Readers like you help support Android Police. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
latest
Feast your eyes on these Google Pixel 8a renders
These renders are of higher quality than some recent leaks
Over the last few years, unreleased Pixel phones have leaked months before their official unveiling. It's the same story with the Pixel 8a, which has been detailed multiple times over the last few months. With the phone purportedly due for an I/O 2024 debut next month, its leaks have only picked up pace. A recent render leak showed off the phone in all four of its colors, though they were of poor quality. A new leak fixes that, showcasing the Pixel 8a from multiple angles in all the colors that Google plans to offer it in.
HMD's first phone with its own branding sure looks like a Nokia
Our first unofficial look at the phone and we can't say that we're excited
The partnership has been sweet so far, but it was only a matter of time before HMD started heading in its own direction to build its identity and deliver to market devices of its own. Although we've seen leaks of these handsets as early as January, we are now getting an even better look, with a new set of renders that shows off the upcoming HMD device dubbed as the Pulse Pro.
Motorola's new Edge lineup is here, and there's good news for the US
Motorola is expanding availability of its Edge lineup in North America, and has new earbuds out today
Today's market is saturated with a plethora of budget Android smartphones that offer a compelling hardware and software combination at a competitive price range. Motorola has long ruled the roost at this cheaper price range, but in recent years it's begun offering premium options like the Edge (2023) and Edge+ (2023) too, and is ready to continue that with a 2024 line of Edge handsets.
The Pixel Watch companion app could soon get an option to automatically sync app permissions between your watch and your phone. As reported on the Google News Telegram, a recent update to the Pixel Watch Android app added a hidden flag that, when enabled, can lead you to a toggle labeled Sync permissions from phone.
Google's foldable line might be in for an awkward rebrand already
And here we thought 'Pixel 9 Pro XL' was a clunky name
Google's upcoming foldable flagship might go by a more awkward name than we thought. Android Authority is reporting that the phone we've been calling the Pixel Fold 2 may actually be launching as the fourth member of the upcoming Pixel 9 series, giving the supposed Pixel 9 Pro XL some competition for worst-named device of the year.
Samsung dethrones Apple to become the world’s largest smartphone maker again
Preliminary Q1 2024 smartphone shipments show the Korean giant is again back at the top
Apple dethroned Samsung to become the world's largest smartphone manufacturer in 2023, shipping more phones than the latter for the entire year. This happened after 13 years of Samsung dominating smartphone sales with its Galaxy devices. Following this setback, the Korean company has made a strong comeback this year, with the Galaxy S24 selling like hotcakes thanks to Galaxy AI. Coupled with iPhone sales dwindling in China, Samsung has again recaptured the top slot from Apple in the global smartphone market in Q1 2024.
Here's how the Google Pixel 9's new modem will power satellite connectivity
A 5G tablet could also be in the works
Google is still working on Android 15, and we've caught a decent glimpse of what's new thanks to developer previews and the first beta, which arrived some days ago. Satellite connectivity is expected to be a big part of Android 15, with features like satellite-based text messaging said to be in the works. A subsequent report revealed that Android 15's satellite connectivity implementation would also allow users to text their contacts in non-emergency situations. We're now learning about Google's plans to support satellite connectivity on a hardware level, starting with the Pixel 9 series this fall.
These grainy renders show the Google Pixel 8a in all four of its colors
Including a darker, more saturated shade of mint
The Google Pixel 8a is almost here. Thanks to a series of leaks beginning way back in September, we already have a fair idea about what the Pixel 8a will bring to the table. As we inch closer to the smartphone's expected May release, the leaks are expected to increase in frequency. With this in mind, we've now stumbled across an elaborate series of renders showing off the Pixel 8a in four colors.
Leica's Leitz Phone 3 could revive a beloved Samsung camera feature
Variable aperture is coming back to smartphones, but availability might be a problem
Leica is a well-known and respected name in the smartphone world. The German-based camera manufacturer provides sensors to some giant smartphone producers, including Xiaomi and Huawei. Meanwhile, the brand has a dedicated smartphone lineup you might have never heard of. The Leica smartphones are mainly focused on offering top-notch camera specifications, reflecting the company's traditional field of activity. While there is no data about Leica's smartphone sales, the firm has another product in the pipeline, the Leitz Phone 3.
The Galaxy S24's AI features are coming to Samsung's 2022 flagships
The One UI 6.1 update will arrive for Samsung’s 2022 flagships in early May
Samsung released One UI 6.1 with Galaxy AI features alongside the Galaxy S24 launch in late January. Following a couple of months of exclusivity, the company recently expanded One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI to its 2023 flagship phones, including the Galaxy S23, Z Fold 5, and Flip 5. Some reports indicated that Galaxy AI would also come to the Galaxy S22 and Fold 4, but there was no official confirmation from the company. Samsung has now provided a precise timeframe for One UI 6.1's release for its 2021 and 2022 flagship Galaxy phones and what Galaxy AI capabilities they will get.
