What you need to know

• Honor was featured at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, and it brought the Robot Phone with it to highlight its cinematic capabilities with ARRI.
• What truly captivated users was another appearance: the Magic 9 Pro Max in moss green, which consumers saw for the first time.
• Honor announced that it will continue its huge ARRI partnership with the Magic 9 Pro Max, bringing many features you'd find on the Robot Phone.
• The Magic 9 Pro Max will debut in China on September 28.

Honor paraded at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival with its cinematic devices. However, the Robot Phone's presence at the festival wasn't the only big thing Honor had in store.

Earlier this morning (Sept 9), Honor revealed that it brought the Robot Phone's cinematic videography capabilities to the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The company recognizes the attention the phone has received for its "innovative mechanical gimbal design and professional-grade cinematic imaging capabilities." The Robot Phone was crafted in collaboration with ARRI for professional camera-grade features.

While this has captivated consumers, Honor says it plans to extend its partnership with ARRI for its next flagships.

At the festival, Honor revealed its upcoming Magic 9 Pro Max in moss green—the first time consumers have witnessed it. Another exciting tidbit is that the phone features ARRI's logo on the back by its cameras. Honor states the device even features "the lens layout follows the design language of one of the most iconic ARRI cinema cameras." Creators will find ARRI's LogC3 to help preserve highlights and shadows for post-production. Additionally, ARRI Wide Gamut 3 delivers a broader, more distinct color space, with ARRI Looks handling controlled cinematic color styles.

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max will debut on September 28 in China.

Honor and ARRI continue

Cinematic styles and vibes played a key role in Honor's Robot Phone debut in August. The phone features an automatic gimbal that is just as curious as a little robot. Honor states it combined its technology with ARRI Image Science and professional cinema workflows. The Robot Phone is equipped with two 200MP lenses. The gimbal hosts one of these 200MP cameras with an f/1.6 aperture on a 1/1.28-inch sensor. The periscope telephoto lens arrives at 200MP with 2.7x optical zoom.

Several features such as ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3, and ARRI Looks with its in-house H1 Image Chip help solidify Honor's "cinematography" position with the Robot Phone. AI is woven in to help reduce strenuous noises and to optimize your video's high dynamic range.

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max launch is a few weeks away. It'll be interesting to see if Honor takes any of these features up a notch for the traditional slab phone form factor.

It's no secret that Visible is one of my favorite wireless providers, but deals from the Verizon-owned carrier can seem uncommon when you compare it to the competition. Fortunately, quality matters more than quantity, as evidenced by this Visible deal that gives you a year of the top-rated Plus Pro plan for only $225 upfront when you use the code SAVEHALF at checkout.

That's a 50% discount on one of the best unlimited plans that I've ever used, shaking out to just $18.75 per month. The only catch is that you have to pay for the full year of wireless upfront, but if you can afford it, this offer presents one of the most cost-effective ways to get unlimited wireless powered by Verizon. Plus, imagine how it'll feel to drop one payment and not worry about your phone bill again until late 2027?

Score 50% off a year of Visible's best unlimited plan with this promo code

To claim the savings, simply go to Visible's website, switch to the annual plan options, and choose one year of the Visible Plus Pro plan. Use the code SAVEHALF during checkout and the discount will be automatically applied. It's as simple as that.

The plan in question gives you unlimited talk, text, and premium data on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus you get an unlimited mobile hotspot and 4K UHD streaming support.

The Visible Plus Pro plan also comes with a bunch of international benefits that might surprise you, including unlimited calling to over 85 countries, unlimited texting to over 200 countries, and 24 Global Pass days every year at no additional charge. There's a reason I selected it as one of the best wireless plans for international travel in 2026.

Sure, not everyone is going to want to pay for a year of wireless in advance, but if you're looking for a new mobile provider and you have $225 of cash lying around, here's your chance to get some great coverage with very little hassle.

Not sold on Visible yet? It's worth mentioning that the carrier also offers a free trial that gives you 15 days to explore the service with zero commitment.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

TL;DR: Amazon just dropped a bunch of Fire tablet deals for kids and adults alike, but they're selling out fast.

Tablets are nearly as essential as smartphones in this day and age, but finding a good deal on one of these devices can be a challenge. Fortunately, if you're in the market for a new couch companion, you're in luck: Amazon is slashing prices on several models from its popular Fire line of tablets, including 50% off the Fire HD 10, which is my personal favorite.

Amazon Fire tablets aren't exactly beasts of performance, but they're great tools if you need a reliable device for streaming, casual gaming, or surfing the web. Indeed, these tablets are all about simplicity, with bright displays, great battery life, and an approachable price tag. What else could you need?

• See the full list of deals at Amazon today

Which Amazon Fire tablet should you buy?

It depends on how you plan you use your tablet. If you need something compact and portable for road trips or long flights, look no further than the Fire HD 8. If, on the other hand, you enjoy large screens for streaming, gaming, or reading, the Amazon Fire HD 10 is likely the better choice.

Regardless of the cheap Android tablet you buy, you can rest easy knowing that you're getting an Amazon tablet with great battery life, fast performance, and a price that won't break your budget.

