Smartphones News and Discussions

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Samsung Officially Opens Reservations for Galaxy S25 Series Ahead of Jan. 22 Launch
Reserving a device enters customers into a sweepstakes with a prize of a $5,000 Samsung Credit.
By Devesh Beri January 14, 2025
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... ead-of-jan

Samsung has officially opened reservations for its highly awaited Galaxy S25 series, which is set to be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, in San Jose, California.

The reservation period, which began on January 6, will run until the day of the event. Customers can reserve the Galaxy S25, S25+, or S25 Ultra through Samsung's official website or mobile app by providing their name and email address, with no financial commitment required at this stage.

Those who choose to reserve a device will receive the following benefits, as reported by Phone Arena:

Upon pre-ordering, customers will be granted a $50 Samsung Credit, which can be used to purchase eligible ecosystem products;

Samsung is offering up to $1,250 in savings through trade-in values and other promotions;

Reserving a device enters customers into a sweepstakes with a prize of a $5,000 Samsung Credit.

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Xiaomi Is Reportedly Working on a Phone With 50% More Battery Than S25 Ultra
The device is likely to be part of the Redmi Turbo series.
By Devesh Beri January 17, 2025
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/xiao ... -s25-ultra

Xiaomi is reportedly developing a smartphone with a massive 7,500mAh battery, which would massively outpace the rumored 5,000mAh capacity of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This information comes from the leaker Digital Chat Station, who shared the details on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, as reported by Android Authority.

The device, likely to be part of the Redmi Turbo series, would have a battery capacity that exceeds recent flagship devices like the Realme GT7 Pro (6,500mAh), OnePlus 13 (6,000mAh), and RedMagic 10 Pro Plus (7,050mAh). But despite the large battery, the phone is not expected to support wireless charging, according to the leaker.
The sudden increase in the capacity of batteries is made possible by new silicon-carbon battery tech, thanks to which devices can have a greater energy density in the same space.

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Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs. S25 Ultra: Specs Compared
Both include the same processor and memory, among other features, but there are also plenty of differences.

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra are two premium smartphones in Samsung's latest Galaxy S25 series, excluding the smallest, the Galaxy S25. While they share many similarities, including the processor, memory, and Android 15 with One UI 7, how different are they? Should you really be going for the Ultra variant? Here's an in-depth look at how these two models differ.
Display

One of the most apparent differences lies in their displays. The Galaxy S25+ features a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 3,120-by-1,440 pixel resolution and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. On the other hand, the S25 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with the same resolution and refresh rate but with Gorilla Armor 2.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... s-compared

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Samsung Galaxy A56 Spotted on FCC With 45W Charging vs. Just 25W in Flagship S25
This device can charge as fast as higher-end models such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
By Devesh Beri January 27, 2025

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy A56 recently appeared on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, giving new insights into midrange specs.

The FCC listing confirms that the Galaxy A56 will support 45W wired charging speeds (10V/4.5A), as noted in a listing from China's 3C certification body in November. If true, it means the midrange A56 can charge faster than the flagship Galaxy S25, which has a 25W charging speed, and as fast as higher-end models in the flagship lineup like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Other features noted in the FCC filing include Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a Samsung chipset, likely the Exynos 1580, based on earlier leaks, as reported by Android Authority. The Galaxy A56 is rumored to include 5,000mAh battery and Samsung's classic triple rear camera system (50MP + 12MP + 5MP).

The Galaxy A56's appearance in regulatory filings suggests its official launch is coming soon. However, it is still unclear if it will be available in the US market, as the Galaxy A55 was not released here

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... n-flagship

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Feature-packed E Ink smartphone arrives as eye-friendly doomscroller
By Paul Ridden
February 06, 2025

https://newatlas.com/mobile-technology/ ... martphone/
Most of us spend an awful lot of time looking at pocket-friendly screens these days, which can take its toll on our peepers. Last year, Bigme offered an eye-friendly alternative with its HiBreak E Ink smartphone. Now a Pro version has launched.

The original HiBreak launched as a 5.84-inch handset with either a monochrome or color ePaper display – the former priced at US$249 and the latter $279. For that money you got octa-core processing, dual cameras, Android 11, and 4G LTE.

The phone also came with Bigme's xRapid refresh technology, which aims to nix one of E Ink's pain points – where the ghost of a previous image spoils the visuals on the current screen view. This has been boosted to "SSS" super refresh for the monochrome Pro version, resulting in a "faster, cleaner and smoother" experience with minimal ghosting and a refresh rate of up to 21 frames-per-second.

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Samsung's Tri-Fold Phone Could Turn Into a 10-Inch Tablet
It is rumored to debut in Q3 2025, potentially alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
By Devesh Beri February 13, 2025

Samsung is reportedly prepping its first tri-fold smartphone with a unique design and advanced display tech. Leaks say it'll have a 9.96-inch screen when fully unfolded, as reported by Android Headlines. So basically, it could be turned into a tablet.

