AI activity. It makes these smart agents feel less like mysterious black boxes and more like helpful partners, which should help build user trust.

The feature is expected to arrive later in 2026 with Android 17. It fits nicely into Google’s broader Gemini plans and could work alongside other new AI capabilities. While we’re still waiting for full details on rollout and supported devices, the goal is clear: make AI on Android feel more natural and integrated into daily use.

This move shows where the industry is headed, toward more proactive, agent-style AI. Features like Halo could become essential as these systems take on bigger responsibilities. It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves.

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(Google for Developers on YouTube)

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It is a familiar situation for anyone in the market for a new smartphone: do you buy the current model available today, or do you wait a few months for the next version?

Right now, in mid-2026, Google has left buyers with an interesting choice. The Pixel 10 series is currently available and offers a very capable experience. It introduced Qi2 magnetic charging, which Google calls Pixelsnap, brought a telephoto lens to the base model, and upgraded to the 3nm Tensor G5 chip. However, recent leaks have already detailed Google’s plans for the Pixel 11 lineup, which is expected to launch this August.

If you are using an older device like a Pixel 7 or a phone with a degraded battery, you might be wondering what to do. Let’s look at the practical differences between the Pixel 10 you can buy today and the rumored Pixel 11 coming later this summer.

Processor and Modem

If there is one distinct reason to hold off on buying a Pixel 10, it is the internal hardware.

The Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 is a capable processor built on a 3nm process, and it handles Google’s on-device AI features, like Camera Coach and Auto Best Take, quite well. But the Pixel 11 is expected to introduce a more significant update.

According to recent leaks, the Pixel 11’s Tensor G6 will be built on TSMC’s newer N2 (2nm) node. In processor manufacturing, smaller nodes generally translate to better power efficiency and improved heat management. If you often use your phone for demanding tasks like recording long 4K videos or gaming, the 2nm Tensor G6 could offer a more consistent, cooler experience.

Additionally, the modem is seeing a change. Pixel phones have occasionally faced criticism for connectivity and battery drain issues linked to their Samsung-based modems. The Pixel 11 is reportedly moving away from this setup in favor of the MediaTek M90 modem. Having a more efficient modem usually means more reliable cellular reception and better battery retention when you are off Wi-Fi. For people who travel frequently or rely heavily on mobile data, this hardware change alone might be worth the wait.

Design Tweaks

Google often experiments with unique hardware features, and the upcoming generation seems to continue that trend. On the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, Google included the infrared temperature sensor in the camera bar. It is a functional tool for checking the temperature of objects, but it isn’t something most people use every day.

The Pixel 11 Pro series is reportedly dropping the thermometer. In its place, Google is expected to introduce a small RGB LED array called Pixel Glow in the camera bar.

It sounds similar to the notification lights we used to see on older smartphones, or a scaled-down version of the Glyph interface on Nothing’s phones. While it is more of a visual addition than a strict utility, it could be useful for custom notification alerts or as a soft fill light for photography.

Displays and Cameras

If you are expecting a major redesign or a completely new display technology, the Pixel 11 might look very familiar. The Pixel 10 already offers high-quality screens.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch QHD+ display that reaches 3,300 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel 11 Pro XL is rumored to increase that to 3,600 nits. In daily use, especially indoors, you are unlikely to notice a difference. Both generations use 120Hz LTPO OLED panels that are easy to read in direct sunlight.

For the cameras, the Pixel 11 series is slated to receive a new 50MP main sensor and updated telephoto lenses. However, the Pixel 10 already has a highly capable camera system, including a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that supports high-resolution zoom. Much of Google’s photo quality comes from its software processing rather than just the hardware. While the Pixel 11 will feature a new TPU that might process images a bit faster or enable new AI editing tools, the actual difference in photo quality between the 10 and 11 will likely be minimal for standard point-and-shoot photography.

Battery Life and Charging

With the Pixel 10, Google integrated Pixelsnap, a Qi2-compatible magnetic charging system that allows you to easily attach wireless chargers and accessories. This feature is expected to remain on the Pixel 11.

Battery capacities between the two generations are also very similar. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 5,200mAh battery, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL is rumored to have a rated capacity of 5,000mAh, which will likely be marketed around the same 5,100 to 5,200mAh mark.

Any real-world improvements in battery life won’t come from larger batteries, but rather from the improved efficiency of the Tensor G6 chip and the new MediaTek modem.

Verdict

Deciding whether to buy now or wait comes down to your current needs.

Consider buying the Pixel 10 now if: Your current phone is broken or frustrating to use, and you need a reliable device today. The Pixel 10 is a refined smartphone with a great camera, magnetic Qi2 charging, and seven years of promised software support. It is a solid purchase that will last a long time.

Consider waiting for the Pixel 11 if: Your current phone can last a few more months, and you prioritize battery efficiency and cellular performance. The move to a 2nm processor and a MediaTek modem addresses some of the most common hardware complaints from previous Pixel generations. If you want the most efficient hardware Google has to offer, checking out the Pixel 11 in August is the practical move.