What you need to know

• A briefly leaked website teaser suggests the Motorola Signature 27 will finally bring the lineup to the U.S. market.
• The original Signature had a 3x telephoto, while the new teaser might spark speculation about a possible periscope camera upgrade.
• Motorola quickly pulled the teaser and has not officially announced pricing, final hardware specs, or a firm launch date.

Motorola’s Signature series is still a fairly new experiment for the company, but the first model immediately stood out with its slim 7mm body, soft-touch finish, and premium design. The catch was that it's not available to U.S. buyers. This could change with the next Motorola Signature model.

As spotted by a Reddit user, Motorola briefly posted a teaser for the Signature 27 on its U.S. website, complete with a registration form for customers interested in updates (via Android Authority). The pop-up displayed a close-up of the rear camera alongside the words “Signature 27” and “A new perspective is coming.” Motorola has since taken down the teaser.

The U.S. appearance is the biggest hint here. The first Signature never officially made it stateside, so placing the next-generation model right in front of U.S. visitors is a strong indication that the company is at least considering a launch in the United States.

The camera teaser could be even more interesting. The Signature originally had a 3x telephoto camera. The new image is an unusual focus on one camera. This could fuel speculation that Motorola might upgrade the telephoto system, perhaps to a 5x periscope lens. That’s not confirmed yet, so treat this as an educated guess.

The teaser is said to have also popped up on Motorola’s European site, and a Swarovski-branded edition could also be on the way, following the crystal-covered treatment given to the original Signature.

If the Signature 27 arrives in early 2027, it will be a straight fight in the ultra-thin category against the iPhone Air and the rumored Samsung Galaxy S27 Edge.

Motorola has not yet announced a price, specs, or launch date. However, since the original Signature was released in early 2026, Motorola may only have a few months to finalize the details.

What you need to know

• You no longer need a Google AI Plus, Pro, or Ultra subscription to access Gemini's Daily Brief feature.
• Daily Brief pulls useful information from Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats to create a personalized rundown.
• Free access is currently US-only and is being introduced gradually. Users also need Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled.

Google is rolling out Gemini’s Daily Brief to free users in the U.S., removing one of the biggest hurdles to a feature that’s supposed to make the AI assistant genuinely helpful every morning.

Once tied to a paid Google AI subscription, Daily Brief is now a daily digest of what needs to be done for eligible personal accounts without the need for Plus, Pro, or Ultra.

Introduced back at I/O 2026, Daily Brief is your proactive AI assistant that works for you while you sleep. It taps into Gemini’s Personal Intelligence to scan your Gmail, Google Calendar, connected apps, and past Gemini chats. This gives you a nicely organized morning briefing that will send you off to a running start.

You can tick off tasks, start a Gemini chat about an item, or tell Google if a certain suggestion was helpful. Gemini Live can also deliver the brief when you say, “What’s my daily brief?” Google also sends a morning notification.

There are a few catches. For now, the free rollout is only for users in the U.S., and Google is rolling out access gradually, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the feature right away.

You'll also need a personal Google account with Personal Intelligence, Memory, and Google Workspace integration enabled. Daily Brief is available via the Gemini mobile apps and on the web.

Beyond the feature's expansion, the company is said to be working on audio Daily Briefs and potentially bringing the feature to the Android lock screen. For now, giving Daily Brief away for free gives more users a reason to let Gemini do the morning catch-up.

What you need to know

• Samsung has officially ended software support for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 after five years.
• Both foldables received four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates, as Samsung originally promised.
• Samsung has removed both phones from its security update page, meaning they won't receive regular security patches anymore.

Samsung's foldable phones that launched in the summer of 2021 have officially reached the end of their software support cycle.

Most Samsung flagship smartphones today, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra and even 2024's Galaxy S24 Ultra, come with seven years of software support. But Samsung hasn't always offered updates for this long. Older flagships came with shorter support promises, and now the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have officially reached the end of theirs.

As spotted by Android Authority, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have received their final software updates. At launch, Samsung promised four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for both foldables, and the company has now fulfilled that promise. Samsung has also removed both devices from its security updates page.

This means Samsung won't be releasing any further regular software or security updates for these devices. The oldest foldables officially supported by the company are now the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Even those devices have moved to a quarterly update schedule, unlike newer Samsung phones that continue to receive monthly updates.

So, if you're still using a Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Galaxy Z Flip 3, your phone won't receive any new regular security patches from Samsung going forward. That means any new security vulnerabilities discovered from here on may remain unpatched on these devices.

If you're still holding onto one of these foldables, this might finally be the time to start thinking about an upgrade. Samsung recently introduced a completely new form factor with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while its latest foldables also come with a much longer software support promise.

If you've managed to keep your Fold 3 or Flip 3 running for five years, one of Samsung's newer foldables should last you considerably longer.

What you need to know

• Samsung highlights achievements by its Galaxy Z8 series in 2026, stating the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra sales are topping the Fold 7 by 30% with "high demand."
• While the Flip 8's sales are far lower, Samsung states the clamshell is succeeding as an entry into foldables, and it's also successfully getting users to switch to the Korean OEM.
• The company also highlights hardware changes in the series, such as the Fold 8's light 201g weight, the bigger 5,600mAh battery in the Fold 8 Ultra, and more.

Samsung is highlighting the achievements of the Galaxy Z8 series, as it notes higher sales and the "highest share of buyers" for one phone.

