Mobile News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 24, 2026, 10:46 PM ET

Mobile News Briefing

Android & Handset Launches

The Poco F9 series has been officially confirmed for a global launch, revealing the design and color options for the Poco F9 Pro and F9 Ultra. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has confirmed that its next foldable will be called the Xiaomi 18 Fold, not the Mix Fold, and the device is heading for a September unveiling with the monstrous Xring O3 chipset. The Honor Play20A features a massive 6.9-inch display and a second display on the back, but the execution may be a missed opportunity. In India, the new Lava Virat V1 Pro 5G has launched with a 6.75-inch 120Hz screen, a 50MP main camera, and a 6,000 mAh battery at a low price point. HMD also announced the Nokia 300 Charge, a feature phone with a 3,700mAh battery and a dedicated power-out button with 10W reverse charging. Sony will introduce the Xperia 10 VIII tomorrow, and you can watch the announcement live when the event kicks off at 11am Japan time.

Samsung Galaxy Flagship Rumors

Recent leaks suggest the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a redesigned rear camera setup with one fewer sensor than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but a newly leaked CAD render shows a completely different approach, with the phone looking like an outright iPhone copy in its design. An additional CAD render shows a different camera arrangement altogether. Samsung also reportedly plans to keep the Galaxy Z Fold 8 hype going with a pricey limited-edition luxury collaboration, and Thom Browne is the top candidate to return for a luxury treatment. The Galaxy S26 FE is set to launch later this week during Samsung's Galaxy Event, and Brazil's Anatel has issued a homologation confirming the device will feature the same 4,900 mAh battery capacity as its predecessor. The event should also introduce two new Galaxy Tab S models, and the lineup may benefit from the Exynos 2700 rumors.

Chipsets & Performance

Latest Exynos 2700 rumors boldly claim Samsung's in-house chip could beat Qualcomm the next Snapdragon parts. The promise of a high-performance mobile processor could have major implications for the mid-range and flagship Samsung lineup in 2027.

Google, Pixel, and Security

Google is now testing a Gemini Device help tool on the Pixel 11 series, allowing users to have a conversation with Gemini to troubleshoot issues on their phones. Graphene OS, the modified version of Android that is devoid of Google services while still running normal Android apps and also adding stronger security at the same time, is working on supporting upcoming future Motorola phones in 2027. Additionally, the Pixel 11 Pro XL has landed, but a reviewer who used both phones says the Pixel 9 Pro XL still has plenty to give and isn't necessarily obsolete.

Wearables

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 is a comfortable smartwatch you won't mind wearing, but you'll have to take it off frequently because of its underwhelming battery life, which remains a major holding point that one reviewer at Android Central says she just can't get over. Meanwhile, Garmin's Venu 3 from 2023 is an "excellent" fitness smartwatch, and right now on Amazon it is on sale for a record 34% off. If you're looking for headphones, Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 FE are cheaper now, with a 27% discount bringing them down to $109.99 at Amazon.

Smartphones and Accessories

vivo has confirmed that its X500 series will launch in September, succeeding the X300 lineup with three models: the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The device is slated for a release in September with the brand's latest features.

Future Foldables

Xiaomi's next foldable smartphone is confirmed but rebranded as the Xiaomi 18 Fold. The device launches in September presumably with the in-house Xring O3 chipset.

Audio, Video, and Virtual Media

Meta is trying to entice more audio content creators to Threads by testing a podcast translation feature that turns spoken content into text. A guide has been published on how to make yourself the main character in videos using Samsung's new My FanCam feature, making it easier to zoom in on a kid's school play performance. The process of converting video to 4K is improving daily, but there are still caveats. And if you want to test your Dolby Atmos system, the best way is to pick a good benchmark video and stick with it. Before you do, it's worth understanding the difference between Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus. Meanwhile, why aren't more movies shot entirely in IMAX? For most filmmakers, the expensive endeavor is just not viable, at least for now.

Audio

The Shokz OpenRun Air 2 and Open Fit Air 2 are designed for athletes, with the pair debuting looks that fit right for the gym. The audio experience has a focus on comfort and convenience for activity. In other audio news, a rare hybrid Game Cube that could also play CDs and DVDs is now a collector's item, frequently listed above $1,000 today. The Panasonic Q is a unique device in Nintendo history. And if you have already had it with OpenAI, here's how to cancel your subscription.

Tech How-Tos

For TVs that lack native Bluetooth support, it's still possible to stream your TV's audio to wireless headphones. A guide on how to add Bluetooth explains all the options available. Digital car keys are not without drawbacks since there are things to consider before relying on your phone to start and unlock your car. Another guide explains the specific limits of mini PCs: small space means less cooling, which leads to less sustained power.

Deals, Energy, and Legal Updates

ESPN is raising prices on most of its streaming subscriptions, including bundles with Disney+. Starting on September 17, ESPN's Unlimited tier will cost $32 per month. Zillow has settled an antitrust lawsuit with the FTC. Lawsuits are also occurring in the chip industry: Taiwanese authorities reportedly indicted NVIDIA employees for exporting prohibited AI servers to China. In the housing sector, solar panel efficiency is affected by several factors, and the ideal temperature for solar panels is not the hottest one.

Gaming

CDPR is aiming for The Witcher 4 to release in 2028. CDPR's co-CEO called The Witcher 4 "our biggest, boldest, and most ambitious game to date," a huge and ambitious project that will quickly be full of development.

Base & Storage

Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE battery has become a point of reference; it’s confirmed to feature the same 4,900 mAh capacity as the predecessor, already known from the lineup, following the Galaxy S26 FE to be launched this week, and the Galaxy Event will be Thursday.

Wireless Audio and Connectivity

The new Nokia 300 Charger arrives with a large battery for a feature phone. It has double the capacity at 3,700mAh with 10W reverse charging, so you can use it to power up your other mobile devices in urgent situations.

Performance and Experience

Upscaling software is getting better all the time, but there are still some caveats before you rely on it for making old videos look new.

Streaming & Media

The new Xperia 10 VIII will be announced tomorrow, and we have all you need to know about the event, which is set for 11am in Japan or 2am UTC. The company is appreciative of the build-up but not confirming the final specs of the phone.

Audio Products

If you want a deeper clean and there's a whole science behind how far large-screen TVs can benefit, the exact trade-offs of small form-factor PCs are explained in the mini PC guide. In the smart home space, the Zillow settlement shows the intersection of online real estate and regulatory oversight; the company will not admit to wrongdoing related to a short-term exception.

Compounds / Hardware

The comfortable fit for the gym is right for Shokz: the new models go head-to-head with a focus on workout audio. The Open Run Air 2 and Open Fit Air 2 are both built for activity.

Smartphone Experience

The Galaxy S26 FE battery has been confirmed by a regulatory filing, with the device retaining the same capacity as its predecessor ahead of this week's launch event.