Mobile Devices 24 January 2026 - 23 March 2026

TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Lands in U.S. at $199 on T-Mobile, Betting on Paper-Like Screens
···

TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro Lands in U.S. at $199 on T-Mobile, Betting on Paper-Like Screens

TCL has launched its NXTPAPER 70 Pro smartphone in the U.S. for $199.99 through T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. The phone features a matte, low-glare display and runs Android 16 on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Competing models from Samsung and Motorola are priced similarly. TCL’s own site listed the device at $299.99 and sold out.
April 9, 2026
Next-Gen Smartphones Push Toward 256GB as On-Device AI Demands More Space
···

Next-Gen Smartphones Push Toward 256GB as On-Device AI Demands More Space

Smartphone makers will boost built-in storage in 2026 despite rising flash-memory costs, with average handset capacity up 4.8%, according to TrendForce. Apple’s iPhone 17 starts at 256GB, while Samsung raised U.S. prices on its Galaxy S26 lineup. DRAM contract prices are set to jump up to 95% this quarter. Gartner forecasts smartphone prices could rise 13% by year-end as memory costs surge.
March 23, 2026
Why Smartphone Storage Is Set to Rise in 2026 as AI Demands More On-Device Power
···

Why Smartphone Storage Is Set to Rise in 2026 as AI Demands More On-Device Power

Average smartphone storage capacity will rise 4.8% in 2026 despite higher NAND memory prices, TrendForce said Monday. AI features now require 40–60 GB of local storage, pushing premium models like Apple’s iPhone 17 and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 to 256 GB minimums. Gartner expects smartphone prices to increase 13% by late 2026, with lower-end demand under pressure.
March 23, 2026
Apple iPhone Spyware Alert: New DarkSword Hack Could Still Reach Millions of Unpatched Devices
···

Apple iPhone Spyware Alert: New DarkSword Hack Could Still Reach Millions of Unpatched Devices

Google, iVerify, and Lookout disclosed a new iPhone exploit chain, DarkSword, that can fully compromise certain iOS 18 devices via infected websites. The toolkit has been active since at least November in campaigns linked to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine. Apple said the flaws have been fixed in recent updates. Researchers estimate up to 270 million devices may remain exposed if not updated.
March 19, 2026
iPhone Fold Design Leaks Reveal Wide Book-Style Shape as Apple Said to Drop Flip Plan
···

iPhone Fold Design Leaks Reveal Wide Book-Style Shape as Apple Said to Drop Flip Plan

Leaked CAD files show Apple’s foldable iPhone with a wide, book-style design and two rear cameras, replacing an earlier flip-phone concept. Reports point to a 7.8-inch inner display, 5.5-inch cover screen, and Touch ID. Apple is expected to launch the device in late 2026 as part of a premium-only iPhone lineup. The design reflects a shift away from clamshells due to battery and camera constraints.
March 11, 2026
iPhone 17e launch date leak points to Feb 19 — MagSafe return and iPad 12 upgrade chatter
···

iPhone 17e launch date leak points to Feb 19 — MagSafe return and iPad 12 upgrade chatter

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17e, its new entry-level model, on Feb. 19, according to multiple leaks. The device will likely feature MagSafe charging, upgraded connectivity chips, and retain a single rear camera with a notched screen. Reports also indicate the next base iPad may get an A18 chip and 8GB RAM. Apple has not confirmed any launch plans.
February 6, 2026
Redmi’s water-reveal Hindustan Times ad goes viral as Note 15 Pro pushes durability and 200MP camera
···

Redmi’s water-reveal Hindustan Times ad goes viral as Note 15 Pro pushes durability and 200MP camera

A Hindustan Times print ad for Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 15 Pro series reveals its price only when splashed with water, using invisible ink. Redmi demonstrated the effect to media before launching the interactive ad in Gurgaon. The Note 15 Pro+ 5G and Note 15 Pro 5G launched in India on Feb. 4, starting at 29,999 rupees. Both feature 200-megapixel cameras, silicon-carbon batteries, and high water-resistance ratings.
February 5, 2026
Google teases Pixel 10a ahead of Feb. 18 pre-orders as leaks point to new colors
···

