This year, Soundcore brings both subtle improvements and awe-inspiring upgrades that every pair of earbuds on the market should be replicating. And I don’t say that lightly. While still not market-leading, they’ve even improved their weakest point: active noise-canceling strength.

Overall, I’ve been completely floored by what Soundcore has been able to accomplish, so let’s get to it, and I’ll tell you why the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max are more than just an upgrade over the 5; they’re a “must-have.”

Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro vs Pro Max: Visual differences

I started my review period with the pricier, new Liberty 5 Pro Max, but I’ve been using both Pro models interchangeably. Both new cases' lids slide up like the Liberty 5, and now they have external “smart displays.” Though the dimensions of both new Pro models are similar, the Pro Max is taller and brighter, thanks to its 1.78-inch AMOLED smart display (the Pro’s is .96 inches).

Both displays are responsive and easy to read in direct sunlight. The Pro Max allows you to upload wallpaper, both stills and animations, which display on the screen when it’s awake. Using the case, swiping left or right lets you control ANC modes, EQ, and playback. Swiping up from the bottom gives you access to all the apps, and swiping down from the top brings up quick-access shortcuts for various settings. All of that without pulling out your phone.

The only downside is that while the case is pocketable for a 6 ’ 215lb man like me (it fits in my pants coin pocket), it will be large for others with smaller frames when you compare it to the Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro cases (see comparison in the gallery above).

This year, the new Liberty 5 Pro models have been redesigned so they’re no longer stem-style earbuds; instead, they have an earbud with a “surfboard” sitting over the backside. And, like some surfboards, the new models have rear fins which come in three different sizes, including the one already installed.

The fins, along with plenty of eartip options, made it easy to get the right fit. And it’s a locked-in fit that feels as secure as my favorite gym earbuds, the Powerbeats Fit!

When placing the earbuds in my ears, the idea is to twist slightly to get the earfins to lock in. Not doing that, they have a looser fit, but they still feel quite secure, and that’s how I’ve worn them most of the time. For the gym, I just twist and lock in, and they’re great!

Generally, I hate the fit of oval-shaped eartips and have not found them comfortable across quite a few earbuds I’ve tested over the years, but with the Liberty 5 Pro models, they feel just right.

Mind-blowing, record-setting call quality

According to Soundcore, the new Liberty 5 Pro models earned a Guinness World Records title for the clarity of their calls, and after my testing, I believe them! The most fascinating aspect of my time with the Pro and Pro Max has been the call quality enabled by the new Anker Thus AI audio chip embedded in the earbuds.

One day during my 45-minute commute home, I gave my friend a call using an iPhone 16 Pro Max with the Liberty 5 Pro connected. He’s a broadcast engineer who intimately knows the ins and outs of audio and video.

We chatted the entire time I was driving, and when I made it home, I asked him where he thought I was calling him from. He told me it sounded like I was in a quiet room and my voice sounded great.

I recorded myself talking using the Voice Recorder app on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra while playing 80dB of airplane cabin and urban traffic noise. I thought I was in the Twilight Zone when I played that audio back because not only was there not even the slightest hint that 80dB of noise was literally blasting in my face from less than two feet away, My voice was still clear, though very slightly muddy, but it didn’t sound like I was underwater, and there were no dropouts from the AI being overwhelmed.

While recording, I intentionally stopped talking to see how the new Anker Thus AI chip handled background noise when I was silent, and the audio waveform was completely flat (as pictured above), detecting no sound despite 80dB of noise!

These are easily the best earbuds I’ve used for phone calls in years. Jabra was my previous champ, along with AirPods, Technics AZ100, and a couple others, but nothing has come close to achieving exactly what Anker Soundcore has.

The Anker Thus AI chip powers some very useful features and upgrades

The Anker Thus AI chip enables more than just what I believe to be market-leading call quality. The Pro Max’s case is Bluetooth-enabled and connects directly to your phone, letting you use it as a microphone and speaker for translating conversations. I used this functionality a few times, and it works well.

The AI Note Taker feature is really good! It works much like Otter AI or Zoom call transcription, in that it recognizes individual speakers and does so well (see image below). The only time it gets confused about who is speaking is when people speak over each other.

The Anker Thus chip also enables highly responsive voice commands that control many functions without an internet connection, like Sony and Samsung’s flagship earbuds (see above). The only thing I found a bit hit-or-miss was voice chat with the Soundcore personal assistant, Anka.

You can chat with it and ask it to do things, but I found more complex “asks” to be a bit less reliable than the excellent offline voice commands.

The rest of the experience: The highs and lows

Listening to the chaotic Jazz romp “Moanin’” performed by Charles Mingus and crew, the Liberty 5 Pro Max did an admirable job of not turning the most chaotic moments of the song into a pot of mashed potatoes, handling the chaotic mix better than the venerable Sony WF-1000XM6.

The only area lacking was the high frequencies in the pop and hip-hop genres. Listening to Jamiroquai’s “Starchild,” his vocals are clear, and while definitely not buried in the mix, highs feel a bit subdued.

Top-end smoothness is a treat when listening to various genres of rock music. System of a Down’s “Toxicity” is delightful, and nothing ever came across even remotely sibilant.

You’re definitely getting popular, low-end-emphasized tuning out of both Pros, but thanks to features like HearID and their excellent choice of sound EQ’ing options, you really can effectively tune the audio frequencies to your liking.

ANC is also noticeably improved. Mid-range noise, like voices in the background, and higher-frequency sounds, like the clank of weight plates in the gym, are noticeably softened compared to the Liberty 5. With the improved ANC activated, LDAC HiRes enabled, and AI functionality, I still found myself getting around 6 hours of battery with the ‘buds.

The only place I found noise controls lacking at this price point was in the ability to quickly attenuate unexpected loud noises, such as dropping a weight or a pan, while in Transparency mode. My Powerbeats Fit immediately mutes unexpected loud noises, but the Liberty 5 Pro doesn’t respond fast enough.

A noteworthy upgrade

While the ANC is improved but not a market leader, the microphones absolutely are now, and that begs the question: Liberty 5 Pro Max or Sony WF-1000XM6? Market-leading active noise canceling or market-leading call quality?

For most people, the audio quality when listening to music or movies is close enough that it isn’t a major point of contention between the two, but it’s very easy to recommend the Liberty 5 Pro series to you because they’re that good, and they’re roughly $100 cheaper than Sony’s flagship. In this economy, that means a lot!

What you need to know

• Google has confirmed Pixel price hikes as the ongoing global RAM shortage continues to push hardware costs higher.
• Recent leaks suggest the entire Pixel 11 lineup could cost $100 more than the current Pixel 10 series.
• Google says it's making Android more RAM-efficient to offset lower memory configurations without hurting performance.

It's the season of price increases. Samsung recently increased prices across its entire Galaxy Z8 lineup compared to the previous generation, and now it looks like Google is about to follow suit.

In an interview with 9to5Google, Google's Vice President of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, confirmed that price hikes are coming to Pixel phones. While Barkat didn't go into specifics about what we can expect in terms of pricing, he emphasized that Google's hardware division has been heavily impacted by a "severe, supplier-driven RAM memory crisis."

The executive pointed to Morgan Stanley data showing that the price of 1GB of RAM has jumped from $2.80 in 2025 to $12 this year. Barkat said Google has shielded customers from these supply fluctuations for as long as possible, but that the entire Pixel lineup will now see "adjustments" that will be rolled out dynamically to reflect the reality of the supply chain.

Unfortunately, that includes the upcoming Pixel 11 series.

According to recent leaks, prices across the Pixel 11 lineup are expected to increase by $100. That means the base Pixel 11 could start at $899, up from the Pixel 10's $799 starting price. The Pixel 11 Pro is also expected to start at $1,099, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL is rumored to launch at $1,299.

On top of that, the leaks also suggest Google is reducing the amount of RAM on the base Pro models. While the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL are both expected to start with 256GB of storage, the company is reportedly cutting the RAM from 16GB to 12GB.

The disruption will also impact "in-market Pixel phones," Barkat added, although Google didn't confirm which devices he was referring to. Reports suggest that this could include the Pixel 10a.

The executive also said that Google is working to make Android more RAM-efficient than ever, which will "enable devices to have less RAM while maintaining a great user experience."

Would you still buy the Pixel 11 series if it costs $100 more?

In the flip phone market, Samsung lives in Motorola's shadow. Even with the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026's price hikes, it will be the flip phone for the Galaxy Z Flip 8 to beat. Before you decide whether to buy the Razr Ultra 2026, the Galaxy Z Flip 8, or an older model, you might want to know how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is holding up one year later.

I've spent exactly a year with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, testing Samsung's foldable against the older Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the entire Motorola Razr 2026 lineup. Truth be told, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is slightly underrated. It's easy to ridicule the flip phone for its poor cover screen software, but beyond that, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 features polished hardware and great hardware support.

It's still going strong in 2026, and these are the things I love (and don't love) about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 after long-term use.

Samsung's flip design is still better than Motorola's

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7's IP48 certification won't win any awards, but overall, this is the best-built foldable you can buy in North America. It's sturdy, with a strong hinge and a nearly crease-less display. My favorite part about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its form factor. The flip phone weighs only 188 grams and measures just 13.7mm when folded, seriously undercutting the Razr Ultra 2026.

I can guarantee you'll notice the thinner, lightweight build of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 as you live with it for months. It's no Galaxy Z Fold 7 — flips simply have less internal space to work with, resulting in thicker builds — but it's still impressive. More importantly, I'm fond of the Galaxy Z Flip 7's rectangular shape. It feels polished and premium, whereas I find the Razr Ultra 2026's curvy design to make it look thicker than it actually is.

Motorola gets credit for the stylish PANTONE colorways available throughout the Razr line, but I'll take the Galaxy Z Flip 7's footprint anyway.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7's cover screen software is still disappointing

The one Galaxy Z Flip 7 drawback that is borderline disqualifying is the phone's cover screen software. It's more limited than the Motorola Razr Ultra 2026 — you need to use extra apps like MultiStar to get basic apps running on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover screen. The real problem is the Galaxy Z Flip 7's Flex Window software pales in comparison to the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

You used to be able to add widgets and use full-screen widgets on the cover screen. Now, you have to open the phone to add widgets, and the largest widgets (with the exception of launchers) are 2x2. As such, you can see fewer bits of information on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover screen than on the Galaxy Z Flip cover screen. I've hoped for updates to improve cover screen functionality, but running One UI 8.5, it's the same story.

If running full-screen apps on the cover screen and enjoying data-dense widgets are important to you, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 unfortunately isn't a real option. You'll have to go with a Motorola flip.

The folding display's aspect ratio is nearly perfect

After using the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, it's clear that the wider screens can't be understated. The 6.9-inch folding display on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 measures 68.6 millimeters wide. This makes it feel just like a Galaxy S25 Edge or Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a joy to use as a result. Foldables typically compromised the traditional smartphone experience with narrow screens and odd aspect ratios, but the Galaxy Z Flip 7 doesn't.

Although the cover screen software leaves a lot to be desired, the Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel inside is outstanding. The aspect ratio and size are two big reasons why, but the 120Hz refresh rates and 2,600 nits of peak brightness are others. This is more like a slab phone you can fold in half, rather than a flip phone with a cover screen designed to keep you from opening it. A year with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 taught me that Samsung and Motorola's flips might serve different audiences.

The camera sensors are lackluster, even for a foldable

Samsung's slow pace of smartphone upgrades is well documented, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7's camera system is further evidence. There's a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, which isn't great compared to Motorola's dual 50MP sensors on the Razr Ultra 2026.

Yes, Motorola's phone is a year newer and more expensive, but the brand's last-gen Razr Ultra 2025 also had dual 50MP rear cameras — and it costs less than the Galaxy Z Flip 7 today. I didn't find the Galaxy Z Flip 7's camera system to be terrible, but there are certainly flip phones with better offerings.

One UI is superb and there's long software support

It's easy to forget that, outside of the Galaxy Z Flip 7's cover screen limitations, the foldable ships with great software. One UI 8 was excellent out of the box, and One UI 8.5 is better. Soon, the flip phone will get the boost to One UI 9. For a lot of people, One UI will feel smoother, cleaner, and more versatile compared to Motorola's My UX.

The big thing to remember is the phone's software support. With a seven-year guarantee, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will get updates for years to come. The Razr Ultra 2026 is supported for less than half as long, with only three guaranteed Android OS upgrades. Especially considering the high cost of Motorola foldables, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (and the new Galaxy Z Flip 8) feel like the better deal due to software support.

Battery life and charging could use some work

As silicon-carbon batteries become more common on phones sold in the U.S., the Galaxy Z Flip 7's battery looks worse. It's only a 4,300mAh battery with slow 25W wired charging, and no Qi2 magnets. Compared to the 5,000mAh Razr Ultra 2026, it's not even a competition. Even though the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a larger battery than the Galaxy Z Flip 6, I found that battery life was about the same between generations.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 might be old news with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 arriving, but that doesn't mean it's down for the count. This is still a great phone that can rival Motorola's best in a few areas. It's also woefully outdated in others. If you already have a Galaxy Z Flip 7, though, there's no need to replace it yet.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out several smart home updates, including one for Gemini that expands its "conversational memory" to 15 minutes.
• Gemini Live arrives on first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hub devices, alongside improved Automation guidance and smart lock alerts for removed users.
• Recent updates for Google Home include Pet Memory for Gemini and Suggested Automations.

Google is rolling into the weekend with a few updates to its smart home systems that you should check your devices for.

Gemini for Home's early access is getting a few refinements this week. Google states Gemini Live is now available on first-gen speakers and displays. The patch notes list first-gen Home Mini and Nest Hubs as devices receiving Gemini Live this week. Keep in mind that only Google Home Premium subscribers can access this. On a related note, Gemini's memory is getting stronger.

Google says the AI's "conversational memory" now lasts for 15 minutes. This will be present "across the entire Gemini for Home experience." Users can follow up on something they've previously asked Gemini to do, so long as it's within those 15 minutes. Automations in the Home app will provide clearer "saving guidance." Google explains that the app will inform users if they're trying to save an automation with conditions but no starter.

Improved controls and labels for smart blinds and window coverings in Automations are included, alongside smart lock "security actions disclaimers." If users remove someone's access from their locks, the app will tell you that their passcodes "need to be changed or removed."

A July 2026 update is rolling out for Nest Cameras. This applies to the wired, third-gen Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, 2nd-gen), and the Nest Doorbell (wired, third-gen). Additionally, Google now supports more of Walmart's Onn cameras: Outdoor Plug-In and Outdoor Floodlight Hardwired. Bug fixes make up the remainder of these updates, and you can view them in full.

The Home is looking smarter

This conversational memory update for Gemini reminds us of the Continued Conversations patch from April. Asking the AI to do something is common with so many smart devices to control. What can get frustrating is having to repeat yourself to a computer. Continued Conversations aims to solve that. Google said this highly requested feature helps Gemini "remember" what's going on. It helps make the experience seamless, which is another area Google's been working on.

Gemini would keep its mic open for a few extra seconds, in case there's something to add. This memory upgrade takes this concept and expands on it. Even after Gemini closes its mic, you can still follow up, and it'll (hopefully) remember your conversation from two minutes ago. Pet Memory was another recent patch for Gemini that lets users customize how the AI recognizes their fur babies.

Instead of the generic sentences (i.e., "dog is walking in the living room), users can let the AI know the little one's name.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim the Galaxy S27 and S27 Plus are being "tested" with a Sony camera sensor, not Samsung's ISOCELL.
• While this change has been alleged, the sensor might only deliver 50MP to the main lenses for both phones.
• Another rumor claims that Samsung is testing silicon-carbon battery tech for the Galaxy S27 series after delivering it for its 2026 foldables.

Samsung has had an eventful week with Galaxy Unpacked dropping major reveals. Settling back into things, rumors are surfacing about its next flagship phone upgrades.

Rumors have started from a couple of different sources this week. The first stems from Galaxy Club (Dutch), claiming the Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27 Plus could receive camera tech from a new company (via GSMArena). Samsung typically swaps its in-house Exynos chips for Qualcomm when its phones launch in other markets (markets that aren't Korea or Europe). Now, rumors claim Samsung might forgo its camera sensor, ISOCELL, in favor of Sony's.

