Google Pixel 11 vs. Motorola Edge 2026: Design

Google's phones have a distinct visual identity, and I like that the Pixel 11 doesn't deviate too much from its predecessor. Google did a good job with the color choices this year; I got the Hibiscus model, and it's just fun to hold and use.

The Edge 2026 has an immediately-recognizable design as well, but it doesn't quite feel as good to hold. A lot of that is down to the plastic chassis, but the upside is that you have IP68 and IP69K dust and water resistance as well as MIL-STD-810H durability. Google provides IP68 as standard, but Motorola has the edge in this area. Another factor to consider is the weight, and the Edge 2026 is 36g lighter than the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Motorola Edge 2026: Hardware and cameras

The Pixel 11 is nearly identical to its predecessor, but the Tensor G6 platform gets a lot right, and it is noticeably faster in daily use. It still isn't good at gaming, but you'll only notice this while playing visually-demanding games. Otherwise, it is reliable.

Motorola went with MediaTek's Dimensity 7450 in the Edge 2026, and it is clearly showing its age. It has ancient Cortex A78 and A55 cores, and they're not anywhere as efficient as the newer Arm cores that you get in most other phones in this category. The result is that even though the Edge 2026 has a slightly bigger 5,000mAh battery, the Pixel 11 lasts longer in regular use.

While Motorola has the edge with 68W charging, Google's decision to put Qi 2 magnets in the Pixel 11 gives it a clear advantage in my book. It's just easy to be able to charge the device using any Qi 2 charger without needing an additional case.

Also, it's annoying that the Edge 2026 has just 128GB of storage, and there's no 256GB model either — Motorola just sells one model in the U.S. The Pixel 11 comes with 256GB of storage as standard, and there is a 512GB model if you need additional storage.

The Edge 2026 has a trio of cameras, and the dedicated tele lens is good in its own right. That said, I prefer the cameras on the Pixel 11; while the physical sensors are unchanged, Google made plenty of tweaks to the tuning, and features like Camera Looks give you a greater customizability over how your photos look. There's also the fact that the Pixel 11 takes better photos with its trio of cameras, and it holds up a lot better in low-light situations.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Motorola Edge 2026: Software

The Pixel 11 debuted with Android 17, and it comes with a clean interface with a lot of unique features you don't get on other phones. While I don't use most of the AI-assisted features that Google has to offer, things like Rambler in Gboard make a big difference.

The Edge 2026, meanwhile, launched with Android 16, and with Motorola only providing two Android OS updates, it will only go up to Android 18. By contrast, the Pixel 11 will get the Android 14 update (if Google continues its numbering scheme) seven years down the line.

Motorola's software is clean and uncluttered, but it's clear that the brand needs to do more to stand out. One thing that needs to change is software updates; it just isn't enough for a $600 phone to get two Android OS updates in 2026.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Motorola Edge 2026: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 11 is priced at $899 in the U.S., which is $300 more than the Motorola Edge 2026. While that is costlier, you are getting better features in just about every area: the Pixel 11 is faster, has higher memory and storage, lasts longer, takes much better photos, and gets five additional years of software updates, which is a huge deal.

Also, Google is known to heavily discount phones a few months after launch, so if you like the look of the Pixel 11, just wait a bit until the holiday sales start (it isn't a long wait), and you won't need to pay quite as much to get your hands on the phone.

If you're on a budget and need a mid-ranger, I'd suggest looking at the Pixel 10a instead of the Edge 2026. You don't get a tele lens, but outside of that, it is a better choice than the Edge 2026, and it costs less.

What you need to know

• The TECNO Camon Slim 5G is here, and it's just 6.39mm thick while packing a hefty 6,000mAh battery.
• It features a curved "swan-neck" profile and five distinct finishes, including photochromic technology on the Neo Mondrian variant and a swirling Starry Night gradient on Van Gogh Blue.
• Despite its slim profile, it boasts MIL-STD-810 drop resistance, IP69K/IP69/IP68/IP66 water/dust ratings, and wet-hand touch functionality.

TECNO appears to be pretty serious about the whole “slim phone” thing. Its latest phone, the Camon Slim 5G, is a mere 6.39mm thin but packs a 6,000mAh battery, a 50MP Sony camera, and a number of AI features into its compact body.

The device also places a lot of emphasis on design. The Camon 50 series’ curved “swan-neck” profile is carried over from the Camon 50 series, but five finishes give the phone very different personalities: Burgundy Red, Neo Mondrian, Matisse Black, Van Gogh Blue, and Rebel Pink.

Some of those finishes are very interesting. Neo Mondrian uses photochromic technology to show colorful geometric blocks on UV light, while Van Gogh Blue has a patterned gradient coating to create a swirling effect based on The Starry Night. Matisse Black adds fluorescent green accents to a black fiberglass body, while Burgundy Red and Rebel Pink are a more traditional take on the artistic theme.

On the optics side, the 50MP Sony LYTIA 700C main camera features a 1/1.56-inch sensor, close-loop autofocus, and a triple stabilization system of OIS, EIS, and AI Shutter. TECNO’s Super-Zoom FlashSnap can automatically capture fast-moving moments with shutter speeds of up to 1/11236 seconds and 2x telephoto shooting.

You also get 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm portrait options supported by TECNO Universal Tone for skin-tone rendering. The optional Mag Badge adds a 1.73-inch AMOLED screen, remote shutter control up to 10 meters away, and selfie previews.

The AI toolkit is more than photo editing. The AI Snap Poster makes product graphics, AI Recording Notes turns lectures into organized notes, AI Class Schedule digitizes class schedules, and AI Healthy Eating calculates calories and nutrients from food images.

Again, thinness does not mean TECNO has ignored durability. IP69K/IP69/IP68/IP66 protection, MIL-STD-810 certification, and wet-touch features ensure the phone is protected from the elements.

The 6.78-inch 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED panel is capable of dealing with rain and even use through a waterproof case. It runs on the Dimensity 7300e 5G chip under the hood, with three major OS upgrades and five years of security updates promised.

The Camon Slim 5G is being rolled out in different markets, but TECNO has not yet announced local pricing. Selected markets will also get a three-month trial of Google AI Plus with 2TB storage.

What you need to know

• Meta AI glasses v28 update adds pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, expanded language support, and camera anti-tampering improvements.
• With hands-free walking directions, you can ask Meta to navigate to nearby destinations, with driving directions sent to your phone for farther trips.
• Spatial Audio makes listening richer and adds a more immersive layer to music and podcasts on supported Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

Meta has been steadily expanding what its AI glasses can do, and the latest v28 update adds several practical upgrades, including pedestrian navigation, Spatial Audio, and broader language support.

Perhaps the headline addition is pedestrian navigation. You can now ask the smart glasses to guide you on foot to nearby destinations using voice commands such as “Hey Meta, navigate to Times Square.” If you’re farther away, the glasses can send driving directions to your phone.

There’s also a new way to begin navigation from your phone: Find a destination in your mapping app, tap Share, and select Meta AI, and navigation will start on your connected glasses.

The update also broadens where walking directions work. Meta says it now offers walking directions in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and some cities across the world.

Audio gets an upgrade as well. Now, Spatial Audio can make a more immersive version of the stereo sound you’re already getting, whether that’s music or a podcast. You can find this option in Settings > Audio > Spatial. It works with Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Optics and the Meta Glasses collection.

Meta is also adding Mandarin Chinese (zh_CN) support across Device Controls, calls and messaging, media capture and music controls, Meta AI, and MMAI.

Finally, v28 has ongoing anti-tampering improvements to protect the cameras on the glasses.

Earlier firmware releases introduced features like Conversation Focus, which uses the microphones in the glasses to help users hear nearby voices better, and deeper Spotify integration. Similarly, on Reddit, the response is pragmatic, with users mostly praising the glasses for hands-free photos, calls, podcasts, and open-ear audio, while battery life and Meta AI’s limitations remain common complaints.

The Pixel 11 brings several upgrades over the Pixel 9, but in a strange turn of events, it also brings quite a few downgrades. One thing is for sure, though: the latest Google Tensor G6 chipset is the clear winner in terms of performance and raw power.

Most importantly, if you were to step into the store to buy both phones right now, the Pixel 9 would only cost you about $549, whereas the Pixel 11 starts at $899. The price gap is significant, leading us to question which phone is better. Two generations later, and it's still unclear to Pixel 9 owners whether the Pixel 11 is worth upgrading to. I'm here to unearth the answer to this question.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: By the numbers

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Cold hard specs

Looks-wise, the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 9 are very similar, but the former's brighter colorways and all-glass camera bar stand out distinctly. Apart from that, both Google Pixel phones are the same size, each with a 6.3-inch HDR10+ OLED display. Neither Pixel has an LTPO panel, so the variable refresh rate can't drop below 60Hz.

Disappointingly, the Pixel 11 misses out on HiLight, a standout feature of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7, which is found on the Pixel 9. Google did upgrade to Bluetooth 6 on the Pixel 11, thankfully, so the Pixel 9's Bluetooth 5.3 is quite outdated by comparison.

Battery and charging are significantly better on the Pixel 11, jumping from the Pixel 9's 4,700mAh cell, 27W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging speeds to a 4,985mAh battery, 30W wired charging, and 25W wireless charging. Pixelsnap (or magnetic Qi2) is one of the best features of the Pixel 11, something the Pixel 9 lacks entirely.

Performance is a vital consideration, and the Google Pixel 11's Tensor G6 chipset crushes the Pixel 9's much older, slower Tensor G4 chip. The G6 offers 20% better power efficiency, 25% faster browsing, and 15% faster app loading compared to the Tensor G5.

Let's also not forget that all this will cost you a lot more: the Pixel 11 starts at $899 for 12GB/256GB, whereas the Pixel 9 retails for about $440 for the 12GB/128GB variant and $545 for the 12GB/256GB option.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Software and AI

It is well known that, eventually, software and AI features from new Pixel phones trickle down to older models. However, this also depends on whether the phone's chipset supports those features.

Given the wide gap in raw power between the Tensor G4 and Tensor G6 chips, many of the Pixel 11's best features may not be available on the Pixel 9. Gemini's features rely on the G6's advanced architecture, so features like Rambler voice-to-text, Magic Capture, Sign Language-to-text translation, and automation via Gemini Intelligence are likely to remain exclusive to the Pixel 11. Some might come to the Pixel 10 eventually, but it is highly unlikely that the Pixel 9 will also get those features.

Both Pixels run Android 17 and are guaranteed seven years of OS and security updates. The Pixel 9 started out with Android 14, so naturally, it has fewer updates to go compared to the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Cameras

The Pixel 11 has a triple-camera setup, with all-new lenses compared to the Pixel 9's dual-camera setup. Pixel 11 users enjoy a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5x telephoto sensor, with up to 30x zoom. New camera features on the device include Magic Capture, Camera Looks, Camera Coach, and Creator Suite.

Next to that, the Pixel 9's 50MP wide and 48MP ultra-wide cameras and glaring lack of any telephoto lens look pointedly plain. Although a few Pixel 10 camera features, like Camera Coach, made their way to the Pixel 9, they are a far cry from the photography and videography tools and capabilities of the Pixel 11.

Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: So should you upgrade?

The Pixel 11 offers Pixelsnap, vastly improved performance, better cameras, more base storage, better AI features, superior battery and charging specs, and solid triple cameras.

The Pixel 9, on the other hand, still has many years of software updates, and it performs well enough, with solid photography and ingress protection. It is slow by comparison and has poorer battery life and charging performance.

Whether you are a Google Pixel 9 owner or considering saving money by buying an older phone, the Pixel 11 is clearly a much better deal overall. You'll get Android 17 and the same seven-year update promise. The extra money you spend will get you a vastly more efficient processor, newer hardware, and more base storage.

If you are intent on staying in the $500 range, I suggest waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro to go on sale instead of purchasing the Pixel 9.

IFA 2026 is back, and as expected, there's a lot to see on the show floor at Messe Berlin. IFA is traditionally more focused on consumer electronics, such as smart home devices, more than mobile products like smartphones.

However, there were a few mobile devices scattered about the show, including phones and wearables, as well as a bevy of accessories that managed to catch my eye. Here are some of the coolest things I've seen while exploring IFA 2026.

Xiaomi's whole thing

Xiaomi's IFA debut was a big one, with the company showcasing its family of products across a massive space spanning 3,300 square meters. The company showed off how its family of products can work together using HyperOS and AI, allowing you to seamlessly move across devices as you navigate your home and even your car.

But beyond that, the company also showed off a cool humanoid robot that walked around its space for photo ops. The company says it's exploring the use of humanoid robots to enhance its manufacturing, stating that it has already seen a massive improvement with tasks like nut tightening in its Auto Factory.

But the thing I was most interested in was the one item attendees couldn't get their hands on: the Xiaomi 18 Fold. The device was secured behind glass in a striking red color, showing the device both closed and open. It has a wider foldable design, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, although with rounder corners, which is a design cue we're expecting on the rumored iPhone Ultra.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold has a triple-camera system and is powered by the company's in-house XRING 03 chip, enhanced for on-device AI. The full launch is just days away, on September 7, so we'll learn more about this exciting phone soon.

Move over, Robot Phone

I often ignore ruggedized phones because they serve a particular market segment I'm just not very interested in. However, the RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro from Ulefone does something unique that caught my eye.

Unlike the Robot Phone, which has a very cool robotic gimbal camera, the Xsnap 7 Pro has a detachable camera that can be used as a remote action cam. Ulefone had a number of accessories on display that the camera could be attached to, including a tripod, a selfie stick, a clamp, and more. And when you're done being adventurous, you can easily snap the camera back into place, where it's paired with a 50MP and 64MP camera system.

The phone is powered by a respectable MediaTek Dimensity 8400 and is IP69K-, IP68-, and MIL-STD-810H-certified for high-grade durability. It's clear this is for a certain type of consumer, which I am not, but I can't help but want this phone.

Smart rings that vibrate and much more

I'm a big fan of smart rings, but the small form factor brings some limitations. Fortunately, some of the latest smart rings from Circular seem to be addressing some of them, with both rings featuring vibration alerts.

This is actually something Circular has featured in previous versions of its smart ring, but it was unfortunately omitted from the Circular Ring 2. Now it's back with the Circular 3 series, which can vibrate for wake-up alarms, health alerts, bringing exercises, and more, all while being nearly as slim as the Oura Ring 5. They also feature NFC payments, which is a feature I would love to see on more smart rings.

The Circular Ring 3 Slim is the thinner of the two and, as a result, misses out on some advanced health-tracking features found in the Circular Ring 3 Pro, such as blood pressure trends. However, it still gets haptic feedback, which is impressive on such a small form factor.

The Circular Ring 3 series is bound to give the Oura Ring 5 a run for its money when it arrives in 2027.

Your next AI running glasses

I checked out BleeqUp's first smart AI glasses at last year's MWC, and this year the company has a new pair with welcome enhancements that make it an even more enticing alternative to the Oakley Meta Vanguard.

Compared to the BleeqUp Ranger, the new Rover glasses feature an updated 3K60 resolution with HDR and improved low-light performance. Interestingly, the camera can tilt up or down, offering greater versatility in your sports shots.

There's also more AI integration for things like emergency recording, proactive safety alerts, and for sports monitoring to track things like your breathing rhythm and provide activity summaries.

Finally, there's better waterproofing, double the internal storage, and support for BleeqUp's accessories like the remote control and battery extender.

Tecno bezel-less concept

Tecno is no stranger to showing off cool concept at trade shows such as this (remember that cool modular phone?), but the bezel-less concept phone feels like a product I could actually see it bringing to market. At first glance, it looks and feels just like a regular phone, but turn it on, and you'll notice just how immersive the viewing experience is.

It's really just display and frame, and while my hands-on time was short, it feels like a phone made for a not-too-distant future.

The back is also really interesting, sporting a unique design with a 3D-like effect that thoroughly impressed myself and other onlookers almost as much as the bezel-less display.

The only portable projector you'll need

The Aurzen Zip Pro took what I loved about the original Aurzen Zip and supersized it. It's still one of the coolest portable projectors I've seen, and it's not much larger than the original, while still remaining easy to fold up and carry. It also weighs as much as two flagship smartphones.

It has better picture quality with a higher 1080p resolution, enhanced color, and 4-point keystone correction, so the picture should look great no matter where you throw it from. Plus, it features a small top display you can use to control the device.

It also has longer battery life, although at 2.5 hours, you'll wanna keep it plugged in for any "Lord of the Rings" marathons. But if you do need a charge, it now supports 65W charging speeds, which is pretty nice for on-the-go charging.

This is the droid you're looking for

There's always someone showing off some cool robot thing, and PrimeBot Q1 managed to steal my heart. It's a cute toddler-sized robot that you can talk to or control using your Android smartphone, and thanks to high-torque QDD joints, it moves very quickly for things like dancing (which it does surprisingly well).

I also watched as someone grabbed the Q1's hand and guided it around the show floor, as if it were an actual child you didn't want to lose in the hustle and bustle of a grocery store. My heart immediately melted at the sight of this.

The PrimeBot Q1 is also customizable, so you can either take it as is or dress it up to look like a Gundam, Power Ranger, and so much more.

