Mobile Devices 9 January 2026 - 23 January 2026

Samsung’s iPhone Fold Fight Starts Early: July 22 Leak Points to a Wide Galaxy Fold
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Samsung’s iPhone Fold Fight Starts Early: July 22 Leak Points to a Wide Galaxy Fold

Samsung Electronics is gearing up to launch its latest foldable lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, according to Korea Economic TV. The company is set to introduce three new Galaxy Z Fold 8-series devices, among them a “Galaxy Z Wide Fold” that sports a 4:3 screen ratio. Samsung’s aiming this wide-screen model at Apple’s rumored debut foldable iPhone. S Pen support is on the roadmap again, but will roll out gradually as the company tackles earlier design limits around thickness and weight. Timing comes into play here as foldables shift from a Samsung-dominated corner of the market into a bigger premium-phone showdown. Counterpoint Research is forecasting 48% growth for North America’s foldable smartphone segment in
April 21, 2026
MakeUseOf Shows How to Turn Your Phone Into a Universal TV Remote With Zero Extra Hardware
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MakeUseOf Shows How to Turn Your Phone Into a Universal TV Remote With Zero Extra Hardware

A MakeUseOf guide released Thursday showed how you can turn a smartphone into a universal remote for TVs and other gear without adding hardware, using either Wi‑Fi controls or the phone’s built-in infrared. The article highlighted the Universal TV Remote App‑IR, which works via Wi‑Fi or an IR blaster. Timing is key as living rooms fill up with more boxes and screens, yet the remote chaos only grows. Take Apple: it claims the Apple TV Remote in the iPhone Control Center works with Apple TV and newer models, plus AirPlay-compatible smart TVs—all set up over the same Wi‑Fi network.
January 23, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch leak maps Feb 25 Unpacked and March 11 release — here’s the latest
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch leak maps Feb 25 Unpacked and March 11 release — here’s the latest

Leaks suggest Samsung Electronics will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb. 25, with the Galaxy S26 phones going on sale March 11—pushing back the timeline compared to previous years. The Galaxy S25 launched on Jan. 22, 2025, and the Galaxy S24 hit shelves on Jan. 17, 2024, according to Android Authority. The timing is crucial—Samsung’s early-year launch often sets the tone for premium Android devices, with carriers lining up promotions accordingly. If the release slips into March, it can shift when competitors roll out their deals and how long previous models stick around at full price.
January 22, 2026
iQOO 15 Ultra teased with built-in cooling fan as AnTuTu score tops 4.51 million
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iQOO 15 Ultra teased with built-in cooling fan as AnTuTu score tops 4.51 million

iQOO has revealed its inaugural “Ultra” model, the iQOO 15 Ultra. The phone boasts an internal benchmark score topping 4.51 million and features a built-in cooling fan designed for gamers. The launch is set for China in February. Timing is crucial since high-end Android chips are increasingly focused on sustained performance, where heat quietly holds them back. With competitors releasing similar processors, manufacturers rely more on cooling solutions and game-specific tweaks to maintain steady frame rates, rather than just chasing peak benchmarks.
January 22, 2026
Utah’s Android bill is real: lawmaker wants the state to pick sides in iPhone vs Android feud
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Utah’s Android bill is real: lawmaker wants the state to pick sides in iPhone vs Android feud

Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore introduced a bill to make Android—the software powering many smartphones—Utah’s official state mobile operating system. The move sparked a quick debate in the Senate over iPhone versus Android. “Is this a real bill?” asked Senate Majority Assistant Whip Mike McKell. Cullimore predicted that iPhone users might eventually see Android as “better” and joked about “discrimination” linked to green text bubbles. He also acknowledged he doesn’t expect the bill to advance past committee. At the start of Utah’s hectic legislative session, lawmakers wasted no time tackling phone use in schools, particularly among kids. On Wednesday, a Senate committee pushed forward SB69 with a 6-1 vote, proposing a default “bell-to-bell” policy that restricts students’ phone use
January 22, 2026
RFK Jr revives cellphone radiation debate with new HHS study after FDA pulls safety pages
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RFK Jr revives cellphone radiation debate with new HHS study after FDA pulls safety pages

