Wild Leaks, Big Launches & Bold Moves – Global Smartphone News Roundup (Sept 23

Apple shifts iPhone production to India and confirms iPhone 17 durability: For the first time, all iPhone 17 models are being built in India across five factories as Apple lessens its China dependence ^[1]. Early tests show the ultra-thin iPhone Air is living up to Apple’s durability claims, surviving bend and scratch trials with flying colors ^[2].
Samsung preps cutting-edge displays & privacy features:Galaxy S26 leaks suggest Samsung will use its own advanced M14 OLED panels (as seen in iPhone 17 Pro) on the S26 Ultra, slimming the display via new polarizer-free tech to one-up Apple ^[3]. Another leak teases a “Private Display” that limits side-angle visibility for screen privacy ^[4], while One UI 8 (Android 16) is already rolling out to current flagships ^[5].
Google doubles down on AI with Pixel 10 series: The Pixel 10 lineup (Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold) launched in late August touting new AI powers. Google just expanded Pixel 10’s conversational photo editing (via its Gemini AI) to all Android users – now you can simply ask Google Photos to tweak images by voice or text ^[6] ^[7].
Xiaomi’s 17 series redefines design: Xiaomi confirmed its upcoming Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max will feature a novel “magic back screen” – a large external display on the rear around the cameras ^[8]. CEO Lu Weibing teased the series will debut by end of month, and Xiaomi has locked in Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip to power these flagships ^[9].
OnePlus leaks highlight massive redesign & battery: Leaked images of the OnePlus 15 (expected next month) reveal a bold new look “like a mash-up of a Pixel and an iPhone,” including a revamped camera island ^[10]. Rumored specs point to a 6.7-inch display, 7,300mAh battery, Snapdragon chipset, and IP68 rating ^[11]. OnePlus is also going its own way in camera tech – it officially ended its Hasselblad partnership and introduced an in-house “DetailMax” imaging engine ^[12].
OPPO teams with Hasselblad for pro camera kit: OPPO confirmed the Find X9 Pro will support a dedicated Hasselblad photography kit, the first time a “Pro” model gets such an add-on (previously limited to Ultra models) ^[13]. Designed in collaboration with Hasselblad, the kit includes a magnetic grip and external telephoto lens for DSLR-like zoom shots ^[14]. OPPO’s imaging chief calls it Hasselblad’s “first-ever photography kit made specifically for smartphones,” marking a new level of mobile photography ^[15].
Vivo pushes zoom innovation: Vivo unveiled camera details for its next flagship X300 Pro, which retains a periscope 200 MP telephoto lens (85mm) carried over from the X200 Pro ^[16]. The X300 Pro boasts a CIPA 5.5 stop anti-shake stabilization – reportedly the best in the industry ^[17] – plus ZEISS T lens coatings and fluorite glass to minimize flare and fringing for ultra-clear long-range shots ^[18] ^[19].
Honor’s flashy flip phone breaks records:Honor officially launched the Magic V Flip 2, a blingy clamshell foldable co-designed with fashion icon Jimmy Choo. It packs an unprecedented 5,500 mAh battery (the largest ever in a flip-style foldable) and a 200 MP Ultra-Clear AI main camera with a huge 1/1.4-inch sensor ^[20]. The Flip 2 sports a 6.82-inch 120 Hz inner display plus a 4-inch OLED cover screen (a dazzling 3,600 nits bright) – all in a device just 15.5 mm thick when folded ^[21] ^[22]. (It’s also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and carries dual IP58/59 ratings for water and dust resistance ^[23].)
Nothing Phone 3 gets a camera boost:Nothing rolled out a Nothing OS 3.5 update for the Phone 3, touting it as a “much-needed camera overhaul” ^[24]. The update delivers finer manual exposure controls, fixes color tint issues for more accurate photos, and adds AI Super Res Zoom for crisper text at high zoom ^[25]. A new Action Mode cleans up motion blur in action shots, and video gets better contrast and color. The patch also squashes bugs (duplicate avatars, haptic glitches), while improving battery life, reducing heat, and boosting Wi-Fi stability ^[26] ^[27].
Next-gen chips race ahead:MediaTek announced its flagship Dimensity 9500, a 3 nm octa-core chipset with a 32% CPU performance jump over its predecessor and a 33% faster GPU that can hit 120 FPS with ray tracing ^[28]. The new chip’s AI engine (NPU) is 2× faster for handling large language model tasks on-device ^[29], and brands like OPPO and Vivo plan to launch phones with the 9500 by year’s end ^[30]. Meanwhile, Qualcomm confirmed its next top-tier SoC will be named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, aligning with the fifth generation of its 8-series chips ^[31]. The Gen 5 will be officially unveiled at Qualcomm’s summit on September 23 ^[32], and Xiaomi’s 17 series is confirmed to be among the first to debut this powerhouse processor ^[33] (with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 likely close behind).

Apple: Building iPhones in India & a Tougher iPhone 17

Apple’s latest moves mark a strategic pivot in how and where its iPhones are made. For the iPhone 17 generation, Apple is “ramping up iPhone production in India across five factories”, an unprecedented shift designed to reduce reliance on China ^[34]. In fact, Apple will manufacture all four iPhone 17 models in India – a first for the company ^[35]. Newly operational plants run by Tata Group in Tamil Nadu and a Foxconn site near Bangalore are coming online to handle the load ^[36]. This aggressive expansion means that between April and July, iPhone exports from India surged to $7.5 billion (versus $17 billion in the entire previous fiscal year), and India has now overtaken China as the largest exporter of smartphones to the U.S. market ^[37]. The timing isn’t coincidental: Apple is navigating tariff pressures and geopolitical tensions, so diversifying production is a key strategic move ^[38]. By positioning India as a manufacturing hub, Apple aims to mitigate potential U.S. tariffs on China-made devices and secure its supply chain stability.

Alongside the production shift, Apple’s product strategy is shining a spotlight on durability and technological self-reliance. The new iPhone 17 lineup – which includes the standard models, Pro models, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air – benefits from Apple’s continued investment in custom silicon. Apple’s decision to design its own chips is giving it “more control over the capabilities of the iPhone 17 lineup”, enabling advanced features (especially in AI and machine learning) tightly integrated with the hardware ^[39]. In other words, by owning the silicon design (like the A19 Bionic chips), Apple can push the envelope on-device intelligence and battery efficiency in ways that further its long-term AI ambitions ^[40].

Early real-world tests of the new devices are also validating Apple’s hardware claims. Notably, the iPhone Air – Apple’s thinnest and lightest flagship – has proven unexpectedly tough. In a now-viral durability test by YouTuber Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything), the iPhone Air withstood bend pressure and scratches without significant damage. The torture test “confirmed Apple’s claims of its most durable iPhone yet,” showing that the ultra-thin design did not compromise structural integrity ^[41]. A teardown by repair experts likewise found the iPhone Air to be surprisingly serviceable, thanks to design tweaks that make components more accessible ^[42]. This focus on durability and repairability reflects a broader industry trend (and perhaps a response to EU repairability regulations), but it’s especially noteworthy coming from Apple, which historically balanced sleek design against repair friendliness. Now, with the iPhone Air, Apple appears to have achieved both an elegant form factor and robust build quality.

