It's official: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has been revealed, and there are already some exceptional preorder deals available for the folks who can't wait for the August 7th release date.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is here, and it's $100 more expensive than its predecessor. Fortunately, if you add a line with the Experience More or Experience Beyond plan, T-Mobile will give you up to $1,100 of trade-in credit, completely offsetting the price hike and then some. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 hits store shelves on August 7th, however, so grab this preorder deal while you can. View Deal
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 looks almost identical to the Z Flip 7 at first glance, but there are a few notable improvements where it counts. The Z Flip 8 utilizes the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, for instance, which is the same powerful processor that drives the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Z Fold 8 Ultra.
The clamshell device also features a thinner and lighter build than its predecessor, plus you get all of the latest AI-boosted software features and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. That being said, the displays and camera systems remain largely unchanged, which might make it difficult for some folks to justify the $1,199.99 price tag.
Fortunately, that's why preorder opportunities like the T-Mobile deal above are so essential. The carrier is also being pretty generous with its trade-in credit: Samsung phones dating back to the Galaxy S20 series will get you the full $1,100 of credit, while plenty of other devices from Apple, Motorola, and OnePlus are also eligible.
Excited for your new Galaxy Z Flip 8 to arrive on August 7th? Don't forget to protect your investment with one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases!
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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 just doubled its chances of success with a new shorter, wider model, and that gets us excited to see what Samsung is cooking for the Z Fold 9 series. This year may be all about the new form factor, but we're hoping next year shores up some of the obvious weak points of Samsung's most premium folding phones.
Right now, we're looking at a laundry list of wishes and additions we'd love to see, from an Ultra-style wider Fold 9 to the return of the S Pen, better cameras, and improved battery capacity. Plus, with Samsung's especially close relationship with Google these days, there's definitely going to be new AI-powered software tricks and features that we don't expect.
But until Samsung officially announces it, here's everything we know so far (and hope to see) about the Galaxy Z Fold 9 series.
Galaxy Z Fold 9: Price and availability
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
If 2026 will go down in history for any one thing, it's the mega inflation rate for RAM and storage components. Fueled by the massive AI data center boom, component prices are skyrocketing, and the prices are expected to double again by the end of 2027 unless something drastic changes.
That means the expected Summer 2027 launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 9 series will come well before the peak of component price increases, forcing Samsung to increase prices yet again for the launch. We'll keep a sharp eye on this one, for sure, but things aren't looking up for a downward trend in this realm of things.
What changes can we expect for the Galaxy Z Fold 9?
Now that Samsung has firmly planted its flag with dual Fold models, we expect the company to reveal its full plans for the future of Z Fold design in 2027. The wider, shorter Z Fold 8 is expected to take home the lion's share of sales, and that may mean Samsung launches additional models in 2027.
Last year, Samsung experimented with the Galaxy Z TriFold, the company's first folding phone with two hinges and three displays. While that phone's availability was short-lived, we know Samsung is working on a successor, which likely means a Galaxy Z TriFold 9 or a similar naming convention.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Depending on how well the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 sells, Samsung could also deliver a more powerful Wide Fold next year. This means a Galaxy Z Fold 9 Ultra that uses the shorter, wider form factor of the Z Fold 8, all with better camera hardware and a higher-capacity battery to match the Ultra name.
It's also possible that future Ultra models will begin using Samsung's Privacy Display that debuted with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as it's been said that this display tech will ship in more Samsung phones in 2027. Either way, we're hoping Samsung finally listens to feedback and improves it's display PWM rate and eye care features, which have fallen well behind rivals.
Many are also hoping to see a Galaxy Z Fold 9 with camera hardware that finally feels like a true flagship phone. If another round of price increases turn out to be true, it would behoove Samsung to upgrade the Z Fold 9's cameras with a telephoto camera that doesn't feel like it's from 2019. Considering Samsung looks to be adopting a horizontal Pixel-style camera bar in the Galaxy S27 series, there should be plenty of room for improved camera hardware on a similarly-designed Z Fold 9.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
We should also see further improvements in battery capacity now that Samsung has finally begun adopting silicon battery technology. While rivals are reaching 30% silicon content in some models, Samsung's Z Fold 8 series uses just 5% silicon content. Samsung has been extremely shy about battery changes since the Galaxy Note 7 disaster, so we only expect a modest improvement in silicon content for the Z Fold 9 rather than something earth-shattering.