Today (Sept 8), Samsung published its official insights into the Galaxy Z8 series following the trio's launch this summer. Among its shopper analytics, Samsung states consumers have enjoyed the Galaxy Z Fold 8's "thin and light design for greater portability." Alternatively, consumers preferred the Fold 8 Ultra for its larger display. It seems the most common feedback Samsung received was that the Fold 8 Ultra's display reduced the need to carry a tablet.

As a result, Samsung observed "high demand" during the strong pre-order period for these foldables.

Together, the post states the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra are outpacing the Fold 7's sales by 30%. Additionally, these book-style foldables account for 80% of all (current) foldable sales this year.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 has seemed to fall by the wayside this year, but Samsung has excelled in other areas. According to its data, the Flip 8 has reportedly succeeded in getting consumers to switch from other brands. Samsung states 30% of Flip 8 buyers come from competing brands. What's more, "most of those buyers are first-time foldable owners."

Samsung goes down an interesting route. It states that the Flip 8 (or the Flip series in general) serves as a springboard for consumers new to foldables. With that in mind, there are reportedly "more than three times" the number of Z Flip users trading in for a Fold 8 or Fold 8 Ultra in 2026. These numbers are up compared to the Flip 7.

Samsung has observed positivity and growth for its foldables this year. Alongside its sales overview, it also detailed key engineering facts about the devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, for example, is just as thin as the Fold 7 (8.9mm); however, it's lighter at 201g. Flex Titanium is a technology Samsung uses for the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The post states this tech utilizes Titanium Alloy Film, which is "one-third the width of a human hair."

The materials and structure used reportedly maintain foldable performance despite its thinness. What's more, the Fold 8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery (up from 4,400mAh last year) with greater heat-dissipation capabilities. Samsung says it increased this by 7% over the Fold 7.

Samsung's 2026 foldables

This isn't the first time we've heard about Samsung's foldable sales performance. Rumors started late in July, after Unpacked, that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales had skyrocketed. We were only in the pre-order phase, but that reportedly didn't stop websites overseas from crashing in the rush of consumers. Sites were crashing within 30 minutes after the product became available for pre-order. Additionally, reports said that shipping dates were delayed, as companies needed more inventory to meet demand.

We're now seeing the whole picture from Samsung. Sales have clearly turned positive for the company. While the Flip 8 has totalled far less than the Fold 8/Fold 8 Ultra, it's found success in another area that Samsung might feel satisfied with.

What you need to know

• Reports have appeared online, as users state the corner's of their Fold 8's display bends or "indents" when pressed.
• This most commonly occurs with the top right corner; however, there are others who haven't experienced this.
• Samsung provided an official statement, stating this is intentional to help avoid damage if thin, fine particles become stuck on the screen.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 consumers have noticed something strange with the device's screen, and it's caused a stir. Samsung has explained the situation, stating the reality is much better than it seems.

Tipster Lanzuk on Naver highlighted users experiencing the Galaxy Z Fold 8's screen bend or "indentation" (via SamMobile). Their post states that one side of the phone's display can be pressed "more severely than the other." They add that this most commonly happens in the upper right corner of the foldable. Lanzuk offered video evidence, showing the Fold 8's unfolded display nightmarishly bending when pressed.

The way it dips into the phone has startled consumers, forcing them to believe something is wrong. It's stirred quality control conversations online. The video highlights other corners without this indentation. Lanzuk says reports vary: some users experience at least one corner bending in when pressed, while others don't.

Samsung might have something to say about this, as a report by Business Post cites an official statement (via 9to5Google). According to Samsung, everything is normal. It adds, "We designed it so the display indents slightly to provide a cushioning effect and prevent damage." The sort of damage Samsung is looking to help users avoid involves very fine or thin particles, such as sand. It explained that if something were to get stuck on the display and it's then folded, it could cause damage.

The small bend or dip helps avoid damage, so you can remove the substance without worry.

Where the Fold 8 could go

It might help settle the rapidly beating hearts of consumers who've noticed their screen bend. It's not something pleasant to see, and the reactions are understandable.

Elsewhere, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has remained quite popular for Samsung since its launch. It's become so popular that rumors suggest the company could restart its "luxury foldable strategy" with the Fold 8. A "special edition" Galaxy Z Fold 8 could be on the horizon for the second half of 2026, with Thom Browne as a purported top contender. This would return the previous partnership that occurred with the Fold 5.

Samsung paired the device with a matching smartwatch, exclusive accessories, and a custom finish. While Thom Browne is a "top contender," Samsung could also look to Maison Margiela, which it previously worked with.

Android Central's Take

The tipster from Naver mentioned that many of these Fold 8 reports got started as September got rolling. Consumers from South Korea, as well as other international countries (like the U.S.) have reported similar findings. It's good that Samsung has been rather timely with a response. I'd freak out, too, if I pressed by screen and I saw it bend. I'd think something was wrong with it. Hopefully, this is the response people were looking for to settle their worries.

Garmin smartwatch deals are hardly uncommon nowadays, but any discount on the brand's premium Fenix line is sure to turn heads.

Head to Amazon before its Labor Day deals expire and you can score a straight 25% discount on the Garmin Fenix 8, a classic fitness watch that still impresses with a rugged design and a suite of comprehensive fitness tracking features.