The publication cites information from an unnamed source, stating this swap to Sony is being "tested" for the S27 and S27 Plus' main sensor. Early tests show this sensor would arrive as 50MP, and that's only if testing goes well and we see this through to fruition. Galaxy S27 rumors don't end there, as tipster Lanzuk on Naver (Korean) states the phones could get a familiar battery upgrade.

Lanzuk claims silicon-carbon battery tech is currently "undergoing application testing" for Samsung's next phones. While it's easy to get excited early, Lanzuk says there are still a lot of moving parts. For one, the battery capacity has supposedly not increased. However, this could be due to the series' early stages, as "nothing is finalized."

Changes aplenty

Camera rumors haven't been shy about Samsung's S27 series. Specifically, there were reports about the Galaxy S27 Ultra's changes, which say it could sport an ISOCELL HP6 sensor. While this is an "upgrade," the device was still rumored to offer 200MP with this newer sensor. Let's not forget about the alleged "Galaxy S27 Pro." Word has it that Samsung could roll out four Galaxy S series phones next year, with the "Pro" being the new kid on the block.

The S27 Pro could feature cameras closer to the Ultra experience, but with "entirely new sensors" to switch things up. The battery rumor for the S27 series is interesting. We've heard rumors about Samsung potentially "catching up" to its competition with better, bigger batteries. Of course, we're talking about silicon-carbon batteries, but nothing's for certain. What is certain—nice to see, too—is that Samsung's latest foldables rock this new tech.

Android Central's Take

It feels like we're moving into a unique timeline for Samsung. Its foldables have gotten a battery upgrade we've been waiting on. It could've been better—cell capacity, of course. Samsung is still pretty far under its competition. I suppose having silicon-carbon tech is better than not.

What you need to know

• Google Play hosts The Auction at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), and there are rewards for visitors on-site and online.
• In the Play Store app, Play Points members Gold or higher can claim an exclusive digital case of rewards for a chance to score prizes.
• If you're at SDCC, Google Play encourages users to get their custom tote bag and unique keychain charms at the charms bar.
• The Auction runs from July 23 to July 25, and the final day at 5 pm PT is when the auction gets underway, hosted by Quenlin Blackwell.

SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) is underway, and Google Play is there to take in the sights while also giving away rewards for users on-site and online.

Google announced that it's hosting The Auction at SDCC, and people can snag perks and rewards to celebrate. If you're unable to make it to the San Diego area for the festivities, Google Play Points members can still have fun. Google states that users will find "Digital reward cases." For Gold Plus members, "can unlock an exclusive digital rewards case on Google Play for a special chance to score points boosters and surprise collectibles." Keep in mind, this includes Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Play Points members.

You can find these cases in the You or Perks tab in Play Points. The Special Event—Comic-Con in San Diego case ends on August 10, per the app.

Alternatively, if you're looking for "instant rewards," users can head to the Use tab to redeem "high-demand gear," like the Gen 2 Backbone One | DEATH STRANDING 2 Limited Edition controller.

Everyone who has made the trek to SDCC, Google Play is hosting The Auction. From July 23 to July 25, visitors can "step into an immersive space where tokens earned on-site are your currency." Google highlights a massive gachapon that visitors can spin for rewards. You can use your tokens to redeem a custom tote bag or "uniquely crafted keepsakes" at the venue's keychain charm bar.

Visitors can also score rewards for MARVEL Strike Force and Crunchyroll.

This all converges on a massive auction finale on July 25 at 5 pm PT hosted by Quenlin Blackwell. Visitors can bid on high-value items from an Emerald Gemagotchi Necklace with white diamond buttons on a 14K gold ball chain to a Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair. There's still time, and if you're not a Points member yet, get going.

Peep the rewards

Buying in-game items and other items through the Google Play Store helps you rack up points. In turn, these points level you up from Bronze to Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. In September, Google revamped Play Points, introducing new rewards. The inclusion of more prizes was for users in the U.K. Google teamed up with YouTube, Chrome, and developers to curate accessories and clothing options for points holders.

Shortly after, in December, Google Play Points brought the Pixel 10 Pro into the mix with a decent discount. If you had the points, you could get $250 off the Pixel 10 Pro, which knocked it down to $749 on the Google Store. However, the company said some users might've been eligible for an extra $200, knocking it down to $549. This was a promotion Google ran from December 15-27, so if you were there (and interested), it was a joy.

Android Central's Take

I would give my personal take on this, but you already know I'm a big comic book fan (and if you didn't... now you know). SDCC is always a great time. Seeing what's coming up from my favorite games, Marvel comics, and DC comics is a highlight. But please excuse me, I'm getting my rewards on Google Play.

The new and improved Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to hit store shelves on August 7th, and the preorder deals are pouring in. Most of these early promotions will get you the innovative foldable for cheaper than its $1,899 asking price, but there are only two ways to get the Z Fold 8 for completely free — if you can meet the eligibility requirements.

AT&T and T-Mobile are both running deals that give you up to $1,900 of credit when you add a qualified line and trade in an old or broken device. The deals aren't for everyone, but if you have a relatively new Android phone lying around and you're interested in updating your wireless plan, that's enough of a promotional discount to make the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 totally free. 

2 ways to make your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder FREE

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 totally changes up the design of Samsung's long-running Z Fold series of foldable phones, introducing a new "passport-style" form factor with an upgraded Snapdragon chipset, 4,800mAh battery, and a breathtaking inner AMOLED display with a nearly-invisible crease. You also get all of the latest Galaxy AI features, incredible cameras, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. 

At $1,900 for the 256GB version, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also far from cheap, but preorder opportunities like the deals listed above should seriously soften the blow. After all, the innovative foldable hasn't even been officially released yet, so I'll take about any offer I can get.

What you need to know

• Google is rolling out Fitbit Air firmware version 253.2, but don't expect new features.
• This update focuses entirely on reliability and minor bug fixes.
• Google advises installing the update during the day or evening, as updating around midnight can temporarily throw off your daily step count.

Google has begun rolling out a new software update for the Fitbit Air. However, this release is solely focused on reliability and not on new features.

The company officially describes the update as containing only “minor bug fixes,” but it does not say what those fixes are. This is the second firmware release for the wearable, following the initial update last month. In its community post, Google says firmware version 253.2 is being rolled out to devices over the next few days.

Before you begin the installation process, Google says to make sure your Fitbit Air is charged or plugged into its charger and has at least 50% battery. You also have to keep the wearable connected to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth and have the latest version of the Google Health app on your device.

It also matters when you install. Google recommends updating your device during the day or in the evening, not at midnight, as updating late at night could make that day’s step count appear inaccurate temporarily.

Installation takes about 10 minutes to complete. First, open the Google Health app with your Fitbit Air nearby and tap Update on the Today tab. You can also tap on Update in the top left corner under Connections and then tap on your device.

Just keep the Google Health app open and keep your Fitbit close to your phone or tablet until the progress bar is complete.

Android Central's Take

I get that Google is finally shipping an update instead of leaving early buyers hanging, but “bug fixes and general improvements” has become one of the most overused phrases in tech. If this update really helps with automatic workout detection, Google should just say so. People don't buy fitness trackers so they can decipher vague changelogs. They buy them because they want reliable health tracking without babysitting it.

Google's video-generation AI models are finally getting the Nano Banana treatment. Gemini Omni powers video creation in the Gemini app and replaces Veo. Now, the Gemini Omni model is coming to the Create tab of the Google Photos app. A new Video Remix feature helps you take simple video clips and transform them into something new using Gemini Omni, all without leaving Google Photos.

I gave it a shot, and while it's not a replacement for the full Omni experience in the Gemini app, Video Remix is pretty fun to use. You select a 10-second video clip, choose a Remix template, and wait for the reimagined video to generate. The results were better than I expected, even if I wish Video Remix supported longer clips. Here's how you can try Video Remix for yourself.

What you need to get started with Video Remix

Although the Video Remix experience is powered by Gemini Omni, you won't find it in the Gemini app. Instead, you can use Video Remix in the Create tab of the Google Photos app. It lives alongside Photo Remix and Reimagine, with the key difference being that Video Remix is made for short clips. Specifically, you can select a 10-second portion of a video to change using Omni and Video Remix.

Video Remix uses the following prompt templates to shake up your clips:

• Relight my video with a morning glow
• Add doodles to my video
• Set my video in a greenhouse
• Give my video an orange sunset glow
• Add shifting laser light strobes
• Paint my video in dreamy watercolor
• Make my video look like pixel art
• Give my video a tropical sunset background
• Put my video in a gritty subway scene
• Cast a magic hour haze in my video
• Cast my video in cool blue hour tones
• My video as a stop-motion sketch
• Turn my video into a moving oil painting
• Put my video in a Mediterranean villa
• Give my video a golden hour glow

As you can see, Video Remix templates vary from offering subtle lighting changes and background swaps to completely remaking clips in selected art styles. Google says that stable and steady videos work best with Video Remix, and warns that it might not always work as expected or could include audio.

For now, Video Remix is rolling out for paid Google AI subscribers. It's available in the following countries:

• US
• Argentina
• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Egypt
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Turkey

If you're located in one of the above countries and have a Google AI Plus, AI Pro, or AI Ultra account, you're ready to start using Video Remix in Google Photos.

How I use Video Remix to reimagine my photos

I take a bunch of videos I rarely revisit, so I thought using Video Remix could be a fun way to play around with clips lying dormant in my Google Photos library. I had videos of dolphins from a boating trip and Meta Oakley clips from summer runs, and I used Video Remix to change them up. Here's how I did it, and how you can too:

1. Open the Google Photos app.

2. Tap Create.

3. Press Video remix.

4. Choose a template.

5. Select a video from your Photos library.

6. If your video is longer than 10 seconds, use the grab handles to select a section of the video to remix. Then, press Generate.

7. Wait for the clip to process. This may take up to two minutes. When finished, play the Video Remix output and press Save to add it to your library.

Now, you've created your first Video Remix. You can try again if the results didn't turn out as you expected, or choose a different prompt to get a new output.

Everything I made with Video Remix in Google Photos

Despite the short maximum video length, Video Remix's results were impressive. For my first test, I tried taking a POV-style video from one of my runs and turning it into a watercolor moving painting. Gemini Omni certainly nailed the effect, as you can see below.

However, the output felt too cartoonish for my liking. I tried the doodle Video Remix template next, hoping it would be more tasteful. The output was my favorite of all. It livened up a video of myself running across a bridge with sketched stars, outlines, and arrows. What was a mundane running clip turned into something ready for socials, which is the entire point of Video Remix.

For those that want an even subtler effect, there are lighting templates for Video Remix. I used the morning glow template on a video of dolphins popping out of the water, and it definitely changed the clip's appearance. See for yourself in the video below.

All told, Video Remix does what it says it'll do — unless there are human faces involved. In some cases, Video Remix won't generate a clip if it thinks there are faces of minors in the original video. This certainly makes sense for safety reasons, but it doesn't always get it right. Even when generating remixes of videos containing adult faces, the outputs don't usually match the original subject closely.

When to use Video Remix in Photos instead of Omni in Gemini

The Omni model in the Gemini app should still be your go-to for new video generations. However, for making small changes to existing clips, Video Remix in Google Photos is the better choice. I'd like to see Video Remix support longer clips and expand access to free Photos users. For now, it's still a great option for Google AI subscribers.

What you need to know

• The European Commission issued its first-ever Digital Markets Act fines against Google, totaling €890 million ($1 billion) for anticompetitive practices.
• Search took the biggest hit, with Google fined €460 million for allegedly giving its own services preferential placement over rival platforms.
• Google Play wasn't spared either, as the EU fined the company €430 million for restricting developers from steering users to cheaper payment options outside the Play Store.

Google’s battles with European regulators are far from over. After recently losing its fight against the EU’s record €4.1 billion antitrust fine over Android's market dominance, the European Commission has now issued its first fines against the company under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The EU announced that it has fined the company €890 million (around $1 billion), saying that Google broke the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by giving its own services an unfair advantage in Search, and limiting how Android developers can reach customers outside the Play Store.

The penalties are divided into two parts. Google was fined €460 million for allegedly favoring its products, including Shopping, Hotels, Transport, and Sports results, over rival services in Google Search. EU regulators said that Google's services were consistently given better placement and richer visual treatment than rival services, making it harder for competitors to get visibility.

The second fine, worth €430 million, was imposed on Google Play. The Commission said Google blocked developers from directing users freely to cheaper offers or alternative payment methods outside the Play Store. Under the DMA, developers should be able to promote those options without facing restrictive conditions, and Google’s steering-related fees were also found to be higher than what regulators consider acceptable.

These are the first fines that Google has received under the DMA, Europe’s landmark law aimed at reigning in the power of the biggest “gatekeepers” in the tech industry. The ruling also orders Google to change its Search ranking practices and its Play Store policy to comply with the law. Failure to take corrective action within 60 days can result in additional penalties based on the company’s global revenue.

Android Central has contacted Google for a statement and will update this article when we hear back. Anyway, the tech giant is expected to appeal the decision but will continue discussing possible compliance measures with regulators.

Android Central's Take

I don’t think most people will lose sleep over Google getting another billion dollar fine, but if these rulings push Google to give developers more freedom and make Search a little fairer, that’s ultimately a win for users. At the same time, I can’t help but notice the pattern here: Google changes its products, regulators object, Google appeals, and the process repeats itself. For years, you’d think we’d be talking about lasting fixes after billion-euro penalties instead of another chapter in the same regulatory saga.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is now on sale globally, and while it has a slightly bigger battery and runs Qualcomm's silicon, the design is identical to last year. Samsung didn't change too much with the smartwatch, and it's the software where the brand focused most of its attention.

If anything, it's the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 that got most of the upgrades this time, and that's also understandable — last year's model missed out on any new changes. By that logic, Samsung should offer meaningful upgrades with the Galaxy Watch 10 next year, and while there isn't much in the way of information about the smartwatch at this moment in time, that will change over the coming months. In the meantime, I'm listing a few features that I want to see in next year's smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 10: Pricing and availability

Samsung increased prices across the board this year, with the 40mm Galaxy Watch 9 starting at $379 (a $30 increase from last year), and the 44mm starting at $409 (also $30 higher than last year). The LTE models got the same $30 price hike, and while smartwatches aren't quite as affected by the RAM and storage crisis, it is entirely likely that the Galaxy Watch 10 will see a similar uptick in pricing.

That's just the way the industry is going, and with the RAM shortage set to continue well into 2027 and beyond, we could see brands raise prices next year as well. Obviously, it's too early to talk about what the Galaxy Watch 10 could cost, but I'm predicting a $399 starting price.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 10: What I want to see

The one upgrade I want on the Galaxy Watch 10 is improved battery life. Samsung put a massive battery in the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 while somehow making it thinner, so it shouldn't be difficult to do the same with the Galaxy Watch 10. While the Galaxy Watch 9 lasts two days, I want to see at least three days before needing to charge the smartwatch, and this is something Samsung needs to address next year.

In a similar vein, I want charging to be faster; Samsung doesn't quite do enough in this area, and that needs to change in 2027. I also want Samsung to increase durability to 10ATM, just like the Watch Ultra 2. A better selection of colors would be nice, as Samsung doesn't make all color variants available in all regions.

Also, we need a model with a rotating bezel. I still don't get why Samsung doesn't offer this as standard on one of the Galaxy Watch 9 models, and there isn't a Classic option this time either. Samsung must've noticed that the rotating bezel is an oft-requested feature from long-time users, so it isn't quite clear why the brand doesn't prioritize it.

Where Samsung has an advantage is with the software, and this year saw an influx of AI-assisted features. Of course, this isn't just with the smartwatches, with Samsung heavily pushing Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Fold 8. It is likely that Samsung will continue to lean into AI with next year's devices as well.

There's higher-than-usual interest in the Galaxy Watch 10 given that this year's model didn't have many upgrades, and I will update this post as soon as we have any tangible information around the 2027 model. In the meantime, if you need a smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 9 is the best bet.

