Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 2:55 PM ET

Pixel 11 Series Launch

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 11 series at its Made by Google event, introducing the Pixel, Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The entire lineup is powered by the new Tensor G6 chip, which also enables faster charging speeds across the board. All models carry a $100 price increase over last year's predecessors, and the Pro models surprisingly ship with less RAM despite the higher price. Pricing for the foldable reaches a staggering $1,900. Early buyers can snag deep discounts: Google is sending discount codes via email, while T-Mobile is offering the Pixel 11 or Pixel 11 Pro for free with preorders — no trade-in required.

Pixel 11 Camera and AI

Google’s camera overhaul includes Instant Night Sight and larger sensors. A last-minute leak confirmed a 10.8MP telephoto camera for the base Pixel 11 and the absence of an RGB notification LED. The camera and AI features steal the show, with Gemini deeply integrated for photo editing and real-time assistance. Renders of the Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pro Fold leaked ahead of the event, showing new color options. The Pro models also gain a modern twist on indicator lights, moving from a simple notification LED to a more integrated "Hi-Light" system.

Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Comparisons

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold retains a similar design to its predecessor but includes faster Qi2 wireless charging at 25W. Its charging speed remains the same wired capacity but with quicker wireless top-ups. A hands-on review notes it's "great" but couldn't stop thinking about Samsung. The comparison between the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra suggests it's not a straightforward win for Samsung, despite Samsung's advantages in battery and camera. A separate head-to-head pits the Pixel 11 Pro against the Galaxy S26 Ultra, comparing displays, cameras, and battery life.

Pixel 11 Colors and Buying Guide

Color choices are a major talking point this year. A guide helps buyers choose between Olive and Obsidian for the Pro Fold, while another guide details the enticing options for the standard Pixel. Many enthusiasts are more excited about smartphone colors than any actual new features for 2026. A comprehensive buying guide advises whether to wait for the Pixel 11 or buy now.

Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Accessories

Alongside the phones, Google launched the Pixel Watch 5 with health, GPS, and AI upgrades. A special Stephen Curry edition was also announced. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 gain Dynamic ANC and Live Translate. New features include the Pixel Tag for Find Hub tracking with UWB precision, and Tap to Share for effortless file transfers between Pixel devices. Google’s new Health Guardian feature on the Pixel Watch 5 can monitor blood pressure and insulin resistance, acting as an early warning system for diabetes. Meanwhile, T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 with a watch plan.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Watch 8

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 has an IP48 rating, meaning it's dust-resistant but not fully waterproof. The phone survived JerryRigEverything’s durability test with sand and blades. Samsung has increased Z Fold8 production by 1 million units due to strong demand. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is among the first to get the One UI 9 Watch beta. Samsung also released a new ringtone based on Chopin’s Nocturne for One UI.

Other Smartphone Launches and Leaks

Honor launched the Robot Phone in China with a 200MP titanium gimbal camera. Realme unveiled the Realme 16x featuring a 7,000 mAh battery and 144Hz display. Xiaomi’s Redmi K100 Pro and Pro Max launched, while the Redmi 17 4G and 5G also went official. Leaks detail the vivo X500 series with design and SoC details. The iQOO Z11’s battery and display were confirmed for India, and the iQOO Neo11 Ultra and Z11s launch next week. The iQOO 16T is tipped to have a 200MP camera and liquid-air cooling. The Minimal Phone 2 trades E Ink for a 90Hz AMOLED display. The Fairphone 6+ will feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen, and leaked images show it in Cobalt Blue. The Moto G Max is headed to India with a Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 and 7,000mAh battery. The Lava Smart 4 brings specs from 2016.

Charging, Accessories, and Comparisons

The Pixel 11 supports Qi2 wireless charging across the family. A comparison clarifies the difference between MagSafe and Qi2. The Samsung Galaxy Buds received FDA clearance for a hearing aid feature. A test pitted Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WF-1000XM6 for noise cancellation. The Garmin Cirqa vs Fitbit Air comparison evaluates fitness trackers. The Motorola Moto Watch (2026) review notes its looks are deceiving due to limited software. Huawei’s Watch GT 7 and GT 7 Pro boast up to 21-day battery life.

Other Mobile News

Twitch streamers can now opt out of Amazon genAI training. Spotify will label AI artists and remove them from recommendations. The Google Play Store now accepts Venmo. Motorola’s Android 17 rollout is underway for 50+ phones. The smartphone market dropped 7% in Q2 due to rising memory prices. A leak suggests the iPhone 18 Pro BOM cost is up 40%. The Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have been sold early. The Fairphone 6+ images show Cobalt Blue. A Zelda Switch 2 collector edition may be coming.