For now, availability is limited to China, but it's set to come to Europe in 2027. Here's hoping it also makes it way to the U.S.!

We're still hot on the heels of Honor's very impressive Robot Phone, which comes with a robotic gimbal camera that folds out of the back of the phone. It's hard to imagine any company following up with something just as bold, but Ulefone definitely did its thing at IFA 2026 when it showed off the RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro.

At first glance, it looks like your typical ruggedized Android phone, complete with a very bulky, yet tough build. However, turn it around, and you'll see why this phone is so unique: it has a detachable action camera magnetically embedded into it.

Few things at IFA made me stop and gawk, and this was definitely one of them.

The actual camera module is no bigger than something like the DJI Osmo Nano camera, although its specs might seem a bit underwhelming by comparison. According to Ulefone, the camera can be used for up to 40 minutes per charge and supports 2.7K resolution at 30fps. With these specs, it may not be the most functional GoPro alternative, but it should get the job done in a pinch.

The Xsnap 7 Pro was also surrounded by several different accessories, all of which you could use as attachments for the action camera. This included two tripods, two clips (one attached to a hat), and an extension rod, highlighting the different ways you can use the action camera.

Ulefone says the Xsnap 7 Pro was built with several different types of consumers in mind, including content creators, vloggers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, explorers, and "tech trendsetters."

The camera can function underwater and provides a live preview on the phone up to 50 meters away. It has 64GB of built-in storage, features such as distortion correction and full-sensor recording, and can sync footage with a phone app.

Speaking of the phone, it actually has some pretty decent specs. It has a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which feels like plenty if you're planning to shoot a lot of video. In addition, the Xsnap 7 Pro also has a fixed 50MP primary camera and a secondary 64MP Night Vision camera (sorry to those looking for an ultrawide sensor).

Keeping the lights on is a massive 9,300mAh battery that can also help charge the action camera. That's good too, because given the camera's battery life, you'll definitely need to make use of all that capacity.

Of course, the phone is also very tough. It is certified for IP69K and IP68 water and dust resistance. Plus, it is MIL-STD-810H compliant, so it should be able to take a beating.

The RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro launches on Kickstarter on September 7, available at an early-bird price of €799. However, when it launches globally in October, it will retail for $999, which honestly doesn't sound too bad when you consider you're basically getting two products in one.

The preorder period may be long gone, but the Google Pixel 11 deals are just as good as they've ever been. Just in time for Labor Day weekend, T-Mobile will give you the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL for FREE when you add a line with the Experience Beyond plan, no trade-in required!

As far as simplicity is concerned, this is one of the best Pixel 11 Pro XL deals on the web, totally crushing the latest offers from Verizon and AT&T. Even if you don't want to sign up for T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan (which is admittedly pretty pricey), the carrier is guaranteeing a $900 discount with all of its mainline unlimited plans, while the Experience More plan will still land you $1,100 off your smartphone purchase.

• See the full list of deals at T-Mobile today

Destined to rank among the best Android phones released in 2026, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL takes the excellent foundation of its predecessor and adds a new camera system, a thinner and lighter build, and the upgraded Tensor G6 chipset. The 2026 phone also boasts a brighter display with faster charging speeds, plus you get to enjoy the new HiLight LED array. This light feature is attached to the camera bar and will glow different colors when you receive a notification or activate the phone's AI assistant.

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL also comes equipped with all of the features you'd expect from a Pixel phone in 2026, including versatile cameras, a ton of handy software features, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates.

Naturally, no T-Mobile deal is complete without some fine print attached, and this Pixel 11 Pro XL offer is no exception. Like I mentioned above, you'll have to sign up for the Experience Beyond plan to receive the savings, and this plan generally starts around $100 per month for a single line. Fortunately, you can drop that price down considerably by using AutoPay and adding multiple lines.

The Experience Beyond plan also comes with a bunch of enticing perks to make up for its steep price tag. You get unlimited talk, text, and premium data on T-Mobile's legendary mobile network, plus an unlimited hotspot, international coverage in over 215 countries worldwide, and free subscriptions to both Netflix and Hulu. You even get a five-year price guarantee and access to all the same great upgrade deals as new customers.

This deal isn't for everyone, but if you've been looking for a new phone plan anyway, now's your chance to score some premium T-Mobile coverage AND a powerful Android phone all at once.

Rumor has it that Apple will announce the iPhone Ultra at its upcoming September 9 event, making it the first iPhone to sport an "ultra" moniker. We're not expecting it to push the boundaries of battery technology or camera prowess, but it is slated to do one big thing that no other iPhone has (intentionally) done: fold in half.

This is going to drive a huge boost in sales for foldable phones, a category that has consistently grown since the first models arrived in 2019, but hasn't seen a particularly massive tentpole release like this one yet. Of course, as with anything Apple makes, you'll only get what Apple gives you, and rumor has it that Apple is announcing only one size and shape this time around.

But Android foldables, which have been around for eight years now, have had time to develop and branch out. Android offers a substantial choice of manufacturers, shapes, sizes, and capabilities that Apple simply can't offer. If foldable phones are looking like your next big purchase, here are many reasons you should choose an Android-powered one.

What is a folding phone and how do they work?

Folding phones usually come with two displays: an inner display and an outer display. The inner display is made of special ultrathin glass that can bend (unlike normal glass) and is reinforced with a preinstalled screen protector. The phone's frame is split into two halves connected by a specialized hinge, allowing you to open and close the phone.

The foldable inner display is a special type of flexible OLED panel that's built to bend, too. A specialized hinge holds everything together, keeping dust and water out of the phone. It's a true marvel of engineering, and some foldables are even extremely durable, as proven by my Honor Magic V6 torture test.

Both the inner and outer displays work the same way a regular smartphone touchscreen does. You can open apps on either of them, allowing you to choose the size of the "canvas" you want to view them on.

What types of folding phones exist (and why would someone want one)?

The leaked image of the iPhone Ultra above shows what's known as a book-style foldable. When a book-style phone is closed, its size and shape are similar to those of a standard smartphone, so all your favorite apps look and feel nearly identical to those on your existing smartphone.

Opening a book-style phone doubles its size, turning it into a small tablet that lets you get more done without switching to a laptop or other computer. I work on the go quite a bit, and a folding phone makes it easy to get most of my work done efficiently. I rarely watch videos on my phone, but when I do, the extra-large inner display is a real treat.

Because of the large size, multitasking is one of the best features of a book-style foldable. You can run two or three apps side by side on these phones, and even put apps in floating windows, like on a laptop OS. Plus, the taskbar on the inner display makes it feel even more like a multitasking beast, similar to a laptop OS (like Windows or macOS).

Book-style foldables come in many sizes and shapes, though most are slightly taller and narrower than your average smartphone when closed. Google began its foldable journey with a shorter, wider model, but made the next three entries a bit taller.

Meanwhile, Samsung just introduced its first shorter, wider model (the Galaxy Z Fold 8), and Apple's iPhone Ultra is rumored to use this same size and shape. Shorter, wider models are best for video content and feel a lot like holding a small TV when unfolded.

Apple's iPhone Ultra is said to come in just one shape and size, while Android foldables offer tons of different sizes, shapes, and form factors. You can even get tri-fold foldables!

While book-style foldables get the bulk of the attention, flip-style foldables were better sellers for a few years. Phones like the Motorola Razr 2026 series look like a slightly taller normal smartphone when opened, then fold into a perfectly pocketable half-sized phone when closed.

These phones solve the issue of overly large phones while still giving you the flexibility to use a small screen for things like notifications and messaging, then a larger screen when you need it. We generally recommend Motorola's Razr flip phones over Samsung's Z Flip line because Motorola's outer screen is more capable, and the company's designs are far more interesting.

Flip phones are also wonderful for photos and videos thanks to their shape. It's easy to bend a flip phone at a 90-degree angle and use it as a "tripod" to take group photos. You can also use this same shape and hold it sideways to take video like a classic camcorder.

Do folding phones have any downsides?

Folding phones offer unique form factors and ways to interact with your favorite apps, but not everything is a win-win. When shopping for a book-style folding phone, the first thing you'll probably notice is the price. Yeah, there's quite a bit of sticker shock here, and that's mainly because this is a two-in-one device. Think of it as buying a phone and a tablet at the same time, and you'll understand.

Flip-style phones are typically priced the same as traditional flagship phones but tend to have one fewer rear camera. Even Motorola's Razr Ultra line doesn't have a third camera on the back, despite the higher price.

Both flip and book-style foldables are often a bit less powerful than top-tier traditional flagship smartphones. The problem is that there's not as much space in these phones for cooling, since they have to be thinner than a traditional phone to avoid feeling like a brick when closed.

Lastly, durability. Folding phones got a bad rap pretty early on when the original Galaxy Z Fold's inner display would spontaneously break, but those problems have generally been solved. There's always a chance the folding glass could break, but these phones have undergone so many years of evolution and hardening that such a failure is almost unheard of.

Stores like uBreakiFix readily have parts to repair them, and phone companies offer warranties and other insurance programs that help cover any potential issues. As someone who has reviewed dozens and dozens of folding phones over the past seven years, I've never seen a phone break in person.

My wife has also been using flip phones for the past four years, and the only time one of hers broke was after being dropped with the phone unfolded. Considering how many traditional smartphones break every day from drops, there's no reason to suggest that these phones are any less durable with regular use.

Tecno continues to wow us at every trade show with some very interesting smartphone concepts. At IFA ShowStoppers 2026, the company unveiled its new Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone, which sports a 0mm bezel. I had a short hands-on with the device, and I immediately want every phone to sport this technology.

Smartphone bezels have continued to shrink over the years, particularly on flagship smartphones. However, they seem to only get so small, and companies have retained some amount of bezel around the display, and it seems that no matter how small they get, someone is always gonna hit the socials to complain about the size of bezels.

For Tecno’s concept phone, the company implemented “advanced internal stacking, structural re-engineering, and novel screen packaging.” The result is a very immersive display experience that almost looks too good to be true. There’s no bezel; it’s only display and frame.

I only got to handle the device for a short time at ShowStoppers, but it was the first time I felt like a concept phone might not be too far off from becoming reality. Tecno told me that, for now, it’s only in the concept and prototype stages, but as someone who doesn’t mind bezels, I really hope bezel-less phones become a thing.

But wait, there’s more

And just when I thought I was done with the Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone, I turned it around to get hit with something almost as interesting. The back of the phone features a unique design with a type of 3D effect that looks truly mesmerizing. The design truly pops out at you, and you almost feel like you can touch it.

I stood there gawking at the effect, which I unfortunately can’t really capture on camera. I wasn’t the only one; others who picked up the bezel-less phone were just as amazed by the rear design, which tells me Tecno is really onto something.

This isn’t the first time Tecno has experimented with different effects on its rear glass panels. At MWC 2025, the company showed off a handful of device concepts with different effects, including color-changing photochromic cellulose, e-reader-like Display Electronic Slurry (DES), and ultra-fine optical fibers and LED lights.

Even if Tecno doesn’t produce a phone with a bezel-less display, I would at least love for it to bring more of this to its production phones.

What you need to know

• Google rolls out two major updates for the Translate app to end the week, beginning with multitasking capabilities for Android.
• Android users can now continue translating speech in the background, giving them the freedom of opening other apps or locking their device.
• For iPhone users, Google says they now have support for real-time translations via earbuds or by holding their phone to their ears.

Google wants to end the week with an update for its Translate app across its supported devices. The company says Android users will find capabilities flexible enough for their day-to-day.

This morning (Sept 4), Google says its latest features rolling out for Android and iOS will assist users with translating over 70 languages in "near real-time." Users on Android reportedly hold live translation sessions that last "longer than five minutes." Google states the Translate app can now continue translating even while in the background. This lets users hop into other apps and multitask or lock their phone.

Google Translate will continue working, ready to reveal its translated content for you when you're ready. This is rolling out for Android users today. Google says it's preparing an update for Apple iOS users, but that is "coming soon."

If you have an iOS device, this late-week update brings translation capabilities through a connected earpiece. Android users received it in a previous update. Google Translate will deliver audio translation directly through your earbuds. However, if such a device isn't connected, Google says iOS users can hold their phone to their ear, as if on a call. Like the update for Android, iPhone users can expect this to begin appearing today (Sept 4).

The work continues

Google Translate isn't among the apps that always get major updates, but the company has been improving it little by little. In a similar vein to Duolingo, the Translate app added "streaks" for users practicing new languages. What's more, this earlier patch expanded the beta for Android's real-time translation support while wearing headphones. Gemini's been brought into the fold heavily for the translation app.

It's the AI's speech-to-speech capabilities that get the job done. Earlier this year, Google rolled out a huge Translate app update for iOS users for headphone support. The feature offers a few different modes: Listening, Conversation, and Text-only. "Listening" is for real-time translations. "Conversation" lets you speak in English and lets the person you're talking to hear it in their native tongue.

Android Central's Take

The usefulness of Google Translate has shot up considerably over the past few updates. They've been strung out, so there's quite a bit of time in between each one. Nevertheless, what Google's brought has been useful. It feels like the days of carrying around a Spanish-to-English dictionary are gone. You can rely on your phone; whether you're learning the language with guided practice or listening to its translations. Just take it with a grain of salt, sometimes. Not every translation is as accurate as I'd like it to be.

I'll be honest, I don't cover smart TV deals very often, but occasionally an OLED TV discount comes along that's simply too good not to mention. Case in point: Amazon's Labor Day sale is currently carving 44% off the 65-inch C6 Series OLED TV by LG, which is widely considered to be one of the best OLED TVs on the market today.

That's a record-smashing discount on a smart TV that our sister site TechRadar called 'the best TV for most people' in 2026. In fact, the only issue that I've had with the LG C6 is its price, so this Labor Day deal is a welcome sight. Amazon will even deliver and unpack the set in the room of your choice at no additional cost. And you don't even need to be a Prime member to enjoy the savings.

• See my TOP 20+ deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale

The C6 is powered by LG's very own Alpha a11 Gen 3 AI processor, which means all of your favorite content is intelligently upscaled in real time. The smart TV boasts truly spectacular picture beyond optimization, as well, utilizing over 8 million pixels to deliver deeply immersive colors with rich blacks and lifelike details.

You also get features like Filmmaker mode, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, while gamers will appreciate optimized specs like NVIDIA G-Sync, a 165Hz refresh rate, and an impressive 0.1ms response time. You even get four HDMI 2.1 ports for all of your consoles and streaming devices!

Is the 65-inch model too big or too small for your space? Amazon is also dropping discounts on the entire C6 TV lineup, so you can take your pick. That being said, going with the 65-inch C6 OLED (or larger) will get you the best value. If you're looking for something smaller, I'd probably wait until Amazon's big October Prime Day sale, which will likely occur sometime in October.

• 42 inches: $1,399.99 $1,099.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 48 inches: $1,299.99 $1,199.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 55 inches: $1,499.99 $1,299.99 at Amazon ❌ Wait for a better deal
• 77 inches: $3,699.99 $2,499.99 at Amazon ✅ Buy it now!
• 83 inches: $5,299.99 $3,999.99 at Amazon ✅ Buy it now!

Samsung's latest 'Fan Edition' smartphone has just hit store shelves, and you can already find some solid Galaxy S26 FE deals during Labor Day sales this weekend. Buy the midrange masterpiece unlocked from Amazon, for instance, and you'll get a free $200 gift card with your purchase. No strings attached!

You can even claim an additional gift card worth up to $600 if you trade in an old or broken device on the retailer's website. Not too shabby for an Android phone that was literally just announced last week! No Prime membership is required to receive the gift card, but be aware that Amazon's deal ends on September 20th — so you don't have very long to claim your free cash.

• See my TOP 20+ favorite deals during Amazon's Labor Day sale

The 'Fan Edition' Galaxy S26 FE comes with a free $200 gift card at Amazon

Don't let its unassuming design fool you: the Galaxy S26 FE is one of the best 'Fan Edition' smartphones that Samsung has produced in years. Starting at $699.99 for the 128GB version, the device comes equipped with a lovely 6.7-inch AMOLED display constructed from durable Gorilla Glass Victus+, while under the hood you get a powerful Exynos chipset and a 4,900mAh battery that should easily last a full day on a single charge.

Looking at the camera tech, the Galaxy S26 FE boasts a 50MP main lens, plus you get all of the brand's latest AI-boosted software features, such as Nightography and My FanCam. The midrange smartphone also comes with Android 17 straight out of the box, making the Galaxy S26 FE the first Samsung phone to launch with One UI 9. You even get seven years of OS and security updates guaranteed, which is extremely unusual for phones in this price range.

So what's the catch?

Well, the problem with Samsung's FE series always comes down to timing and price. The midrange phones generally launch months after the release of the company's S-series lineup, which means the flagship devices are often getting discounted by the time the new FE arrives. For example, you can currently buy an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26 256GB for $721 at Amazon, which is only $21 more expensive than the S26 FE. Although, of course, you won't get the $200 gift card.

If you want a great smartphone with Android 17 out of the box AND $200 of Amazon spending money, this Galaxy S26 FE promotion is an awesome deal. If, on the other hand, you're simply looking for the best Android phone deal imaginable, it might be worth waiting a few weeks to see what the fall sale season has in store for us.