It may not be the newest Garmin Fenix watch around any longer (that honor belongs to the great Fenix 9), but if you don't mind going with a last-gen device, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck with the Fenix 8.

• See the full list of leftover Labor Day deals at Amazon today

Despite its last-gen status, the Fenix 8 continues to impress as one of the best Garmin watches on the market today, thanks to the wearable's sophisticated blend of rugged design and powerful performance. The watch boasts a vibrant AMOLED face with stainless steel and reinforced polymer components, plus you get military-grade durability with 10ATM water resistance (so you can wear it in the pool).

The Fenix 8 also sports a built-in LED flashlight and microphone for voice commands/calls, while under the hood you get 32GB of onboard storage and up to 10 days of battery life on a single charge. The fitness watch also comes with all of the health and fitness tracking tools we've come to expect from the brand, including heart rate, SpO2, and ECG monitoring, alongside features like Body Battery and Garmin Coach.

Indeed, the newer Garmin Fenix 9 is the better watch, but these upgrades come at a price. If you want the flagship Garmin experience without spending an arm and a leg, this Fenix 8 deal presents a convenient alternative. Just don't wait too long to make your move.

What you need to know

• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max will feature three 200MP rear sensors, making it the first phone with a setup like this.
• OPPO is once again working with Hasselblad to push the phone’s imaging capabilities further.
• The 200MP main camera reportedly combines an f/1.5 aperture, CIPA 6.5-level stabilization, and DeepPix tech for better challenging-light performance.

OPPO's Find X10 Pro Max is set to launch in China this month, and the company has just confirmed that it’ll come with what could be the most absurd camera array we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The headline? Not one, not two, but three 200MP sensors around the back. Yes, you read that correctly.

OPPO's Find series product lead, Zhuo Shijie, didn't mince words on Weibo either, calling this the "most powerful" (machine translated) device in its class this year. That’s a bold statement, but the hardware might actually live up to it.

Apparently, this is the world’s first triple 200MP camera system, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, again. The main shooter is rumored to use Samsung’s new ISOCELL HPC sensor (1/1.3-inch) and comes with an f/1.5 aperture, CIPA 6.5-level stabilization, and new DeepPix tech that pushes dynamic range to 17EV. This means it could handle tricky lighting much better than typical high-res sensors.

Perhaps the bigger flex here is the 200MP ultrawide. This is the first time a sensor this big has been slapped on an ultrawide. You get a 124-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture, with OPPO claiming 102% more light captured versus the last generation.

The 200MP periscope telephoto is also no slouch, with a 70mm focal length, f/2.1 aperture, and CIPA 7.5 stabilization, which is better than the main camera. It also does a 10cm telephoto macro.

All three lenses are tipped to shoot in 8K for videos, and it’s apparently the only phone that supports full-focal-length 8K Log capture.

The OPPO Find X10 series is expected to launch with ColorOS 17 based on Android 17 around September 17. There are also rumors of a Dimensity 9600 Pro chip, a 6.78-inch 2K LTPO OLED with 144 Hz refresh, and a massive 8,000mAh battery.

Meanwhile, the standard Find X10 will presumably get dual 200MP cameras, so the Pro Max is clearly the one for photography obsessives.

Labor Day has come to an end, but there are still a surprising number of leftover tech deals if you know where to look. Case in point: even though its holiday sale has has ended, Amazon is still slashing 50% off the Sony WH-1000XM5, a pair of flagship cans that once topped our list of the best wireless headphones that money can buy.

Sure, these noise-cancelling headphones have since been supplanted by the newer Sony WH-1000XM6, but if you want to enjoy a premium listening experience for cheap, going with the last-gen XM5 is one of the best ways to do so, particularly when you slap on a record-smashing discount. You can thank me later.

Despite their last-gen status, the Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to impress as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy. You get powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) straight out of the box along with the excellent sound quality that Sony is famous for, plus the cans boast a comfortable fit, a ton of customizable EQ settings (with 10 presets), and up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The headphones also come with four built-in microphones for voice calls, while multipoint connection means that you can connect your Sony XM5 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Your purchase will even come with a free carrying case, which, considering the rigid construction of the XM5, is a nice bonus.

Sure, the Sony WH-1000XM6 technically offer a better experience, with longer battery life, a new QN3 processor, and a flexible build, but I'm not sure these upgrades are worth the steep price tag.

Indeed, if you want the flagship Sony audio experience for less than $200, this discount is one of the best headphone deals on the web. This Labor Day deal could end at any moment, however, so I'd either buy now or prepare to wait until Black Friday season rolls around in a few months. The choice is yours.

Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to launch this week, but Xiaomi is stealing a bit of its thunder by announcing its own mid-size foldable phone first. The Xiaomi 18 Fold was shown off at IFA 2026, but it was secured behind glass, so the general public could only see it (but not touch it).

I was fortunate enough to get some hands-on time with the Xiaomi 18 Fold behind closed doors, and after coming from the high of reviewing the Galaxy Z Fold 8, I was quite impressed with what's on offer here. However, limited availability will hinder its success, and Xiaomi will have to prove that its new in-house XRING 03 chip can keep up with other flagships

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is a wider foldable, similar to the popular Galaxy Z Fold 8, though it has notable design differences. It's shorter and wider than the Z Fold 8, and its corners are much rounder, with a design that looks a lot like the iPhone Ultra leaks.