The tri-fold phone will include a 6.49-inch external cover screen, making it a traditional smartphone experience when folded. Unlike Huawei's Z-shaped design, Samsung's device will fold inward in a G-shape, protecting the main display when not in use.

Samsung's tri-fold smartphone is rumored to debut in Q3 2025, potentially alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Production will be limited, with reports suggesting fewer than 200,000 units will be manufactured due to the complexity of the design.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... nch-tablet

[Tadasuke]

I created a table comparing specs of these four smartphones; from 2015, 2018, 2022 & 2025:



source: https://www.devicespecifications.com/

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Apple Expected to Reveal New iPhone SE on February 19
The upcoming model is expected to have Face ID but no Dynamic Island.
By Devesh Beri February 14, 2025

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company is preparing to unveil a new product on Wednesday, Feb. 19. He teased the arrival of "the newest family member." We are pretty certain this means we'll finally see the long-awaited iPhone SE upgrade.

If you are even remotely into tech news, you'll know that Apple hasn't released a new iPhone SE for a few years. Apple's entry-level iPhone was last updated in 2022, with a $430 price tag. It features an iPhone 8-style design; that means it still has a home button with Touch ID. However, the upcoming model is expected to have Face ID and a more modern design.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/appl ... ebruary-19

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review: still the superphone to beat

Huge glass and metal slab packs super-fast chip, long battery life and unrivalled camera zoom, but its AI features are overhyped

Mon 17 Feb 2025 07.00 GMT

The Ultra is Samsung’s largest and greatest phone and is packed to the gills with the very latest technology, which means more artificial intelligence than ever before.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is at the front of the line of a new wave of Android phones that promise to basically do everything for you. It combines Google’s advanced AI assistance with numerous Samsung tools for writing, drawing, photography and chatting.

But the reality of the £1,249 (€1,449/$1,299.99/A$2,149) superphone is slightly less than the sci-fi dream. While at times the AI tools can be thoroughly impressive, on other occasions they can be dumbfounded by the simplest thing.

The outside of the Ultra has been slimmed down and is 14g lighter than its predecessor, with new flat sides and tiny bezels around its gigantic, fantastic screen. It is about as close as you can get to being a slab of glass with a display.

Inside it has a souped-up Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which is even faster in tests than the version in the recent OnePlus 13. It was difficult to really trouble the performance of the chip, so it should handle anything most people want to do with a phone. The battery lasts a good two days between charges while actively being used for 7.5 hours across a range of daily tasks, photos and media on a mix of wifi and 5G – making it one of the longest lasting on the market.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ ... ne-to-beat



Credit: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

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Samsung's Budget Foldable Galaxy Z Flip7 FE May Use Exynos 2400, Not 2500
The flagship Galaxy Z Flip7 is anticipated to feature the newer Exynos 2500 processor.
By Devesh Beri February 21, 2025

Recent reports suggest that Samsung is developing an affordable version of its popular foldable smartphone, likely to be called the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. However, contrary to the headline's speculation, this budget-friendly model is expected to use the Exynos 2400 chip, not the newer Exynos 2500, as reported by NotebookCheck.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is rumored to share several features with its predecessor, including the same hinge design as the Galaxy Z Flip6, an aluminum chassis, a 120Hz screen with 1,800 nits brightness, and Wi-Fi 6E support.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... 0-not-2500

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First Look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Leaked
The Z Flip 7 is reported to have a 3.6-inch cover screen and a 6.8-inch inner screen, both slightly larger than its predecessor Z Flip 6.
By Devesh Beri February 28, 2025
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/firs ... p-7-leaked

Recent leaks have shown a glimpse into Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7. Following the launch of the S25 series, attention has shifted to Samsung's foldable lineup, which is anticipated to launch in July 2025.

According to the leak, the Z Flip 7 is reported to have a 3.6-inch cover screen and a 6.8-inch inner screen, both slightly larger than its predecessor, as reported by Android Headlines. The device reportedly measures 166.6 by 75.2 by 6.9mm, with a 9.1mm thickness counting the camera bump. It'll likely keep the Z Flip 6's dual-camera setup but with possible sensor upgrades.

The processor for the new model remains a subject of debate. Conflicting reports suggest either the Exynos 2500 or an alternative chipset.

Samsung is tweaking the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 after criticism for playing it too safe. With rivals like the Motorola Razr+ 2024 offering bigger cover screens, the competition in foldables is heating up. There are also rumors that Samsung is also planning to unveil a budget foldable, the Flip 7 FE.

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Samsung Launches Rugged Galaxy Phone and Tablet With Removable Batteries and Waterproof S Pens
The Galaxy XCover7 Pro will be available from May 8, 2025, and the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro will be available in early June 2025.
By Devesh Beri April 15, 2025

Samsung has announced two new rugged devices, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro smartphone and the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro tablet for demanding work environments. These devices are built to be durable, with IP68 water and dust resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification, meaning they can handle drops, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. The XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and run on Android 15.