Baseus knows how to make great charging and audio accessories, and the brand is going all-out ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro launch. The Dark Cherry collection includes five products that are debuting in a bold new cherry red colorway designed to match the Dark Cherry variant of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro.

The highlight of the new collection is the PicoGo Pro AH22, the smallest 100W GaN charger with three USB-C ports. It comes with a built-in panel that shows real-time charging details, and it is now available for $59 on Amazon.

There's also the PicoGo AM52, a 25W Qi 2.2 power bank with 10,000mAh battery that's available for $79, and the ultra-thin PicoGo Air AM71 5,000mAh power bank that costs $69. The Bose-tuned Inspire XC1 earbuds get the Dark Cherry makeover as well, and they're $149. Rounding out the list is the 100W USB-C to USB-C cable, and it costs $12.

Baseus has an exclusive deal for AC readers that is live now and runs until October 31, 2026:

• Baseus PicoGo AH22 100W GaN Charger: $39.99 with code BSAH22AC (34% off)
• Baseus PicoGo AM52 25W Qi2.2 10,000mAh Power Bank: $41.29 with code BSAM52AC (48% off)
• Baseus PicoGo Air 5,000mAh Ultra-Slim Power Bank: $41.99 with code BSAM71AC (40% off)

Baseus 100W PicoGo Pro AH22: This is the GaN charger you want

I used the PicoGo Pro AH22 as my go-to charger for the last month, and there's a lot to like. It is noticeably smaller than other 100W chargers I have on hand, and it still has three USB-C ports. The smaller size and the vibrant color makes it a great choice for travel (it's going straight into my tech bag), and I like that it has a built-in screen that shows real-time charging details, time left to charge, and what protocol a connected device is using.

It has three charging modes — Smart, Gentle, and Turbo — and the Smart mode is useful while charging several devices at once. The Gentle mode is what you need for overnight charging, and Turbo prioritizes the C1 port to 100W.

There's intelligent device recognition, and I like this feature a lot. Baseus also added a set of fun effects that show up while charging. The individual USB-C ports go up to 100W, and with all three in use, you get a 95W power budget. I used it with my Pixel 11 Pro XL, Find X9 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, iPad Pro M4, and a few dozen accessories, and the charger did a great job.

Baseus PicoGo AM52 25W Qi2.2 10,000mAh Power Bank: Charge anything with ease

The PicoGo AM52 isn't a new product, and I've been using the power bank for the better part of a year. The Qi 2.2 tech allows it to charge phones at 25W, and it's great to use with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

There's no doubt that the cherry color looks much better than the standard grey model I've been using all this time. The 10,000mAh battery is able to charge the iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL to full, and it has a built-in USB-C cable if you need to plug in other devices, going up to 45W.

Baseus PicoGo Air AM71 5,000mAh Power Bank: The thinnest power bank

The PicoGo Air AM71 is a 5,000mAh magnetic power bank, and it is one of the thinnest I've used yet. It doesn't have 25W charging, instead using the standard Qi standard to deliver a 7.5W charge. There is a USB-C port that gets you 22.5W, and the power bank recharges at 20W.

While I'm not a huge fan of ultra-thin power banks, I will admit that the AM71 has unmatched portability. It's just 0.3 inches and weighs 105g, and is easy to slot into a bag or trousers — I have one in my tech EDC bag. The 5,000mAh battery isn't enough to charge a phone to full, but it will get your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the halfway point. This is down to energy conversion, and is true of all power banks.

Baseus Inspire XC1: Bose sound for less

I like the Inspire XC1 because of the open ear design, and they're a good choice if you have issues getting a good fit with regular buds. The cherry color makes these buds stand out a lot from the regular model, and they definitely get a lot of attention while outdoors.

The Bose-tuned sound quality is terrific, and the buds have meaningful bass along with a clean mid-range and good treble. They're pretty great with calls as well, and have LDAC and IP66 ingress protection. I get over seven hours of battery life between charges, and that's more than adequate in daily use. The only point of contention is that the cherry variant is $149, which is a sizeable increase over the $99 that the regular model costs these days.

Baseus FrostCool: A reliable 100W USB-C cable

I have a lot of these cables in the house, and they're reliable in everyday use. The cherry color is the only difference here, and other than that, it's the same cable: it can deliver a 100W charge over USB PD, is 6.6ft in length, and the braided design is built to last.

Baseus is going all-in on Dark Cherry, and I like that the brand has an entire range of accessories available in the new colorway. While there's a little bit of a wait before we know all about the iPhone 18 Pro, you can get a head-start by grabbing the accessories you need.

I like portable SSDs a lot, and I have one always on hand in my EDC tech bag. I look for two things in a portable drive: fast transfers, and long-term durability. I don't really think about the size or weight, as SSDs tend to be smaller and lighter than mechanical drives anyway.

But Lexar clearly felt like this was an area to focus on for its next SSD, the Muse. Dubbed the world's thinnest SSD, the Muse is 3.8mm at its thickest point, going down to just 1mm at the edges. Lexar says it used an "ultra-thin PCB architecture, high-density NAND stacking, and an integrated internal structure" to maximize the internal space.

The Muse has 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s writes and can handle ProRes content at 4K120, which is in line with most portable SSDs. What isn't usual is the connector; instead of a regular USB-C port like every other SSD, the Muse uses a proprietary PogoPin magnetic connection, and you'll need to use the bundled cable in the box to connect the drive to your phone.

Oh, and it doesn't have the requisite magnets built-in (obviously), so you'll need to put it in a magnetic carry sleeve to attach it to a phone. Lexar notes portable SSDs can add "bulk and cable clutter," so it created the Muse to deliver a more "considered approach." It doesn't quite feel that way when you consider that you have three things to manage when using the Muse: the SSD itself, the magnetic sleeve, and the proprietary cable, which will inevitably get left behind when you're out and about.

I just don't get the need to tech industry's obsession to make products thinner. A regular-sized portable SSD doesn't have these limitations, and if anything, I like using drives like the LaCie Rugged SSD4, which are chunky but can take an absolute beating. The Muse adds a layer of complexity you don't need in a storage device, and that's before you factor in overheating. With such a small size and a sealed chassis, where does the heat go? There doesn't seem to be any room to manage the heat that builds up in a drive, so it will likely get quite hot when moving data.

Anyway, the Muse is coming out in Q4 2026, and it will be sold in 512GB and 1TB variants. Lexar didn't share pricing details, but it is bound to be on the higher side. Don't want to wait that long to get a magnetic SSD? This is the one I use.

What you need to know

• GPT-6 Astra is the first OpenAI model to hit the "critical" cybersecurity threat level, but deployment is moving forward with significant safeguards in place.
• It is currently limited to defensive tasks like secure code review. Advanced capabilities like exploit creation are blocked for now, but trusted users in the Daybreak program will eventually get access to complex workflows.
• Astra drastically outperforms GPT-5.6 Sol, hitting a perfect 100% on ExploitBench and 42.4% on ExploitGym.

OpenAI just released GPT-6 Astra, and it’s the company's first model to reach the “critical” threat level in the company’s Preparedness Framework for cybersecurity. Despite these unprecedented security risks, OpenAI is moving ahead with the deployment.

That doesn't mean GPT-6 Astra is being rolled out as an unrestricted hacking tool. The version rolling out now will do defensive work such as secure code review and patching, but will not entertain more advanced requests like creating proof-of-concept exploits, OpenAI says.

The company adds that it intends to relax some of those restrictions with its Daybreak program for trusted users, ultimately supporting workflows such as vulnerability validation, malware analysis and detection engineering.

So, how did we arrive at this point? OpenAI had to severely lock down its development pipelines after the recent mess where rogue AI agents hacked the Hugging Face platform. Astra is a huge step up from GPT-5.6 Sol in capabilities.

Massive performance leap

In OpenAI’s testing, the new model scored 100% on ExploitBench, compared to 78.5% for GPT-5.6 Sol. It also scored 42.4% on ExploitGym against 30.3% for its predecessor. More worrying, Astra uncovered and took advantage of two new zero-day vulnerabilities in the course of testing, which OpenAI says it is reporting to the appropriate maintainers.

OpenAI explains that GPT-6 Astra is built on improvements to pre-training, reinforcement learning, alignment, and computer use. It can run software, surf the web, write code, and complete multistep tasks. OpenAI says its OSWorld 2.0 testing shows it’s about 47% faster per task than GPT-5.6 Sol, while scoring 72.6% vs 65.7%.

The company says it has responded with stronger jailbreak resistance, broader monitoring, encrypted model checkpoints, tighter access controls, and misalignment monitoring across tool-using deployments. Astra also outperformed Sol in remaining within authorized boundaries.

But one big weakness that OpenAI does acknowledge is that it’s actually a lot harder to monitor. Internal testing indicated that GPT-6 can actively influence its own "chain of thought” reasoning to avoid leaving incriminating evidence. In adversarial situations, the model has even sandbagged its performance to fly under the radar and avoid internal monitors.

For developers, Astra costs $10 per million input tokens and $50 per million output tokens, with an accelerated API at twice the normal price. It’s rolling out now to a limited number of people before it’s available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users and the API and Amazon Bedrock.

UGREEN just announced its first line of smart home products, including a trio of cameras (two outdoor, one indoor), a smart speaker, an ePaper smart frame, and an AI-powered NAS to keep everything safe and local.

If there's one thing you need to know from all this, it's that UGREEN has put a lot of thought into this product. From the incredibly easy-to-use hardware design to the cables themselves, the app's features, and the entire UGREEN HomeAgent family is a marvel of planning and execution.

I received the UGREEN HomeAgent HA100 NAS, SynCare PoE Cam OD600 Pro, and SynCare Indoor Cam ID500 Pro ahead of UGREEN's Boston-based event and got to spend some time with these products for this hands-on report. UGREEN is launching the HomeAgent HA100 crowdfunding program on September 4, including a 50% discount for early backers until October 27.

You've never used a NAS like this

As someone with 15 years of professional IT experience, I've spent plenty of time with big ol' NAS boxes in server racks. Usually, they're a pain in the butt to set up, and while they're mostly a set-it-and-forget-it affair, they're rarely designed to be user-friendly. A home NAS has to be very different from this approach, and it's clear UGREEN went back to the drawing board for the HomeAgent HA100.

Everything here is as self-explanatory and user-friendly as you can imagine. I specifically did not read the manual just to see if I could figure it out, and I was able to get the entire package set up in less than 5 minutes once I unboxed everything. A bevy of ports lines the back of the unit, located right underneath the cooling fan with a nifty magnetic filter that's dead easy to remove and clean.

Underneath the simple magnetic lid is a storage bay for three HDDs of your choice. Standard 3.5" models pop in with no screwdriver needed, while a 2.5" drive will need one of the small brackets included in the box. The drives pop in with a satisfying click and are removed with a simple button on top. They can even be locked into place with an included "key," which can be swapped out with a butter knife if you happen to lose it.

My unit shipped with an AI Accelerator unit already installed, but UGREEN sells models without this compute module for a lower cost. Adding an M.2 SSD is a little trickier since you'll have to flip the unit over and install it below, then add some thermal tape to keep things cool, but I imagine most people won't need M.2 performance anyway.

The front of the unit sports a touchscreen that only requires you to select a language to move forward. The unit is paired with the UGREEN NAS app and just requires you to select it from the list of LAN models found on your network. Since this NAS is hardwired to my router, it was as simple as opening the app on my phone and tapping the HA100 in the list.

UGREEN's HomeAgent line supports all Matter-compatible smart home devices, with Zigbee compatibility coming soon. It's also got full voice command support via UGREEN's Uliya agent, which is built into the NAS and can be used immediately since the NAS has microphones and speakers on the unit.

My NAS is located behind my couch, so it's easy to ask Uliya to toggle my lights and switches without having to worry about adding the dedicated speaker to my house, although I may end up getting a secondary speaker for the bedrooms.

Central to this unit's purpose is the all-local-all-the-time philosophy. That AI Accelerator unit is a mini computer that acts similarly to something like Gemini, albeit much more focused than a normal LLM. This one is made specifically for smart home control and to intelligently manage your media.

On the smart home side, it can keep track of familiar faces, understand the difference between a dog and a package, alert you if your chickens get in the front yard (yes, that's a problem for me), or even wake you if your baby starts crying in the middle of the night. I'll need time to assess how well each of these works, but it certainly sounds a lot like the smart home I've long dreamed of.

And with the pictures and video you can store on the NAS (both from smart home cameras and your smartphones), the AI Accelerator will group events, places, people, and other categories similarly to Google Photos, all without requiring you to pay a monthly fee to store data or for processing.

To say I'm extremely excited about these products is an understatement. From the looks of things so far, this does everything I've wanted a smart home to do and then some. Local control and storage are particularly attractive to me, especially since I stopped using Eufy years ago after all those old scandals.

Now, I've got a proper replacement solution that includes all that awesome local processing, plus the ability to control all my other smart home products using just my voice (thank you, Matter), all without requiring an internet connection. Pinch me, because this feels too good to be true, yet here it is in my living room.

Ugreen has a full roadmap for additional upgrades, including Zigbee device compatibility, a suite of additional voice commands the company is building, and more, which it'll be building out as the crowdfunding project continues through the end of the year.

What you need to know

• UGREEN announced its all-new cool, MagFlow wireless charging lineup.
• The lineup consists of the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank with a 10,000mAh cell, supporting Qi2 25W capabilities.
• Joining these charging capabilities in the 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic charger and the 3-in-1 wireless charging stand.
• UGREEN states its MagFlow lineup is available today (Sept 3) on its website and Amazon.

If you were at Gillette Stadium this evening (Sept 3), you would've caught UGREEN's major reveal: the new MagFlow lineup.

UGREEN says it wants to solve a few problems consumers face daily. The MagFlow lineup aims to deliver a "high-power" wireless charging solution that's fast "without becoming uncomfortably hot." UGREEN's series is taking advantage of the latest technology, delivering Qi2 25W wireless charging, and the biggest stunner is the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank.

UGREEN's power bank features a hefty 10,000mAh cell. Charging quickly builds up heat, but to keep it cool, the power bank utilizes UGREEN's CryoPulse. Internally, there's a micro-pump that constantly whisks away heat, keeping the temperature comfortably under 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The Magnetic Power Bank also features a digital screen, which shows its charging power, battery level, cycle count, and cooling status.

UGREEN states the MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank is available today for $149 on the company's official store and Amazon.

On-the-go or at home?

While consumers can attach the MagFlow power bank to their phone for quick charges, UGREEN continues the on-the-go idea with a pocket-sized charger.

The MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic wireless charger also features Qi2 25W charging capability. UGREEN says this product can double as a magnetic phone stand. Users can prop it up on a table, desk, or bedside. What's more, when it's folded, the 2-in-1 wireless charger fits in your pocket or travel bag.

Since 2-in-1 isn't enough, UGREEN took things further at Gillette Stadium this evening with its MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Qi2 25W wireless charging stand. Similar to the Magnetic Power Bank, this magnetic charging stand features the company's CryoPulse TEC Active Cooling with an "ultra-quiet" 15dB fan. All of this cooling potential is because consumers can charge multiple devices at once. Temperatures are kept low, and keep reportedly charge an iPhone 17 Pro Max to 50% in under thirty minutes.

Consumers will find a display on the charging stand to keep them informed.

UGREEN states the 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic charger is available today (Sept 3) for $59. The 3-in-1 charging stand starts at $159. Both devices join the 10,000mAh power bank on UGREEN's official website and Amazon.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced that it has raised $70 million, thanks to investments from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, and more.
• The company says these investments will help push its desires to create a world where human computing helps us and our health.
• Ultrahuman says it wants computational platforms that can understand the human body, delivering important, crucial pieces of actionable intel.

This afternoon (Sept 3), Ultrahuman announced another substantial investment from several companies. The announcement comes at a time when Ultrahuman wants to push the envelope for human computing.

A press release reveals that Ultrahuman has received $70 million in investment funding from Qualcomm Ventures, Labcorp, Alpha Wave, Blume, Nexus, Alteria, and more. As stated before, human computing is where Ultrahuman is placing its focus. Moreover, Ultrahuman states this investment will help it shift from "a wearable health company into a human-computer interface company built around the body."

Ultrahuman highlights several features daily users will know well: Jade AI, its smart rings, and M1/M2 Live continuous glucose monitoring. These features nail Ultrahuman's goal: systems that understand the state of the user's body. The company no longer wants features that "wait for human input." Through AI and newer computing systems, Ultrahuman wants more proactive, smart features that deliver true aid.

The company states the future of computing platforms should "understand the human body continuously... and turn those signals into intelligence that meaningfully improves a person’s life."

The company discussed how it's continued to evolve the smart ring form factor with science and computational platforms. Ultrahuman drew attention to Pulsomics, which was launched this year. This research platform aids its software and smart rings with the tools required to turn the body's complex signals and information into actionable intel for the user.

Power ahead with intel that means something

The investments Ultrahuman has received in September will help continue the work it's trying to complete. It says "development across sensing, AI, miniaturised electronics and health algorithms" will deepen and accelerate.

