Smartphones 21 January 2026 - 9 February 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leak hints at missing Qi2 magnets as Unpacked 2026 date comes into focus
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leak hints at missing Qi2 magnets as Unpacked 2026 date comes into focus

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch without built-in Qi2 magnets for wireless charging, according to industry documents and leaks. A Samsung Gulf campaign document points to Feb. 25 as the likely date for Galaxy Unpacked 2026. Certification filings show the new models support Qi 2.2.1 but lack the Magnetic Power Profile. Samsung has not officially confirmed event details.
February 10, 2026
iPhone 18 Pro leak: Apple tests new “variable aperture” camera as Pro Max battery grows, reports say
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iPhone 18 Pro leak: Apple tests new “variable aperture” camera as Pro Max battery grows, reports say

Apple is testing a variable-aperture main camera and a wider-aperture telephoto lens for iPhone 18 Pro models, according to Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, MacRumors reported. The same source claims the iPhone 18 Pro Max may get a 5,100–5,200 mAh battery, possibly increasing the phone’s thickness. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted a variable-aperture camera for the 2026 Pro lineup.
February 9, 2026
Memory chip shortage rattles Qualcomm and Arm after weak smartphone chip outlook
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Memory chip shortage rattles Qualcomm and Arm after weak smartphone chip outlook

Qualcomm and Arm Holdings shares fell after both warned a global memory chip shortage is squeezing smartphone production and weakening demand. Qualcomm forecast second-quarter revenue and profit below estimates, citing limited memory supply. Arm projected strong fourth-quarter revenue but warned future royalties could drop if shortages persist. Analysts expect the shortage to last through 2027.
February 5, 2026
Redmi’s water-reveal Hindustan Times ad goes viral as Note 15 Pro pushes durability and 200MP camera
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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
Average smartphone price tops $400 for the first time as premium phones lift revenue
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Average smartphone price tops $400 for the first time as premium phones lift revenue

Global smartphone revenue reached a record $135 billion in Q4 2025 as the average selling price topped $402 for the first time, according to Counterpoint Research. Shipments rose just 4%, but premium models drove higher prices. Apple captured 57% of industry revenue, while Samsung’s shipments climbed 17% but its average price fell. Analysts warn rising memory chip costs could squeeze margins in 2026.
February 1, 2026
Leak claims foldable iPhone will pack record 5,500mAh battery — and it may force Samsung’s hand
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Leak claims foldable iPhone will pack record 5,500mAh battery — and it may force Samsung’s hand

A leak reported by PhoneArena claims Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature a 5,500 mAh battery, larger than those in previous iPhones and current Samsung foldables. Nikkei Asia says Apple will prioritize premium models in 2026, delaying the standard iPhone 18 to 2027 due to rising component costs. Honor is also rumored to be developing a larger foldable device to replace its Magic Vs series. Apple has not commented.
February 1, 2026
Samsung’s $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold Sells Out Fast in the U.S. — What It Says About Premium Phones
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Samsung’s $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold Sells Out Fast in the U.S. — What It Says About Premium Phones

Samsung’s $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold phone sold out on its U.S. online store within minutes of its January 30 launch. The company has not disclosed how many units were available or when restocking will occur. The tri-fold device, available only in a 512GB black model, is Samsung’s most expensive foldable to date. No trade-in options were offered at launch.
January 31, 2026
Galaxy S26 leak hints Google’s Pixel scam-call screening is coming — and CallCore is the tell
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Galaxy S26 leak hints Google’s Pixel scam-call screening is coming — and CallCore is the tell

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 may support Google’s Android CallCore, potentially bringing Pixel-exclusive scam-call protection to Samsung’s flagship, according to Android Authority. Evidence includes a software flag found in Galaxy S26 Ultra log files. Details on regional availability, carrier restrictions, and Samsung’s chosen dialer app remain unclear.
January 31, 2026
Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: new camera island, Android 16 — and a 25W magnetic charger surfaces
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Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: new camera island, Android 16 — and a 25W magnetic charger surfaces

Leaked images show the Galaxy S26 Ultra with a raised rear camera island and a 200MP main sensor. Samsung’s new “Magnetic Wireless Charger” appears to support 25W Qi2 wireless charging for the S26 Ultra. Multiple sources point to a Galaxy Unpacked launch event on February 25, though Samsung has not confirmed the date. The S26 Ultra is expected to run Android 16 with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
January 31, 2026
No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones
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No more peeking? Samsung hints a built-in privacy screen for Galaxy S26 phones

Samsung announced a new privacy feature for Galaxy phones that blocks side-angle screen views to prevent “shoulder surfing.” Users can enable or disable the feature for specific apps and notifications. Tech sites expect the tool to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, but Samsung has not confirmed which models will include it. Details on the display technology remain undisclosed.
January 28, 2026
NexPhone: A Bold Move to Merge Smartphones and PCs
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NexPhone: A Bold Move to Merge Smartphones and PCs

The NexPhone, launching January 28 in San Francisco, will run Android, Linux, and Windows 11 on a single device. Its high-end hardware and tri-boot system aim to combine smartphone and PC functions. Analysts cite possible compatibility and battery issues. The device enters a market already testing similar concepts, including Samsung’s DeX.
January 28, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition lands for Milano Cortina 2026 — here’s what athletes will get
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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition lands for Milano Cortina 2026 — here’s what athletes will get

Samsung will distribute nearly 3,800 Galaxy Z Flip7 “Olympic Edition” phones to athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, starting Jan. 30. The device, not for sale to the public, includes a 100GB 5G eSIM and custom apps. Athletes will receive the phones at Olympic Villages in six cities, with on-site support for activation and data transfer.
January 27, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Release Date Leak: Feb 25 Unpacked, March 11 Sales — What We Know
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Release Date Leak: Feb 25 Unpacked, March 11 Sales — What We Know

Samsung will reportedly unveil the Galaxy S26 series at an Unpacked event on February 25, with South Korean sales starting March 11, according to leaker Ice Universe. Leaks suggest U.S. pricing will match last year’s models, starting at $799 for the base S26. Rumored features include an AI “Privacy Display” and Qi2 wireless charging. Samsung has not confirmed the event or details.
January 26, 2026
Galaxy S26 leak hints Samsung may get Google Pixel’s Scam Detection call alerts
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Galaxy S26 leak hints Samsung may get Google Pixel’s Scam Detection call alerts

Code in Google’s Phone app indicates the Pixel-only Scam Detection feature may come to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series. The tool flags suspicious calls using on-device AI, but it’s unclear if Samsung will preload Google’s dialer or if the feature will work with manual installation. Model numbers tied to the S26 lineup appeared in recent app code. Google has not confirmed a release.
January 25, 2026
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