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is initiating a study to examine potential health risks linked to cellphone radiation, following the FDA’s removal of web pages claiming phones were safe. Kennedy told USA Today he’s “very concerned” and described electromagnetic radiation as “a major health concern,” according to Fox News. The push comes as federal agencies work to accelerate the next stage of U.S. wireless expansions. The Federal Communications Commission is considering measures to streamline deployment and auction additional airwaves. At the same time, the Commerce Department is hunting for government-owned spectrum that could be freed up and sold to carriers, Broadband Breakfast reported.
January 22, 2026
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro leak hints at under-screen Face ID as iPhone Fold specs take shape
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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro leak hints at under-screen Face ID as iPhone Fold specs take shape

A leaked video showing what it claims are iPhone 18 Pro renders points to Apple shrinking the front cutout to a single hole and moving some Face ID sensors under the display, according to a Financial Express report that cited tech commentator Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech. The talk matters because Apple has stuck with a visible sensor cutout for years, and even small changes ripple through case makers, carriers and app developers. It is also the kind of feature Apple has tended to hold back until it can ship at scale.
January 19, 2026
iPhone Fold leak frenzy: A20 Pro 2nm chip, Touch ID and iPhone 18 Pro camera changes tipped for 2026
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iPhone Fold leak frenzy: A20 Pro 2nm chip, Touch ID and iPhone 18 Pro camera changes tipped for 2026

Analyst Jeff Pu shared anticipated specs for Apple’s 2026 iPhone 18 Pro lineup along with a foldable iPhone, revealing a new A20 Pro chip and a shift to Touch ID fingerprint unlocking on the foldable model, according to AppleInsider. This discussion is significant since Apple hasn’t released a foldable phone yet, ceding that premium segment to Samsung Electronics and various Android manufacturers. Introducing a foldable iPhone would put demand to the test in the high-end market, where prices keep rising even as consumers hold onto their devices for longer periods.
January 17, 2026
Oppo, Vivo plot September flagship surprise with MediaTek Dimensity 9600 as Xiaomi widens the fight
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Oppo, Vivo plot September flagship surprise with MediaTek Dimensity 9600 as Xiaomi widens the fight

According to industry reports released Friday, Oppo and Vivo might advance the launch of at least one next-generation flagship smartphone to September, driven by MediaTek speeding up the release of its Dimensity 9600 chip. September is crucial since it marks the peak season for premium phone launches. Apple usually debuts its latest iPhones then, while Chinese manufacturers rush to capture domestic market share with rapid hardware updates and competitive pricing.
January 17, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 leak: Why “Edge” and “Pro” just vanished from a Samsung promo document
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Samsung Galaxy S26 leak: Why “Edge” and “Pro” just vanished from a Samsung promo document

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series looks like it will stick to the usual trio: the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, according to a promotional document from Samsung Electronics Colombia. The company hasn’t officially confirmed the lineup yet, and the document doesn’t mention any Galaxy S26 Edge or Galaxy S26 Pro models rumored elsewhere. https://images.samsung.com/is/content/samsung/assets/co/tyc/20260110_20260331_tyc_0_Interes_Banco_Davivienda_Q1_2026_01_09.pdf The absence is significant now since Samsung’s S-series launch is near enough that marketing and retail details begin solidifying into specific names and models. A phone labeled “Edge” — Samsung’s term for a slimmer design — would also signal a notable shift in design focus for 2026.
January 17, 2026
iPhone 18 Pro leak hints at under-screen Face ID as iPhone Fold specs surface
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iPhone 18 Pro leak hints at under-screen Face ID as iPhone Fold specs surface

Analyst Jeff Pu's latest investor note outlines a potential spec sheet for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models alongside a foldable iPhone. Separately, a leak suggests Apple plans to embed Face ID sensors beneath the display on the Pro versions. These reports carry weight as Apple suppliers and competitors are shaping what a 2026 “premium” phone might feature: fewer screen cutouts, increased on-device AI capabilities, and potentially—a foldable iPhone, if Apple decides to take that leap.
January 16, 2026
iPhone 18 leaks collide with Galaxy S26 rumors: under‑screen Face ID, Qi2 magnets, and a bigger shake‑up than expected
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iPhone 18 leaks collide with Galaxy S26 rumors: under‑screen Face ID, Qi2 magnets, and a bigger shake‑up than expected