PowerPlugs are another major part of the Ultrahuman experience. The company describes it as a feature that brings "specialised health capabilities" to the platform. Take Ultrahuman and Les Mills' partnership from April. It brought workout sessions that rivaled what you'd find in a traditional studio right to your phone. The app would also take advantage of your biomarkers to understand key data, so you know when to push yourself and when to let off.

On the other hand, we have Ultrahuman's significant Emerald update from July. The "decision engine," otherwise known as the UltraSphere, felt like Ultrahuman's next step into this "human computing" world for our health. It can deliver over 60 "Next Best Action" suggestions to users using sleep, HRV, recovery, weather, location, and more.

Labor Day is September 7th, which means we're currently seeing some of the best tech deals this side of Black Friday. Retailers like Amazon have kicked off their Labor Day sale events early, slashing prices on a bounty of our favorite Android devices, from smartphones and tablets to wearables and class-ready Chromebooks.

Needless to say, if you don't want to scroll through page after page of product listings to find the deal that's right for you, you're in luck. I've done the work of tracking down the best Android deals during Amazon's Labor Day sale so you don't have to go searching. All of the items below have been tested and approved by the Android Central staff, and I use price tracking tools to distinguish the so-so deals from the discounts that really matter.

Without further ado, let's go ahead and dive into the best Android device deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale. Just be aware that the big deal event only runs through September 7th, so don't wait too long to make your move!

• See the full list of deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale

Phones

Wearables

Tablets and Chromebooks

Smart home

Headphones and earbuds

What you need to know

• At IFA 2026, the Moto Watch Ultra was announced with Wear OS, a partnership with Polar for fitness, on a 46mm stainless steel body and a 1.5-inch OLED display.
• The continued Polar partnership adds various sleep features like "Serene" for breathing exercises and Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages for sleep score and more.
• The Moto Watch Ultra will be available on September 10 for $349.

That's not all Motorola has prepared this midweek. The Moto Watch Ultra was debuted at IFA 2026, expanding the company's wearable portfolio. The Watch Ultra uses Google's Wear OS, incorporating the Play Store and Moto's AI, Qira. However, the major highlight with the Moto Watch Ultra is Motorola's continued partnership with Polar.

Polar excels at wearable sports and fitness, and it's bringing that prowess to the Moto Watch Ultra. For its wellness features, the Watch Ultra sports "Serene." This breathing exercise mode delivers real-time "biofeedback" to help the user calm their breathing and reach a more optimal rhythm. Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages help users understand their recovery and sleep score.

If you're looking to get more active and track your progress, Polar's involvement brings a breadth of features. Consumers will find expected features like Activity Goal, Activity Score, and Active Intensity Zones. What's more, Smart Calories delivers an overview of your daily calories burned, alongside an Inactivity Alert and Energy Sources (metabolic insights).

The Moto Watch Ultra offers a 1.5-inch OLED display on a 46mm stainless steel body. Inside, you'll find Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 SoC. The Watch Ultra is said to last two days with "active use" with its AOD (always-on display) disabled. Consumers can choose between the "breathable" silicone band (PANTONE Black Beauty or PANTONE Mountain View) or the leather strap (Black Beauty or Nuthatch).

Not bad

Elsewhere, Motorola highlights the "Running Coach." As it sounds, you can expect a guided experience for new and veteran runners (walking, too). The company states the Running Coach can help users struggling with pacing themselves. Other details include Google Wallet support, dual-band GPS, IP68, and 5ATM underwater protection.

At IFA 2026, Motorola confirmed that the Watch Ultra will be available on September 10, starting at $349 on motorola.com. Consumers will also find the device at Verizon on September 24. The Watch Ultra will expand to more places, such as T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T, Xfinity Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, "in the coming months."

Android Central's Take

I'm pleasantly surprised by the Moto Watch Ultra. Motorola already has what you'd consider a "basic" watch. It misses the Ultra tag. The design is fairly simple, very watch-like. The Watch Ultra feels cleaner to me. I also think the Polar partnership is a huge win for Motorola to continue with the device. I already think I hear my colleague Derrek Lee putting one on his wrist and heading outside.

What you need to know

• Motorola announced another addition to its Brilliant Collection with the Razr 2026 Swarovski Crystal Edition.
• The phone is clad in a Pantone Meteorite colorway with 35 Swarovski Crystals in Silver Night.
• The Swarovski Crystal Edition Razr 2026 will be available on September 10 for $899 at motorola.com and Amazon.

It's that time of the year again when Motorola looks to bedazzle and captivate consumers with Swarovski Crystals.

If you're looking for artistry and brilliance, Motorola announced the Razr 2026 will join the Brilliant Collection this year. This means that the Razr 2026 will receive a Swarovski Crystal Edition, combining a dazzling aesthetic with Motorola's tech. The company states the Razr 2026 features "35 hand-positioned Swarovski Crystals in Silver Night." These crystals are laid out across the entire back panel of the clamshell foldable. Additionally, you'll find a few more at the top of the cover display.

Motorola teases that there's a "32-facet Swarovski Crystal" embedded in the hinge of the Razr 2026.

Like stars in the night

Motorola takes this bedazzled Razr 2026 further with its choice of color: Pantone's Meteorite. This colorway is more of a deeper, darker black that Motorola says contrasts with the phone's crystals and shine. If you're looking to grab the latest addition to the Brilliant Collection, Motorola will provide a clear protective case.

Consumers can find the Swarovski Crystal Edition Razr 2026 on September 10 for $899. The post states it will be available on motorola.com and Amazon. On September 24, you can find it at Verizon. We've rounded up all the information about the Razr 2026, as well. A few important specs include a 6.9-inch internal display and a 3.9-inch cover display with a 50MP primary lens. Motorola highlights its 4,800mAh battery, which can reportedly deliver up to 36 hours.

Motorola continues to build on its streak of Swarovski Crystal Edition phones following its releases in 2025. The 35 crystals remain a constant; however, last year, the Moto Razr 2025 was featured in an icy Pantone Ice Melt. The foldable was joined by a crystal-studded Buds Loop in Ice Melt.

Android Central's Take

This might be my favorite crystal edition of the Razr. The Meteorite colorway with the crystals makes those additions stand out in a good way. It feels like looking into the night sky; stars are everywhere. As before, the foldable remains the same, bringing users the same specs they'd expect from the standard, non-special edition phone. The wait's not long now if you're looking for it.

TL;DR: I just found some Labor Day deals that carve up to $350 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, no strings attached.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has only been out since August 7th, but you can already score some impressive discounts if you know where to look. The best part is that these are straight discounts, which means you don't need to worry about meeting any kind of eligibility requirements to receive the savings.

No confusing contracts, no trade-in process: just good old-fashioned discounts on a powerful Android phone. Considering that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at a steep $2,099.99, these straightforward Labor Day deals are a very welcome sight.

• See my guide to the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 / Z Fold 8 Ultra deals of September 2026

Starting at $2,099.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is both a follow-up to last year's great Galaxy Z Fold 7 and a major upgrade upon it. This impressive foldable phone takes its predecessor's thin and lightweight build and adds a huge 5,000mAh battery, the latest Qualcomm chip, and all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Galaxy AI.

As promised, the center crease is less visible than ever before, plus the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes with all of the powerful specs you'd expect from a 2026 Samsung foldable, including great cameras, two gorgeous AMOLED displays, and seven years of guaranteed OS and security upgrades.

Indeed, the biggest problem that I have with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is probably its price. Spending over $2,000 on a smartphone simply isn't realistic for many folks, which is why deals like the offer above are so essential. A $350 price reduction may seem like a drop in the bucket for such an expensive phone, but if you want a straightforward offer without any confusing fine print, these discounts are going to be pretty tough to beat (until Black Friday, at least).

Apple iPhone Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Pricing and availability

The iPhone Ultra is slated to make its debut at Apple's launch event on September 9, 2026. The foldable could cost anywhere between $2,000 to $2,500, and we'll have to wait until the event to know the official pricing. But with Apple hiking prices on most of its products in the last two months, it's a given that this year's iPhones will see price increases across the board.

Even if the iPhone Ultra is unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, it may not actually show up at the same time — the latest leaks point to general availability later in the year. Again, that's something we will know definitely on September 9. Given the cost, it is projected that the foldable will be available in limited quantities — much like the Galaxy Z TriFold — and it remains to be seen if it will be sold in all regions simultaneously.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on July 22, 2026, and the foldable retails at $1,899. This is the base model with 256GB of storage, and there's also a 512GB edition that costs $2,099 in the U.S., and a 1TB model that is $2,499.

Apple iPhone Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Design

The iPhone Ultra will be different to every other iPhone thus far, with the foldable design ushering in an entirely new form factor for iOS. Leaks point to the iPhone Ultra having a similar wide-and-short configuration as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the passport-style design is definitely intriguing — there's no wonder that other Android manufacturers are emulating a similar style.

Leaks point to a 5.5-inch cover panel and a 7.8-inch inner panel, and the iPhone Ultra could be as thin as 4.5mm while unfolded, bringing it in line with the Z Fold 8 and other Android foldables. The design looks a lot like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, with rounded edges and a flatter profile along the hinge. While Apple introduced a bright orange color with the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone Ultra is said to be available in muted colors, including white and black.

Just like Android foldables, the iPhone Ultra may see Touch ID housed within the power button as the standard mode of authentication instead of Face ID. The Z Fold 8 gets a 5.5-inch cover panel and a 7.6-inch inner screen, and Samsung managed to deliver IP48 dust and water resistance.

Interestingly, one of the biggest selling points of the iPhone Ultra could be a display without anu visible crease. The Find N6 and Vivo X Fold 5 do a fabulous job in this regard — they're better than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra — and with the iPhone Ultra touted to use two layers of ultra-thin glass and a liquid-metal hinge, it is entirely possible that Apple's foldable will debut with a creaseless design, outshining Samsung's Z Fold 8 in this key area.

Apple iPhone Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Hardware

The iPhone Ultra will see the biggest battery of any iPhone, and that in itself is exciting. Leaks point to a 4,883mAh battery, and that's similar to what's available on the Z Fold 8. That said, iOS has much better efficiency in general, so the iPhone Ultra should have better battery life, and with Apple touted to switch to a 2nm node, battery life could get an additional boost.

Wide foldables are smaller than book-style devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and as a result, Samsung just went with two cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8: a 50MP main camera and 50MP wide-angle lens.

The iPhone Ultra is likely to use a similar arrangement, and leaks point to two 48MP cameras, without a dedicated tele lens. We'll need to wait and see if that pans out, but as someone who uses the telephoto lens constantly, I would like to see this on the foldable.

Apple iPhone Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Software

Software makes a big difference on a foldable, with the added real estate ideal to multitask. This is a priority in iOS 27, and there's no doubt that the iPhone Ultra will get a lot of the same features that we've seen on Android foldables over the last two years, including a task bar, floating windows, and multitasking features.

Samsung does a good job in this area with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and I'm interested in seeing how the iPhone Ultra will hold up against Samsung's foldable.

Apple iPhone Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which should you buy?

While foldables have been around for the better part of a decade now, they're still pretty niche. That will change with the introduction of the iPhone Ultra; say what you will about Apple, but the brand has an unmatched ability to grab attention, and interest in foldables will skyrocket following the iPhone Ultra launch.

Now, whether this will translate to sales is another thing entirely, but if you're an iPhone user and wanted to switch to a foldable, you don't need to wait long to get one running iOS. While Samsung got a lot right with the Z Fold 8, it doesn't do nearly enough to convince iOS users to move to Android in any meaningful numbers.

What you need to know

• Xiaomi is making its debut at IFA, with its first major presence at the trade show and the largest event space it's held overseas.
• Xiaomi is highlighting its Human x Car x Home portfolio, which includes more than 300 devices, from smart home appliances to cars.
• The company also showcased the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Fold, a wide foldable that will rival the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Xiaomi is making its debut at IFA with an exhibition space that is its largest overseas space to date. The company is using up a whopping 3,300 square meters to showcase hundreds of products in its Human x Car x Home portfolio, from concepts to devices available today, with a focus on how these devices will connect with you throughout your life, both at home and in your car.

Curiously, the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Fold is among those devices showcased at IFA, with the official launch already set for September 7.

"This year's IFA marks a significant milestone in Xiaomi's global journey," says Xiaomi CMO Xu Fei in a statement.

"Over the years, we have expanded from smartphones into smart home and smart vehicles, while investing deeply in foundational technologies including AI, operating systems, chips and smart manufacturing.

Today, these businesses and capabilities are coming together through our 'Human × Car × Home' smart ecosystem, which we are presenting at scale to a global audience at IFA."

If you're familiar with Xiaomi and its smartphones, you may already know that the company also produces a line of home appliances and smart home devices, including TVs, smart lights, cameras, and more. What you may not know is that Xiaomi also builds cars, like the SU7 Max and YU7, and the groundwork for a wholly interconnected smart home ecosystem lies behind many of these products.

The Human x Car x Home ecosystem is powered by HyperOS, the backbone of Xiaomi's product portfolio, which lets Xiaomi lay the foundation for a seamless AI experience across devices, which it is showing off at IFA through future concepts and today's use cases.

For example, while you're driving home, AI can gather contextual weather information to ensure your home's lighting and air conditioning are set before you arrive. And this interconnectivity doesn't stop there, with Xiaomi showcasing many ways its ecosystem can work across devices for whatever you need.

This includes its Android smartphones, such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Fold, a wide foldable that closely follows in the footsteps of the popular Galaxy Z Fold 8 and is powered by the company's in-house XRING 03 chipset, enhanced for on-device AI.

Xiaomi hasn't revealed much about this new phone (yet), though it has a triple-camera system on the back and a striking deep red color. It also promises to be very performant, thanks to Xiaomi's new chip, which could rival the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Apple's latest silicon.

Still, we don't have to wait too long for answers, with the launch just days away.

Android Central's take

I'm on the ground at IFA 2026, and Xiaomi's event space is truly a sight to behold. There's a lot to do and see, but perhaps the thing I'm most interested in is the Xiaomi 18 Fold. For one, it looks like Xiaomi is simplifying its foldable naming convention. However, the Fold is coming at a time when Samsung is reinvigorating the foldable space with its own wide foldable.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 appears to be incredibly popular, and I understand why. I was shocked by how much I liked it during my hands-on time, and that feeling remained throughout my review, where I've even begun to question my allegiance to flip phones.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold already appears to have a leg up over Samsung, sporting three rear cameras instead of two, although it will be important to see how Xiaomi prices it. We also don't know if or when it will be available globally.

Samsung didn't change too many things with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but a key area of differentiation is silicon-carbon battery tech. This is one of the reasons how Samsung managed to slot in a bigger 5,000mAh battery in the foldable while retaining a similar svelte design as the Z Fold 7. In fact, all of Samsung's latest foldables use silicon batteries, but it's the Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra where the difference is immediately noticeable. I asked Samsung a list of questions around its implementation of silicon-carbon tech, and it is interesting to see how the brand is going about integrating the tech into its latest foldables.

As a refresher, a silicon battery has a small mixture of a silicon-carbon material in the anode, leading to an increased energy density. The amount of silicon content in the anode varies by brand, and Samsung didn't share how much it is using in its foldables. To give you some context, most brands use around a mixture of 10% silicon by weight in the anode, with some — like Xiaomi's Redmi Note 17 Pro Max that has a 9,210mAh battery — going with a slightly higher 16% silicon ratio to provide greater energy density.

Why don't brands just use an anode that's entirely made out of silicon-carbon? That's because while silicon has much better energy density — ten times as much as graphite — it undergoes expansion and contraction during charging, something you don't want in a phone battery. As there is a greater risk of long-term stability or battery swelling with extended use, it is mixed with carbon to deliver a mechanically stable structure while offering better electrical conductivity.

Brands are being (justifiably) cautious of the tech, and a Samsung spokesperson said the brand "reengineering the battery system" to facilitate the use of silicon-carbon in the anode, and to ensure that the higher-density batteries it is using this year are just as safe to use as traditional lithium-ion batteries:

"On the anode side, a thin carbon coating helps manage the reactivity of silicon-carbon particles, helping mitigate sudden volume changes during charge and discharge and supporting long-term stability," said Samsung. "On the cathode side, coating and doping help maintain surface stability and structural integrity, even under higher voltage conditions."

Another thing to consider is long-term durability, and Samsung says it added "additives" to the electrolyte to "help form a protective layer on the silicon surface, reducing silicon reactivity and supporting long-term cell stability."

Samsung also made tweaks to the separator — a polymer sheet that sits between the cathode and anode — which has a "high-porosity structure" to "improve ion movement while maintaining strength and thermal stability."

What's interesting is that Samsung is using different battery architectures for its foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra use a "dual-path charging architecture that distributes power more efficiently across the battery system, enabling faster, more stable and reliable charging while improving heat management." This system enables 45W charging on both devices, but with the Flip 8, Samsung "separately optimized for the unique spatial and thermal requirements" of the compact foldable, so it has a battery size and charging tech that's unchanged to last year.

