Foldable Frenzy, Shocking Leaks & Apple’s Big Move – Smartphone News Roundup (Sept 24

Key Facts

Apple’s production pivot: Apple has moved all iPhone 17 manufacturing to India – an unprecedented shift from China – exporting $7.5 billion worth of iPhones from India between April and July ^[1] ^[2]. The ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air launched this month is proving tougher than expected, with durability tests confirming it as Apple’s “most durable iPhone yet” ^[3].
Samsung’s next-gen leaks: Insider leaks reveal Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will use a cutting-edge M14 OLED display – the same tech it supplied for Apple’s latest iPhones – leapfrogging Apple with a thinner, brighter screen ^[4]. Another leak shows a built-in “Private Display” mode that narrows viewing angles to thwart snoops in public ^[5]. Samsung has also begun rolling out Android 16 (One UI 8) to recent models ^[6] and is teasing a One UI 8.5 update packed with new AI smart assistants ^[7].
Google’s AI-first Pixel & foldable debut: Google’s Pixel 10 series, launched last month, is loaded with AI features (e.g. a “Help Me Edit” image AI that obeys natural-language commands) ^[8] and will get 7 years of updates ^[9] ^[10]. Google also teased its first foldable – the Pixel 10 Pro Fold – featuring a tablet-sized inner screen and eSIM-only design ^[11] ^[12]. Uniquely, Pixel 10 is already satellite-ready: it’s the first phone to support T-Mobile/Starlink satellite data (for off-grid Maps, messaging, etc.) right out of the box ^[13] ^[14].
Xiaomi’s bold design and new OS: Xiaomi confirmed its forthcoming Xiaomi 17 Pro/Max will sport a novel “magic back screen” – a large secondary display on the phone’s rear around the camera module ^[15] ^[16]. Leaked images show an almost full-back display for notifications and selfies ^[17]. Xiaomi is also betting big on software: at its late-September event it unveiled HyperOS 3 (based on Android 16) with an iPhone-like “HyperIsland” notification popup and new AI features built in ^[18] ^[19].
OnePlus & OPPO camera shake-ups: Leaks of the OnePlus 15 (expected next month) show a dramatic redesign – a mashup of Pixel and iPhone styling – plus a massive 7,300 mAh battery and IP68 rating ^[20]. OnePlus is reportedly ending its Hasselblad deal and has built its own “DetailMax” imaging engine for the new flagship ^[21]. Meanwhile, sister-brand OPPO announced a Hasselblad-branded pro camera kit (grip and external lens) for its upcoming Find X9 Pro, bringing DSLR-like zoom capabilities to a phone ^[22] ^[23].
Huawei’s resurgence: Rumors swirl that Huawei’s next flagship Mate 80 will include an ultra-thin “Mate 80 Air” model to challenge Apple’s iPhone Air ^[24] ^[25] – featuring an eSIM-only design and novel microfluid cooling. In China, Huawei’s in-house HarmonyOS 5 is now on 17 million devices and has 17% market share (vs iOS’s 16%) ^[26] ^[27]. A Huawei exec boasted the company has “built an ecosystem entirely independent of the United States” amid its post-sanctions comeback ^[28].
Foldables & market trends: HONOR’s flashy Magic V Flip 2 just launched with a record 5,500 mAh battery (largest ever in a flip phone) and a 200 MP camera co-designed by fashion icon Jimmy Choo ^[29]. New data show foldable phones are surging: Huawei now leads global foldable sales with 48% share in H1 2025, overtaking Samsung’s 20% ^[30]. Foldables still make up barely ~1% of phones sold ^[31], but their premium prices and popularity in China are driving a profitable niche.

Apple: Production Shift & a Tougher iPhone 17

Apple’s latest moves mark a strategic pivot in how and where iPhones are made. For the iPhone 17 generation, Apple massively expanded manufacturing in India to reduce reliance on China. It is “ramping up iPhone production in India across five factories”, and for the first time all four iPhone 17 models are being made in India ^[32]. Newly opened Tata-run plants in Tamil Nadu and a Foxconn site near Bangalore are handling huge volumes, with iPhone exports from India between April and July hitting $7.5 billion (versus $17 billion in the entire previous fiscal year) ^[33]. In fact, a Canalys report found India has overtaken China as the top exporter of smartphones to the U.S. ^[34]. This shift helps Apple navigate geopolitical and tariff headwinds – CEO Tim Cook even pledged $600 billion in U.S. investments to preserve tariff exemptions on India-made iPhones ^[35]. By spreading its supply chain, Apple aims to “mitigate potential U.S. tariffs on China-made devices and secure supply chain stability” ^[36].

On the product front, Apple is spotlighting durability and in-house tech. The new iPhone 17 lineup – including the standard, Pro, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air – benefits from Apple’s custom chips. Designing its own silicon (like the A19 Bionic) gives Apple “more control over the capabilities of the iPhone 17 lineup”, enabling advanced on-device AI and better battery efficiency tightly integrated with hardware ^[37]. Early real-world tests are validating Apple’s boasts. In a now-viral JerryRigEverything test, the super-slim iPhone Air withstood bends and scratches without significant damage. The torture test “confirmed Apple’s claims of its most durable iPhone yet,” showing the Air’s razor-thin chassis didn’t compromise its structural integrity ^[38]. A teardown by repair experts likewise found the Air surprisingly serviceable thanks to design tweaks that make components more accessible ^[39] – a notable shift for Apple, which historically traded repairability for sleeker design. It appears the iPhone Air achieves both an elegant form factor and robust build quality.

Apple’s latest phones, running the new iOS 26, also double down on eSIM (U.S. models dropped the SIM tray entirely ^[40]) and improve cameras and battery life. After a glitchy but record-breaking launch (analysts at Wedbush cited stronger-than-expected demand for iPhone 17 ^[41]), Apple’s September rollout is as much about long-term strategy as shiny devices. From moving production out of China to setting new durability standards and designing more of its own tech, Apple is clearly playing the long game with iPhone 17 and beyond.