After weeks and months of leaks, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is finally official. Samsung took the wraps off the lineup at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, 2026, launching a new set of foldables. There's the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the "wider" of the two, which is set to take on the foldable iPhone arriving later this year, and then there's what Samsung calls its "Ultra Foldable," the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the successor to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. This new "Ultra" foldable retains many of the same elements as last year's book-style foldable, but there are plenty of upgrades underneath that make it an even more compelling option this year.

And while it previously seemed like there wouldn't be much competition in the book-style foldable space in the U.S. this year, that's not quite the case. Motorola has also entered the ring with its Razr Fold.

So if you're wondering what sets the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Moto Razr Fold Ultra apart, and how the two compare, here's everything you need to know.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Pricing and availability

Motorola officially launched the Razr Fold in the U.S. on April 29, 2026. The book-style foldable is available for $1,899. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, on the other hand, is the more premium of the two, carrying a starting price of $2,099.

While Samsung has raised the price of its "taller" book-style foldable, Motorola has undercut the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra by $200, which is a sizable gap. On top of that, the Razr Fold comes in a single configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, meanwhile, starts with just 256GB of storage and only 12GB of RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Design and display

The Moto Razr Fold, at first glance, doesn't feel like an entirely new direction for Motorola. It sticks to the company's familiar design language, with a clean back, the Motorola's "M" logo in the center, a Razr logo at the bottom, and a squarish camera module housing the triple camera setup.

In typical Motorola fashion, the Razr Fold comes in PANTONE colors like PANTONE Blackened Blue and PANTONE Lily White. It also has slightly rounded corners, along with polished aluminum rails that complement the back panel.

On the other hand, Samsung hasn't made major design changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra compared to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. You get a similar form factor, with a taller cover screen and a more squarish inner display, in a design with flat-edged, sharp corners.

In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is pretty much the same as its predecessor. However, Samsung has made the foldable phone even slimmer, so the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is only 4.1 mm thick when unfolded.

The Razr Fold is both thicker and heavier in comparison. It measures around 160.1 x 144.5 x 4.7 mm when unfolded and weighs 243 grams, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in at only 215 grams.

As for the displays, Motorola seems to have put a lot of focus on them. The Razr Fold ships with a large 6.6-inch P-OLED cover display, which is a 10-bit panel protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3.

The company claims it can hit up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness and is Pantone validated for color accuracy. It also supports Dolby Vision, but what really stands out is the 165Hz refresh rate on the cover display, something you don't usually see on foldable phones.

Inside, the Razr Fold has an 8.1-inch 2K panel. It goes up to 6,200 nits of peak brightness and supports a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra keeps similar screens to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. That means it comes with a 6.5-inch cover Dynamic AMOLED display and an 8-inch inner display. Both displays top out at 120Hz.

The biggest upgrade this time is the less visible crease. Samsung has introduced a new Flex Titanium technology that makes the crease on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra much less noticeable than in previous generations.

We haven't had a chance to directly compare it to the Razr Fold yet, but so far it looks pretty seamless. It's pretty similar to the improvements we have seen in other foldable phones this year, including the OPPO Find N6.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Hardware and specs

At this price point, you usually expect top-tier hardware and specs, and that's exactly what you get with the Motorola Razr Fold. It ships with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset (not the top-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), but from what we've seen, it's still a very capable chip.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, on the other hand, carries the "Ultra" price tag and comes with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, the same chip used in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which sits a tier above the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 on the Razr Fold.

Samsung may lose out on starting storage with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, but it's made major strides elsewhere on the internal hardware front. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra finally brings a much larger 5,000mAh cell, which is the biggest battery jump we've seen on a Samsung foldable in the last five years. It also supports up to 45W wired fast charging.

That said, the Motorola Razr Fold one-ups the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra here, packing a massive 6,000mAh battery, the largest we've seen on a foldable in the U.S. market. On top of that, it supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, something most foldables still don't come close to.

Another hardware advantage for Motorola is the stylus support. The Razr Fold supports the Moto Pen Ultra, which you can use for note-taking or doodling on the large inner display. It's sold separately for around $100, but the phone supports it natively. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra does not support the S Pen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Cameras

Coming to the camera setup, the Moto Razr Fold features a triple camera system on the back. It includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide with a 122-degree field of view, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, which Motorola says can go up to 100x super zoom.

On the front, the cover display houses a 32MP selfie camera, while the inner display uses a 20MP sensor. In terms of video, the Razr Fold supports up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at up to 60fps.

For the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung has stuck with the same 200MP primary sensor we first saw on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last year. There are major changes to the ultra-wide sensor this time around, though, as it jumps from 12MP to 50MP. The 3x telephoto sensor, however, remains unchanged at 10MP.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Motorola Razr Fold: Which foldable phone is better?

The Moto Razr Fold might be Motorola's first move into the book-style foldable market, but the company has been making foldables for over seven years now, and the Razr Fold looks like a strong entry.

It brings a large display, a big battery with some of the fastest wired charging we've seen on a foldable (even compared to many flagship phones), along with a capable triple camera setup and stylus support, making it a pretty compelling option.

And that $1,899 price tag honestly can't be ignored either. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra isn't a bad foldable by any means, but a higher starting price than last year, less RAM in the base model, and no S Pen support, despite the upgrades to the battery, charging speeds, and cameras, all make it a tougher sell.

That said, we'll be going hands-on with both devices and comparing them more deeply in the coming days, so stay tuned.

What you need to know

• Google introduces Selfie Video, a new secure sign-in method to log into your account.
• Users will be required to set up a Selfie Video initially, running through Google's guided instructions before it's saved.
• Signing into your account with Selfie Video will compare your new recording with the initial one for verification.

As far as device security goes, or even account security, biometrics are unique. Google wants to advance that by using your face.

Google announced that it's adding a new way for users to sign into their accounts this week. Selfie Video is a method that will join Google's more security-conscious methods for account sign-in. Setting up Selfie Video is fairly straightforward. Google says it will walk you through the head movements you need to make so its software can "capture multiple angles" of your face. The Selfie Video you record initially is the original.

After you're done and you're looking to sign into your account, you can record a "new" Selfie Video. Google says it will compare the current video to your first one to verify you.

There are a few other ways users can sign into their Google Accounts. The company states Selfie Videos are here in case you're locked out. If you've forgotten your password or "don’t have access to your usual phone or computer," Selfie Video could help. Security—personal privacy, really—is an area Google knows is important to users. The announcement highlights the user's control over their video.

Your capture will be saved (and encrypted) on Google's servers "with your consent." Google says your video is saved for sign-in purposes "unless you opt to share it for additional purposes." What's more, users can delete their saved video at any time. It adds that when you call on Selfie Video for verification, Google deploys several layers of defense to protect your account from deep fakes, fake photos, and videos.

If Selfie Videos are your jam, you can get it set up.

Take a selfie

Passkeys are probably the most recognizable "strong" sign-in method that Google Accounts offer users. We've had passkeys as an option for personal accounts since 2023. The idea is to give passwords a nice (quiet) way out. Of course, you can still sign into your account with your password, but Google's kept pushing passkeys. This new security tech is reportedly 40% faster than typing your password. Passkeys were developed with the FIDO Alliance and are used across websites and apps.

Another good reason to rely on a passkey is that it can't be phished or stolen. Plus, you don't have to remember anything (phew!). It's worth remembering that since passkeys are a new security method, they've got their issues.

What you need to know

• Samsung has extended the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to five major Wear OS upgrades.
• The new watches launch with Wear OS 7 and One UI 9, meaning software support should continue through 2031.
• Samsung likely enabled the longer support thanks to the new 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip.

Samsung has expanded the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's Wear OS software support to five years.

Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 alongside its new Galaxy Z Fold 8 series at Galaxy Unpacked in London on July 22. While the new foldable phones grabbed most of the attention, Samsung's latest smartwatches also bring some meaningful upgrades, including larger batteries across both models.

But there are even more improvements that Samsung didn't spend much time talking about during the keynote, and one of them is the software update policy.

Samsung has already been one of the best Android smartwatch makers when it comes to software support. Until now, the company promised four major Wear OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its Galaxy Watches.

For comparison, Google currently offers only three years of software updates for the Pixel Watch lineup, so Samsung was already ahead on that front.

With the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Samsung has taken things a step further. As first spotted by SamMobile, the company has expanded the update policy to five major Wear OS upgrades, while continuing to offer five years of security updates.

That's one additional major OS upgrade over previous Galaxy Watches. It's also worth noting that both watches ship with One UI 9 based on Wear OS 7 out of the box. Assuming Samsung sticks to its promise, these watches should continue receiving major Wear OS updates through 2031, which would presumably take them to Wear OS 12.

Samsung didn't really highlight this during the launch event, but it's likely that the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset is one of the reasons behind the extended support. The new chip is built on a 3nm process and is claimed to deliver up to 32% better performance than the previous generation.

For anyone considering a new smartwatch, that's one more reason to look at Samsung's latest lineup. The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $380 in the U.S., while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $700. Both smartwatches will be available starting August 7.

What you need to know

• Following Galaxy Unpacked, all eyes are on Samsung's foldables, and Honor is putting its Magic V6 against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
• The company highlights its large 6,660mAh battery using silicon-carbon tech; however, Samsung has adopted this tech, but for a smaller 5,000mAh cell.
• Honor also highlights its device durability despite being quite thin, alongside faster charging speeds, and strong iOS, Mac, and Windows connectivity.

We're still trying to collect ourselves and regroup after Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked yesterday. However, Honor, like all of us, was watching, and it wants to go head-to-head: putting its Magic V6 against the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Honor has a clear vision it wants to bring into reality with its foldables. In a press release, it told Android Central that "Foldables are evolving rapidly, and we believe side-by-side testing can provide consumers with the clearest picture of what matters..." There's a lot we can get overwhelmed with after Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra; however, one area my colleague Nicholas Sutrich and I are the most interested in is its battery.

Honor's Magic V6 features a 6,660mAh battery with 80W wired and 66W wireless charging capabilities. For comparison, the Fold 8 Ultra from Samsung only offers a 5,000mAh battery, a 600mAh improvement over the Fold 7 (which it succeeds). What's more, Samsung is still playing it "safe" (one could say), offering 45W wired and 20W wireless charging.

The company then highlights the technology it's incorporated into its foldable batteries, as this area is often a "major compromise," per its press release. Honor highlights the use of silicon batteries to solve this common issue.

Another area that Honor's side-by-side comparison stands a hair higher than the Fold 8 Ultra is its display. While the numbers are fairly close, Honor states the Magic V6 boasts a 1.5% "low reflectivity" screen. Moreover, its Pocket AI workstation incorporates seamless iOS, Mac, and Windows connectivity, and "one-tap" share for photos and more on iPhones and Macs.

This or that

While the choice is always up to the consumer on which device suits them, it's not all bad for Samsung. With its Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, Samsung also uses silicon-carbon battery technology. This technology improves on what we already come to expect from batteries in our phones. Silicon-carbon tech packs more capacity into the same space. In short, you can have a larger cell without a thicker phone (and we know Samsung likes thin phones). The Fold 8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery, while the wider Fold 8 offers a 4,800mAh cell.

The good news is the devices are relatively thin. But what's interesting is how long it's taken Samsung to offer a boost to an area that matters. As Sutrich reminded me, Honor's Magic V3 from 2024 had a 5,080mAh battery. Those totals have only grown.

Durability is another area in which Honor highlights its strengths. The Magic V6 is thin, but it rocks durability like no other. Both sides have made great improvements to their hinge technology, so the choice is truly yours.

Android Central's Take

There are other areas where Honor's Magic V6 outperforms the Galaxy Z Fold 8. If you look at its selfie camera, the Magic V6 offers two 20MP lenses, while the Fold 8 settles for dual 10MP. However, the Fold 8's main camera is 200MP. Honor's is 60MP, but it beats its competitor's telephoto with 64MP. You can like both phones. I certainly do. Both foldables stand tall on their own in their own way.

What you need to know

• Ultrahuman announced the Emerald update for its app, which brings a "decision engine," known as UltraSphere.
• UltraSphere can deliver over 60 "Next Best Action" suggestions to users based on their location, weather, profile, and biomarkers (sleep, HRV, recovery, etc.).
• Other updates involve VO2 Max algorithm updates, heart rate accuracy improvements, and enhanced workout detection.
• The Emerald update is rolling out today (July 23) globally.

Ultrahuman pushes its smart rings and users to be better in health and fitness. But the company isn't done, and its major app overhaul today (July 23) is the largest in its history.

The Emerald update is rolling out for the Ultrahuman app late this week. The company highlights "15 new and overhauled features" in this patch, but the star is the "decision engine," UltraSphere. The app sports several UI refinements in this patch. The company states it redesigned its UI for clarity for "health data and to promote better decisions." Users receive light and dark modes, a Jade AI tab, and "timely" information in the Ring tab.

UltraSphere is the centerpiece of the Emerald update and the app's homescreen. Ultrahuman says this is a "decision engine that generates 60+ Next Best Actions, such as boosting energy and alertness, winding down, and promoting more restful, restorative sleep." UltraSphere doesn't do it alone, as the press release states it leverages Jade AI to draw on your markers from sleep, recovery, HRV, cycle phase, and more.

Mohit Kumar, Ultrahuman's CEO, states, "All wearable trackers generate data. Data is empowering, but people do need something more than a number – they want to know what to do." In that spirit, UltraSphere delivers its suggestions based on your location and weather, circadian rhythm, and profile.

If you're a parent or someone working the night shift, UltraSphere would tailor its suggestions to fit that lifestyle. A "Next Best Action" suggestion might include "Get Light," which would tell the user to "Step outside for a few minutes soon after waking. Morning light sets the body clock so users feel alert today and fall asleep more easily."

Your heart and VO2 Max

The Emerald update makes two important changes to the app's tracking and accuracy. Ultrahuman says its Ring runs all of its processes on your device. This was done to keep your insights available without a connection.

The latter focuses on workout analysis and heart-rate accuracy with the Ring Pro and Air. Automatic workout detection and tagging have been improved. Heart rate details take a few steps up in this update, too. The Ultrahuman app also welcomes third-party devices for workout tracking. It highlights many GPS sports watches like the Apple Watch, Garmin, WHOOP, and others.

Ultrahuman is putting its VO2 Max capabilities in the spotlight, boasting a 21% increase in accuracy. The company credits a major algorithm, which has been "validated" against gold-standard CPET lab tests. The Emerald update for the Ultrahuman app is rolling out globally today (July 23). While we've covered a few important updates here, there are several more you'll also find: Sleep Screener, Longevity tab, Connections, Windows, Live View, Today's Activity, Today's Activity, Contextual Content, Goals, and PowerPlugs.

What you need to know

• Google says Chrome on Android now experiences 48% fewer scroll stutters than in 2023.
• The improvements are the result of nearly three years of engineering work.
• Google redesigned several parts of Chrome's rendering pipeline to achieve this.

If you've felt lately that the Chrome app on Android is smoother while scrolling through articles (like this one, even), it's probably because you're using the end result of three years of engineering work behind the scenes at Google.

While Google may be focusing heavily on new AI features, like bringing more Gemini into Chrome, there are also plenty of other improvements the company has been quietly working on for Chrome on Android. Take, for example, that split-second stutter you sometimes notice when scrolling through a webpage before it carries on as normal, which Google internally calls "scroll jank."

In a new engineering blog post, Google says Chrome on Android now experiences 48% fewer janky scrolls than it did back in late 2023.

According to Google, scroll jank happens when Chrome fails to update the page quickly enough to keep up with your finger. Even though the delay may only last a fraction of a second, it's still enough for the human eye to notice, making the whole scrolling experience feel jerky.

The company says that getting rid of those interruptions wasn't as simple as making Chrome faster. Google explains that Chrome's rendering pipeline is far more complex than a typical Android app because the browser spreads work across multiple processes for security and stability. That means there are far more opportunities for tiny delays to build up before a frame finally appears on screen.

To tackle the problem, Google first spent months instrumenting Chrome's rendering pipeline to identify exactly where scroll stutters were occurring.

It then introduced a series of architectural improvements over the following years, including rerouting touch input through a faster path, reducing communication delays between browser processes, and moving more work onto the GPU.