With Samsung just getting started with silicon-carbon batteries, it's understandable that it is playing it safe. While foldables like the Razr Fold, Vivo X Fold 5, and the Find N6 come with 6,000mAh silicon batteries, the Z Fold 8 Ultra has a much more modest 5,000mAh unit. It is still considerable progress from last year, and I'm glad to see Samsung leveraging this tech — I can't wait to see how it evolves with the Galaxy S27 next year.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm continues to tease its next Snapdragon debut with the Adreno Neural Fusion GPU.
• The company says this chip utilizes AI-drive rendering tech, placing stronger resolution and frame generation directly into the graphics pipeline.
• What's more, the GPU adds the Adreno HPM, which helps move larger chunks of data for rendering at a time, effectively saving more battery power.
• Snapdragon Summit 2026 takes place from September 22-24

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit is coming up later this month, and the company is teasing its graphical improvements.

Qualcomm sent a press release this morning (Sept 2) detailing the Adreno Neural Fusion GPU. If you thought this wouldn't involve AI, think again. Qualcomm says Neural Fusion is an "AI-driven rendering technology that combines neural processing, AI super resolution, and frame generation into a unified graphics pipeline." For context, Qualcomm says it's looking to deliver what consumers want from mobile gaming: console-like graphics, strong frame rates, and better battery life.

This is important because Qualcomm states its Adreno Neural Fusion GPU nails all three of these desires, and consistently, too. The post credits this GPU power to the chip's new Adreno Matrix Cores. This reportedly brings its AI rendering engine into the graphics pipeline, giving developers the exact tools they need to bump up the graphics for your phone. Lower latency is another positive in this change.

Helping that lower latency is the Adreno HPM (High Performance Memory), which feeds more data to the GPU for rendering, thanks to a "dedicated optimized cache of 18MB."

Many of these changes help Qualcomm hit that last point: better gaming battery life. With the Neural Fusion GPU capable of moving more data at a time, it's effectively moving a lot less, which doesn't eat up your battery. Then, you have its AI models playing more closely to the graphical unit.

Qualcomm will undoubtedly show off the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips in greater detail during its Summit from September 22-24.

What we've been waiting on?

Qualcomm's teasers will likely continue until its Summit in a few weeks. The latest major teaser we got spurred excitement. Qualcomm highlighted "Dual 8 Elites" on approach for 2026. Our eyes are looking at that long-rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 "Pro." Qualcomm hasn't said anything yet, so do with that information what you will (it is rumored, after all). What the company has said is that its Dual 8 Elites will bring "better connectivity, camera functionality, and graphics for games."

What's interesting about those "Pro" rumors is that not everyone's phone could see it. While yes, these Snapdragon chips are reserved for flagships, the Pro could only seek out Ultra devices—the Galaxy S27 Ultra would fit that bill. We still have a while until Snapdragon Summit 2026 in Maui, Hawaii.

Android Central's Take

I believe it was Android Authority's coverage that likens what Qualcomm's doing with the Neural Fusion to Nvidia's DLSS 5. If you're a gamer or you've kept up with gaming in general, this hasn't sat well with people. DLSS 5 "enhances" your graphics through AI, but from the examples out there, people aren't convinced the original artists' intent remains. I hope Qualcomm's AI doesn't do that. And if it does, can I turn it off? I'm all for incredible gaming performance on phones, but not if the game doesn't look as intended.

TL;DR: the best last-gen Sony headphones on the market just scored a whopping 50% discount during Amazon's Labor Day sale.

Labor Day is upon us, which means retailers all across the web are slashing prices on a bunch of our favorite tech, from Android smartphones and wearables to laptops and wireless headphones.

I've been covering sale events like this for years, but that doesn't mean I can't be surprised from time to time. Case in point: Amazon is currently slashing 50% off the Sony WH-1000XM5, a pair of flagship cans that once topped our list of the best wireless headphones that money can buy.

Sure, these noise-cancelling headphones have since been supplanted by the newer Sony WH-1000XM6, but if you want to enjoy a premium listening experience for cheap, going with the last-gen XM5 is one of the best ways to do so, particularly when you slap on a record-smashing discount. You can thank me later.

Despite their last-gen status, the Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to impress as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy. You get powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) straight out of the box along with the excellent sound quality that Sony is famous for, plus the cans boast a comfortable fit, a ton of customizable EQ settings (with 10 presets), and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The headphones also come with four built-in microphones for voice calls, while multipoint connection means that you can connect your Sony XM5 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Your purchase will even come with a free carrying case, which, considering the rigid construction of the XM5, is a nice bonus.

Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM6 (currently $398 at Amazon) technically offer a better experience, with longer battery life, a new QN3 processor, and a flexible build, but I'm not sure these upgrades are worth the steep price tag.

Indeed, if you want the flagship Sony audio experience for less than $200, this Labor Day discount is one of the best headphone deals on the web. Amazon's Labor Day sale ends on September 7th, however, so I'd either buy now or prepare to wait until Black Friday season rolls around in a few months. The choice is yours.

Google's newest smartphones have been out for less than a month, but that hasn't stopped retailers like Verizon from offering some pretty exceptional Pixel 11 Pro XL deals. Add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate plan, for example, and the carrier will slash a whopping $1,119.99 off the price of the phone.

That discount drops the Pixel 11 Pro XL down to only $5 per month for 36 months, no trade-in required! Of course, Unlimited Ultimate is also Verizon's most expensive data plan, so is this deal actually worth the price of entry? Let's break down all of the pros and cons to find out if this Verizon deal is right for you.

Buy the Pixel 11 Pro XL for 5 bucks per month during Verizon's Labor Day sale

• See my guide to the best Google Pixel 11 deals of the month

✅ Recommended if: you want to upgrade to one of the best unlimited plans in the business, regardless of cost; you're looking for a good way to get a powerful Pixel phone and an outstanding wireless plan in one fell swoop.

❌ Skip this deal if: you want to save money on your phone bill; you prefer the simplicity of buying unlocked phones; you're looking for a trade-in opportunity.

For starters, it's important to note that Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan generally starts around $105/month for a single line, although you can reduce that price significantly by adding multiple lines and taking advantage of promotional pricing. Add four lines with AutoPay and paper-free billing, for instance, and you can enjoy the benefits of the Unlimited Ultimate plan for as little as $57.60/month for each line.

If you can afford it, the Unlimited Ultimate plan does offer a lot of great features that make up for the steep price tag. You get unlimited talk, text, and 5G Ultra Wideband data, in addition to an unlimited mobile hotspot, 4K video streaming, and a ton of international benefits when you travel.

What about the phone?

Lightweight and thinner than ever, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is one of the best phones that Google has ever created, with a powerful Tensor G6 chipset, 12GB of RAM as standard, and a gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED display. You also get some upgraded camera tech, seven years of guaranteed software support, and a larger battery than previous generations, making the Pixel 11 Pro XL an absolute beast of Android performance.

Furthermore — and this is mostly a cosmetic upgrade — the Pixel 11 Pro XL features the new HiLight LED light array that borders the phone's camera bar. This little light indicator silently glows when you get a notification or use the phone's AI features, plus it can be customized to match your style.

Sure, it wasn't the massive upgrade that we were hoping for when comparing the phone to last year's model, but if you can get a good deal, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is a no-brainer for any Android enthusiast in 2026.

My take on Verizon's Labor Day deal

In conclusion, I'd really only take advantage of this deal if you can afford the wireless. This Verizon promotion makes the most sense if you've already been eyeing the Unlimited Ultimate plan and want to snag a great phone at the same time. And indeed, Unlimited Ultimate is awesome if you can afford it.

For everyone else, you'd be better off looking for a straight discount or trade-in opportunity. Some carriers (like T-Mobile) will offer some major savings if you add a line and send in an old or broken phone when purchasing the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL. Otherwise, you'll need to wait until Black Friday season kicks off if you want a good discount on the latest Pixel phones.

What you need to know

• Lumus is expanding its partnership with Quanta this week, which brings a licensing agreement between the two companies for next-gen waveguides.
• Lumus states Quanta will manufacture its next-gen waveguides: the Z-30 2.0, A-Lens 30 (30-degree FOV), and A-Lens 50 (50-degree FOV).
• The company was at CES 2026 where it stated it's future for waveguides for AR glasses will be "thinner, lighter, and easier to produce."

This morning (Sept 1), Lumus, a developer of waveguides for several big-name brands, announced a major partnership expansion.

In a press release, Lumus announced that it has expanded its partnership with Quanta Computing. This expansion sees the two companies reaching a licensing agreement "to manufacture three new geometric waveguides for AR glasses." The post states Lumus is developing three new waveguides: the Z-30 2.0, A-Lens 30 (30-degree FOV), and A-Lens 50 (50-degree FOV).

Thanks to the new licensing agreement, Quanta will handle manufacturing. What we can expect from the Z-30 2.0 is a 30-degree FOV "in a thinner, lighter optical engine." Lumus adds that its latest technology increases the display's brightness, alongside direct prescription lens bonding. The two new A-Lens waveguides (30 and 50) are Lumus' "lower-cost" production solutions.

The next-gen A-Lens waveguides are reportedly cutting down the weight and thickness by 50%. However, Lumus states it maintained its image quality and efficiency with this upgrade. This is an ongoing trend that Lumus is trying to introduce into this advancing world of AR glasses. Trimming down waveguide weight and thickness is key, but so is image quality, brightness, and cost.

Earlier today, Lumus' CEO, Ari Grobman, said, "Our relationship with Quanta has always been built around solving the practical challenges of bringing advanced AR optics into mass production. This agreement allows us to bring our next generation of lower-cost waveguides into manufacturing with a partner that understands both the technology and the production requirements behind it."

Here comes the future, and Lumus is leading it

As mentioned before, Lumus creates waveguides for several brands, even for Meta and its Ray-Ban Display Glasses. Earlier this year, Meta announced that it was doubling the production of its Ray-Ban glasses to meet demand. This was something Lumus echoed in its press release this morning. The demand for smart glasses continues to rise, but there's room for improvement. Its work to reduce the weight and thickness of its waveguides for AR glasses is one such upgrade.

Additionally, the lower-production-cost A-Lenses are designed to help bring more products to consumers. We'll have to see how things pan out going forward.

On a related note, Lumus was at CES 2026. This major tech event is where the company first stated what its plans were for the future of AR glasses. Lumus said, "That's the future for us—making these waveguides thinner, lighter, and easier to produce." Its announcement today further echoes that sentiment.

Google has been steadily improving its Messages app over the years, especially since the advent of RCS. We've been seeing some fun features arriving in the app, such as Voice Moods and Selfie GIFs. However, until now, customizing your chat look has been limited to just changing the color of your chat bubbles, and even that was pretty limited.

Now, Google has introduced new chat themes, which can fully transform your conversations. It lets you pick from a selection of photos (or you can upload your own) as a background and even changes the color of chat bubbles to match.

It's actually a pretty fantastic upgrade to the Google Messages experience that makes it feel much more fun, although I do think it went a step further. I'll walk you through changing your chat theme in Google Messages and explain why I want a little more.

How to change your chat theme in Google Messages

1. Open a message. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of your chat.

2. In the overflow menu, tap Chat theme.

3. Select from among the provided themes or tap Choose a photo to upload an image from your gallery.

4. Select a photo from within a theme or within your gallery. Tap Next.

5. Choose a color combination in the Colors row or stick with the automatic selection. You can preview your theme and colors in the image above.

6. Tap Apply to save your theme to the chat.

Enjoy your new chat theme!

Chat themes are fun, but...

Chat themes are something I've been wanting in Google Messages for some time. On the one hand, I like the relative simplicity of the app, but on the other hand, it can feel quite monotonous with the simple black or white background. Changing chat bubble colors were a nice way to break up some of that monotony, but they were limited to just nine color options and none of them were particularly good.

Chat themes is a great step forward, and in some ways, makes Google Messages feel as fun as Backgrounds on Apple Messages. However, there are a few things I think Google could have implemented to make this a much more full-featured experience.

It feels like a missed opportunity that Google didn't implement Nano Banana in any way whatsoever. Gemini is already integrated into Google Messages, letting you chat with the AI or remix images shared in a chat. I would have loved to see an option to generate a background on-device with Nano, similar to how iPhones let you describe or edit preloaded backgrounds with Apple Intelligence.

I also think Google could take chat themes a step further by having them sync across devices. Right now, when using Chat themes, you'll notice at the top of the page that "only you will see these changes." That means once you apply a theme, it will show up for you but not for the recipient.

On the one hand, I get it, because your friend may pick a theme that you find annoying, inappropriate, or just don't like. However, even Apple Messages syncs backgrounds for both users across iPhones, and some apps like Instagram and Facebook Messenger also sync chat backgrounds (though with a limited selection), which has led to some fun surprises and "fights" over which one to keep.

As one friend puts it, it would be fun swapping a background "and seeing how long it takes someone to notice." Perhaps Google can add a toggle that lets the person changing it sync their background choice across devices, while letting the recipient either keep it or select their own without syncing it back.

Finally, I've noticed a weird bug that freezes the Google Messages app when I tap a theme but don't apply it, then exit back to the chat. Fully exiting the Google Messages app will bring things back to normal. My colleague, Nick Sutrich, has also noticed this, though it doesn't seem to occur for everyone; a friend hasn't experienced this behavior.

I do notice, however, that when he swipes back, he's met with a dialog asking if he wants to leave the page without saving the changes. That only appears for me when I opt to reset the background to default and try to exit without saving. It's a relatively small bug that Google can hopefully fix soon.

What you need to know

• Gemini can now remember where you left important items, even without a tracker.
• You can tell Gemini where you stashed an item or snap a quick photo, and it logs the detail directly to Find Hub.
• Then, ask Gemini where your item is later, or view all saved locations in Find Hub's new memory tab.

Google’s September Android Drop is introducing a handy upgrade to Find Hub that allows Gemini to remember where you left important items, even if those items don’t have a tracker attached.

With the latest change, you can tell Gemini where you put an item instead of using a Bluetooth tracker to find it later. For example, you could say, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer” and optionally attach a photo for additional context.

Gemini then saves that information in a dedicated “remembered items” tab in Find Hub so you can easily get back to it again by just asking where it is.

This feature plugs a hole in Google’s current tracking setup. While Find Hub is ideal for tagged belongings, there are plenty of things you routinely misplace — such as passports, spare keys, documents, or other small essentials — that aren’t worth attaching a tracker to. This new feature essentially provides a lightweight memory layer for those items.

The feature will be rolled out to Android 16 and newer devices in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are supported. Google says it will be available soon.

This is just one part of the September Android Drop, which also includes enhancements such as Motion Assist to help alleviate motion sickness and new upgrades to Google Messages.

However, for those of us who spend far too much time looking for lost items, this new Gemini feature may be the most impactful update of them all.

What you need to know

• Google Messages gets two standout updates, including Custom Chat themes and Google Keep integration as part of the September Android Drop.
• You can tap the plus button to add a Keep note, letting everyone view, edit, and contribute without leaving the conversation.
• Personalize individual chats using curated wallpaper collections (like Animals, Landscapes, or Space) or your own gallery photos.

Google's September Android Drop is here, and while there’s a lot to go over, two features for Google Messages are stealing the spotlight: custom chat themes and seamless Google Keep integration.

Beginning today, you will be able to bring a Keep note directly into a Google Messages conversation by tapping the plus button. This lets everyone in the chat view, edit, and add to shared notes, whether you're building a grocery list or planning a vacation.

The idea appears to be to turn your Messages conversations into the place where plans are actually made. This might be particularly handy for group chats, where information can get lost in the flood of messages.

Google is also rolling out Chat theme, which lets you set different backgrounds and color treatments for individual conversations. Google has curated collections of wallpapers to choose from — including Animals, Landscapes, Space, and more — or you can upload your own photo from your gallery.

Google recommends everything from a latte theme for a coffee buddy to a beach photo for a vacation group chat. Messages automatically matches the chat bubble colors. This is much more than the simple “Change colors” option we saw back in 2024. It’s rolling out now in Google Messages.

Remember, these customizations are just for you, so that beach photo you set for the vacation chat isn’t going to show up on anyone else’s phone.

Google actually announced these custom backgrounds and themes a few days ago, in a post to the Google Messages Community, so the September Android Drop is another confirmation that the feature is coming.

Expect to see both features become more prominent as Google pushes the September Android Drop to supported devices.

What you need to know

• For September's Android Drop, Google is introducing "Motion Assist," a feature to help users suffering from motion sickness while using their phone in a vehicle.
• On the Accessibility front, Gemini Live can help users find items or read fine print with "Guided Vision," delivering audio descriptions to guide users.
• Google states Motion Assist will rollout on Android 17 devices, while Guided Vision prepares a debut on Android 9 and newer.

It's September, and right on time is Google with the latest Android Drop. This month, the company is focusing on the accessibility and comfort of Android with two major updates.

Google's press release details a laundry list of new features for September; however, we're focusing on two items: Motion Sickness and Guided Vision. If you've ever tried using your phone while riding shotgun in a car, you might've put it down. Motion Sickness could affect anyone, but Google is rolling out "Motion Assist" this month to help. According to Google, Motion Assist "adds a subtle bubble overlay to your screen that moves with the vehicle."

The post states these bubbles will bridge the gap between "what your eyes see and the movement of your ride." Users can start it via the Quick Settings tile, or they can set it to automatically turn on when you're in a moving vehicle. These moving bubbles will appear on the sides of your phone to help reduce motion sickness. The automatic option states Motion Assist will activate if it detects the user in a car, bus, or train.

What's more, users will find a few customization options to make Motion Assist theirs.