Apple’s latest iPhones, running iOS 26, also introduce new features like expanded eSIM-only support (pushing more users toward embedded SIMs) and improvements in camera and battery life. And while Apple’s September iPhone launch is always a headline event, the ripple effects this year go beyond the devices themselves – from global supply chain realignments to setting new bars for durability and in-house tech integration, Apple is clearly playing the long game.

Samsung: Leaks Promise Display Leap and Privacy Tech

Samsung spent these days in the spotlight of leaks and software updates, painting a picture of what’s next for the world’s biggest smartphone maker. The company’s forthcoming Galaxy S26 series (expected in early 2026) is already the subject of juicy leaks pointing to both hardware and software breakthroughs.

On the hardware front, Samsung is reportedly planning a significant display upgrade for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to insider reports, Samsung will for the first time equip its own flagship with the advanced M14 OLED panels – the same screen technology it supplied for Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro ^[43]. These M14 panels use a special polarizer-free design (a COE – color-on-encapsulation – layer to cut reflections), allowing the display to be thinner, more power-efficient, and brighter ^[44]. Ironically, Samsung develops the M14 OLED but until now hadn’t used it in its own phones, instead letting Apple get a head start. That’s about to change: a Korean report indicates Samsung wants the S26 Ultra to debut this cutting-edge screen tech before Apple’s 2027 iPhones adopt it, essentially leapfrogging Cupertino in display innovation ^[45]. In fact, Samsung is so keen to beat Apple at its own game that it’s fast-tracking M14 panels for the S26 Ultra, while the lower-tier S26 models (S26 Pro and S26 Edge) may stick with the current M13 displays ^[46]. As one report put it, “Samsung is trying to apply the new [COE] technology to its top model to emphasize that it applied it before Apple,” highlighting the fierce rivalry even in component tech ^[47].

Another exciting leak for the S26 family is a feature aimed at privacy and eye comfort: a “Private Display” mode. Code in Samsung’s One UI software suggests an option to limit screen visibility from side angles, so that only the person directly in front of the phone can clearly see the content ^[48]. This would be a boon for privacy in public places – think of it as built-in screen narrowing that makes it hard for a neighbor on a plane or bus to snoop on your messages. While Samsung hasn’t officially announced this, the leaked info shows it listed as Private Display under display settings. It’s reminiscent of HP’s SureView or other privacy filters on laptops, but integrated at the OLED level or via software adjustments on a phone. If it works as described, Samsung users could toggle privacy mode when needed to “hide your screen from prying side glances”】 ^[49], a very practical feature for the mobile era.

Samsung’s leaks also hint at camera and video upgrades. A rumored Galaxy S26 Pro model leak suggests Samsung is gearing up to challenge Apple in pro-grade videography ^[50]. The S26 camera system might introduce new video recording tools and tuning that rival the iPhone’s prowess in filmmaking (possibly including improved 8K recording or advanced HDR). Additionally, there’s talk of continuing the trend of huge sensors and refined zoom – one leak even pointed to a sweet macro/close-up improvement in the S26 Ultra’s telephoto lens system ^[51].

On the software side, Samsung users are already seeing the fruits of the company’s rapid update cycle. Samsung began the official rollout of One UI 8 (based on Android 16) to its recent devices ^[52]. By the third week of September, the Galaxy S25 and S24 series and the latest Z Fold/Flip devices started receiving Android 16 with Samsung’s new One UI 8 skin ^[53]. This update brings a suite of improvements, from refined UI tweaks to new security patches. Perhaps most exciting are the hints of One UI 8.5 on the horizon. Samsung hasn’t officially unveiled One UI 8.5 yet, but leaks are “pouring in” about it ^[54].

From those leaks, One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be a very AI-centric update. Screenshots shared by beta testers and insiders show a beefed-up “Galaxy AI” assistant with four new categories of capabilities ^[55]:

Meeting Assist: real-time transcription and translation of meeting conversations and presentations – potentially a lifesaver for international business meetings ^[56].
Touch Assistant: an AI that processes on-screen text to improve reading efficiency (perhaps summarizing or enlarging text on-the-fly) ^[57].
Smart Clipboard: offering intelligent suggestions when you copy text – e.g. one-tap options to correct text, summarize, translate, search or share the copied content ^[58].
Social Composer: in apps like Facebook or Instagram, the AI can generate post captions based on your images, and in shopping apps it could even auto-write product reviews for items you bought ^[59].

These AI features show Samsung’s determination to infuse smart assistance throughout the user experience, on par with Google’s AI moves. Notably, Samsung is also integrating third-party AI agents: One UI 8.5 code suggests support for Google’s Gemini AI, OpenAI’s Gauss, and even Perplexity AI, accessible via a new launcher shortcut (potentially replacing the Google search bar) to answer questions in concise, 3-sentence responses ^[60]. It sounds like Samsung phones might ship with a multi-AI hub, letting users pick different AI engines for different tasks – which would be quite innovative.

Samsung’s current generation is also doing well – the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 (launched earlier in the year) are apparently selling strongly, so much so that Samsung had to scramble to increase Fold 7 production ^[61]. And rumors persist that Samsung’s first tri-folding phone could even debut in the U.S. as soon as this fall ^[62], which would be a major form-factor breakthrough if true.

In summary, Samsung’s news in late September showcases a company in forward momentum: implementing cutting-edge displays, exploring privacy-oriented features, rolling out Android updates quickly, and investing heavily in AI for its software. All of this serves to keep Samsung at the bleeding edge as it prepares for the next cycle of flagship launches.

Google: Pixel 10 Showcases AI and a Folding Future

Google’s Pixel 10 series is fresh off its launch and it’s clear that Google is betting big on AI-driven user experiences. The Pixel 10 family – comprising the base Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, the super-sized Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Google’s first foldable phone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold – was announced on August 20 at a New York City event ^[63]. With this 10th-generation lineup, Google signaled a maturity of its hardware line, but more importantly, a vision for phones that are smarter and more helpful than ever.

“As Google’s latest flagship, the Pixel 10 comes at a time when AI is finding its place in our mobile lives,” one reviewer noted, pointing out that Google’s marketing for the phone focuses less on raw specs and more on “what the phone can do for you” with its intelligence ^[64]. Indeed, many of the Pixel 10’s headline features are about Google’s Gemini AI and on-device machine learning. For example, all Pixel 10 models run on the new Tensor G5 chip, which is custom-designed by Google to accelerate AI tasks. This enables things like faster voice typing, more advanced camera processing, and the kind of features that make a phone feel like a personal assistant in your pocket.

One such feature made waves this week: Conversational image editing in Google Photos. On September 23, Google announced it was expanding a Pixel 10-exclusive photo editing feature to all Android users in the U.S. ^[65]. Originally debuting on the Pixel 10, this feature lets you edit images just by describing what you want in plain language. You can literally speak or type a command like “Remove the cars in the background” or “Make this picture look warmer” and Google’s AI (part of the Gemini model family) will execute those edits for you ^[66]. No more fiddling with sliders or figuring out which filter to use – you just ask, and Gemini does the work inside Google Photos. Google demonstrated whimsical use-cases too, like asking the AI to “imagine my pet is on a tropical beach” – the system can generate that composite realistically ^[67]. This “Help Me Edit” tool (invoked via an Ask Photos prompt) had been a selling point for Pixel 10, showcasing how tightly Google can integrate AI into everyday tasks. Now it’s rolling out widely, underscoring Google’s strategy to use Pixel as a launchpad for AI features that eventually benefit the broader Android ecosystem.