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Foldable smartphones have reached a point where buyers expect flagship performance, premium cameras, long battery life, and durable designs without compromise. The Vivo X Fold 6 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold target the premium segment but take different approaches. Vivo focuses on powerful hardware, fast charging, and high-end camera hardware, while Google emphasizes software intelligence, AI-powered photography, and long-term software support. Here’s how these two flagship foldables compare.

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

Both foldables offer premium construction with aluminum frames and excellent water resistance. The Vivo X Fold 6 features IP58/IP59 protection, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold carries a higher IP68 rating for better dust and water protection. Vivo also includes an infrared blaster and dual Nano-SIM support, whereas Google combines Nano-SIM with eSIM while adding Ultra Wideband and Satellite SOS for extra connectivity. Both phones feel premium, but they appeal to different users. Vivo focuses on hardware versatility, while Google’s additional safety and smart connectivity features make it more practical for long-term everyday use.

Display Quality

The Vivo X Fold 6 features an 8.02-inch LTPO AMOLED inner display with Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, HDR10+, and a brighter 5,000-nit peak cover display. Its higher pixel density also delivers sharper text and images. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold uses an 8-inch LTPO OLED panel with HDR10+ and a 3,000-nit peak brightness, offering excellent color accuracy and Google’s display tuning. Both support smooth 120Hz refresh rates, but Vivo’s brighter cover screen and richer multimedia support create a more immersive viewing experience.

Verdict

The Vivo X Fold 6 delivers a stronger overall display package thanks to its brighter cover display, sharper resolution, and broader HDR support. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold counters with superior durability and useful premium connectivity features, making it an excellent choice for users who value software integration alongside hardware quality.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Vivo X Fold 6 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Super processor paired with UFS 4.1 storage and up to 16GB RAM. This combination is designed for demanding gaming, multitasking, and sustained performance. Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold runs on the Tensor G5 chipset with up to 16GB RAM, focusing more on AI features, image processing, and software optimization than outright benchmark performance. Both deliver flagship-level speed, but Vivo is likely to satisfy power users seeking maximum hardware performance.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is one of Vivo’s biggest strengths. The X Fold 6 packs a massive 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, along with reverse wired and wireless charging. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold includes a 5,015mAh battery with 30W wired charging, 15W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, bypass charging, and PPS support. Google’s charging options are convenient, but Vivo simply offers much longer endurance and dramatically faster charging, making daily usage far less restrictive.

Verdict

The Vivo X Fold 6 clearly leads in raw performance and battery technology. Google’s Tensor G5 shines through AI capabilities and software intelligence, but Vivo’s larger battery and significantly faster charging create a more complete flagship experience for demanding users.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The Vivo X Fold 6 features an impressive triple-camera setup consisting of a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultrawide lens enhanced by Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* coating, Laser AF, and 8K video recording. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold uses a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 10.5MP ultrawide camera. Google compensates with powerful computational photography features, including Best Take, Ultra HDR, Pixel Shift, and Zoom Enhance. Vivo delivers superior camera hardware, while Google extracts remarkable results through software processing. The better choice depends on whether hardware capability or computational photography matters more.

Selfie Camera

Vivo includes dual 20MP front cameras for both the inner and cover displays, ensuring a consistent selfie experience regardless of how the phone is used. Google equips both displays with 10MP autofocus selfie cameras capable of recording 4K video, offering better video quality but lower resolution. Vivo provides greater image detail, while Google’s autofocus improves reliability during video calls and content creation.

Verdict

The Vivo X Fold 6 takes the lead for camera hardware with its larger sensors, higher resolutions, Zeiss partnership, and 8K recording. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold remains one of the smartest camera phones available, thanks to Google’s AI-driven image processing, making it especially attractive for users who prefer effortless photography.

Pricing

Vivo X Fold 6 is priced around $1,200 (₹111,000), while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is priced around $1,800 (₹160,000). That creates a price difference of roughly $600 (₹49,000), placing Google’s foldable firmly in the ultra-premium category. Vivo delivers flagship hardware, a larger battery, faster charging, premium Zeiss cameras, and an equally premium folding display for considerably less money. Google charges a noticeable premium largely for its software ecosystem, AI capabilities, and industry-leading Android update commitment.

Is the Price Justified?

Google’s pricing is justified for buyers who prioritize long software support, exclusive Pixel AI features, and computational photography. However, buyers focused on hardware specifications receive substantially more for their money with Vivo. The overall value proposition feels stronger on the Vivo side because very few compromises are made despite the lower asking price.

Verdict

The Vivo X Fold 6 offers significantly better value for money. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold earns its premium through software excellence, but Vivo delivers a flagship hardware package at a much more competitive price.

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

Conclusion

The Vivo X Fold 6 stands out with its 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, 200MP Zeiss camera system, 8K video recording, brighter cover display, and infrared blaster. It is designed for buyers who want cutting-edge hardware with minimal compromises. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold distinguishes itself through seven years of Android upgrades, advanced AI photography tools, Satellite SOS, Ultra Wideband support, Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, and Google’s clean Android experience. Both are premium foldables, but their priorities are clearly different.