Google also worked alongside Android itself to prioritize the operating system's input threads, helping touch events reach Chrome more consistently, thus helping it produce frames more reliably.

Google went into a lot more depth about exactly how it fixed all this, but I won't bore you with the technical details. In case you've been wondering why Chrome doesn't feel so bad on Android anymore, this is why your feed might feel a little less jumpy than it did a couple of years ago.

Considering that we called the Galaxy Watch 8 the 'best Android smartwatch of 2025', it's no surprise that we've been eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9. Now the big day has arrived, and Samsung's newest flagship wearable doesn't disappoint. 

The only problem is that the new smartwatch is a bit more expensive than its predecessor, which is why I was excited to see Amazon offer a free $50 gift card when you preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 ahead of its August 7th release date.  

Preorder the Galaxy Watch 9 and Amazon will give you a $50 gift card

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 may not look that different from its predecessor at first glance, but there are some significant improvements when you dig in a bit deeper. The 2026 watch is driven by the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, offering a notable performance boost when compared to the Galaxy Watch 8's Exynos processor. Battery capacity has also been upgraded, plus the Galaxy Watch 9 features all of the latest Galaxy AI features with some expanded health and fitness tracking capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 sports the exact same weight and dimensions as last year's model, which, considering how much we loved the Galaxy Watch 8, is a good thing in our eyes. The new wearable also features the same vibrant AMOLED display, 32GB of onboard storage, and dual-band GPS.

Does upgraded battery life and a new chip justify the higher price on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9? It's not for me to say. If you can find a good deal on the Galaxy Watch 8 and you don't mind using a last-gen watch, go for it. But if you want the latest and greatest model from Samsung, I can pretty much guarantee that the Galaxy Watch 9 won't disappoint. The free $50 gift card from Amazon is simply the cherry on top. 

It's official: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has been revealed, and there are already some exceptional preorder deals available for the folks who can't wait for the August 7th release date.

Head to T-Mobile, for instance, and you can get the innovative flip phone for as little as $100 when you trade in and add a line with the Experience Beyond or Experience More plans. Existing T-Mobile customers can also use the legacy Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plans.

T-Mobile will give you $1,100 off the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 when you preorder

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 looks almost identical to the Z Flip 7 at first glance, but there are a few notable improvements where it counts. The Z Flip 8 utilizes the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, for instance, which is the same powerful processor that drives the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The clamshell device also features a thinner and lighter build than its predecessor, plus you get all of the latest AI-boosted software features and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. That being said, the displays and camera systems remain largely unchanged, which might make it difficult for some folks to justify the $1,199.99 price tag.

Fortunately, that's why preorder opportunities like the T-Mobile deal above are so essential. The carrier is also being pretty generous with its trade-in credit: Samsung phones dating back to the Galaxy S20 series will get you the full $1,100 of credit, while plenty of other devices from Apple, Motorola, and OnePlus are also eligible.

Excited for your new Galaxy Z Flip 8 to arrive on August 7th? Don't forget to protect your investment with one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases!

Now that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is official, we can start speculating about the Galaxy Z Flip 9. In most years, we'd have a leak or two about the next model's specs or design by now, but Z Flip 9 rumors pointin a different direction entirely: the end of the Z Flip line.

Ahead of the Galaxy Z Flip 8's announcement, one rumor claimed this would be the last of Samsung's eight-generation-long Flip phones. This comes from leaker Ice Universe, who is known for accurate information on upcoming devices, but, as with any leaked information, it could simply be from a meeting where Samsung floated the idea of ending the Z Flip line rather than a legitimate decision to end it.

While the leak didn't provide much info beyond "The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is likely to be Samsung's last small folding product," it's highly likely a combination of waning sales and market conditions is making Samsung rethink every product it makes.

With the new smaller Galaxy Z Fold 8's arrival and the upcoming onslaught of similar "fun-sized" book-style foldables, Samsung and other players may be shifting focus away from Flip-style phones. Regardless of what happens, we'll be collecting every rumor and leak that appears between now and the expected release of the Galaxy Z Flip 9.

Galaxy Z Flip 9: Price and availability

Samsung's next folding phone announcement, which likely includes the Galaxy Z Flip 9, should take place in July 2027. Samsung has been using a mid-late Summer date for its folding phone and wearables announcements, and we expect that to continue next year.

With electronics prices continuing to rise, we also expect another price increase for the Galaxy Z Flip 9, particularly if RAM and storage prices continue to soar, as is predicted due to the AI data center boom. One of the Z Flip's biggest selling points has always been the lower price when compared to the Z Fold, and another price increase could spell trouble for the Z Flip line.

What we expect for the Galaxy Z Flip 9

It's been a while since we've seen a substantial redesign of the Z Flip series. The Z Flip 8 further reduced the thickness of the series, but since it's not quite Z Fold 8 thin, it's likely a Z Flip 9 will continue to slim down the series. Samsung has begun using silicon-carbon in its batteries (5% silicon content in the Z Flip 8), which means it can continue to increase battery capacity and decrease physical battery size, enabling thinner and lighter phones.

Since the cover display already takes up the entire front of the phone on the Z Flip 8, it's unlikely we'll see changes to it's physical appearance on a Flip 9. Samsung's new titanium screen protection substantially reduced the inner crease on the Z Fold 8 series, and a Flip 9 would do well with a further decreased crease, as well.

There's been word that the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Privacy Display will begin making its way to other Samsung phones in 2027, and that could include the company's premium-level foldables like a Galaxy Z Flip 9. Even if this phone doesn't get that tech, it needs to address the PWM rate, as Samsung has fallen substantially behind rivals in eye care features like this.

I'd also love to see Samsung add a telephoto camera to the Z Flip 9. Basically all flip-style phones include a main and an ultrawide camera, but few have tried to offer some kind of "Pro-level zoom" as a non-folding flagship would at this price range.

It'll be a while before we can start feeling sure of Samsung's direction for the next Z Flip phone, but you'd better believe we'll have everything you need to know about it right here as the rumors and leaks roll in over the next year.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 just doubled its chances of success with a new shorter, wider model, and that gets us excited to see what Samsung is cooking for the Z Fold 9 series. This year may be all about the new form factor, but we're hoping next year shores up some of the obvious weak points of Samsung's most premium folding phones.

Right now, we're looking at a laundry list of wishes and additions we'd love to see, from an Ultra-style wider Fold 9 to the return of the S Pen, better cameras, and improved battery capacity. Plus, with Samsung's especially close relationship with Google these days, there's definitely going to be new AI-powered software tricks and features that we don't expect.

But until Samsung officially announces it, here's everything we know so far (and hope to see) about the Galaxy Z Fold 9 series.

Galaxy Z Fold 9: Price and availability

If 2026 will go down in history for any one thing, it's the mega inflation rate for RAM and storage components. Fueled by the massive AI data center boom, component prices are skyrocketing, and the prices are expected to double again by the end of 2027 unless something drastic changes.

That means the expected Summer 2027 launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 9 series will come well before the peak of component price increases, forcing Samsung to increase prices yet again for the launch. We'll keep a sharp eye on this one, for sure, but things aren't looking up for a downward trend in this realm of things.

What changes can we expect for the Galaxy Z Fold 9?

Now that Samsung has firmly planted its flag with dual Fold models, we expect the company to reveal its full plans for the future of Z Fold design in 2027. The wider, shorter Z Fold 8 is expected to take home the lion's share of sales, and that may mean Samsung launches additional models in 2027.

Last year, Samsung experimented with the Galaxy Z TriFold, the company's first folding phone with two hinges and three displays. While that phone's availability was short-lived, we know Samsung is working on a successor, which likely means a Galaxy Z TriFold 9 or a similar naming convention.

Depending on how well the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 sells, Samsung could also deliver a more powerful Wide Fold next year. This means a Galaxy Z Fold 9 Ultra that uses the shorter, wider form factor of the Z Fold 8, all with better camera hardware and a higher-capacity battery to match the Ultra name.

It's also possible that future Ultra models will begin using Samsung's Privacy Display that debuted with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as it's been said that this display tech will ship in more Samsung phones in 2027. Either way, we're hoping Samsung finally listens to feedback and improves it's display PWM rate and eye care features, which have fallen well behind rivals.

Many are also hoping to see a Galaxy Z Fold 9 with camera hardware that finally feels like a true flagship phone. If another round of price increases turn out to be true, it would behoove Samsung to upgrade the Z Fold 9's cameras with a telephoto camera that doesn't feel like it's from 2019. Considering Samsung looks to be adopting a horizontal Pixel-style camera bar in the Galaxy S27 series, there should be plenty of room for improved camera hardware on a similarly-designed Z Fold 9.

We should also see further improvements in battery capacity now that Samsung has finally begun adopting silicon battery technology. While rivals are reaching 30% silicon content in some models, Samsung's Z Fold 8 series uses just 5% silicon content. Samsung has been extremely shy about battery changes since the Galaxy Note 7 disaster, so we only expect a modest improvement in silicon content for the Z Fold 9 rather than something earth-shattering.

Lastly, Samsung's new Flex Titanium screen technology paved the way for thinner and stronger flexible glass on the Z Fold 8 series, which could spell a return of S Pen compatibility on the Z Fold 9. I could very well see Samsung give the taller Z Fold 9 or even a potential Z 9 TriFold this capability and call it the Galaxy Z Fold 9 Note. That would give its models an important differentiator and bring back the fan-favorite Note series, making it a must-have phone for tech lovers.

What you need to know

• Samsung has opened its application period to consumers looking to grab its first credit card: the Galaxy Card.
• Consumers can get this digitally or physically in a black metal design, thanks to a Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank partnership.
• The Galaxy Card offers a series of cash rewards for consumers, such as 5% cash rewards on eligible purchases made directly with Samsung.

There have been plenty of reveals and announcements at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked today (July 22), but there's a little more to discuss. The company is entering the credit card world, and you can apply now.

In a press release, Samsung announced the Galaxy Card: the brand's first credit card in the U.S., which delivers "a new way for users to earn cash rewards across everyday purchases and the Galaxy ecosystem." The Galaxy Card is available as a virtual and a premium black metal card. As one would expect, the card is designed to fully support Samsung Wallet. The Galaxy Card was made in partnership with Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank operating on the Visa network.

This partnership is said to help offer "innovative payment options" for Samsung's consumer base.

The company states the Galaxy Card has a $0 annual fee. Rewards are a major aspect of Samsung's first credit card. Consumers will receive 5% cash rewards on eligible purchases made directly with Samsung. What's more, you could receive 20% off Samsung VIP Advantage, as well as 5% cash rewards "when purchasing or renewing a Samsung VIP Advantage membership." The remaining cash rewards are as follows:

• 3% cash rewards on purchases made with Samsung Wallet
• 2% cash rewards on streaming services, like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Spotify
• 1% cash rewards on all other purchases
• $200 cash reward after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days

Galaxy Card and new products

Applications for the Samsung Galaxy Card have opened today (July 22). The company lined up this open period with Galaxy Unpacked, which showed off new smartwatches and foldables.

It's been a while, but Samsung's new credit card was talked about before. Originally, nothing was confirmed. There was a report late last year that said Samsung had approached Barclays to create a card of its own. The alleged name was similar to what was announced, rumored to be the "Samsung Card." Early reports claimed Samsung would offer cashback on its devices and appliances, alongside "digital prepaid accounts."

This had us thinking Samsung was looking to compete against Apple, which has a card it offers consumers. Samsung has continued to refine its payment experience, whether digital or a physical card that we've now received.

What you need to know

• OpenAI is addressing a severe AI security flaw with Hugging Face that occurred during a simple "model evaluation."
• It discovered that GPT‑5.6 Sol and other pre-release models were involved in this incident, relentlessly breaching nodes and exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities until it gained internet access.
• OpenAI states it is committed to partnering and working with Hugging Face and others to solve this problem and roll out protections.

After what appears to be an "unprecedented cyber incident," OpenAI is getting candid about a nasty AI security incident during a "model evaluation."

A recent security incident involving an autonomous AI gave AI Hugging Face quite the scare. Now, OpenAI is discussing what its investigation into the matter uncovered as it partners with Hugging Face to develop protections. OpenAI explains that the incident occurred "during an internal evaluation which prompts models to pursue advanced exploitation using complex attack paths, in an effort to quantify their cyber capabilities."

These tests typically run in a "highly isolated environment," but some AI models broke through. Another unnerving discovery is that the AI models involved in the incident were OpenAI's GPT‑5.6 Sol and other pre-release models.

OpenAI says the models in question became "hyperfocused" on finding a solution for ExploitGym, and it went to "extreme lengths" to discover one. To solve the problem, OpenAI found that the AI would relentlessly pursue a way to access the internet. In doing so, the AI models found and exploited a reported zero-day vulnerability. Once the AI broke its isolation and got access to the internet, it was over.

OpenAI says, "the models inferred that Hugging Face potentially hosted models, datasets, and solutions for ExploitGym." OpenAI gives an example, stating the AI was able to "chain" attack vectors, leveraging stolen credentials and other zero-day vulnerabilities within Hugging Face's servers. The post states that Hugging Face identified the problem and launched quarantine (containment) measures, as well as the reconstruction of its open-source models to stop the problem.

Quite the fright

Hugging Face adds that it also deployed additional guardrails and "stricter admission" controls on its clusters to prevent this issue. The company also stepped up its awareness, so a "high-severity signal pages a responder in minutes, any day of the week." Hugging Face has begun working with a cybersecurity forensic specialist to conduct further investigations.

On OpenAI's side, it's working on stronger controls at an infrastructure configuration level. Partnering with Hugging Face has brought the company into its trusted access program. OpenAI says it is offering Hugging Face its support in this matter. On a related note, Hugging Face has informed its community members about a few potential next steps. Since security is a major concern, it recommends that its community members "rotate any access tokens" and review recent activity on their account.

Hugging Face remains committed to using AI as a defender for online systems. It says, "Defending an online platform now means treating the data and model surface as a first-class attack surface, and using AI on defense to keep pace. We will keep investing there, and keep sharing what we learn."

Android Central's Take

This sounds exactly like a sci-fi movie. I saw people in Hugging Face's comments mention Terminator 3... and that might be what I'm thinking of. My colleague Nicholas Sutrich said this was a "nasty AI incident." He's not wrong. These AI models were able to get free, exploit terrible flaws, and gain internet access. It was after the solution to a problem it was given. It didn't stop. Imagine that danger turned in another direction. Something much more crucial to us.

What you need to know

• Samsung fixes a major Privacy Display annoyance by limiting the privacy effect to the PiP window instead of the entire screen in One UI 9 Beta 4.
• The update allows you to watch PiP videos privately while the rest of the display stays bright and fully visible.
• The update also removes unnecessary dimming and color shifts across the whole display during PiP playback.

One of the biggest differentiators of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung’s Privacy Display, but it has also been a source of an annoying tradeoff. If you shrunk a video into a picture-in-picture (PiP) window, the privacy effect continued covering the entire display, making everything else on the screen dimmer and harder to see. The latest One UI 9 beta finally turns that on its head.

According to a video shared by reliable leaker Ice Universe, One UI 9 Beta 4 makes Privacy Display much smarter when using PiP apps. The display angle restriction is no longer applied to the entire display but is still restricted to the floating PiP window. Then you can continue watching YouTube videos or another PiP app without showing it to people around you, while using the rest of your phone normally.

This change fixes a real usability bug. Samsung’s Flex Magic Pixel technology is built right into the Galaxy S26 Ultra screen, limiting viewing angles to make the display unreadable from the side. Unlike a traditional privacy screen protector, it can be enabled only for specific apps, notifications, or password entry. The downside is it also dims the brightness and shifts colors while it's active, so having it cover the whole screen during PiP playback felt a bit too limiting.

With the new behavior, only the sensitive content within the PiP window is shielded, and the rest of the interface is displayed at normal viewing angles and brightness. The enhancement is part of One UI 9 Beta 4, which also delivers a variety of bug fixes in preparation for Samsung’s wider One UI 9 release.