Beyond imaging, the Pixel 10 series is loaded with other AI-centric tricks. Call Screen has gotten smarter at handling spam calls, the Assistant can carry out more complex automation routines, and features like Hold For Me and Recorder’s Speaker Labels continue to evolve. Google even built 7 years of software support into the Pixel 10 (far surpassing the industry standard), meaning these devices will keep improving with new AI capabilities through Android 23 ^[68].

Hardware hasn’t been ignored either. The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro refined their displays (now up to a blazing 3000 nits peak brightness on the Pro models ^[69]), and finally introduced ultrafast UFS 4.0 storage for quicker app loads (a much-needed spec bump). The camera systems were enhanced: the regular Pixel 10 now includes a 5× telephoto lens it lacked before, narrowing the gap with the Pro. Battery capacity got a bump (nearly 5000 mAh on the Pixel 10) with support for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard ^[70]. Notably, Google removed the SIM tray on U.S. models, going eSIM-only – a move in line with Apple’s eSIM push, and a bold choice that signals where Google sees the future of connectivity ^[71].

However, it’s the Pixel 10 Pro Fold that represents Google’s most adventurous foray. This device (teased by Google in an official preview video ^[72]) takes the Pixel experience and puts it in a folding form factor, similar in concept to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold wasn’t widely available yet by late September (sales might commence a bit later or limited regions first), but Google’s teaser showed off a tablet-sized inner display and a familiar Pixel-esque design for the outer screen ^[73] ^[74]. Google is emphasizing durability (it claims the hinge is tested for many years of folds) and continuity of experience – you can start using an app on the outside and seamlessly continue on the big inside screen. The Fold also benefits from Google’s software prowess: features from Android 16 like adaptive layouts, dual-screen multitasking, and camera modes optimized for a half-folded device (acting like a tripod) are all part of the package. By entering the foldable arena, Google is both catching up to a trend and also aiming to set itself apart by tightly integrating Android’s foldable support with its own hardware. It’s also noteworthy that Google’s using its own Tensor G5 in the foldable, rather than off-the-shelf Qualcomm chips, showing confidence that its SoC can compete in a demanding form factor.

In terms of market impact, Pixel phones remain niche compared to Apple and Samsung, but Google has been steadily growing its share. With Pixel 10, reviewers are saying “the magic is here” and calling it “an AI phone more than worth its $800 price tag” ^[75]. Google’s strategy appears to leverage AI as the great differentiator – something that can make a mid-range hardware spec feel premium through smarter software. As generative AI and personalized assistants become the next big tech battleground, Google is ensuring its Pixel owners are at the forefront of that revolution, effectively turning early adopters into ambassadors for what Google’s ecosystem can do.

Expect Google to keep drip-feeding new AI features to Pixel 10 (and likely Pixel 9) through its Feature Drop updates. Already we’re hearing about things like Gemini AI “droplets” for image editing and assistant improvements in Android 17 in the works ^[76]. And as Pixel devices gain more traction (especially if the Fold finds a fanbase and if Google’s seven-year update promise instills confidence), Google’s influence on smartphone trends – from eSIM adoption to AI-first design – could become outsized relative to its market share.

Xiaomi: Big Screens on the Back and Bold Ambitions

Xiaomi, one of China’s top smartphone manufacturers, made waves with teasers and leaks of its upcoming Xiaomi 17 series, suggesting the company is ready to shake up smartphone design and performance. The Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are expected to be unveiled by the end of September (Xiaomi’s president Lu Weibing hinted the launch is coming “this month” on social media ^[77]), and they’re bringing some eye-popping innovations.

The most talked-about feature is unquestionably the rear display. Xiaomi has officially confirmed via a Weibo teaser that the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will sport what it calls a “magic back screen” ^[78]. In plain terms, these phones will have a large secondary display on the back of the phone, surrounding the camera module. Leaked renders and even a live hands-on photo (briefly circulated online) show a substantial screen occupying a big portion of the rear – not just a tiny notification window, but something closer to a full mini-display ^[79]. It appears large enough to show a clock, notifications, and possibly function as a viewfinder for taking high-quality selfies with the rear cameras ^[80]. Xiaomi’s teaser video clip (highlighted by renowned leaker Ice Universe) depicts the phone flipping over to reveal this expansive back panel display lighting up ^[81]. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of the Meizu Pro 7 (which had a small rear display) or Vivo’s experimental rear screen phone, but Xiaomi is taking it to another level by making the display much larger and more integrated. The “magic” nomenclature suggests Xiaomi has some unique software uses planned – perhaps always-on widgets, a mirror mode for photography, or game controls. It’s a risky design play (extra screens add cost and complexity), but Xiaomi is known for bold moves in its flagship MIX/Ultra lines, and this could be a signature differentiator for the 17 series.

Inside, the Xiaomi 17 series is poised to be among the most powerful phones of 2025. Xiaomi has confirmed that its new flagships will be among the first to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset ^[82]. In fact, during Qualcomm’s earnings call and subsequent press, it was mentioned that Xiaomi will be the “first OEM” to launch with the next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite chip ^[83] ^[84]. This suggests Xiaomi timed the 17 series launch to coincide tightly with Qualcomm’s announcement (the Snapdragon Summit in late September). If the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is indeed unveiled on Sept 23, we could see Xiaomi 17 phones with that chip in the market weeks or even days after – which is a big win for Xiaomi’s marketing (being first out the gate with the new silicon). This new Qualcomm chip, as noted earlier, represents the fifth generation of 5nm/3nm flagship SoCs and is expected to offer substantial boosts in performance and efficiency. Xiaomi leveraging it means the 17 series will go head-to-head with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 and others in raw power.

Xiaomi is also reportedly focusing on display quality (beyond that second screen). There’s talk that the Xiaomi 17 Pro/Max will use a bright, high-refresh OLED on the front with possibly 2K resolution and LTPO tech for dynamic 1–120Hz refresh. Camera-wise, Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues, so we anticipate advanced camera hardware co-engineered with Leica’s color science. The leaked render of the 17 Pro shows the Leica branding next to the cameras ^[85]. Rumors point to a dual-camera system on the back (likely a primary wide and an ultra-wide, if the telephoto is under-display or something creative). Interestingly, one leak hinted one of the rear cameras might be under the back screen – meaning you don’t see the lens, it’s hidden beneath that rear display panel ^[86]. If true, that’s an impressive feat of engineering (and could allow the back screen to be uninterrupted).

Strategically, Xiaomi’s moves also have a competitive angle. By introducing the rear display now, Xiaomi is doing something neither Apple nor Samsung currently offer. It harks back to Xiaomi’s penchant for “firsts” – remember they introduced 120W fast charging, 1-inch camera sensors, etc., ahead of rivals in past models. Moreover, Xiaomi’s decision to adopt Qualcomm’s latest chip immediately is partly to stake a claim against MediaTek (which supplies chips for many Chinese OEMs) and to assure consumers that Xiaomi = top performance.

Another interesting tidbit: Xiaomi is keen to emphasize that it’s not behind in display technology. Samsung’s aforementioned M14 OLED panels – Xiaomi actually used them before Samsung’s own phones did. The iPhone 16 Pro had M14 (made by Samsung Display) in 2024, and Xiaomi’s 13 Ultra had an advanced Samsung panel too. For the 17 series, Xiaomi might use the latest Samsung or CSOT displays and perhaps even incorporate features like ultra-high-frequency PWM dimming (to reduce eye strain) and advanced HDR. In fact, one leak teased that “Xiaomi’s next phone might outshine the competition with a second screen on the back”, clearly referencing this external display idea ^[87].

