Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 2:56 PM ET

Made by Google 2026: Pixel 11 and Beyond

Google’s annual hardware event was dominated by the Pixel 11 series, headlined by the Tensor G6 chip, faster charging, and a refined camera system. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL pack less RAM than last year despite a $100 price increase, but camera upgrades like Instant Night Sight and larger sensors aim to justify the cost. A hands-on with the Pro models revealed a “business in the front, party in the back” design with new camera sensors and indicator lights. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold carries a $1,900 price tag, but a comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra shows it’s heavier with a smaller battery — yet not a straightforward win for Samsung. Major features include Gemini integration and a camera that “steals the show.” A Pixel Tag debuts with UWB precision and Find Hub tracking, while the Pixel Watch 5 focuses on health, GPS, and AI software upgrades. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 gain Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, and Live Translate. A new Health Guardian feature monitors blood pressure and insulin resistance. Tap to Share simplifies transferring contacts, photos, and videos between Pixel phones. Google is even sending discount codes via email for the Pixel. The base Pixel 11 features a 10.8MP telephoto camera but lacks an RGB notification LED. Leaked renders of the Pixel, Pro XL, and Pro Fold surfaced just before the event. For a full recap, check the live blog and live updates.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Details

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold comes in Olive and Obsidian colors, while the standard Pixel 11 offers multiple enticing options — a commentary argues colors are more exciting than any actual new features. Charging speeds on the Pro Fold remain similar to last year, but it now supports Qi2 wireless charging at 25W. The standard Pixel 11 also gains Qi2 support. A hands-on with the Pro Fold found it “great” but largely unchanged from its predecessor, with many AI features. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra carry an IP48 rating — meaning they’re not fully waterproof but resist particles larger than 1mm. Samsung also released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI, tied to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch.

More Smartphone Launches and Leaks

Honor launched the Robot Phone in China, featuring a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. The company is also reportedly in trial production of a 12,000 mAh battery for an upcoming Power3 device. Realme unveiled the Realme 16x with a Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 144Hz screen, and a 7,000 mAh battery. Leaks detail the vivo X500 series — X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max — expected next month with various screen sizes and designs. Xiaomi announced the Redmi K100 Pro and Pro Max in China, equipped with impressive specs but key differences. The Fairphone 6+ will feature an upgraded Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, more RAM, and a new color option, according to a leak. Huawei brought the Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro to China with up to 21-day battery life. Lenovo teased its next gaming tablet, the Y700, with an impressive AnTuTu score of 4,585,844, ahead of its August 25 unveiling. A leaked Zelda-themed Switch 2 could be Nintendo’s next collector hit, with 40th-anniversary hardware and accessories.

Cameras, Accessories and How-Tos

The Insta360 X6 delivers a 360-degree camera with i-Log and 10-bit color, balancing ease-of-use with pro features. An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have accidentally been sold on a marketplace months after leaked images surfaced. If you’re untangling cables, our guide explains the difference between an HDMI splitter and switch. Thinking of ditching physical cards? The pros and cons of using a digital wallet are laid out, whether you use Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. And if your iPhone feels sluggish, here’s how to clear the cache to improve performance.

Other Tech News

Twitch streamers can now opt out of letting Amazon train its gen AI models on their content via a toggle. Spotify began labeling AI-generated artists with an “AI Persona” tag and removing them from recommendations. Claude now watermarks AI-generated text to comply with EU regulations. The U.S. government lifted the TikTok ban on government devices, allowing workers to scroll again after a 2022 prohibition. Finally, a flight tracking service is suing Kalshi for using its data without authorization.