In my hand, it feels just as compelling as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with a passport-like size when folded, making the 5.4-inch screen very easy to reach. Unfolded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold looks and feels like a small tablet, with a 7.5-inch display. Both displays have a √2:1 aspect ratio similar to A4 paper, which Xiaomi says is ideal for viewing content in both 16:9 and 4:3, meaning videos and photos, respectively.

The crease is fairly visible, as the display is fairly reflective, but I can hardly feel it when running my fingers across it. Xiaomi says it uses a dual-layer Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) structure for enhanced protection.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is slightly heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but when I held them side by side, I couldn't really tell the difference. It's also a bit thicker, but that's due to the 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery Xiaomi stuffed into this phone. Compared to the 4,800mAh unit in the Z Fold 8, Xiaomi already has the upper hand, especially when you account for the faster 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

Turn the phone around, and you'll see where else Xiaomi comes ahead. The phone comes with a triple camera system, with the highlight being the primary 200MP sensor. There is also a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, something that's missing from the Z Fold 8.

I didn't get to capture any camera samples, but I expect good things from the Leica-powered camera system, as we've seen from other recent Xiaomi phones, which produce very natural-looking bokeh and great color reproduction.

The phone is powered by Xiaomi's all-new XRING 03 chipset, an in-house 3nm chip that promises high performance and powerful on-device AI capabilities. According to Xiaomi, the 10-core CPU comprises two Ultra cores, four Premium cores, and four Pro cores for 60% higher performance and 25% lower power consumption compared to the XRING 01.

I could not run any benchmark tests during my time with the phone, so we'll have to take Xiaomi's word for it, at least until we can thoroughly test it ourselves. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already a powerhouse thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and we can expect the chip in the iPhone Ultra to be quite powerful as well, which puts Xiaomi in a bit of the spotlight, since this is its first flagship with the XRING chip.

Meanwhile, the 16-core GPU "sets a new standard for graphics performance on a smartphone," while the NPU promises "200 TOPS of tensor performance" for "45% faster on-device decoding performance."

Paired with 12 or 16GB of LPDDR6 RAM and HyperOS, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is primed to showcase the best that Xiaomi has to offer within its Human x Car x Home smart ecosystem, which promises to seamlessly connect its various smart devices.

Unfortunately, not everyone will have the opportunity to experience what the XRING 03 is like on the Xiaomi 18 Fold, and that's where my excitement fizzles out a bit. The phone is only launching in China for now, with no word on a global release. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 from 2024 was China-exclusive, which isn't very promising, but Xiaomi has also been focusing on expanding its product line in Europe, so there's some hope.

Pricing starts at 10999 yuan (~$1,638.88), which is definitely on the pricier side, especially compared to other foldables. I got to handle the red model, which I really like, although it also comes in black and white. There's also a ceramic version of the phone, which comes in a single configuration (16GB + 1TB) and costs 15999 yuan (~$2,383).

I've always enjoyed using Pixels, and that hasn't changed in 2026. I switched over to the Pixel 11 Pro XL from the Find X9 Ultra, and while Google doesn't have the best cameras or battery life, the 11 Pro XL is meaningfully different to its predecessor — something I realized after two weeks of use.

I have all major phone releases of 2026 on hand, but it's the Pixel 11 Pro XL that houses my SIM card. I obviously like Google's vision of Android, but the 11 Pro XL excels in a lot of other areas, so I'm outlining five reasons why the phone is now my daily driver.

There's a lot to like with the software

I'm not a big fan of AI in general, and Google's insistence of shoving AI-assisted features into every nook and cranny of its software is a bit tedious. That said, Proactive Intelligence does a good job providing contextual information, and Rambler in particular has made me use voice dictation again — I like just how easy it is to take notes. There's no doubting that the Pixel 11 Pro XL has the best on-device AI suite of any phone.

Even if you don't plan on using any of these AI features, there's a lot to like with the software. The interface is clean and modern, and you get extensive customizability when it comes to styling it to your tastes. I get that not everyone's a fan of the Material you aesthetic, but I like the vibrancy of the UI, and it's great to see Google constantly roll out new features.

The hardware is actually good

It's annoying that Google's Tensor efforts have focused so heavily on the NPU that it ignores baseline performance, but the Tensor G6 is better than previous models. It still isn't quite as fast as the latest-gen Qualcomm and MediaTek rivals, but it is better in day-to-day multitasking, and there is a noticeable difference in the overall fluidity. The G6 still struggles with visually-demanding games, but in all other scenarios, it is a pretty reliable platform.

The 6.8-inch OLED panel, on the other hand, is one of the best around. It has great colors and gets brighter than most phones I used in 2026, and it held up astonishingly well in India's punishing heat. The 11 Pro XL doesn't have high PWM dimming — unlike Chinese phones — so if you're sensitive to it, you should get the Find X9 Pro or Vivo X300 Pro.

Cameras are better than I thought

While earlier Pixels had the best cameras, that hasn't been the case for a while now. Thankfully, the Pixel 11 Pro XL makes amends in this area, and the new sensors combined with camera tuning tweaks deliver much better photos and videos.