The XCover7 Pro is set to have a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera, and a 4,350mAh user-replaceable battery. The Tab Active5 Pro is called to have a 10.1-inch WUXGA display, an S Pen that works even in wet conditions, and a 10,100mAh battery with dual hot-swap support, such that users can replace batteries without shutting down the device. Both devices support 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual SIM support.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... -batteries

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Sony Xperia 10 VII Leak Reveals 120 Hz OLED Display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, 50 MP Camera
The device will keep Sony’s 21:9 aspect ratio, which is compatible with the company’s approach to media consumption and multitasking.
By Devesh Beri April 28, 2025
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sony ... on-6-gen-4

A new report has details of Sony’s upcoming midrange smartphone, the Xperia 10 VII, ahead of its official launch. According to information from Sumaho Digest, the Xperia 10 VII will have a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display, keeping the same size as previous models. The phone stays small, at least by modern standards, which is a big win for many.

The report says the phone will likely get a 120 Hz refresh rate, a first for the Xperia 10 series. Sony will keep the device’s 21:9 aspect ratio, which goes well with the company’s approach to media consumption and multitasking.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Image Leak Confirms Design, Key Specs, Launch Date
The Galaxy S25 Edge is to have the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB or 512GB.
By Devesh Beri April 29, 2025

An official image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge with its specs has appeared online, confirming details about its hardware. The image, shared by well-known leaker Evan Blass, shows the phone's ultra-slim profile, which we already knew, and it measures just 5.8mm thick and weighs 163 grams. The Galaxy S25 Edge will have a large (in my opinion) 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with very thin bezels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. The device is to have titanium side rails.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... aunch-date

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iPhone 17 Pro to Have 12GB RAM, Samsung Secures 70% DRAM Orders
New leaks say all four models in the iPhone 17 lineup, including the base iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air, could have 12GB of RAM.
By Devesh Beri May 6, 2025

Apple is preparing to bring a big RAM upgrade to its upcoming iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to have 12GB of RAM for the first time, an upgrade from the 8GB found in current models. This increase in memory could be caused by running AI on the device, multitasking, and gaming.

Some leaks say all four models in the iPhone 17 lineup, including the base iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air, could have 12GB RAM, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that if Apple cannot resolve supply chain issues, the base iPhone 17 may stick with 8GB RAM, as reported by Wccftech.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/ipho ... ram-orders

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Google’s Striking Android Redesign Leaks, Revealing a Big Focus on Speed and Usability
Google claims the new design increased the number of people who thought an app was 'cool' by 32%.
By Devesh Beri May 6, 2025

Google is preparing to announce Material 3 Expressive, a big update to its design system that is called a “bold new direction for design.” According to a blog post that was briefly published and then saved by the Wayback Machine and first seen by 9to5Google, Material 3 Expressive is the most-researched update Google has made to its design language. The company says it hopes to help apps go beyond “clean” and “boring” interfaces to create experiences that connect with people on an emotional level.

Material 3 Expressive is the result of three years of research, including 46 studies and input from over 18,000 participants worldwide. The research process included eye tracking, surveys, focus groups, and usability tests. Google says the new approach is based on using color, shape, size, motion, and containment to help users focus on what matters most in an app. The update is said to have bold shapes and colors, with a focus on making key actions stand out and grouping similar elements together.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/goog ... s-on-speed

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Sony Xperia 1 VII Set for May 13 Launch in Japan, International Release Likely in July
The Xperia 1 VII will have a 5,000 mAh battery, with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.
By Devesh Beri May 7, 2025

Sony is preparing to launch its latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VII, in Japan on May 13, 2025. The new device follows the Xperia 1 VI and is said to have a refined design that is slightly shorter, wider, and thicker than its predecessor, as reported by NotebookCheck.

The Xperia 1 VII is said to have a 6.5-inch display, likely with a 1,080 by 2,340 display. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 12GB of RAM and will run Android 15 out of the box.

The battery is expected to be 5,000mAh, with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. Sony is also adding new camera technology from its Alpha series, with rumors saying the phone will have a 48MP main camera with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 12MP periscope telephoto camera with a 70-200mm focal length, and a 12MP front camera. The device will also keep the headphone jack.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sony ... al-release

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amsung Galaxy S25 Edge to Have New Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, Giving it Improved Durability
Corning’s previous version of Gorilla Glass Ceramic survived 10 repeated drops from a meter high onto surfaces similar to asphalt.
By Devesh Beri May 9, 2025

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S25 Edge will have the new Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, which will add crystals within its glass matrix to make the display cover more durable and better at deflecting cracks. This new glass is said to be stronger and more resilient; people who drop their phones regularly will definitely like this.

Corning’s previous version of Gorilla Glass Ceramic survived 10 repeated drops from a meter high onto surfaces similar to asphalt, so the S25 Edge is likely to handle everyday accidents like drops from waist height or slips from a table better than earlier models, as reported by our colleagues at ZDNet.

https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/sams ... t-improved