Lastly, Samsung's new Flex Titanium screen technology paved the way for thinner and stronger flexible glass on the Z Fold 8 series, which could spell a return of S Pen compatibility on the Z Fold 9. I could very well see Samsung give the taller Z Fold 9 or even a potential Z 9 TriFold this capability and call it the Galaxy Z Fold 9 Note. That would give its models an important differentiator and bring back the fan-favorite Note series, making it a must-have phone for tech lovers.
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After spending some time with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, it's clear that this is a year of refinement for Samsung. These watches are essentially upgraded versions of their predecessors, and while there may not be many differences on the outside, one major upgrade on the inside makes all the difference.
The same but different
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
In terms of design, Samsung didn't change much about the latest watches. That said, once you hold them or put them next to their predecessors, you might be able to spot the changes. The Watch Ultra 2, for example, is noticeably thinner than its predecessor, shaving off roughly 2mm despite its massive 800mAh battery; a 210mAh increase.
This means it feels a bit better on your wrist, which is also aided by the new watch bands. They're thinner and more malleable, allowing the watch to sit flatter on surfaces and provide a better fit on your wrist. That said, the Watch Ultra 2 is still quite heavy, and I can't imagine wearing it throughout its roughly 60-hour battery life estimate (with AOD on).
Comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (right) with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (left). (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
As for the Galaxy Watch 9, the dimensions are roughly the same as the Watch 8, but Samsung managed to increase the battery a bit. Thickness is the same too, making the Watch 9 much more comfortable to wear than the Ultra 2 and probably something I can see myself rocking throughout the day.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
That said, the Ultra 2 is built to appeal to outdoorsy types and anyone with a more rugged lifestyle, and some new features are clear indications of such. Trail Run, for example, is an Ultra 2-exclusive feature that will track a run on a trail while monitoring elevation, total climb, and total descent.
And for serious runners, Samsung is upgrading the Sweat Loss estimation with a Nutrition Alert to help you stay adequately hydrated.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
That extra-rugged design also means professional divers can use the Watch Ultra 2 to track their dives with a new Diving app coming later this year. I didn't get to see this during my hands-on, but Samsung says the Mares-developed app will track real-time diving metrics.
Oh, and the screen is apparently really bright, reaching a 5,000 nits peak. I couldn't test this out in my enclosed environment, but the brighter screen will definitely help with outdoor visibility.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
The upgrade I'm most excited about in both watches is the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. It's Samsung's first time using a Snapdragon chip in its smartwatches, and it promises better performance, longer battery life, and better GPS tracking.
Qualcomm highlights improved AI capabilities thanks to the built-in NPU, meaning some AI tasks won't have to be routed to the phone. You can tell Gemini something like "what's my sleep score," and it will take you directly to the metric you're looking for in Samsung Health.
The new chip also enhances the capabilities of the BioActive sensor for enhanced accuracy and new features. Sleep Apnea insights, Heart Health, Daily Cardio Load, Hearing, and Fitness Index are all available on both watches to provide a more comprehensive look at your health.
Derrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android CentralDerrek Lee / Android Central
Even without a Classic model, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 feel like they have something for everyone. The Ultra 2 feels like more of an upgrade, but the Watch 9 feels like the watch for most people and will still get many of the same features as the Ultra 2.
My hands-on time wasn't too in-depth, but we'll be reviewing both watches soon, so you can look forward to our coverage as we test these watches and pit them against some of our favorite fitness watches.
Samsung
Galaxy Watch 9
The everyday watch
The Galaxy Watch 9 adds the latest health and fitness tracking features from Samsung Health, while bringing the added power and accuracy of the Snapdragon Wear Elite to a sleek wearable device.
Samsung
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Dive deeper into your health
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is a serious watch for serious adventurers. It features an ultra-durable design that makes it the perfect companion for dives and trail runs, with a battery that will keep going as you do.
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Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is IN JUST A FEW HOURS starting at 9am EST!! Managing Editor Derrek Lee is in the U.K. for the event and is ready to report on all things foldables, watches, and everything else that is about to launch!
In the past, the company has hosted events in the U.S. and South Korea, but now, nearly 14 years after the Galaxy S3 event, Samsung is bringing its launch event back to London, England.
When and what time is Samsung Unpacked?
The event is today, July 22nd, and it starts at 9am EST (New York time)...in the U.K. the time will be 2pm BST.
What to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked?
We are expecting a new Galaxy Z Fold 8in a passport-like design that's shorter and wider. This is a switch-up from what Samsung's done in the past. Likely will be a competitor to whatever foldable Apple launches. , which will reportedly go head-to-head against Apple's foldable iPhone.