Image quality in general is better than last year, and while the 11 Pro XL may not be as good as the Find X9 Pro or Vivo X300 Pro, it stands above the S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro. I like Camera Looks a lot as it gives me plenty of flexibility in tailoring my photos.

Magic Capture in particular is a standout addition; it does a great job producing clean photos of fast-moving subjects, and I used it extensively in the last two weeks. While it isn't new, Add Me is a feature that gets a lot of usage.

Qi 2 continues to be a big deal

I only started using Qi 2 in earnest last year, and a lot of that had to do with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. I don't use cases in general, so to have Qi 2 magnets integrated into a phone body made using the tech all the more easy, and it's great to see Google continue this in the Pixel 11 Pro XL.

While 25W charging isn't a lot — particularly when there are phones that charge at 80W — the convenience is hard to counter. There are so many sleek Qi 2 power banks these days that I always have one on hand to use with the 11 Pro XL when I'm outdoors.

The battery life in general is good enough that I don't need to charge the phone before the end of the day, but if I'm shooting outdoors and need to top up the battery, this comes in handy. Also, it's just easier to plonk the 11 Pro XL on a Qi 2 charger on my desk (like the Nomos 245W) than plugging in a cable.

It's great to hold and use

I like Google's hardware design, and the Pixel 11 Pro XL looks clean and elegant. The new camera bar is modern, and it doesn't jut out too much from the body. Best of all, there's no wobble when using the 11 Pro XL on a table (take note, Samsung).

But in classic Google fashion, the brand doesn't have all colors in all storage sizes (outside the U.S., at least), so I got the 512GB variant in Obsidian. I much prefer the look of the Canyon model, and if you're considering getting the 11 Pro XL, that is the color to buy.

The phone has similar dimensions to its predecessor, but it is a little lighter, and the tweaks to the design make it easier to hold and use. Day-to-day durability is excellent; the phone took six tumbles — two onto a tiled surface — and came away unscathed.

I didn't use the Pixel 10 Pro XL as much as previous Pixels, and that's because other brands made bigger strides this year. Chinese brands have much better cameras — the Find X9 Pro, X9 Ultra, Vivo X300 Pro, and X300 Ultra are on another level — but the software wasn't anywhere as good to use as a Pixel. That isn't the case in 2026; ColorOS and OriginOS have gotten a visual makeover, and they combine a modern UI with extensive customizability and fluidity; they no longer feel like second-best software.

That's one of the reasons the Find X9 Pro and X9 Ultra became my most-used devices of 2026. Having said that, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is still better when it comes to the software, and I like that the cameras are no longer the limiting factor. I'm not saying that the phone is without issues; the battery doesn't last two days, and you don't get anywhere as much power as Chinese phones that use Qualcomm and MediaTek silicon. In spite of all that, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is a great choice if you value clean software and cameras that are fun to use.

What you need to know

• Nothing’s Community Review Program is back, giving selected fans early access to upcoming products before public launches.
• Participants must sign an NDA, respect embargoes, share first impressions, and publish detailed reviews and additional content.
• Applications close September 10, but spots aren’t guaranteed, and the program isn’t available to fans in India.

Nothing is giving its community another chance to test its upcoming products before anyone else. The company has reopened its Community Review Program, allowing select fans to get hands-on time with Nothing hardware and software before public launches.

The program offers select members early access to Nothing products, a direct line to the company, and an opportunity to help shape what it builds next, per the company's announcement. Nothing is particularly interested in applicants with experience in 3D animation, graphic design, music and sound production, and product reviews, but no skills are needed to apply. If you love technology, it's enough.

There are some strings attached, though. Because participants may handle unreleased products, they'll need to sign an NDA, follow Nothing's embargo dates, and maintain strict information security. They are also required to give their first impressions of the Nothing Community and social media, publish a full review after launch, and create additional content such as unboxings or product use cases.

It’s important to note that being chosen once does not place you on a permanent VIP list. Nothing's previous program terms made clear that participation for one product doesn't guarantee selection for future reviews, so every round is effectively another chance to get in.

Review devices are issued under the terms of the current program, so applicants should verify the latest conditions before applying. Nothing will also cover the associated shipping costs.

Applications are open until September 10, though selection isn't guaranteed. The program is also unavailable to fans in India.

Judging by past instances of this initiative, the brand does indeed implement user feedback. Earlier in 2024, Nothing had a public campaign called “The Community Edition Project” for the Nothing Phone 2a. Over several months, the company asked its community to submit designs for the phone's hardware, wallpapers, packaging, and marketing.

The winning hardware design had phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) elements on the back of the phone. Nothing actually constructed and sold this specific community-designed device.

Huawei's tri-fold Mate XT was a revelation last year; with an outward-facing hinge and a 10.2-inch panel that folds into a phone-sized 6.4 inches, it was a phenomenal showcase of foldable tech. Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold didn't feel quite that special, but I'll admit that the inward-folding hinge came with inherent benefits.

It looks like Huawei took notes, because the manufacturer switched to a similar inward-facing hinge with the Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design, which just debuted in China. As you'd imagine, this is a costly phone; the base model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage costs the equivalent of $2,945, and the high-end 16GB/2TB variant comes out closer to $4,500. You can buy the Pixel 11, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold, and the Pixel Watch 5 with that cash.

