Mashable

Samsung Galaxy S26: The 7 rumored features that could make me switch

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I'm an iPhone user, but not a ride-or-die iPhone user. When I tested the Motorola Razr Ultra for Mashable last year, it reminded me how much I like some Android features. And with the Samsung Galaxy S26 phones rumored to be coming in late February with One UI 8.5, I'm exactly the kind of person Samsung needs to woo.

Unlike a lot of iPhone users I know, I really would consider ditching my iPhone for an Android handset — if the price (and feature-set) were right.

Samsung phones tend to leak like a faucet ahead of their official launch, and that's exactly what's happening right now. We've already broken down everything we know about the Galaxy S26 line and the next Galaxy Unpacked launch event. Given what we know, these are the rumored S26 features that could convince me to defect from Apple to Android.

Privacy Display

As I wrote yesterday, Privacy Display has all but been confirmed. As you can see in an old video from Samsung leaker Ice Universe, the Privacy Display hides the content on your screen from the people around you. Normally, you have to buy a separate privacy protection screen to achieve this effect.

As someone who often uses his phone on a crowded subway, this is the kind of innovative feature that appeals to me. And like AI and foldables, Samsung has once again beaten Apple to the punch.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

All S26 phones released in the United States are expected to come with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. And it's supposed to offer noticeable upgrades to battery life, on-device AI computing, graphics, and overall performance. Apple is still king in the laptop world thanks to its M-series silicon, but early tests show that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 really is the "world's fastest mobile system on chip," as Qualcomm has promised.

Free access to Google Gemini

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched with an attractive offer: six free months of Google AI One Pro, normally $19.99 per month. That includes expanded access to the latest Gemini tools and cloud storage. I expect Samsung to put forward a similar launch offer for the S26 (as Pixel phones did, with 12 months of access for free).

Because of the global memory shortage, Samsung is rumored to be dropping its usual launch offer, which lets you get double the storage at no extra cost. An improved AI subscription offer would make sense, and I'm hopeful we get a similar or better offer this time. Samsung already features a lot of built-in Gemini AI features, and Apple is clearly losing the AI arms race.

Scam Detection

So far, Google's excellent Scam Detection feature has been exclusive to Pixel Phones, but per Android Authority, that could change with the S26 phones. This AI tool automatically alerts you're talking to a scammer. Unlike the iPhone, it doesn't just flag sketchy phone numbers. It proactively alerts you when the phone detects red flags.

Next-gen Gorilla Glass

Leaker Ice Universe also reports that the S26 line will have a new form of Gorilla Glass that will make screen protectors obsolete. The appeal for a feature like this is obvious, I think.

Better cameras and image processing

It seems we're unlikely to get significantly improved cameras with the S26 line. However, a few changes are rumored, such as a larger aperture on the main camera (which could improve low-light photography) and a new sensor for the 3x telephoto lens. It's also possible that the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip will offer image processing benefits.

By all accounts, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra are very evenly matched in photography. If Samsung can prove it has gained a significant edge over the iPhone, I would consider switching.

Right now, the latest iPhones have two advantages: It's easier to shoot 4K, HDR video, and they have a better selfie camera. As a tech journalist who takes a lot of photos and videos on a daily basis, that's important to me. Samsung Galaxy phones do offer 8K video, but I think that's more of a gimmick rather than a practical feature. Samsung should stop chasing the shiny new thing (8K video) and focus on matching the iPhone's capabilities here.

A Liquid Glass-like look

I'm not a Liquid Glass hater like a lot of my peers in the tech world. I actually think the new design language looks very attractive. And Samsung seems poised to copy this aesthetic in One UI 8.5, as I've reported previously.

Tranlucent elements already exist in One UI 8. Credit: Samsung

This preview of One UI 8.5 looks very similar to Liquid Glass and iOS 26. Credit: Samsung / Good Lock

While I'd prefer for Samsung to move in a bolder, new direction with its physical phone design and UI (I miss the square corners), as iOS and Android systems come closer together, the switch becomes easier.

What could really make me switch? The Galaxy TriFold

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

We don't know whether we'll get a U.S. release date for the Galaxy TriFold at the next Unpacked event, but I'm crossing my fingers. I got to play around with this device at CES 2026, and I can't stop thinking about it.

Siri might become an AI chatbot in iOS 27

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:21:42 +0000

Apple has been running behind the competition when it comes to built-in AI features on iPhones for a couple of years, but the company may finally be set to change this by the end of 2026.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported this week that Apple is planning a big overhaul for Siri in iOS 27, which would theoretically launch in September alongside the iPhone 18, based on historical precedent. With this update, Siri will finally gets its long-awaited AI makeover and turn into more of a chatbot à la ChatGPT. Apple will reportedly announce this at WWDC in June and deeply integrate the new AI-powered Siri into iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

According to Gurman, users will be able to ask Siri to search the internet, generate AI images, analyze files, and use personal information, such as calendar entries and text messages, to complete tasks in a new chatbot interface. The new AI tool will also be integrated into music, podcasting, and email apps, though it remains to be seen if this is something users can turn off or not.

Apple has been working on an AI-powered version of Siri for a while now, but delays have pushed it to (presumably, based on this report) late 2026, while companies like Google and Samsung already have similar features on their mobile devices. In fact, Apple recently announced that it's using Google's Gemini technology to power the new AI Siri.

When it launches, Apple will face steep competition, as Google, OpenAI, xAI, and Meta have been operating in this space for years. Of course, Apple is also the most popular mobile brand in the world, which givers it a big advantage over its rivals.

See Samsung Galaxy S26s Privacy Display feature in action

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:13:29 +0000

We've previously learned that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphones would feature an innovative Privacy Display, and now that seems to have been confirmed — by Samsung itself.

Sammy Guru grabbed an animation showing Privacy Display earlier this month. And this week, in an official update on the One UI 8.5 arriving with the new S26 phones, Samsung included a screenshot that clearly shows a Privacy Display mode in the settings menu, all but confirming its official existence.

Mobile insiders have also spotted references to Privacy Display in the code of early versions of One UI 8.5.

Privacy Display is something like a frosted screen protector, blocking other people from seeing what's on your phone's screen. By activating Privacy Display, the Galaxy S26 phones will be able to do this natively, which is a neat trick. iPhones definitely can't do it (yet).

Everything we know about Privacy Display

Veteran Samsung leaker Ice Universe posted a video showing privacy screen technology in action. Filmed at Mobile World Congress in 2024, the video shows a device called the Flex Magic Pixel with the technology. See it for yourself on X.

In addition, the animation first spotted by Sammy Guru has also started making the rounds on X and Reddit.

"Prevent others from seeing what's on your screen," reads a description of the feature. "Privacy display makes the screen less visible when viewed from a side angle. You can turn it on when you need it or set conditions for turning it on automatically."

Credit: Samsung

Is Samsung copying Liquid Glass for the S26?

With the next Galaxy Unpacked event rumored to take place in late February, we're in the midst of a wave of pre-launch leaks — many of which confirm long-rumored new features such as Privacy Display. The rumor mill also suggested that One UI 8.5, and by extension the whole S26 lineup, will also adopt a more Liquid Glass-like aesthetic.

Liquid Glass is Apple's new design language, and debuted with iOS 26. It features translucent elements, more customization, and animations that bend and refract light. So far, iOS 26 and Liquid Glass have been controversial, with many design nerds criticizing the new look. Nevertheless, it appears Samsung is set to follow suit.

One UI 8 has already features some translucent elements — and a new preview of One UI 8.5 posted to the Samsung-affiliated Good Lock website shows even more Liquid Glass-style features. The widgets screen in particular looks very similar to the widgets screen in iOS 26.

A promo image from Samsung's One UI 8 overview Credit: Samsung

A preview of the widgets screen in One UI 8.5. Credit: Samsung / Good Lock

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is leaking like a faucet now: Possible specs, colors, and release date

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:08:27 +0000

Samsung usually launches its next wave of flagship devices over the winter, and all signs point to an early-ish 2026 launch for the Samsung Galaxy S26 — and hopefully the Galaxy Z TriFold. The Galaxy S25 was released in early February, and the Galaxy S24 before it came in late January. Thus, it stands to reason that the Galaxy S26 will come around the same time in 2026.

While Samsung hasn't announced any upcoming Galaxy Unpacked events, we fully expect the new generation of Samsung phones to make their debut soon (leakers say you should mark Feb. 25 on your calendar). As per usual, ahead of the official launch, we're getting a steady drip of leaks on the new Samsung phones.

So, what do we know so far? A lot, actually. Catch up on the Samsung Galaxy S26's possible specifications, colors, pricing, and release date.

What will the Galaxy S26 phones look like?

Recently, leaker @onleaks posted a gallery and video on X that claims to show dummy units of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. We can't verify the authenticity of the video, but it looks plausible, at least.

Overall, it looks very similar to the S25 Ultra, as expected, with one notable change — it has a camera bump similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. As 9to5Google points out, because this bump is on the left side of the phone, it will make the phone wobble when placed down on a table or desk. (The TriFold has the same problem.) In comparison, the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max has a more symmetrical shape and thus no wobble.

However, we would be a little skeptical of this leak. Android Police recently posted its own alleged S26 Ultra leaks, only without the camera bump.

As for colors, leaker Evan Blass posted what could be the full list of color options on X. The colors are:

Black
White
Silver Shadow
Sky Blue
Cobalt Violet
Pink Gold

Those all sound pretty standard for a Samsung phone, so it doesn't seem like the company is doing anything wildly bold this year in terms of colors. That's either a relief or a disappointment to you, depending on how you felt about the controversial cosmic orange iPhone last year.

What models will be included in the S26 lineup?

We're expecting three phones at the next Galaxy Unpacked event:

Samsung Galaxy S26
Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Just a few months ago, rumors and leaks pointed to a significant shakeup in the Galaxy S26 line. It was said that Samsung would rename the base model to S26 Pro, drop the Plus model that sat in the middle of the annual lineup for years, and replace that with a new Edge phone modeled after last year's S25 Edge (which was something of a flop). However, that's apparently no longer happening, and you can thank Apple for that, per Korean outlet NewsPim (via 9to5google).

This is the S25 Ultra. Credit: James Martin / Mashable

Due to Apple's success in offering significant year-over-year upgrades to the base iPhone 17 (such as a 120Hz display) without raising the price, Samsung has reportedly dropped the Pro branding for the base model and reverted it back to just the Galaxy S26, which was corroborated by a separate report from SamMobile. According to that report, you can expect a retread of the usual S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra lineup in 2026. That may be disappointing to anyone who was expecting a big shakeup based on previous reporting, but if nothing else, it makes it easier to keep track of what's going on.

As for the previously rumored S26 Edge, it's unclear what's going to happen with that. It might be dead, or it might come out later in the year as a separate release like the S25 Edge did. Given that phone's relative lack of success, it might be smart to assume there won't be an S26 Edge at this point.

