Smartphones 14 January 2026 - 21 January 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 leaks flip again: Dynamic Island may shrink, not disappear, as under-screen Face ID talk grows
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iPhone 18 Pro leaks flip again: Dynamic Island may shrink, not disappear, as under-screen Face ID talk grows

A Weibo leaker denied rumors that the iPhone 18 Pro will move its selfie camera to the top-left corner, calling it a translation error. Korean outlet ETNews reports Apple is pressing suppliers for LTPO+ OLED panels and under-display infrared tech for 2026 Pro models. Samsung and LG are expected to supply panels, while BOE faces quality issues. Rumors of a smaller Dynamic Island persist as Apple aims to hide more Face ID components.
January 20, 2026
Nothing CEO’s 30% smartphone price warning looks real as memory costs jump again in 2026
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Nothing CEO’s 30% smartphone price warning looks real as memory costs jump again in 2026

DDR4 contract memory prices are set to rise up to 50% in Q1 2026, with NAND flash contracts up as much as 38%, TrendForce reported. Some suppliers have paused price quotes, and brands like Nothing warn of possible 30% device price hikes or lower specs. Micron will acquire Powerchip’s P5 fab in Taiwan for $1.8 billion, aiming to boost DRAM output from 2027. Samsung is sticking to its DDR4 end-of-life schedule.
January 19, 2026
OnePlus 15 vs Oppo Reno15 Pro Mini: Price gap and camera bet split premium phone buyers
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OnePlus 15 vs Oppo Reno15 Pro Mini: Price gap and camera bet split premium phone buyers

The OnePlus 15, priced at ₹72,999, outpaces the Oppo Reno15 Pro Mini in processor, battery, and display, according to a Sportskeeda comparison. Oppo counters with a 200MP main camera and a lower ₹59,999 price. The OnePlus 15 uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and a 165Hz LTPO display; the Reno15 Pro Mini features a MediaTek Dimensity 8450 and a 6,200mAh battery.
January 19, 2026
Apple beats Samsung in 2025 global smartphone race as a memory crunch clouds 2026
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Apple beats Samsung in 2025 global smartphone race as a memory crunch clouds 2026

Apple narrowly led global smartphone shipments in 2025, shipping 247.8 million units for a 19.7% market share, just ahead of Samsung’s 241.2 million and 19.1%, according to IDC. Holiday demand lifted volumes despite parts shortages and higher costs. Analysts warn 2026 may see memory shortages and price drops hit low- and mid-tier phones hardest. Chipmakers are ramping up DRAM production to address tightening supply.
January 19, 2026
Honor Magic 8 Pro camera glitch fades in new reviews as it takes on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
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Honor Magic 8 Pro camera glitch fades in new reviews as it takes on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

CNET reported an ultrawide camera flaw found in early Honor Magic 8 Pro review units did not appear on retail models after replacements. European carrier Yettel lists pre-orders through Jan. 29, with sales starting Jan. 30 in Bulgaria. Notebookcheck cited strong performance, a new AI button, and seven years of updates, but noted missing accessories and some camera limitations.
January 19, 2026
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: New comparisons sharpen the flagship fight
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iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: New comparisons sharpen the flagship fight

SlashGear ranked Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max ahead of Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL in a new review published Monday. The site previously favored Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra over the iPhone, citing price and camera flexibility. Apple holds 49% of the U.S. smartphone market, with Samsung at 31%, according to Canalys. Early leaks are drawing attention to Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra.
January 19, 2026
Motorola Moto G Power (2026) review says “why bother” — and teardown flags repair headaches
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Motorola Moto G Power (2026) review says “why bother” — and teardown flags repair headaches

Motorola’s Moto G Power (2026) launched at $299.99 with a 6.8-inch display and high durability ratings, but early reviews criticized its lack of upgrades and dropped features like wireless charging. A teardown found the battery hard to replace, earning a 5/10 repairability score. Motorola is bundling free Moto Tags with some sales. Competing budget phones offer longer update support and easier repairs.
January 19, 2026
Huawei beats Apple to retake China smartphone No.1 spot as rising memory costs loom
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Huawei beats Apple to retake China smartphone No.1 spot as rising memory costs loom