From a market standpoint, Xiaomi is coming off strong momentum: reports show India surpassed China as the top smartphone exporter to the US largely because of companies like Xiaomi increasing production in India ^[88]. And while Xiaomi doesn’t officially sell its flagships in the U.S., it has been expanding in Europe and other regions. The 17 series (especially if it has a distinctive design) could help Xiaomi grab more premium market share at home and abroad. Xiaomi also continues to invest in fast charging and battery tech – we might see something like 150W charging on the 17 Pro Max, which would outdo most competitors.

In summary, Xiaomi’s news signals innovation on multiple fronts: a radical design with the “magic” rear screen, bleeding-edge processing power, and likely top-tier camera and display hardware. If the execution is good, the Xiaomi 17 Pro/Max could be among 2025’s most talked-about phones, offering a blend of novelty (a phone that’s all screen, front and back) and sheer performance. It’s the kind of gambit that either sets a trend (others rushing to add secondary displays) or becomes a quirky footnote – but given Xiaomi’s track record (their experimentation often leads to mainstream features later), we wouldn’t bet against the former.

OnePlus: Redefining Its Flagship Identity

OnePlus, the enthusiast-favorite brand under the BBK umbrella, is gearing up for a major refresh with its upcoming OnePlus 15 – and the leaks over these days have painted an exciting picture. The OnePlus 15 is rumored to launch in October, and if leaks are accurate, it represents one of the biggest design departures for OnePlus in years, as well as a shift in its photography strategy.

Leaked photos and renders that surfaced on Weibo and other platforms give us a clear look at the OnePlus 15’s rear design. Commentators described it as “a mash-up of a Pixel and an iPhone” ^[89] – meaning the phone adopts a more unibody, rounded aesthetic with a camera layout that evokes the simplicity of Pixel’s visor and iPhone’s clean lenses. Specifically, images show a large, circular (or square-rounded) camera island that’s quite different from the stovetop-like module on the OnePlus 11/12. The new camera array is rumored to include three lenses with a redesigned placement and even an elevated camera bump for the main sensor ^[90]. Two leaked colorways (a white/silver and a pinkish hue) made the rounds, suggesting OnePlus might introduce fresh finishes – possibly even a “Titanium” edition for a premium touch ^[91].

Spec-wise, OnePlus is aiming high. According to an Android Central report, the OnePlus 15 is expected to feature a 6.7-inch high-refresh display, presumably AMOLED at 120Hz, and it will likely run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chip (whether that’s the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or a variant of the upcoming Gen 5, depending on timing). One eye-popping spec: a 7,300 mAh battery ^[92]. If true, this battery would be enormous – even larger than many tablet batteries, and far above typical phone capacities (~5,000 mAh). OnePlus might be trying to leapfrog competitors in battery life, or perhaps this is for a special “OnePlus 15 Pro/Ultra” model. Combined with OnePlus’s signature fast charging (likely 100W or more in this generation), the battery and charging combo could be a major selling point – a phone that charges fully in 20 minutes and lasts two days.

Another feature likely on board is OxygenOS 16 out of the box (based on Android 16). OnePlus has been refining its software after merging codebase with OPPO’s ColorOS, and OxygenOS 16 will bring subtle UI tweaks and new features (perhaps better Always-On displays and improved privacy tools) if leaks hold true ^[93]. The OnePlus 15 is also said to come with IP68 water and dust resistance – which used to be a question mark for OnePlus but is now standard on their flagships ^[94].

Perhaps the most interesting development for OnePlus is in the camera department. Since 2021, OnePlus partnered with legendary camera maker Hasselblad to fine-tune color science and occasionally hardware (like using Hasselblad’s XPan mode, etc.). However, it appears OnePlus is moving away from that partnership. In mid-September, OnePlus officially announced it has “made its shift from Hasselblad official” ^[95], meaning the upcoming phones will no longer carry the Hasselblad branding or tuning. Instead, OnePlus is introducing its own imaging technologies – one being a new “DetailMax Engine.” This in-house imaging system is aimed at improving detail retention and dynamic range in photos (essentially OnePlus’s answer to computational photography advancements). There have also been rumors of an in-house camera ISP or algorithm set that OnePlus has developed, which should debut with the OnePlus 15 ^[96]. OnePlus likely felt it learned enough from the Hasselblad collaboration and now wants to differentiate itself with its own style of photos. It’s a bold move, as Hasselblad’s name added prestige, but if DetailMax can deliver sharper, more accurate images (especially combined with a possibly huge new sensor), it could validate OnePlus’s decision to stand on its own.

One leak even suggested the OnePlus 15 might “borrow a distinct feature straight from the iPhone camera” ^[97]. This could refer to sensor-shift stabilization (which Apple introduced) or perhaps the tetra-prism 5x zoom lens that the iPhone 15 Pro Max used. We do know OnePlus has been working on a periscope zoom lens – a leaked periscope component for a OnePlus device was teased by the company’s own COO a while back. So it’s quite plausible the OnePlus 15 Pro includes a periscope telephoto (maybe 5x or 6x optical zoom) for the first time in OnePlus’s lineup, to better compete with Samsung, Google, and others in zoom photography.

Additionally, durability is getting attention. A somewhat humorous story from earlier in the month: someone “accidentally” tried to drown a OnePlus 13 (the current model) and it “didn’t flinch,” surviving the ordeal ^[98]. That indicates OnePlus phones have quietly become a lot more water-resistant and rugged than before (even mid-range models like OnePlus 13 were fine underwater). With the OnePlus 15 touting IP68, users can have more confidence in its build quality.

In summary, OnePlus appears to be redefining its flagship identity – pushing boundaries in battery size, refining design to stand out (or perhaps align with current design trends), and asserting independence in camera innovation. The brand built its reputation on speed (remember the “Never Settle” motto and focus on fast & smooth performance). Now, with the OnePlus 15, it wants to show it can excel in photography and offer a well-rounded flagship that undercuts the competition on price. If the rumored specs hold, the OnePlus 15 could attract those power users who want the absolute biggest battery and a clean, fast software experience, without breaking the bank relative to Samsung/Apple. We’ll have to see if the real device lives up to the leaks, but excitement is certainly building in the OnePlus community.

OPPO: Elevating Mobile Photography with Hasselblad

OPPO, another major Chinese player (and a sister brand to OnePlus), has its own flagship series coming – the Find X9 – and the news around OPPO this week centered on a groundbreaking camera accessory and the continuation of its Hasselblad alliance.

In an official post on Weibo, OPPO’s product manager Zhou Yibao confirmed that the Find X9 Pro will launch with support for a dedicated Hasselblad imaging kit ^[99]. This is a big deal for mobile photography enthusiasts. In essence, OPPO is planning to sell an optional camera kit for its phone, designed and co-engineered with Hasselblad (the legendary camera company that OPPO has partnered with since 2022). According to Zhou, this is “Hasselblad’s first-ever photography kit made specifically for smartphones,” and it’s also the first time OPPO is bringing such an accessory to a non-Ultra model ^[100]. Previously, only the super-premium Find X6 Pro “Ultra” variant had some modular add-ons, but now even the Pro will get the treatment.

