The Galaxy S27 is expected to retain almost the same design and dimensions as the current Galaxy S26.
The Galaxy S27 Pro could share the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new iPhone-like horizontal camera plateau design.
Leaked renders suggest the smaller Galaxy S27 Pro won't feature an S Pen slot, unlike the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
Following the Galaxy S27 Ultra renders leak, we're now finally starting to see the base Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro as well.
Over the past few days, we've seen several leaks surrounding the Galaxy S27 Ultra's new design. Samsung appears to be moving away from its familiar vertical camera layout in favor of an iPhone-like horizontal camera plateau, with two prominent camera lenses on the left and a vertical pill-shaped module next to them.
From everything we've seen so far, it's hard not to notice the inspiration from Apple's iPhone 17 Pro lineup.
And now, we're starting to get a look at the Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro as well.
Renders of the base Galaxy S27 were shared by OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines, and unfortunately, it looks like Samsung isn't changing much from the Galaxy S26.
The phone still features three vertically arranged cameras inside a raised camera island in the top-left corner, with an overall design that looks extremely similar to its predecessor. Even the dimensions are reportedly more or less identical. This seemingly confirms that Samsung is keeping its new design exclusive to the more expensive models.
And that theory has gained even more weight thanks to a separate Galaxy S27 Pro leak from Ice Universe on X. The leaker shared outline renders comparing the Galaxy S27 Ultra and Galaxy S27 Pro, showing that the two phones will reportedly share a very similar design.
Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra (left) vs. Galaxy S27 Pro (right) (Image credit: Ice Universe/X)
That isn't entirely surprising, since the Galaxy S27 Pro is expected to share several design elements and specifications with the Ultra. However, the renders also appear to confirm one major difference: the smaller Pro model won't come with an S Pen.
There's no S Pen slot visible on the Galaxy S27 Pro, and Samsung will also reportedly reposition the speaker grille and microphone on the smaller model.
In a separate post, Ice Universe also claimed that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a more rounded frame than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which should make the larger phone feel more natural and comfortable in the hand.
Overall, these Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Pro leaks seem to clear up one major question about Samsung's 2027 lineup. The new horizontal camera design will apparently remain exclusive to the Galaxy S27 Pro and Ultra, while the regular Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus will stick with Samsung's more familiar design.
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Samsung is reportedly rolling out its August 2026 security update late this month, including an important fix.
Users on X highlight a Samsung official's notice online, stating a fix for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's red screen or "red stain" issue is in this update.
Galaxy S26 Ultra users overseas noticed this problem when the device is at maximum brightness, often resulting in a red band or stain across their screen.
No, you didn't miss it. Samsung is just now rolling out its August security update for stable Galaxy S26 users, and with it comes a long-awaited bug fix.
Late this week, SamMobile spotted the August 2026 security update rolling out for Galaxy S26 users overseas. The update is reportedly rolling out for users in South Korea first, which is typical for Samsung. Users on its Korean community forum pointed this development out, posting a screenshot of the patch hitting their S26. The publication highlights a hefty number of fixes involved in this August patch, but we're putting that on hold.
SamMobile and Tarun Vats on X state this patch will likely hold the long-awaited fix for the red screen or red tint issue that's plagued the Galaxy S26 Ultra. A Samsung official has started informing Korean users that a fix is now rolling out.
As for what the security patch fixes, Samsung's changelog states it's rolling out seven "Critical" and 30 "High" level fixes. Among them, the notes state there's a fix that could let malicious attackers "cause device inoperability" on a Galaxy device. Several fixes for the Samsung Contacts app are rolling out, alongside a fix to stop hackers from accessing a Galaxy phone's SIM card. Once again, Google has not listed its extensive changelog for Framework fixes and more on the Android Security Bulletin.
Fixing some struggles
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Android Central's Take
Fixes are always good. If you have an S26 Ultra, keep an eye out. The patch is in Korea for now, but should make its way onto U.S. phones late (late) in August, and likely into September. Now, regarding the Privacy Display... I like this feature. My thing is, I'll wait a bit until it's better. Hopefully, it's better on the S27 Ultra, and I mean better to the point that Samsung can solve the screen being dimmer than previous models.
It was in July that reports about a red screen/red stain on the Galaxy S26 Ultra surfaced. Users in Korea noticed this issue when the phone produced bright colors or when at maximum brightness. The area of redness varied. Some users noticed it appeared vertically on their S26 Ultra, while others reported wide strips across the display. What was a bummer was Samsung's investigation.