Galaxy S26 rumored specs

For specs, the rumors aren't particularly surprising. The Galaxy S26 series is currently rumored to have the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which Qualcomm rebranded to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. There is also a rumor that Samsung will equip some S26 models with an Exynos chip, which Samsung fans hope is the Exynos 2600, which has also been making some noise in the rumor mill lately.

In terms of the small stuff, like storage and RAM, there have been some small rumblings. One rumor says that the Galaxy S26 (all models) will feature 16GB of RAM, a 4GB increase from the last few years, and the most a Galaxy phone has had since the Galaxy S21 Ultra. In terms of storage capacity, there are no rumors that anything will change, so the 128GB base (256GB on the Ultra) is likely to remain in place for now, with upgraded storage available as an option.

Galaxy S26: Is a price hike coming?

We're in the midst of a major global memory shortage, and this has been very bad news for smartphone and laptop shoppers (you can blame the AI industry for hogging all the RAM). And according to leaker @kro_roe, this could not only lead to an S26 price hike, but also the end of a popular launch offer.

Typically, when Samsung launches a new phone, customers who pre-order or purchase at launch can claim double the storage at no extra cost. But with RAM in short supply, that may no longer be the case. The most recent rumors suggest that Samsung hasn't landed on a final price for the S26 phones, however.

That last part is important because it's very possible that the prices won't change after all. At least one new report suggests Samsung is trying to make sure the prices don't increase from last year, even if that means the company has to eat some of the cost of each unit sold.

Battery and charging

Based on early rumors, this may be one of the most interesting changes coming to the S26 lineup. Samsung has been working on a stacked battery design that would allow for more dense batteries in the same physical space. This could bring a long-awaited bump to battery size. According to early rumors, the S26 Ultra is slated to come with a 5,500 mAh stacked battery, a 10 percent increase from the S25 Ultra.

Samsung reportedly experimented with removing a camera to add even more battery capacity, but that doesn't mean it's certain to happen in the mass-produced model. While the S26 Pro was rumored to have a bigger 4,900mAh battery compared to previous base model Galaxy phones, NewsPim's report claimed that the base S26 (now that it's no longer a Pro device) has been adjusted down to a more modest 4,300mAh cell.

For charging, it’s unlikely that the Galaxy S26 series will get a serious upgrade. Samsung is definitely working on 60W wired charging, but so far, it seems that Samsung will wait for the Galaxy S27 series (or later) to implement it. This could change as we get closer to launch for the S26 series, but for now, it seems that 45W will be around for at least one more year. There are also rumors that wireless charging may see a bump to the Qi2 standard

Galaxy S26: What about the cameras?

The camera system in the Galaxy S26 series may change quite a bit, and there are a few different rumors that say different things. Jumping right in, one older rumor says that the S26 series will have the same megapixel count but will feature a new, as-of-yet unannounced sensor from the same ISOCELL GN series as prior Samsung models. On the Galaxy S26 Ultra, a 200MP camera is rumored, as is a 324MP lens with a 50MP, 3x telephoto lens. It’s more likely that Samsung will do the 200MP with a new sensor, but all leaks are being considered right now.

S25 Ultra with its five cameras. Credit: James Martin / Mashable

In addition, there are rumors that Samsung will bring back its variable aperture on the main shooter, which Samsung hasn’t included on its camera system since the Galaxy S10 series back in 2019. As previously mentioned, Samsung may be considering dropping the number of cameras to three instead of four, like on prior models, to make space for a larger battery. Other rumors about the camera include a dual periscope design that’ll magnify to 8x, but that is just speculation at this time.

However, many of these rumors come from the time when we thought Samsung was significantly altering the S26 lineup. Newer reports indicate that, at least for the base S26 and S26 Plus, things won't change that much from previous years. According to Korean outlet The Elec, those two phones will have the exact same megapixel count on the triple-lens rear array as previous Galaxy models: a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Those have been the specs going all the way back to the Galaxy S22. If you were hoping for big changes in the cheaper S26 models this year, you have our condolences.

Other features and hardware

Android Police recently alerted us to a very interesting feature that could make its debut with the S26: A new mode called Privacy Display. This rumored feature would make the display resemble a frosted screen protector, except it would be built into the UI. This leak comes from Samsung itself, so it's all but confirmed.

Other details on the Galaxy S26 lineup are pretty predictable. It’ll come with the latest One UI out of the gate with the latest version of Android. That is no surprise, and we don’t need rumors to predict that one. The S26 series will likely get One UI 8.5, which is slated for a rather large redesign along with a host of new features, including the aforementioned privacy screen feature. According to rumor, the redesign emulates Apple’s Liquid Glass in some ways with transparent UI elements.

The only other piece of hardware we haven’t talked about is the S-Pen. Samsung appears to be set to do something big with the S-Pen. The rumors speculate that the S-Pen is sticking around and will come with some upgrades. The new functionality may have something to do with how magnetic accessories work, and this seems to be linked to the aforementioned Qi2 wireless charging upgrade.

We'll find out how much (if any) of this is true in just a matter of weeks, going by previous Samsung announcement timelines.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked rumors: When it is, what devices well see

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:46:32 +0000

Samsung has some new phones to show off, and by all accounts, we'll see them pretty soon.

The Korean tech giant just got done showing off its vision for an AI-powered future at CES 2026, but it isn't done. Rumors are swirling around about an upcoming Unpacked showcase that will theoretically focus on at least the new Galaxy S26 phones. However, two big questions remain: When exactly is the Samsung Unpacked showcase for early 2026? And will we get a confirmed U.S. release date for the long-awaited Galaxy TriFold?

Let's dig in and find out.

Samsung Unpacked 2026 rumors: When is it?

This question is (seemingly) pretty easy to answer. We don't have a confirmed date yet, but some of the more reliable tipsters in the mobile world have already nailed down a supposed date for Samsung Unpacked. One of them is Evan Blass, who has a pretty sterling record of being right on the money with this stuff. On X, Blass corroborated some Korean media reports that the next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on Feb. 25, saying that date is "100 percent correct."

Another extremely reliable Samsung leaker, Ice Universe, also took to X in late January to offer a more comprehensive product launch timeline. According to Ice Universe, Unpacked will take place on Feb. 25 (just as Blass said). Beyond that, the pre-order and pre-sale periods will reportedly last between Feb. 26 and March 10, with the device hitting store shelves on March 11. That would be pretty late by Samsung standards, but given that it's late January and Samsung still hasn't said a word about Unpacked, it also feels like it could be true. The ongoing global memory shortage could also be a factor here.

Samsung typically does its early-year Unpacked events in January or early February, but if it were happening in January this year, we would've heard something official by now. For the time being, Feb. 25 is a safe bet.

Samsung Unpacked 2026 rumors: What will be shown?

Expect this year's S26 lineup to look a lot like the S25, pictured here. Credit: Michaela Vatcheva/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The question of what will be shown at this Unpacked event is also fairly easy to answer based on precedent from previous years. In short, expect a lot of information about the Galaxy S26 phones. Just like in previous years, early leaks suggest there will be three new S26 smartphones:

A base Galaxy S26
A middle-ground Galaxy S26 Plus
A premium Galaxy S26 Ultra

Recent reports point to a pretty incremental refresh of the Galaxy S line this year, which is interesting because there were rumblings several months ago that Samsung would shake things up in 2026. The company was allegedly going to replace the Plus model with a new ultra-thin Edge phone, but Apple's success with the iPhone 17 — putting pro-level features in the base phone without raising the price — reportedly caused Samsung to pull back and stick to what worked in previous years.

We also have a list of potential color options courtesy of Blass. The leaker said the colors will be Black, White, Silver Shadow, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, and Pink Gold. At least two or three of those might be online exclusives, which is what Samsung has done in the past. Finally, some early reports indicate that Samsung is going to try to keep the prices of the phones the same as they were last year, even amidst the ongoing RAM shortage that is threatening to increase tech prices, or in some cases already actively doing so.

Unfortunately, we've also heard that Samsung will no longer offer its usual pre-order offer, which lets early shoppers get double the storage at no extra price.

Are we finally going to get the TriFold?

Mashable went hands on with the TriFold at CES 2026. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Last year's early Unpacked event was almost entirely focused on Galaxy phones and AI features for said phones, with a very brief surprise appearance by Samsung's XR headset at the end. I would expect this year's showcase to be similarly focused on Galaxy S26 phones, but the fact that the Galaxy TriFold is also set to launch in early 2026 in the United States could justify some time being given to that phone, as well. Samsung has already shown off that device in Korea and at CES, though, so maybe it gets a quicker mention with a price and release date instead of a full, blown-out debut.

At any rate, we've apparently got several weeks to sit and think about it.

Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks shed light on colors, prices

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:37:37 +0000

Samsung's next batch of flagship smartphones is almost here, and leaked details are coming in hot. A pair of reports this week pointed to possible color choices and price points for the still-unannounced Galaxy S26 lineup.

For starters, prominent leaker Evan Blass took to X to post a list of Galaxy S26 color options, allegedly definitive. They are:

Black
White
Silver Shadow
Sky Blue
Cobalt Violet
Pink Gold

Those are fairly standard colors for a smartphone in this day and age, so anyone expecting something really bold like Apple's orange iPhone last year might be disappointed.

Meanwhile, Korean outlet iNews24 had encouraging news, via a Samsung source, about price points for the Galaxy S26 models. The company is "doing their best" to make sure the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra (the most expensive model) doesn't exceed 2 million won, the source said.

That converts to roughly $1,360, or about $60 more than the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

With a margin that small, Samsung could opt to keep the price of the S26 Ultra the same as last year's equivalent. And that could happen despite rising prices of memory chips amidst a massive RAM shortage.

We still don't know when exactly Samsung will actually show off these phones and put these rumors to rest, but a launch event announcement is expected any day now.

A $22 portable cable that charges nearly everything you own

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:30:00 +0000

TL;DR: GoCable is a compact 8-in-1 charging cable with 100W power, universal connectors, and built-in tools — and it’s on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

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Staying powered shouldn’t require a bag full of cables and adapters. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is designed for busy, on-the-go lives — combining fast charging, universal compatibility, and practical tools into a single, compact gadget that clips right onto your keys or bag.

At its core, GoCable is a 100W-capable charging cable, meaning it can power everything from phones and earbuds to tablets and laptops (with a compatible power source). It supports USB-C to USB-C and Apple Lightning connections, making it easy to switch between devices without swapping cables.

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An integrated LED power display shows real-time charging output, so you always know what’s happening.

What sets GoCable apart is everything built around the cable. A magnetic wrap keeps it neatly stored and tangle-free. A carabiner clip makes it easy to attach and grab when needed. There’s even a built-in bottle opener and a safe-proof cutter for quick tasks like opening packages — small features that come in handy more often than you’d expect.