The Mate XT 2 has similar dimensions as its predecessor, and it retains the same 5,600mAh silicon battery. That means an ultra-thin 4.0mm silhouette when unfolded, going up to 12.3mm while folded. At 299g, it is still an absolute unit, but it gets IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance this time. Oh, and the purple color looks absolutely gorgeous.

The biggest difference is the inward-folding G hinge, which should do a better job protecting the inner panels. Interestingly, Huawei is using a privacy screen that's similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, where the contents on the screen will be hidden if you're viewing it at an off-axis.

Another upgrade is the Kirin 9050 Pro, which brings a slew of tweaks to the hardware. I'll have to get my hands on the Mate XT 2 to see what's changed this year, but I like that it has the latest connectivity. The outer 120Hz panel now goes up to 6.5 inches, with the inner panel the same 10.2-inch 90Hz OLED as last generation.

Cameras have also received a boost, with the Mate XT 2 touting a new 50MP LOFIC main camera, 50MP tele lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 40MP wide-angle lens. The tri-fold runs HarmonyOS 7.0 out of the box, with Huawei modernizing the UI.

At this point, Huawei hasn't detailed whether the Mate XT 2 Ultimate Design will launch globally, like its predecessor. With Samsung shelving the Z TriFold, it would be a win for Huawei to bring the foldable outside China, but we'll have to wait and see if that turns out to be the case.

What you need to know

• Samsung is alerting users about its preparations to shut down the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps on December 31, 2026.
• While Samsung acknowledges "inconveniences" from this, it states that it's "committed" to returning these apps "with improved services" in the future.
• In July, Samsung officially axed its Messages app, which has been replaced by the Google Messages app.

Samsung is preparing to shut down two apps, and it's delivering warnings to users in preparation for what's to come.

Very early this morning (Sept 7), Tarun Vats on X noticed new warnings from Samsung about two apps that are being phased out. Samsung says that it will shut down the Quick Measure app on December 31, 2026. It adds, "After this date, new downloads and update support for the existing app will be discontinued. You may continue to use the app if it's already downloaded, but be aware that some features may not function properly."

The Quick Measure app currently works with Google's Wear OS. However, after this termination date from Samsung, it says app support will no longer be provided for new Wear OS versions. Quick Measure isn't the only app getting the boot. Users replying to Vats' thread on X mentioned Samsung's AR Doodle is also getting axed come December 31.

A similar warning to users was given for AR Doodle. The date remains the same; however, it swaps Wear OS for regular OS, as this app likely relies on Android/One UI updates. While Samsung recognizes that shutting down an app can cause "inconveniences," the news isn't all bad. Samsung says, "We are committed to returning with improved services in the future."

It's not clear if Quick Measure and AR Doodle will return upgraded, new, and improved. Or if we'll see brand-new variations that change these older systems.

Another app got shutdown this summer

If you're confused about "Quick Measure," we wouldn't blame you. Our earliest coverage dates back to 2021, when Samsung rolled out new features for its S Health app (yeah... S Health). That update coincided with the company's Gear Fit 2 launch. Quick Measure let users check their heart rate without launching the full app. Our coverage read, "Simply activate Quick Measure, and you'll now be able to place a finger on the heart rate sensor and wait for a reading."

We've come a long way with heart rate tracking and the like related to cardiovascular health. Anyway, the last app shutdown from Samsung was its Messages app in July. Google Messages was reported to be the company's official replacement for users to text. However, consumers with Android 11 and under "are unaffected, and emergency calls still work after the shutdown."

What you need to know

• A major leak claims Motorola is developing a wide Razr Fold to compete with Samsung, Huawei, and more.
• The device could fit that small, passport-like design with an "easy-open" profile," a "bezel-less" cover display, and a dual lens horizontal camera bar.
• An anonymous source claims the phone could debut "in the coming months."

Wide foldables are quickly becoming a popular trend. Leaks from over the weekend claim Motorola could be the next brand to hop on that train.

Leaks revealed by Android Headlines, courtesy of an "anonymous source," suggest the design Motorola is going for. Its source allegedly provided a few sketches, which purportedly showcase the various design ideas for the wide Razr foldable. One thing rumors claim is that Motorola's foldable could feature an "easy-open" profile. Among theories of a crease-less display and "3D glass," the wide Razr foldable's frame "isn't flat."

The report states this decision could help make the device easier for consumers to open on the fly. This wide Razr Fold certainly fits the bill in these leaked illustrations. Offering that shorter (perhaps even stout) frame with rounded corners. "Motorola" will allegedly be inscribed on the hinge, visible when folded. Curiously, one illustration, depicting the phone's cover display, suggests it could be "bezel-less."

What's more, the device could feature a horizontal, protruding camera bar, similar to Google's Pixels. Its camera array hasn't been narrowed down, but there's speculation that it might offer dual lenses.

Android Headlines was reportedly told by the anonymous source that Motorola is preparing to launch this "Wide Razr Fold" (or whatever it'll be called) "in the coming months."

Moto's going wide

If anything, Moto's wide Razr Fold might feel closer to what Huawei did with the Pura V Max. The company's "horizontally wide" foldable featured that landscape camera bar. The device feels more like a passport, which Google has done with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. Huawei's wide foldable this year features a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. The current Moto rumors had nothing to say on this front, so we'll have to wait a while.

