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mardi 14 juillet 2026

Chrome may be the default browser on Android, but more people are trying this instead

What you need to know

  • Opera says its monthly active users on Android grew 66% in the UK and 40% in the US year over year in Q2.
  • Opera credits its growth to features Chrome lacks out of the box, like a free VPN, ad blocker, and built-in AI tools.
  • The company says its European momentum has continued following the EU's Digital Markets Act, boosting both new users and retention.

Chrome may come preinstalled on almost every Android phone, but Opera says more users are actively choosing its browser instead.

Google has been working hard to add more and more features to Chrome on Android. We recently saw Chrome rolling out Gemini features to more countries, but it seems that still isn't enough to keep everyone on board. As it turns out, more and more users are switching to, or at least trying, third-party browsers, including Opera.

In its latest report, Opera says a growing number of users are making the move to its browser. According to the company, monthly active users of Opera on Android grew 66% in the U.K. and 40% in the U.S. year over year in the second quarter this year, suggesting that plenty of people are looking beyond the default browser on their phones.

More people are ditching Chrome than you'd think

Opera browser for Android with new AI features

(Image credit: Opera)

The company says this isn't limited to the U.S. and U.K. either. Opera reports that its momentum across Europe has continued following the European Union's Digital Markets Act. It also notes that this isn't just about acquiring new users, but retaining them too, thanks to the kind of features Opera offers on Android.

The company credits its growth to features Chrome doesn't offer out of the box, including a free unlimited VPN, a built-in ad blocker, AI tools, and more.

Opera also says recent additions, like a dedicated football hub on its Android browser, have made it easier for users to check World Cup stats and details, which is bringing even more people to its browser.

Android Central's Take

I'm still firmly a Chrome-first user on my Pixel 10 Pro, but I've been giving Opera a shot over the past few months, and it's become my go-to second browser, if you will. Do you use different browsers for different tasks on your Android phone? Let us know in the comments below.



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Want Samsung Health cloud sync? You may have to agree to AI training first

What you need to know

  • Samsung Health's new AI consent comes with a major catch: Opt out of AI training, and you could lose cloud syncing and Samsung account backups for your health data.
  • Samsung wants access to a wide range of sensitive information, including sleep, activity, nutrition, medical records, medications, body measurements, and menstrual cycle data to improve its AI models.
  • Declining consent doesn't just disable AI features. Samsung warns it will stop syncing your health data and may delete previously backed-up records unless it's legally required to retain them.

Samsung is quietly rolling out a new AI consent prompt in Samsung Health, but its approach to user choice is already raising eyebrows. The company doesn't just offer users a choice to opt in or out of AI training; it ties the choice to cloud syncing, so if you opt out, you could lose Samsung account backups of your health data.

The folks at How-To Geek report seeing a new notice labeled "Consent to the Use of Health Data for AI Training and Modelling." According to the notice, Samsung requires permission to use a broad spectrum of health data to improve its AI models and health algorithms. That includes activity metrics like steps, sleep, nutrition, and body measurements; medication details; medical records; and menstrual cycle tracking data. Samsung also says some of this data may be reviewed by humans during AI training.

The controversial part isn’t Samsung asking for consent; it’s what happens if you don’t. If you disable the AI training option, you’ll get a warning that Samsung Health will no longer sync data to your Samsung account.

The notice also says that any health data that has been synced previously will be deleted, unless Samsung is legally required to keep it. That is, you can only get cloud backup in exchange for helping train Samsung’s AI.

Samsung Health notice for AI training consent
How-To Geek
Samsung Health notice for AI training consent
How-To Geek

The company seems to be promoting the collected info as fuel for smarter health features, saying the data will help improve health analysis algorithms and AI-powered experiences inside Samsung Health.

Privacy advocates and users are unlikely to object to AI improvements alone. The bigger problem is that a core feature — keeping your health history in sync across devices — now depends on an unrelated decision about consent. If you just want your fitness records backed up – without being part of the AI development process – Samsung’s current implementation doesn’t offer much room for compromise.