So, what’s in this Hasselblad kit? Leaks and OPPO’s hints say it will include a few components to enhance the Find X9 Pro’s camera experience:

A magnetic grip attachment: This likely clips or magnetically sticks to the phone, providing a better hand-held grip akin to a real camera. It could also have a physical shutter button for that authentic feel. Notably, rumors claim it’s easier to attach than previous “snap-on” designs – possibly using a MagSafe-like magnet system for quick on/off ^[101].
An external telephoto lens converter: Essentially, a pro-grade lens (maybe 3× or greater zoom) that sits over the phone’s existing camera to provide optical zoom and improved quality ^[102]. The leak suggests it will offer “top-notch image quality and resolution” for distance shots ^[103]. Think of it as a clip-on zoom lens, but engineered by Hasselblad for serious photographers.

This concept brings to mind the Moto Z’s Hasselblad MotoMod attachment from 2016, but OPPO’s execution seems more polished and oriented toward enhancing the built-in camera rather than replacing it. By leveraging Hasselblad’s optics expertise, OPPO can give users the ability to take, say, a 10× optical zoom shot with proper lens optics, something no built-in periscope can fully achieve yet. It’s a niche feature, but for mobile photo geeks it could be a game-changer – essentially turning your phone into a travel camera with interchangeable-like lenses.

What’s also interesting is the strategy behind this: OPPO is clearly doubling down on the cameraphone arms race. They recently renewed their partnership with Hasselblad for multiple years ^[104], showing commitment to co-develop next-gen imaging systems. We can interpret the imaging kit as one fruit of that partnership. It also differentiates OPPO in a crowded field – while others improve cameras via sensors and algorithms, OPPO is adding modularity. If the kit is successful, it could spawn an ecosystem of phone camera accessories.

The Find X9 Pro itself, beyond the kit, is expected to have top-tier camera hardware built-in: likely a custom 1-inch type main sensor (following the Find X6 Pro’s lead, which had fantastic camera reviews), plus ultrawide and a good periscope telephoto. The Hasselblad tuning will handle color science for natural colors. And OPPO’s computational photography (with its MariSilicon X imaging NPU, if they continue using it) will tie it all together.

OPPO also confirmed that imaging accessories are in the works for the standard Find X9 (not just the Pro) ^[105] ^[106]. That means even the non-Pro users might get some attachment (perhaps a smaller lens kit or filters). This indicates OPPO wants to build a modular ecosystem across its lineup, which is ambitious.

From a timeline perspective, an OPPO executive mentioned (via a rumor) that the Hasselblad kit is slated for release in October ^[107]. This suggests the Find X9 series might launch around that time or at least the kit will be sold shortly after the phones. The marketing practically writes itself: an OPPO Find X9 Pro coupled with a Hasselblad professional kit – it appeals to photography enthusiasts who might normally buy a DSLR or mirrorless, by offering some of that experience on a phone.

It’s worth noting OPPO’s broader moves too: they, along with OnePlus, share R&D, and interestingly OnePlus has just dropped Hasselblad while OPPO is embracing it further. This could mean OPPO will carry the torch of the Hasselblad partnership solely, and we may not see the Hasselblad logo on OnePlus anymore but only on OPPO/Vivo devices.

Finally, OPPO is a significant player in foldables too (Find N series), but in this news cycle the focus was on its slab flagships and camera innovation. The Find X9 series will also of course have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (likely the Elite Gen 5) in some versions if it launches after that chip is available. So performance-wise, OPPO will be on par with the best.

In summary, OPPO’s strategy is clear: make the Find X9 series the ultimate choice for camera enthusiasts by combining cutting-edge hardware, celebrated Hasselblad image processing, and now optional professional-grade accessories. It’s a unique value proposition – one that could carve out a niche of photographers who prefer a phone that can adapt like a camera. We’ll see if this idea takes off (past attempts in the industry had mixed success), but given the quality implied (Hasselblad’s direct involvement and OPPO’s polish), there’s genuine excitement building. The mobile photography bar just keeps getting higher.

Vivo: Doubling Down on Zoom Prowess

Vivo, another BBK sibling brand known for its camera-centric flagships, is also preparing a new high-end phone – the successor to the X200 Pro, likely called the Vivo X300 Pro. And according to official info and leaks, Vivo is intent on owning the title of ultimate zoom camera phone.

Vivo’s product manager Han Boxiao took to Weibo earlier in the month to reveal some juicy details about the upcoming X300 Pro’s camera system ^[108]. Chief among them: Vivo will continue to use its impressive 200 MP periscope telephoto lens. The X200 Pro and X200 Pro+ were lauded for their periscope zoom (around 5× optical, 85mm equivalent) that excelled in low-light thanks to a large sensor and OIS. Han confirmed that the X300 Pro will carry forward that 200MP 85mm periscope shooter, which cemented the X series as “low-light telephoto leaders.” ^[109] In other words, while some competitors like Samsung increased zoom magnification but with smaller sensors, Vivo is sticking with a big, high-resolution sensor to ensure even zoomed shots are rich in detail and brightness.

However, Vivo isn’t just reusing old hardware – they’re refining it further. The company announced two key hardware upgrades for the X300 Pro’s camera lenses: ZEISS T★ lens coatings and fluorite glass elements ^[110] ^[111]. Vivo has a partnership with ZEISS (another famed lens maker) and the T-Star (T) anti-reflective coating is something ZEISS usually applies to its professional lenses. By adding this to the phone’s lenses, Vivo aims to “crush lens flare and color fringing,” delivering cleaner images even when shooting challenging scenes like night cityscapes with lots of lights (which often cause ghosting) ^[112] ^[113]. The fluorite glass, meanwhile, helps reduce chromatic aberration (the color distortion at edges of objects) because glass has better optical properties than plastic lens elements. These are the kind of fine improvements usually discussed in standalone cameras, now trickling into phones.

Stabilization is another area Vivo is bragging about. The X300 Pro’s periscope lens has a new stabilization system that achieves a CIPA 5.5-stop anti-shake rating ^[114]. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) ratings are a standard in camera world; 5.5 stops is extremely high for a lens. This implies that even at high zoom, handheld shots will be steady – the OIS can compensate for very large shakes. Vivo claims this is the highest stabilization level in the industry right now ^[115]. That means sharper images and less need for tripods or bracing, even when zooming way in or shooting long exposures at night.

Under the hood, Vivo is also flexing its semiconductor muscle: they collaborated with Samsung to create a custom ISOCELL HP-B sensor for that periscope camera ^[116]. It’s said to be an evolution of Samsung’s 200MP sensors (like HP3/HPX) but engineered specifically for Vivo ^[117]. This custom sensor likely optimizes pixel layout or readout speeds to Vivo’s requirements. Such co-development shows how serious Vivo is about mobile photography – they’re not just buying off-the-shelf parts, but co-designing silicon to get an edge.

On the main camera, Vivo’s X series already uses large 1-inch type sensors (50MP) and has gimbal-like stabilization in the Ultra model. We can expect the X300 Pro to have similar or improved main camera performance. The addition of multi-frame fusion and new focus-tracking engines were also teased ^[118]. Vivo mentioned working with platform partners to enable precise motion capture from ultra-long distances, indicating AI-assisted focus and tracking to complement the hardware zoom ^[119]. This could mean if you’re, say, zooming in on a distant athlete or animal, the camera can lock focus and even predict movement for a clear shot, using AI.