Despite packing eight functions, GoCable stays lightweight at just 40 grams and small enough to disappear into everyday carry. The braided nylon exterior and metal alloy components add durability for daily use.

For travelers, commuters, creators, and anyone tired of juggling cables, GoCable offers a simple idea: carry one smart tool instead of many.

Get the GoCable while it’s on sale for just $21.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Is OnePlus getting shut down? Conflicting reports cause confusion among mobile users.

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:03:20 +0000

Lots of people are saying OnePlus is on the verge of shutting down, but OnePlus executives beg to differ.

So, what's going on with OnePlus?

The Chinese smartphone maker is the subject of credible reports alleging that parent company Oppo is planning to end the mobile brand's operations in the near future. It all started with an investigation from Android Headlines, which cited dismal sales numbers and multiple unnamed sources claiming that the company is on its last legs. Android Headlines described the evidence it collected as "damning."

"OnePlus, as you know it, is over," wrote Android Headlines publisher and owner Chris Yackulic. "The brand is being dismantled — wound down and put on life support until it honors its remaining commitments, and by then, no one will remember to ask what happened. That’s not speculation. That’s the playbook, and we’ve watched it run before."

Android Headlines reported that some corporate headquarters have already been closed, and that products like OnePlus's next foldable have been canceled.

However, OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu has strongly denied these claims in a statement on X. He echoed this denial in statements to various mobile outlets.

"Recent unverified reports claiming OnePlus is shutting down are false. OnePlus India’s business operations continue as normal. We urge all stakeholders to verify information from official sources before sharing unsubstantiated claims.”

In addition, OnePlus's North American branch provided a similar comment to Android Headlines.

“OnePlus North America continues to operate, with full guarantee of users’ after-sales support, software updates, and rights commitments," the company told Android Headlines.

Of course, many struggling companies deny reports like this right up to the moment they shut down in an attempt to stave off a death spiral.

Mashable has reviewed OnePlus phones for years, and if the company does shut down, it would leave a hole in a mobile market that's already dominated by several tech giants (Apple, Google, and Samsung). The calculus is different in Asia, where there are lots of alternative smartphone options, but here in the West, OnePlus is one of the only ways to get out of the Apple-Google-Samsung ecosystem.

The OnePlus 15, released just a few months ago, was one of the very best phones of 2025, with high-end specs at a competitive price.

iPhone 18 leaks about Dynamic Island redesign may have been the result of mistranslation

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:45:21 +0000

With Apple's big September iPhone event just 8 months away, rumors have been swirling about what Apple has in store for the iPhone 18 and the foldable iPhone. In the past few days, Apple fans have been talking about one leak in particular, which suggested big changes were coming to the controversial Dynamic Island.

Specifically, rumor had it that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would feature an under-display Face ID that would eliminate the need for the pill-shaped Dynamic Island, with the selfie camera housed in a smaller "hole-punch" cutout.

However, it now appears that those leaks were lost in translation.

Instant Digital, a leaker on the China-based social media app Weibo, explained that the leak from last week (from another Weibo-based leaker known as Digital Chat Station) was mistranslated when Western outlets reported on the news.

Instant Digital claims that while Apple is relocating an infrared Face ID component under the display, this would not affect the overall design of the display itself.

It seems early reports from Chinese and Korean sources about the Face ID components were somehow mistranslated in some English-language coverage as a front hole-punch camera on the left side of the device.

As MacRumors points out, another Apple leaker on X known as ShrimpApplePro has also corroborated Instant Digital's explanation by leaking an alleged photo of the new Face ID and selfie camera assembly.

In short, reports of the Dynamic Island's death have been greatly exaggerated. It seems that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will still have a pill-shaped Dynamic Island after all, even if it is slightly smaller in the new generation.

Realmes 10,001mAh battery phone is real, and its remarkably light

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:06:35 +0000

Frustrated that your phone's battery lasts barely a day? Realme's latest smartphone fixes that.

It's called the Realme P4 Power 5G, and it has a humongous, 10,001mAh battery inside. For comparison, Samsung's flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has a 5,000mAh battery.

Translated into real-life usage (Realme's estimates of it, at least), this means 932.6 hours of standby, 32.5 hours of YouTube streaming, and 185.7 hours of listening to music.

Realme found some room for the cameras, too! Credit: Realme

What about regular usage? In a press release, Realme said the battery delivers "week-long endurance."

In some of its promo materials, Realme is surprisingly modest when it comes to overall battery life, claiming the phone will last 1.5 days between charges. However, the company claims you have to charge "other" phones twice a day, so we're guessing they're talking about very heavy usage here.

Phones with massive batteries aren't new. I dug through Mashable's archive as back as 2019 to find an Energizer phone with an 18,000mAh battery. But Realme's P4 Power 5G is different in one key way: It's a normal looking phone that weighs just 219 grams.

This phone, indeed, is more convenient than lugging around a 10,000mAh power bank. Credit: Realme

We couldn't find the P4 Power 5G's exact dimensions, but judging by Realme's promo pics, it isn't that much thicker than its predecessor, the Realme P4 5G, which boasts a 7.58-millimeter body (and, by the way, has a 7,000mAh battery).

Realme's battery tech brings other perks to the mix, too. For example, with 27W reverse charging, this phone can very well be used as a power bank for your other gadgets. Also, the company says that at just one percent battery, you can plug the phone in and continue playing with it while it charges.

Besides its massive battery, the Realme P4 Power 5G looks like a decently equipped mid-range Android phone. Realme hasn't officially shared all of the specs, but we know that the phone has a 6.78-inch, 144Hz AMOLED display, it's powered by Mediatek's Dimensity 7400 chip, and has 12GB of RAM (according to Geekbench listings).

On the back, there's a triple camera system, though the exact details about the cameras haven't been publicly revealed.

The Realme P4 Power 5G will debut in India on Jan. 29 in three colors: TransOrange, TransSilver, and TransBlue. We have no details about global availability at this point.

T-Mobile can save you over $1,000 per year vs. similar plans at Verizon and AT&T

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:50:50 +0000

TL;DR: T-Mobile is offering its Better Value family plan for over $1,000 less per year vs. comparable plans at Verizon and AT&T.

Credit: T-Mobile

T-Mobile Better Value Family Plan

It’s the start of a brand new year, and if you’ve been thinking about switching up your phone plan for 2026, it’s worth checking out T-Mobile. Right now, the company is offering a stellar Better Value family plan that leaves the competition in the dust.

T-Mobile’s Better Value family plan comes to $143 per month (with three lines, the minimum required), and it’s absolutely stacked with benefits. Alongside the three lines with AutoPay, this plan has nice streaming perks as it sets you up with Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu, alongside T-Satellite, a five-year price guarantee, and more. The full benefits breakdown is listed below:

Netflix (Standard with ads)
Apple TV
Hulu (With Ads)
T-Satellite
Unlimited high-speed mobile hotspot data (domestic)
30GB high-speed data in Canada & Mexico
30GB high-speed international data
ScamShield Premium
Option to upgrade your phone every two years
New T-Mobile customers and existing customers get the same great phone deals every two years

Over a full year, that comes to $1,716. A comparable plan at Verizon comes to $260 per month, or $3,120 per year, and a similar plan at AT&T comes to $245.94 per month, or $2,951.28 per year. Compared to these, you’re saving over $1,000 per year with the Better Value family plan at T-Mobile. That's a significant saving.

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Keep in mind that adding more lines onto this plan adds more to the cost, but no matter if you choose three, four, or even five lines, T-Mobile’s plan always works out cheaper than Verizon or AT&T. If you’re curious about the cost breakdown as more lines are added, T-Mobile’s Better Value family plan page features a helpful chart that shows you the cost across each company as you add more lines.

If you’ve been searching for a new phone plan for the new year, T-Mobile’s Better Value family plan is surely worth a look.

How bad was the Verizon outage? Really bad.

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:00:15 +0000

Here's the first thing mobile network experts want you to know when taking stock of the great Verizon service outage of January 2026. It won't be the last — and that being on AT&T or T-Mobile won't make you immune either.

Expecting a modern mobile network to function around the clock, around the year, like water, power or gas utilities, "isn't practically possible," says Octavio Garcia, Forrester analyst and mobile industry veteran. The infrastructure involved (cellphone towers, satellites, and as in Verizon's case, software) "is not immune to unforeseen outages due to multiple causes."

That said, experts also agree: This one was really bad for Verizon, and not just because it prevented an as-yet-untold number of 911 calls.

The outage's only close contender in the worst cell service implosion of the 2020s would be the great AT&T nightmare of Feb. 2024. That one also lasted roughly 11 hours; a later investigation revealed 92 million calls didn't go through, including 25,000 calls to 911.

"This outage does feel like a bigger deal," says Alex Besen, a 30-year veteran of the mobile data industry, now CEO of The Besen Group. "In 2024, many [AT&T] customers had intermittent data and SMS ... this outage took down voice and data simultaneously, and left phones stuck in SOS mode."

Verizon had a 'core failure'

The AT&T outage was eventually traced to one employee running a network update that was wrongly configured. This one, Besen says, was "more of a core failure" — a software issue that so blindsided the company that Verizon couldn't confirm it was dealing with a software issue for the majority of the outage.

We'll have to wait for a full investigation on the Verizon outage to make a full comparison between them. We'll also have to wait to see what role the largest round of layoffs in Verizon's history, which occurred in Nov. 2025, had in this situation.

It's entirely possible that one of those 13,000 former staffers — including at least one Network Engineering project manager — could have held the kind of institutional knowledge crucial to stopping a software-driven outage.

In the meantime, the tale of the tape from Downdetector (where users report outages and which, like Mashable, is owned by Ziff Davis) does suggest the Verizon outage was worse than its AT&T predecessor.

During the Feb. 2024 outage, Downdetector-reported outages from AT&T customers peaked at 74,000 concurrent reports (that is, within the same 15 minute window), but were starting to level off by 9 a.m. ET.

Contrast that with Jan. 14 2026, when Downdetector hit a high of 178,000 concurrent reports from Verizon customers — and that peak came right in the middle of east coast daytime, at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Verizon stores, now in SOS mode

For Verizon, the SOS message was horribly appropriate — and potentially ongoing. As aggrieved customers consider whether $20 is enough compensation, many may follow through on promises to cancel their contracts altogether. SOS might as well stand for "save our stores."

"Verizon will suffer from brand reputation impact and possible customer churn," Forrester analyst Garcia told Mashable. "This is expected to happen during the first six to nine months after the outage."

One way to shorten that churn time: Implement something similar to the AT&T Guarantee, a mobile industry first which launched in Jan. 2025, just under a year after the great AT&T outage. The company now says it delivers automatic compensation: One full free day of service if your wireless goes out for an hour or more.