The idea of a wider foldable is something more and more people have become curious about. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was incredibly popular for Samsung after a week of pre-orders. Consumers overseas crashed websites with their early orders 30 minutes after the phone went live. Shipping dates were also pushed back, since Samsung needed to manufacture more phones to meet demand.

Android Central's Take

Motorola got in on the "regular" fold (Moto Razr Fold) aesthetic earlier this year, and the phone looks pretty good. In fact, one of my colleagues said in their review that the phone gives Samsung a new reason to worry. Motorola made some good moves, but it's clear it wants to continue. Hopping on the wide-fold train is the next "best thing." We'll just have to see when/if the phone arrives. These sketches look nice, but they aren't enough for me yet.

I've seen a lot of Google Pixel 11 deals since the phones were first unveiled last month, but once again, Mint Mobile has surprised me with one of the best offers yet. For a limited time, the T-Mobile-owned carrier is slashing $425 off the powerful Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, and all you need to do is bundle the device with one year of wireless.

Yes, that seems like a major eligibility requirement, but considering that all of Mint Mobile's annual plans have been discounted to just $180 (or $15 per month), it's actually extremely cost-effective.

Let me put it this way. Bundle the phone with one year of the carrier's popular unlimited plan, and it'll only cost you $1,054 ($88 per month using affirm). That's a whopping $200 cheaper than the Pixel 11 Pro XL's current price at Amazon, and it comes with a full 12 months of one of our favorite unlimited plans around. It's not for everyone, but if you want a deal that gets you a powerful Android phone and a great new wireless plan, this Mint Mobile promotion is one of the most impressive offers on the web today.

✅ Recommended if: you want a powerful Android phone and some great no-frills wireless for cheap; you hate paying your phone bill and wouldn't mind purchasing a year of coverage in advance.

❌ Skip this deal if: you don't want to commit to a full year of one wireless plan in advance; you want a phone plan with premium perks; you prefer the simplicity of buying phones unlocked; you're looking for a trade-in opportunity.

If you don't need all of the fancy extras and premium perks offered by Big Three carriers, Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan is a fantastic choice. You get unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile's vast 5G network, plus a free mobile hotspot and free calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. That's it. Just simple and effective wireless that won't break the bank.

The premium Pixel 11 Pro XL, however, is anything but simple. This is Google's answer to Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, boasting a gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED display, a powerful Tensor G6 chipset, and 12GB of RAM straight out of the box. You also get some upgraded camera tech, faster charging speeds, and the new HiLight LED notification feature around the camera bar.

The Pixel 11 Pro XL may not be a dramatic upgrade from its predecessor, but it's still one of the best phones that Google has ever produced. Here is a great way to get the 2026 flagship at a solid discount (plus a year of great wireless coverage to boot).

TL;DR: the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra just scored a rare 27% discount during Amazon's Labor Day sale, but the deal expires in less than 24 hours!

It's no secret that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of the best phones ever built, but its steep price tag has been a major barrier for a lot of Android fans. Fortunately, Amazon's Labor Day sale is live and slashing 27% off the unlocked flagship, dropping the price to a much more reasonable $953.

The only catch is that the deal ends at midnight tonight, so you better act fast if you're interested. We probably won't see another discount like this until the fall sales begin in earnest next month.

• Amazon's Labor Day sale ends TONIGHT: see the full list of deals

The nearly perfect Galaxy S26 Ultra just scored a hefty discount during Amazon's Labor Day sale

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is pure luxury inside and out, with a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display (with built-in stylus), IP68 ingress protection with an aluminum and Gorilla Glass build, and a slimmer, more lightweight design than its predecessor.

Under the hood, the phone is equipped with the excellent Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, plus you get 12GB of RAM, a seven-year software promise, and all of the latest AI-boosted software features from Galaxy AI. The S26 Ultra also has the innovative Privacy Display feature that prevents people from seeing your screen unless they're looking at it straight on.

Indeed, even with this discount, $953 is a lot for a phone. But if you've had your eye on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for a while and you prefer the simplicity of an unlocked device, this deal is tough to beat. Just don't wait too long: once this offer is gone, it's going to be at least a month before the Galaxy S26 Ultra gets another discount this good.

Looking for more? Check out my guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S26 deals of September 2026.

Labor Day has arrived, which means we're currently seeing some of the best tech deals this side of Black Friday. Amazon's big Labor Day sale is still going strong throughout the day, slashing prices on a bounty of our favorite Android devices, from smartphones and tablets to wearables and class-ready Chromebooks.

Needless to say, if you don't want to scroll through page after page of product listings to find the deal that's right for you, you're in luck. I've done the work of tracking down the best Android deals during Amazon's Labor Day sale so you don't have to go searching. All of the items below have been tested and approved by the Android Central staff, and I use price tracking tools to distinguish the so-so deals from the discounts that really matter.

Without further ado, let's go ahead and dive into the best Android device deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale. Just be aware that the big deal event ends tonight at midnight, so don't wait too long if something catches your eye!

• See the full list of deals from Amazon's Labor Day sale

Phones

Wearables

Tablets and Chromebooks

Smart home

Headphones and earbuds