Photography 3 November 2025 - 9 February 2026

Samsung mulls variable‑aperture camera comeback as iPhone 18 Pro upgrade report stirs Galaxy plans
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Samsung mulls variable‑aperture camera comeback as iPhone 18 Pro upgrade report stirs Galaxy plans

Samsung has asked camera module suppliers, including Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX, to develop variable-aperture parts for future Galaxy phones, ETNews reported Tuesday. The technology is in early testing and not yet approved for production. Apple is expected to add variable aperture to iPhone 18 Pro models later this year. Samsung last used the feature in the Galaxy S10 before dropping it over cost and thickness concerns.
February 10, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks tease cleaner sky photos and a bright white look — as price hike talk grows
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks tease cleaner sky photos and a bright white look — as price hike talk grows

Samsung is considering raising Galaxy S26 prices due to higher memory chip costs and a weaker won, with executives confirming price impacts are likely. New leaks show the S26 Ultra will get improved camera processing, a pure white color option, and a flatter display. Renders reveal a 6.9-inch screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and a 200MP main camera. Six color choices are expected, but some camera details remain unconfirmed.
February 2, 2026
Don’t Miss the Northern Lights: Google Pixel and Android Camera Tricks to Capture the Aurora
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Don’t Miss the Northern Lights: Google Pixel and Android Camera Tricks to Capture the Aurora

A severe G4 geomagnetic storm struck Earth late Jan. 19 after a coronal mass ejection, NOAA reported, with auroras possibly visible across much of Canada and the northern U.S. Forecasters warned of an S4 solar radiation storm, the strongest since 2003, threatening satellites and polar flights. Android users were advised to use long-exposure camera modes to capture the aurora. Alerts went to airlines, NASA, and grid operators.
January 20, 2026
Stop ignoring your iPhone Camera Control button — it can launch Instagram, Magnifier and AI search
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Stop ignoring your iPhone Camera Control button — it can launch Instagram, Magnifier and AI search

Apple’s Camera Control on iPhone 16 and newer models can launch apps like Instagram’s camera, activate Magnifier, or trigger Visual Intelligence, which uses ChatGPT, according to TechRadar. Apple’s user guide says Visual Intelligence can identify objects, translate text, or create calendar events from images or screenshots. The control supports custom shortcuts and gesture-based settings. ChatGPT features require user permission and, in some cases, sign-in.
January 19, 2026
iOS 26 Photos’ “ticket” icon can pull concert set lists and sports scores from your pictures
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iOS 26 Photos’ “ticket” icon can pull concert set lists and sports scores from your pictures

Apple’s Photos app in iOS 26 can now identify concerts and sports events in user photos and display event details, including set lists and scores, alongside images. The app adds a ticket-style button to matched photos and can label Memories with the event name. Concert pages may link to Apple Music playlists and upcoming shows using third-party data. Apple confirmed the feature as part of a broader Photos update.
January 19, 2026
Google Photos could soon add Backup Schedule and Playback Speed controls in a new Expressive UI update (Jan 13, 2026)
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Google Photos could soon add Backup Schedule and Playback Speed controls in a new Expressive UI update (Jan 13, 2026)

Google Photos is testing new features including a Backup schedule setting, video playback speed controls, and an option to hide date separators in the photo grid, according to code found in version 7.58. Multiple tech outlets report these changes, but Google has not officially announced them. The updates were discovered through APK teardown and are not yet live.
January 13, 2026
Honor Magic 8 Pro Goes Global: UK Price, AI Button, 200MP Night Telephoto Camera, and a 6,000‑Nit OLED Display (Jan 10, 2026)
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Honor Magic 8 Pro Goes Global: UK Price, AI Button, 200MP Night Telephoto Camera, and a 6,000‑Nit OLED Display (Jan 10, 2026)

Honor’s Magic 8 Pro launched in the UK at £1,099.99, featuring a 200MP telephoto camera with advanced night photography and stabilization. European pricing appears near €1,299, with preorders possibly starting January 15. The phone includes a 6,000-nit OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and a dedicated AI Button. No U.S. release is planned at launch.
January 10, 2026
Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica vs Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max: Manual Zoom Ring Ignites 2025’s Biggest Camera Phone Battle (Dec 28, 2025)
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Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica vs Huawei Mate 80 Pro Max: Manual Zoom Ring Ignites 2025’s Biggest Camera Phone Battle (Dec 28, 2025)