Verdict

The Vivo X Fold 6 is the better choice for buyers seeking flagship hardware, longer battery life, faster charging, and exceptional camera specifications at a more accessible price. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is ideal for users who place greater value on AI-powered software, long-term updates, and the Pixel ecosystem. For most buyers looking at overall features and value, the Vivo X Fold 6 delivers the more compelling package.

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

Read More:

• Vivo X Fold6 vs OPPO Find N6: The Ultimate Foldable Flagship Comparison
• Vivo X Fold6 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Which Premium Foldable Offers Better Value?
• Motorola Edge 70 Pro vs Google Pixel 10a: The Winner Is Surprisingly Cheaper

The post Vivo X Fold 6 vs Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: The Winner May Surprise You appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google just dropped Android 17 in mid-June 2026, and it started rolling out to Pixel phones with all sorts of promises: better performance, new AI features, and smoother everything. For a lot of people, though, the excitement didn’t last long. Pretty quickly, users started flooding Reddit, X, and the usual forums with complaints about two big headaches: wonky touchscreens and flaky 5G connections.

The touchscreen issue

Some folks say their phones just stop responding to taps and swipes for random stretches. Others are dealing with something even stranger called “gesture inversion,” where swiping up scrolls the screen down, and vice versa. It’s bizarre, and it only started after the Android 17 update.

It’s hitting a wide range of Pixels, especially the new Pixel 10 series, along with the 9, 8, and 7 models. Pixel 6 users seem less affected so far, but it’s still early. The good news? It doesn’t look like a specific hardware problem, which suggests it’s a software glitch from the update itself.

A few people have found temporary relief by turning “Smooth Display” (the variable refresh rate setting) off and back on, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Google has a solid history of squashing these kinds of Pixel bugs pretty fast through monthly updates, so there’s hope a proper patch is already in the works. That said, as of writing, Google has acknowledged the issue but hasn’t released a fix yet.

5G and WiFi connectivity problems

On top of that, plenty of users (particularly on Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 8 Pro, 8a, and even some 6a models) lost their 5G completely after updating. The phones drop down to LTE or lose signal altogether. Some are also seeing missing eSIM profiles after restarts and Wi-Fi networks that refuse to reconnect automatically. Several core Google apps (including the Google app, YouTube, Gmail, Play Store, Google Keep, and Google Photos) are also failing to load or function properly on Wi-Fi.

The Pixel community moderators have a decent workaround for now: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset mobile network settings. It wipes your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data configs (but not your apps or personal stuff), so you’ll have to set everything up again. A lot of people say this brings their 5G back.

If you’re running into these problems, the best thing you can do is report them through the feedback tool built directly into the system settings or in the official Pixel community forums. The more reports Google gets, the faster they usually move.

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(Sources: 1, 2, 3 | Image)

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Google’s latest Pixel flagships are running into a frustrating software bug that’s breaking one of the most basic things you do on a phone: replying to emails.

According to reports from Android Authority and plenty of complaints on Reddit, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold owners are hitting this weird issue in the Gmail app. When you tap to reply to an email, the AI-powered “Help me write” feature (powered by Gemini) jumps in and completely blocks the on-screen keyboard (Gboard) from appearing. Instead, you’re stuck looking at the AI suggestion box with almost no easy way to type normally.

On the Pixel 10 Pro XL, there’s a clunky workaround: you can tap the keyboard hide button in the bottom-left corner and then keep tapping the reply field until the keyboard finally shows up. But it’s worse on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The cursor disappears in the reply field, taps do nothing, and you’re basically forced to use the AI tool.

The bug seems linked to recent updates and Google’s strong push to promote the AI writing assistant in Gmail. Normally, “Help me write” is something you can choose to use, but on these affected Pixels it overrides regular typing. Interestingly, Android Authority couldn’t reproduce the problem on other Android phones like the vivo X300 FE or OnePlus 15, and the iOS version of Gmail works fine.

This popped up not long after Google’s June 2026 Pixel Drop, which brought Android 17 and deeper AI features to the Pixel 10 series. While tools like Gemini are meant to make life easier, this glitch shows how tricky it can be to blend smart AI features with the simple, reliable stuff we all expect.

A lot of users are venting on forums and looking for fixes. Some have found temporary relief by turning off certain Gemini options in the Gmail settings. Google hasn’t commented officially yet, but with so many reports coming in, a software patch is probably on the way.

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(Sources: 1, 2)

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Motorola Edge 70 Pro and Google Pixel 10a target buyers looking for a premium smartphone experience without stepping into flagship pricing. While Motorola focuses on high-end hardware, fast charging, and versatile cameras, Google leans heavily on software optimization, long-term support, and computational photography. Choosing between them comes down to whether hardware advantages or software refinement matters more in daily use.

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro delivers a more premium appearance with its eco-leather rear panel, slim profile, and IP68/IP69 protection. It also carries MIL-STD-810H certification, adding an extra layer of durability for users who spend time outdoors. The design feels modern and stylish while remaining practical for everyday handling.