Samsung: Leaks Promise Display Leap and Privacy Tech

Samsung stole headlines with a flurry of leaks and updates painting a picture of what’s next for the world’s largest smartphone maker. On the hardware side, Samsung is reportedly planning a significant display upgrade for its 2026 flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to insider reports, Samsung will for the first time equip its own phone with the advanced M14 OLED panels – the very same screen technology it developed and supplied for Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro ^[42]. These M14 OLED displays use a polarizer-free “color-on-encapsulation” layer to cut reflections, making them thinner, more power-efficient, and brighter ^[43]. Ironically, Samsung let Apple use this tech first, but now it’s eager to leapfrog Apple in display innovation. A Korean source noted “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 at the component level ^[44]. Samsung is fast-tracking M14 panels for the S26 Ultra, while the lower-tier S26 models may stick to current M13 screens ^[45]. If all goes to plan, the S26 Ultra’s screen could beat anything in Apple’s lineup until 2027, underscoring Samsung’s display prowess.

Another leaked feature for the S26 series focuses on privacy and eye comfort: a built-in “Private Display” mode. Code discovered in Samsung’s One UI software shows an option to limit screen visibility from side angles – so only someone directly in front of the phone can clearly see the content ^[46]. Think of it as an integrated privacy filter to stop shoulder-surfers from reading your screen on planes or trains. While not officially announced yet, the leaked setting indicates users could toggle this anti-snoop display mode on demand ^[47]. It’s similar to privacy screens on some laptops, but potentially implemented at the OLED panel level or via software. If it works as described, Samsung users will gain a handy way to “hide your screen from prying side glances” in public ^[48].

Leaks also hint at camera and video upgrades. A rumored Galaxy S26 Pro is said to target pro videographers, with new recording tools and color tuning that challenge the iPhone’s filmmaking chops ^[49]. Samsung may offer improved 8K video or advanced HDR features to court creators. Additionally, whispers of huge sensors and better zoom persist – one leak pointed to macro photography improvements via the S26 Ultra’s telephoto lens, enabling extreme close-ups with crisp detail ^[50].

On the software side, Samsung is already reaping the benefits of its rapid update cycle. By late September, it began rolling out Android 16 (One UI 8) to recent devices ^[51]. The Galaxy S25 and S24 series and the latest Z Fold 7/Flip 7 are among those now getting One UI 8 ^[52]. This update brings refined UI tweaks, security patches, and performance optimizations. Notably, Samsung beat most competitors in delivering Android 16 to users so quickly ^[53]. Meanwhile, One UI 8.5 is already on the horizon, and leaks are “pouring in” about its features ^[54]. From early reports, One UI 8.5 is going heavy on AI. Screenshots from beta testers show a beefed-up “Galaxy AI” assistant with new capabilities like “Meeting Assist” for live transcription/translation of meetings, “Touch Assistant” to smartly reformat on-screen text for easier reading, a “Smart Clipboard” that suggests actions (translate, summarize, share) when you copy text, and even a “Social Composer” that can draft photo captions or product reviews using AI ^[55] ^[56]. Samsung is clearly infusing AI throughout the user experience – on par with Google’s AI pushes in Pixel. Intriguingly, code in One UI 8.5 also hints at support for third-party AI engines like Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s Gauss, and Perplexity AI right from the home screen search bar ^[57]. This suggests Samsung phones might become multi-AI hubs, letting users pick different AI assistants for different tasks.

Samsung’s current foldables are seeing success too. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 (launched earlier this year) are selling so well that Samsung had to boost Fold 7 production to meet demand ^[58]. Building on that momentum, rumors continue that Samsung’s first tri-folding phone could debut in the U.S. as soon as this fall ^[59]. A tri-fold device – essentially a phone that folds out twice into an even larger display – would be a major leap in form factor if it arrives. All told, Samsung’s late-September news underscores a company on the offensive: implementing state-of-the-art displays, exploring novel privacy features, speeding up Android updates, and doubling down on AI and foldables. It’s Samsung’s play to stay at the bleeding edge as it gears up for the next flagship cycle.

Google: Pixel 10 Bets Big on AI and a Folding Future

Google’s Pixel 10 series is fresh off its launch, and it’s clear Google is betting big on AI-driven user experiences. The Pixel 10 family – comprising the base Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, a super-sized Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Google’s first foldable phone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold – was officially announced August 20 in New York ^[60]. With this milestone 10th-generation, Google is positioning Pixel not just as another Android phone, but as an AI-first device.

On the software front, the Pixels are loaded with intelligent features. Google is leveraging its powerful new Gemini AI (part of the same family underpinning ChatGPT rivals) to do things like revolutionize photo editing. A flagship feature called “Help Me Edit” lets you simply tell Google Photos what changes you want, and the AI will execute them ^[61] ^[62]. You can literally type or say, “Remove the cars in the background” or “Make this picture warmer,” and the Pixel’s AI will make those edits in seconds ^[63]. Google even showed off whimsical use-cases: “imagine my pet is on a tropical beach” – and the AI will generate a realistic composite placing your dog on a sunny shore ^[64]. This kind of natural-language image editing was a wow factor at launch, showcasing how tightly Google integrated generative AI into everyday tasks on Pixel.

Beyond photos, Pixel 10 is brimming with other AI tricks. An upgraded Call Screen fends off spam calls more cleverly, the Assistant can perform more complex automated routines, and handy features like Hold For Me (where Google waits on hold during calls) and Recorder’s AI speaker labels have gotten smarter ^[65] ^[66]. Notably, Google is also extending Pixel’s lifespan – promising 7 years of software updates for Pixel 10 ^[67]. That far outstrips the usual 3-4 year Android support and even beats Apple’s typical 5-6 years, signaling Google’s confidence that Pixel 10’s hardware can keep evolving with AI advancements up through Android 23 in the future ^[68] ^[69].