It’s also worth noting Vivo’s achievements so far this year: the X Fold 5 (their foldable) has been reviewed as possibly “the best foldable of 2025” by some, and they even beat Samsung to launching a mixed-reality Android headset ^[120]. In smartphones though, Vivo’s X series typically doesn’t have huge global market share (Vivo is big in China, India, Southeast Asia), but it sets benchmarks that others sometimes follow. For instance, Vivo introduced the gimbal-OIS idea and dual front cameras for wide selfies earlier on.

By focusing on periscope zoom quality, Vivo is targeting a niche but important area. Many flagships now have good 1x and 0.5x (ultrawide) cameras, but few nail the long-range zoom. Samsung offers 10x on the S24 Ultra but at only 10MP and smaller sensor; Google Pixel goes up to 5x at 48MP. Vivo’s approach with 200MP means it can do lossless digital cropping even beyond 5x (like up to 10x maybe) and still have plenty of detail. If they truly solve the night performance and stabilization, the X300 Pro could be the device for moon shots, wildlife photography, or any scenario needing zoom.

To sum up, Vivo is doubling down on what it does best: camera innovation. The X300 Pro is shaping up to be a photographer’s dream, with a blend of hardware (custom sensors, ZEISS optics, periscope lens), software (multi-frame AI enhancements), and extreme stabilization. It’s like Vivo wants to put a mini DSLR in your pocket – and given their track record (the X100 series last year was highly praised), they just might pull it off. In the wider context, this pushes the industry forward. As Vivo hits new heights in zoom and low-light imaging, competitors will likely respond, meaning consumers everywhere can expect even better cameras in the next generation of phones.

Honor: A Fashionable Flip with Serious Firepower

Honor, the Huawei-spinoff brand, has been making a name for itself in foldables lately, and its latest – the Honor Magic V Flip 2 – shows why. Launched in China (with a global launch expected to follow), the Magic V Flip 2 is a clamshell-style foldable that not only comes with glitzy design collaboration but also breaks technical records for its class.

First, the aesthetics: Honor partnered with renowned luxury shoe designer Jimmy Choo to create a special edition of the Magic V Flip 2 ^[121] ^[122]. The result is a phone that doubles as a fashion statement. The limited “Jimmy Choo Edition” of the Flip 2 features a back panel design inspired by crystal shimmer – it has a kind of starry, glittery finish embedded in deep blue glass, meant to “radiate captivating brilliance with every movement,” as Honor puts it ^[123]. Essentially, Honor is marketing this device as an haute couture piece of tech – something you’d flash at a gala as much as use for Instagram. It’s rare to see such direct fashion collaborations in phones (besides maybe some old Dior phones or branded cases), so Honor is clearly targeting the style-conscious segment, especially female consumers who value both looks and performance.

But don’t let the bedazzling exterior fool you – the Magic V Flip 2’s internals are beastly. Honor achieved something quite astounding: they managed to fit a 5,500 mAh battery into a flip phone ^[124]. To put that in perspective, most flip-style foldables (Samsung’s Z Flip, Motorola Razr, etc.) have around 3,700–4,000 mAh batteries. Honor’s 5,500 mAh is by far the largest ever in a clamshell foldable, and even larger than many standard smartphones. And they did this while keeping the device reasonably slim: 6.9 mm thick when open, 15.5 mm when folded ^[125]. Users have always complained about foldable battery life; Honor basically bulldozed that concern by brute force – more capacity. They pair it with fast charging (reports say 80W wired and around 50W wireless charging), so it’s both long-lasting and quick to top up ^[126].

Performance-wise, it runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – not the absolute newest chip (since Gen 5 is coming soon), but still flagship-grade and more than sufficient for any task ^[127]. Honor opted for stability and efficiency with Gen 3, which is proven, rather than waiting for Gen 5. The phone also carries IP58 and IP59 ratings ^[128], which is interesting: IP58 typically means very dust resistant and some water resistance (but not full submersion proof), and IP59 might be a specific test for splashes from certain angles. These dual ratings suggest Honor really tried to ruggedize the flip, even though foldables are inherently less water-tight (Samsung’s Flips have IPX8 – water but no dust guarantee; Honor providing dust protection is a nice add).

Now, onto the cameras – which are another headline feature. The Magic V Flip 2 sports a 200 MP main camera sensor ^[129], which is unprecedented on a flip phone. That sensor is a large 1/1.4-inch sensor with f/1.9 aperture and both OIS & EIS stabilization ^[130]. In plain terms, it’s a very high-resolution and relatively large camera sensor for a phone, especially a compact foldable. This should allow extremely detailed shots and decent low-light performance. Honor is branding it an “Ultra-Clear AI Camera,” indicating heavy AI algorithms to make the most of those 200 million pixels. Alongside that, there’s a 50 MP ultra-wide camera and even a 50 MP selfie camera inside ^[131]. That’s three cameras all with flagship-level resolutions. For a flip phone, which traditionally has had to compromise on camera quality due to space, Honor did not skimp at all. It basically has a flagship camera array comparable to large slab phones, potentially making it the best camera flip phone on the market so far (besting Samsung’s 12MP sensors on the Z Flip 5).

The displays are also top-notch: The inner folding screen is 6.82 inches, OLED 120Hz, and impressively bright (Honor claims up to 5,000 nits peak on the main screen – which is extremely high, possibly measured on a tiny area HDR spot) ^[132]. The cover display is 4.0 inches and also 120Hz OLED, with 3,600 nits peak ^[133]. That cover screen is much larger than what Samsung offers (3.4 inches on Z Flip 5) and is fully functional – you can run many apps on it. Essentially, the phone is usable even when closed for messaging, maps, etc., which is a trend started by Motorola and now adopted by Honor and others.

Honor also touts some unique features: since it’s a flip, you can half-fold it to use it in “tent mode” or “flex mode” for hands-free video calls or selfies. They also have an AI called “Magic AI” that presumably helps in photography (like scene recognition, or auto-setting adjustments). And culturally, Honor being a Chinese brand, they integrated a lot of localized features (perhaps like beautification modes, smart travel card support, etc., for their home market).

This device is launching in China first (it became available August 28 in China ^[134] for reference), with a global unveil expected at an Honor event in London the week after (which likely happened in early September for the international version). It’s priced premium – not surprising given the tech and the design partnership.

From a market perspective, Honor is clearly gunning for Samsung’s crown in the foldable flip niche. They’ve basically out-specced the Galaxy Z Flip in every category: bigger battery, more megapixels, bigger cover screen, fashion collab. In China, Honor’s foldables have sold very well, even as Huawei (the former parent) made a surprise comeback. Globally, Honor is trying to re-establish itself (it’s doing okay in Europe). A device like this could attract users who were skeptical about foldables due to battery or camera compromises – because here, those compromises are largely addressed.

In conclusion, Honor’s Magic V Flip 2 marries style and substance. It’s arguably the most feature-packed and spec-heavy flip phone to date, wrapped in a head-turning design. It shows how far post-Huawei Honor has come – from being a budget-centric sub-brand to now producing ultra-premium, innovative products in its own right. If Honor can deliver consistent software and user experience to match the specs, the Magic V Flip 2 might set a new benchmark that even Samsung will feel pressure to match in their next Flip. At the very least, it gives consumers (especially fashion-forward ones) a compelling alternative in the burgeoning foldable market.

