In the past week, the Android world has seen some exciting developments, starting with Samsung’s unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 foldable phones at the Galaxy Unpacked event. Both phones are powered by Samsung’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, boasting enhanced performance and AI capabilities. Samsung also announced pre-order specials, offering significant trade-in values for old smartphones.
In addition to the folding phones, Samsung also launched the Galaxy Ring, a fitness- and health-focused wearable device with long battery life and Samsung Health integration. Despite its higher price compared to competitors like the Oura Ring, the Galaxy Ring does not require a monthly subscription.
Google has been boosting Galaxy AI with new exclusive features like Gemini AI and Circle To Search improvements, which will eventually be available on other Android devices later this year. Meanwhile, Google has confirmed the names of the two new Pixel 9 phones, the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, ahead of an upcoming Pixel event in early August.
Nothing Tech has introduced three new products under its CMF banner, including the CMF Phone 1, CMF Buds Pro 2, and CMF Watch Pro 2, offering value for money in the sub-$200 market. The Phone 1 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a promising camera setup for its price range.
OnePlus Nord 4 has opted for a metal casing, a departure from the glass or polycarbonate materials commonly used in smartphones. OnePlus President and COO Kinder Liu explained that metal offers durability, beauty, permanence, and strength, making it a more durable and long-lasting option.
In China, Microsoft has made a significant move by instructing employees to use Apple devices, specifically iPhones, for accessing corporate data starting in September. This decision is part of a security effort to strengthen Microsoft products and services against potential cyber threats. Overall, the Android world has seen a mix of new smartphone releases, software updates, and industry trends that continue to shape the mobile landscape.