Hardware hasn’t been ignored either. The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro got brighter displays (up to a blinding 3000 nits peak on the Pro) ^[70] and finally upgraded to speedy UFS 4.0 storage for faster app loads ^[71]. The camera systems were refined: the base Pixel 10 now gains a 5× telephoto lens it lacked before, narrowing the feature gap with the Pro model ^[72]. Both got battery bumps (nearly 5000 mAh in the Pixel 10) and support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard ^[73]. In a controversial but forward-looking move, Google removed the SIM card tray on U.S. Pixel 10 units – going eSIM-only just like the latest iPhones ^[74]. It’s a bold choice that indicates where Google sees connectivity headed, even if some users miss the flexibility of a physical SIM.

Google’s most adventurous foray, however, is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This device (teased by Google in an official video ^[75]) brings the Pixel experience to a foldable form factor akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. It has a tablet-like inner display and a more traditional outer screen, with Google emphasizing durability (they claim the hinge is tested for many years of folding) and seamless app continuity – you can start an app on the outer screen and unfold to pick up exactly where you left off on the big screen ^[76] ^[77]. The Fold isn’t widely available yet (it might launch in select regions or later this fall), but Google’s sneak peek showed off a slick design and highlighted software optimized for dual screens and half-folded use (using the device like a mini laptop or tripod for the camera) ^[78] ^[79]. Notably, Google is using its own Tensor G5 chip to power the Fold (rather than a Qualcomm chip), showing confidence that its in-house silicon can handle this demanding form factor ^[80].

Even as Pixel remains a niche player in market share, its impact is growing. Reviewers are saying “the magic is here” with Pixel 10, hailing it as “an AI phone more than worth its $800 price tag” ^[81]. Google’s strategy is clearly to differentiate via AI: use software smarts to make mid-range specs feel premium. And it’s working – generative AI features and personalized assistants are shaping up to be the next big battleground in mobile, and Google is ensuring Pixel owners are at the forefront of that revolution ^[82]. Pixel phones might not outsell iPhones or Galaxies yet, but features like call-screening, magic eraser, and now on-device AI editing give Google an outsized influence on industry trends.

Importantly, Google isn’t keeping all this AI just for itself. The company often uses Pixel as a launchpad for features that later spread to the broader Android ecosystem. For example, that “Help Me Edit” AI tool is rolling out to Google Photos on other Android devices too ^[83]. And Google’s push for longer support (7 years of updates) could pressure other Android OEMs to improve their update policies. We’re also seeing Google partner with carriers for new tech – Pixel 10 is the first phone to support direct satellite connectivity via T-Mobile’s T-Satellite/Starlink service. That means Pixel 10 owners can send messages, share location, and even use Google Maps in remote areas with no cell signal, as long as they can see the sky and connect to a satellite ^[84] ^[85]. While other phones (like recent iPhones) have emergency satellite SOS, Pixel 10 goes further by enabling some general messaging and mapping over satellite. It’s a glimpse of a future where going off-grid doesn’t mean going offline.

All told, the Pixel 10 launch underlines Google’s vision of phones that are smarter and more adaptable through software. As generative AI, satellite connectivity, and foldable form factors emerge, Google is positioning the Pixel line not to chase sales crowns, but to push the envelope of what an Android phone can do.

Xiaomi: Big Screens on the Back and Bold Ambitions

Xiaomi, one of China’s top smartphone makers, made waves with teasers and leaks about its upcoming Xiaomi 17 series, signaling the company’s readiness to shake up design and performance. The Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are slated to be unveiled by the end of September – Xiaomi’s president Lu Weibing hinted on social media that the launch is coming “this month” ^[86] – and they’re packing some eye-popping innovations.

The most talked-about feature is unquestionably the rear display. Xiaomi officially confirmed via a Weibo teaser that the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will sport a “magic back screen” ^[87]. In plain terms, these phones have a large secondary touch display on the back of the phone, surrounding the camera module. Leaked renders and even a brief live photo show a substantial screen occupying a big portion of the rear – not just a tiny notification window or camera preview, but something closer to a full mini smartphone screen on the back ^[88]. It appears large enough to display a clock, notifications, and possibly act as a viewfinder for high-quality selfies using the main cameras ^[89]. Xiaomi posted a teaser video (amplified by famed leaker Ice Universe) that shows the phone flipping over to reveal the back panel lighting up entirely as a display ^[90]. The concept is reminiscent of past experiments (like Meizu’s Pro 7 which had a small rear screen, or Vivo’s NEX Dual Display), but Xiaomi is taking it to another level by making the rear display much larger and more integrated into daily use. The “magic” branding suggests Xiaomi has unique software features planned – perhaps always-on widgets, mirrors for photography, or game controls on the back. It’s a bold design gamble (extra screens add cost and complexity), but Xiaomi is known for such swings (see: bezel-less screens, 200 W charging, etc.). If executed well, this rear display could be a signature differentiator for the 17 series and spark a new trend in smartphone design.

Inside, the Xiaomi 17 lineup is poised to be among the most powerful phones of 2025. Xiaomi has confirmed its new flagships will be among the first to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 “Elite” Gen 5 chipset ^[91]. Qualcomm hasn’t even formally unveiled the Gen 5 yet (it’s expected at the Snapdragon Summit), so Xiaomi snagging it early is a big deal – during Qualcomm’s earnings call it was even mentioned Xiaomi will likely debut this powerhouse chip ^[92]. That implies Xiaomi wants to go head-to-head on performance with the best from Samsung and others in early 2026. We can also expect top-tier specs: likely high-refresh OLED displays, enormous RAM (Xiaomi has pushed 16GB+ in the past), and ultra-fast charging (possibly 120 W or more).