Android Central's Take

I’m all for AI getting smarter if it actually helps deliver better health insights, more accurate wellness recommendations, or earlier warnings about possible problems. Those are benefits to which most of us can relate. But the choice between contributing sensitive health data or keeping cloud backups seems an unnecessary trade-off. Consent only exists when it's freely given, not when one of your app's core features is held hostage.



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I tested the best party speaker of 2026: this is the Marshall Bromley 450

I always enjoyed using Marshall's Bluetooth speakers; I bought a Stanmore 11 years ago, and it's still going strong. The Emberton III is my go-to choice for portability, and its small design combined with great sound and water-resistant chassis makes it ideal for use anywhere.

And then there's the Bromley 450. I've been using the portable Bluetooth speaker for just over a month now, and it is a powerhouse: it weighs 24lb, has two woofer units and four audio drivers that produce a 360-degree sound, comes with Auracast, and has RCA as well as XLR connectors that lets you easily start a karaoke party.

Basically, the Bromley 450 has everything you need to get a party started, and it is more powerful than most home-focused Bluetooth speakers I used, including the likes of the Stanmore. There's a price attached to all of this: the Bromley 450 costs $746 on Amazon as of writing. There are plenty of other speakers like the $279 Tribit StormBox Blast 2 (which I like a lot), but the Bromley 450 is in an entirely different league altogether.

There's also the small matter of the design; the Bromley 450 looks like an old-school Marshall amp, and that alone makes it worthy of consideration. Instead of a regular review, I'm going to highlight four things I liked the most about the Bromley 450, so let's dive in.

The Bromley 450 is the loudest Bluetooth speaker I used yet

Marshall Bromley 450 on the floor with built-in lights

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The sheer size of the Bromley 450 has allowed Marshall to slot in a total of six driver units, and this leads to wall-rattling sound. This is designed to be a party speaker, and it absolutely nails the brief; even with the volume at 50%, the sound is loud enough to fill a decent-sized room, and crank it any higher than 80%, and you'll have the neighbors at your door.

It's not just the loudness either — the Bromley 450 sounds pretty great in its own right. The speaker has two 90W woofer units alongside four 55W drivers and two passive radiators, and you get a classic Marshall sound: engaging low-end with a lot of energy, clean mids that make guitar riffs stand out, and a soaring treble.

Marshall Bromley 450 audio drivers

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The orientation of the drivers means you get 360-degree sound, and it makes a big difference, particularly if you're looking for a party speaker.

Of course, like most Marshall speakers, you have full control over the tonality of the sound. There are physical controls to adjust the volume, bass, and treble, and the app allows you granular control over the equalizer.

Lastly, you can daisy-chain two Bromley 450 units; the speaker has aux in and out, and this makes it easier to connect two units to double the sound.

It connects to just about everything

Marshall Bromley 450 connectors

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The Bromley 450 has the best connectivity of any portable Bluetooth speaker around — it connects to just about everything. It uses Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast, and it connects to two devices at once. I didn't see any issues with range in my testing, and it maintained a steady signal even at 30ft.

Where it stands out is the inputs; you get 3.5mm aux in and out, USB-C, RCA, and the ability to connect two instruments via XLR. You can easily hook up an XLR mic as well, and it's this versatility that makes it stand out. I predominantly tested the Bromley 450 with Bluetooth — I paired it with my Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra — but I also used it with RCA by plugging in my WiiM Pro Plus, and connected it to my Teenage Engineering OP-1 field synthesizer via 3.5mm.

Marshall Bromley 450 showing all the controls

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Oh, and you can easily charge your phone with the speaker — the USB-C port charges at up to 15W. While it isn't as fast as a dedicated power bank, it's still nifty to have, and I like that Marshall included the feature.

This speaker is built for all-nighters — and it charges your phone

Marshall Bromley 450

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Marshall did all the right things when it comes to battery tech. The Bromley 450 uses an LiFePO4 battery that has better longevity than the standard lithium-ion batteries in most speakers.