We are also expecting the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. We're not sure why Samsung is shuffling things around, but we'll certainly be asking around at the event.
Perhaps the easiest way to watch the event is on YouTube. Head to Samsung's official YouTube channel and tap the Notify Me button to be reminded when the event is about to start. Or you can just do it from the video link below.
We’re reaching the final countdown! Samsung’s Unpacked event is just hours away, and I’m currently on the ground in London to experience it all in real-time. Be sure to tune in at 9 a.m.ET to watch the event and keep this tab open for our play-by-play and real-time thoughts on Samsung’s new devices and announcements!
I'll send over more pictures from the event, but for now, here's a shot of the event location from last year!!
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
What am I most excited to see at Unpacked? I’m really curious about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its new wide aspect ratio.
I really want to see how apps look on the external display and how it handles multitasking on the internal folding screen, because frankly, I’m not convinced that this is an optimal design for a foldable phone. It feels like Samsung is trying to replicate the Galaxy Z TriFold's internal aspect ratio, but it comes off as an awkward attempt. Idk, I guess we’ll see when it's announced and I get my hands on it.
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
I'm so excited to be here, and London is looking great! Like I said, we are just a few hours away from the event and there's so much going on. I landed here on Sunday, but we've been in briefings all week.
There are a LOOOOT of exciting things happening and I can't wait to share it all at 9am ET when the event starts!!
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 should take center stage at the event, and it's exciting for a lot of reasons. A shorter and wider foldable makes it easier to consume content, and it looks like Samsung is leaning heavily into this, if leaked marketing is anything to go by. Of course, a smaller foldable is also easier to hold and use, and if you've used a Surface Duo or the Find N2 in the past, you should be excited about the Z Fold 8.
Samsung is seeing increased demand for its foldables, and not just in the U.S. These devices have been around for well over seven years now, and the tech has matured to a point where its mainstream. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had a lot to do with this, as the thinner and lighter design made it that much more enticing an upgrade if you're using a Galaxy S device.
(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
I love flip phones, so I would’ve loved to see Samsung bring back another better Galaxy Z Flip FE, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case.
To be honest, it makes sense, as book-style foldables have been on the rise and have overtaken flip phones in sales volume. That seems to be why Samsung is set to offer two Fold variants this time around; to hopefully appeal to more people.
Will it work?
(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
One thing Samsung does great is accessories. The company is great at launching a bevy of cases, screen protectors, and bands for its devices, and I expect the same treatment for the foldables and watches. It’s likely there will be a selection of magnetic cases available since we don’t expect any of the devices to feature built-in Qi2 magnets.
We’ll be sure to highlight some of the best ones we find when the devices launch so you can pair your new purchase with some much-needed protection.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
I also really hope we get to see more of Samsung’s Android XR glasses. We’ve seen Google's prototypes, and I got to play with Xreal’s display glasses, but I want to get my hands on Samsung’s production glasses. They’re expected to launch this fall, so with any luck, we’ll hear more about them at Unpacked, but they’re probably my most anticipated launch of this year.
And don’t get me wrong, I like Meta’s glasses, but there’s a bit of a disconnect. I also prefer Gemini to Meta AI, so it would be cool to have some stylish glasses that sync with my phone and watch.
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Halliday G2 uses the company's new Meeting Flow feature to provide real-time prompts and context as conversations happen.
Meeting Flow helps you stay engaged without reaching for your phone, offering live captions, translations, instant recaps, contextual research, and confidence-rated answers through the glasses.
The AI spots topic drift, flags unclear decisions, identifies incomplete action items, and generates structured summaries with transcripts after meetings.
Most AI meeting assistants have become pretty good at telling you what already happened. Halliday thinks that is solving the wrong problem and has unveiled the Halliday G2, a new breed of AI smart glasses based on a feature called Meeting Flow, which gives you live prompts and contextual information during a conversation rather than producing notes after everyone’s left the room.
The new glasses are available for pre-order starting today with a $10 deposit, shaving $100 off the expected retail price of $599 before shipments are scheduled for September 2026.
Halliday’s pitch is that the glasses’ Meeting Flow listens to the conversation in real time and presents bite-sized insights directly through the glasses’ waveguide display rather than having users type prompts into an AI chatbot. That includes live captions and translation, instant recaps if you lose track of the discussion, and contextual research that can answer questions without having to explain the whole situation to an AI first. The answers also include confidence ratings, and the full source material is still available in the companion app.
