Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 8:46 AM ET

Samsung Foldables & Deals

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is already seeing initial discounts straight out of the gate, while the Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra are also on sale alongside new smartwatches. A two-week review of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 convinced one critic that it's the foldable most people should buy, praising its pocketable feel when closed and its wider interior screen. Meanwhile, the unannounced Galaxy A18 has appeared on Geekbench, revealing key specs including a new chipset and RAM configuration that suggest a mid-range positioning.

Google Pixel 11 & Watch

Google has a major event planned for August 12, where it will unveil the next generation of Pixel phones and Watch 5, as well as possibly its first smart tag. The Pixel 11 series is expected to bring significant camera hardware and performance upgrades, building on Google's computational photography legacy.

iPhone Rumors & Leaks

A luxury customization brand may have spilled the beans on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro, revealing their design, specs, and release date through pre-order listings for customized unannounced hardware. While Apple hasn't confirmed such models, Caviar has a history of accurately anticipating upcoming devices.

One Plus Says Goodbye

One Plus is leaving Europe and North America, and as a parting gift it's offering a free AIRVOOC 50W magnetic wireless charger in the UK, Germany, Spain, and France. The promotion marks the end of the brand's retail presence in these key markets.

Motorola's New Tablet

Motorola has introduced the Moto Pad, the third member of its Pad 70 family, featuring a 12.1-inch 90Hz display, 5G connectivity, and a 10,200 mAh battery. It follows the Pad 70 Pro launched in June and the Pad 70 Groove from last week.

Feature Phones & Smart Glasses

Feature phones are making a comeback, and a weekly poll asks whether this is just a fad or a genuine pushback against all-capable smartphones. Separately, another poll on smart glasses suggests they remain a solution looking for a problem, with low adoption despite heavy R&D spending from tech giants.

Wearables & Accessories

Apple Watch users may not realize the device includes an ECG feature that can record heart rhythms and detect atrial fibrillation. Meanwhile, the head of fitness at Supernatural has discussed the company's plans for its VR exercise app after leaving Meta. For drivers, a comparison of wired vs wireless CarPlay outlines the pros and cons of each connection type, from latency to convenience.

Retro Gaming & Connectivity

Retro gaming enthusiasts can learn how to connect a Game Cube to a modern TV with a single adapter, and how to get the best battery life from retro handheld consoles like the Miyoo Mini or Anbernic devices. A VR mod brings Mario Kart 64 to first-person, but it's not for the queasy. On the accessory front, your phone's USB-C port does more than charge; it can handle data transfer and connecting peripherals like external displays and storage.

AI Assistants

A practical breakdown of Claude and Chat GPT finds that one falls short in response quality and user experience, highlighting differences in conversational flow and accuracy that may sway users choosing between the two assistants.