The best part about the battery is that it is removable, and this gives the Bromley 450 a definite edge over other Bluetooth speakers. You can basically switch out the battery should it degrade down the line, and honestly, it's refreshing to see a manufacturer provide this in 2026. The battery itself doubles as a power bank, and it has USB-C.

Marshall Bromley 450 built-in battery

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

It also makes charging effortless; I only had to charge the speaker once, and in that instance, I just took out the battery and connected it to a 100W USB PD charger. The Bromley 450 comes with a standard AC connector, but I found it much easier to just take out the battery and use USB-C instead. It takes over three hours to fully charge the battery, but there's fast charging that gives you six hours of music playback with just a 20-minute charge.

And when it comes to battery life, the Bromley 450 easily lasted over 40 hours with the volume set to 50%. This is a speaker that just doesn't quit, and it can easily handle all-night parties.

It has an iconic design that grabs attention

Marshall Bromley 450 on the floor with built-in lights

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

A big selling point of Marshall products is the classic design, and the Bromley 450 is its best showing yet. It has a domineering presence that immediately stands out, and the Marshall logo with the grille are all reminiscent of the brand's vintage amps.

Build quality is excellent, the edges are reinforced, and it gets IP55 dust and water resistance, making it ideal for pool parties. There's a carrying handle on the left that makes it easy to lug the Bromley 450 around, but there's no getting around the fact that this is an absolute unit.

Marshall Bromley 450 power switch
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 design showcase with Marshall logo and built-in lights
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 battery indicator
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 showing all the controls
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 connectors
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 audio drivers
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central
Marshall Bromley 450 carrying handle
Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central

I also like the physical controls; you get knobs to adjust the volume, bass, treble, a delightful power button, toggle to switch between connection modes, and knobs to adjust the volume of connected instruments, and add effects. It's just plain cool, and there's built-in lighting as well, with three effects. The lighting isn't distracting, and it makes the Bromley 450 that much more enjoyable to use.

Overall, the Bromley 450 is an absolute beast of a Bluetooth speaker. It gets louder than anything else I used in this category, it has the best design, connectivity, and battery life. You are paying quite a lot, but after a month of use, I can say with some confidence that it's worth it.



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lundi 13 juillet 2026

AULUMU made the most innovative magnetic phone stand I've seen in a while

Gadget Weekly

Inspector Lloyd

(Image credit: Android Central)

Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, quirky, and sometimes downright odd world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys every week.

Phone grips and stands are a dime a dozen, and making your mark in the industry at the level of brands like PopSockets is challenging.

Enter AULUMU. This award-winning Chinese brand aims to "reimagine urban tech accessories" with its futuristic, almost cyberpunk aesthetic. The brand launched its innovative G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand in January 2026, followed by a see-through version, the G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand, in May 2026.

I have been testing the G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand for a month, and it is a breath of fresh air, something truly innovative in the phone accessories segment.

Puzzling at first, genius once you figure it out

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

AULUMU sent me the Ghost Transparent version of the G09 stand in Yellow. This version costs $39.98 and comes in Yellow, Orange, Translucent White, and Translucent Gray. Meanwhile, the regular opaque variant costs $45.98 and comes in Black and Silver.

AULUMU includes an adhesive magnetic adapter ring in the box, as well as a very helpful manual with easy-to-follow diagrams. Without the manual, I was very lost and couldn't make head or tail of the stand.

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

The AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand is a 3-axis magnetic stand with dual-sided magnetic attachments. These two main sides slide open on a tight hinge, so depending on the angle you set the stand at, it stays put. It's confusing when described with words, but the pictures provide much-needed context.

Twist it, turn it, bend it, fold it

The AULUMU G09 stand can be contorted into countless angles. Since it's a magnetic accessory, you can rotate it on the back of the phone too. The N52 magnets embedded within the stand are very strong.

This makes for a highly adjustable phone stand that weighs only 39g (35g for the opaque variant) and isn't too bulky. Whether in portrait mode or landscape mode, you can find an angle that works for you. Here are some of the many configurations I tried out.

