Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 8:43 AM ET

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 Launch Globally

The Samsung Galaxy Z8 series is now available in 106 markets worldwide starting today, with the Z Fold, Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Z Flip 8 hitting shelves. After two weeks of testing, Android Central’s reviewer was convinced that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the foldable most people should buy, praising its pocketable design and wider screen. A separate camera comparison found that over 1,000 photos taken with the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra performed well against Motorola’s latest foldables. For shoppers, a roundup of the best launch deals includes free phones and leftover preorder discounts, while the Z Flip 8 deals also feature trade-in savings and gift cards. Those deciding between the two sizes can read a detailed Fold8 vs Fold8 Ultra display comparison. Additionally, early discounts are already available: the Galaxy Z Flip8 is seeing deals out of the gate, alongside the Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra.

Google Pixel 11 Series and Watch 5 Teased

Google has a major event planned for August 12, where it will unveil the Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5, along with possibly its first smart tag. Ahead of the launch, Google published a video teaser for the Pixel Watch 5 that playfully mocks competitors’ designs. The company is also gearing up the Pixel 11 lineup, which is expected to include significant camera and performance upgrades.

Samsung Galaxy A18 Surfaces on Geekbench

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy A18 has appeared on Geekbench, revealing key specs ahead of an expected launch The listing hints at a capable chipset and memory configuration, positioning the A18 as a competitive entry-level device.

Motorola Edge 70 Neo Leaks and Moto Pad 70 Arrives

Leaked renders of the Motorola Edge 70 Neo show four color options and what appears to be a 200MP main camera. Separately, Motorola introduced the Moto Pad 70, a new tablet featuring a 12.1-inch 90Hz display, 5G connectivity, and a 10,200 mAh battery, joining the previously announced Pro and Groove models.

One Plus Exits Europe and North America with a Free Charger Offer

One Plus has confirmed it is leaving Europe and North America, and as a parting gesture, it is offering a free AIRVOOC 50W magnetic wireless charger in the UK, Germany, Spain, and France. The offer applies to customers in those regions while supplies last.

Samsung India Raises Prices on Entry-Level Galaxy Phones

Due to rising component costs, Samsung India has increased prices on its entry-level Galaxy A, F, and M-series models. Analysts had warned that budget smartphones are most sensitive to RAM and storage shortages, and the price hikes reflect those pressures.

Sony Reportedly Rebooting WH-1000XM4 as a Cheaper Model

Sony may be bringing back the popular WH-1000XM4 headphones – discontinued after the XM5 launch – as a new variant called the WH-1000XM4C at a lower price point. Engadget confirms rumors that the company might reboot an older model to offer buyers a more affordable alternative.

Feature Phones Make a Comeback

A weekly poll asks whether feature phones are genuinely trending or just a fad, akin to Gen Z’s embrace of point-and-shoot cameras. Meanwhile, HMD has listed three new Nokia-branded feature phones – the HMD 215 4G, HMD 235 4G, and HMD 3210 – signaling continued interest in the category. The industry is also revisiting removable batteries, with changes on the horizon that could bring user-replaceable batteries back to smartphones.

Other Mobile News and Deals

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 is now in for review, succeeding last year’s Redmi Note. Meanwhile, the Redmi 17C 5G appears to be a rebrand of the Redmi 15C 5G, sporting a 6.9-inch 120Hz LCD. Oppo has kicked off ColorOS 17 closed beta testing for select Oppo, One Plus, and Realme devices based on Android. POCO is celebrating its eighth anniversary with the POCO Carnival 2026, themed “From 8 to ∞”. In software, Samsung Wallet items can now be shared via Quick Share, and Google Maps’ Ask Maps feature now supports food ordering and transit updates. Over in the chip industry, SK Hynix has promised to invest over $38 billion in new DRAM and NAND fabs, while Apple reportedly turned to Chinese DRAM maker CXMT to secure supply for the iPhone 18 – but the offer was denied. On the AI front, Chat GPT now offers unlimited text chats for free users and is rolling out GPT-56 models. Deals abound: Mint Mobile has dropped all plans to $15/month, including unlimited, and a roundup of Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra deals is available on Amazon UK. For accessories, the Twelve South Valet is a tiny new charging pad perfect for nightstands, and a guide explains how USB-C ports do more than charge. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 review calls it thinner, tougher, and smarter, while a comparison of four smartwatches through a Spartan race names the ultimate fitness companion. Finally, the Apple Watch ECG feature is highlighted, and Ray-Ban Meta glasses raise privacy questions.