Smartphones 28 November 2025 - 14 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
13 Worst Smartphones Ever Made — and Why 2026’s Phone Market Can’t Afford Another Big Failure
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13 Worst Smartphones Ever Made — and Why 2026’s Phone Market Can’t Afford Another Big Failure

Apple led global smartphone shipments in 2025 with 20% market share, but analysts warn of a possible 2026 slowdown due to chip shortages and rising component costs, Reuters reports. India’s draft smartphone security rules are drawing concern from handset makers, though officials deny any finalized mandates. BGR highlights past smartphone failures as industry risks intensify with new foldables and regulatory scrutiny.
January 12, 2026
Honor Magic 8 Pro finally lands in Europe — £1,099 price, AI camera push, and early review warnings
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Honor Magic 8 Pro finally lands in Europe — £1,099 price, AI camera push, and early review warnings

Honor began selling its Magic8 Pro smartphone in Britain for £1,099.99, with launch bundles available until Feb. 4. Reviews highlight the phone’s bright OLED display and eye-comfort features, but early tests raise concerns about camera processing. EU release timing is unclear; a German retailer lists the phone at €1,299 with possible Jan. 15 pre-orders.
January 9, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: New colors, camera redesign and S Pen changes — but soaring memory prices could decide the price
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks: New colors, camera redesign and S Pen changes — but soaring memory prices could decide the price

Leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature new “Shadow” colors, a redesigned camera ring, and an updated S Pen. Rising memory chip costs may force Samsung to raise prices, according to The Korea Times. Co-CEO TM Roh told Reuters a chip shortage could make price hikes “inevitable.” No “titanium” color is mentioned in the latest reports.
January 5, 2026
Punkt MC03 Launches: $699 Made‑in‑Germany Privacy Smartphone Brings Proton “Vault” Security — but AphyOS Requires a Subscription
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Punkt MC03 Launches: $699 Made‑in‑Germany Privacy Smartphone Brings Proton “Vault” Security — but AphyOS Requires a Subscription

Punkt unveiled the MC03 smartphone ahead of CES 2026, featuring a privacy-focused Android-based OS and assembled in Germany. The device splits user data into two zones and requires a paid subscription for ongoing privacy features after the first year. Priced at $699, it ships in Europe by late January and North America in spring. Specs include a 6.67-inch OLED display, removable battery, and IP68 rating.
January 3, 2026
Samsung Galaxy S26 price may rise in 2026 as memory costs surge — what we know on Dec. 29, 2025
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Samsung Galaxy S26 price may rise in 2026 as memory costs surge — what we know on Dec. 29, 2025

Samsung has not finalized Galaxy S26 pricing, citing rising costs for RAM, chipsets, cameras, and displays, according to multiple reports on December 29, 2025. Mass production is underway, but the company faces pressure to either raise prices or accept lower margins. Leaks point to AI upgrades and a likely February 2026 launch. Some software features may include enhanced Bixby integration with Perplexity in One UI 8.5.
December 29, 2025
OnePlus 15R Review Roundup (Dec 19, 2025): 165Hz Display, 7,400mAh Battery — and the Big Trade-Offs at $699
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OnePlus 15R Review Roundup (Dec 19, 2025): 165Hz Display, 7,400mAh Battery — and the Big Trade-Offs at $699

The OnePlus 15R features a 165Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, and a 7,400mAh battery, with reviewers reporting battery life of two to three days per charge. The phone lacks wireless charging and telephoto camera, with camera performance described as average for its $699 starting price. Charging tops out at 80W with compatible gear, but only 55W with the included charger. US pricing starts at $699 for 12GB/256GB.
December 19, 2025
Smartphone Prices Could Rise Nearly 7% in 2026 as AI Memory Shortage Forces Shipment Cuts, New Forecasts Warn (Dec. 17, 2025)
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Smartphone Prices Could Rise Nearly 7% in 2026 as AI Memory Shortage Forces Shipment Cuts, New Forecasts Warn (Dec. 17, 2025)

Global smartphone shipments are now forecast to fall 2.1% in 2026, with average selling prices rising 6.9%, according to Counterpoint. Analysts blame rising memory chip costs driven by AI demand, which is squeezing supply for consumer devices. Budget phones under $200 face the most pressure as manufacturers shift focus and pass on higher costs.
December 17, 2025
Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition & 3a Lite: Price, Specs, India Launch and New Community Investment (December 11, 2025)
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Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition & 3a Lite: Price, Specs, India Launch and New Community Investment (December 11, 2025)

Nothing launched the limited-run Phone (3a) Community Edition on December 11, 2025, co-designed with fans after a nine-month project. The device features a frosted teal transparent back, matte glass, and custom dice accessory, with hardware and software shaped by contest winners. Core specs match the standard Phone (3a), including a 6.77-inch AMOLED display and Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip.
December 11, 2025
Google Confirms Pixel 9 Pro Display Defects: How the New 3‑Year Free Repair & Fold Replacement Programs Work (11 December 2025)
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Google Confirms Pixel 9 Pro Display Defects: How the New 3‑Year Free Repair & Fold Replacement Programs Work (11 December 2025)