In the meantime, Verizon and its competitors wait to see how large the exodus will be. And there isn't even a silver lining to be found in Verizon having fewer but happier people to deal with on its service.

"Losing customers would almost certainly hurt Verizon in the short term, even if it slightly reduced network load," says Besen.

Done with Verizon? Here are the best new customer deals at Mint Mobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:06:43 +0000

Best new customer mobile deals

Mint Mobile

Shop unlimited plans for $15/month

$15/month (Save $15)

AT&T

Switch to AT&T and get up to $800 per line to pay off your phone

Save up to $800 per line

T-Mobile

Switch to T-Mobile and get $800 per line to pay off your phone

Save up to $800 per line

Verizon users had an unpleasant Wednesday with the widespread outages clustered in major cities across America. As of 10:20 pm on Jan. 14, Verizon says that the outages have been resolved, but even if you're back online, it may have left a sour taste in your mouth. If you're looking to switch mobile carriers, now is the time as Verizon's competitors have some well-timed deals for new customers.

If your contract is up, that means switching is easier and you jump on some extremely cheap savings from newcomer Mint Mobile. If your contract isn't paid off though, AT&T and T-Mobile have enticing deals to make it worth your while.

Here are the best new customer deals at AT&T, Mint Mobile, and T-Mobile.

Best Mint Mobile new customer deal

Credit: Mint

Mint Mobile

$15 at Mint Mobile
$30 Save $15

Shop unlimited plans for $15/month

Mint Mobile is T-Mobile's budget subsidiary and right now, they have an extremely affordable deal for new customers. The holiday deal is still live, offering 50% off unlimited deals. For just $15 a month, access Mint Mobile's 5G/4G LTE network. Normally $30 a month, this deal offers 50% off three, six, or 12-month plans. Up front payment is required so plan to pay between $45 and $180 to get started.

More new customer Mint Mobile deals

Best AT&T new customer deal

Credit: AT&T

AT&T

Switch to AT&T and get up to $800 per line to pay off your phone

The biggest barrier to switching mobile carriers is your old contract. AT&T is helping you get around that with their latest new customer deal. When you switch to AT&T, the carrier will pay off your old phone balance. AT&T will send you a reward card providing you up to $800 per line to pay off your old plan. AT&T will even cover up to ten lines, meaning it could cover up to $8,000 of costs that come with switching plans.

More AT&T new customer deals

Best T-Mobile new customer deal

Credit: T-Mobile

T-Mobile

Switch to T-Mobile and get $800 per line to pay off your phone

T-Mobile is following AT&T's lead in helping new customers pay off their old contract. T-Mobile is also offering customers up to $800 per line to pay off their old contract. It's not as expansive as AT&T's deal as T-Mobiles will only cover up to four lines. That being said, it's still a great deal if T-Mobile is the carrier you hope to switch to.

More T-Mobile new customer deals

Apples iPhone 17e will get Dynamic Island, report claims

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:59:09 +0000

Apple's iPhone 17e might be getting a big display upgrade.

The original "e" iPhone — the iPhone 16e, which launched in February 2025 — was an affordable iPhone variant with a powerful chip, but with no MagSafe and a display that featured an old-school cutout instead of Apple's Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 17e, which is rumored to arrive in the next couple of months, will have a significantly upgraded display. According to leaker Digital Chat Station's Weibo post, it will have a 6.1-inch, 60Hz LTPS OLED display with the Dynamic Island. Other improvements include the new A19 chip, and Face ID facial recognition.

Yes, at 60Hz it won't match the displays on the iPhone 17 series, all of which feature a 120Hz display, but at least it will have a similar design and the added convenience of getting notifications and other info via the Dynamic Island.

The same leaker account also posted some predictions about Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 series of phones. According to the report, the screen sizes on the iPhone 18, iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, will be exactly the same as on their predecessors.

The iPhone 18 will thus reportedly have a 6.27-inch display; iPhone Air will come with a 6.55-inch display, the iPhone 18 Pro will have a 6.27-inch display, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a 6.86-inch display.

The displays of the Pro models might come with one key difference. The leaker claims that the iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 will have the Dynamic Island display, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have an under-display camera "with new area."

We've heard several rumors about this before, including one that says the Dynamic Island will be completely gone from these devices.

Verizon breaks silence on massive outage. Heres what they said.

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:39:26 +0000

Updated on Jan. 14 at 11:35 p.m. ET : Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 9:08 p.m. ET: Verizon has issued an apology to users and pledged to provide account credits to affected customers. However, the company has not yet explained the cause of the outage.

In a statement posted to X, the company wrote:

"Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry.

"They expect more from us. We are working non-stop and making progress. Our teams will continue to work through the night until service is restored for all impacted customers.

"We will make this right — for any customer affected, we will provide account credits and share updates soon."

Updated on Jan. 14 at 4:35 p.m. ET: In response to a frustrated customer on X, a Verizon Support account seemed to suggest that customers could be entitled to a discount on their bills due to the outage.

The Verizon Support account wrote in a reply to the user: "You are very welcome, once service is restored we can review and adjust based on how long the outage occurs. *Sydney."

We contacted Verizon to ask if affected customers could be eligible for a discount or compensation, and we'll update this story if we receive a response.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 3:05 p.m. ET: Verizon provided Mashable with an additional statement about the ongoing outage, although the company did not release any information on the cause of the problem.

"Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible."

Starting around noon on Wednesday, many Verizon customers discovered that their phones had gone into SOS mode. Now, Verizon has acknowledged the ongoing outage.

In a statement to Mashable, a Verizon representative said, "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

The Verizon Support account on X also shared the same message on Wednesday afternoon, as confused customers took to social media seeking answers.

So far, Verizon has not indicated the cause of the problem or the timeline of a potential fix.

The platform Downdetector categorized the outage as "Very High," describing it as "a catastrophic break in standard cellular connectivity." (Disclosure: Mashable and Downdetector are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

"The impact is rated as Very High, with users primarily reporting Mobile Phone failure (59%) and a total loss of signal (34%). A recurring theme in user feedback is devices defaulting to "SOS mode," Downdetector said in a statement to Mashable.

When in SOS mode, customers are not able to make or receive phone calls or texts, and data services are also unavailable. However, customers should still be able to make emergency 911 calls via satellite, as per usual.

While Downdetector did receive a spike in user error reports for T-Mobile and AT&T, at this time, Verizon seems to be the only major mobile carrier suffering an outage. In a statement on X, T-Mobile said that its network was functioning normally at this time.

This is a developing story...

Verizon says network back up after massive outage

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:42:37 +0000

Verizon has announced that its mobile network is finally back up and running again, after an outage prevented users from making phone calls for over 10 hours on Wednesday. You should now be able to resuming using your phone as usual, though you may have to restart it first.

"The outage has been resolved," Verizon posted to X at 10:20 p.m. ET / 7:20 p.m. PT. "If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers. We sincerely apologize for the disruption."

The Verizon outage began earlier on Wednesday at around 11:55 a.m. ET / 8:55 a.m. PT, when crowdsourced outage tracker Downdetector began receiving thousands of reports from customers having trouble connecting. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by parent company Ziff Davis.)

The outage stuck Verizon customers' devices in SOS mode, preventing them from making phone calls or using their mobile data. Unfortunately, while calling 911 should have worked regardless, some Verizon users reported that they were unable to contact emergency services during the outage, while government officials advised people to use other networks if they needed help.

Verizon has apologised for the temporary lack of service, and promised to assign credits to impacted users' accounts in order to compensate them. However, no explanation has yet been given regarding what caused the Verizon outage. It's likely that further information will be released in the coming days. For now, upset customers are taking to social media to demand answers, with some threatening to switch carriers.

Verizon outage may have impacted 911 calls

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:07:24 +0000

Verizon's network was down for much of Wednesday, the company eventually announcing that it had been restored at 10:20 p.m. ET / 7:20 p.m. PT. Thousands of users across the U.S. were left with their phones in SOS mode due to this outage, meaning they could only make emergency calls. Well, at least in theory. In practice, some attempts to contact 911 reportedly struggled to get through.

Though the Verizon mobile network was down for hours, one silver lining was that 911 calls should have still worked. Calls to emergency services can connect to any mobile tower, helping ensure customers of a downed network aren't cut off from help.

Unfortunately, it seems the system might not have worked entirely as intended. Some Verizon users claimed this outage prevented them from calling 911, while multiple official emergency services recommended contacting them via alternate means.

"This light caught fire today and my family was unable to call 911 because of @Verizon's incompetency," X user @OmarMKAhmad alleged, sharing a photograph of a burnt and melted ceiling light. "Thankfully our cleaners happened to be at the house (who have @TMobile) and called 911."

The Office of Unified Communications (OUC) acknowledged the then ongoing Verizon outage on Wednesday evening via X, warning that the outage was impacting some people attempting to call for emergency services. It also sent a message via AlertDC, the District of Columbia’s official emergency notification system.

"OUC is aware of a nationwide Verizon outage affecting some users trying to reach 911," wrote OUC. "If you have an emergency and cannot connect using your Verizon device, please connect using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police or fire station to report the emergency."

New York's official emergency notification system addressed Verizon's outage as well. Notify NYC stated that the issue "may affect some users trying to call 911," and also recommended people who require emergency services reach out via a different network or a landline, or alternatively seek help in person. Fortunately, people in New York can also use LinkNYC kiosks or FDNY call boxes to contact emergency services.

Verizon says customers affected by outage will get account credit

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 02:20:53 +0000

Updated on Jan. 14 at 11:37 p.m. ET : Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 9:18 p.m. ET: In an apology to its customers posted on X and provided to Mashable on Wednesday evening, Verizon said that it would be providing "account credit" to users affected by the outage. The company also said it would provide further updates soon.

Verizon customers from Los Angeles to New York City reported phones stuck in SOS mode on Wednesday afternoon as the mobile company experienced a major outage — with no explanation offered.

But as customers complained about the service disruption on social media, one Verizon support account suggested customers may see a discount on a future bill.

"I pay $175 for my Verizon phone bill I better get a discount next bill cycle," a user named "Kardashiangirl" wrote. A Verizon support account replied: "You are very welcome, once service is restored we can review and adjust based on how long the outage occurs." The message was signed by "Sydney," who also offered a happy smiling emoji

Many angry Verizon customers have been complaining on X (and elsewhere) about the cost of their bills and the length of the disruption. Meanwhile, statement from Verizon Support posted on X thanked users for their patience.

This isn't the first time Verizon has experienced an outage in recent years.

In September 2025, and again in October 2025, many Verizon mobile customers experienced mobile outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A previous service disruption in 2024 sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode, as in this 2026 outage.

While in SOS mode, customers are only able to make emergency 911 calls.

As of this writing, T-Mobile and AT&T's networks appear to be operating normally.

This is a developing story...