A point to Accessibility

Google states Motion Assist will roll out on phones running Android 17.

The second major update is Guided Vision. The post states this feature relies on Gemini Live, meaning users will have to share their camera with the AI. After sharing, Gemini Live will provide audio descriptions of what's in front of you. Google says the AI can help with "reading fine print on a food label, ordering from a menu in a low-lit restaurant, or locating household objects." In one example, Gemini Live guides a user to a seasoning they're looking for on a shelf.

If the subject leaves your frame, Gemini Live will guide you back so it can help you appropriately.

Guided Vision is rolling out "soon" to phones running Android 9 or newer where Gemini is available. Once it arrives, users can add Guided Vision to their Accessibility shortcuts or launch it via the TalkBack menu.

Android Central's Take

I will always prefer updates like this over some "new thing" for AI. While one of these features relies on Google's AI, this is the direction I like seeing it go. A direction where it's incredibly helpful to people who may have trouble seeing or what have you. Tech should make life easier. We've got enough to worry about as it is.

You don't have to wait for Black Friday to score some incredible deals on Android tech. Best Buy's Labor Day sale just went live, showcasing some of the year's best deals on everything from smartphones and tablets to headphones and kitchen appliances. It's one of the retailer's biggest annual shopping events, and unlike Prime Day, you don't have to be a member to enjoy the savings. Simply smash that Add to Cart button and the savings are yours.

• Best Buy's Labor Day sale is LIVE: see the full list of deals

That being said, there are a lot of tech deals to sort through, so I've done the work of picking out the best discounts for Android users so you don't have to waste your time scrolling through endless pages of stuff you don't care about. I've even organized my top recommendations into their respective product categories so it's easy to find what you're searching for. Keep reading for my TOP 20+ picks, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I'll keep adding new deals to this list until the sale wraps up on September 7th.

Phones

Wearables

Tablets and Chromebooks

Headphones and earbuds

For the past week, I've been spending the bulk of my gaming sessions using the Razer Prio, a new pocket-sized mobile controller from the iconic brand. I'm extremely picky about my mobile controllers and rarely ever like smaller ones. The GameSir Galileo G8 is my favorite to date, and that thing is a hefty chonk.

But the Razer Prio has convinced me that smaller can be better when it's done right. I've complained about Razer's smaller controllers in the past — the Kishi V2 was particularly annoying to me because of the Switch-like joysticks — but Razer has defied my expectations by creating a tiny controller that not only feels good to use but also fits perfectly in my pocket.

And while the controller looks similar to a Nintendo Switch-style one when connected to a phone, its unique design lets it fold down to half the size, protecting the buttons and joysticks in a very Game Boy or Nintendo DS way. Here's what you need to know about Razer's new $99 controller.

Nailing the basics

Going into this review, I was skeptical. I'm extremely particular about joysticks on controllers, and Razer didn't have the best track record there in my experience. Not only are the Prio's joysticks impressive in their own right, but they're downright miraculous considering what the competition pulled off at this size.

They felt every bit as good running around in The Witcher 3 Remastered (on GeForce Now) as they did catching victory royales in Fortnite. I've never used a controller of this size that worked this well for this many genres, especially shooters. Small, short joysticks usually mean poor precision, but Razer did something different here, and it shows.

The company says these are "contactless" capacitive sensors. I can't recall ever using a controller with this style before, but I've been quite happy with the feel. Razer ensures that these are drift-free, which is always great to hear.

All the buttons feel great, and this uses a real D-Pad with separate directions, not one of those weird circular ones I hate. Despite their diminutive size, the face buttons are all easy to press and feel good. They're extremely quiet and barely make any noise, even when button mashing.

The bumpers on the top of each side are simple, standard buttons, while the triggers are analog and have a surprising amount of travel. This gives you more precision in games where that sort of thing matters (racing games, for example).

You'll also find standard start, menu, home, and Razer Nexus buttons for launching Razer's app. This app acts as a launcher for all your games and supports PC streaming via Razer's software. You can also customize many aspects of the controller, although my pre-release review unit didn't have this functionality enabled yet.

And what good is a travel controller if it takes up a ton of room in your bag? I've faced this issue with my other favorite controllers and had to go without them before, but that'll never happen again, thanks to the Prio. This thing fits very comfortably in a pocket and is about the size of a standard wallet.

Plus, it weighs next to nothing in your hand compared to other controllers. My favorite controller, the GameSir G8 Galileo, weighs 252g. The Razer Prio is just 101g. Yeah, it's a huge difference. I've got moderate-sized hands, but this controller still felt comfortable to use for a long time without cramping. Folks with large hands might not have such a positive experience, though.

The Prio's unique rubber band swivel at the back ensures a nice, tight fit around your phone without adding weight. Again, I was skeptical of this design going into the review, but it proved me wrong. It also helps that Razer ships this with three different sizes and shapes of rubber pads in the box for wider phone support.

If you're a gamer who never takes the case off your phone to play, don't worry, because this controller will definitely work with your existing case. I tested this with a Dbrand Tank case on a Pixel 10 Pro since it's the thickest case I have, and it fit right in once I removed the Prio's rubber pads.

The design's downside is that it doesn't support phones with particularly large camera islands (like the Honor Magic 8 Pro), and book-style foldables (like the Galaxy Z Fold 8) won't fit when the phone is folded closed. The main culprit here is the interlocking tabs that keep the case locked when closed, but get in the way of large camera islands or thicker phones.

Since this controller is USB-C, it doesn't need to be charged or paired; just plug it in and game. You don't even need the Razer app if you don't want it! The downside is that there's no passthrough charging support and no way to even add in a MagSafe battery, so make sure you charge before you play.

All in all, this is a very impressive travel controller that will stay in my travel bag for the foreseeable future.

Last year's POCO F8 Ultra was one of my favorite phones. It had a delightful denim-based design, powerful internals, great cameras, standout battery, and didn't cost anywhere as much as its rivals. Basically, POCO delivered one of the best value flagships of the year with the device.

In 2026, the brand is continuing that trend with the F9 Ultra and F9 Pro. The F9 Ultra isn't too different to its predecessor, and that is unquestionably a good thing. There is a bigger 8,050mAh battery that lasts two days with ease, a new 200MP main camera, and a model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which is what I'm using.

The F9 Ultra is coming to 25 countries globally, including the U.K., Germany, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the UAE. Annoyingly, it isn't launching in India, and I don't quite understand why that's the case — POCO has a strong userbase in the country, and the device should do well considering its intended audience.

Let's start with what it costs. The F9 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it costs the equivalent of $799, with an early-bird deal of $729. It is costlier in the west, retailing for €1,099 ($1,273), but the launch price of €829 ($961) makes it that much more accessible. Then there's the 16GB/512GB model that costs $949 ($799 at launch), and €1,199 ($1,389) (€899 ($1,042) at launch). The 16GB/1TB model is $1,199 in Asian markets with a deal price of $1,059, and it comes out to €1,399 ($1,621) in the west, with the deal lowering it to €1,199 ($1,389).

The F9 Pro, on the other hand, costs $699 for the 12GB/256GB edition, and $769 for the 12GB/512GB model. Obviously, you're still paying a lot of cash towards either phone, but it isn't anywhere as much as a regular flagship.

Having used the F9 Ultra for a week, it's evident that POCO once again managed to deliver a standout phone. I'm a little annoyed that it didn't retain the denim finish — it made the phone so distinctive — but the Dark Cherry model is equally good-looking this year, and the design is eerily similar to what the iPhone 18 Pro is touted to look like based on the leaks. I'm guessing that's intentional, and whatever the reason, the F9 Ultra looks great.

It is on the heavier side at 235g, but weight distribution is ideal, and the matte texture makes the phone a delight to use. The camera island is wide — similar to the iPhone 17 Pro — and it doesn't lead to any wobble when using on a desk, which is a definite positive. You get IP68 dust and water resistance, an ultrasonic sensor that's fast to authenticate and is located in the right position (thankfully), and Xiaomi's interesting offline mode that lets you make calls with another Xiaomi phone without a cell signal (up to two kilometers).

There's a dedicated Bose woofer (like last year), and onboard audio is the best of any phone today. It gets loud and detailed, and honestly, POCO deserves a lot of credit for nailing the 2.1 audio configuration on a phone. Oh, and there's a ring encircling the Bose woofer, and it lights up — similar to HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold — and it is handy if you want to view notifications while the phone is face-down.

The 6.9-inch AMOLED panel is unchanged to last year, and you get the same WildBoost engine that makes gaming a little smoother. The difference isn't big enough that I'd suggest getting this over something like the Redmagic 11 Pro, but it is better than most mainstream phones. The panel itself is bright and has good colors, and it does a good job with HDR content.

Because of the accelerated launch window (the phone is launching 10 months after its predecessor), there isn't a change of silicon, and that's absolutely fine by me — the 8 Elite Gen 5 is still the best that Qualcomm has to offer. It tends to overheat while gaming, but not quite to the same extent as the F8 Ultra, so that is good to see.

Another positive is the silicon-carbon battery tech. The phone gets a huge 8,050mAh battery with a decent 16% silicon-carbon content in the anode, and it easily lasts two days even with heavy use. There's 100W charging as well, and the phone takes less than an hour to fully charge the battery.

I also like the camera on the F9 Ultra; there's a new 200MP main camera that takes great photos in just about any situation. The wide-angle lens is average, and the phone in general doesn't do that good a job with videos. That said, the 5x tele lens is pretty decent.

The biggest annoyance with the F9 Ultra is the software. The phone runs Android 16 out of the box, and I don't understand why it doesn't have Android 17. POCO has to do better in this area, and the software in general is in need of an overhaul. Of course, that's reliant on Xiaomi, and with the brand dragging its heels, it may be a while before you see any positive momentum on the software front. On that subject, the phone will get four Android updates, which is on the lower end of the scale.

All things considered, POCO has another winner in the F9 Ultra — the phone has reliable internals and cameras, standout battery life, and looks great. The software is annoying, but that's the case with every Xiaomi phone until the brand rolls out its long-overdue redesign, and for what it's worth, I prefer using POCO phones to Xiaomi or Redmi models in this category now. If you need a value flagship in 2026, the F9 Ultra is now one of the best choices.

What you need to know

• The Google TV Streamer has jumped from $100 to $150 at the Google Store and Best Buy.
• Retailers including Amazon may still have older stock at the original price, but supplies could disappear quickly.
• The Nest lineup also gets across-the-board markups, with all five Nest cameras and doorbells seeing price increases of $20 to $50.

If you've been holding off on picking up Google’s smart home hardware, your hesitation just got a lot more expensive. The tech giant has quietly increased prices across its streaming and security hardware lineup.

The Google TV Streamer arrived in 2024 for $100, replacing Chromecast as Google’s flagship streaming box. It was also pretty easy to find below that price, with holiday discounts knocking a few bucks off. Now, Google has quietly bumped up the device’s price by $50 to $150, as spotted by 9to5Google.

The new price is already appearing at Google Store and Best Buy, though some retailers are still selling remaining stock for $100. For example, not all listings have been refreshed by Amazon yet. If you are fast enough, you may be able to pick up older stock at launch prices before it is cycled out.

Google mentions increased component costs, with the Streamer’s 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage making memory costs a likely factor behind the increase. Other recent Google hardware has already been under the same broader cost pressures.

The Nest lineup is taking a hit, too. Google has increased the price of all five of its currently available cameras and doorbells by $20 to $50. The battery-powered Nest Cam is now $200, up from $180, while the second-generation wired Nest Cam Outdoor jumps from $150 to $200.

The third-generation wired Nest Cam Indoor rises to $130 from $100. Both the wired and battery Nest Doorbells now cost $200, up from $180.

Interestingly, the Nest Cam with Floodlight bundle is still priced at $280, and the Nest Hub, thermostats, and the new Google Home Speaker remain unchanged for now.

These changes went into effect August 31, Google says, and with component costs still a big part of hardware pricing, it may be a lot harder to find these older launch prices.

What you need to know

• Android 17 QPR2 has officially hit Platform Stability with Beta 4, meaning APIs are locked and the update is in its final stretch focused entirely on system polish and bug fixes.
• Google fixed several Pixel pain points, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation, battery-limit charging, Recents, Bluetooth audio, and screen-recording issues.
• Hardware support gets attention, too, with fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, 3D smart-glasses displays, and low-light Face Unlock.

Google’s Android 17 QPR2 beta cycle is moving into its final stretch. Beta 1 was released on July 20, with Beta 2 following on 3 August and Beta 3 only 11 days later. Now, Beta 4 has arrived with a long list of fixes, and more importantly, Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability.

That milestone means Google has locked the API surface for the release, giving developers a much more stable target for testing apps ahead of the update reaching users more broadly. QPR2 is a pretty small SDK update that has no planned behavior changes, so this build is much more about polish, stability, and fixing things that could make a Pixel frustrating to use.

Critical bug fixes

And there are a lot of things to fix. As per the changelog, Beta 4 resolves a bug in thermal management that could cause overheating and reboots. Another solution is for the 80% battery limit feature that takes way too long to finish charging the last 2%. Google has also fixed broken gesture navigation and a transparent status bar that could appear after full-screen video with specific display-cutout settings enabled.

You'll see that polish in everyday Pixel features as well. The search in the app drawer may stop accepting text input. Bluetooth call audio may be routed incorrectly through the phone speaker. The Recents screen may freeze or visually clip app cards. Google also fixed a bug with screen-recording audio that could cause microphones to be unavailable to apps such as Gboard and Gemini until a reboot.

There’s some interesting hardware cleanup, too. Beta 4 brings back screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and fixes blank screens in 3D mode for connected smart glasses. It also solved Face Unlock issues in low-light conditions that would take users straight to a PIN.

Android 17 QPR2 is also beefing up the protection against call-forwarding scams by limiting some USSD-based forwarding commands and requiring confirmation when users manually dial them.

Positive user feedback

Reddit users who own Pixels are giving surprisingly positive early feedback. One Pixel 9a owner called Beta 4 the most stable QPR2 build yet, with the lag gone and performance noticeably improved. Another Pixel 8 owner said that the phone now feels "fast."

Beta 4 isn’t perfect, though. Some testers complained about oversized text and a lower display resolution after installing the update, though one user said a reboot fixed everything. At least one tester also states that a Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has persisted across all four QPR2 betas, with them having to manually select the Bluetooth audio source.

Beta 4 is rolling out to a wide range of Pixel phones and tablets, with Pixel 11 support listed as “coming soon” for now. Some early beta testers on Reddit said a download of about 671MB on a Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a few rollout quirks and some confusion on the update screen.

If you're already a Pixel owner and are enrolled in the beta, you'll get the update over the air. Just know that if you leave the program after installing Beta 4, it can wipe your data.

What you need to know

• Instagram is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile" to give users better clarity over whether or not the content (and person) they're viewing is real.
• The platform states there will be restrictions and limits imposed on profiles that do not adhere to this label.
• Instagram already has its AI Info option, which lets users know if something on the platform was made with AI, such as photos and videos.

Instagram is tightening the screws around AI content on its platform this week. Specifically, the app is bringing more clarity for users when a profile is deemed to be nothing but AI.

This morning (Aug 31), Instagram announced that it is changing its "AI creator" label to "AI-generated profile." It states this change was made to "make it more clear to people when a profile features an AI-generated person rather than a human." Here's the thing: if someone is running an AI-generated account, meaning the person users see isn't real, they will face limits. Instagram says these limits will be imposed on their accounts' reach, meaning their views and interactions will suffer.

These "unlabeled accounts" can make things right by adding the new AI-generated profile label to their account. Additionally, they can appeal the decision if there was a mistake.

Instagram has made these decisions due to user feedback. It states users "don’t like seeing a profile that seems human, only to find out later that the person featured is AI-generated." If something was made with AI, users want to know flat out, not after the fact. If a profile/account has always used the "AI creator" label, nothing necessarily changes. The "AI-generated profile" label will simply continue. However, the post states that if a user utilizes AI tools as part of their "creative process," the AI-generated profile label doesn't apply.

Instagram says this change is a part of an ongoing process. Things may continue to change over time.

Changes continue for Instagram

AI has arrived on Instagram in a myriad of ways over the past few years. On one hand, we have warning labels that the content you're viewing was made by AI, such as photos. Then, we have Instagram's mistakes, where users have seen the app mistakenly call their friends AI in a messaging glitch. Regardless, it's safe to assume that more AI-related features for transparency will continue. The post acknowledges that generative AI tools spread, but users want to know if what they're seeing is real or fantasy.

On the flip side, Meta was involved in a $16 billion settlement over the addictive nature of its social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. This settlement focuses on younger users, as the case highlighted a "nationwide mental health crisis" that's been "fueled" by these addictive apps. As a result, Meta will need to roll out changes for younger user accounts to help cut down their exposure.

Such changes will involve daily usage limits, age restrictions for content, and more.

Android Central's Take

It feels like you're always on guard online now. Not that you weren't before, but it's for a different reason today. Now you're wondering, "was... was this made by a computer and not a person?" "Is this person real?" It's kind of weird. It almost feels like we're walking into a sci-fi story where the AI starts learning and evolving and taking over. No? I watch too many movies, I know.