According to its discovery, the S26 Ultra's "new technology" was to blame. The only "new tech" to hit the Ultra this year, especially its display, was the Privacy Display. This tech is purely software, which is why we needed a patch to fix it. The good thing is that it seems that this issue should be fixed as of this week (keep your eyes out for the patch).
But the Privacy Display, while useful and incredibly attractive, isn't all rainbows and sunshine. After the device launched, a report quickly surfaced, stating the Galaxy S26 Ultra's screen isn't as bright because of the Privacy Display. Compared to the S25 Ultra, the S26 Ultra is noticeably darker.
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The Pixel 11 Pro brings the same features as the 11 Pro XL in a smaller size, and it's great to hold and use. You get the best of Google's software, along with new cameras, and Qi 2.2 integration.
Google
Pixel 9 Pro
Still great
The Pixel 9 Pro is still a great choice in 2026. The design looks just as good as the Pixel 11 Pro, the fundamentals are unchanged, and you get standout software.
Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Design and display
(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)
It wasn't until I dug out the Pixel 9 Pro that I realized just how little has changed with Google's phones in the last two years. The Pixel 9 Pro has nearly identical dimensions to the Pixel 11 Pro, and while the latter is 5g heavier, that isn't immediately noticeable.
In fact, other than the new design around the camera bar, there isn't an easy way to distinguish both phones — they're that similar. This is a good thing, as it solidifies Google's visual identity and ensures models are consistent between generations.
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
To give you a little bit of contrast, there aren't any design similarities between last year's Find X8 Ultra and the 2026 Find X9 Ultra; they could be made by different brands. While a constantly-changing design is interesting in its own way — I have no idea what the Find X10 will look like — that isn't an issue with Pixels; Google clearly has its design language dialed in, and it isn't going to change that anytime soon.
Anyway, the Pixel 11 Pro is a standout small flagship, and the Pixel 9 Pro is the same. I like the smaller design, and while I inevitably gravitate to larger phones, there's no denying that there's an audience that wants a smaller device with high-end internals, and other than the 6.3-inch panel size and smaller battery, the Pro devices are unchanged from their Pro XL siblings.
The 6.3-inch OLED panel is great in its own right; both phones have good color vibrancy and class-leading brightness figures. The only difference is that the 11 Pro gets brighter in outdoor use, but other than that, they're identical. Also, both devices get IP68 dust and water resistance, and they're built to last.
Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Hardware and cameras
(Image credit: Shruti Shekar / Android Central)
The Tensor G6 powering the Pixel 11 Pro is faster and does a better job overall, but it's still not set up for any intensive gaming, and at this point, it's clear that it just isn't a priority for Google. That said, it is reliable in everyday use, and the device itself has good fluidity. The same is true on the Pixel 9 Pro as well, and I still don't see any issues with the device in regular tasks.
Similarly, battery life is about the same, but the 11 Pro gets Qi 2.2 integration, going up to 25W — the 9 Pro is limited to standard 12W Qi charging. Connectivity is the same on both devices, and while the 11 Pro is using a new modem, I don't see much of a difference in daily use.
Category
Google Pixel 11 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Operating System
Android 17, seven years of software updates
Android 17, seven years of software updates (five left)
Display
6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED, 2856x1280, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 3600 nits max
6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO OLED, 2856x1280, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+, 3000 nits max
Chipset
Google Tensor G6, 3nm TSMC
Google Tensor G4, 4nm Samsung
RAM
12GB/16GB
16GB
Storage
256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 3.1
Rear cameras
Main: New 50MP f/1.7, OIS
Tele: 48MP f/2.8, OIS, 5x zoom
Wide: 48MP f/1.7 wide-angle
Main: 50MP f/1.7, OIS
Tele: 48MP f/2.8, OIS, 5x zoom
Wide: 48MP f/1.7 wide-angle
Front camera
42MP, f/2.2
42MP, f/2.2
Battery
4850mAh
4700mAh
Charging
30W wired, USB PD 3.0 PPS
25W Qi 2.2 Pixelsnap wireless
27W wired, USB PD 3.0 PPS
12W Qi wireless
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6 (global), LTE
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Dual-band GPS, 5G mmWave (NA only), 5G Sub-6 (global), LTE
Ingress protection
IP68 dust and water resistance
IP68 dust and water resistance
Dimensions
152.7 x 71.9 x 8.4mm
152.8 x 72 x 8.5mm
Weight
204g
199g
Colors
Canyon, Fog, Olive, Obsidian
Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz, Obsidian
The Pixel 11 Pro has a new camera, and it takes slightly better photos and videos. But like previous years, the best features are software-related: Camera Looks lets you change the tonality of the photos to a significant degree, and I like the feature quite a bit. There's also Magic Capture, which automatically takes the best photo while shooting a video, and it makes a lot of sense if you have kids that are constantly moving.
Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
There is a lot to like in the Pixel 11 Pro, and the new software features go a long way in differentiating the phone. That said, Google is likely to bring most of these to older Pixels — including the Pixel 9 Pro — so you're not really missing out on much there.
Other than that, I don't see many differences to the Pixel 9 Pro. It's still a fabulous phone two years after its launch, and if you're using the device, there's no reason to get the Pixel 11 Pro.
Google
Pixel 11 Pro
Small but mighty
The Pixel 11 Pro is Google's latest phone, and while it has a new camera and software tricks, it doesn't do enough to justify an upgrade — not when the Pixel 9 Pro is still going strong.
Google
Pixel 9 Pro
Still great
I like the Pixel 9 Pro a lot, and considering the phone was built to last the better part of a decade, there's no reason to upgrade just yet. It's getting regular software updates, the hardware is still great, and the cameras hold their own in 2026.
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Nothing OS 5.0 is here and combines a redesigned interface, deeper customization, smoother performance, and upgraded Essential AI tools.
Transparent widgets, wallpaper-adaptive icon colors, the new Geist typeface, and refreshed system icons give Nothing OS a more cohesive look.
Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta begins for the Phone (3), with a stable release expected in mid-October and more devices joining the beta later.
Nothing is giving its software a substantial refresh with Nothing OS 5.0, a major update built on Android 17. The latest software zeroes in on everyday interactions, blending a redesigned visual system with more customization, smoother performance, and more powerful Essential AI tools.
The update is all about giving you more control and a smoother experience. The home screen gets a brand new theme with transparent widgets and a search bar that adds some depth, while app icons can now pull subtle color tints from your wallpaper to match your vibe.
There’s a new system typeface, Geist, which is cleaner and easier to scan, and refreshed icons across the status bar, Settings, Camera, and Gallery. The Gallery also includes new options for sorting and filtering to help you organize photos.
You also get more ways to make the phone yours. The lock screen has two new clock faces: the whimsical “Gooey” and the hardware-inspired "Micrographics." Please note the Micrographics clockface and the new home screen theme are still in development and will not be available in the Open Beta yet — they will be part of the general release starting October.
The Glyph Interface now comes in an app, so all the features and sounds are in one place. There is also a new Glyph Timer widget and the Away Time widget that helps you monitor your digital habits by telling you how long you've been away from your phone.
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Nothing is also doubling down on its Essential AI tools. Essential Voice is faster, real-time transcriptions are better, and with the Ear (3), you can record audio directly from the Super Mic on the case. Smart Collections can suggest and organize content for you automatically. And for a fun twist, you can now create Essential Apps right on your phone; just tell it what you want in plain language and it’ll build it for you.
Since it runs on Android 17, you get the latest features of the platform as well. That includes the capability to split out the notifications and Quick Settings panels and an enhanced Quick Share that works across iOS and Android via QR code. The update also brings new privacy indicators, expanded dark theme support, and a redesigned Recents menu.
The Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta program starts today for the Phone (3), with a stable release expected in mid-October. Other devices will be included in the beta program later.
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There hasn't been much in the way of innovation when it comes to MicroSD cards, but the standard continues to be dominant in cameras, handheld consoles, and just about any accessory that needs external storage.
I have a dozen or so MicroSD cards in active use across security cameras, action cameras, digital music players, hobbyist SBCs like the Pi 4 and Pi 5, and two handheld consoles. Most of these are the usual A2 class cards ranging from 64GB to 512GB, but I wanted something with higher storage to use with my DJI Osmo Pocket 4P and Pocket 4.
That's where Lexar comes into the picture. The Silver Plus range of MicroSD cards debuted at the end of April 2026, and what immediately caught my attention was the storage sizes. Available from 128GB all the way to 2TB (the model I'm testing), this isn't your average MicroSD card. I used Lexar's SO-DIMM memory modules and internal SSDs in the past, so I was interested in taking a look at the 2TB MicroSD card.
