Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Mobile Device Launches & Upgrades

Oppo unveiled two new phones, the Reno16 F and Reno16 FS, internationally, featuring 50MP ultrawide selfie cameras and an "AI Snap Key." These models join the Reno16 and Reno16 Pro, which were announced for China last month, though the global variants present some spec alterations. The Oppo Reno16 Pro is now available for review, with its global iteration closer in specifications to the Chinese Reno16 than its Chinese Pro counterpart. Meanwhile, Samsung continued its budget strategy with the Galaxy A27 5G, which boasts a stronger chipset and a refined design featuring thinner bezels and a punch-hole camera, representing a modest update over the Galaxy A26. Lava also introduced an affordable 4G-only option, the Smart 4 Plus, equipped with a Unisoc 9863A chipset and a 6.75-inch display. Further expanding its device lineup, Nothing teased the upcoming Phone 4b, set for a July 7 launch, with its design revealing dual rear cameras.

Smartphone Deals & Discounts

Amazon's Prime Day sale has sparked significant price reductions on various smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S26 and Xiaomi 17 are available with 6.3-inch displays, while a deal on the Pixel 10a offers a compelling mid-range alternative at $399, particularly appealing to those upgrading from older iPhones. Reports suggest the Pixel 10 Pro also saw a record-low price, potentially under $700. A substantial 28% discount on the Apple iPhone Air is also available, though this model is noted for its slim 5.6mm profile and light 165g weight, which may impact battery endurance. The Motorola Razr flagship is also seeing a considerable discount, highlighting its camera capabilities.

Wearable Technology & Health Tracking

Prime Day has brought notable discounts on smartwatches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, available at over $130 off, and the budget-friendly CMF Watch 3 Pro for just $61. Other fitness-focused wearables like the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Amazfit models are also on sale. Samsung is also deepening its involvement in health research through a partnership with clinical firm Alcedis, aiming to integrate health data from its wearables into clinical studies. While smartwatches cannot diagnose sleep apnea, some devices can track indicators that may suggest the condition.

Gaming Hardware & Accessories

The gaming sector is seeing significant Prime Day promotions, with retro gaming consoles and controllers offered at up to 38% off. For modern gaming, the Viture Luma and Viture Pro Mobile Dock, compatible with the Switch, are on sale, promising enhanced portable gaming with micro-OLED displays. The GameSir G8 Plus MFi mobile gaming controller is available for $63, and AMVR's Quest 3 face pad is 20% off, improving the virtual reality experience. In hardware news, Xbox is testing support for longer gamertags, potentially increasing them to 15 characters, though component costs influenced by Microsoft have led to price increases for Xbox consoles.

Semiconductor Advancements & AI Chips

IBM has announced the creation of the world's first sub-1 nanometer chip, marking a significant step in semiconductor technology. OpenAI has also entered the AI chip arena, collaborating with Broadcom to develop "Jalapeño," its first AI chip. Separately, OpenAI has upgraded its free ChatGPT model to GPT-5.5, improving its contextual understanding. A report claims that Russia allegedly used a Cellebrite forensics platform to hack a phone, despite the company having terminated access to its services, with Cellebrite stating the hardware predates current sanctions and was used without consent.

Television & Home Entertainment Deals

Ahead of the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto, retailers are offering substantial discounts on home entertainment systems. A "best gaming TV" has reached a record low price during Prime Day, and a Samsung OLED TV is available for $1,300 off, promising an optimal viewing experience for the game, which launches on June 25th. Ambient RGB lighting kits for living rooms are also available to enhance the gaming atmosphere. The physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 has drawn criticism for its $80 price point, with some deeming it overpriced DRM.

Apple & Samsung Product News

Apple has increased prices across most of its hardware, affecting Macs, Mac Books, and iPads. Production of the iPhone Ultra is reportedly set to begin soon, following conflicting reports regarding its release window. In the Samsung ecosystem, leaked animations suggest a new Galaxy Tab design that addresses display issues with an integrated camera. The company is also rumored to be preparing for the unveiling of its next-generation foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8 anticipated for a July 22 event.

Other Tech & Business Updates

Google Finance is now accessible as a standalone Android application, with an iOS version planned. Google will also permit developers to offer alternative billing options within the Play Store in the US, UK, and Europe starting June. In the autonomous vehicle sector, Amazon's Zoox has revealed its latest robotaxi, designed for large-scale production. Faraday Future is diversifying its business model, now offering robots alongside its electric vehicles. Sony has announced significant layoffs at its Bungie studio, impacting developers working on titles like Marathon and Destiny. A report disputes the use of AI in legislative drafting, stating it was only used for spell-checking. The European Space Agency's Euclid telescope has captured detailed images of the Milky Way's center.