Google teases Pixel 10a ahead of Feb. 18 pre-orders as leaks point to new colors

Google will open pre-orders for the Pixel 10a on Feb. 18, revealing a flush rear camera and a blue-purple color option in its teaser. No pricing or technical specifications have been announced. CEO Sundar Pichai referenced the device during Alphabet’s earnings call, linking it to Google’s AI efforts. A release date for in-store availability remains unconfirmed.
February 5, 2026
iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches
···

iPhone battery dying by afternoon? A 2026 audit points to one Wi‑Fi tweak — plus 4 privacy switches

Restricting Background App Refresh to Wi‑Fi only increased mid-afternoon battery life on an iPhone 15 Pro from about 40% to nearly 60%, according to a week-long user test. Apple says iPhone 15 batteries retain 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles, while iPhone 14 and earlier manage 500. Blocking tracking and disabling analytics also affected battery use, reports show.
February 2, 2026
Are annual iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel upgrades about to end? 2026 puts the phone sequel cycle on notice
···

Are annual iPhone, Galaxy and Pixel upgrades about to end? 2026 puts the phone sequel cycle on notice

Memory-chip prices are rising as supply tightens, pushing up smartphone costs and dampening demand, according to industry sources. Major brands now offer up to seven years of software support, letting users keep devices longer. Research firms expect global smartphone sales to fall at least 2% in 2026. Analysts say yearly phone launches now bring only minor changes.
February 2, 2026
Apple’s foldable iPhone buzz: “iPhone Flip” talk and 5,500 mAh battery leak collide
···

Apple’s foldable iPhone buzz: “iPhone Flip” talk and 5,500 mAh battery leak collide

Apple is reportedly testing a foldable iPhone with a square, clamshell design and a battery over 5,500 mAh, the largest yet in an iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the clamshell concept is not guaranteed to launch. Competing foldables from Samsung and Google face battery life challenges. Details remain unconfirmed as Apple explores both “book” and “flip” styles.
February 2, 2026
2nm chip showdown: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 tipped to hit iPhone 18 month as Samsung foundry role debated
···

2nm chip showdown: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 tipped to hit iPhone 18 month as Samsung foundry role debated

Flagship Android phones using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 may launch the same month as Apple’s iPhone 18, according to tech reports. Some sources link Samsung’s 2nm process to a custom Qualcomm chip for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, but others say that shift is unlikely this cycle. Foundry capacity and possible DRAM shortages could affect release timing.
February 2, 2026
Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it
···

Apple’s new iPhone privacy switch can blur carrier location tracking — here’s who gets it

Apple has added a “Limit Precise Location” setting for select iPhones and iPads, reducing how accurately mobile carriers can track devices. The feature, available with iOS 26.3 or later, works only on certain models and a limited number of carriers, including Boost Mobile in the U.S. The update does not affect emergency calls or app-level permissions.
February 2, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G lands in Malaysia with Gemini AI and a RM699 launch deal
···

Samsung’s Galaxy A07 5G lands in Malaysia with Gemini AI and a RM699 launch deal

Samsung launched the Galaxy A07 5G in Malaysia, offering a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, 6,000mAh battery, and Google’s Gemini assistant. The phone is priced at 699 ringgit for the top model and comes with six years of security updates. Launches in India and other Asian markets are set for early February. The device carries an IP54 rating and Knox Vault security.
January 31, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet
···

Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold hits U.S. stores for demos — but you still can’t buy it yet

Samsung is offering in-store demos of its Galaxy Z TriFold smartphone at select locations in California, New York, Texas, and Minnesota ahead of its U.S. launch. The company has not announced a U.S. release date or price, only stating an “early 2026” window. Demo units highlight the phone’s tri-fold design and Galaxy AI features. The device is already available in South Korea and parts of the Middle East.
January 24, 2026
1 2 3 … 5