Meeting Flow can spot off-topic conversations, alert you to ambiguous decisions before they become the default, identify commitments missing an owner or due date, and maintain a running checklist of open items so they don’t disappear once everyone says goodbye. When the meeting is over, the companion app will generate a structured summary of the meeting, including confirmed decisions, assigned tasks, open items, and transcripts.
HallidayHalliday
The hardware is just as workplace-oriented. The previous generation’s display has been replaced by binocular waveguide optics powered by dual micro-LED projectors capable of up to 1,600 nits of brightness and 600 x 300 resolution per eye in the Halliday G2. The four-microphone array can pick up voice from a distance of up to two meters, while Halliday is aiming for more than 12 hours of typical battery life and a weight of less than 50 grams.
Android Central's Take
There are clear benefits to having the ability to instantly pull up action items and keep meetings on track without having to check a phone, but I remain fiercely skeptical. I’m all for a camera-free design, but strapping an always-on microphone to my face that feeds every boardroom whisper into an AI feels like a data privacy nightmare.
Importantly, there is no camera, which could make the glasses more acceptable in meetings, secure workplaces, and other privacy-sensitive environments, while also helping reduce weight and extend battery life.
Outside the office, the glasses also let you get notifications, take phone calls, control music, see dashboard cards, translate in real time in over 45 languages, deploy a built-in AI assistant, and access a teleprompter-style Cheatsheet mode for notes and reminders.
Halliday says future updates to Meeting Flow through 2026 will add deeper contextual awareness, enabling AI to better understand ongoing projects, people, and previous conversations.
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A tipster reportedly discovered a new accessibility feature that Google is working on for Gboard called "Sign-to-text."
This feature would leverage the user's camera and Google's AI to "translate" sign language into written text for messages or online searches and more.
Android has several common accessibility features, and Android 16 helped to refine the hearing aid experience for Bluetooth LE-based models and more.
There are a few important accessibility features present on Android that help make devices useful. However, a recent rumor claims that Google is working on another, and it could be its most significant.
"Sign-to-text" is a feature that Android Authority claims Google is working on for its keyboard app, Gboard. Within the code of a recent Gboard app version, the publication claims it found a welcome pop-up for "Sign-to-text," an accessibility feature for users who communicate via sign language. The early description says it will "translate your signing into text messages, web searches, emails, and more."
As one might imagine, this Gboard feature would leverage your phone's camera to capture you signing. If you also expect this feature to rely on Google's AI, you'd be right. Together with tipster AssembleDebug, the publication found that Sign-to-text will "translate" sign language into written text. While the video is said to "never leave your device," Sign-to-text will send "points representing the movement of your body" to Google for translation before deletion.
There's still quite a bit unknown about this. The tipster couldn't find much else aside from the splash screen and brief description. There's also speculation about how good Google's support for sign language will be. Android Authority highlights that there are other sign languages out there aside from American Sign Language.
Accessible for all
(Image credit: Android Authority)
As we mentioned before, Android has its fair share of accessibility options for users. Android 16 made two important changes for users who rely on hearing aids. If a user has a pair of Bluetooth LE earbuds, they can switch to their phone's mic to hear a call better. Additionally, users can adjust the volume of their hearing aids from their phone. Work to improve the hearing aid experience continued for Android 16 in December 2025.
In Google's year-end update, hearing aids were given Fast Pair support. The single-tap experience for pairing these devices to a compatible Android device was undoubtedly a major win. Google rolled this out for Demant hearing aids first, but planned to expand its support to Starkey devices earlier this year. Other than hearing aids, Android has accessibility options for colors and text size, but sign language is something fresh for its available selection.
Android Central's Take
I like that this has been discovered. It's in Google's code, yeah, but hopefully that means something. I've seen things like this disappear, as it's probably something Google is trying to see if it can do. I truly hope this is one that makes it because it would be huge for people who sign.
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Smartphones have become the place where people manage their money, store their memories, organise their travel plans, access work accounts and stay connected with friends and family.
With so much personal information concentrated in one place, Android security has naturally become more important than ever, but luckily, strengthening protection doesn't have to involve dramatic lifestyle changes, technical expertise, or constantly worrying about the latest online threat.
In fact, some of the most effective ways to improve security occur in the background, helping users stay protected while they continue to browse, message, shop, and work exactly as they always have.
TL;DR: Android security is most effective when it works without disrupting everyday usage. Features such as web protection across apps, scam filtering, secure browsing on public Wi-Fi and background threat monitoring help reduce risk while requiring minimal user intervention. Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android focuses on protecting Android devices from modern threats, while Bitdefender Total Security extends protection across multiple devices and platforms.