What you need to know

• Google Pixel 11 Pro users on Reddit have started voicing problems with the device's recording capabilities when Video Boost is active.
• A report states statis bursts every "five seconds" emerge in recordings when this enhancement feature is active, completely ruining the end-product.
• A Google support team member has responded, curious to learn more; however, users have discovered an at-home fix for this problem.

It's the end of August, and we're all unpacking our Pixel 11 phones, but some users say there's already an issue. Reports highlight a video enhancement feature that's working in reverse.

Over the past week, reports on the Pixel Phones subreddit have emerged, highlighting a problem with Video Boost on the Pixel 11 Pro (via 9to5Google). The original poster (OP) said that after recording, they noticed "static bursts" in the audio "every five seconds." The report specifies that this has only occurred with videos recorded with Video Boost enabled.

The OP followed up with a better example, showing how egregious these static bursts are every few seconds. Users entered the thread. Some say they've encountered the same problem when Video Boost is active. Another questioned the OP, wondering about their video quality. The user was recording in FHD at 6fps, not 4K. However, another recording at 4K displayed signs of these disruptive static bursts.

Users lamented the problem, stating it's disheartening to have such a problem on top of the phone's price. The OP considered returning their device, but they stuck with it and reportedly found a fix. They say, "I went in and cleared the cache on the camera app and turned off zoom audio. No static on the videos tonight." One user found no issues at 30fps, but toggling 60fps on and off seemed to help.

Interestingly, Google is aware of the problem—or at least, the issues users have voiced. A member of the Google product support team for Pixels responded, inquiring for more information.

Video Boost is designed to help users record better videos. It works by submitting your recording to Google's Cloud services to "enhance it" before returning to your phone. When Google first introduced this for the Pixel 8 Pro, it seemed like a straightforward process. However, there appears to be some disconnect between the Pixel 11 Pro and Video Boost's original purpose. With Google chiming in, hopefully it'll look into a more permanent solution that doesn't involve extra steps from users.

These early issues are frustrating, as they're souring an otherwise well-received Pixel 11 launch. While Google has integrated some useful hardware upgrades, the company's also raised the bar significantly for Pixel AI. Of course, these are optional tools, so the final judgement is up to the end-user.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy S27 Ultra could replace its 3x and 5x telephoto cameras with a single new 4x f/1.9 zoom camera.
• The rumored 4x telephoto camera would match the native optical zoom of the iPhone 17 Pro.
• Leaked CAD renders appear to show room for only one telephoto camera alongside the Galaxy S27 Ultra's main sensors.

A new leak may have revealed the new zoom camera Samsung is planning for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

The Galaxy S27 Ultra is finally starting to take shape. We recently saw CAD renders of the Galaxy S27 Ultra that revealed a redesigned camera module with an iPhone 17 Pro-like horizontal camera plateau. Another leak also suggested that Samsung might finally increase the battery capacity on its upcoming flagship.

Now, the same leaker who claimed Samsung is working on self-healing display glass for the Galaxy S27 Ultra has shared on X that the phone could feature a new 4x telephoto camera with an f/1.9 aperture.

Until now, Samsung has used two different zoom cameras on its recent Ultra flagships, traditionally offering a combination of 3x and 5x telephoto lenses. But with the Galaxy S27 Ultra, it looks like Samsung could be changing that strategy.

The company will reportedly switch to a single telephoto camera offering 4x optical zoom. Interestingly, that's also the zoom level Apple offers on the iPhone 17 Pro.

The recently leaked CAD renders also appear to leave room for only one telephoto camera inside the pill-shaped module next to the two main cameras on the horizontal camera plateau, so that could be where this new 4x camera sits.

The leaker hasn't revealed the megapixel count or any other specifications of the new sensor just yet. But with the Galaxy S27 Ultra still around six months away, we expect to learn much more about the camera setup as we get closer to launch.

Of course, there's still plenty of time for Samsung to change things before the hardware is finalized. But between the redesigned camera module, rumored larger battery, self-healing display glass, and now this new 4x telephoto camera, we're finally starting to get a clearer picture of the direction Samsung could be taking with the Galaxy S27 Ultra

The memory crisis is affecting the mid-range phone category to a noticeable extent in 2026, and that is evident with the launch of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. Previous models in the series stood out for delivering the best hardware and value, but that hasn't been the case for the last two years at least.

While the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ had a great design and 200MP camera, it debuted with outdated software and shortsighted moves like missing 4K60 video. The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ had similar issues, and it cost even more while offering less in the way of features.

Annoyingly, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is even worse. Xiaomi is distracting buyers by adding a huge 9,210mAh silicon-carbon battery that ostensibly lasts up to three days, but there's no getting around the fact that this phone is slower, doesn't have as much memory, and isn't as good in daily use as its predecessor. The Note 17 Pro Max costs $499 at launch, and honestly, your money is better spent on just about any other phone.

Look, there are areas where the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is better than other phones, particularly with battery life. Thanks to a 9,210mAh silicon-carbon battery, the phone lasts two and a half days with medium use, and even with heavy usage, you can get it to last two entire days. And when you need to charge it, there's 100W USB PD 3.0, so it takes just an hour to get to a full charge. Battery life is unquestionably the best feature on this phone, and Xiaomi even sells a model with a 10,000mAh battery (if the 9,210mAh unit isn't adequate).

I like that the phone doesn't feel like a brick; it has a flat design and is good to hold and use, and it has similar dimensions as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, if a bit chunkier and 14g heavier. That said, it isn't unwieldy to use in the least, and Xiaomi deserves credit for the design. Also, the Note 17 Pro Max has better durability thanks to a new polycarbonate mid-frame, and it gets IP68 and IP69K ingress protection — like the best Android phones. But in classic Xiaomi fashion, IP69K isn't available on all global models.

The Cloud Blush color looks good too. It has an iridescent pattern that subtly shifts as light reflects the body, and it adds a bit of elegance to the phone. The 6.83-inch OLED has good colors out of the box, and it gets bright in daily use. While a few Xiaomi phones had issues with HDR content, that thankfully isn't an issue here, and the 120Hz panel on the Note 17 Pro Max is pretty good overall. It doesn't get quite as bright as the 15 Pro+ when using both phones side-by-side, but I didn't notice any issues in outdoor use.

Okay, that's it for the positives. Xiaomi made a lot of changes to the hardware this time around, starting with the use of silicon. Last year's model came with a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, so it is annoying to see Xiaomi move to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 with the Note 17 Pro Max. What's particularly insidious is that this chipset still uses the A78 and A55 cores, which are positively ancient at this point.

To give you some context, last year's model has the newish A720 and A520 cores, so the Note 17 Pro Max is a clear downgrade — and it shows in everyday use. There is noticeable lag when you're multitasking, and high-end gaming is an exercise in futility. Device manufacturers have made plenty of positive strides in bringing decent hardware to mid-range phones, but Xiaomi reversed all of that with the Note 17 Pro Max.

The Note 17 Pro Max starts with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and that is just not good enough in 2026. It is yet another area where this year's phone is a downgrade. On that subject, the 50MP main camera is decent if you take photos, but it once again misses out on 4K60 video — at this point, it's clear that Xiaomi doesn't want to offer this feature. It isn't quite as good in low-light situations, and the cameras overall don't hold a candle to the Pixel 10a.

Then there's the software. The Note 17 Pro Max runs Android 16 out of the box, and I just don't get it. Google released the stable Android 17 build 74 days before Xiaomi introduced the Note 17 Pro Max, so it isn't like the brand had enough time to pre-install the latest version of Android. This is once again a choice, as it means Xiaomi doesn't need to deliver quite as many platform updates.

Yes, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has the best battery life of any phone I used in 2026, and it looks and feels good to hold and use. The OLED panel is vibrant, and the main camera is decent enough in this category. However, the downgraded hardware combined with 8GB of RAM and annoying bloat-ridden software means there isn't much of a reason to buy this phone — the Note 15 Pro+ is still a better choice in every area other than battery life. If you're looking to get a mid-ranger in 2026 and need something made by Xiaomi, my recommendation is the POCO X8 Pro.

Google finally upgraded the base storage with the Pixel 11 series, among other notable upgrades and modifications. One thing remains constant, though, and that's the number of models launched. There's the basic Pixel 11, the more advanced but petite Pixel 11 Pro, and the larger-than-life Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Upgrades like increased internal memory, a faster processor, and the fancy HiLight in its RGB glory come at a cost; the Pixel 11 series starts at $100 more than the Pixel 10 series. The spike in RAM prices may also be to blame, but it doesn't matter who the culprit is. You're here to decide which of the three Pixel 11 models deserves your money the most.

So, how do you decide which Google Pixel 11 model you should buy? Each phone has something to offer and caters to a particular kind of user. Let's compare all three devices and come to a conclusion.

At a glance

The base Pixel 11

The baby Pixel 11 is the entry point to Google's 2026 flagship series. Following the across-the-board price increases, it sells for $899 with 256GB of storage and $1,019 for the 512GB variant. Both memory options come with 12GB of RAM. Unlike the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, the Pixel 11 has different colorways.

The Pixel 11 supports faster 25W wireless charging than the Pixel 10. Other changes include the new Tensor G6 chipset, all the latest Gemini features, and some camera upgrades, though you still get the lowest-resolution cameras in the Pixel 11 family and no HiLight RGB light. Notably, the Pixel 11 has a slightly larger 4,985mAh battery compared to the Pixel 11 Pro's 4,850mAh.

For the price that you pay, the year-over-year upgrades aren't significant enough, making it really hard to recommend the base Pixel 11. It just doesn't make sense. You're better off purchasing the last-gen Pixel 10 at a much lower price, or adding $200 to score the Pixel 11 Pro.

The new and improved Pixel 11 Pro

The Pixel 11 Pro retails at $1,099 for the 12GB/256GB variant. Meanwhile, the 512GB and 1TB variants bump the RAM to 16GB, priced at $1,219 and $1,449, respectively. The 11 Pro shares the same charging specs as the base Pixel 11, but for some reason it has a smaller battery than the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 11.

The HiLight adds a glowing dot to your Pixel 11 Pro, so you can get more info about your notifications without picking up your phone. It has the same Tensor G6 chipset and advanced Gemini features as the rest of the Pixel 11 family.

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL are nearly identical in every way except for size, battery capacity, and charging speeds. This is a rare instance where you truly get two different size options for the exact same flagship phone, including identical colorways. You get the same cameras on both phones, which is a huge bonus if you want a small phone that doesn't compromise on camera quality.

Choosing between the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL comes down to size preference, then. If you're not keen on carrying a 6.8-inch device that is an ounce heavier than the petite Pro model, there's no need to upgrade to the larger, more expensive Pro XL. You might get a smaller battery, but the smaller display should consume less power than the Pixel 11 Pro XL, which should average out the uptime to some extent. Overall, this is the ideal Pixel 11 model for most people, as it delivers the most value for money.

The specs-maxxing Pixel 11 Pro XL

Google stuffed the Pixel 11 Pro XL with features like a turkey stuffed with fillings on Thanksgiving, making it the most feature-rich model in the Pixel 11 series. Like the rest, the Pro XL starts at $100 more. The base memory variant costs $1,299 for 256GB of storage and a lower 12GB of RAM than the last-gen Pixel 10 Pro XL. The other two variants come with 16GB of RAM and are priced at $1,419 for 512GB and $1,649 for 1TB of storage.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL is equipped with all the latest features you would expect: the advanced Tensor G6 chipset with the Titan M3 security chip, Gemini's latest capabilities such as Rambler and Magic Capture, and the HiLight notification LED. The cameras have also been upgraded, elevating what was already a brilliant photography and videography experience.

Google pulled all the stops with this one, giving it the largest battery and fastest charging speed of the Pixel 11 trio. The big screen does make this the heaviest Pixel 11, though, and it has a smaller battery compared to the older Pixel 10 Pro XL. If you want the biggest, most powerful Pixel 11, this is the model to get.

What about the Pixel 11 Pro?

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is technically part of the Pixel 11 family, but it sort of exists in its own sphere. However, if you're interested in foldables and curious about the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, we've got you covered in a separate article that discusses whether you should buy one. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny if you do!

Samsung's book-style foldables have historically featured squarish (1:1) aspect ratios for their main displays, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 changes that. It's a wider foldable with a 7.6-inch folding display that uses a 4:3 aspect ratio. As a result, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is better for widescreen video and mobile games, such as modern TV shows, movies, and game titles you're likely to play on an Android foldable. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 makes a handful of compromises to get there, so it's not for everyone.

Luckily, the Android foldable market is ripe with options — and Apple is said to be gearing up to launch a wide "iPhone Ultra" foldable as well. For now, there are five Android phones I'd consider instead of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Whether you're looking for great displays, long battery life, sharp cameras, or maximum durability, there's something for everyone here.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is fun to use, but it isn't the flagship foldable of 2026. That would be the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which is a pricey pick at $2,100. This phone uses the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and runs the same One UI 9 software. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers enough upgrades to be your top alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

The nearly square folding display is better for multitasking, but it's also larger, with an 8-inch folding AMOLED screen. The cover screen is bigger, too, at 6.5 inches, and its aspect ratio makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra feel like a traditional smartphone.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is almost a millimeter thinner and is crazy light, weighing only 215 grams. Somehow, Samsung managed to cram a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery in this slim chassis — larger than the one in the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Plus, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra includes a triple-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 200MP primary shooter. The ultrawide camera is upgraded to a 50MP sensor this year, and the system is rounded out with a 10MP telephoto. All these spec bumps combine to make the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra a more well-rounded foldable than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, as long as you can live without the wide form factor.

Motorola Razr Fold

If battery life is your main priority, there's no better choice than the Motorola Razr Fold. It runs on a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery that charges at blazing 80W wired charging speeds and 50W wireless charging, as long as you use a proprietary charger. The Razr Fold has the largest foldable battery you'll find in the U.S., and it's still only 9.89mm thick. It is on the heavier side, but Motorola makes up for that with stylish vegan leather materials and a premium look.

The Razr Fold uses an 8.1-inch folding display that's larger than every other foldable on this list. It's also really bright at up to 6,200 nits. What's interesting is that the Razr Fold's 6.6-inch cover screen has a 165Hz refresh rate, making it more responsive than the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Another perk of Motorola's first book-style foldable is its camera system, which we even compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. Every rear camera lens, from the primary shooter to the ultrawide and telephoto, uses a 50MP sensor. This gives you plenty of versatility, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 8's ultrawide camera is low-resolution and lacks a telephoto.

The Razr Fold's base Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip might give you pause, but it shouldn't. Even without an "Elite" processor, the Razr Fold performs as it should.

Google Pixel Fold

Samsung is trying to start a new foldable trend with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple might introduce a wide foldable of its own with the iPhone Ultra, but until then, there's only one widescreen alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 8: the original Google Pixel Fold. Released in 2023, the Pixel Fold has a 7.6-inch folding display with a wide 6:5 aspect ratio that feels similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

If you're set on trying a widescreen foldable, the Pixel Fold is the only real alternative. The Tensor G2 chipset is showing its age, but the Pixel Fold's other core specs still hold up in 2026. You get a 4,821mAh battery, a triple-camera system, and a 5.8-inch cover screen. The phone is still fully supported with Android updates. You can run Android 17 on it today, and it's guaranteed to get at least Android 18.

What makes the Pixel Fold truly appealing is the price. If you can find it in new or refurbished condition, it'll be around $500 or less. On the secondhand market, it's not hard to find a Pixel Fold for $300 or less. That's a steal for a foldable, even one that's a few years old. It might be worth your while to track down an original Pixel Fold to get a Galaxy Z Fold 8 competitor with a wide-folding display at a low price.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

Part of the appeal of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is its compact form factor when closed. Though it's a little wide, the Galaxy Z Fold 8's 5.5-inch cover screen is much more compact than modern Android phones. If you're intrigued by the smaller footprint, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 might be worth a look. As a flip phone, it's certainly a different experience than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but it comes with practical benefits of its own.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and measures only 85.7 tall when shut, making it disappear in your pocket. Plus, it has the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, meaning you can expect similar performance across the two phones.

Samsung kept the same 4,300mAh battery in the Galaxy Z Flip 8, but it charges fairly fast at 25W via cable. That gets you about 55% of the battery in exchange for a 30-minute charge. The phone has a 6.9-inch display when unfolded, putting it in the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra territory. The 4.1-inch cover screen is usable, and the software is slowly getting better.

At $1,200, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is about $700 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It might not be exactly what you had in mind when you started searching for a new foldable, but flip phones are fun, functional, and more affordable.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Google's Pixel 11 Pro Fold does two things better than any other foldable sold in the U.S.: durability and wireless charging. It's still the only foldable to be completely dustproof thanks to IP68 certification, meaning you don't have to worry about dust or sand working their way into your folding display assembly or hinge and causing trouble.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold also has Qi2 magnets inside. This allows you to connect the Pixel 11 Pro Fold to Qi2, MagSafe, or Pixelsnap chargers and accessories without needing a third-party case. This time, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold isn't overtly thick because of its internal magnets. The foldable measures 10.1mm thick, which is respectable. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is thinner, but doesn't have internal magnets.