Xperia 1 VI leak finally gives us an up-close look at Sony's new aspect ratio
The phone looks thicker, shorter, and wider than any Xperia phone before it
We’ve got a task for you: think of any smartphone. Your mind may immediately go to the Samsung Galaxy S24, the Google Pixel 8, or — gasp — the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you’re one of the few that thought of a phone made by Sony, then you’re probably a hardcore fan of the Sony Xperia line of smartphones. Known for its great camera and historically unique screen, Xperia phones have captured a small part of the market for its premium feel. The Sony Xperia 1 V came out last year, and we were quite disappointed with Sony once again robbing another Xperia phone of its potential. Next for Sony is the Xperia 1 VI, which will seemingly be released in Q2 2024, and a set of renders were just leaked.
Google is bringing its most advanced Gemini AI to OnePlus phones
Summarizing news articles and more AI features are coming to OnePlus and Oppo phones
Google's Gemini LLM comes in three sizes: Ultra, Pro, and Nano. On smartphones, the Pixel 8 ships with Gemini Nano, while Samsung opted for Gemini Pro on the Galaxy S24 series. Joining them, OnePlus and Oppo have now announced they will integrate Gemini into their devices. Unlike the Galaxy and Pixel though, the two BBK-owned companies have opted for Gemini 1.0 Ultra, Google's most powerful AI model.
Samsung is extending software support for this old Galaxy flagship
The Galaxy S20 looks set to get security patches past its promised support timeline, Samsung help document suggests
Samsung's software policy states that the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 are eligible for three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. However, according to the company's promised timeline, the Galaxy S20 is no longer eligible for new security patches as it is now over four years old. But instead of abandoning the device, Samsung has downgraded it to a quarterly security update schedule, extending its software support cycle.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 April update rolling out in the US on the heels of the big One UI 6.1 upgrade
The new update is rolling out now, and hopefully, will arrive to Galaxy S23 users soon
Samsung's One UI 6.1 update was highly anticipated by the community, and it didn't disappoint, allowing users with older devices to experience some of the great Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search that originally made their debut with the brand's Galaxy S24 series devices.
Nubia's new flip-style foldable is up for preorder with a unique take on the cover screen
Compact and affordable with a rounded outer display, but you'll have to wait a few more weeks for the global release
Since the Donald Trump administration, the US government has imposed several rounds of sanctions on some Chinese tech companies over their suspicious ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). While these sanctions are allegedly imposed to preserve US national security, they deny US citizens access to many Chinese tech products, including some great affordable smartphones.
Early mentions of the Pixel 9 show up in the Google app
A new Google app update gives us a glimpse of what's to come
Like clockwork, the latest in the Pixel series will arrive later this year and with it, we'll get Android 15 and also some new and exciting software features. While we have high anticipation for what's to come, it looks like we're getting a new leak that makes mention of the upcoming Pixel 9, showing up in the latest version of the Google app.
Asus loses court battle to Zenfone owner over lack of bootloader unlock
The company refunded one owner who sued for removing the bootloader unlock tool
In the past few years, Asus has gained a reputation for making some of the best Android gaming phones, including Zenfone 10 and ROG Phone 7. People who root and flash custom ROMs also loved the company for letting them use its bootloader unlock tools. Meanwhile, Asus recently took a U-turn by removing the tool from its devices, forcing users to stick to the phone's original form.
Samsung says fix for Galaxy S23 fingerprint issue on One UI 6.1 coming soon
The company has acknowledged the bug on its South Korean community forum
In late March, Samsung rolled out the much-anticipated One UI 6.1 update for the Galaxy S23, Fold 5, and Flip 5, bringing almost all the Galaxy S24's Galaxy AI features to its 2023 phones. However, less than a week later, Galaxy S23 owners realized the new firmware was causing unwanted fingerprint sensor issues, as it failed to work on the lock screen on the first try. Thankfully, Samsung has acknowledged the problem and confirmed a fix will be rolled out soon.
Samsung's AI object eraser borrows a useful tool from Photoshop
If you're a fan of Adobe's Magnetic Lasso, you're in for a big treat
Samsung dominates the smartphone market with its Galaxy lineup, producing some of the best Android phones you can buy in 2024. While the brand manages to deliver excellent hardware, it also excels with its software. In 2024, Samsung embraced AI and managed to incorporate it into its operating system, along with its other apps. While these perks were only initially available on its Galaxy S24 series smartphones, the AI features have slowly found their way to other devices as well.
The upcoming Pixel 8a randomly shows up in Google Fi advert
Accidental or intentional is unclear, but it's the Pixel 8a alright
Google’s Pixel 7a is among the best budget Android phones, especially if you want all the stock Android goodness without splurging on the vanilla Pixel 7. It's nearly a year old now, and the new Pixel 8a is right around the corner. Google has already announced its annual I/O conference for developers for May 14, and we could very well see the new phone at that event, but even before that, a few images of the phone have leaked in an advert for the company’s Fi Wireless service.