Android Central's Take

This appears to be a fix for a problem that should never have existed in the first place. A privacy feature is only useful if it doesn’t get in the way of using your phone, and covering the whole screen just to protect a tiny PiP window always felt like overkill. This change finally allows Privacy Display to work as I would expect it to from day one. Now Samsung just needs to polish the experience, rather than leaving it to beta users to clean up the rough edges of features it proudly marketed as ready for flagships.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event just wrapped up in London, where the company unveiled its latest lineup of foldable phones, alongside a new generation of Galaxy smartwatches. The event largely went as expected, with Samsung walking through the hardware upgrades, new AI features, and refinements across its latest devices.

But there was more to Unpacked than just new phones and wearables. Samsung quietly announced a few interesting changes, teased what's coming next, and slipped in several details that were easy to miss. If you didn't catch the event live, here are five of the biggest announcements you may have missed.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a new name (and shape)

This was probably the biggest surprise from Galaxy Unpacked. Despite the name, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 isn't actually the direct successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. That title now belongs to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, while the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an entirely new foldable with a completely different form factor.

Instead of the tall, narrow design Samsung has used since the original Galaxy Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is shorter and much wider. When unfolded, it feels much closer to a compact tablet than a stretched-out phone, making it a far better fit for multitasking, reading, and watching videos.

The naming is admittedly a little confusing if you haven't been keeping up with the leaks, but after spending some hands-on time with the device, it's honestly the most interesting product Samsung announced at Unpacked.

It also feels like Samsung made this move to get ahead of Apple's rumored foldable iPhone, which is widely expected to adopt a similar passport-style design later this year. We'll be diving much deeper into this new form factor over the coming week, because I think there's a lot more to it than just a different aspect ratio.

Samsung finally adopts Silicon Carbon battery tech

It took Samsung long enough, but the company has finally joined the silicon-carbon battery club. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8 are the first Samsung phones to use the new battery technology, something Chinese smartphone makers adopted years ago.

The biggest advantage of silicon-carbon batteries is that they can pack more capacity into the same physical space. That's exactly what Samsung has done here. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra now features a 5,000mAh battery, up from the Galaxy Z Fold 7's 4,400mAh cell, while also increasing wired charging speeds to 45W.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are also first Samsung foldables with (almost) crease-free displays

The new passport-style Galaxy Z Fold 8 may have grabbed most of the attention, but I actually think the displays are one of the biggest upgrades across Samsung's new foldables. More specifically, it's the inner display that's seen the biggest improvement.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra feature a much less visible crease than previous Samsung foldables. During my hands-on time, it looked very close to what Oppo achieved with the Find N6 earlier this year.

Samsung says this is thanks to its new Titanium Flex technology, which uses a redesigned titanium layer and hinge structure to reduce the appearance of the crease while improving durability.

Samsung hasn't confirmed it yet, but if recent reports are accurate, this could also be a self-repairing display layer that smooth out the crease over time.

Another underrated upgrade is the new anti-reflective coating on the inner display. Since foldable screens are still plastic, they've traditionally reflected a lot of light. That's much less of an issue this time around thanks to an anti-reflective coating that makes the display noticeably easier to use outdoors and under bright lighting.

Samsung finally adds some long-due software features with One UI 9

Samsung also showcased One UI 9, which is based on Android 17, that will debut with its new foldables.

One of the coolest additions is Fan Cam, which lets you record a video normally and then automatically track a specific person in the frame. One UI 9 then uses AI to crop the footage into social media-friendly formats like 9:16 or 1:1, making it much easier to create videos for Instagram Reels or TikTok without manually editing them later.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 also quietly gets one of its biggest software upgrades yet. Samsung has finally unlocked the cover display, making it feel much more like a proper smartphone screen.

You can now swipe down for Quick Settings and notifications, swipe up to access the app drawer, and interact with the cover display much more naturally instead of being limited to Samsung's previous implementation.

We now know more about the Galaxy Glasses

Samsung didn't fully unveil the Galaxy Glasses at Unpacked, but the company did share a few new details about its upcoming smart glasses.

Samsung confirmed that it's working with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on the design of the glasses, and, as expected, they'll run Android XR with Gemini at the center of the experience.

Samsung also confirmed they'll be powered by Qualcomm's AR1 Gen 1 chip and that the first generation smart glasses won't feature a display, but rather they would be AI-first smart glasses designed around voice, cameras, and Gemini.

The company also revealed that when launched, you'll be able to control the glasses using hand gestures while wearing a Wear OS smartwatch.

Samsung is still keeping the exact launch date under wraps, although it did confirm they'll arrive sometime later this year.

What you need to know

• Samsung announced during Galaxy Unpacked that the Galaxy Ring will receive Sleep Apnea detection "this fall."
• The company states that the Galaxy Ring will be the "first and only" smart ring that's available over-the-counter to receive FDA clearance for such detection.
• Samsung first cleared its Sleep Apnea detection for the Galaxy Watch in Korea in 2023 before rolling it out globally (after the FDA gave the go-ahead) in 2025.

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked is just wrapping up in London, but the company snuck in a surprise: the Galaxy Ring is getting major sleep health clearance.

During the keynote, Samsung was covering its summer releases, and this particular section involved the Galaxy Watch 9. The company's newest "all-day, always-on for health" smartwatch has been cleared by the FDA for Sleep Apnea detection; however, Samsung says so will the Galaxy Ring. The company states, "this fall," its Galaxy Ring will be the "first and only FDA-cleared, over-the-counter ring device for Sleep Apnea risk protection."

As previously mentioned, the Galaxy Watch 9 features Sleep Apnea detection. Samsung revealed everything about the device and its Ultra 2 partner this morning (July 22). The watch's Sleep Apnea detection goes further than letting the user know a disruption took place overnight. According to Samsung, its Sleep Apnea detection features AI algorithms for "deeper insights into breathing disruptions during sleep."

This is an important highlight Samsung discussed during its Unpacked keynote, too.

Huge for the Galaxy Ring

Samsung has been down a long road for Sleep Apnea detection on its wearables. In 2023, the company's Galaxy Watch received approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for Sleep Apnea detection, as well as blood pressure monitoring. Consumers in the U.S., and many of us here at Android Central, were eagerly awaiting (and hoping) for FDA approval, too. We had to wait until February 2024 before the FDA gave the all-clear for Samsung's Galaxy Watch detection.

While approval is all well and good, Sleep Apnea detection didn't hit our devices until 2025. The feature leverages the watch's BioActive sensor to alert the user to potential disruptions. Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that Samsung is trying to give users better insight into. If left unchecked, it can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and more.

Now that Samsung has worked in more of its AI algorithms, we can likely expect more detailed round-ups once this hits the Galaxy Ring. For now, we have the Galaxy Watch 9 to use and see how it works before the fall.

Android Central's Take

This stunned us during Unpacked. It's not something we were expecting, and I'm sure all eyes are on Samsung's smart ring competitors. Sleep Apnea, as I mentioned already, is a serious medical issue. If left unchecked, like anything else, it can worsen. Health awareness is never a bad thing, and for a device (a smart ring) that's already hard-focused on health, it sounds like a no-brainer.

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases add robust shock-proofing, prevent the hinge from getting damaged, and add useful extras like a magnetic ring, screen protection, a phone holder, and a stand. Depending on the price, weight, and thinness, you can easily find a stellar Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra that has a few or all of those features.

Read all about the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases that match your requirement. I have rounded up the most reliable options right here in this guide.

Level up your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra's impact protection with these cases

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Incredible Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases exist, but most of them are priced around the $100 mark

From cases that glow in the dark and have grippy sides to cases that have kickstands and really powerful magnets, the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases don't fall short of our expectations. They do, however, almost all cost an arm and a leg to acquire. Fortunately, brands like Spigen exist, making affordable Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases priced around $30 instead of $100.

If you want to stick with the cheapest option, you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it functions. The Spigen Air Fit Pro Magfit comes in two colors, black and green, and it is slim enough to allow wireless charging. It still adds military-grade drop-proofing and has incredibly strong N55 magnets inside. You also get dependable hinge protection, all for a really reasonable price.

When money isn't an object, however, you can close your eyes and pick any of the wonderful Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases that the most premium brands have to offer. Thinborne is my go-to brand in that case, as the brand uses aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber to build its cases. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Case comes in three colors, black, red, and blue, and is magnetic. Measuring just 0.04 inches thin, and weighing just 0.8 ounces, you'll forget it's on your Z Fold 8 Ultra. Of course, it doesn't add rugged drop-proofing, but my colleague actually dropped his phone on the tiled marble floor with the Thinborne case on and was shocked at how it was unscathed. So if you have about $90 to spare, you too can enjoy this marvelous case on your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide turned out to just be called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, now with much wider screens. This square-shaped foldable has two very lovely displays, both of which could use the help of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors to reinforce drop proofing. One slip of the hand and your very expensive book-style foldable could shatter badly, so don't take risk. Whether its durable glass you prefer or flexible plastic, these screen guards have it all.

These Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors are the very best of what's available

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Picking the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protector made easy

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen protectors come with user-friendly installation frames, multiple pieces of screen guards, and cleaning tools to make your life easy. It's not necessary to change the internal foldable display's screen protector, so you don't have to prioritize it, but it sure helps to have a spare ready to go just in case.

For an all-inclusive package that leaves nothing out without bankrupting you, the Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 with Back Camera Lens Protectors is the best option. This $20 purchase will buy you a trio of 9H tempered glass screen protectors with military-grade shatter-proofing for your Fold 8's cover display. The kit also includes three tempered glass camera lens protectors and three flexible films for the Fold's internal display. Ferilinso provides two installation frames, one for each display.

If you don't like glossy finishes, then you can opt for a matte, paper-like screen protector instead. The Diacube Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Paperfeel Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector three-pack includes three screen guards for each of the Fold's dual displays. All six matte films are anti-reflective and able to self-heal from minor abrasions. Diacube provides one installation frame and a cleaning kit as well, and the entire set is priced below $20.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its similar aspect ratios, screen sizes, and triple camera array. As with any smartphone, it is best practice to always reinforce the display with a sturdy screen protectors. And because foldables are more fragile, with moving parts and dual screens, the need for the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors is even more important.

Protectors to prevent screen shatters, cracks, and abrasions

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A buyer's guide to picking the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra screen protectors will differ from person to person. Some folks like to be minimal with their shopping, opting for a single screen protector for the front. Others like to get multi-packs and have plenty of extras to spare in the future. It's also important to remember that Samsung does not recommend users to replace the internal folding screen's factory-installed screen guard at home, and not until it starts peeling off, which also factors into your decision.

Regardless of how you want to go about choosing a screen protector for your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I suggest getting an all-inclusive kit with multiple spare. It makes more sense to get it done with initially, so you don't have to repurchase later, and you're always prepared in case of emergencies. Ferilinso has a fantastic package that checks those boxes, giving you three 9H tempered glass screen protectors for the 6.5-inch front display, three flexible plastic films for the internal 8-inch display, and three more glass screen protectors for the camera lenses. Ferilinso also includes cleaning tools like wipes and a squeegee, as well as two installation frames.

If you want to stick with a front screen protector alone, there are several great options in different price segments. The BENKS GlassWarrior AR Screen Protector is a high-quality aluminum-lithium 9H tempered glass with an anti-reflective finish and case-friendly curved edges. It repels fingerprints, smudges, dust, and any other solid or liquid particles. Although it's on the pricey side, I have used and found the BENKS tempered glass to be of dependable quality.

Investing in the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors is like having an extra life in a video game; if you screw up, you can always start over with max health. Dropping your expensive new Flip 8 on a hard surface will definitely shatter the display. And if it's unfolded, both the screens could crack in one fell swoop. Why take the risk? Just get a sturdy tempered glass screen protector for the cover display and a flexible film for the internal foldable display, and you'll have an insurance policy to rely on.

To that end, here are all the best Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors that you can choose. I have also included camera lens protectors, so you can reinforce them as well.

These are your best screen protector options for the Galaxy Z Flip 8

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How to select the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protector

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen protectors are shatter-proof, fit well, come with installation frames, and have at least one spare set in the box. Fortunately, most of them are quite reasonably priced, apart from the most premium of the lot.

Ferilinso is an affordable, well-liked brand that consistently puts out good quality screen protectors for all the best flagship smartphones. The Ferilinso 3 Pack Inside Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 with 9H Tempered Glass Back and Camera Lens Protectors is one of the most comprehensive kits available for the Z Flip 8. You get everything you need: three military-grade shatter-proof 9H tempered glass screen protectors for the cover display, three flexible films for the internal screen, and three sturdy camera lens protectors made of tempered glass as well. All the screen guards have an oleophobic nano-coating on top, so they repel solids and liquids alike, including dirt particles, oil residue, and fingerprints. The set even has an alignment tool for perfect at-home installation. All of that for just $15 is an outstanding deal!

If you to opt for more premium brands, Spigen and ZAGG are excellent options. Spigen is more affordable, giving you two front screen protectors made of tempered glass and an easy-to-use frame at $17.

ZAGG, on the other hand, is in a class of its own with its, with its premium-grade InvisibleShield Glass XTR5 made of graphene-infused Hexiom Impact Technology and Eyesafe CPF60 technology that filters blue light emissions. Spending $59.99 on a single front screen protector might sound insane, but it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty and a screen repair guarantee covering up to $250 worth of repairs. Since Samsung does not recommend replacing your Z Flip 8's internal screen protector, it would make sense to just get something for the external display.

The cat's out of the bag: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is, in fact, just called the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The book-style foldable has a very wide aspect ration. With the help of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases, you can make it easier to grip and prop up, and add robust impact-proofing too.

Whether you're looking for something magnetic or a heavy-duty case that can withstand any amount of battering, it's all available. All the very best cases in every category are listed right here.

The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases are all right here

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Choose a Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases that matches your needs and fits your budget

There are hundreds of Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases out there, but choosing the right one means identifying your needs and then matching that with something reliable. I have been testing cases, screen protectors, and accessories for many years, which is why you can rely on my expertise when hunting for the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cases.

Thinborne is a Texas-based brand that has a fantastic reputation. The company isn't very big, but they are stringent with their quality control. This is why the Thinborne Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Case is easily the ultimate case for your wide-screened Z Fold 8. The only complaint you will ever have is its price, because its high cost is the only drawback to choosing this case. It is exceedingly thin, has strong magnets inside, and weighs barely anything. Thinborne added two more colors, so the case now comes in black, red, and blue. If you can afford it, this is the optimal Galaxy Z Fold 8 case.

Now if you want to set your sights to a lower price bracket, there are still plenty of decent options with reasonable drop-proofing and handy add-ons like a magnetic ring. The FNTCASE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Translucent Matte Case only costs $27, but that pricing isn't indicative of the quality. I have tested many cases from the brand and found them to perform really well. It comes in pink, blue, and black, and you can also get a clear variant but that has a glossy finish. FNTCASE promises military-grade shock-proofing, and the Fold 8's spine has been thickly reinforced.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 was unveiled just moments ago, but companies like T-Mobile have wasted no time in dropping some exceptional preorder deals ahead of the August 7th release date. Add a line with the Experience Beyond plan and trade in an old or broken phone and the Big Three carrier will hook you up with enough promo credits to make the new Z Fold 8 completely free! 

Sure, T-Mobile's Experience Beyond may not be the cheapest unlimited plan around, but it's nothing that $1,900 of potential savings can't fix. If you're interested in one of the most innovative phones of 2026 and you were planning to update your wireless service anyway, this deal is worth grabbing ASAP. 

T-Mobile will already give you the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for FREE with new deal

Samsung just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (alongside the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8) during a Galaxy Unpacked event earlier today, and the phones are already turning heads. For starters, it's hard to describe the Z Fold 8 as a true successor to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7, as Samsung has given the phone a shorter and wider, "passport-style" design.

This new look makes the phone easy to pocket and use with one hand while folded, while unfolding the device gives you an experience akin to an Android tablet. And as usual, the foldable phone's two AMOLED display are absolutely stunning and smooth as butter. Under the hood, you still get the powerful Z Fold experience that we've all come to know and love, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and all of the latest AI-boosted software tricks. The phone does clock in at $1,899, however, so deals like the T-Mobile promotion above are essential.  