Xiaomi has launched the 17 Ultra by Leica, featuring a mechanical “Master Zoom Ring” and a 200MP continuous optical zoom camera. The device competes directly with Huawei’s Mate 80 Pro Max, which offers a quad-camera XMAGE system and dual telephoto lenses. Both phones are drawing attention for their contrasting approaches to smartphone photography.
December 28, 2025
HONOR Magic8 Pro Cracks DXOMARK Top 5 With a 165 Camera Score as ‘Christmas Miracle’ AI Photo Fixes Grab Attention
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HONOR Magic8 Pro Cracks DXOMARK Top 5 With a 165 Camera Score as ‘Christmas Miracle’ AI Photo Fixes Grab Attention

The HONOR Magic8 Pro climbed to #5 in DXOMARK’s global camera rankings with a score of 165, overtaking the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The phone’s AI photo tools, promoted in holiday campaigns, can open closed eyes and add festive elements. Pre-orders began December 11 in the UAE/GCC, priced at AED 3,999 and AED 4,699 depending on configuration.
December 27, 2025
Vivo X300 Series Goes on Sale in India: Nat Geo ‘Go Into The Wild’ Campaign, Big Launch Offers, and 5 Cheaper Camera Phone Alternatives
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Vivo X300 Series Goes on Sale in India: Nat Geo ‘Go Into The Wild’ Campaign, Big Launch Offers, and 5 Cheaper Camera Phone Alternatives

Vivo’s X300 and X300 Pro smartphones went on sale in India today, starting at ₹75,999 and ₹1,09,999 respectively. Both models feature ZEISS-branded cameras, MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipsets, and run Android 16. Launch offers include up to 10% cashback, no-cost EMI for 24 months, and bundled Google Gemini Pro Plan for Jio 5G users. Devices are available online and at major retailers nationwide.
December 10, 2025
Apple Confirms iPhone 17 Pro Drops Night Mode Portraits — What Changes for Your Low‑Light Photos (December 4, 2025)
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Apple Confirms iPhone 17 Pro Drops Night Mode Portraits — What Changes for Your Low‑Light Photos (December 4, 2025)

Apple has removed Night mode Portraits from the iPhone 17 Pro, ending support for the feature first introduced on the iPhone 12 Pro. Apple documentation and independent tests confirm the device no longer allows users to combine Night mode with Portrait-style background blur. Night mode does not appear in Portrait mode, and Night mode photos no longer store depth data for later blur effects.
December 4, 2025
TECNO Freeform Continuum & Dual‑Mirror Telephoto: How Future Lens 2025 Brings True 1–9x Optical Zoom to Smartphones
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TECNO Freeform Continuum & Dual‑Mirror Telephoto: How Future Lens 2025 Brings True 1–9x Optical Zoom to Smartphones

TECNO unveiled two new telephoto camera concepts at its Future Lens 2025 event in Chongqing, China. The Freeform Continuum Telephoto promises continuous optical zoom from 1x to 9x, while the Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto shrinks module size and reduces camera bump. Freeform Continuum is expected in commercial phones after a year; Dual-Mirror Reflect could appear as soon as next year.
December 4, 2025
Google Camera’s Photo Sphere gets a 2025 spotlight: Android Police shows it still shines—while Pixel pivots to a rebuilt 360° Panorama
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Google Camera’s Photo Sphere gets a 2025 spotlight: Android Police shows it still shines—while Pixel pivots to a rebuilt 360° Panorama

Android Police reported Nov. 9 that Photo Sphere still works for 360° images in 2025 when using the Google Camera app on non‑Pixel phones, showing examples from a Realme device. Google removed Photo Sphere from Pixel cameras in 2023, directing users to third-party apps, and now promotes an upgraded Panorama mode on the Pixel 9 series for similar results.
November 9, 2025
iOS 26 Camera Overhaul: Hidden Features and Pro Tips You Need to Know
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iOS 26 Camera Overhaul: Hidden Features and Pro Tips You Need to Know

Apple’s iOS 26 introduces a major redesign of the iPhone Camera app, featuring a minimalist “Liquid Glass” interface and hiding most controls in new menus. Only Photo and Video modes remain visible on the main toolbar; other modes require swiping or long-pressing. Advanced users with iPhone 16 or later can customize the Camera Control button. New features include AirPods remote shutter and lens-cleaning notifications.
November 3, 2025