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro leak mill just got louder: a Weibo account known for supply‑chain scoops claims the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will add under‑screen Face ID. If that happens, the front camera could shift to a small punch‑hole, and the regular iPhone 18 could reportedly slip to around March 2027. Why this matters now is simple: Apple hasn’t meaningfully changed the iPhone’s front silhouette in years, and Face ID is the one feature it can’t afford to weaken. Even among leakers, reports are split on whether the Dynamic Island disappears entirely or just shrinks, with analyst Ross Young and The Information’s Wayne Ma pointing to different outcomes.
January 14, 2026
Huawei Pura 90 Ultra leaks today: Horizontal camera bar concept, 200MP SmartSens zoom camera, and massive battery rumors (Jan. 14, 2026)
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Huawei Pura 90 Ultra leaks today: Horizontal camera bar concept, 200MP SmartSens zoom camera, and massive battery rumors (Jan. 14, 2026)

Published: January 14, 2026 A fresh wave of Huawei Pura 90 Ultra leaks is making the rounds today, and the headline is clear: Huawei’s next camera-first flagship could get a notable design shift and a major telephoto upgrade. Multiple reports circulating on January 14 point to a concept-backed horizontal camera bar on the rear panel—while keeping Huawei’s signature triangular lens layout—plus a 200MP periscope telephoto allegedly built around SmartSens’ SCC80XS sensor.
January 14, 2026
Unihertz Titan 2 Elite Teased Ahead of MWC 2026 as QWERTY Keyboard Phones Make a Comeback
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Unihertz Titan 2 Elite Teased Ahead of MWC 2026 as QWERTY Keyboard Phones Make a Comeback

Unihertz teases the Titan 2 Elite, a smaller BlackBerry‑style Android QWERTY phone headed for MWC 2026—just as Clicks and others push keyboard phones back into the spotlight. Jan. 14, 2026 — The touchscreen “glass slab” era has dominated smartphones for nearly two decades, but 2026 is starting with a surprisingly loud counter‑signal: the physical keyboard is back in the headlines. This week, Unihertz teased the Titan 2 Elite, a slimmer, more modern‑looking follow‑up to its Titan line—while Clicks is pushing the idea of a keyboard‑first “second phone” after its CES 2026 reveal.
January 14, 2026
Motorola Moto G Power (2026) Review Roundup: $299 Price, Battery Life, Durability — and the Repairability Catch
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Motorola Moto G Power (2026) Review Roundup: $299 Price, Battery Life, Durability — and the Repairability Catch

Motorola’s Moto G Power is now on sale for $299. Here’s what early reviews and a teardown say about battery, display, cameras, updates, and repairs. January 14, 2026 — Motorola’s latest budget workhorse, the Moto G Power, is now in the spotlight as the first big wave of hands-ons, full reviews, and even a teardown lands online. The headline hasn’t changed: this is still a “Power” phone built around long battery life. What has changed is the conversation around what you’re trading away to get it.
January 14, 2026
CES 2026 wrap-up: Clicks’ keyboard “Communicator,” Ikko’s square Android, and Samsung’s TriFold steal the phone spotlight
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CES 2026 wrap-up: Clicks’ keyboard “Communicator,” Ikko’s square Android, and Samsung’s TriFold steal the phone spotlight

CES 2026 is over, and the most interesting phone hardware coming out of Las Vegas wasn’t a standard glass slab. The show’s closing roundup points to a small but telling push toward devices that are trying—hard—to look and feel different. That matters right now because the modern smartphone has basically converged on one design, and most upgrades land as refinements. CES is one of the last big stages where companies can still put a strange idea in your hand and see if it earns a second look.
January 14, 2026
iPhone 18 Pro leak hints under-display Face ID, 120Hz LTPO screens, and iPhone Air 2 display details — plus iPhone 17e and iPhone Fold roadmap (Jan 14, 2026)
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iPhone 18 Pro leak hints under-display Face ID, 120Hz LTPO screens, and iPhone Air 2 display details — plus iPhone 17e and iPhone Fold roadmap (Jan 14, 2026)