Xiaomi isn’t just revamping hardware; it’s also overhauling software. On September 24, during a launch event in China, the company unveiled its new HyperOS 3, a custom Android 16-based interface that will debut on the Xiaomi 17 series ^[93]. HyperOS 3 brings a lot of AI and usability upgrades. Notably, it introduces “HyperIsland,” which is essentially Xiaomi’s take on Apple’s Dynamic Island (the little pop-up notification pill) ^[94]. HyperIsland will surface important notifications and live status info (like charging speed, call status, music, etc.) at the top of the screen in a compact dynamic widget ^[95] ^[96] – very similar to how iPhones show alerts around the camera cutout. Xiaomi even calls it a “dual-island” design, letting users manage apps and tasks via this top overlay without leaving their current screen ^[97]. It should improve multitasking, e.g. allowing a voice recorder app to shrink into a floating island or showing ongoing call info while you do other things.

HyperOS 3 also integrates new AI features under “HyperAI.” Xiaomi is adding AI writing tools that can do smart screen recognition and a “DeepThink” mode – likely to summarize or explain on-screen content. Users will be able to ask HyperAI to change the writing style or tone of text messages and emails on the fly ^[98], which sounds similar to generative text assistants. There’s also AI voice transcription and summary features: an “AI Speed Recognition” can enhance audio recording quality, transcribe speech to text in real time, and generate summaries from audio files ^[99]. A new AI Search can summarize search results or on-device content and answer queries with AI-generated responses ^[100]. Even the visuals get an AI boost: HyperOS 3 introduces AI Dynamic Wallpapers and AI Cinematic Lock Screens, which can turn still photos into moving images for your wallpaper, and presumably add flair to the lock screen ^[101]. All told, Xiaomi’s software update shows it’s embracing the AI trend across the board.

With a bold hardware design and a feature-packed OS, Xiaomi is signaling big ambitions. The company has been steadily climbing the global ranks (it’s typically 3rd or 4th in worldwide smartphone sales) by offering high-end specs at aggressive prices. The Xiaomi 17 series could further that reputation – delivering bleeding-edge tech like rear displays and the latest Snapdragon chip, while HyperOS 3 aims to make the user experience smarter and flashier. If the execution lives up to the teasers, Xiaomi might have one of the most distinctive phones of the year, blending ideas borrowed from both Apple (Dynamic Island) and its own past (experimental rear screens) into something uniquely Xiaomi.

OnePlus & OPPO: Reinventing the Camera Experience

Two of BBK Electronics’ sibling brands – OnePlus and OPPO – are making headlines with their upcoming flagships, each putting a new spin on mobile photography.

For OnePlus, the focus is on a major reboot of its flagship identity. Leaked images of the forthcoming OnePlus 15 (expected to launch in October) reveal a bold new design language that has tech pundits buzzing. The phone sports a revamped look described as “a mash-up of a Pixel and an iPhone,” featuring a clean, flat-edged profile and a completely redesigned camera island ^[102]. One leak showed a glossy back with a prominent circular camera module – a departure from the OnePlus 11’s square stove-top array. The redesign isn’t just cosmetic. OnePlus is reportedly equipping the device with a huge 7,300 mAh battery (far larger than most flagships, which hover around 5,000 mAh) ^[103]. That monster battery could make the OnePlus 15 a battery life champ, and suggests OnePlus might be using power-efficient components to stretch longevity. Other rumored specs include a 6.7-inch display, a high-end Snapdragon chipset (likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or similar), and full IP68 water resistance ^[104] – the latter being notable as OnePlus historically only gave full IP ratings to Pro or carrier versions. In essence, the OnePlus 15 sounds like it’s going all-in on premium features.

Perhaps the most intriguing shift is in OnePlus’s camera strategy. Since 2021, OnePlus partnered with legendary camera maker Hasselblad to tune its cameras, but that deal has run its course. OnePlus confirmed it has ended the Hasselblad partnership and instead developed an in-house imaging system dubbed “DetailMax” ^[105]. While details are scant, the name suggests a focus on maximizing fine detail and clarity in photos – maybe leveraging computational photography to its fullest. By cutting ties with Hasselblad, OnePlus is signaling confidence in its own camera R&D (and perhaps saving some licensing fees). It’s a bold move, since the Hasselblad branding was a selling point, but in truth the actual impact of that partnership was modest after the initial buzz. With DetailMax and rumored top-tier camera hardware, the OnePlus 15 aims to compete with the best camera phones on its own terms. Leaks say the phone will have a triple camera setup, possibly with a high-res main sensor and improved telephoto and ultrawide shooters ^[106]. OnePlus fans are certainly eager – the brand built its name as a “flagship killer,” and the OnePlus 15 looks to combine massive battery, fresh design, and camera improvements to regain that title.

Over at OPPO, photography innovation is taking a different path. OPPO (which is actually OnePlus’s sister brand – they share R&D behind the scenes) confirmed that its upcoming Find X9 Pro will support a dedicated Hasselblad photography kit ^[107]. Unlike OnePlus, OPPO is doubling down on the Hasselblad collaboration. This kit is essentially an external camera module and grip: it includes a magnetic camera grip and an external telephoto lens that attach to the Find X9 Pro ^[108] ^[109]. In effect, OPPO is turning its flagship phone into a modular camera system for enthusiasts. Past OPPO flagships already featured Hasselblad color tuning and branding, but this is the first time we’re seeing an add-on lens kit co-designed with Hasselblad for a phone. The kit is said to provide DSLR-like zoom capabilities – likely an optical zoom beyond what the built-in cameras can do – and a more comfortable grip for shooting. OPPO’s imaging chief touted it as Hasselblad’s “first-ever photography kit made specifically for smartphones,” underscoring the crossover appeal ^[110]. It’s a niche but exciting development for mobile photographers who want the versatility of interchangeable lenses.