Huawei led China’s smartphone market in 2025, shipping 46.8 million units and overtaking Apple and vivo, according to Omdia. Total shipments fell 1% to 282.3 million. Apple topped the fourth quarter with 16.5 million units, while Huawei shipped 11.1 million. Analysts cited domestic chip production and government subsidies as key factors in Huawei’s rebound.
January 19, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: four colors and a “realistic” camera shift before Feb. 25 launch talk
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: four colors and a “realistic” camera shift before Feb. 25 launch talk

Leaked images show the Galaxy S26 Ultra in black, white, blue, and purple, with violet expected as the main color. Reports indicate Samsung may reduce photo processing for more natural images. A Samsung Colombia document lists S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra models ahead of an anticipated late-February launch. Samsung has not confirmed details or launch timing.
January 18, 2026
Satellite calling is coming to everyday smartphones in 2026 — Infinix Note 60 and Samsung Galaxy moves show how
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Satellite calling is coming to everyday smartphones in 2026 — Infinix Note 60 and Samsung Galaxy moves show how

Infinix announced its upcoming Note 60 series will offer two-way satellite voice and messaging, covering nearly two-thirds of the globe. Samsung’s Exynos Modem 5410 will support satellite voice and multiple network types, expanding beyond emergency texting. Device availability and service rollout depend on carrier agreements and regulatory clearance.
January 18, 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

Oppo and Vivo may move their flagship smartphone launches to September 2026 to match MediaTek’s accelerated Dimensity 9600 chip release, according to industry reports. This would put their new devices in direct competition with Apple’s iPhone and Xiaomi’s flagship launches during the crowded autumn season. Xiaomi is also promoting new smart audio glasses, recently reviewed for their audio features and battery life.
January 17, 2026
Your Next Smartphone Could Cost More in 2026 — The AI Memory Crunch Is Hitting Budget Phones First
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Your Next Smartphone Could Cost More in 2026 — The AI Memory Crunch Is Hitting Budget Phones First

Memory chip shortages are expected to drive smartphone prices up 6% to 8% in 2026, with low-end models hit hardest, analysts say. Nothing CEO Carl Pei reports memory prices have tripled in some cases due to AI data center demand. The Nothing Phone 4a series is set to launch in India before March, featuring faster UFS 3.1 storage. IDC predicts global smartphone shipments will shrink this year as costs rise.
January 16, 2026
Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Fold: Crease-Free Display Race, “Wide” Designs, and Liquid-Metal Hinge Rumors Heat Up (Jan. 15, 2026)
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Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Fold: Crease-Free Display Race, “Wide” Designs, and Liquid-Metal Hinge Rumors Heat Up (Jan. 15, 2026)

Leaks on January 15 detail Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple’s first foldable iPhone, both aiming for crease-free displays and advanced hinge materials. Samsung is reportedly targeting a thinner, lighter Fold 8 for a July/August launch, while Apple prototypes hint at liquid metal hinges and possible titanium bodies. Pricing pressure remains high as both brands compete on design and durability.
January 15, 2026
Best phones 2026 rankings just shifted — Pixel 10 climbs, iPhone 17 looks like the “safe” pick, and OnePlus 15’s battery is absurd
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Best phones 2026 rankings just shifted — Pixel 10 climbs, iPhone 17 looks like the “safe” pick, and OnePlus 15’s battery is absurd

The Verge named the iPhone 17 its top pick for iPhone users and the Pixel 10 for Android buyers on Jan. 13, 2026. Tech Advisor ranked the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL as the best overall phone the next day, citing Android 16 and extended update support. Tom’s Guide reported the OnePlus 15 lasted 25 hours and 13 minutes in battery tests.
January 15, 2026
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes
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Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2026 is rumored for Feb. 25 — and the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Bixby could get big changes

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event is rumored for February 25, with the Galaxy S26 series expected to debut. Leaked images suggest the S26 Ultra will feature rounder edges, a redesigned camera bump, and Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Samsung is also reportedly planning a major AI upgrade for Bixby, developed with Perplexity AI, for the new models.
January 15, 2026
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