After three months of usage involving dozens of hours of 4K footage shot via the Osmo Pocket 4P and hundreds of photos taken with the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, it's clear that the Silver Plus is a standout MicroSD card. The 2TB model I'm using retails for well over $500, but the 1TB model is available for $239, and I think it is the sweet spot if you're looking to extend storage of your camera or handheld console. There's also a much more modest 128GB variant that costs $49, and the 256GB model is $74.
The Silver Plus is a V30 card, which means you're guaranteed to get at least 30MB/s sustained writes when shooting videos. You also get U3, which is 30MB/s minimum writes, A2, and a UHS-I interface. This is all standard stuff these days, but where the Silver Plus goes above and beyond is the ruggedness: it is IPX7 water-resistant, shockproof, x-ray-proof, magnetic-proof, and resistant to vibrations. Basically, it is built to handle any scenario, and you get a limited lifetime warranty.
Where the 2TB Silver Plus truly shines is video footage. I used it to shoot 4K120 and 8K30 footage, and it didn't prove a bottleneck while storing footage to the device. It is great to use with a drone or handheld gimbal camera like the Osmo Pocket 4P, and I got close to the touted 255MB/s reads and 189MB/s writes while testing it on Windows.
It's great that MicroSD cards can now store up to 2TB of storage. I remember it wasn't too long ago that I was excited about the debut of 128GB MicroSD cards (I got my hands on a few of these at a Best Buy shortly after they launched), and to have 2TB of storage on MicroSD is pretty cool.
While SD cards don't get quite as fast as external SSDs, they're much more portable, and if you're a professional who shoots photos and videos outdoors or want the best MicroSD card to use with your camera or handheld console, the Silver Plus is an easy recommendation.
Lexar
Professional SILVER PLUS microSDXC UHS-I Card
Lexar's Silver Plus MicroSD card has all the storage you'll need, encased in a design that's guaranteed to last.
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Qualcomm's next-generation Oryon CPU will reach clock speeds of up to a whopping 5GHz.
The new Oryon CPU uses a fully custom design, giving Qualcomm greater control over performance and efficiency.
Qualcomm's new FlexCache lets CPU cores dynamically share cache, helping improve gaming and multitasking performance.
Qualcomm is expected to unveil two new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets at its Snapdragon Summit in September.
Ahead of the Snapdragon Summit next month, Qualcomm has shared more details about its next-generation Oryon CPU, sharing that it will be capable of reaching a whopping 5GHz clock speed.
Smartphone chipsets have become ridiculously powerful over the past few years. Apple continues to push its A-series chips forward, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon flagships have steadily brought desktop-level performance to Android phones.
Of course, we can't say the same about everyone (looking at you, Tensor G6). Now, Qualcomm looks ready to push things even further with its next-generation Oryon CPU.
Qualcomm hasn't revealed its full next-generation Snapdragon platform just yet, but says the new Oryon CPU uses a fully custom design, with the company controlling everything from the microarchitecture to the entire CPU subsystem. According to Qualcomm, that level of control is one of the reasons it can push clock speeds all the way up to 5GHz.
But Qualcomm says higher clock speeds aren't the only reason for the performance gains. The company is also focusing heavily on IPC (instructions per clock), which determines how much work the CPU can complete per clock cycle. Improvements here should translate into better performance across everyday tasks, from opening apps and browsing the web to more demanding workloads.
(Image credit: Qualcomm)
Qualcomm has also introduced Oryon FlexCache, a new cache architecture that allows different CPU cores to access the same dynamically allocated cache pool. Instead of assigning a fixed amount of cache to individual cores, FlexCache allows the Prime cores to access the entire available pool whenever a workload needs it.
The company says this should particularly help with workloads that constantly move between different CPU cores. In gaming, for example, better access to local cache could help stabilize frame rates and reduce stutters, while the same architecture should also help with heavier multitasking.
Qualcomm still hasn't revealed the complete details of its next Snapdragon flagship platform. The company has already teased that we'll see two Snapdragon 8 Elite chips at Snapdragon Summit 2026, though, so we should learn much more about both chipsets soon.
Snapdragon Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 22 through September 24 in Hawaii.
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It took me a while to like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold; I didn't like that Google basically retained the same feature-set as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and just added a bigger battery and IP68 ingress protection. At 258g, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the heaviest foldables — only my Huawei Mate XT is heavier, and that's basically a tablet that folds down to a phone.
The heft notwithstanding, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold has other issues: the cameras are underwhelming compared to the Vivo X Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, battery life is average, and cellular connectivity isn't quite as stable as I'd like. But having used the foldable on and off for the better part of a year now, I will say that it is much better to use than its specs would suggest, and the software continues to be among the best around.