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

It also has a removable silicone finger strap, so you don't have to take the AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand off. It can stay at the back of your phone, replacing your PopSocket or whatever grip you've been using.

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can easily use the stand with a MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic case on your phone, though that will naturally thicken up your smartphone setup.

Stacks on stacks

One of the many advantages of the double-sided magnets is that you can stack magnetic accessories on top of the G09 stand. So if you really prefer a grip with a popping top, you could just add it to the AULUMU G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand.

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central
Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand
Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central

You can take this even further by using the double-sided magnetic arm or attachment to stick your phone to a metal surface.

And because of the circular shape on both sides of the stand, you can literally hang your phone from the handles or knobs, too. This configuration makes the G09 stand look like a pair of handcuffs, but it works, so I won't knock it.

The AULUMU G09 stand innovates in a meaningful way and is definitely worth the buy

Aulumu G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360 Magnetic Stand

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

AULUMU might be writing up a steep bill, but the G09 Ghost Transparent Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand definitely feels worth the $40. It combines so many functions into one, so I think it really offers fantastic value for money.

The G09 stand takes some time to figure out, though, so you'll have to keep the instruction manual with you the first few days. But once you get used to it, it's really good fun to use.

I think the only real question here is whether you should get the costlier opaque version of the G09 Infinite 360° Magnetic Stand. At 35g, it's only 4g lighter than the Ghost Transparent variant. Is that worth $6 more? Personally, I don't think so. Besides, the see-through design comes in more exciting colorways anyway.



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The Pixel 11 Pro Fold just leaked, and it's still missing one feature I was hoping for

What you need to know

  • A new leak gives us a clear look at the Pine green Pixel 11 Pro Fold, similar to last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold shade.
  • The camera module is slightly redesigned, with edge-to-edge sensor pills and the flash now integrated inside the island.
  • There's no sign of the rumored Pixel Glow LED in the render, though a hidden sensor in the module can't be ruled out.

We're just about a month away from the official reveal of the Google Pixel 11 series. And now, ahead of the launch, a new leak has given us a clear look at the green color of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, along with its slightly redesigned camera module.

Google has confirmed that it'll reveal its new generation of Pixel devices on August 12th at 6:00 PM ET in New York. Unlike past Pixel launches, there have been noticeably fewer leaks about the Pixel 11 series this time around (though no major upgrades are expected anyway). Still, a new leak from Mystic Leaks on Telegram has given us a clear look at the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

The leak shows off the Pine variant of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which looks similar to the green shade Google released with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold last year. This color is also expected to be available on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL.

Leaked Pixel 11 Pro Fold render versus the Pixel 10 Pro Fold

(Image credit: Mystic Leaks on Telegram)

The overall design, according to the leak, stays mostly the same. It's really just the camera island that looks slightly different this time. Compared to before, the pills housing the camera sensors now (mostly) stretch edge-to-edge across the module. The flash, which used to sit on the outside, now appears to be integrated within the module itself.

The camera module also looks a little squarer this time, compared to the slightly more rectangular shape before. You can also spot a faint golden hue on the 'G' logo on the back. Otherwise, the phone looks largely similar to last year's model.

One disappointing thing, though, is that there's no sign of the Pixel Glow LED in this render. Google is reportedly integrating Pixel Glow across its portfolio.

We first saw it on the Google Home Speaker earlier this year, and it was also featured as part of a Googlebook showcase earlier this year. But this Pixel 11 Pro Fold doesn't show anything of the sort. It's possible there's a hidden light sensor within the camera module itself, but we can't say for sure.

Either way, everything will be confirmed at Google's upcoming showcase, since we're only about a month out from the Pixel 11 Pro Fold's release.

In the meantime, if you're after a great deal on a foldable, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is currently down by nearly 20% on Amazon, making it one of the best foldable deals right now. That's especially worth considering given that prices for this year's upcoming foldables are expected to climb north of $2,000.