Nothing: Polishing the User Experience

London-based startup Nothing, led by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has been making waves with its distinctive design phones and frequent software updates. The latest news is all about the Nothing Phone 3, which just received a significant software update aimed at refining the user experience and particularly boosting the camera performance.

On September 23, Nothing began rolling out Nothing OS 3.5 (version 3.5-250911) to Phone 3 owners ^[135]. The company highlighted that this update is a “much-needed camera overhaul” for the Phone 3 ^[136] – phrasing that suggests they heard the feedback about the camera’s initial shortcomings and addressed them head-on. The changelog indeed is filled with camera improvements:

Improved manual controls: The Phone 3’s camera now offers finer manual exposure adjustment and more responsive controls, giving advanced users more precision when dialing in shutter speed or ISO ^[137]. Before, the manual mode was a bit clunky; now it’s been tuned for accuracy.
Color accuracy fixes: A known issue with Phone 3 was a slight color cast under certain lighting (some images might lean too warm or cool). The update explicitly “tackles a known issue with color casts, so your photos now show truer, more balanced colors in any light.” ^[138] That’s a welcome fix, as color consistency is key for any camera.
AI Super-Res Zoom: The Nothing Phone 3 has a periscope telephoto lens (a rare feature in mid-range phones), and it also uses AI upscaling for zoom. The update enhances the AI Super Resolution Zoom, making zoomed text and details look sharper and clearer ^[139] ^[140]. Essentially, when you zoom in on something like a sign or document, the text should now appear more legible thanks to better AI processing.
Action Mode improvements: Action Mode is Nothing’s term for a movement-capture mode (fast shutter with AI de-blurring). The update “cuts down noise and grain for cleaner motion shots” in Action Mode ^[141]. So if you’re snapping a photo of a pet running or a sports scene, the result should have less motion blur and noise.
Video quality tuning: Nothing quietly mentioned that video contrast has been boosted and haze reduced, plus colors made livelier ^[142]. This means recorded videos will look punchier and clearer. Many reviewers noted Phone 3’s video was decent but a bit flat; this tweak aims to address that.

Even third-party camera apps benefit – the update apparently allows apps like Snapchat or Instagram to tap into the improved image processing, yielding clearer results in non-native camera apps too ^[143].

Beyond the camera, under-the-hood fixes were plentiful:

The quirky Glyph interface (those cool LED light patterns on the back) now runs smoother in multi-user scenarios ^[144] (earlier, if you had multiple user profiles on the phone, the Glyph might misbehave – now fixed).
Some UI polish: e.g., the Bluetooth recording UI is cleaner now, which suggests they refined the interface you see when recording audio over a Bluetooth mic ^[145].
System stability: A bug where avatars in the UI were duplicated is fixed, and some haptic feedback glitches were squashed ^[146].
Performance and thermals: Nothing says battery drain and heating are reduced ^[147]. Likely, they optimized background processes or tweaked app behaviors to prevent the phone from getting hot during intensive tasks. This should improve battery life a bit and keep the Phone 3 comfortably cool to hold.
Wi-Fi stability: Improvements here mean fewer random disconnects or faster handoffs between networks ^[148]. Some users had reported the Phone 3 occasionally struggled on certain Wi-Fi networks; that should be improved now.

It’s notable that this update comes while the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 is on the horizon (closed beta sign-ups have begun ^[149]). So 3.5 is like a bridge update to keep things fresh until the next big OS upgrade. Carl Pei’s team has been pretty speedy with updates; they did a similar camera-focused update for Phone 2 last year.

From a strategic perspective, Nothing is positioning the Phone 3 as a legitimate alternative to more established brands. They know that to win over users, they must show commitment to improvement. Rolling out a major camera and stability update within a couple of months of the Phone 3’s release signals that commitment. It’s somewhat reminiscent of how OnePlus used to operate (fast iterative updates after launch to polish things up).

Community feedback seems to drive these changes. For instance, the mention of “AI SuperRes Zoom now makes zoomed-in text look crisper” ^[150] directly addresses reviews that said zoom could be sharper. Also, the increase in battery efficiency shows they’re fine-tuning the OS for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip inside the Phone 3.

Looking forward, Nothing’s promise of Nothing OS 4.0 (with Android 16) later in the year could bring even more features – perhaps an overhaul of the Glyph interface functionality or new visual tweaks (they teased some AI features too). But for now, Phone 3 users are likely very happy to get substantially better camera performance and a smoother daily experience through this 3.5 update.

In essence, Nothing is playing the long game: use software updates to turn initial buyer enthusiasm into long-term satisfaction. The Phone 3’s distinctive design (with its semi-transparent back and flashing Glyph lights) gets people in the door, but it’s the everyday reliability and camera quality that will keep them as evangelists for the brand. By addressing pain points quickly, Nothing is building trust and showing that even as a young company, it can keep pace with (or even outdo) bigger OEMs in software support. For consumers, that means a Phone 3 purchased now should only get better with time – a proposition that’s music to any tech-savvy buyer’s ears.

Next-Gen Mobile Chips: MediaTek and Qualcomm’s Duel

The last few days also saw significant developments in the mobile chipset arena, as the two big System-on-Chip players – Qualcomm and MediaTek – set the stage for the next generation of smartphone brains.

MediaTek, often seen as the underdog to Qualcomm in the flagship space, officially announced its new top-tier chipset: the Dimensity 9500. This is MediaTek’s premium SoC aimed at 2025’s flagship Android phones. Key highlights of the Dimensity 9500 were laid out in MediaTek’s briefing and Android Central’s coverage:

It’s built on a 3nm process (likely TSMC’s N3, same class node as Apple’s and Qualcomm’s upcoming chips) ^[151].
The CPU configuration is unique: it’s an octa-core chip with no “little” efficiency cores. Instead, it uses a custom core design (codenamed Arm C1 cores in Ultra, Premium, and Pro tiers) to maximize performance ^[152]. The prime core clocks up to 4.21GHz – blazing fast – with three more performance cores at 3.5GHz and four slightly lower-power cores at 2.7GHz ^[153]. By omitting low-power cores entirely, MediaTek is essentially all-in on performance, trusting its 3nm efficiency gains to keep power usage in check.
The result is a 32% CPU performance boost over the Dimensity 9400 (last year’s chip) in single-core tasks ^[154]. Multi-core sees about +17%. Perhaps even more impressive is efficiency: single-core efficiency improved 55%, and multi-core by 37% ^[155]. These are substantial generation-over-generation gains, suggesting the chip is not only faster but also more power-frugal for the work it does.
The GPU is a new Arm Mali “G1-Ultra” design. MediaTek claims it’s 33% faster in peak performance than the previous gen and can push 120 FPS with hardware ray tracing in supported games ^[156]. Mobile ray tracing is in its infancy, but the 9500 clearly has the chops for it – a big bragging point for marketing.
AI performance is another focus: the NPU (NeuroPilot unit) in Dimensity 9500 is 100% faster for LLM (Large Language Model) tasks ^[157]. Essentially, it can run AI models (like those for smart assistants, camera AI, etc.) twice as fast. MediaTek even mentioned it’s designed to handle more AI on-device, reducing reliance on cloud – which aligns with trends of privacy and speed.
Other features include support for new memory/storage tech: four-lane UFS 4.1 storage, which doubles read/write speeds again over UFS 4.0 ^[158], while somehow being more efficient. This means app launches and data access could be lightning quick. The chip also boasts improvements in “multitasking efficiency” – allegedly 30% more efficient when the device is under heavy load (gaming + Discord, etc.) ^[159].
Connectivity, ISP, and modem details weren’t all in the spotlight, but expect top-of-line 5G (likely still Release 16 5G, maybe hitting up to 10 Gbps in ideal conditions) and support for up to 144Hz displays at high resolutions, etc.