Beyond the Hasselblad kit, OPPO’s Find X9 Pro will of course have strong built-in cameras. It’s expected to continue OPPO’s tradition of large sensors and advanced optics (the Find X6 Pro wowed reviewers with its big 1″ main sensor in 2023). With the lens kit, OPPO is basically acknowledging that physics still matters – tiny phone cameras can only do so much, so why not let users attach a real optical zoom lens for special occasions? It harkens back to the era of phone camera mods (like Sony’s QX100 lens or Motorola’s Moto Mod Hasselblad), but with the weight of Hasselblad’s brand and presumably better integration. We’ll have to see image samples to judge if this is a gimmick or a game-changer. Nonetheless, OPPO is clearly positioning the Find X9 Pro as the phone for photography purists, combining cutting-edge built-in imaging with expandable pro-level gear.

In short, OnePlus and OPPO are each evolving their approach to mobile cameras – OnePlus by going it alone with “DetailMax” and supercharging its hardware, and OPPO by partnering even deeper with Hasselblad to blur the line between phone and professional camera. It’s a fascinating divergence for two companies under one roof, and it shows there’s more than one way to try to crack the mobile photography problem.

Vivo: Doubling Down on Zoom Prowess

Another BBK sibling brand, Vivo, is making news with camera tech as well. Vivo – known for its camera-centric flagships – is prepping a new high-end phone, likely the X300 Pro, and it’s focusing on zoom innovation. According to details the company unveiled about its next flagship’s camera, Vivo is sticking with an unusual but ambitious choice: a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens ^[111].

Vivo’s current X200 Pro already had a 200 MP telephoto camera (an industry first when introduced), and the upcoming X300 Pro will retain that 200 MP periscope lens (85 mm focal length) ^[112]. The idea is to capture extremely high-detail zoom shots and allow for flexible cropping. To complement that, Vivo has worked on the optics and stabilization – the X300 Pro’s telephoto module boasts a CIPA 5.5-stop anti-shake stabilization, reportedly the best in the industry ^[113]. That level of stabilization (5.5 stops) rivals some dedicated cameras, and it should help keep those zoomed-in 200 MP shots crisp and usable by counteracting hand tremors. Vivo is also using premium glass and coatings: ZEISS T✻ lens coatings and even fluorite glass elements to reduce glare and chromatic fringing ^[114]. In plain terms, Vivo is throwing the kitchen sink at the telephoto camera to make sure it’s not just a marketing gimmick. High megapixels can be meaningless without sharp optics and stabilization, so Vivo’s approach is to maximize each part of the system.

Why the obsession with zoom? Vivo (in partnership with ZEISS) has made mobile photography its calling card, and it sees periscope zoom as a key differentiator. While many rivals have 3× or 5× zoom lenses, a 200 MP sensor could potentially give clear images at 10× or higher via cropping. Vivo’s previous flagship also had excellent low-light and portrait capabilities with that zoom. By refining it further – and likely improving computational photography to combine that high pixel count with multi-frame processing – Vivo wants to deliver truly lossless zoom and detailed long-range shots that stand out from the pack.

Aside from the telephoto, we can expect the usual Vivo strengths: a high-quality main sensor (possibly 1-inch type), advanced night mode, and selfie innovations (Vivo often puts spotlight on selfie cameras with eye autofocus, etc.). But it’s telling that in late September, Vivo’s teaser campaign is leading with the periscope zoom story. It suggests the company believes this is a headline-grabber that tech enthusiasts will care about. And given how smartphone makers are looking for the next frontier (we’ve hit limits on just adding more megapixels to main cameras), focusing on optical innovation like zoom and stabilization could indeed be the way to differentiate.

In summary, Vivo’s news shows a commitment to pushing mobile camera boundaries – not by adding gimmicks, but by doubling down on an area (telephoto zoom) that genuinely expands what you can do with a phone camera. If the X300 Pro can take tack-sharp 10× photos or ultra-stable long-zoom videos, it will reinforce Vivo’s reputation as an imaging leader in the smartphone world.

Huawei & Honor: Foldable Feats and a Comeback Trail

After a few tough years under U.S. sanctions, Huawei is mounting a notable comeback – especially in its home market – while its spin-off brand Honor is making waves in the foldable segment.

One of the buzziest Huawei rumors in late September involves the upcoming Huawei Mate 80 series. Word on the street (via a Weibo tipster) is that Huawei might introduce a special ultra-thin model called the Mate 80 “Air”, clearly inspired by Apple’s super-slim iPhone Air ^[115]. The Mate 80 Air, if it exists, would focus on sleek design and advanced tech like eSIM. In fact, the leak suggests this model would go full eSIM-only, removing the physical SIM tray entirely ^[116] – something only Apple has done widely so far. It’s also said to feature a “micro pump” liquid cooling system (instead of any fan), to keep the thin device cool ^[117]. The purported top specs of the Mate 80 Pro+ (which the Air might be based on) include a huge 6000 mAh battery, up to 24 GB RAM, and even a 2 TB storage option ^[118] – absolutely maxed-out figures if true. The tipster frames this as Huawei following Apple’s footsteps in some ways (emulating the iPhone Air concept), yet also trying to one-up with raw specs. As always with leaks, Huawei hasn’t confirmed an “Air” model, so take it with a grain of salt ^[119]. But it fits Huawei’s recent pattern of ambition – the company has regained confidence thanks to surprising successes like the Mate 60 Pro, and it wants to show it can still innovate at the cutting edge even without U.S. 5G chips (Huawei’s been using advanced domestic chips and creative workarounds to get back to 5G).