Keep Android software up to date
Keeping Android and installed apps updated remains one of the easiest ways to improve security.
Software updates often include fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities, performance improvements, and security enhancements, which means delaying updates can leave devices exposed to risks already addressed by developers. Most Android devices can install updates automatically, making this a simple set-and-forget step that requires very little effort on your part.
Updates help close security gaps before they can be exploited and ensure compatibility with the latest security protections built into Android itself. For users who rely on their phones for work, banking or online shopping, staying current with updates is one of the simplest security habits available.
Many people still associate online threats with suspicious emails, but modern scams often arrive through messaging platforms and social apps.
A fake parcel delivery notification, a fraudulent account warning, or a convincing promotional offer can appear in a text message, WhatsApp chat, or a social media direct message. These scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency, encouraging you to act before you have time to think.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Treat unexpected links with caution, even when they appear to come from familiar companies. Protection tools that scan links across apps can add an extra layer of security, which is particularly useful because many people now spend more time in messaging and social apps than in traditional web browsers.
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android includes web protection that works across apps, helping identify potentially harmful links wherever they appear, making it especially useful for people who regularly communicate through messaging platforms throughout the day.
Public Wi-Fi still deserves caution
Free Wi-Fi is convenient, especially while travelling or working remotely, where airports, hotels, cafés and train stations all offer quick internet access when mobile data isn't available.
However, public networks can present some of the gravest privacy and security concerns these days. You rarely know who manages a network, how it’s configured or who else may be connected to it, an uncertainty that creates opportunities for cybercriminals to intercept data or create fake networks designed to capture personal information.
(Image credit: Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images)
Public Wi-Fi can be used safely, but additional protection is recommended when accessing sensitive information.
Secure browsing tools can help protect personal data when using unfamiliar networks, which is particularly valuable for frequent travellers, remote workers and anyone who regularly connects to Wi-Fi outside the home.
The reality is that most people will continue to use public Wi-Fi, but you can reduce your exposure while maintaining convenience by being mindful of your security options.
Review app permissions regularly
Many Android apps request access to location data, photos, contacts, microphones or camera, and while some requests are entirely legitimate, others might be questionable.
A navigation app needing location access to function correctly is an understandable request. However, a simple utility app requesting broad access to personal information may warrant further investigation.
Location, microphone, camera, and contact permissions typically require close attention because they involve highly personal information.
Android provides increasingly detailed permission controls, allowing you to decide what apps can access and when. A quick review of app permissions every few months can help identify software that may have accumulated access it no longer needs.
Security works best when it stays in the background
One reason people ignore security recommendations is that they assume protection requires constant management, whereas in reality, modern mobile security solutions are designed to work quietly behind the scenes.
Threat monitoring, malicious app detection and scam filtering can all operate in the background while you focus on your daily activities, whether it’s answering messages while commuting, checking emails between meetings or browsing online while watching television.
(Image credit: Tang Ming Tung/DigitalVision/Getty Images)
Security tools that demand constant attention often become frustrating – protection that works automatically is far more likely to remain active over the long term.
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android is designed around this principle, helping protect devices while requiring minimal day-to-day management, making it particularly useful for people who want stronger security without added complexity.
Consider protection beyond your phone
For many households, smartphones are only one part of a much larger digital ecosystem that includes laptops, desktop PCs, and tablets, often containing the same accounts, files and personal information found on mobile devices.
A security strategy that focuses exclusively on a single device can leave other parts of the household exposed, which is why multi-device protection is particularly useful for families, remote workers, and people who regularly switch between devices throughout the day.
You might start the morning by checking emails on a laptop, browsing social media on a phone during lunch and streaming content from a tablet in the evening. Each of your devices represents a potential entry point for security threats.
This is where the Bitdefender Total Security comes into play. It’s designed to provide broader protection across multiple devices, helping you manage security more consistently across all your hardware without adding complexity.
Small security improvements add up
Making an Android device safer requires no dramatic changes and doesn’t mean you have to stop using public Wi-Fi, avoid messaging apps, or become a cybersecurity specialist.
Simple habits such as keeping software updated, reviewing app permissions, staying cautious around unexpected links and using security tools that operate quietly in the background can significantly reduce risk over time.
Modern Android security is increasingly about supporting everyday behaviour, and the best protection often works silently, helping you navigate daily digital life with greater confidence and fewer interruptions.
