Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Foldable Phones Take Center Stage

Samsung is reportedly gearing up to produce more units of the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 model compared to its Fold8 Ultra and Flip8 counterparts ahead of the July 22 Galaxy Unpacked event. Meanwhile, the competition heats up as the Motorola Razr Fold is positioned as a benchmark against which the upcoming Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold will be measured. Details have also emerged regarding the camera and battery specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 series, suggesting modest camera upgrades.

New Smartphone Releases and Leaks

The vivo X300 E is set to debut next week in China, boasting a substantial 7,200mAh battery and a Zeiss Telephoto lens. Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 17 and Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, with the Note 17 featuring an 8,000 mAh battery and the Pro model pushing the envelope further. Global memory options for the Redmi Note 17 Pro have also been revealed. In other news, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 has been spotted running Hyper OS, hinting at an imminent release. The Google Pixel 11a's alleged specifications have also leaked, with one notable surprise expected. Pre-launch invitations for the Google Pixel 11 series launch event in New York City on August 12 have begun to be sent out.

Mid-Range and Budget Device Updates

The Motorola Edge 70 Max is generating interest with its large battery and Qi2.2 support. Motorola has since issued an official statement to clarify its confusing software update policy for the Edge 70 Max. The Tecno Pova 8 5G is noted for its impressive battery and AI features, drawing comparisons to the Nothing Phone's aesthetic. The Nothing Phone (4b) is facing a challenging market, with a price cut deemed necessary for its survival. Meanwhile, Nothing has been identified as one of India's fastest-growing smartphone brands according to Counterpoint Research. The Lava Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G have had their specifications revealed, with a launch rescheduled to July 24.

Deals and Discounts

Several deals are currently available, including discounts on the iPhone Air, Poco, and Nothing Phones. Google's Pixel 10 series is seeing significant price reductions, with the Pixel 10 Pro receiving a $300 discount on Amazon ahead of the Pixel 11 launch. Additionally, the Pixel, Pro, and 10 Pro XL are on sale, alongside discounts for the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. vivo X300 models are also on sale, with a free charger included in some promotions, and the Galaxy A37 has received a substantial price cut.

Accessories and Peripherals

Satechi has released a new 140W GaN charger with four ports, praised for its compact size and real-time charging display. The Kodak EC35 is a new, pocket-friendly 35mm film camera available for $35 in seven colors. Open-ear earbuds have seen a 33% price drop on Amazon, reaching their lowest price ever. Xreal's XBX a01+ AR glasses are highlighted as the best budget option, offering bright visuals at $299. The Samsung Freestyle+ projector is now available for $1,200. UGREEN NAS deals are also available on Amazon, including a discount on a recommended starter NAS.

Tablets and Gaming Devices

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's renderings have surfaced, indicating minimal changes from previous models. Asus is launching its 12.2-inch Asus Pad in India on August 6. The Redmagic Astra 2 gaming tablet is noted as an improvement over its predecessor, featuring liquid cooling and an enhanced battery.

Software and AI Features

An Android lockscreen bypass has been discovered that allows Gemini to send SMS messages without verification. OpenAI will notify parents if their teen accounts are suspended from Chat GPT due to policy violations, such as those concerning violence. Signal is testing the ability to add an Android phone or tablet as a secondary device in its latest beta. The Google Health app's latest Android update focuses on Nutrition Logging, introducing custom food options. Tips are available on how to use Claude's Reflect dashboard and its break reminders.

Industry and Technology Trends

Infrared technology continues to be prevalent in TV remotes despite the existence of Bluetooth, due to specific advantages. OLED TVs are still considered by some to be worth the premium, though "lesser" technologies can excel in certain scenarios. A software recall has been issued by Zoox for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke. A bug in AWS caused some customer bills to spike significantly, though Amazon stated these estimates did not reflect actual usage.

Other Notable News

NASA has shared a timelapse video of the Psyche spacecraft's view as it passed Mars. The French gambling authority has ordered ISPs to block access to the prediction market Polymarket. TikTok is no longer banned on US government devices. An API is now available for directly accessing Trump's Truth Social posts. The European Union has adjusted a key climate policy, which may permit increased pollution. Bethesda has detailed future plans for Fallout, including remasters and a new game by Obsidian. The Kratos actor in the Prime Video God of War series has been recast due to an injury on set. Many smart appliances collect data, and users can find out what information is being tracked. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. The Apple Watch's water lock feature activates automatically during swimming. Apple accessories like Mophie's travel charging kit are making Google Pixel users envious of the available options. Converting an Android Auto system to wireless is achievable with an adapter. A new indie game guide features titles with AI-run 'utopias' and other unique concepts. The Odyssey in IMAX is recommended for its cinematic experience. Apple TV 4K's value is questioned after a price increase, prompting consideration of alternatives like Fire TV or Roku. The landline phone is making a comeback with Pinwheel's Home series, designed for children and screen-free communication. Longi, a Chinese solar company, has developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells with a 35.5 percent conversion efficiency. One Plus's exit from Europe and North America leaves a gap in the US smartphone market for some consumers.