Verizon outage cause: What we know, what we dont

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 23:30:20 +0000

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 11:28 p.m. EST Verizon states that the outage has now been resolved, though hasn't yet shared any details on what caused it. If you're still having difficulty connecting to the network, Verizon recommends restarting your device. The company also confirmed again that it will provide account credits to impacted customers.

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 9:45 p.m. EST Verizon has posted an update about the situation on X, stating that it is working through the night to solve the issue and has been "making progress." The company also apologised for the outage, and said it would issue account credits to impacted customers. Unfortunately, there is still no information on when service might be restored, or what caused the outage.

In the midst of a widespread service disruption affecting Verizon Wireless customers in the United States, the company is facing a deluge of angry customers on social media.

The company has made a series of statements about the outage, which is ongoing as of this writing.

But what caused the Verizon outage that affected so many mobile customers all over the country? While Verizon hasn't issued any statements addressing the cause, we'll provide more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, here's everything we know so far.

The Verizon service outage cause: What we know

Starting around 11:55 a.m. ET, the platform Downdetector started to receive a spike in user error reports from Verizon customers. Error reports peaked around 12:45 p.m. ET, when Downdetector received "178,284 concurrent reports" within a 15-minute period." So far, the platform has received more than 1.7 million error reports. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

Mashable reporters reached out to Verizon with questions about the outage, but the company has yet to say anything concrete about the source of the problem.

Instead, the company responded with the same statements it's posted to its website and social media platforms. The statements thank customers for their patience and promise that Verizon engineering teams "remain fully deployed" to address the issue.

A recent statement on X reads:

"Verizon's team is on the ground actively working to fix today’s service issue that is impacting some customers. We know this is a huge inconvenience, and our top priority is to get you back online and connected as fast as possible. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue."

At this time, it's not clear where on the ground Verizon is working, or what they're working on.

Verizon outage cause: What we don't know

Global mobile networks involve a vast infrastructure, and we don't yet know which part of Verizon's telecommunications system has malfunctioned. It's even possible that the outage was caused by a third-party contractor or vendor that works with Verizon, rather than the company itself. Likewise, the outage could be the result of a cybersecurity attack by an unknown actor.

If the outage did originate with Verizon, we don't know if it's a software problem, a hardware problem, or both, though Verizon has blamed previous outages on software problems.

Mashable reported on several major internet outages in 2025. Typically, the companies responsible for an outage provide an initial update the day of the disruption, followed by a more in-depth report in the weeks ahead.

We will update this story as we learn more about the outage.

Verizon Wireless outage timeline

Verizon experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday, Jan. 14, with confused customers taking to social media to report that their phones were suddenly stuck in SOS mode.

The outage began around noon ET, and Verizon quickly acknowledged the outage in a statement posted on X; a Verizon spokesperson also provided the same statement to Mashable reporters.

By the evening, some customers reported restored service, though many customers on social media still complained of ongoing problems. While the service was down, many angry Verizon customers criticized the company in social media posts.

This isn't the first time Verizon customers have experienced an outage.

In September 2025 (and again in October 2025), thousands of Verizon mobile customers experienced brief outages, which Verizon eventually attributed to software issues. A service disruption in 2024 also sent some Verizon customers' phones into SOS mode.

Ditch the cable clutter — this 8-in-1 100W charging cable is $21.99 right now

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple chargers and tools in one compact keychain design, and it’s currently on sale for $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

$21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00

Most of us don’t actually need more chargers — we just need smarter ones, or at least ones that do more than just take our phones to 100%. If your bag is still a tangled mess of different cables for every device you own, an all-in-one option can simplify things fast. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable replaces multiple cords with a single, compact setup, and it’s marked down for a limited time.

Labubus are cute, but this keychain actually does something. The GoCable packs eight functions into one everyday carry tool, including, but not limited to, fast charging, data transfer, a bottle opener, cutter, carabiner clip, and multiple connector options — all in a small, pocketable form factor.

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On the charging front, it’s built for speed. If your devices always feel stuck in slow-charging purgatory, the cable is often the culprit. This one supports up to 100W fast charging, which means you can power up phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and handheld consoles significantly quicker than with standard cables. It also handles high-speed data transfer when you need to move files between devices.

Device compatibility won’t be an issue either. Whether you primarily use Apple gear, Android devices, or a mix of both, the GoCable works across ecosystems with Type-C-to-Type-C and Lightning connector combinations. Built-in magnetic cable management keeps the cord tangle-free so you’re not fishing knots out of your backpack on the subway or mid-flight.

Since it’s meant to live on your keys or bag, it earns its space. A built-in bottle opener is there for off-the-clock moments, and the hidden safety cutter can help open packages or slice tags without exposed blades.

Normally $49.99, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W cable is on sale for $21.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

T-Mobile takes jab at Verizon outage in service update

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:57:37 +0000

Verizon is suffering from a massive outage today with cellular service down for many of Verizon's customers across the country.

How can it get any worse for Verizon? Well, what if one of their biggest competitors was spiking the football right now on social media, bragging about how their service is still working perfectly?

Because that's exactly what T-Mobile is doing.

"T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected," T-Mobile said in a post on X. "However due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time."

Some of the top replies on T-Mobile's post are from Verizon customers openly pondering whether they should switch cellphone carriers.

"Ice cold," replied one user on X.

However, T-Mobile's post serves an actual purpose beyond just trolling Verizon.

When Verizon went down, many other cellular customers with companies like T-Mobile and AT&T also started reporting that their service was down. Downdetector saw a spike in downtime complaints for T-Mobile, AT&T, and other wireless carriers right around the time Verizon's network experienced outages.

However, as T-Mobile shared, the company wasn't experiencing any network issues. Instead, T-Mobile customers were likely trying to contact Verizon customers and couldn't get through because of the Verizon outage. As a result, some customers may have incorrectly assumed they were experiencing issues too.

So, yes, ice cold comments from T-Mobile, but also a much-needed statement to set the record straight.

For the latest news, Mashable is providing live updates on the Verizon outage.

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile outages reported: Which services are down right now

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:00:37 +0000

Updated on Jan. 14 at 6:48 p.m. ET: Users from a variety of mobile networks reported service disruptions today. However, Verizon appears to be the source of the outage, and the company has confirmed it's experiencing an ongoing service issue.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 4:13 p.m. ET: In an emailed statement to Mashable, an AT&T spokesperson said the company’s network is "operating normally at this time."

Like T-Mobile, it seems that the spike in error reports for AT&T stems from customers attempting to reach people affected by Verizon’s outage, rather than a problem with AT&T’s own service. AT&T's X account also confirmed that its coverage was fine and that the problem was with "the other guys."

Updated on Jan. 14 at 3:55 p.m. ET: T-Mobile issued a statement on X confirming that its cellular network was operating normally — and taking a subtle jab at Verizon.

"T-Mobile’s network is keeping our customers connected, and we’ve confirmed that our network is operating normally and as expected. However due to Verizon’s reported outage, our customers may not be able to reach someone with Verizon service at this time."

This update could explain why some T-Mobile customers reported problems even as the company's network was fully operational. Users may have tried calling Verizon customers and been unable to complete the call, which they incorrectly interpreted as a problem with their own service.

Updated on Jan. 14 at 2:59 p.m. ET: The Verizon outage appears to be widespread, severe, and ongoing, with some mobile users' phones stuck in SOS mode.

According to Downdetector, the carrier is experiencing "a catastrophic break in standard cellular connectivity," with more than 1 million reports (1,053,104) logged in the past 24 hours. The situation peaked at 5:45 p.m. UTC, when Downdetector recorded 178,284 reports within a 15-minute window. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

Per Downdetector, the highest concentration of Verizon user error reports is coming from New York City and Atlanta. Significant outage volumes have also been recorded in Charlotte, Houston, and Dallas, indicating a national event rather than a localized issue. Verizon also added a new statement on social media, although it's phrased similarly to the previous update:

T-Mobile, meanwhile, said its own network is functioning normally. In a statement to Mashable over email, the carrier said:

There’s been no official comment yet from AT&T.

A major telecommunications outage is unfolding, with a surge of error reports pointing to widespread service disruptions across Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. In particular, many Verizon customers are reporting that their phones have gone into SOS mode, though they should still be able to make 911 calls via satellite.

According to Downdetector, user error reports started to spike around 11:55 a.m. ET on Wednesday. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.) While some users on AT&T and T-Mobile networks have also reported issues, Verizon customers appear to be bearing the brunt of the disruption. On X, "Verizon" quickly began trending as users attempted to figure out what was happening.

With the outage still developing, details remain limited. So far, Verizon is the only carrier to publicly acknowledge the issue.

In a post on X, the company said: “We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience.”

That same message has been repeated in replies to multiple users who tagged Verizon Support seeking help. Mashable reached out to Verizon for comment, and we received the same message that was previously posted on social media.

Downdetector categorized the Verizon outage as "Very High," and the service received a peak of 178,284 error reports within a 15-minute window on Wednesday afternoon. In total, Downdetector says it's received more than 1 million Verizon user error reports. Among those users, 59 percent reported "mobile phone failure," while 34 percent reported "total loss of signal."

Downdetector also reports that Verizon user error reports have spiked in New York City, Houston, Atlanta, and Charlotte in particular.

In a response to users on X, T-Mobile stated that it was not currently experiencing any widespread coverage issues on its network.

This story is developing and will be updated as necessary...

Verizon outage map: How to check your area

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:49:18 +0000

Many Verizon mobile users experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday afternoon, with customers reporting that their phones suddenly went into SOS mode.

Affected customers who want to check their local area for network problems have several options.

The platform Downdetector has a regularly updated Verizon outage map available online. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

The Downdetector heat map shows widespread Verizon outages, as reported by users. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Downdetector

The heat map shows clusters of user error reports in major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The outage map also indicates Verizon customers in Los Angeles and Seattle are experiencing problems, suggesting this is a true coast-to-coast problem.

You can also go to the Verizon website to check the company's network status; however, this page appears to be experiencing intermittent problems. Mashable reporters were unable to access an updated map at Verizon's website, and instead received the same statement Verizon posted on X previously.

Verizon has a tool to check network status, but it did not appear to be working as of this writing. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Verizon

Mashable has been providing ongoing coverage of the Verizon outage, which the company acknowledged in a statement: "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

The company later said that its "engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions."

So far, Verizon has not indicated what caused the ongoing outage or when service would be fully restored.

This is a developing story...

Is there an iOS 26 backlash? Not so fast.

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:44:20 +0000

If you're unhappy with iOS 26 and Liquid Glass on your iPhone, you're certainly not alone. It's a controversial upgrade, with many design-conscious users expressing distaste for the new Liquid Glass look (its designer left Apple in a hurry), not to mention the strange new placement of check marks. Others have reported that it drains their battery faster than the previous update, which was confusingly called iOS 18 (Apple has switched to a year-based numbering system).