The Google Pixel 10a takes a more straightforward approach with an aluminum frame and plastic back. Its build quality remains solid, and the IP68 rating ensures reliable protection against water and dust. The compact form factor makes it easier to use with one hand, which many users may prefer for daily convenience.

Display Quality

Motorola clearly prioritizes display specifications. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED panel supports a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR content, and an extremely bright 5200-nit peak brightness. The higher resolution and smoother refresh rate create a more immersive experience for gaming and media consumption.

Google’s 6.3-inch P-OLED display offers excellent color accuracy and HDR support with a 120Hz refresh rate. While not as impressive on paper, Google’s display tuning is known for delivering a natural and consistent viewing experience.

Verdict

The Pixel 10a wins for compact usability, but the Edge 70 Pro offers the more impressive overall package thanks to its premium finish, stronger durability credentials, larger screen, higher resolution, and significantly superior display specifications.

Buyers who want to see how these two stack up against other options should browse our list of budget-friendly phone picks.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme paired with UFS 4.1 storage and up to 12GB RAM. The combination delivers excellent responsiveness, faster app loading, and stronger multitasking capabilities. Users who frequently game or run demanding applications will appreciate the additional performance headroom.

Google’s Tensor G4 focuses more on AI-driven experiences than raw speed. Every day performance remains smooth, and Google’s software optimization keeps the interface fluid. However, UFS 3.1 storage and lower memory options place it behind Motorola in pure hardware capability.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is a major strength for Motorola. The 6500mAh battery is among the largest in the segment and is paired with ultra-fast 90W wired charging, along with wireless and reverse wireless charging support.

The Pixel 10a’s 5100mAh battery remains respectable and should comfortably last a full day. However, its 30W charging feels considerably slower compared to Motorola’s solution.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro takes a clear lead in specifications. Faster storage, more memory options, stronger performance potential, a larger battery, and dramatically faster charging make it a more capable hardware-focused smartphone.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

Motorola equips the Edge 70 Pro with an unusually versatile triple-camera setup consisting of 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP periscope telephoto cameras with 3.5x optical zoom. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens significantly expands shooting flexibility, especially for portraits and distant subjects. Video recording is also impressive with support for 4K at up to 120fps.

The Pixel 10a relies on a dual-camera system featuring a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide sensor. While the hardware appears less ambitious, Google’s image processing remains one of the strongest in the industry. Features such as Best Take, Ultra HDR, and Pixel Shift help produce consistently excellent photos.

Selfie Camera

Motorola’s 50MP autofocus selfie camera offers higher resolution and greater versatility. It is particularly useful for detailed selfies and video calls.

Google’s 13MP ultrawide selfie camera provides a wider field of view, making group selfies easier, though image detail is lower.

Verdict

The Edge 70 Pro wins on hardware versatility and zoom capability, while the Pixel 10a remains highly competitive through software processing. Users seeking maximum camera flexibility will likely find Motorola more appealing.

Pricing

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro is priced around $400 (₹39,000), while the Google Pixel 10a is priced around $500 (₹50,000). This creates a noticeable price gap of roughly $100 or ₹11,000 between the two devices.

At its price point, Motorola delivers flagship-style features such as a 144Hz display, periscope telephoto camera, 6500mAh battery, 90W charging, UFS 4.1 storage, and wireless charging. The specification sheet feels unusually generous for the segment and competes with devices that often cost considerably more.

Google’s higher price is largely justified by its software strengths. Buyers receive seven years of Android upgrades, exclusive Pixel AI features, strong camera processing, and a clean Android experience. These advantages may hold long-term value for users who keep phones for many years.

Verdict

From a pure value-for-money perspective, the Edge 70 Pro delivers more hardware for less money. The Pixel 10a justifies its premium through software longevity rather than specifications.

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

Conclusion

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro stands out with its 144Hz AMOLED display, 6500mAh battery, 90W charging, UFS 4.1 storage, and rare periscope telephoto camera. It is clearly designed for buyers who prioritize powerful hardware and feature-rich specifications.

The Google Pixel 10a differentiates itself through seven years of Android updates, Tensor-powered AI capabilities, advanced computational photography, Satellite SOS support, and Google’s highly optimized software experience. These strengths make it particularly attractive for users who value long-term reliability and software support.

Verdict

Motorola Edge 70 Pro is the stronger overall choice for most buyers. It offers a superior display, faster performance, better charging, a larger battery, and a more versatile camera system while costing less. 

Google Pixel 10a remains an excellent option for users who prioritize software updates, AI features, and Google’s camera processing, but the Edge 70 Pro provides the more compelling overall value in this comparison.

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

Read More:

• Samsung Galaxy A27 vs Redmi 15: Is Samsung Really Worth Paying More For?
• Samsung Galaxy A27 vs Oppo A6 Comparison: Display, Battery, Camera & Performance
• Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ vs OnePlus 15R: Which Phone Gives More for Your Money?