Google has a few more tricks up its sleeve, like the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's HiLight feature, a colorful LED on the back flash that glows when you receive a call from a favorite contact or start chatting with Gemini. It's a bit gimmicky, but it makes the Pixel 11 Pro Fold unique. This is one of many Pixel-exclusive features on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, such as Magic Capture and Camera Looks.

If you value IP68 and Qi2 as foldable features, you should choose the latest Google foldable over the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Take your pick

If none of these foldables catch your eye, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may indeed be the best option for your needs. Otherwise, consider traditional flagships, like the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. While they don't have the large folding displays of the other phones on this list, these models are just as capable and cost hundreds of dollars less.

I admit I was a little disappointed to learn that the Pixel Watch 5 is powered by essentially a boosted version of the same chip from the previous Pixel Watch, rather than the new Snapdragon Wear Elite, which is positioned as a premium smartwatch chip for on-device AI and more.

However, after reviewing the Galaxy Watch 9 and testing the Pixel Watch 5 for two weeks, I realized that Google may have made the right choice by skipping the Wear Elite. As a result, the Pixel Watch 5 delivers smooth performance, supports new AI features, and maintains good battery life. Unfortunately, the one feature I was looking forward to isn't here yet.

The same charm

Aesthetically, the Pixel Watch 5 is no different from the Pixel Watch 4, with a sleek design that still feels fresh yet is also starting to get a little old. The domed glass screen is gorgeous, and the display is bright at 3,000 nits, although I still don’t really care for its shape, as it slightly warps content towards the center.

Otherwise, Wear OS 7 looks fantastic, and the UI is incredibly fluid thanks to Material 3 Expressive. Icons seem to shrink and expand as you scroll, and there’s a pleasant bounce to animations.

I like some of the new watch faces like Weave, although I tried creating my own watch face using AI, with… interesting results. It feels more like a way to theme a new watch face than to create a whole new style of watch face from scratch, which is fine but less compelling than I thought it would be.

I do wish that Google would take after Samsung when it comes to widgets. The current iteration looks great and is better at providing glanceable information, but freely stacking widgets on One UI Watch adds a layer of personal touch I would love to see here.

Don't touch me

Gestures are much more prevalent in Wear OS 7. In fact, it constantly feels like the Pixel Watch 5 doesn’t want me touching its screen. As I go through my day, I receive a notification and pinch my fingers twice to open the notification panel, then again to scroll through my notifications, all without touching my display. I then twist my wrist to dismiss the panel.

As I take a stroll through the neighborhood, I let my music and Google Maps guide me to my destination. I pinch my fingers again to open At a Glance, which shows my current Google Maps route, then pinch to swap between the route view and directions. Similarly, in media controls, I pinch my fingers to skip or pause/play the current song on YouTube Music, which you can thankfully customize.

Throughout my day, I raise the Pixel Watch 5 to my face to view the time or a notification, and notice a bright sliver of blue at the bottom of the display, signaling Gemini is ready to listen for any commands or queries. It's good at knowing when to either fade away or pick up what I’m saying, in case I want to check my Google Health stats, ask it a question about my schedule, or check on a package I’m expecting.

Gemini also gives me the occasional proactive prompts in my notifications to do things like set a reminder. And Gemini even works offline in a limited capacity, which is handy if you don’t have an LTE-enabled watch.

It’s surprisingly intuitive and works quite well, but make sure you set your wrist orientation correctly so the watch can better detect your gestures.

Health and fitness are... almost there

The Pixel Watch hasn’t been my favorite smartwatch for fitness, but the Watch 5 promises to be better in a few areas, even if I haven’t experienced all of them yet. I recently ran a 5K race and tracked the run using the Pixel Watch and two other wearables. For some reason, the Pixel Watch didn’t record my GPS data, but it did accurately record my run distance and later recorded my route on a long walk I took.

The Pixel also beat the Galaxy Watch 9 in a step test and more closely matched the Garmin Cirqa in heart rate data across several workouts.

There have been some updates to the workout screens, but unfortunately the new live-guided training sessions aren’t available yet. As someone who frequently works out, I’ve been looking forward to this feature the most. However, when it does arrive, I will do a separate deep dive into how it works and how it compares to Garmin’s workout tracking.

Google also claims sleep tracking has improved, and I’m inclined to believe it. The Pixel Watch 5 even picks up on moments when I'm particularly restless, though there was only one instance when it didn't track my sleep. I wonder if I was too restless that night, as I do recall waking up quite a bit.

Unfortunately, newer health features such as Insulin Resilience and Blood Pressure Trends are also unavailable at the time of writing, which is kind of a bummer.

Should you buy the Pixel Watch 5?

The Pixel Watch 5 is a great smartwatch, and one I could easily recommend over the cheaper Galaxy Watch 9 for one major reason: battery life. I easily get two days of battery life while tracking sleep and workouts, and occasionally spamming Gemini.

That said, I can’t recommend it over the Pixel Watch 4. The watches are too similar, and the Watch 5 is leaning on the promise of features that haven’t yet arrived at the time this review is written. That said, some of these features may not make it to the Watch 4 at all, so you'll have to decide if you want to take that chance.

Google’s Pixel smartphones have never been the strongest in terms of raw power or customization, but they represent something of a consumer-friendly, accessible option for those who want an easy Android experience. The Pixel 11 is the latest representation of Google’s software and hardware coming together to showcase how far Android has come and how useful AI can be, even if we love to hate it.

I’ve been using the Pixel 11 for a few weeks now, and it feels like Google is navigating an interesting intersection between AI and social media, one that companies like Samsung are also starting to hone in on. The result is a phone that feels fresh, fun, and functional while remaining one of the best flagship options for your wallet.

It’s the small things

At first glance, the Pixel 11 looks and feels as small and pocketable as the Pixel 10. Unfortunately, the Pixel 11 is still quite thick at 8.6mm, making it chonkier than even the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s also pretty hefty, weighing closer to the S26 Ultra than the base S26.

On the plus side, Google made some small but welcome changes to both the design and some of the internals, which I think sort of make up for its hefty design.

For example, the camera housing doesn’t protrude nearly as much as the Pixel 10, so it lies flatter on a table than its predecessor, despite having roughly the same camera sensors. The battery is also slightly larger, although Google probably should have opted for denser silicon-carbon batteries, which likely could have helped shave off some thickness. Still, battery life hasn’t been a problem for me, and I generally get a full day of use before needing to plug in.

Fortunately, charging got a bit of a boost. The Pixel 11 still features 30W wired charging, which isn’t the fastest on the block, and I definitely find myself waiting longer than I’d like for it to charge.

Extreme Charging can help with this, although only somewhat. The hidden feature pauses apps in the background to keep the phone cooler for longer and allows for higher sustained charging speeds. Thus, I did see a 10% boost after 30 minutes of charging, bringing the phone from 0 to 50%.

Wireless charging is also much better, with seemingly stronger Qi2 magnets and faster 25W speeds, making it nearly as useful as wired charging.

The Pixel 11 gets social

AI has been Google’s main focus with the Pixel lineup, but social media is also becoming more important, as seen in the latest Android 17 features like the built-in Creator Suite and Screen Reactions. In fact, two of my favorite new Pixel 11 features are at opposite ends of social media, with one that aims to give me the perfect photos to post while another prompts me to step back from scrolling.

Magic Capture is a new built-in Camera feature that sits just to the left of Photo mode. With it, you tap the shutter button and start recording a video, while AI works in the background to automatically find the best moments and save images. This essentially automates the manual still-capture feature already available in Video mode, letting you focus on capturing the moment.

I used the feature at a party, and despite the challenging lighting, Magic Capture highlighted some great social media-worthy moments of my friends. I was also able to capture some cute images of harbor seals swimming in a waterway.

On the other hand, I know that Instagram is my biggest weakness and the main source of my procrastination. That’s why I actually appreciate what Pause Point is doing. This Digital Wellbeing feature activates when I open apps I find distracting, giving me a moment to breathe and reflect on whether I really need to open that app right now.

I enabled it specifically for Instagram, so that each time I try to open the app, it cycles through several options, prompting me to take a moment to breathe, think about what really matters to me, set a timer for the app, state how I feel while opening the app, or try another less distracting app instead.

When it’s done, I can continue to the app, but I often find myself not opening Instagram, mostly because of the friction of having to complete a task first. It’s surprisingly effective.

There’s AI too

You can find Gemini everywhere on the Pixel 11 if that’s what you want, and it actually feels more helpful than anything. When I wake up, Daily Brief pulls from my connected accounts and apps like Calendar and Gmail, keeping me abreast of upcoming events and things I need to remember.

Gemini Intelligence also makes it easy to do things like order Uber Eats just by using my voice, and it helps when I least expect it. For example, a friend of mine texted me to ask if I was busy this weekend. Before I could respond, Gemini prompted me to check my calendar, which revealed I was planning to go to a festival.

In another message, a friend asked what my team name is for an upcoming 5K I'm planning to run. Gemini suggested a previous team name I used during my last 5K, which just so happens to be the name I'm using for this new run.

It all happened without leaving Google Messages, which is the kind of frictionless AI interaction that I can appreciate.

Rambler is also surprisingly useful, and it picks up the nuances of speech quite well, adding the appropriate punctuation and even quotation marks when it detects that I'm quoting something. It also separates my text into paragraphs at the right moments, and I haven't had to correct it once.

This is all powered by the Tensor G6, which prioritizes AI performance over anything else. Day-to-day use is fine, although don’t expect the Pixel 11 to be a gaming powerhouse. It also doesn’t sport the same vapor chamber as the Pixel 11 Pro, so it does get quite warm when gaming.

What about the cameras?

The Pixel 11 has the same camera layout as its predecessor, so there’s not much difference here. Compared to the Pixel 10, images from the Pixel 11 are largely the same but tend to lean toward the warm side, resulting in somewhat more vibrant images.

This is also the case when compared to the Pixel 11 Pro, which takes cooler photos. However, the Pro also benefits from slightly better imaging capabilities, and images at any zoom level tend to have more detail than on the Pixel 11.

Should you buy the Pixel 11?

The Pixel 11 costs $100 more than its predecessor, and while $899 isn’t cheap, you’re now getting double the base storage, faster charging, and the latest Tensor chip. Sure, it misses out on things like HiLight, which would have been really great to have, and there are still no Pro Camera features. However, you get most of the AI features, the same base 12GB of RAM as the Pixel 11 Pro, and the same charging specs, but for much less.

If you can go without those Pro features, the Pixel 11 feels like the one to buy.

Last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold debuted a few surprising firsts for a foldable. It was the first foldable with IP68 water and dust resistance, and the first with Qi2 magnets inside. And while those were certainly cool, the thick and heavy build was a bit off-putting, and the cameras were more than a little disappointing.

This year, Google is slimming everything down, dropping the weight, and upgrading plenty more. While the cameras aren't quite as good as those on the non-folding Pixel 11 Pro models, the rest of the experience is solid and offers a more compelling package than those phones, with better multitasking.

The price increase isn't as offensive as the rest of the Pixel 11 Pro series. While it's $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's launch price, it retains 16GB of RAM, the same storage capacity, and offers better overall specs — not just a better processor. That's a solid upgrade, but increased competition in the space makes this a harder decision than ever.

Pixel favorites you'll love

The best part of choosing the foldable Pixel 11 is that you don't have to miss out on any of the best Pixel 11 features. It's got Pixel Satellite SOS, Pixel VPN, and the Pixelsnap Qi2/MagSafe magnets built in, all of which are some of the best reasons to get a Pixel.

It also comes with a handful of really excellent Pixel Fold-exclusive features, such as additional options in the camera viewfinder. If you've got kids, you're going to love Made You Look, a feature that uses the front display (while the phone is unfolded) to show silly animations, so you can get a perfect picture of your kids grinning, not sulking.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also the best at multitasking in the Pixel family (though it's not as good as the Motorola Razr Fold). That's not just because of the large inner display, which feels like a small tablet, but also because of features like the pinnable taskbar, 90:10 split, and the new dock, which lets you easily manage floating app windows as if it were a laptop.

And all my favorite new Pixel 11 features are here too, including Live Translate for Video, Rambler (the Gboard voice-to-text upgrade everyone is raving about), Creator Suite, and Magic Capture (which I detail below).

Some genuinely good upgrades this year

Google also improved quite a few things between the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the 11. Both displays are now LTPO OLEDs with the same 3600 nit brightness levels as the other Pixel 11 Pro models. That's a big step up from last year, when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold used the base Pixel 10's dimmer LTPS display.

I genuinely love the size and aspect ratio of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold when compared to other tall book-style foldables, but the sides are too flat for their own good. This makes it harder to open than it should be; something you don't want on a folding phone!

The phone is nearly 1mm thinner this year, but the back half is thinner than the front. It looks really weird if you compare them, but a thin case (from a brand like Thinborne or Pitaka) mostly fixes the issue.

At the least, Tensor G6 delivers some truly solid new AI features. My favorite new feature (that's Pixel 11-exclusive) is Magic Capture, a camera mode that automatically saves photos while recording video.

It's a perfect use of AI to capture wonderful moments you might otherwise miss, and it means you get great photos and video every time you use it.

For this review, I compared the cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Motorola Razr Fold, and Honor Magic V6. I found the main camera was fine enough, but dynamic range isn't the best, and the lovely texture detail from the Pixel 11 Pro/XL's cameras isn't here, so fine detail is softer than I'd like.

Likewise, the improvements to the portrait mode on the Pixel 11 Pro/XL don't appear to be present on this phone, as the cutouts around the subject are quite messy, similar to the Pixel 9 and 10 series.

The ultrawide camera is also decent but took an easy third place among the four foldables I tested. Details are soft and edge warping is pretty bad, but it has nice exposure that verges slightly on the darker side.

Telephoto camera processing is a little more raw than the competition, and I can see people liking this a lot. It creates a more "lens-like" appearance at the expense of detail, but that more natural look is a good one. Zoom maxes out at 30x while Honor and Razr go much further, but you may not care much.

Front-facing camera resolution is excellent, but dynamic range can be an issue. Like the main camera, the portrait mode is messier than the non-folding Pixel 11 Pro models, leaving annoying artifacts around the edges of subjects.

But many of the same old problems

Unfortunately, while there are a ton of improvements this year, many of the same old Pixel problems still exist on this phone. Tensor G6 might be 15% faster than G5, for instance, but it's still around 30% slower than rivals. That gap widens even further to around 50% slower in gaming, which is further worsened by the lack of support for newer Vulkan features, meaning several games will disable advanced graphics settings on this phone.

The PWM dimming rate on this phone is still abysmal compared to any non-Samsung foldable (meaning Motorola, Honor, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.), making it impossible to use for anyone who is flicker-sensitive. Charging speed is also quite slow. Even the new Extreme Charging feature doesn't save it. And the only way you're getting Google's promised "30+ hour battery life" is if you barely use it during that time.

Lastly, I've found that HiLight and Gemini Proactive Assistance — two of the Hallmark Pixel 11 features — aren't very useful for me. I rarely saw Proactive Assistance give me any help, and HiLight feels mostly like a waste of space on the back since you can't customize it at all. The LED just illuminates for calls and texts, or when talking to Gemini. Definitely a disappointment.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is definitely a good phone, but in a year with rising prices, increased competition, and eroded trust after plenty of bad software updates, it's tough to recommend unless you really love a specific feature like Magic Capture or the new Creator Studio tools.

What you need to know

• The latest One UI 9 beta brings the Galaxy Z Fold 8's marquee My FanCam tool to the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.
• My FanCam lets you crop and reframe pre-recorded Gallery videos to lock focus on specific people for social media, though it doesn't work on pets or animals.
• The update also adds customizable routine cards, real-time security risk alerts, and smarter contextual task suggestions.

The latest One UI 9 beta update for the Galaxy S26 series is here, and it's finally bringing some of the best AI tricks from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to Samsung's flagship slab phones. Starting today, beta program participants can download an update packed full of features that puts the new My FanCam front and center.

If you’ve ever filmed a fantastic video, only to realize that your subject wasn’t perfectly framed, My FanCam is the tool for you. This AI-powered tool lives inside the Gallery app and can take any video you have, track a person you select, and automatically reframe the footage to keep them in the middle. It is ideal for social media creators and can crop the video to various aspect ratios for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and more.

There’s a catch: My FanCam is made for tracking people, not pets or other animals. If the feature has trouble finding someone, you can scrub through the video to a frame where the person is easier to find. The feature also requires a Samsung account, and Samsung does not guarantee it will work on every clip.

Additionally, Samsung is improving the Now Brief experience beyond my FanCam. This personalization hub now offers customizable cards pulling together useful insights based on your routines, interests, and daily needs.

It's also getting a security boost, with new cards surfacing potential risks and suggesting actions you can take to protect your device. The Now Nudge feature is also getting smarter, with more contextual suggestions to help you complete everyday tasks more efficiently. And as a bonus, this update finally lets you declutter your home screen by removing the dedicated Google Search bar.

The Galaxy S26 FE will ship with My FanCam out of the box and will arrive with One UI 9 on September 4. This beta rollout means the core S26 lineup won’t be left behind before that happens.

The update is limited to a handful of markets for now, and there’s no word on when it will be rolled out broadly. If you’re on the beta, keep an eye on your notifications and be ready for a roughly 1.28GB download.