Speaking of comebacks, Huawei’s software ecosystem is quietly growing. At Huawei’s Connect 2025 conference, the company revealed that its homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, has extended its lead over iOS in the China market ^[120]. HarmonyOS (now at version 5) held 17% of the Chinese smartphone OS market in Q2 2025, slightly ahead of iOS at 16%, with Android (mostly in non-Huawei phones) around 66% ^[121]. That marks the sixth straight quarter HarmonyOS has beaten iOS in China ^[122]. Globally, HarmonyOS is still tiny (~4% share ^[123]), but in China this is a big symbolic win for Huawei’s effort to build an independent ecosystem. The newest HarmonyOS 5 – dubbed “pure blood” in China – has already been installed on 17 million devices since its release ^[124]. Huawei has been pushing HarmonyOS as part of a broader strategy to insulate itself from U.S. tech. They even launched a program called Tiangong with 1 billion yuan in subsidies to attract app developers ^[125]. As Huawei’s senior executive Tao Jingwen put it, “Huawei has already built an ecosystem entirely independent of the United States.” ^[126] That’s a bold claim, but between HarmonyOS on phones, Harmony-based wearables and appliances, and its new domestic chip initiatives, Huawei is clearly aiming for self-reliance.

Now to Honor, the former Huawei sub-brand that’s now an independent company. Honor has been capitalizing on categories Huawei is barred from fully engaging in abroad – like 5G and Google-equipped phones – and it’s making a name in foldables. In August, Honor officially launched the Magic V Flip 2, its second-gen flip-style foldable, and it’s a record-setter in a couple ways. First, it packs an enormous 5,500 mAh battery – the largest ever in a clamshell foldable phone ^[127]. For perspective, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip has around a 3,700 mAh battery, and even larger foldables have ~4,500 mAh. Cramming 5,500 mAh into a flip phone is an impressive feat; Honor somehow did it while keeping the device just 15.5 mm thick when folded (6.9 mm unfolded) ^[128]. Users get the best of both worlds: compact form factor and all-day battery life (perhaps two days). The Magic V Flip 2 also boasts a 200 MP main camera with a huge 1/1.4-inch sensor – again, unprecedented for a flip foldable ^[129]. Typically, flip phones use smaller cameras due to space constraints, but Honor went all-in, even pairing it with a 50 MP ultrawide. The cover screen is a sizable 4.0-inch OLED (one of the larger cover displays out there) at a dazzling 3,600 nits brightness ^[130], while the inner foldable screen is 6.82 inches at 120 Hz with peak 5,000 nits brightness ^[131] – actually incredibly bright, perhaps the brightest phone display on record. The Flip 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (not the very newest chip but high-end) and is IP58/59 rated ^[132], meaning it’s protected against dust and water ingress, a rarity in foldables (Samsung’s flips and folds are IPx8 – water-resistant but not dustproof).

To add flair, Honor partnered with luxury fashion designer Jimmy Choo on a special edition of the Magic V Flip 2 (pictured above). The limited edition has a sparkling crystal-inspired exterior – Honor says it’s “inspired by the subtle shimmer of crystals” and designed so that every movement “radiates captivating brilliance” ^[133]. It’s essentially tech meets haute couture. While that’s a marketing hook, the underlying device is seriously pushing foldable tech forward. The Magic V Flip 2 launched in China (with global release expected shortly after), showing that Honor is now a true innovator and not just a budget offshoot of Huawei. In fact, Honor’s aggressive moves in foldables and design are helping it fill the void left by Huawei in many markets.

Zooming out to the foldable market, new analysis indicates just how far Huawei (and by extension, Honor in China) have come. According to Canalys data for H1 2025, Huawei accounted for 48% of global foldable smartphone sales, with Samsung a distant second at 20% ^[134]. It’s a stunning reversal from just a year prior, when Samsung led with ~45% and Huawei had ~24% ^[135]. How did Huawei nearly double its share? Largely thanks to the Chinese market’s boom in foldables and Huawei’s diverse lineup covering ultra-premium (Mate X series), horizontal folds (Mate X6), vertical flips (Pura X, Nova Flip) and even a tri-fold (Mate X3 Ultra) ^[136] ^[137]. Huawei strategically offers foldables at multiple price points – from the ~$4,000 Mate X Ultimate down to a ~$750 Nova Flip ^[138] – whereas Samsung’s foldable range is narrower and pricier. As a result, in China (which now has the highest foldable penetration at 3.2% of smartphones ^[139]) Huawei is king. We should note Samsung still dominates outside China (North America, for instance, sees Samsung with the lion’s share of that nascent 1.2% foldable segment ^[140]). But Huawei’s surge shows the foldable race is far from settled. It also reflects how Chinese brands (Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi) are rapidly iterating new foldable designs, driving adoption up.

In sum, Huawei’s news in late September is a tale of resurgence: investing in breakneck hardware innovation (like a potential Mate 80 Air and 5G-capable Kirin chips making a surprise return in the Mate 60), growing a homegrown OS against all odds, and seeing its efforts pay off in smartphone rankings (at least in China). Honor, freed from the shackles of sanctions, is spearheading the foldable charge and style collaborations. Together, they underscore that the Chinese smartphone industry is roaring back, and foldable phones are a major arena for its comeback.

Motorola & Nothing: Niche Players Making Noise

Not to be overlooked, a couple of smaller players had noteworthy updates as well around September 24–25.