But does that mean users are refusing to upgrade in large numbers? Despite some reports to the contrary, there's actually a bug in the reporting system, and it's Apple's fault.

An iOS 26 boycott would certainly seem to be what's happening if you take a look at the adoption numbers. The normally reliable Statcounter estimates that fewer than 5 percent of iPhone users are on the latest iOS version, 26.2, with another 10 percent rocking the iOS 26.1 upgrade.

The vast majority are still on some version of iOS 18, Statcounter says, with around 4 percent of users living dangerously on iOS 16 or iOS 15. (As a rule, the older your OS, the more bad actors are able to take advantage of known cybersecurity flaws in the software.)

But here's the thing: there's a tiny bug in Safari, the Apple browser. First spotted by developer Nick Heer, this bug makes iPhones report that they're on iOS 18.7 — the most popular version of iOS 18 by far, at least, according to Statcounter. (UPDATE: Heer clarifies that it isn't a bug, exactly; for obscure techie reasons, as far as Apple is concerned, it's a feature.)

And if you're a Chrome user like me, you might be surprised to discover just how popular Safari is — more so than Chrome, at least when it comes to phones. The Apple browser shot past one billion users in 2022 and never looked back. Statcounter itself notes that 51 percent of all mobile browser users in the US, Android phone owners included, are on Safari.

In short, this is a case where two things may be true at once. There may, in fact, be an unusual amount of discontent among iOS 26 users (we've certainly seen a lot of Liquid Glass hate online), and people may be upgrading anyway. We'll have to wait for Apple to squash its Safari bug — in iOS 26.3, presumably — before we find out for sure.

CES is over, but Im still lusting for the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:55:07 +0000

At CES 2026, I finally got to go hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. I've been covering the phone for months, and so far it's only received a limited release in Korea, but mobile watchers are hoping it will make its U.S. debut in the coming months. Fingers crossed.

Of course, seeing something on YouTube or reading a specs sheet isn't the same as actually holding the device in your hands.

Or, in my case, almost dropping it (as you can see about 25 seconds into this TikTok video).

One of our go-to Android reporters has already gone in-depth on the phone, and it's definitely got some quirks. However, as Mashable's tech editor, I have to tell you that I can't stop thinking about this phone.

Up close, the TriFold is absolutely gorgeous. It's the closest we've ever gotten to those Westworld-style foldable tablets, and it really does feel like it was plucked right from the screen of a sci-fi drama on Apple TV.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Most of the problems we found are software and UI quirks that could easily be addressed in an over-the-air update. And you can do things on its tablet-sized display that you just can't do on a typical foldable phone. For complex tasks like photo editing, gaming, or word processing, you'll suddenly have a lot more screen real estate.

During a demo, a colleague and I conducted a mini stress test, opening as many apps on the TriFold as possible, and it didn't break a sweat. The phone uses Samsung DeX, which brings a desktop-style display to your Galaxy tablet or smartphone. You can have four separate DeX going at once, and multitasking will definitely be a focus of the UI.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

If you're watching a YouTube video on the 10-inch AMOLED inner display and click on the comments, they open in a side panel on the right-third of the page, which is a neat little trick.

Even simple things like searching for files or using the touchscreen keyboard are easier on the 10-inch display.

Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

I've seen commentators complain about how thick the phone is, and yes, it's on the thick side when it's all folded up. However, when unfolded, it's remarkably thin. We raved about the thinness of the 4.2mm Galaxy Z Fold 7, but Samsung says the TriFold measures just 3.9mm at its thinnest point.

Left: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

Right: Credit: Timothy Werth / Mashable

This phone is going to be the ultimate flex in 2026

In my experience, foldable phones are still a big conversation starter. Whenever I break out my Motorola Razr Ultra, I get comments and questions. Personally, I strongly prefer these smaller flip-style foldables, but the TriFold could convert me.

For early adopters and mobile nerds, this first-of-its-kind phone will be a major flex — if you can get your hands on it.

Korean publication The Bell recently reported that Samsung is selling the TriFold at a loss, making it more of a proof of concept than a mass-market smartphone. That could explain why it's getting such a limited release, and probably means it will be hard to find, even when it's officially available here in the States.

In addition to being a flex, it's also quite the dunk on Apple.

While the world awaits Apple's first foldable, likely coming in the fall of 2026, Samsung is already showing off a tri-folding phone. And if the leaked renders of the iPhone Fold prove to be accurate, the design of the iPhone Fold is closer to the clunky Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold than the Z Fold 7, widely regarded as the superior handset, both in terms of design and performance.

The bottom line is this: After dancing with robots and trying on over a dozen pairs of smart glasses, the Galaxy Z TriFold is the CES product I'm still thinking about the week after. And this phone wasn't even a CES debut — it's been around.

If you're an early adopter with about $2,500 to spare, I would strongly consider hopping aboard the hype train for this tri-folding phone, despite its quirks. Just try not to drop it.

Every foldable phone planned or rumored for 2026

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:44:14 +0000

Just a few years ago, the idea of foldable phones felt like science fiction nonsense. Now, there are so many that we have to write this article.

2026 is set to be a big year for foldables, which have ballooned into a legitimate market category of their own. Every major smartphone player in the west like Samsung, Apple, Google, and Motorola is either certain or likely to release a foldable in 2026, if rumors are to be believed. Some of these will be refreshes of existing phones, while others will be bold new products entirely.

Here are the foldable phones coming in 2026 that we know about right now.

Every foldable phone planned or rumored for 2026

Don't be surprised if this list grows as the year goes on.

Several from Samsung

That's a thin phone for how big it is. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Samsung has been the king of the foldable market outside of China for a while now, committing to the form factor harder than anyone else in the past five or six years. That should continue in 2026, with at least three new foldables potentially coming from Samsung this year.

First up is the Galaxy Z TriFold, which came out in Asia late last year and is slated for a still-unspecified early 2026 launch in the west. It's got the same 6.5-inch cover screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, and triple camera setup as last year's Z Fold 7, but the similarities end when you actually unfold the phone. Rather than being a book-style foldable with one hinge in the middle, it's got two hinges, allowing for a much larger interior display, making it Samsung's biggest foldable yet and the first of its kind in the west. Again, we don't have a release date or price for this one yet, but expect it to be out soon, and to be expensive.

Beyond that, Samsung will most likely update the Z Flip and Z Fold lines, which have been ongoing for several years now. We don't know a lot about the clamshell-style Z Flip 8 or book-style Z Fold 8 yet, but early reports suggest they will be lighter than last year's models and carry extra battery capacity, too. Samsung is also reportedly working on a new "Wide Fold" phone that will allegedly be like the Z Fold line, but with a bigger tablet-style unfolded display paired with a smaller exterior display.

So, in total, Samsung might have four foldables in 2026. Buckle up, folks.

Motorola is expanding the Razr lineup

Motorola is in on book-style foldables. Credit: Timothy Werth/Mashable

Last year, Motorola released three clamshell-style Razr foldables: The Razr, the Razr Plus, and the Razr Ultra. While it's possible and perhaps even likely that there's some kind of update to that lineup this year, maybe in late spring or early summer as in previous years, there don't seem to be a lot of rumors or leaks about that right now. That doesn't mean Motorola is sitting out 2026, though.

At CES, Motorola announced the Razr Fold, the company's first book-style foldable phone. It has a 6.6-inch cover display and an 8.1-inch internal display to go along with a trio of 50MP rear cameras and a whole suite of Motorola AI features. It was just an initial announcement without a lot of other specifics to chew on, so we don't know pricing or availability yet, but this is one to keep an eye on as the year marches on.

iPhone Fold

This is the big one. Until now, Apple has sat out the foldable wars, opting to refine its regular iPhone series instead. However, persistent rumors and reports indicate that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and it could come out as soon as late 2026.

We don't know a lot about it so far, but expect it to have a smaller exterior display that unfolds into a wider form factor. It will reportedly have a 5.5-inch outer display that unfolds into a 7.8-inch inner display. It will apparently look like two iPhone Air phones fused together, to give you an idea of what to expect when it's unfolded. Aside from that, it might have four cameras: two on the rear, one on the inside, and one on the front.

Unfortunately for the purposes of this article, Apple has done a good job of keeping any other unique features a secret up to this point. But it's starting to feel more and more real, and we might actually finally see it before the year is done.

Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

Will Google change the look from the Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Last year, Google re-entered the foldable fray with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, a perfectly fine (if unremarkable) device whose name suggests that it could get the same kinds of annual iterations as the regular Pixel family. The good news is that is, by all accounts, going to happen. The bad news is that we don't know much else yet.

Android Authority reported all the way back in January 2025 that the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is in development at Google, with the internal codename "yogi." Sadly, we don't have much else to go on right now. The phone seemingly exists and we should learn more in the summer when Google does its annual Pixel refresh, but for the moment, all we have to go on is this one report confirming the phone's existence from a year ago. You can probably expect the next generation of Google Tensor chips to power it, as well as some camera upgrades, but anything beyond that is speculation.

More options if you're in China

All of the above phones will almost certainly be sold in the west, but there's a vibrant selection of foldables that only come out in Asia, too, courtesy of companies like Huawei, Oppo, and Honor.

For instance, Oppo is rumored to have two foldables coming in 2026, the Find N6 and N7. The former is going to follow up on the N5 and be a book-style foldable in the same vein as the Galaxy Z Fold line, while the N7 is said to be more of a wide-style foldable like the iPhone Fold. Those same rumors point to an early 2026 release date for the N6 and a launch date later in the year for the N7, probably closer to when the iPhone Fold comes out.

Meanwhile, Honor put out the ultra-thin Magic V6 phone a year ago, only to be outdone in thinness by the Galaxy Z Fold 7. There will apparently be a Magic V7 this year with a better chip and a bigger battery, but we'll have to wait and see on how thin it ends up being. Huawei is also reportedly working on the Pura X2, a unique flip-style foldable with a big 16:10 aspect ratio on its inner display. That's set for launch in the second quarter of 2026.

Of course, there will probably be more than just these as the year goes on. Even as a starting point, though, it's clear that 2026 is going to be huge for foldables.

Apple surpasses Samsung to become the worlds number one smartphone maker

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:07:43 +0000

For years, Apple and Samsung have been neck and neck when it comes to global smartphone shipments. But now, the tide has turned in Apple's favor.

According to new data from tech market research firm Counterpoint, Apple was the world's number one smartphone maker in 2025, with a 20 percent market share. Samsung had a 19 percent market share, followed by Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo, with a 13, 8, and 8 percent market share, respectively.

Apple is number one again. Credit: Counterpoint

This is notable as Apple and Samsung had the same market share in 2023 (19 percent) and 2024 (18 percent).

Counterpoint says Apple had a 10 percent year-over-year smartphone shipment growth, which was the highest among the top five smartphone brands. According to Counterpoint senior analyst Varun Mishra, this was due to Apple's "expanding presence and rising demand across emerging and mid‑size markets, supported by a stronger product mix."

