Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 5:50 AM ET

Xiaomi and Redmi News

According to a new rumor, the Xiaomi 18 Pro is being tested in black, white, pink, blue, and red with a fiberglass back. Meanwhile, a tipster has leaked Xiaomi and Redmi’s India launch roadmap for the rest of the year. Xiaomi officially launched the Redmi 17 4G and 5G models with identical looks and key specs. iQOO confirmed the launch date of the Neo11 Ultra and Z11s in China, revealing their design. In a weekly roundup, Redmi K100 Pro specs also leaked ahead of an August 11 launch.

Samsung Galaxy

Full specs of the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE have leaked, revealing key changes. Samsung boosted the Galaxy Z Fold8 production target by 1 million units after stronger-than-expected demand. The Galaxy Z Fold8 survived JerryRigEverything’s durability test involving sand, blades, and scratches. The Galaxy S23 FE will get Android 17 as its last major upgrade. Galaxy Z Flip8 discounts surfaced out of the gate alongside Fold8 sales. The Galaxy A18 appeared on Geekbench with key specs ahead of an expected launch. A two-week review of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 convinced the reviewer it’s the foldable phone most people should buy.

Google Pixel 11 Series and Watch 5

As Google gears up to launch the Pixel, a guide explores whether you should wait for the Pixel 11 or buy now. The Google Pixel Watch 5 will come in a Stephen Curry edition expected to launch on August 20. A carrier leak revealed the Pixel 11 Pro XL in matte black with a bigger camera housing and a new "HiLight" flash. Made by Google 2026 is being live blogged with all the news on Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Watch, and Gemini. A comprehensive preview outlines what to expect from the Pixel 11 series and Watch 5 ahead of the August 12 event.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra Rumors

A Trend Force report estimates that the iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost is up by 40% due to the global memory chip shortage. Luxury customizer Caviar may have leaked details on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro design, specs, and release date through pre-orders.

Other Notable Devices

A head-to-head test compared Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony’s WF-1000XM6 across three noisy environments. The Minimal Phone 2 replaces E Ink with a 90Hz AMOLED display while keeping its tactile QWERTY keyboard. Leaked images show the Fairphone 6+ in Cobalt Blue with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Lava Smart 4 was announced with specs that sound straight out of 2016. The REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet goes on sale August 26 with early access discounts. Alleged renders of Asus and Lenovo Googlebooks have surfaced ahead of IFA. Motorola introduced the Moto Pad 70 with a 12.1-inch 90Hz display and 10,200mAh battery. The Moto G Max is coming to India with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and 7,000mAh battery.

Market, Carriers, and Services

Global smartphone shipments declined 7% in Q2 compared to last year, according to an FDM CCS Insight report, with rising memory prices a key factor. Verizon suffered an outage in Southern California after vandals cut multiple fiber cables. New York City Mayor Mamdani announced support for the Delivery Protection Act to stop Amazon from using contractors for last-mile delivery. YouTube doubled monetization requirements for new creators, requiring twice the watch hours or Shorts views to get a cut of ad revenue. Valve warned that European Steam hardware customers’ data was likely compromised in a breach. Google Play now accepts Venmo payments for purchases. OnePlus is leaving Europe and North America and offering a free 50W wireless charger as a parting gift. X is replacing its revenue-sharing program with a new original content rewards program after September 7.

Deals

T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 when you sign up for a watch plan. Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are on sale on Amazon UK.

Apps, AI, and VR

A guide explains how to use Claude’s voice mode effectively. A comparison pits Claude against ChatGPT in practical breakdowns. The Apple Watch has an ECG feature that many users may not realize exists. Supernatural’s head of fitness discusses the VR exercise app’s relaunch after leaving Meta. A mod brings Mario Kart 64 into VR for a first-person experience. New indie games like Big Walk and retro electronic repairs are worth checking out.

Guides and Tips

If you're on a tight budget, a $100 smartphone in 2026 requires some creativity. Before tossing old USB drives, securely wipe or destroy them to protect data. Understand the differences between MagSafe and Qi wireless charging and between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4G wireless devices. AirTags are IP67-rated but not fully waterproof. Learn how to format a USB drive on Windows and how to hide and unhide apps on iPhone or iPad. Consider the downsides of switching from iPhone to Android and the pros and cons of digital vs. physical games. A weekly poll asks if you use a feature phone; another poll indicates smart glasses are still niche. Connect your retro GameCube to a modern TV with an adapter. Improve battery life on retro handheld consoles with smarter charging. Compare wired vs. wireless CarPlay for your driving needs. Your phone’s USB-C port does much more than charge. The Dell XPS 13 (2026) is thin and light but needs more RAM. Finally, here's how to pair your Roku remote if you've reset it.