Motorola, a storied brand now focusing on value-packed devices, is apparently working on a head-turner of a phone. Fresh leaks of the upcoming Motorola Moto Edge 70 point to a device that could seriously challenge bigger flagships on design. A teaser poster leaked on social media (X/Twitter) revealed a razor-thin body with the tagline: “Impossibly Thin and Incredibly Tough.” ^[141] Indeed, the Moto Edge 70 is rumored to target a thickness under 7 mm, making it one of the slimmest smartphones in recent memory ^[142]. Yet Motorola is also emphasizing durability (“incredibly tough”), perhaps using sturdy materials or an internal structure to avoid bendgate issues. The leaks show a flat 6.7-inch pOLED display, likely with high refresh rate, and a triple camera setup on the rear (expected to include a 50 MP main sensor plus telephoto and ultrawide) ^[143]. The front has a simple punch-hole selfie camera. In terms of specs, it’s said to be a solid upper-midrange device – not necessarily a bleeding-edge chipset, but good all-around features. Interestingly, the leaks explicitly compare the Edge 70 to Apple’s iPhone “Air” (the new thin-and-light iPhone) as a rival ^[144]. Motorola even teased vibrant Pantone colors for the phone, continuing its trend of offering devices in fashionable hues ^[145] (Motorola has a partnership with Pantone for color options). The Moto Edge 70 is expected to launch in early 2026 ^[146], and if these leaks hold true, it could carve a niche among those who want a super-thin phone without compromising battery and toughness. It’s been a while since Motorola made an “wow” flagship, so a sleek design play could bolster its brand image.

Meanwhile, Nothing Technology, the startup led by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, continues to refine the user experience on its eye-catching devices. Nothing’s Phone 3 (released earlier in 2025) is known for its transparent back and quirky LED “glyph” interface, but early reviews dinged its camera performance. This week, Nothing rolled out a significant software update – Nothing OS 3.5 – aimed squarely at improving the Phone 3’s cameras ^[147]. The company calls it a “much-needed camera overhaul.” Key improvements include finer manual controls (letting users adjust ISO/shutter more precisely), fixes for color accuracy (eliminating weird tints that sometimes affected photos), and a new AI Super-Res Zoom algorithm for sharper detail when zooming digitally ^[148]. There’s also a new Action Mode to reduce motion blur in action shots, and video recording enhancements for better contrast and color ^[149]. Beyond the camera, the update squashed some bugs (like duplicate contact avatars and haptic glitches) and delivered general optimizations that improve battery life, reduce device heating, and boost Wi-Fi reliability ^[150]. Early user feedback suggests the Phone 3’s cameras do indeed produce more reliable shots after the patch, which is crucial for Nothing to compete with mid-range Pixels and Galaxys. It’s refreshing to see a startup not only iterate on flashy design but also listen to critiques and push meaningful software updates. Carl Pei has positioned Nothing as a design-forward brand, but as this update shows, they know substance matters too – a pretty phone isn’t enough without a solid user experience. The Phone 3’s improved camera might not outclass a Pixel, but closing the gap helps Nothing stand out as one of the few new companies successfully making Android phones from scratch.

All in all, while Motorola and Nothing don’t dominate headlines like Apple or Samsung, their news highlights the diversity in the smartphone world. Motorola is leveraging its design heritage to make ultra-slim yet durable devices, and Nothing is melding funky aesthetics with steady software polish. For consumers, more choice – whether it’s a super thin handset or a see-through one with cool lights – is nothing but good news.

Next-Gen Mobile Chips: The Race for Power and AI

The past two days also saw big developments in the mobile chipset arena, as the industry’s two leading chip designers – Qualcomm and MediaTek – set the stage for the next generation of phone performance.

MediaTek made the first splash by announcing its flagship Dimensity 9500 chip. This is MediaTek’s top-tier SoC (System-on-Chip) for 2025 phones, and it’s an absolute beast on paper. Built on a cutting-edge 3 nm process, the Dimensity 9500 is said to deliver a 32% CPU performance jump over its predecessor and a 33% faster GPU ^[151]. In practical terms, it should easily handle the most demanding tasks and high-end games, even pushing frame rates up to 120 FPS with ray tracing enabled ^[152] – something only the very latest chips attempt. MediaTek also put a lot of focus on AI: the chip’s NPU (neural processing unit) is 2× faster at running large AI models locally ^[153]. This is important as phones do more on-device AI (from camera enhancements to voice assistants). The company touted that brands like OPPO and Vivo plan to launch phones with the Dimensity 9500 by end of year ^[154], signaling confidence among Chinese OEMs in MediaTek’s silicon. It’s notable because for years MediaTek was seen as the “mid-range” chip supplier while Qualcomm snagged nearly all the flagship design wins. That’s changed – last year’s Dimensity 9300 was quite competitive, and this new 9500 might narrow any gap further or even leap ahead in certain metrics.

On the other side, Qualcomm is gearing up to reveal its next champion chip, which we now know will be called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Qualcomm confirmed the name and that this upcoming SoC corresponds to the fifth generation of its 8-series lineup ^[155]. The branding of “Elite” is new – previously we had “Gen 1/2/3” etc., but perhaps Qualcomm is emphasizing this as a more substantial leap. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is set to be officially unveiled on September 23 at Qualcomm’s annual Snapdragon Summit ^[156]. It’s expected to also be a 3 nm chip and will go head-to-head with Apple’s A19 Bionic and MediaTek’s 9500. While Qualcomm hasn’t spilled specs yet, the rumor mill suggests big gains in both performance and efficiency, plus an upgraded AI engine (Qualcomm has been building AI features like their “Hexagon” NPU and AI sensing hub, which likely get upgrades). We’ll know soon enough if “Elite” is just marketing or earned.

Importantly, phone makers are already lining up for the Snapdragon Gen 5. Xiaomi bragged that the Xiaomi 17 series will be among the first to debut the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 ^[157] – which aligns with timing since Xiaomi often launches a flagship in December using Qualcomm’s newest chip. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 (global versions) will almost certainly use it too, though Samsung might also use its own Exynos for some regions if their new Exynos 2600 is ready (rumors say the S26 could have a mix of Qualcomm and Exynos). Either way, Qualcomm’s top-tier chips usually power the majority of high-end Androids outside China. Calling it “Elite” also might be to distinguish from a rumored sub-tier (there were rumblings of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 “Standard” vs “Pro” or “Elite” version). For now, assume Gen 5 Elite is the Qualcomm chip to get in 2026 Android flagships.