In other words, Apple's strategy of expanding its lineup — the company launched a new entry-level phone, the iPhone 16e, in February 2025 — is working.

Samsung's shipments also grew, by 5 percent year-over-year, but it wasn't enough to catch up with Apple. Counterpoint says the growth was driven by the company's mid-range A series phones, as well as the Galaxy Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 in the premium segments.

Apple is rumored to be planning another large expansion of its phone lineup, which could extend its lead over the competitors, though Samsung is reportedly already hard at work at matching the devices Apple is working on.

Notably, while Apple is expected to debut a foldable iPhone later this year, Samsung is poised to launch its Galaxy Z TriFold in the coming months.

Upgrade your smartphone with $300 off the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:19:06 +0000

SAVE $300: As of Jan. 7, get the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,799. That's a discount of 17%.

Credit: Amazon

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

$1,499 at Amazon
$1,799 Save $300

New year, new you. If that also extends to your smartphone, it might be time to go ahead and upgrade. Luckily, we've found one that's on sale for a significant discount. And if you're an Android user or plan to become one, you'll want to pounce on this deal.

As of Jan. 7, get the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,799. That's a discount of 17%.

This unlocked smartphone is Google's version of the folding device. It boasts the largest and brightest screen of the Pixel lineup at eight inches, and is built to utilize Google's Gemini AI features. It features a high-strength hinge that Google claims will give you up to 10 years of folding, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that protects the screen.

It has the Google Tensor G5 processor on board, with an improved TPU and CPU, and a 24-hour battery life with support from Qi2 wireless Pixelsnap magnetic charging. And with its high-quality camera array, you can manage some seriously impressive photos.

Mashable's Alex Perry took the Pixel 10 Pro Fold for a spin and praised its "bigger battery and a stronger chip powering it" in comparison to last year's model. Perry also appreciated its "solid performance".

If it's time for a big smartphone upgrade, it might be time to go ahead and lock in this deal.

CES 2026: Motorola unveils Razr Fold, a book-style foldable phone

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 03:10:31 +0000

Motorola is taking another swing at foldables. The company announced the Razr Fold at CES 2020's Lenovo Tech World, introducing its newest flagship and a more ambitious take on the Razr formula.

Instead of leaning into nostalgia with the flip-style Razrs, the Razr Fold is marketed as a productivity device. Closed, it looks and feels like a standard smartphone thanks to a large 6.6-inch external display. Open it up, and it unfolds into an 8.1-inch 2K LTPO screen meant for multitasking.

Motorola is also pushing its on-device AI harder here. Features like Catch Me Up and Next Move are designed to surface reminders, context, and suggested actions without requiring constant switching between apps. It’s all part of Motorola Qira, the company’s new unified AI platform which ties Motorola and Lenovo devices together under one assistant.

Camera specs are predictably stacked: a triple 50MP rear setup, including a periscope telephoto, plus separate internal and external selfie cameras. There’s Dolby Vision video, stabilization, and a Sony LYTIA sensor doing most of the heavy lifting. Motorola also confirmed stylus support, which makes the foldable pitch feel a little more serious.

This wasn’t the only Razr news. Motorola also showcased a FIFA World Cup 2026 Edition Razr, featuring custom branding and software enhancements. Pricing and availability haven’t been detailed yet, but it's clear that Motorola wants the Razr to be not only cool, but useful as well.

Motorola Razr Fold leak suggests Samsung Galaxy Z Fold has major compeition

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:54:28 +0000

Motorola's next big mobile device might have serious specs to offer.

Prominent leaker Evan Blass (via TechRadar) posted what looks like official marketing materials for something called the Motorola Razr Fold. As far as anyone knows, this is a new book-style foldable from Motorola, which has previously only released clamshell-style Razr devices. Previous reporting indicated Motorola would announce the device at or around CES 2026, which is happening right now, so the announcement could come at any moment.

Anyway, the most juicy part of the news here is what the marketing slide Blass shared says. It confirms that the phone is Motorola's first in this form factor, while claiming it will have “brilliant displays, intelligent AI, and an advanced, boundary-breaking camera system."

No hard specs were given, but if any of that is actually true, this could be an interesting new point of competition for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup. Those are currently the best book-style foldables on the market, but there's always room for improvement, especially in the camera department. If Motorola can offer a real upgrade in that regard, the company could be onto something.

At any rate, we'll probably find out more this week. Stay tuned.

Samsung First Look: See the Galaxy Z TriFold up close in this CES 2026 video

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:32:29 +0000

The Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung's futuristic new foldable phone, which is only available in Korea so far. This highly anticipated device doesn't even have a U.S. release date, but the hype for this phone is off the charts, and Mashable finally got the chance to go hands-on with the mobile device at CES 2026.

This phone is the closest we've ever gotten to the tri-folding tablets from Westworld, which are often held up as the ideal form factor for the foldables of the future. It's also a bit of a dunk on Apple, which has yet to bring its rumored iPhone Fold to market.

See the phone for yourself in our up-close preview from CES 2026.

Samsung held its CES First Look event at Wynn Las Vegas on Jan. 4 and outlined its vision for 2026 — the company wants "to be your companion for AI living." To that end, Samsung showed off a ton of new AI-powered TVs, appliances, and smart home products, but for many of the journalists and creators in attendance, it was all about the TriFold.

The phone had a limited release in South Korea on Dec. 12, and reviewers like Mrwhosetheboss have already given us a preview of the design and feature set. However, this was our first chance to actually go hands-on with the phone, if only for a few brief minutes.

When unfolded, the Galaxy Z TriFold is remarkably thin, and it has a vibrant AMOLED display. Because of the unique form factor, we think this phone will have a little bit of a learning curve, as it has to be folded in a particular way. It's also going to be thicker than most phones — at least, until it's unfolded.

When is the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold coming to America?

We don't have an official U.S. release date or price for the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold just yet, but we're hoping the phone will be launched alongside the new Galaxy S26 smartphones at an upcoming Unpacked event in January or February. If we're lucky, Samsung will drop some hints about the launch during CES. It will likely be priced at $2,500, which would make it Samsung's most expensive smartphone.

However, we expect this phone to sell out pretty much instantaneously. According to a recent report from Korean publication The Bell, Samsung is actually losing money on each TriFold it sells. So, think of it more as a proof of concept rather than a mass-produced, ready-for-market smartphone like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is probably more practical for the average user.

Best Buy has unlocked iPhones for up to $180 off in rare sale

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:43:45 +0000

SAVE UP TO $180: Several new and unlocked Apple iPhone models are on sale at Best Buy in its year end sale. Save as much as $180 on a new iPhone 14, 15, 16, 16e, or 16 Plus as of Dec. 31.

Credit: Apple

Shop unlocked Apple iPhone deals at Best Buy

Save up to $180

Looking to start the new year with a new phone? Apple users are being blessed with a rare opportunity to score an unlocked iPhone at a discounted price.

Typically, you'll find unlocked phone deals on basically every brand except Apple when major sales like Prime Day or Black Friday happen — Samsung, Google, Motorola, and even the UK-based brand Nothing. Finding a meaningful discount on an unlocked iPhone, on the other hand, is practically unheard of. If you're looking for iPhone deals, you're usually still better off locking in a contract with a carrier or buying refurbished.

As of Dec. 31, however, Best Buy is offering a lineup of new, unlocked iPhones for up to $180 off in its year-end sale. While there are no brand-new iPhone 17 models in the sale, there are iPhone 16s, which honestly aren't too much different (and actually look better). There are also older iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 models available; they're still new (not refurbished) and unlocked. That means you don't need to coordinate a trade-in or data plan at a specific carrier, and you won't be carrier-locked when traveling abroad.

We've rounded up the best unlocked iPhone deals below — lock in the discount ASAP, as we can't guarantee it'll stick around long.

Best unlocked iPhone deal

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 16 (128GB, Unlocked)

$659.99 at Best Buy
$729.99 Save $70

Why we like it

Released in September of 2024, the iPhone 16 was Apple's most appealing entry-level model in years. It doesn't skimp on features compared to its Pro and Pro Max siblings; the basic 16 features the new Camera Control button, a tougher display, improved zoom up to 2X, the Action Button (inherited from the 15 Pro and Pro Max), three gorgeous new colors (Ultramarine, Pink, and Teal), and Apple Intelligence. Mashable's reviewer writes, "I suspect I'd be 'complete' with the iPhone 16, which is a rare feeling when it comes to entry-level smartphones these days." At only $659.99, it's also a hard deal to pass up — especially when you compare it to the iPhone 17 base model, which costs an extra $140.

More unlocked iPhone deals

Apple iPhone 15 (128GB, unlocked) — $499.99 ~~$629.99~~ (save $130)
Apple iPhone 16e (128GB, unlocked) — $549.99 ~~$599.99~~ (save $50)
Apple iPhone 15 (256GB, unlocked) — $549.99 ~~$729.99~~ (save $180)
Apple iPhone 14 (128GB, unlocked) — $549.99 ~~$629.99~~ (save $70)
Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB, unlocked) — $759.99 ~~$829.99~~ (save $70)
Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB, unlocked) — $929.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $70)

Trumps golden phone is delayed. Again.

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:08:48 +0000

Donald Trump's golden smartphone won't be arriving anytime soon.

Trump Mobile, announced in June and run by the president's children Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has yet again delayed shipping of its flagship device, the T1, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Speaking to the news publisher, Trump Mobile's customer service team blamed this year's U.S. government shutdown for the phone's delay — without further detail. This follows a previously unaddressed delay in November, in which the Trump Mobile team quietly removed shipping dates from its website as the deadline sailed by and began listing refurbished Samsung and Apple phones.

In fact, the T1 was originally set to ship in August, was then pushed to October, went AWOL in November, and will now be shipped...sometime in 2026? Maybe?

Currently still available for preorder on the Trump Mobile website, the smartphone retails for $499 and is set to run on its "47 plan" including unlimited talk, text, and data for $47.45 a month (Trump is the 45th and 47th U.S. president). Down payments cost $100, with a message on the website fittingly reading, "Getting in line is easy."

In June, Trump Mobile was pitched by the Trump Organisation's trademark licensing arm DTTM Corporation as "a transformational, new cellular service designed to deliver top-tier connectivity, unbeatable value and all-American service for our nation’s hardest-working people" — with emphasis on the American-made element. Following Trump's chaotic global tariffs odyssey earlier this year, the president's aim of bringing manufacturing back into the U.S. has seen pressure on Big Tech leaders like Apple to produce their devices in America instead of China — though whether the T1 could actually entirely be made in America is a major question mark.

Samsung is reportedly losing money on each Galaxy Z Trifold it sells

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:06:49 +0000

Well, now we know why Samsung is only selling the new Galaxy Z TriFold in limited markets. According to a new report, the company is selling its groundbreaking new foldable at a loss.

