Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 2:51 AM ET

Google Pixel 11 Lineup

Google officially launched the Pixel 11 series during its Made by Google event, including the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The Pixel 11 continues to straddle the line between flagship and mid-ranger, powered by the new Tensor G6 chip and featuring faster charging. Hands-on impressions of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL highlight new camera sensors and a modern twist on classic indicator lights, while the Pixel 11 Pro Fold arrives at a $1,900 price point. A comparison between the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra finds the Pixel heavier with a smaller battery and inferior cameras, but the fight isn’t entirely one-sided. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL ship with less RAM despite a $100 price increase across the entire lineup, and the Pixel 11 camera upgrades include Instant Night Sight and larger sensors. Gemini and the camera system steal the show with major AI-driven features. For those undecided on colors, guides are available for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and the standard Pixel 11. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold charging speed remains unchanged in wired mode but benefits from faster Qi2 wireless charging, and the Pixel 11 itself supports Qi2 as well. A head-to-head comparison pits the Pixel 11 Pro against the Galaxy S26 Ultra across cameras, display, battery, and specs. Best cases for the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro are already available, with both models sharing case compatibility. Google is also sending discount codes for the Pixel 11 via email, and the event’s live updates are available for full coverage.

Pixel Accessories and Features

Alongside the phones, Google unveiled the Pixel Tag, which brings UWB precision and Find Hub tracking to Android, though it requires a separate case for keys. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 gained Dynamic ANC, Gemini controls, sleep syncing, improved Live Translate, and a new Olive finish — the same information is recapped via GSMArena. File sharing between Pixel phones got simpler with Tap to Share, which is also rolling out to Pixels and Samsung devices. The Pixel Watch 5 hands-on reveals that updates are mostly in software, focusing on health, GPS, and AI, while a new Health Guardian feature can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance as an early warning system for diabetes. A hands-on of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold found the phone largely unchanged from its predecessor, with new AI features but constant comparisons to Samsung.

Samsung News

Samsung rolled out One UI 9 Beta 5 to enrolled Galaxy S26 testers, alongside rumors of a future One UI 9.5 update. The Galaxy Tab S12+ and Tab S12 Ultra moved a step closer to launch after receiving Bluetooth certification. Regarding durability, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 carries an IP48 rating, meaning it is not fully waterproof but offers some protection. Samsung also released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI, continuing its tradition of launching new tones with flagship devices.

Realme, Honor, and Other Android Launches

Realme 16x launched with a Dimensity 6300 SoC, 144Hz display, and a massive 7,000 mAh battery with 45W charging. The Realme P4s Lite was certified for sale in India, signaling an imminent launch. Honor unveiled the Robot Phone in China, featuring a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. The company’s 12,000 mAh battery for the Power3 is now reportedly in trial production. Poco’s upcoming F9 Pro and F9 Ultra had their battery details leaked, hinting at strong capacities. Lenovo teased its next gaming tablet, the Y700, with an impressive AnTuTu score of 4,585,844 ahead of its August 25 unveiling. Motorola began rolling out Android 17 to the Signature smartphone, a 5.75GB download. In a more niche segment, the Insta360 X6 review highlights a 360 camera that balances ease-of-use with pro features like i-Log and 10-bit color.

Software and Services

Spotify introduced an “AI Persona” label to signal that an artist’s identity may be AI-generated, and removes such content from recommendations. Twitch now lets users opt out of AI training on their streams, though the feature was not made opt-in by default. The ChatGPT free tier in 2026 includes unlimited text messages, with certain advanced features behind a paywall. Amazon is severing ties with two MMOs, handing off Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other publishers. Apple is rumored to hike iPhone prices by $100 across the board, according to a tipster. For those looking to optimize their devices, guides are available on clearing cache on iPhone and understanding the differences between HDMI splitters and switches. The pros and cons of using a digital wallet are also explained.

Carrier Deals and Pricing

T-Mobile is already offering the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro for free with preorder deals that require no trade-in, ahead of the August 20th store launch. The excitement over smartphone colors in 2026 is outpacing interest in actual new features, according to a trend piece.

Other Tech News

A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is up for auction as part of a retro tech event focused on Steve Jobs and the computer revolution. A German nonprofit filed a criminal complaint over Meta smart glasses privacy, highlighting ongoing concerns about wearable recording devices. The Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition arrives on October 1 with a new story arc. An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have accidentally been sold in a marketplace, months after leaked images.