What about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

It's official: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 has arrived, and it doesn't disappoint. One problem, however, is that the innovative foldable now boasts a starting price of $1,199.99 for the 256GB configuration, which is $100 more expensive than its predecessor.

Fortunately, I'm already hard at work tracking down the best Galaxy Z Flip 8 preorder deals so you don't have to go searching. We haven't seen too many offers just yet, but you can already make this premium flip phone considerably cheaper if you play your cards right. Keep reading for my recommendations, and don't forget to check back later to see what's new: I'll keep adding new offers to this list as I find them.

Quick links

• Samsung Unpacked LIVE: latest news and everything that was announced
• The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra deals
  
• T-Mobile: Get the Z Flip 8 for $100 with eligible plan
• Samsung: up to $600 off with trade-in, free credit
• Verizon: TBA
• AT&T: up to $1,000 off with trade-in, new line
• Amazon: free $200 gift card with preorder
• Best Buy: free $200 gift card with preorder

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 deals

FAQ

When does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 come out?

Alongside the book-style Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is scheduled for release on August 7th. This gives you just a few weeks to take advantage of the preorder offers detailed above.

How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cost?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 will start at $1,199.99 / €1,299.00 / £1,149.00 for the 256GB configuration of the phone. That's $100 more expensive than last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7, which was already more expensive than its predecessor. This price increase is even further proof that no one is exempt from the ongoing RAM crisis, which is why finding good deals is so important nowadays.

I already own the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Is it worth upgrading?

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 and last year's Galaxy Z Flip 7 share a lot of similarities on the design and hardware side, especially at first glance. Both flip phones come with 12GB of RAM and a 4,300mAh battery, and they feature virtually identical camera systems and displays, although the Z Flip 8 does clock in at 8 grams lighter than its predecessor. The Z Flip 8 also uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which is a bit more powerful than the last generation's Exynos chip.

Do these minor upgrades justify the $100 price increase? It's a tough call, but if you're already happy with your Galaxy Z Flip 7, I see no reason to rush to the store to grab the new phone. On the other hand, if you're a flip phone fanatic, the Z Flip 8 offers one of the best experiences around.

The boxy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available in three standard colors, plus an online exclusive, totaling up to four shades overall. As trying as it can be to try to choose only one shade to buy from four different colors, it can also be a good thing. You might come across a shade that you didn't even know you'd love!

Without further ado, let me help you decide which Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 colorway you should buy. To start things off, let us walk through the colors. Familiarize yourself with what your choices are, then you can identify your winner.

A walk through all the colors of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

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Buying the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 colorway: A helpful guide

Trying to decide which Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 color should you buy? Now that you've had a good look at all the colorways the Fold 8 comes in, the decision must be easier to make. Of the four Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 colorways, two are basic safe choices. Graphite is the classic black option that almost always outsells all other shades, because most folks don't want bold colors. Cream is another such color, though white isn't as widely preferred as black.

I encourage you to take a risk and choose a color that speaks to you, however unusual it may be! The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Lavender is immediately recognizable as the Fold 8, plus it looks divine. The wide, boxy cut of the device is enhanced and accentuated in this light purple hue.

Exclusivity is an attractive feature to many. If you're gunning for something different and less widely available, the warm Pistachio colorway stands out. True to its name, Pistachio is a warm green color that is an online exclusive. If you do go for Pistachio, bear in mind that spare parts for less popular colors can be harder to acquire. So if you're a clumsy, accident prone person who doesn't use impact proof phone cases, best to err on the side of caution and stick with one of the three standard colors instead.

At July's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, the company finally unveiled it's latest line of foldables and smartwatches. The foldables are pretty much bang on in line with all the leaked images we've seen over the past few months. What I wasn't expecting was the shake up in the naming convention, which understanably, is bound to cause a bit of confusion.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the flagship model and will be replacing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, while the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 is actually a cheaper and wider version of the flagship, previously dubbed as the 'Wide Edition.'

It's now been full year since the Galaxy Z Fold 7's existence and it's already officially selling for $400 lower than the launch price, and this is outside sale season. This could dip further in the months to come as Samsung tries to empty its inventory.

If you've skipped the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or have been waiting for the new Fold 8 series to launch, should you spring for the latest Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or save a few hundred Benjamins with the older (but still great) model?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Pricing and availability

Our fears did come true as Samsung has raised prices by $100. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra now starts at $2,099.99 and this is for the 256GB variant. There are also 512GB and 1TB storage options, with only the latter getting 16GB of RAM. The tiers below come with 12GB of RAM. Violet Shadow is the new hero color for the Z Fold 8 Ultra, while the other two are Graphite and Cream. Samung will be bundling a six-month complementary subscription to the AI Pro plan, with every Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be a year old now and is already retailing for less, starting at $1,499.99 for 256GB and going up to $2,000 for the 1TB variant. There could be a further price drop before it goes out of circulation so you should keep an eye on this if you want to save a good chunk of change. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 had one of the best colors of all the Fold phones yet and has proven to be hugely popular showing strong demand in the U.S. market.

The recent rise in component costs have caught up though as Samsung quietly bumped up the MSRPs of the higher storage variants by $80. Compared to the new Z Fold 8 Ultra though, you're still saving quite a bit.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra looks pretty much identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and that's fine. The Fold 7 got a major design overhaul just last year making the slimmest Fold yet. The Z Fold 8 Ultra is a tiny bit thinner at 4.1mm when unfolded, but measures the same 8.9mm when folded.

The weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has also stayed the same at 215 grams, despite Samsung using a larger battery. Physically, you really shouldn't notice too much of a difference between the two phones even if you hold them side by side.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 scored well in terms of build quality and durabililty but it only had an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. Sadly, this hasn't improved on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The water proofing is still okay, but the phone still lacks proper dust proofing. In comparison, the Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold 5 feature IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold has an IP68 rating.

The displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra gets some nice upgrades. The folding screen is still 8 inches, but Samsung has bumped up the resolution to 2,504x2,256. Compared to the already high resolution of 1,968x2,184 on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Fold 8 Ultra should offer even crisper visuals and sharper text.

The outer display on the Fold 8 Ultra has stayed pretty much the same, but it does get more durable protection in the form of Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3. There were murmurs a few months back that support for the S Pen will be brought back in the Z Fold 8 Ultra, but that hasn't happened.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Hardware and software

Samsung typically ships the Galaxy Z Fold devices with flagship chipsets, and it's done the same once again with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The foldable features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for Galaxy devices, same as the ones used in the Galaxy S26 series.

Another big upgrade that Samsung has delivered in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is a larger battery. We finally have a 5,000mAh capacity battery which should deliver a good battery life boost over the 4,400mAh in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Charging speed has also increased to 45W from the measly 25W on the previous model. I would have liked to see 60W wired charging like the Galaxy S26 Ultra but I'll take anything above 25W at this point. Qi2 charging is still not native as the Z Fold 8 Ultra lacks in-built magnets. You'll have to use a compatible case for Qi2.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ships with One UI 9, that's based on Android 17. Samsung has been testing One UI 9 in beta for a while on S26 devices, giving users a glimpse of what to expect. Some of the new features include an upgraded Quick Panel with toggles for the brightness, sound, and media player now being independently adjustable. There's a new Text Spotlight feature that shows selected text in a larger floating window. There's plenty more AI and user interface features to unpack, so stay tuned for our detailed guide.

Many of these One UI 9 features should also make their way to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with future updates. It's possible that some might be hardware dependent so expect a few to be missing when you update your Z Fold 7 to One UI 9.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 got a 200MP main camera upgrade just last year, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra uses the same one. But it finally gets a higher-resolution 50MP ultrawide camera, which should bring about a tangible quality improvement. A leak had suggested that the Z Fold 8 Ultra would get a 12MP telephoto, but this hasn't turned out to be true. It's still 10MP with an optical zoom of 3X.

The selfie cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra have also gone unchanged. You still get the two 10MP sensors on the outer and inner screens. We loved the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 when we tested it so having better sensors in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra would have made it more competitive against foldables like the OPPO Find N6.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 7: Which one should you buy?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has gotten more expensive but you're also getting some worthwhile upgrades like a newer SoC, larger battery with quicker charging, a sharper folding screen, and a better ultrawide camera. The only reason to buy this at launch is if you're getting a good trade-in deal or pre-order discounts. Otherwise, I'd wait a few months till Samsung inevitably slashes the price itself.

If you need to pull the trigger right away, you can't go wrong with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It now retails for lower than what it launched for, it's incredibly slim and light, and you won't have any issues with performance. Keep in mind that we didn't find the battery life to be great and there's no S Pen support if that's something you think you'll need.

Samsung is offering the same colors of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 as it did with the previous-gen Galaxy Z Flip 7 which came in four colors. This makes it easy for you to choose a color, even if one of the four shades is an online exclusive. The colors are largely "safe" options, with only two colorful shades to choose from.

Before cashing in on a single choice, take a good look at all the finishes available at launch to help you decide which Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 color should you buy.

Check out all the colors of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

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Three colors, one choice: Picking the right Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 color made easy

Answering the question of which Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 color should you buy isn't too difficult. You can either stick with your safest bet, which the plain black Graphite colorway, or choose something light and pastel.

If you're not one to stick with the traditional black colorway, you'll have to be excited about lighter shades. The Z Flip 8 comes in three other shades, the last of which is online exclusive: Pink, Cream, and Mint.

Pink is a blushing rosy hue that isn't entirely new to Samsung's Flip series. Just like Mint is a recurring shade across generations, the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Flip 4, and Flip 5 all came in similar pinky shades as well. If you're feeling nostalgic, either Pink or Mint will both be great Flip 8 colors for you.

However, if you're not looking to attract too much attention without being too predictable, Cream is a good choice to consider. A pale white hue is a minimalist's dream. It is different without being overtly attention grabbing.

Choosing to buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is easy. After all, it's Samsung's largest dual-fold smartphone yet. What's hard is making a decision on which Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra color should you buy. That's why I'm here to make things easy for you. First, you need to appreciate all the different colors it comes in and then figure out which one is the right match for you.

Bathe in the glory of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and its four shades

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in a range of deep, elegant colors

I am loving the color scheme of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. This gigantic foldable comes in a squad of deep, elegant colors. With the exception of Cream, every single shade is on the darker side. Violet Shadow is the hero, a mesmerizing shade of dark indigo that's almost black in certain lighting. It is sure to be very popular with the crowds.

I usually suggest opting for the black colorway of the phone when in doubt, but Violet Shadow is dark enough to appease even those who would usually choose Graphite to be safe. Why play it safe when you can get the signature new color of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra?

Meanwhile, if dark indigo isn't your jam, Green Shadow is a charming shade to consider. I know a lot of people have very strong opinions about green, but trust me on this one. Green Shadow is a smokey, forest green hue that exudes class and sophistication. It's not asking for attention, but it's easy on the eyes nonetheless.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Pricing and availability

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 made its debut at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked launch event in London on July 22, 2026, and it is now on sale globally. The smartwatch retails for $699, and that's pretty decent when you consider you're getting 64GB of storage and a ton of new features.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 launched at $649, the same as its predecessor. Which is understandable as the smartwatch didn't actually bring any new features, and other than double the amount of onboard storage, it was identical to the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024. Thankfully, that's not the case this year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Design and features

Samsung is changing the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 a little bit; the smartwatch has a squircle case that's made out of titanium, and the design looks a lot cleaner than the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. Samsung is offering the smartwatch in Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray, and we'll need to wait and see if both models are available in all global regions.

What I like the most is that the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is significantly thinner at 10mm (versus 12.1mm); this was a big pain point with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 and 2025 models, and it's good to see Samsung addressing it. Another change has to do with durability; the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets IP69K ingress protection, giving it added resilience against dust and water ingress.

You still get a massive 47mm case, and I like that Samsung didn't change this. The display is slightly bigger at 1.52 inches thanks to thinner bezels, and the resolution is also a little higher at 498x498 (Ultra 2025 has 480x480). But where the Watch Ultra 2 stands out the most is the overall brightness; Samsung is somehow touting brightness of up to 5,000 nits, and that's a significant boost from the 3,000-nit Watch Ultra 2025.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Hardware and specs

If I had to point to a single upgrade that makes the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 truly stand out, it would be the battery. The smartwatch comes with an 800mAh battery, and this is an area where Samsung absolutely did the right thing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025's 590mAh battery is decent enough, but the much bigger battery should allow the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 to last even longer.

Powering the smartwatch is the latest Snapdragon Wear Elite, and this again is a big change; last year's model had the Exynos W1000, and the switch to Qualcomm should deliver better efficiency, boosting battery life even more. The smartwatch gets 2GB of memory and 64GB of storage as standard, and it retains similar connectivity as last year's model, including NFC.

Coming to fitness and health monitoring, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets Samsung's BioActive Sensor, and it includes all the hardware needed to monitor vitals and daily activity. You get Samsung's Wear OS 7 out of the box with One UI 9 Watch, and there's a lot to like with the software in general. Samsung is the way to go if you want the best Android smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues that momentum on the software front.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025: Which should you buy?

There's no doubt in my mind: if you're ready to upgrade to a bigger smartwatch, you need to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It has exciting upgrades across the board, and the thinner design combined with a bigger battery and brighter AMOLED panel make it a much better choice.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is still a decent choice if you're able to get a sizeable discount, but of the two, I'd suggest getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — it's just a better all-round smartwatch.

What you need to know

• Qualcomm now powers Samsung's entire AI ecosystem, expanding beyond foldables into Galaxy smartwatches and upcoming AI smart glasses.
• The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy promises faster on-device AI, stronger gaming performance, smarter cameras, and better power efficiency to Samsung's latest foldables.
• Samsung's first Snapdragon-powered smartwatches debut with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2, using Snapdragon Wear Elite for more personalized health tracking and AI experiences.

Samsung’s new Galaxy launch was more than just foldables. Qualcomm also used the occasion to show just how much deeper its partnership with Samsung has become, with Snapdragon chips now powering the company's newest phones, smartwatches, and its upcoming AI-powered smart glasses.

The biggest upgrade is for Samsung’s flagship foldables. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy powers the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and, in select markets, the Galaxy Z Flip 8. Qualcomm says the custom chip blends its Oryon CPU, next-gen NPU, and upgraded GPU for faster on-device AI, better gaming performance, smarter camera features, and improved power efficiency.

And the collaboration isn’t limited to smartphones. Samsung’s wearables lineup is also seeing a significant shakeup, with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 set to be the company’s first smartwatches to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform.

Qualcomm says the platform was built around “Personal AI” that employs advanced sensor fusion to better understand user activity throughout the day, providing more proactive health insights while maintaining strong connectivity and performance.

Perhaps the most interesting expansion is outside of phones and watches. Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google are expanding their Android XR partnership to include intelligent eyewear with the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform. Samsung already unveiled new smart glasses designs with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, with larger collections slated for market later this fall.

Qualcomm says the platform is meant to enable more contextual AI experiences in lightweight glasses as opposed to bulky headsets.

Android Central's Take

If Snapdragon can actually deliver seamless AI across your phone, watch, and future smart glasses, you’ll be greeted with experiences that feel genuinely connected, rather than a bunch of isolated features. That said, we’ve heard enough of these “AI ecosystem” promises before, and not all of them have lived up to the hype. The real test will be Samsung’s ability to make those features useful enough that people actually notice them outside of launch-day demos.

The Flip 8 is slimmer and lighter than ever, so be sure to grab one or two of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases. You don't want to take away from the thinness or lightness of such a compact foldable, so be sure to grab a sturdy, scratch-proof phone case that isn't bulky or heavy. I have rounded up the best options available right here for your perusal, be it hinge protection you're looking for or extras like magnetic Qi2 support.

Protective phone cases for your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

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Breaking down how to pick the right case for your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8

There are hundreds of phone cases out there, but only a few of them qualify as the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cases. A stalwart case for a foldable needs to allow for uninterrupted folding and unfolding, and it can't be too thick either. People buy foldables like the Flip 8 for the lightness and thinness, after all, and a thick case takes that away.