Importantly, MediaTek announced that phones from OPPO and Vivo will use the Dimensity 9500 by end of 2025 ^[160]. This indicates MediaTek already has design wins in Chinese flagship phones (OPPO’s Find or Reno series high-end, Vivo’s X series perhaps). MediaTek has historically been very strong in mid-range but struggled to get into the ultra-flagship in global devices. That might change with the 9500 if it truly competes or beats Snapdragon. The phrase Android Central used was “the Android powerhouse you’d expect” ^[161], suggesting MediaTek delivered what was anticipated in terms of big power boosts.

Now, on the other side, we have Qualcomm gearing up with its next leader: the chipset following the “Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite)” is coming. There was some initial confusion on naming, but Qualcomm clarified this week that it will be called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ^[162]. The naming is a bit of a mouthful but here’s the rationale:

“Gen 5” denotes the fifth generation of the 8-series since Qualcomm revamped its naming in 2021 ^[163]. (Those were: Gen 1 in 2021, Gen 2 in 2022, Gen 3 in 2023, then Gen 4 presumably got skipped or renamed to “Elite”, and now Gen 5 in 2025).
“Elite” branding, which started with last year’s chip, indicates this is the top-tier flagship line. Qualcomm explained they aren’t really skipping Gen 4; rather the Elite Gen 5 name is to streamline and emphasize this is the 5th gen platform ^[164]. As they put it, “while it may look like we skipped generations… [the name] highlights this is the fifth generation since 2021.” ^[165]

Qualcomm’s official Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii kicks off on September 23, 2025, and that’s where the 8 Elite Gen 5 will be fully unveiled ^[166]. So this is hot news in this timeframe: it’s the chip that will power many 2026 flagships (Samsung Galaxy S26 globally, OnePlus 15T or 16, Xiaomi 17 series outside China, etc.).

From bits revealed:

It will likely be on a 3nm process too, likely TSMC N3 like MediaTek (Qualcomm has used TSMC recently for the best efficiency).
Architecture details aren’t confirmed, but if MediaTek has no efficiency cores, will Qualcomm follow? Some leaks suggest Qualcomm might stick to a 1+5+2 arrangement (1 prime, 5 big, 2 small cores) but with newer core designs.
Qualcomm did emphasize their Oryon CPU architecture debuted in the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 4) and continues now ^[167]. Oryon is Qualcomm’s custom CPU core (after acquiring Nuvia), aimed to give “unprecedented performance gains.” The Gen 5 will likely refine this further.
A notable business point: Xiaomi has confirmed that its upcoming Xiaomi 17 series will be among the first with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ^[168]. Indeed, Xiaomi’s exec posted on Weibo about this (and Qualcomm said the same in press). Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 is expected to feature it, possibly in a special “for Galaxy” tuned version as in past years ^[169] ^[170].
Qualcomm also reported some financials and dropped a hint: it made $10.4B revenue last quarter and specifically noted “Xiaomi will be the first to launch with our next Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.” ^[171] This friendly nod to Xiaomi indicates a close partnership (perhaps Xiaomi got early access or an optimized version).
Also, Qualcomm’s making a point that Gen 5 is part of a broader roadmap – implying that mid-range and lower-tier chips will also adopt the “Gen 5” naming (like a Snapdragon 7 Gen 5 etc.) for consistency ^[172].

What does this rivalry mean for consumers? In a nutshell, a leap in phone capabilities is coming. With both Dimensity 9500 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (Elite) being 3nm, we expect:

Faster performance that blurs the line with laptop CPUs in certain tasks.
More on-device AI. Phones could run large language models (think local ChatGPT-style processing) for voice assistants or smart apps without cloud help, thanks to those NPUs doubling in power ^[173].
Better graphics for gaming – mobile devices outputting desktop-like graphics at high frame rates, even tracing rays for realistic lighting.
Improved efficiency = potentially better battery life even as performance rises, or at least maintaining battery life despite doing more.

It’s also intriguing that MediaTek and Qualcomm have diverged in CPU approach (MediaTek going all big cores, Qualcomm likely keeping a mix). It will be fascinating to see benchmarks and real-world tests: MediaTek might win in raw throughput, whereas Qualcomm might claim better sustained efficiency or compatibility.

Finally, these chip developments also feed into the AI arms race on phones. Google’s Tensor chips (in Pixel) focus on AI too; Apple’s A-series added neural cores and even a “Neural Engine” with 16 cores doing 35 trillion ops in A19, etc. With Qualcomm and MediaTek now touting how well they handle LLMs and “20 apps at once with no jank” ^[174], it’s clear that future smartphones will be increasingly judged by how smart and smooth they feel, not just raw speed.

In conclusion, the next-gen chips news from Sept 23–24 shows the engine of innovation revving up beneath our smartphones. The competition between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 will likely lead to some of the fastest, most AI-capable phones ever in the coming months. And as Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Samsung and others pick sides (some will use both in different models), consumers worldwide stand to benefit from devices that can do more, last longer, and connect faster than ever before. The silicon race is very much on – and 2025’s flagships are the prize.

Sources:

Apple production and durability news: ^[175] ^[176] ^[177] ^[178]
Samsung leaks and One UI updates: ^[179] ^[180] ^[181] ^[182] ^[183]
Google Pixel 10 launch and AI features: ^[184] ^[185] ^[186] ^[187]
Xiaomi 17 series teasers and chip info: ^[188] ^[189] ^[190]
OnePlus 15 leaks and camera strategy: ^[191] ^[192] ^[193]
OPPO Find X9 Pro Hasselblad kit: ^[194] ^[195] ^[196]
Vivo X300 Pro camera details: ^[197] ^[198] ^[199]
Honor Magic V Flip 2 launch specs: ^[200] ^[201] ^[202]
Nothing Phone 3 OS 3.5 update: ^[203] ^[204] ^[205]
MediaTek Dimensity 9500 announcement: ^[206] ^[207]
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 news: ^[208] ^[209]

Best Upcoming Phones For Summer 2025 | Pixel 10, Nothing Phone 3, Samsung Fold 7 | TSW241

Watch this video on YouTube.

References

Wild Leaks, Big Launches & Bold Moves – Global Smartphone News Roundup (Sept 23–24, 2025)

Apple: Building iPhones in India & a Tougher iPhone 17

Samsung: Leaks Promise Display Leap and Privacy Tech

Google: Pixel 10 Showcases AI and a Folding Future

Xiaomi: Big Screens on the Back and Bold Ambitions

OnePlus: Redefining Its Flagship Identity

OPPO: Elevating Mobile Photography with Hasselblad

Vivo: Doubling Down on Zoom Prowess

Honor: A Fashionable Flip with Serious Firepower

Nothing: Polishing the User Experience

Next-Gen Mobile Chips: MediaTek and Qualcomm’s Duel

References

Mateusz Brzeziński

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