The post Motorola Edge 70 Pro vs Google Pixel 10a: The Winner Is Surprisingly Cheaper appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has unveiled the Google Home Speaker, marking the beginning of a new generation of smart home devices built around Gemini. The speaker introduces a more conversational approach to voice interactions and is designed to make everyday tasks, entertainment, and smart home controls feel more natural than traditional voice assistants.

Google Home Speaker features and Gemini capabilities

The Google Home Speaker is the first audio product created specifically for Gemini for Home, Google’s AI-powered voice assistant. Instead of relying on fixed command phrases, the system can understand more natural requests, follow context during conversations, and handle multiple instructions within a single sentence. Users can also make corrections while speaking without needing to restart a command.

Google has included 10 new voice options designed to deliver more natural responses. Gemini can answer more detailed questions by combining information from different sources and reasoning through multiple steps. The speaker also supports continued conversations, allowing users to ask follow-up questions without repeatedly using the wake phrase. For users seeking additional AI features, Google Home Premium unlocks Gemini Live conversations, camera history search for compatible Nest cameras, and Home Brief summaries that recap activity around the house.

Beyond AI features, the speaker delivers 360-degree audio designed to provide balanced sound throughout a room. Advanced microphone processing helps improve voice recognition in different environments. It can also be paired with a Google TV Streamer, with support for up to two speakers to create a more immersive home entertainment setup with spatial surround sound.

Google Home Speaker price and availability

The Google Home Speaker is available for pre-order and will go on sale from June 25. It carries a price tag of $99.99.  The device comes in Hazel and Porcelain colour options globally, while Jade and Berry are exclusive to the US market. Google says subscribers to AI Pro and AI Ultra plans will receive Google Home Premium access at no additional cost.

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Google has released Android 17, introducing a collection of new features aimed at making smartphones and large-screen devices more productive, secure and efficient. The update is rolling out first to supported Pixel devices, while other eligible Android smartphones, tablets and foldables are expected to receive it later this year. Alongside user-facing additions, Android 17 also includes several under-the-hood improvements designed to enhance overall system performance.

Android 17: Smarter ways to work and play

A major highlight of Android 17 is its improved multitasking experience. The new Bubbles feature allows users to open apps in compact floating windows that remain accessible while using other applications. This makes it easier to check messages, notes, maps or other information without repeatedly switching between apps. On larger devices such as tablets and foldables, Android 17 adds a dedicated bubble bar that keeps active floating windows organised for quick access.

The update also introduces Screen Reactions, which combines screen recording with selfie camera capture. Users can record their reactions while demonstrating apps, commenting on videos or creating tutorials directly from their device. Foldable smartphones receive additional gaming enhancements through a new gaming mode that splits the display between gameplay and on-screen controls, creating a more immersive experience. Google says memory handling has also been improved to reduce stuttering and maintain smoother gameplay during demanding titles.

Android 17 brings several new privacy controls. Users can now provide apps with temporary access to their precise location and choose specific contacts to share rather than granting access to an entire contact list. The Find Hub service gains an upgraded “Mark as lost” option that can secure a misplaced device using biometric authentication, helping protect sensitive data even if someone knows the device passcode.

The update also strengthens protection against scams and malicious software through enhancements to Live Threat Detection and Advanced Protection. Additional safeguards have been added to PIN authentication by limiting repeated attempts and increasing waiting periods after multiple failures. Google has further introduced app memory limits to prevent excessive RAM usage, which can help improve battery life and overall responsiveness.

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After releasing four major beta builds over the past four months, Google has finally pushed the stable Android 17, which is now rolling out to eligible Google Pixel devices. The update package also includes the June 2026 Pixel Feature Drop.

Here’s how the Android 17 development progressed:

• Android 17 Beta 1: Feb 13, 2026
• Android 17 Beta 2: Feb 26, 2026
• Android 17 Beta 3: Mar 26, 2026
• Android 17 Beta 4: Apr 16, 2026
• Android 17 Beta 4.1: Jun 1, 2026
• Stable Android 17: Jun 16, 2026

The Android 17 update is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, all the way back to Pixel 6. Review the list below to see if yours is included.

Google Pixels eligible for Android 17 update: Full list

• Pixel 10
• Pixel 10 Pro
• Pixel 10 Pro XL
• Pixel 10 Pro Fold
• Pixel 10a
• Pixel 9
• Pixel 9 Pro
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Pixel 9a
• Pixel 8
• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8a
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 6
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a

Unlike other brands, Google rolls out the update to all eligible devices at the same time. However, availability may vary depending on your region. You can manually check for available software updates by navigating to Settings > System > System Update.

For non-beta users, the update package is a few gigabytes. Beta users are receiving a much smaller package, as most of the changes have already been rolled out to devices via early builds.

Android 17: New features and major upgrades

1. New AI features

With Android 17, Pixel phones receive a bundle of AI features to help them make the most out of their devices. It introduces Lyria 3 for generating original music from a text/image prompt, and Gemini Omni allows users to turn a text prompt into a custom video clip (requires a Gemini Pro subscription).

The Voice Translate feature is now available on the Pixel 10a, while the Manual Call Screen feature is expanding to India. The update also extends Quick Share — AirDrop compatibility to Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a, while the Pixel 10 series gets access to Magic Cue.