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Pixel 11 Pro Fold FCC filing hints at Google's biggest modem upgrade yet

What you need to know

  • Pixel 11 Pro Fold FCC filing points to a major modem shake-up, with Google expected to replace Samsung's Exynos modem with MediaTek's M90.
  • Tensor G6 could complete Google's break from Samsung, following Tensor G5's reported move to TSMC for chip manufacturing.
  • MediaTek's M90 brings meaningful upgrades, including up to 12Gbps 5G speeds, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power efficiency.

Google’s long-term partnership with Samsung for Pixel modem hardware might be ending, and a new regulatory filing indicates that change is coming sooner rather than later.

A new FCC filing for the upcoming Pixel 11 Pro Fold seems to confirm that Google is ready to switch to a MediaTek modem and replace Samsung’s Exynos solution, as spotted by Android Authority. The filing corroborates earlier reports that the Tensor G6 platform will be paired with the company's M90 5G modem, instead of using Samsung's modem technology.

Google has been heavily reliant on Samsung for chip design and modem components since the original Tensor chip debuted in the Pixel 6 series. Although Tensor G5 is reported to have moved to TSMC for manufacturing, Google is still using a Samsung modem. The one for a clean break seems to be Tensor G6.

For Pixel users, the modem swap might matter more than benchmark numbers. Samsung's modems have been among the more common complaints on recent Pixel phones, with users citing inconsistent cellular reception, increased battery drain, and less reliable signal strength compared to other flagship devices. A more recent modem could fix those long-term pain points.

On paper, MediaTek’s M90 modem has some promising upgrades. It supports download speeds of up to 12Gbps, satellite connectivity, dual active 5G SIM support, and AI-powered power management that promises to improve efficiency without compromising performance. With the rumored Tensor G6 shift to TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process, the Pixel 11 lineup could deliver meaningful gains in battery life, thermal performance, and overall connectivity rather than just the raw processing power.

If the leaks are true, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold could be the company's first foldable to come with a MediaTek modem, and that points to a wider change for the entire Pixel 11 lineup.

Android Central's Take

I think this is one of the smartest hardware decisions Google could make. Pixel phones have always had great cameras and some genuinely helpful AI features, but modem performance has been a frustrating Achilles heel for years. If the move to MediaTek finally solves the connectivity and battery problems, most users will probably not care whose logo is on the modem — they will be happy with a Pixel that has a better signal and lasts longer.



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dimanche 12 juillet 2026

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: It's (almost) time to upgrade

Last year's Pixel 10 Pro Fold didn't really have many new features; other than better water resistance, Tensor G5, and a bigger battery, it was identical to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. With other brands rolling out noticeable upgrades — including Samsung with the thinner Galaxy Z Fold 7 — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold felt like a tame release.

That's why I'm excited to see what Google has in store with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The latest leaks suggest the upcoming foldable will get new cameras — a long-overdue upgrade — alongside a new Tensor G6 platform built on a 2nm node, brighter OLED panels inside and out, and design tweaks. This might finally be the year where Google takes the fight to Samsung and Vivo, and I can't wait.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Pricing and availability

Pixel 10 Pro Fold testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Google has confirmed that it will showcase the Pixel 11 on August 12. Like last year, we should get four models: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I don't see any changes to Google's release strategy this year, so these models should be up for pre-order as soon as the launch event ends, with general sales starting before the end of August.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold retailed at $1,799 for the 256GB model, but with rising memory and storage costs, it's a given that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be at least $100 costlier, bringing it up to $1,899. We'll need to wait until the launch event to know what the foldable actually costs, but considering trends across the industry, it's almost guaranteed that you'll need to pay more to get your hands on Google's upcoming phones.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Design

Pixel 10 Pro Fold testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Leaks point to Google tweaking the design of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold a little bit to make the rear camera island a little more distinctive, but other than that, the device looks similar to its predecessor. This is a good thing; Google has a distinct design aesthetic, and that isn't changing in 2026.