Thinborne continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. This Texas-based brand always delivers on every vital front: slimness, lightness, and handiness. The Thinborne Galaxy Z Flip 8 Aramid Fiber Magnetic Case is a marvel, measuring just 0.04 inches thin and weighing just 15.9 grams. It is almost like having a Dbrand skin on instead of a phone case. What's harder to believe is that Thinborne somehow embedded powerful magnets inside this aerospace-grade 600D aramid fiber case. The ultra-premium build does have one unfortunate consequence: it makes the case insanely expensive.

If you don't want to spend $80 on the Thinborne case, you still have plenty of excellent Z Flip 8 cases to choose from. However, none of them get as thin as the Thinborne case.

Spigen is one of the top smartphone case manufacturers in the world. For the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8, I recommend two of Spigen's classic models: the Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit and Nano Pop MagFit. Both are slim, magnetic, and add reasonable shock absorption, and they are priced affordably as well. If you want to be able to admire the color of your Galaxy Z Flip 8, I recommend the see-through Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro MagFit.

The big day has arrived, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 preorder deals are trickling in. Whether you want the ultra-wide Z Fold 8 or the super-powered Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, there are already a few ways to save money on these premium foldables before they hit store shelves on August 7th. Considering that the devices start at a steep $1,899, I'll take just about any offer I can get.

Unlike some phone releases that feel purely perfunctory, Samsung is really changing things up with its newest book-style foldable phones. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 sports a brand new form factor that we've compared to a passport, while the brand new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is one of the largest foldables we've ever seen.

These phones aren't just pretty to look at, however. They also feature incredible specs under the hood, with powerful Snapdragon chips, useful AI-boosted software features, and years of guaranteed OS updates. As usual, they're also pretty expensive, so I've dropped all of the web's best Z Fold 8 preorder deals into this guide. Didn't find anything yet? Check back later: we're sure to see more offers go live in the coming days.

Quick links

• Samsung Unpacked LIVE: latest news and everything that was announced
• The best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 preorder deals
• T-Mobile: FREE Galaxy Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in, new line
• Verizon: new line savings, trade-in deals
• Samsung: up to $1,200 of trade-in credit
• Amazon: free $350 gift card with purchase
• Best Buy: trade-in savings, free gift cards
• AT&T: FREE Z Fold 8 with eligible trade-in, new line

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals

FAQ

How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 cost?

The new wide-style Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to cost $1,899.99 for the 256GB version, while the Fold 8 Ultra will start at $2,099 USD. Samsung's foldable phones have always been expensive, but the ongoing RAM crisis has contributed to increased prices across the board. It's just one more reason why the above preorder deals are so essential.

When does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 come out?

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 lineup is set to officially hit store shelves on August 7th, which gives you just over two weeks to take advantage of the deals above.

How does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 compare to the Z Fold 8 Ultra?

It may sound strange, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to last year's Galaxy Z Fold 7. Starting at $2,099, the phone boasts virtually identical dimensions to last year's foldable with an upgraded 5,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and 12GB of RAM for the 256GB and 512GB models. It also weighs just 215 grams, which is the same as last year's model. The fact that Samsung was able to pack a larger battery into the same thin frame as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impressive, but some folks may be disappointed that the design is otherwise largely unchanged.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, is where things start to look interesting. The phone boasts a 7.6-inch main display and 5.5-inch cover display (both stunning AMOLED, of course), resulting in a device that looks a bit like a passport book. Clocking in at just 201 grams, the Z Fold 8 also comes with the same Snapdragon chip as the Ultra, plus a 4,800mAh battery, the latest AI-boosted software features, and up to 16GB of RAM. Moreover, the Z Fold 8 is $200 cheaper than the Ultra.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 worth it?

It depends! If you already own a foldable phone, such as the Z Fold 7 or the Motorola Razr Fold, there's really no reason to upgrade right away. These OEMs push out new foldable phones every year, so it's okay (and probably financially responsible) for you to skip a generation here and there.

On the other hand, if you want to try the latest in foldable phone technology and you're able to get a good deal that works with your budget, the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra really do offer some of the most innovative Android experiences around.

What you need to know

• Samsung quietly abandoned stylus support for both the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, just like the Z Fold 7.
• The missing S Pen leaves a productivity gap, removing a tool that made handwritten notes, document annotation, and sketching easy on the Fold's large inner display.
• Marketing the Fold 8 Ultra as the ultimate productivity machine while removing the very hardware tool that made previous generations so effective sends mixed signals to users.

Samsung just launched its Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, but one longtime Fold feature is absent. Samsung has quietly ditched S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra (again) after years of marketing the Fold as a productivity-first device, with no mention of stylus support anywhere in its official announcement, spec sheets, or otherwise.

This is despite Samsung doubling down on AI-powered productivity. The new Fold line-up is all about multitasking with Galaxy AI, Gemini Intelligence, split-screen workflows, and larger displays leading the way.

Additionally, the Fold 8 Ultra is billed as the company’s ultimate productivity machine, combining an 8-inch display with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, a 5,000mAh battery, and a 200MP main camera. The standard Fold 8 has a lighter 201g design, a 4,800mAh battery, and dual 50MP cameras but retains the same flagship chipset.

What’s missing is any mention of the S Pen that used to help separate Samsung’s book-style foldables from the competition. In previous iterations of the Fold (except the Z Fold 7), the stylus was a peripheral, giving users a way to handwrite notes, annotate documents, and scribble on the large inner display.

This decision is even more surprising given that the new Fold lineup is designed to help users do more with AI and features like Gemini Notebook, drag-and-drop multitasking, and app automation across more than 40 apps and services supported. Those upgrades double down on the Fold’s productivity focus, but they also make the lack of pen input feel like an even bigger compromise.

Android Central's Take

Samsung seems to be giving off mixed signals here. You can’t market the Fold 8 as the ultimate productivity phone and then quietly take away one of the tools that actually made it feel productive. Sure, AI can summarize meetings and organize notes, but it can’t replace the precision of putting pen to paper. But if Samsung wants Fold users to embrace an AI-first future, it also has to remember that sometimes the smartest feature isn’t AI at all — it’s letting people write things down.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Pricing and availability

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 at a launch event in London on June 22, 2026. Both smartwatches are now on pre-order globally, with sales starting shortly.

Like previous years, Samsung has two models of the Galaxy Watch 9: 40mm and 40mm. The 40mm model with Bluetooth costs $379, and if you need LTE, you'll need to pay $429. The 44mm Bluetooth variant is $409, and the LTE model is $459. There's a modest increase from last year, but the Galaxy Watch 9 is still an affordable choice.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, retails for $699, a $50 increase. You are getting an extensive feature-set, bigger battery, and titanium chassis, and that's reflected in the cost.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Design and display

The Galaxy Watch 9 looks identical to its predecessor, and that's a good thing. You still get a smartwatch that looks great, and it's just as thin (8.6mm) and light (34g) as the Galaxy Watch 8.

Samsung didn't change its choice of materials either, so you get an aluminum case with a plastic housing on the underside to accommodate the BioActive module. Like last year, the Galaxy Watch 9 is sold in 40mm and 44mm variants, and Samsung is even selling the same color models. There's no rotating bezel on either device, but you get side-mounted buttons.

If you're looking to get a watch that looks different to last year, you'll need to pick up the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It has a significantly thinner design that looks much better this time, and the 47mm case gives it a dominating presence that you just don't get with the 44mm Galaxy Watch 9. It's made out of titanium, and has better durability as well — 10ATM and IP69K versus 5ATM and IP68 of the Galaxy Watch 9.

Coming to the display, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 gets a 1.52-inch AMOLED that goes up to a ridiculous 5,000 nits. The 44mm Galaxy Watch 9 has the same 1.47-inch panel as last year, and the 40mm model retains the 1.34-inch screen, with both going up to 3,000 nits. Outside of that, you don't see much of a difference between the two smartwatches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Features and specs

What's good to see is that both smartwatches use the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite. Ahead of launch, it was unclear if the Galaxy Watch 9 would come with last year's Exynos W100 instead of the new Qualcomm silicon, and Samsung did the right thing by using Qualcomm across the board.

While the hardware itself is exciting, Samsung turned its attention to the software this year, and both smartwatches have a ton of new health and fitness features. There's Energy Tracking, Sleep Apnea Detection, a new running-focused feature, and Vitals, a dashboard that gives you a broad overview of your vitals in one area.

You also get a new Nutrition Alert feature alongside Trail Run that measures detailed elevation changes and climbing progress. And as for the software, both smartwatches run the latest Wear OS 7 with Samsung's One UI 9 Watch. Samsung does a great job with the software in general, and One UI 9 Watch has the best feature-set of any Android smartwatch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 vs. Galaxy Watch 9: Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9 is entirely down to what you need in a smartwatch. If you need a smaller watch that nails the basics and looks stylish, just get the Galaxy Watch 9. You're not missing out on the essentials, and this is a proven design that has worked really well for Samsung in the last two years.

But if you want a bigger smartwatch that grabs attention, you should get the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Yes, it costs a lot more, but you also get a bigger screen that gets much brighter, much bigger battery that lasts nearly twice as long, better durability, and a titanium design that looks exquisite. If I had to choose a model between these two, I'm getting the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 anytime — it's much more exciting.

Samsung is set to fully launch its "Intelligent Eyewear" this fall, and at Unpacked, the company gave us a look at its designs from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. I've already played with prototype Android XR glasses a few times, but this is my first time getting hands-on time with production design models, and I feel like it's finally starting to come together.

However, given how long it's taking Google and Samsung to bring these to market, I'm wondering if this new effort can survive the hurdles of a shifting public opinion on smart glasses.

AI meets style

The models I got to handle were not functioning products, but just something to give us a peek at what we're getting ahead of the actual launch. So while I couldn't actually use the glasses or even put them on my face, I at least got to hold them and get a feel for them, and I was quite impressed.

Of the new designs I got to see, the Gentle Monster model caught my eye, as I prefer its more classic style, which is closer to the kinds of glasses I wear. However, the Warby Parker glasses looked more stylish, so I'm sure there will still be plenty of appeal for these.

This is why Samsung's partnerships with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are so important, as highlighted by James Choi, corporate EVP and head of XR R&D at Samsung.

"They must first be something people really want to wear every day. After all, this is eyewear. People want a natural, stylish fashion item, not a piece of technology on their face," he said during a round table briefing.

Not only did the glasses look relatively thin; they also felt surprisingly light. Weight is generally a major hurdle when it comes to smart glasses, so lighter glasses mean less chance of fatigue. Furthermore, the relatively thin design helps them look less like tech and blend in as glasses.

Despite their thin, lightweight design, the glasses are still quite durable, and Samsung has ensured "mobile-grade quality assurance," so they should be able to withstand a fall.

Choi also highlighted something called Power Camp, a joint effort between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm to optimize battery life and tune software and data streamlining.

And while the glasses are powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1, they will leverage the phone's memory and compute to provide faster responses and relevant data protections.

As a result, the glasses can get up to an estimated nine hours of mixed-use battery life using the camera, listening to music, and triggering Gemini (and/or Bixby), with an additional seven full charges with the case. You'll also be able to control them with Wear OS watches and connect with apps like Maps, Interpreter, and Samsung Notes through the glasses.

The elephant in the room...

Public opinion around smart glasses has taken a bit of a turn lately. Despite Ray-Ban Meta glasses being available for years, consumers are starting to turn on them, especially after a few missteps, reports of always-on glasses, and the current smear campaign against the glasses. So how is Samsung approaching the market given the shifting tides?

Choi says privacy is not an afterthought but the core of how Samsung is developing these new glasses. That means including things like the LED indicator light to show when the camera is in use, as well as wear detection to disable the camera if the user takes off the glasses or even covers the LED.

But there is a concern that perhaps more needs to be done. Choi makes it clear that navigating public perception is not easy, especially in different cultures, and recognizes that it's a shared industry problem. He notes that Samsung is constantly in communication with governments to ensure they're meeting regulations, and the hope is that they are able to come to some sort of solution while still fostering the development of new technologies such as these.

For now, it sounds like Samsung and Google are doing their part, but the onus is on governing bodies to instill regulations that make everyone happy. I just hope this doesn't sully the launch of a product I'm genuinely interested in. After all, Google already had its Glasshole moment; it would be a shame for Android XR to also be relegated as just another pair of "pervert glasses."

What you need to know

• Google shared details about a few Gemini updates, which coincide with Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked reveals.
• Google reiterates Gemini's presence on Intelligent Eyewear (Samsung collab); however, Galaxy Watch 9 users can raise their wrist to activate the AI, all without saying a word.
• Gemini Notebook is pre-installed on Samsung's new foldables, but Galaxy Z Fold 8 users can take full advantage of their multitasking capabilities, dragging and dropping content from other apps into the AI notebook.

It's Samsung's day, but Google has a few updates to offer users interested in everything revealed at Galaxy Unpacked.

Google shared a press release this morning (July 22), reiterating its recent collaboration with Samsung for Intelligent Eyewear. While the two have joined hands before (primarily for phones), these smart glasses are the next step. Google reminds us that Gemini on Intelligent Eyewear provides helpfulness in a way beyond phones. However, Google's bringing a little more to Samsung's new watch. Intelligent Eyewear is also receiving two new frames following Unpacked, which you can view below.

The Galaxy Watch 9 is receiving a little Gemini update for convenience. Google says users need only "raise their wrist," and the AI will activate. Users don't have to say "Hey Google" or "Hey Gemini." Raising your wrist opens its digital ears for your questions or tasks.

Gemini Intelligence continues its round of Galaxy Unpacked updates, as Google introduced a "task automation" expansion. This feature lets users give Gemini tasks that are rather mundane. Tasks like ordering food or items from your favorite online store. Google states task automation is expanding to more than 40 apps. What's more, this expansion gives Gemini the ability to understand what's on your screen.

If there's an item you've found, you can ask Gemini to find "something similar" on Etsy or another store, and order it for you. Users can track Gemini's progress in completing the task you've given it, as well. Google says this gives users the chance to cut in and correct anything before handing the task back to Gemini. Of course, any transactions fall solely on the user to complete.

With the Galaxy Z Flip 8's launch today, users can begin task automation on its Flex Window by long-pressing the power button.

Unpacking Gemini updates

On-device AI continues to advance with an interest in remaining useful. Google announced that Gemini Notebook (previously NotebookLM) is pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Fold 8. However, it's the larger sibling—the Galaxy Z Fold 8—that lets users take full advantage of the multitasking. Gemini Notebook can hold pages, videos, and more that you've found from other apps while you're searching.

Google highlights that users can have Chrome open on one side of the Fold 8 and Gemini Notebook on the other. This lets you easily drag and drop before handing off itinerary generation to Gemini. There is a chat function available. Users can chat with Gemini, asking questions about sources and more to create "high-quality" slide decks, videos, quizzes, and more.

One more thing: Samsung and Google introduced a new "native migration experience built directly into Android 17." The blog post states this lets users "transfer even more data types from an iPhone wirelessly—without downloading a separate app." Users can transfer photos, videos, contacts, messages, and calendar info. New supported data now includes your Google Account, passwords, Wi-Fi details, and eSIM. Much of this data was mentioned previously by Google's product lead for Android Onboarding and Android Settings, Paul Dunlop, when discussing what Android 17 would change for Android Switch.

Intelligent Eyewear debuted during Google I/O in May. The glasses, with frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, merged style with technology. Users could talk to Gemini for navigational purposes, order pickups, and photo capture. Samsung joined the discussion, stating users could pair Intelligent Eyewear with their phones for hands-free assistance.

Android Central's Take

Task automation was already an eye-catching addition when the Galaxy S26 series debuted. To see it now begin expanding to more apps is another thumbs up from me. I like when AI is useful. It's nice that it continues to walk you through its progress via on-screen notifications (even on your lock screen).

What you need to know

• Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked in London is underway, and the company has revealed the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2.
• The Galaxy Watch 9 is lighter with a more comfortable fit on the wrist, delivering major health features like Vitals and Heart Health Score.
• The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 continues its rugged focus for users who dive, run, swim, and more with new Trail Run and Diver-focused automatic tracking.
• Samsung has started pre-orders: the Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, 44mm) starts at $379 for Bluetooth, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 begins at $699.