Overall, these chip announcements underline how crucial performance and AI have become as differentiators. Phones in 2025/2026 will be doing more AI on-device – from intelligent camera processing to running voice AI or even language models without the cloud – and both MediaTek and Qualcomm are racing to provide the muscle for that. It’s a great time for consumers: the silicon in upcoming phones will be faster and smarter, enabling new features (like better night photography, real-time language translation, richer AR experiences, etc.) while also being more energy-efficient.

And it’s not just about raw speed; it’s also a bit of a comeback story for competition. MediaTek grabbing market share in the premium segment challenges Qualcomm to step up its game (and could potentially lead to better pricing for phone makers, and by extension, consumers). Meanwhile, Apple’s A-series chips continue to set a high bar – interestingly, Qualcomm comparing its laptop-class Snapdragon X2 chip to Intel/AMD recently shows how far mobile chips have come, even encroaching on PC territory ^[158]. The lines are blurring, and the winner is the end user who gets more powerful pocket computers each year.

As we head into October, keep an eye on those Snapdragon Summit announcements and the first phones landing with Dimensity 9500. The next wave of smartphones will not only have better cameras or screens, but under the hood, these tiny 3 nm brains are enabling the features that make 2025’s phones truly feel next-gen.

Industry Trends: Foldables, AI Integration, and Beyond

Stepping back, the smartphone news from September 24–25 reveals several broad trends shaping the industry:

Foldables go mainstream (slowly): Nearly every major player is investing in foldable designs or related innovations. Google entered the fray with the Pixel Fold, Honor and Samsung are iterating on flips and folds (with rumors of tri-folds on the horizon), and Huawei/Honor’s aggressive push in China shows foldables meeting real consumer demand at various price points. Foldables still comprise only ~1–1.5% of phones sold globally ^[159], but their outsized mindshare and premium pricing make them strategically important. The technology – from hinge durability to battery density in compact forms – is improving rapidly, as seen by Honor’s feat and Samsung’s upcoming ventures. As costs come down and designs refine, expect more consumers to consider a foldable in the next upgrade cycle.
AI integration is the new battleground: AI features were a common thread in many announcements – Samsung baking AI helpers into One UI, Google leveraging AI for photography and calling features, Xiaomi introducing AI writing and search tools, and even Apple focusing on on-device intelligence via custom silicon. With the rise of generative AI in 2023–2024, smartphone makers are now racing to differentiate by how smart their phones are, not just how they look or how fast they run. This means voice assistants that actually converse naturally, cameras that understand scenes and edit photos for you, and personalization that learns your habits. Importantly, thanks to more powerful NPUs in chips, a lot of AI processing can happen locally, preserving privacy and working offline. The phone is becoming not just a communication tool, but a personal AI companion of sorts. The late September news makes clear that whether you buy an iPhone, a Pixel, or a Galaxy, much of the innovation you’ll notice will be AI-driven features that weren’t possible a couple years ago.
Resilience through diversification: The Apple-India story and Huawei’s HarmonyOS story both highlight how geopolitical and supply chain factors are shaping the phone industry. Big companies are diversifying – Apple across manufacturing bases, Huawei across software and chips – to reduce risk. This will have consumer impact (e.g. iPhones may have fewer supply shortages, or different regional tweaks; Huawei phones might finally return to 5G with domestic tech). The smartphone market has always been globalized, but we’re entering a phase where who makes your phone and where can be just as newsworthy as what the phone can do.
Component breakthroughs: From Samsung’s new OLED panels to Vivo’s lens tech and Qualcomm/MediaTek’s chip advances, we’re seeing significant component-level innovation. Phones in late 2025 and 2026 will sport brighter, more efficient screens (maybe even truly private-view displays), cameras that challenge dedicated DSLRs in niche areas (super-zoom, low-light, etc.), and chips that rival laptop performance. The pace of improvement had slowed slightly in the late 2010s, but it feels like a new tech cycle upswing is in effect, driven by new use cases (AR, AI, high-quality video creation on phones, etc.). Satellite connectivity is another component trend – the fact that a Pixel can connect to SpaceX’s Starlink is remarkable, and Apple enabling emergency SOS via satellite set the stage. In a few years, satellite messaging might be a standard checkbox feature, improving safety and communication beyond terrestrial networks.
Consumer choice and niche markets: Lastly, the variety of news – from gaming who’s got the fastest chip to who’s got the slimmest design or coolest collab (hi, Jimmy Choo phone) – shows the smartphone arena remains vibrant and competitive. Upstarts like Nothing are carving out niches, and stalwarts like Motorola are trying new twists to stay relevant. For consumers, this means more choice than ever: whether you prioritize a pure Android experience, a crazy good camera, a futuristic foldable design, or just bang-for-buck, there’s something coming down the pike for you.

As September 2025 comes to a close, the stage is set for an exciting fall season of releases and the innovations of 2026. If one thing is clear, it’s that the smartphone is far from “done” – it’s evolving in multiple directions at once, from the inside out. Stay tuned for October, when many of these rumors turn into real devices in hands, and we’ll see which bets pay off in the ever-dynamic mobile market.

Sources: Official press releases, company statements, and reputable tech news outlets were used in compiling this roundup. Key references include reporting from Android Central, Android Headlines, MacRumors, 9to5Google, Moneycontrol, Wccftech, and others for specific claims and quotes ^[160] ^[161] ^[162] ^[163], as well as market analysis from Canalys and IDC ^[164] ^[165]. Each linked citation in the text points to the original source for verification of the facts and figures discussed.

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References

Foldable Frenzy, Shocking Leaks & Apple’s Big Move – Smartphone News Roundup (Sept 24–25, 2025)