A fresh wave of supply-chain chatter and tipster posts is putting Apple’s 2026 iPhone plans back in the spotlight. Reports circulating on January 14 say the iPhone 18 lineup has already entered early “sample”/prototype stages, with the biggest headline being under-display Face ID testing on iPhone 18 Pro models — a move that could shrink the Dynamic Island on premium iPhones. At the same time, separate reporting continues to point to an unusually busy year for Apple: a lower-cost iPhone 17e expected early, an ambitious foldable iPhone later in the year, and potential shifts in Apple’s traditional September-only iPhone cadence.
January 14, 2026
Octopi Launcher Brings the Foldable Phone Productivity Experience to Any Android — As Crease‑Free Foldables Dominate 2026 Headlines
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Octopi Launcher Brings the Foldable Phone Productivity Experience to Any Android — As Crease‑Free Foldables Dominate 2026 Headlines

January 12, 2026 — Foldable phones are having a moment again, but the most interesting shift isn’t only about hardware. It’s about workflows: split layouts, widget-first dashboards, and faster one-handed navigation. And here’s the twist—you don’t need a foldable to benefit. A new wave of “foldable-first” Android launchers is letting everyday slab phones borrow the productivity tricks that normally shine on dual-screen devices. One example catching attention today is Octopi Launcher, which is designed for foldables but works on standard phones as a productivity-focused home screen replacement.
January 12, 2026
Samsung patent hints at a reversible flip phone with a 360-degree hinge
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Samsung patent hints at a reversible flip phone with a 360-degree hinge

Samsung Electronics has filed a design patent for a flip-style foldable phone that appears to fold with either outer face on display, based on drawings published on the World Intellectual Property Organization’s database. The filing, spotted by gadget site XpertPick, shows a clamshell-style handset with no obvious “front” or “back” when shut. https://www.xpertpick.com/mobile/samsung-patents-reversible-flip-phone-design-with-dual-sided-display/ The sketches matter because the race in flip-style foldables has largely turned into a contest over the outside: bigger cover screens, more ways to use the phone without opening it, and fewer compromises. Android Headlines said Samsung’s design points in a different direction — a closed device that looks and feels similar whichever side is facing up. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2026/01/patent-reveals-samsungs-wild-reversible-flip-phone-design.html
January 10, 2026
OnePlus 15 deal dangles $100 gift card as 15R review points to camera compromises
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OnePlus 15 deal dangles $100 gift card as 15R review points to camera compromises

Best Buy and Amazon are bundling a $100 gift card with purchases of OnePlus’s OnePlus 15, a promotion that sharpens the Chinese brand’s pitch against Samsung’s top-end Galaxy phones in the United States. The deal centers on the 512GB model at $999 at Best Buy, while Amazon lists a 256GB version at $899.99, Android Central reported. https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/oneplus/this-new-phone-is-faster-than-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-its-usd300-cheaper-and-it-comes-with-a-free-usd100-gift-card-what-are-you-waiting-for The timing matters because OnePlus is trying to widen its presence on big-box shelves just as shoppers weigh whether another four-figure flagship is worth it. Samsung’s next Galaxy S Ultra refresh is expected within months, which tends to reset comparisons and buying decisions.
January 9, 2026
OnePlus launches Turbo 6 with a 9,000mAh battery — and the Nord 6 rumours won’t quit
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OnePlus launches Turbo 6 with a 9,000mAh battery — and the Nord 6 rumours won’t quit

OnePlus has put its Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V smartphones on sale in China, leaning on 9,000mAh batteries — a measure of battery capacity — and fast charging. The Turbo 6 starts at 2,099 yuan and the Turbo 6V at 1,899 yuan, with a 200-yuan launch discount offered through Oppo’s web store, Android Authority reported. Turbo 6 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and a 165Hz display refresh rate, while the 6V pairs a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 with 144Hz — how often the screen redraws each second. The timing is no accident. Battery life has become a clean, easy hook in a crowded mid-range Android market, especially in China, where shoppers already expect big screens, fast charging and
January 9, 2026
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