The moment we've been waiting for is here: Samsung's Unpacked revealed its next-gen smartwatches, and this is everything you need to know.

Today (July 22), Samsung held its Galaxy Unpacked event in London, U.K., to discuss what's next for its portfolio. Headlining the event are the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9. The latter is where we're beginning this early morning. Samsung stressed during its keynote that the Galaxy Watch 9 is the "ultimate everyday companion." The watch has been upgraded for consumers who take their health seriously and are looking to "build healthy habits."

The Galaxy Watch 9's design sticks close to what we received with the Galaxy Watch 8. The device offers that squircle design: a circular watch face atop a square frame. However, Samsung states the Watch 9 has been equipped with a "lightweight, yet durable chassis." The watch has been refined for a closer fit against your wrist that is intended to feel more natural, enhancing comfort.

Internally, Samsung revealed that the Galaxy Watch 9 features Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. The SoC's major highlights include improvements to the device's speed and efficiency, reducing the lag users might experience when swiping through the watch's UI. It also goes without saying that the Wear Elite SoC will help the Watch 9's 390mAh battery, too.

Unpacking Samsung's health features, the company states the Galaxy Watch 9 features a BioActive sensor, which captures "continuous biometric data about a user’s lifestyle habits to develop a deep understanding of their wellness." Users will find features like Sleep Apnea (FDA clearance-backed), Daily Cardio Score, Fitness Index, and Hearing, helping to protect their ear health.

What's more, Samsung reminds us of Vitals and Heart Health Score. Many might remember these two (the Hearing feature, too) from the Health app's huge update in June. Vitals will "proactively" watch the user's health baseline while they sleep to provide alerts about deviations. The Heart Health Score focuses on your cardiovascular wellness with a simple score that helps users understand if they should "take action."

If you're looking at the Galaxy Watch 9, Samsung says you'll find an assortment of new bands. Consumers can pick from Sports, Misty, and Fabric bands. Each offers a different experience, ranging from the thin, soft all-rounder Sports band to the soft silicone Misty band for a stable, bounce-free fit.

The Galaxy Watch 9 comes in 40mm and 44mm variants, starting at $379 for its Bluetooth model and $429 for its LTE version. Pre-orders begin July 22 before its full market launch on August 7. Samsung Care Plus is available to help protect your watch from damage, but there are extra goodies for consumers. A 60-day trial for Strava and a two-month iFIT free trial are available for the Galaxy Watch 9 after purchase.

Galaxy is going Ultra (2)

The bigger, rugged-oriented Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is finally here. Samsung is calling the Watch Ultra 2 its "most powerful and advanced Galaxy Watch ever." Extreme outdoor shenanigans and users who live for high-performance activities are who the Watch Ultra 2 is designed for. While the device sticks to a familiar squircle design, the company states it has achieved a "thinner, innovative" build. The Watch Ultra 2 is thinner by ~12% compared to the first version. There have also been improvements to make it lighter, too.

Runners and climbers might also benefit from the watch's shock-resistant titanium casing.

Inside, the wearable features Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite SoC and a huge 800mAh battery (a 35% boost over the first version). There are several activities the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 supports, but this update has divers in mind. To aid professional divers, Samsung says the watch is rated IP69K, 10 ATM, and EN13319 certified. The Watch Ultra 2 will track your diving data (depth, time, water temp) from the moment you enter the water.

Samsung has created an Ultra-exclusive Diving app that users can lean on for advanced features. The company states the app will be available later in 2026. For all the landlubbers, Trail Run is a Watch Ultra 2 feature that "tracks detailed elevation, climbing progress, and terrain impact..." Real-time hydration guidance is provided via Nutrition Alert, pairing nicely with Sweat Loss.

Like the Galaxy Watch 9, the Watch Ultra 2 features an assortment of new bands: Marine, PeakForm, and Trail. Samsung Care Plus and the free trials for Strava and iFIT are also available for purchased Galaxy Watch Ultra 2s. Consumers will find the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for $699 for its 47mm size. You will also be able to choose between Titanium Silver and Titanium Gray colorways.

Pre-orders begin July 22 ahead of a full release on August 7.

After spending some time with the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, it's clear that this is a year of refinement for Samsung. These watches are essentially upgraded versions of their predecessors, and while there may not be many differences on the outside, one major upgrade on the inside makes all the difference.

The same but different

In terms of design, Samsung didn't change much about the latest watches. That said, once you hold them or put them next to their predecessors, you might be able to spot the changes. The Watch Ultra 2, for example, is noticeably thinner than its predecessor, shaving off roughly 2mm despite its massive 800mAh battery; a 210mAh increase.

This means it feels a bit better on your wrist, which is also aided by the new watch bands. They're thinner and more malleable, allowing the watch to sit flatter on surfaces and provide a better fit on your wrist. That said, the Watch Ultra 2 is still quite heavy, and I can't imagine wearing it throughout its roughly 60-hour battery life estimate (with AOD on).

As for the Galaxy Watch 9, the dimensions are roughly the same as the Watch 8, but Samsung managed to increase the battery a bit. Thickness is the same too, making the Watch 9 much more comfortable to wear than the Ultra 2 and probably something I can see myself rocking throughout the day.

That said, the Ultra 2 is built to appeal to outdoorsy types and anyone with a more rugged lifestyle, and some new features are clear indications of such. Trail Run, for example, is an Ultra 2-exclusive feature that will track a run on a trail while monitoring elevation, total climb, and total descent.

And for serious runners, Samsung is upgrading the Sweat Loss estimation with a Nutrition Alert to help you stay adequately hydrated.

That extra-rugged design also means professional divers can use the Watch Ultra 2 to track their dives with a new Diving app coming later this year. I didn't get to see this during my hands-on, but Samsung says the Mares-developed app will track real-time diving metrics.

Oh, and the screen is apparently really bright, reaching a 5,000 nits peak. I couldn't test this out in my enclosed environment, but the brighter screen will definitely help with outdoor visibility.

The upgrade I'm most excited about in both watches is the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip. It's Samsung's first time using a Snapdragon chip in its smartwatches, and it promises better performance, longer battery life, and better GPS tracking.

Qualcomm highlights improved AI capabilities thanks to the built-in NPU, meaning some AI tasks won't have to be routed to the phone. You can tell Gemini something like "what's my sleep score," and it will take you directly to the metric you're looking for in Samsung Health.

The new chip also enhances the capabilities of the BioActive sensor for enhanced accuracy and new features. Sleep Apnea insights, Heart Health, Daily Cardio Load, Hearing, and Fitness Index are all available on both watches to provide a more comprehensive look at your health.

Even without a Classic model, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 feel like they have something for everyone. The Ultra 2 feels like more of an upgrade, but the Watch 9 feels like the watch for most people and will still get many of the same features as the Ultra 2.

My hands-on time wasn't too in-depth, but we'll be reviewing both watches soon, so you can look forward to our coverage as we test these watches and pit them against some of our favorite fitness watches.

What you need to know

• Samsung just unveiled its latest foldable lineup, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra targeting productivity and the Galaxy Z Flip 8 focusing on AI-powered convenience and self-expression.
• The Fold 8 Ultra packs an 8-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and Samsung's slimmest Fold design yet.
• The Flip 8's redesigned FlexWindow brings Now Brief, Gemini Intelligence, and connected tasks to the cover screen without unfolding the phone.
• Preorders are open now ahead of an August 7 launch, with the Fold 8 Ultra starting at $2,100 and the Flip 8 at $1,200, plus six months of Google AI Pro and 5TB of cloud storage.

Samsung is officially throwing out its mobile playbook by splitting its foldable lineup into two vastly different extremes.

Announced during today’s Galaxy Unpacked event, the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra takes the familiar Fold concept and pushes it into flagship territory. It boasts an 8-inch main display within Samsung’s slimmest Fold yet, measuring only 4.1mm when unfolded and weighing 215g.

Under the hood, it packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, alongside a 5,000mAh battery, revamped cooling, and a new dual-path 45W charging system to keep performance steady during demanding workloads.

On the optics front, Samsung equips the Fold 8 Ultra with a 200MP main camera that now supports HDR shooting at full resolution, alongside a new 50MP ultrawide sensor. The phone also brings improved Nightography, 8K recording using the APV codec, and Cine LUT support for creators who want more control over color grading right on the device.

The Z Flip 8 is all about that FlexWindow life

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 goes in the opposite direction, making everyday interactions faster. This is Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip yet, measuring 6.1mm when unfolded and weighing 180g. The biggest change is the redesigned FlexWindow, which becomes an AI-first interface that can show Now Brief summaries, launch Gemini Intelligence actions, and handle connected tasks without opening the phone.

The Flip 8 also makes a big leap into content creation. You get a 50MP main camera powered by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, Flex Mode for hands-free shooting, a camcorder grip with zoom rocker controls, Super Steady with a new Horizontal Lock mode, and Flip-exclusive features like FlipShot and Mirror View for easier selfies and quick appearance checks.

Both phones share Samsung's broader AI push, which includes Now Brief, Now Nudge, Gemini Intelligence with support in over 40 apps, and new privacy tools like the AI Assistant Activity dashboard and improved privacy alerts. They’re also debuting with Android 17 and One UI 9.

You can start preordering today, with a launch date of August 7. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,100 with up to 1TB of storage, while the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is priced at $1,200 with 256GB and 512GB configurations. Buyers also receive six months of Google AI Pro and 5TB of cloud storage.

Android Central's Take

I like that Samsung is finally giving its foldables their own identities, rather than making every model feel like a slightly different version of the same phone. If you’re considering an actual tablet or laptop replacement, the Fold 8 Ultra seems like the way to go, but the Flip 8 takes to convenience and AI in a way that feels more useful than gimmicky. That said, Samsung still has to persuade people it’s worth paying these premium prices. AI can help make your phone a little smarter, but it’s not going to magically make a $2,100 foldable feel like a bargain.

Samsung took the wraps off its new Galaxy Z Fold 8, and unlike previous years, we're getting two Folds instead of one. I got to spend some time with Samsung's new book-style foldables during its launch event in London, and they're very different, with one being an almost completely new form factor for the company.

Samsung is trying to target different audiences with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. Frankly, I'm intrigued by the company's decision to double down on its most expensive smartphone segment. But while I was fully expecting to hate the wider, more compact design on the base Fold 8 (based solely on the leaks), I actually came away from my hands-on kind of loving it.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Chasing "Ultra"

If the Galaxy Z Fold 7 was Samsung's tick year, then the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the tock. That's not a bad thing because the device looks nearly identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a phone that was something like Samsung's comeback device after a few missteps. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra follows that rather impressive device with some much-needed upgrades and refinements that help the phone earn that new Ultra moniker.

For one, the phone is actually thinner than its predecessor. In fact, Samsung says it's its thinnest foldable, measuring 4.1 mm when open. To be honest, I couldn't really tell the difference between the Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Z Fold 7 when put side by side, but the latter was already very impressively thin, and the Ultra is no less impressive.

Part of what makes it impressive is that Samsung managed to increase the battery quite a bit, bumping up from 4,400mah to 5,000mah! It's all because Samsung finally joined the silicon-carbon party, helping it to pack denser batteries into its latest foldables. It's still not the largest battery in a foldable, but it should help the phone fare better in daily use. The 45W wired charging is also a nice step up, although it notably falls behind competitors like the Razr Fold.

The display itself may not look much different, but you might notice something is missing: a crease. Okay, so it's not completely gone, but Samsung’s new Titanium Flex improves display durability and greatly reduces the crease, so it's nearly non-existent when viewing content or swiping across the screen.

Samsung also added an anti-reflective coating, so glare should be less of a problem when watching movies or reels.

Then there's the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which gives the phone new superpowers. I got to play with some of the new AI features, including Gemini automation and the new Now Nudge capabilities. In my demo, Gemini took the context from a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the Gallery, then opened the Expedia app to book a stay for two adults nearby.

Now Nudge also feels much more useful across more areas of One UI 9. It can now trigger suggestions in places like the Google Messages app or within notifications, so you can respond more intuitively. It even lets you open suggestions in split-screen mode so you don't have to disrupt your flow, and when you're done with a Now Nudge task, the second app will automatically close for you.

I wasn't able to try the camera, but the upgraded 50MP ultrawide sensor and new Cine LUT features should give the Z Fold 8 more of an Ultra edge, even if the 10MP telephoto camera leaves a bit to be desired.

Galaxy Z Fold 8: Big things, small packages

But the real story here is the new Galaxy Z Fold 8. It's a new, wider foldable that feels like it's meant to capture the feeling of some older foldables like the Oppo Find N or Pixel Fold. However, Samsung decided to go with a shorter and wider 5.4-inch external screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

The result of such a short and wide stature is that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels like a passport in hand. It fits quite well in my hand and slides easily into my pocket, partly because it's so thin at 9.7mm. In fact, as soon as I held it, my preconceptions about the design immediately went out the window, and I fell in love with this phone.

I imagine my proclivity towards flip phones has something to do with it, but using the external display isn't as awkward as I thought it would be. If you're a frequent watcher of vertical videos, then you'll notice black bars on the sides, but apps seem to resize well, and horizontal videos look great.

That goes for the internal folding display. Opening the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reveals a 4:3 aspect ratio display that looks and feels like a small tablet (and honestly feels closer to 3:2. That means content like long-form videos look more natural on the screen than on the Ultra with fewer black bars, but turn the phone and vertical videos also feel right at home, giving you a bigger and better way to show off your favorite Reels.

Samsung also highlights how the inner display is ideal for things like reading articles or books, depending on how you orient the phone.

However, one aspect I like about this form factor when the device is open is multitasking. On the Ultra, you can have three split-screen apps open at once, with two sharing one side of the screen and one expanding on the other. With the Fold 8, you can have three apps side-by-side, which feels like a usability win.

Unfortunately, there are only two 50MP cameras on the rear, so it's not the most versatile imaging system. However, Samsung showed me a cool new My FanCam feature that can capture and resize a video while focusing on one subject.

Imagine you're recording a horizontal video of a performance and want to post a Reel of one particular dancer. You can select that person, and the AI will focus on them and crop to your desired aspect ratio.

It takes a lot of work out of converting videos for social media, and it's a feature I can't wait to play with a lot more.

Which Fold do you want?

After spending some time with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, it's clear Samsung is onto something. Starting at $1899, I'm not sure if doubling down on the pricier models will pay off, but for now, the cheaper model at least feels like the more compelling option, even if it's missing some of the "Ultra" specs.

What you need to know

• Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wider passport-style design that feels much closer to a compact tablet when unfolded.
• The Galaxy Z Fold 8 shares the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip as the Ultra while starting $200 cheaper.
• The standard Fold 8 trades the Ultra's triple cameras and larger battery for a lighter design and wider inner display.

Samsung has just taken the wraps off the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at its Unpacked event in London, and if you've been following the leaks, you already know the twist: this isn't the direct successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

That phone is now called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Instead, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name has been given to something entirely new: a wider, squatter foldable that Samsung has built to go head-to-head with Apple's rumored iPhone Ultra foldable phone.

The wide Galaxy Z Fold 8 ditches the tall, narrow proportions that have defined every Z Fold since 2019. Instead, it unfolds into a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it feel much closer to a compact tablet than a stretched-out phone.

Samsung is positioning this new form factor as the key differentiator. While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra sticks with the familiar tall cover display and book-style design, the wide Galaxy Z Fold 8 is aimed at people who want a wider, more usable screen for multitasking, split-screen apps, and reading.

It also means you'll see smaller black bars when watching videos with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 unfolded.

Both Fold models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, so you're not giving up any performance by choosing the wide model over the Ultra. The biggest hardware difference comes down to the battery.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 packs a 4,800mAh battery with 45W wired and 25W wireless charging, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra steps up to a 5,000mAh cell.

The cameras are another key difference. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultrawide camera, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra gets a more capable triple-camera system. Both the cover and inner selfie cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are 10MP.

As for pricing, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 sits just below the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, starting at $1,900 in the U.S. for the base model with 256GB of storage. Samsung is also offering 512GB and 1TB storage options.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available for pre-order now, with general availability beginning on August 7, 2026.