2. Bubbles receives its biggest upgrade yet

The Bubbles feature, which has been limited to messaging apps for years, now works with all apps. That means you can now turn any app into a floating bubble and use it alongside other applications. To use this feature, long-press an app icon and choose the Bubble option.

On tablets and foldable devices, there’s a new Bubble Bar in the bottom-right corner that organizes and holds app bubbles.

3. Screen Reactions

With this feature, you can record yourself using the selfie camera while capturing your screen, eliminating the need for a green screen. This feature can be pretty helpful for folks creating tutorials, reaction videos, or gameplay recordings.

4. Foldable gaming mode

This feature splits a fold into a 50/50 layout with the game on top and a dynamic gamepad below. The Foldable gaming mode is enabled in Android 17 and will be available in the coming months.

To further level up your gaming experience, Android 17 supports native controller remapping for external controllers.

5. Continue app state on another device

The Continue On feature has made it to the final release. It allows users to seamlessly transition a task between Android devices. That means you can now open an app on your mobile device and continue working on it on your tablet without losing state.

As Google mentioned, “the user sees a suggestion for the most recently opened app from their mobile in their tablet taskbar.” When tapped, the app launches without losing its state.

6. Security and privacy

Android 17 allows the user to grant an app temporary access to their precise location. There’s also a new “Mark as lost” feature in Find Hub that lets you lock a missing phone behind your biometrics. So, even if a thief knows your passcode, he won’t be able to unlock it.

You can now give apps temporary access to your specific contacts. Those apps won’t be able to track any changes you make to a contact’s information.

Android 17 brings many more useful features and upgrades. You can read about those on this page.

Remember to visit the news section regularly for the latest information. Or, you can join our Telegram channel for quick updates.

The post Stable Android 17 rolling out to Google Pixels: Check eligible devices, new features, and more appeared first on Gizmochina.

Choosing between the Xiaomi 17T Pro and Google Pixel 10 comes down to priorities. One focuses on flagship-grade hardware, ultra-fast charging, and a large battery, while the other emphasizes software longevity, AI features, and Google’s renowned camera processing. Both target premium smartphone buyers, but they deliver very different experiences despite being priced relatively close to each other.

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Xiaomi 17T Pro adopts a premium glass-and-aluminum construction with Gorilla Glass 7i protection and an IP68 rating. It feels like a true performance flagship, with features such as an infrared blaster and support for multiple SIM and eSIM configurations adding practicality. The overall design leans toward users who enjoy powerful hardware and feature-rich devices.

The Google Pixel 10 also features a glass-and-aluminum build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and IP68 certification. Google’s design language remains clean and minimalist, giving the phone a refined appearance that feels modern without being flashy. The software-first approach is reflected in the overall user experience.

Display Quality

Xiaomi takes a clear lead on paper with its 6.83-inch AMOLED panel featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, 3840Hz PWM dimming, and a peak brightness of 3500 nits. The display feels more immersive for gaming, streaming, and multitasking.

The Pixel 10 offers a smaller OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits peak brightness. While less ambitious in specifications, Google’s display tuning remains excellent for everyday use and color accuracy.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T Pro delivers a more impressive display package and feels like a true multimedia powerhouse. The Pixel 10 counters with a cleaner, more compact experience, but Xiaomi wins this section thanks to its superior screen technology and feature set.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset paired with UFS 4.1 storage and up to 16GB RAM. It is designed to handle demanding gaming, multitasking, and intensive workloads with ease. The hardware specifications suggest flagship-level performance with significant headroom for future software updates.

The Pixel 10 uses Google’s Tensor G5 processor with up to 12GB RAM. While Tensor chips continue to improve, their focus remains on AI-driven tasks and software intelligence rather than outright benchmark dominance. Daily performance is expected to be smooth, but power users may notice Xiaomi’s hardware advantage.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is one of Xiaomi’s biggest strengths. The massive 7000mAh battery, combined with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, creates a package that is difficult to match in the premium segment. Fast top-ups and extended endurance make the device particularly attractive for heavy users.

The Pixel 10 includes a 4970mAh battery with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. The battery should comfortably last a day, but charging speeds feel conservative compared to Xiaomi’s offering.

Verdict

For raw performance and battery technology, the Xiaomi 17T Pro is clearly ahead. The Pixel 10 remains efficient and intelligent, but Xiaomi offers substantially more hardware value for demanding users.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

The Xiaomi 17T Pro features a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Leica tuning, Ultra HDR support, and advanced video capabilities, including 8K recording, give it a versatile camera system. The larger primary sensor should also help in challenging lighting conditions.

The Pixel 10 combines a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP 5x telephoto lens, and a 13MP ultrawide camera. While the hardware appears less impressive, Google’s image processing remains one of the strongest advantages of the Pixel lineup. Features like Best Take, Pixel Shift, and computational photography often produce consistently excellent results.

Selfie Camera

Xiaomi equips the device with a 32MP front camera capable of 4K recording and HDR10+ support. The higher resolution offers greater flexibility for detailed selfies and content creation.