Google has confirmed hardware defects in some Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL phones and launched a global Extended Repair Program offering up to three years of free screen repairs for affected devices. A separate three-year warranty and replacement program covers the Pixel 9 Pro Fold for certain functionality issues. The company acknowledged the problems after months of user complaints about display faults.
December 11, 2025
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leaks on December 5, 2025: 200MP Telephoto, 1‑Inch Sensor and Leica Optics as 17 Pro Max First Impressions Land
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Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leaks on December 5, 2025: 200MP Telephoto, 1‑Inch Sensor and Leica Optics as 17 Pro Max First Impressions Land

New spy photos published December 5 show the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with a triple rear camera setup, including a 1-inch 50MP main sensor, 200MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide, plus a 6,000–7,000mAh battery. Reports confirm the phone uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The design marks a shift from Xiaomi’s previous quad-camera layout to a quality-focused triple-lens system.
December 5, 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
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Unveiled: 10‑Inch Triple‑Hinge Display, $2,450 Price, and a Head Start on Apple
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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Unveiled: 10‑Inch Triple‑Hinge Display, $2,450 Price, and a Head Start on Apple

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, its first tri-fold smartphone, in Seoul on Tuesday. The device unfolds into a 10-inch AMOLED display, costs 3.59 million won (about $2,440), and launches in South Korea on December 12, with global sales set for early 2026. It features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 16 GB RAM, and a 200 MP main camera. The phone is 12.9 mm thick when folded and weighs 309 grams.
December 2, 2025
Cyber Monday 2025 Smartphone Deals: Huge Savings on iPhone 17, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 and More Today
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Cyber Monday 2025 Smartphone Deals: Huge Savings on iPhone 17, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 and More Today

Major US carriers are offering iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max effectively free with trade-ins and unlimited plans on Cyber Monday. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is discounted by up to $750 with trade-in, while Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL sees $700 off at Mint Mobile. Amazon and major retailers report record-low prices on flagship and budget phones. Sales end tonight in the US, UK, and Australia.
December 1, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 FE Black Friday 2025 Deals: Double Storage, Record‑Low Prices and Amazon’s Zero‑Margin War
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 FE Black Friday 2025 Deals: Double Storage, Record‑Low Prices and Amazon’s Zero‑Margin War

Samsung and Amazon are offering record-low prices on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with Samsung.com selling the 512GB model for about $860, a $560 drop from its usual price. Amazon lists the 256GB version at $899 and the 512GB at $1,019. These deals undercut Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, which remains at full price. No trade-in or contract is required for the Samsung.com offer.
November 29, 2025
TELUS Black Friday 2025 in Canada: Free iPhone 16, PS5 Bundles and ‘Buy One, Give One’ Phone Donations
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TELUS Black Friday 2025 in Canada: Free iPhone 16, PS5 Bundles and ‘Buy One, Give One’ Phone Donations

TELUS launched its Black Friday 2025 event in Canada on November 28, offering $0/month iPhone 16 and flagship Android phones with select plans, plus free PlayStation 5 or Samsung 4K TVs with PureFibre bundles. The company revived its “Buy One, Give One” campaign, pledging to donate a phone and plan to vulnerable Canadians for every eligible activation this weekend.
November 28, 2025
Motorola Edge 70 review round‑up: GSMArena verdict, new Edge 70 Ultra leak and the thin‑phone shake‑up on November 28, 2025
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Motorola Edge 70 review round‑up: GSMArena verdict, new Edge 70 Ultra leak and the thin‑phone shake‑up on November 28, 2025

Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have cancelled ultra-thin phone launches after weak demand for similar models from Apple and Samsung, according to a new report. Motorola’s Edge 70, just 5.99 mm thick, is now on sale in Europe with strong battery-life reviews and a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset confirmed for the upcoming Edge 70 Ultra. Launch price starts at €799/£699. No US release planned.
November 28, 2025
Poco F8 Ultra review round‑up: denim‑backed Bose flagship lands with Black Friday deals and stackable 10% discounts (November 28, 2025)
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Poco F8 Ultra review round‑up: denim‑backed Bose flagship lands with Black Friday deals and stackable 10% discounts (November 28, 2025)

Poco launched its F8 Ultra and F8 Pro flagships globally on November 26, featuring a denim-style back and Bose-tuned speakers with a built-in subwoofer in the Ultra. Both phones use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chips and offer aggressive early-bird pricing. Reviews and Black Friday deals, including 10% discounts, appeared as of November 28 in markets like the UK. The Ultra includes a 6,500mAh battery and triple 50MP rear cameras.
November 28, 2025
iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Flagship Battle in India – Price, Specs & Reviews (28 Nov 2025)
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iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Flagship Battle in India – Price, Specs & Reviews (28 Nov 2025)

India’s iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15, both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, now dominate the country’s premium Android market. Reviews out today say iQOO 15 leads in gaming performance and display brightness, while OnePlus 15 offers better battery life and overall balance. The iQOO 15 launched on 26 November at ₹72,999, with offers bringing the price down to around ₹64,999.
November 28, 2025
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