The one thing I'd like to see is a lighter foldable. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighs 258g, a full 43g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and that difference in heft is immediately noticeable. The added bulk and weight makes the Pixel 10 Pro Fold a little cumbersome at times, and this is something that Google needs to address this year.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Another thing that Google needs to consider is the size; most foldables are now under 4.5mm unfolded and 9mm when folded, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold needs to be able to measure up in this category. A thinner and lighter foldable would go a long way in making the Pixel 11 Pro Fold stand out against its predecessors, and this is a key requirement in 2026.

A new feature coming to this year's Pixels is Pixel Glow, an LED notification light that's located on the rear camera island. This is something Nothing uses to great effect on its phones, and I can't wait to see how Google leverages it.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has one of the best OLED panels on any foldable, and while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold isn't set to change the size of the panels, it may get brighter. That's a positive move, and I like that Google isn't changing the size; the inner 8.0-inch panel is the ideal size to multitask, and the outer 6.4-inch panel has adequate real estate.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Specs

Pixel 10 Pro Fold testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

The headlining change with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the Tensor G6 platform. Google's phones haven't really stood up to their Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals in the past, but that could finally be changing. I'm not going to suggest that the Tensor G6 will be as fast as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but it shouldn't be as hobbled as the G5 and G4 when it comes to gaming.

A big part of that has to do with the node switch to 2nm, which inherently delivers better efficiency. Google is also said to be using new cores, and that should bring the Tensor G6 up to scratch, and I'm crossing my fingers that it holds up a lot better in gaming — this is an area where Google just hasn't done enough in the past.

Category

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (based on leaks)

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Operating System

Android 17, seven years of software updates (likely)

Android 17, seven years of software updates

Display

Outer: 6.4-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits

Inner: 8.0-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3500 nits

Outer: 6.4-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits

Inner: 8.0-inch OLED, 120Hz, 3000 nits

Chipset

Tensor G6, 2nm TSMC

Tensor G5, 3nm TSMC

RAM

16GB

16GB

Storage

256GB/512GB/1TB

256GB/512GB/1TB

Rear cameras

Main: 50MP

Tele: 10.8MP f/3.1, OIS, 5x zoom

Wide: 10.5MP f/2.2

Main: 48MP f/1.7, OIS

Tele: 10.8MP f/3.1, OIS, 5x zoom

Wide: 10.5MP f/2.2

Front camera

10MP f/2.2

10MP f/2.2

Battery

4,800mAh

5,015mAh

Charging

45W wired, PPS

15W Qi 2 wireless

30W wired, PPS

15W Qi 2 wireless

Ingress protection

IP68 dust and water resistance

IP68 dust and water resistance

The other big change is around cameras; the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is said to get a new main camera, which should allow the foldable to take better photos. This is something that Google needed to address last year on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but I'm glad the brand is making amends in 2026; with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 incoming and the Vivo X Fold 6 slated to launch globally, Google needs to do much better with the cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I want to see a better 3x lens as well, but the leaks point to just the main camera getting a new sensor, so it looks like the rest of the modules will be similar to last year.

Then there's the battery; leaks have pointed to a smaller 4,800mAh battery this year, but we will need to wait until the launch event to see if that's legitimate. A smaller battery is the easiest way to shave weight and thickness, but the obvious downside is that the phone doesn't last as long.

It is feasible that Google is counting on the efficiency gains of the Tensor G6 to offset the smaller battery. I would much prefer to see a bigger battery, and if every other brand is able to deliver at least a 5,000mAh battery in a foldable that's under 10mm and 220g, I don't see why Google couldn't do it.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs. Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which should you buy?

Pixel 10 Pro Fold testing on Android Central

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

With the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google needs to deliver a thinner and lighter foldable with better cameras. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold should bring decent upgrades this year, and the move to the Tensor G6 could resolve long-standing issues. Then again, this is all conjecture — we'll need to wait until August 12 to know what the Pixel 11 Pro Fold actually brings to the table.

In spite of the average cameras and the weight, I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The software is a real joy, and Android 17 made the foldable even better. If you don't need the best cameras and are okay with a heavier foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is a great choice — and you don't have to pay anywhere as much.



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