Google's software is why I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold instead of other foldables. I like the bright colors and customizability that's available in Material You, and Google does a great job with the interface in general, delivering a clean UI without any clutter. And with the 10 Pro Fold, Google optimized the software a little better, and there's better fluidity than in previous generations, which makes a noticeable difference when navigating the interface.
Magic Cue is one of my favorite additions, and I like that it pulls up any contextual detail without me having to dig for it. Whether that's sharing waybill details when calling DHL about recent deliveries or surfacing reservation details, it is genuinely useful. Google does a good job bringing most Gemini features to other phones, but there are a few exclusive to Pixels, like Magic Cue.
The software has gotten better with Android 17, and Bubbles multitasking is easily my favorite feature. It's annoying that it won't be coming to other phones, but the floating windows mode makes it easy to maximize the real estate of the 8-inch inner panel, and I use it constantly. Other foldables do a great job with multitasking in general — ColorOS' Open Canvas is the gold standard — and while Google should have stolen the feature, it's good to see some progress in this area.
I also like the size of the cover screen; the 6.4-inch panel is slightly wider than its predecessor, and it's the ideal size. While Google had its share of screen-related issues in the past, I didn't see any problems with the outer or inner panels in the year I used the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Both panels are among the brightest in the category, and they have good color vibrancy.
After a year of unfolds, the crease hasn't deformed, and the hinge articulation is just as smooth as the day I set up the device. A lot of that has to do with IP68 dust and water resistance. While I didn't submerge the foldable in water, dust ingress is a constant problem on these devices, and thankfully, I didn't have to worry about that in the slightest.
With plenty of tuning updates over the course of the year, the cameras on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold still don't pass muster. It has been a regular source of frustration with the foldable, and in a year where other brands made huge strides in this area — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 have outstanding cameras — the 10 Pro Fold is distinctly second-best.
I carry two phones, and for most of the last 12 months, the secondary phone was the iPhone 17 Pro, so I had an alternative whenever I needed to take photos. That doesn't make it any less annoying that a $1,799 foldable can't take reliable photos or videos.
The 10 Pro Fold is heavy enough as it is, so I didn't bother with a case. The foldable took its share of tumbles, but it is unscathed. There are some scratches that have accumulated over the course of the year, but on the whole, the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection did its job. If anything, I don't put a case on any phone that has Victus 2, and it's proven to be reliable — at least in the way I use my devices.
While I didn't think much of the design, the rounded corners definitely make a difference. They make holding the 10 Pro Fold a little easier, and there's enough thickness at the sides to open the inner screen. This is an issue on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and not just because they're thinner — the X Fold 5 and Find N6 are just as easy to unlock as the 10 Pro Fold. I'm chalking it up to the way Samsung designs its foldables.
I'll admit that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold doesn't have the best internals. It's continually annoying that Google prioritizes other areas like the TPU instead of CPU and GPU performance, and this means the Tensor G5 isn't suited for playing demanding games.
That said, it held up a lot better than I imagined. While I test visually-intensive games as part of a review, I don't play high-end games on my phone all that much, and the ones I actually play the most — Balatro, Ball x Pit, and CloverPit — run without any issues. There is some overheating with gaming sessions lasting over an hour, but that's the case with every foldable, and not unique to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Another bugbear is connectivity. The Exynos modem that Google went with isn't as good at maintaining a signal, so I frequently saw cellular connectivity issues while at home.
The single biggest annoyance with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold proved to be the cameras. Other than that, the foldable was better than I imagined. Thankfully, I didn't run into many software bugs; outside of Magic Cue getting disabled by an update, I didn't notice any problems. I know that's an outlier considering the thousands of messages on Google's troubleshooting pages, but it hasn't been much of an issue in my usage.
While I enjoyed using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, I wouldn't necessarily recommend the foldable. There isn't a single feature that truly stands out, and while that's not a bad thing, it doesn't make for an exciting phone.
Look, I generally prefer Google's software and don't mind some of the annoyances that come along the way, but it may not be what you're looking for in a device that costs over $1,700 — particularly when there are better all-round choices available.
If you're a Pixel fan and are considering a foldable, I'd suggest getting the 11 Pro Fold; I'm switching to it now, and it addresses a lot of the 10 Pro Fold's issues around imaging. And if you don't have a brand allegiance and just want to try out a book-style foldable, the Moto Razr Fold continues to be fabulous.
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