Google’s 10.5MP ultrawide selfie camera benefits from autofocus and Google’s image processing, delivering reliable and natural-looking results.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T Pro offers stronger camera hardware and broader video capabilities. However, the Pixel 10 remains highly competitive thanks to Google’s software expertise. Hardware enthusiasts may prefer Xiaomi, while photography purists may still appreciate Pixel’s image processing.

Pricing

The Xiaomi 17T Pro is priced around ₹75,000 ($900), while the Google Pixel 10 is priced around ₹70,000 ($800). The difference is relatively small considering the substantial hardware upgrades Xiaomi provides.

At its asking price, the Xiaomi 17T Pro delivers a flagship processor, significantly larger battery, faster charging, a higher-refresh-rate display, more storage options, and stronger camera hardware. The overall package feels aggressively positioned for buyers seeking maximum specifications.

The Pixel 10, despite being priced around ₹70,000, justifies its cost through seven years of Android upgrades, Google’s AI ecosystem, camera software, and the clean Pixel experience. Long-term software support remains a major advantage that many buyers value more than raw specifications.

Verdict

The Pixel 10 offers excellent long-term value through software support, but the Xiaomi 17T Pro delivers more hardware for the money. Buyers focused on specifications and features are likely to see Xiaomi as the stronger value proposition.

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

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 17T Pro stands out with its 144Hz AMOLED display, massive 7000mAh battery, 100W charging, Leica-tuned camera system, 50W wireless charging, and flagship-grade Dimensity 9500 processor. It is clearly designed for users who want cutting-edge hardware and minimal compromises.

The Google Pixel 10 differentiates itself with seven years of Android updates, advanced AI capabilities, Circle to Search, Satellite SOS, excellent computational photography, and a clean Android experience. These advantages make it appealing to users who prioritize software quality and long-term reliability.

Verdict

Xiaomi 17T Pro is the better choice for most buyers seeking maximum value in the premium segment. Its display, battery, charging speeds, performance, and camera hardware provide a more complete flagship package. The Google Pixel 10 remains an excellent option for users who prioritize software support, AI features, and Google’s photography experience, but Xiaomi offers a more compelling overall smartphone at this price point.

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

Read More:

• Xiaomi 17T Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Comparison: Specs, Camera, Battery & Price
• Xiaomi 17T Pro vs OnePlus 15: Don’t Buy Until You Read This Comparison
• Xiaomi 17T vs Nothing Phone (4a) Pro: Full Specs Comparison

The post Xiaomi 17T Pro vs Google Pixel 10: Which Flagship Should You Buy in 2026? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi 17T and Google Pixel 10a take two very different approaches to the premium mid-range smartphone market. Xiaomi focuses on powerful hardware, fast charging, and a versatile camera system, while Google emphasizes clean software, long-term updates, and smart AI-powered features. With both phones targeting buyers looking for flagship-like experiences without flagship prices, this comparison breaks down which device delivers the better value and overall user experience. 

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Xiaomi 17T and Google Pixel 10a both offer IP68 water and dust resistance, making them reliable daily companions. Xiaomi uses a glass front paired with a glass-fiber reinforced plastic back, while Google combines Gorilla Glass 7i with an aluminum frame and plastic rear panel. The Pixel 10a feels slightly more premium thanks to its aluminum construction, while the Xiaomi 17T focuses on durability and a flagship-inspired design language.

Display Quality

Display hardware is where the Xiaomi 17T takes a clear lead. Its 6.59-inch AMOLED panel delivers a sharper 1268 x 2756 resolution, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and reaches an impressive 3,500 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 10a’s 6.3-inch P-OLED display is still excellent with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, but it lacks some of Xiaomi’s premium multimedia enhancements. The higher resolution and richer feature set make the Xiaomi screen feel more immersive for gaming and video streaming.

Verdict

The Pixel 10a offers a refined build with an aluminum frame, but the Xiaomi 17T delivers the stronger overall package. Its brighter, sharper, and more feature-rich display creates a more flagship-like experience, especially for media consumption and outdoor visibility.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

The Xiaomi 17T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra paired with 12GB RAM and fast UFS 4.1 storage. The Pixel 10a uses Google’s Tensor G4 chipset with 8GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. For everyday use, both phones feel smooth, but the Xiaomi has a noticeable advantage in multitasking, sustained performance, and gaming. The faster storage also helps apps load quicker and improves overall responsiveness.

Battery and Charging

Battery capacity heavily favors Xiaomi. The global version packs a 6,500mAh battery with 67W wired charging, while the Pixel 10a includes a 5,100mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 10W wireless charging. Google’s wireless charging is convenient, but Xiaomi’s larger battery and significantly faster charging speeds provide greater practicality for power users. Heavy users are likely to appreciate the extra endurance offered by the Xiaomi device.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T wins comfortably in performance and battery. Faster storage, more RAM, a larger battery, and quicker charging make it better suited for demanding users who prioritize speed and longevity.

For readers still shopping around, our roundup of affordable phones for 2026 covers several other strong alternatives.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

Camera philosophy differs significantly between these devices. The Xiaomi 17T features a versatile triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Leica partnership also adds distinctive image tuning options. The Pixel 10a relies on a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, emphasizing Google’s computational photography strengths.

In daylight, both phones can produce excellent images, but Xiaomi offers more flexibility thanks to its dedicated telephoto lens. Zoom photography is simply in another league on the Xiaomi 17T. The Pixel still shines in image processing, dynamic range, and point-and-shoot consistency.

Selfie Camera

The Xiaomi 17T carries a 32MP front camera capable of 4K recording and HDR10+ support. The Pixel 10a uses a 13MP ultrawide selfie camera that also supports 4K video. Xiaomi delivers sharper selfies and greater detail, while Google’s image processing often produces natural-looking skin tones.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T provides a more complete camera system. The dedicated periscope zoom lens and higher-resolution selfie camera make it a stronger all-around photography package, while the Pixel 10a remains appealing for users who value Google’s image processing expertise.

Pricing

The Xiaomi 17T is priced around $700 (₹60,000), while the Google Pixel 10a is priced around $500 (₹50,000). This creates a noticeable gap between the two devices, with Google targeting the upper mid-range segment and Xiaomi pushing closer to flagship territory.

Is the Price Justified? 

The Pixel 10a delivers strong value with clean Android software, seven years of major Android updates, wireless charging, and Google’s camera processing. For buyers seeking a dependable smartphone without spending flagship-level money, the pricing feels justified.

The Xiaomi 17T costs more, but it also provides meaningful hardware upgrades. Buyers receive a superior display, more RAM, faster storage, a larger battery, much faster charging, and a versatile telephoto camera. The additional investment translates into tangible benefits across nearly every major category.

Verdict

The Pixel 10a offers better affordability and long-term software support, while the Xiaomi 17T delivers substantially stronger hardware. Value depends on priorities, but Xiaomi provides more features for the extra money.

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

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 17T stands out with its Leica-tuned triple-camera system, 5x periscope zoom lens, 6,500mAh battery, 67W charging, Dolby Vision display, and flagship-grade storage configuration. These features make it feel closer to a premium flagship than a traditional upper mid-range phone.

The Pixel 10a counters with Google’s clean Android experience, seven years of software support, wireless charging, Satellite SOS support, and computational photography expertise. Buyers who keep phones for many years may find these advantages particularly attractive.

Verdict

The Xiaomi 17T is the better smartphone overall. It offers a superior display, stronger performance, significantly better battery life, faster charging, and a more versatile camera system. The Google Pixel 10a remains an excellent option for software-focused users who prioritize long-term updates and a lower price. For most buyers comparing specifications and hardware capabilities, however, the Xiaomi 17T emerges as the more complete package.

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

Read More:

• Xiaomi 17T vs Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Comparison: Display, Camera, Battery & Performance
• Xiaomi 17T vs OnePlus 15R Comparison: Which Phone Offers Better Value?
• OnePlus Pad 4 vs iPad Pro 11 (2025) Compared: Specs, Performance, Battery, and Price

The post Xiaomi 17T vs Google Pixel 10a Comparison: Specs, Camera, Battery & Price appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is expected to release Android 17 this week. It’s one of the most significant Android upgrades to date, bringing deeper integration of Gemini Intelligence across the entire OS, major multitasking improvements, granular privacy controls, and a polished visual interface, leveling up the Android experience. However, several Pixel devices will miss out on this significant upgrade.

According to the update policy for Pixel devices, only Pixel 6 and newer models are eligible to receive the Android 17 update. Older models won’t be upgraded to the new OS.

Android 17 update won’t reach these Google Pixel devices

• Pixel 5
• Pixel 5a 5G
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G
• Pixel 3
• Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL
• Pixel 2
• Pixel 2 XL
• Pixel
• Pixel XL

If your Pixel is on the list, now might be the best time to upgrade to a newer model.

Android 17 isn’t just an annual refresh but a pretty significant upgrade with a major focus on Gemini Intelligence. It moves Gemini from a standalone app into a proactive system assistant capable of automating tasks across applications, creating on-the-fly assets, and managing deep user workflows. It allows users to generate widgets, such as custom tracking goals or countdown timers, with the help of Gemini AI.

The new OS finally has a native app lock. Speaking of privacy, Android 17 also introduces limited contact sharing that grants apps one-time or strict temporary access to chosen contacts rather than your entire phonebook. Furthermore, Android 17 allows users to have separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data. The bubble feature expands to all apps, allowing users to run multiple floating apps without leaving the full-screen app.

There are many other exciting upgrades to Android 17. You can read more about them on this page. Lastly, if your Pixel is ineligible for Android 17, go buy a newer model, because Android 17 is too big an upgrade to ignore.

Don’t miss out on the latest Android news. Check back on our Google section regularly, or follow us on Telegram to get notified the second a new story drops.

Also read:
1. Here’s when your Google Pixel will receive Android 17 update
2. 8 Android 17 features in development I can’t wait to use

The post These Google Pixels won’t receive Android 17 update appeared first on Gizmochina.