In fact, Samsung reportedly isn't even trying to profit off of each Galaxy Z TriFold phone it sells just yet.

A new report from Korean publication The Bell (via 9to5google) indicated that Samsung is selling the device, which recently launched in the company's home country, at a loss. In South Korea, the TriFold retails for 3,594,000 won, or roughly $2,500 USD, making it the most expensive phone in the company's portfolio by a pretty considerable margin. Still, Samsung is reportedly losing money on each unit sold, raising the question of how future TriFold phones might be priced going forward.

“This is a special edition product, so rather than selling it in bulk, we prepared it so that those who want it can try it out,” said Samsung Electronics Korea Vice President Lim Sung-taek at a Z Trifold launch event, according to a translated version of The Bell’s report. “There were various issues, such as the memory price, but we made a grand decision to reduce it and achieve this difficult price.

Currently, a global memory shortage driven by the AI boom has left critical RAM hardware components in short supply, as Mashable has reported previously.

While it's unusual to sell a product like this at a loss, there is precedent in the world of luxury tech devices.

Products like high-end video game consoles, for example, have been sold at a loss in the past, with the idea being that they'll remain on the market long enough for parts and manufacturing costs to eventually decrease, and the manufacturer will find other ways to recoup those losses in the meantime. Still, $2,500 is a lot of money for a phone, so if Samsung is losing money even at that extremely high price point, one has to wonder what the phone would actually cost if it were designed to make a profit from day one.

At any rate, U.S. customers don't have to worry about this for a little while longer. The Galaxy Z TriFold is slated to launch stateside in the early months of 2026, and it'll probably be expensive here, too.

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is coming to America soon: Everything we know so far

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:45:00 +0000

Samsung's next journey into the foldable frontier is underway in the form of the Galaxy Z TriFold, a foldable smartphone featuring two folds instead of just one.

Just a few months after launching the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 foldables, Samsung has officially announced the TriFold, a smartphone that has two folding screens, resulting in three panels of usable phone. The internal screen measures a whopping 10 inches, comparable in size to a Galaxy Tab, while it folds down into a normal-sized 6.5-inch phone once fully closed.

So, what exactly do we know about the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? Let's get into it.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Specs

Credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

According to the official announcement, here are the specs coming on the Galaxy Z TriFold:

Cover screen: 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Interior screen: 10-inch QXGA (2160 x 1584) Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM and Storage: 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage
Rear cameras: 12 MP ultra-wide / 200 MP wide-angle / 10 MP telephoto
Front cameras: 10 MP selfie camera (cover screen) / 10 MP selfie camera (main screen)
Battery size: 5,600 mAh three-cell battery
Dimensions (folded): 159.2 x 75.0 x 12.9mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 159.2 x 214.1 x 3.9mm / 4.2mm / 4.0mm (screen with SIM tray, center screen, and screen with side button, respectively)
Weight: 309 grams

In terms of processors, cameras, RAM, and all that other fun stuff, these specs are pretty similar to what you'd find in a Z Fold 7. The 6.5-inch cover display stands out especially, as the one on the Z Fold 7 is the exact same size. The 10-inch interior display, however, will be significantly larger than the 8-inch equivalent in the Z Fold 7. That's the big selling point here: When it's folded, this is sized like a bigger traditional smartphone, but when you unfold it, you're unlikely to find any phone with a bigger display.

Initially, thickness was a potential issue, as a trifold smartphone was bound to be a hair bit thicker than anything else on the market. At 12.9mm, it is a thick smartphone. For reference, the super-thin Galaxy Z Fold 7 is just 8.9mm when folded, which makes the Galaxy X TriFold about a third thicker than its closest sibling. Whether or not that’s a dealbreaker depends exclusively on how thick or thin you want your smartphone to be.

That’s about the only complaint in an otherwise stellar spec sheet. The battery is nice and big, with Samsung stuffing 5,600 mAh into its three-cell system we first saw in a Korean phone patent. Each cell is hidden in each screen of the display, and it's a 1,200 mAh improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Pricing

In terms of price, be prepared for this. Samsung announced that the price would be 3,594,000 won. This translates to roughly $2,450 (which Samsung will likely round up to $2,500). That’s quite a lot higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at $1,999.99. For availability, Samsung states that it will be first introduced in South Korea, followed by China, Taiwan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and then eventually the United States. Per Bloomberg, Samsung is expected to ship a very limited volume, so it won’t be widely available everywhere.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: U.S. release date

Samsung officially released the Galaxy Z TriFold on Dec. 12 in South Korea, so it is in the wild now. The other regions where the phone is expected to launch, including the United States, are most likely going to see a launch in Q1 2026. That’s also when the Samsung Galaxy S26 is expected to launch, so the two may be released in tandem at an upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.

If you can’t wait, there are plenty of unboxing videos on YouTube from the usual suspects, such as Mr. Who's the Boss and SuperSaf. The videos showcase the phone, including what it looks like when folded and unfolded, and demonstrate its general functionality, along with some other cool features.

What do people think of the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold?

Despite the high price tag, the Galaxy Z TriFold quite literally sold out in minutes. In South Korea, at least, the hype train is real, and Samsung can barely put these things on the shelves fast enough. The next batch is scheduled for Dec. 17th on Samsung’s website, and after that, we don’t know if they’ll have to continue rationing these out like they are now.

Impressions online have been generally positive, with the few people who have actually had the opportunity to play with the smartphone stating that it’s certainly one of the most interesting smartphones in a while. Online and written impressions from publications are generally very positive, with complaints being fairly mild and often related to refinement, which is understandable given that this is a first-generation product.

Here's what tech YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss said after trying out the phone: "So, honestly, I don't think the Trifold is this experimental quirky phone option. I actually think that this phone has immediately become the definitive Samsung foldable. You will have to handle it with care and you'll definitely have to pay for the privilege."

Social impressions were mixed, with some folks saying that this is the coolest new smartphone in years, while others are a little more guarded.

"This is the true tablet killer," said one Redditor. Another stated that they were pleased to see Samsung innovating, and pontificated on when Apple would eventually release its first foldable. "Sign me up for one," another Redditor said. "[I’m] bored of my Folds." The most common sentiment among the excited was how absurd it would feel to be able to put a 10-inch tablet in your pocket.

In terms of complaints, they fell into two camps. Excited people from Europe who are currently experiencing difficulties measuring their disappointment at not receiving a release there, and those wondering how the first-generation device will hold up over the long term. Some expressed worry about screen durability, especially since Samsung is offering a 50 percent discount on the first screen repair. Others are concerned with battery life, believing that the 10-inch display will chew through the 5,600 mAh battery rather quickly.

With that said, very few people have gotten their hands on a Z TriFold, so we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to hear first-hand accounts on how it feels to use it day-to-day.

I tested the best phone cameras of 2025 — these took the best pictures

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Sure, we've already taken stock of the best overall smartphones in 2025, but that doesn't mean we can't give them a little more shine.

Specifically, it's time to talk cameras. Apple, Samsung, Google, and others released some excellent handsets in the past calendar year, but there's a lot that goes into deciding whether or not a phone is good. Processing power, battery life, AI features, and a bunch of other little odds and ends factor into our reviews, but for a lot of people, all of those things are secondary to the cameras.

So, with that in mind, let's focus on cameras as we close out 2025. Here are our favorite smartphone cameras of the year.

Best overall: iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max

Big surprise here. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

It almost feels like a cop-out to give this award to the highest-end iPhone released in 2025, but the fact of the matter is that we didn't test out any phone cameras in 2025 that impressed us more than the iPhone 17 Pro models. If you don't trust me, listen to what our reviewer Stan Schroeder had to say about it.

"The triple 48-megapixel camera system on this phone is the best I’ve ever tried. The main sensor captures rich and detailed photos," Schroeder wrote. "Low light photography is so good that you can snap a shot in near-total darkness and get a photo that looks like it was taken during the day."

The low light photography is impressive. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Schroeder said the iPhone 17 Pro Max was capable of taking good shots under a lot of different conditions. Low light photography was impressive, in particular, as were the zoom capabilities. He said that photos taken at up to 8x zoom looked crisp, which is no small feat. Apple always brings its A-game when it comes to cameras, and the iPhone 17 Pro is no different.

Looks good! Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Best cheap Android camera: Google Pixel 9a

No bump this time, though. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Google's Pixel phones have always delivered on the camera front, and the Pixel 9a is no exception, especially considering its lean $500 price point. As I noted in my Pixel 9a review, it's now the budget smartphone to beat in 2025, thanks in large part to the competent camera array.

By the numbers, it's nothing spectacular. The rear camera array consists of a 48MP wide lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, which are fairly standard smartphone megapixel counts, and come in below what you'd get on a more expensive Pixel 9. Still, thanks to Google's software wizardry and some smart feature inclusions, the Pixel 9a can produce plenty of gorgeous shots with vibrant, bright colors.

Hard to tell this came from a cheap phone. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

I'd also like to shout out Google for including Macro Focus in the Pixel 9a, which wasn't in the previous Pixel A-series phones. This feature lets you place the lens just an inch or two away from your subject and capture fine details. It's a really nice thing to have on a $500 phone.

This is what Macro Focus can do. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Google Pixel 9a

$499 at Google Store

Best cheap iOS camera: Apple iPhone 16e

Just one lens. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

There hasn't been a flagship iPhone release in 2025 yet (wait for September), so the only Apple product we can give any props to right now is the iPhone 16e.

Apple's $600 budget-minded handset has just one solitary camera lens on the back, measuring in at 48MP. However, don't let that description sell it short. As our reviewer Stan Schroeder demonstrated, it can take very nice-looking shots with clear details and natural colors.

Ahoy. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Schroeder also shouted out its competent low-light photography, which isn't incredible, but gets the job done for a phone of that price.

Looks good. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple iPhone 16e

$599 at Apple.com

Best affordable flagship camera: OnePlus 15

Kinda generic looking, but that's not the point. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

At $899, the OnePlus 15's affordability is definitely relative. This is not a Pixel 9a in terms of price, or even an iPhone 16e. That said, for less than $1,000, you get a trio of 50MP lenses on the back with 7x optical-quality zoom. That's shockingly close to the iPhone 17 Pro in terms of specs, and the results are also pretty satisfactory.

Nice. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Colors are vivid, image clarity is sharp, and you've got pretty much all of the modes you'd want, including a nice macro photography option. OnePlus has a habit of making phones that just...do what you want a phone to do, without asking for too much in return. I would say the OnePlus 15's camera array fits that description pretty well, to the point where there isn't much else to say about it.

Macro is great. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

This eSIM card lets you stay connected abroad without roaming fees, and now it’s 53% off

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Save some money on your next trip abroad with this $150 credit to aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan for just $69.99.

Credit: Affinity Click

aloSIM Traveler's Mobile Data Plan: $150 Credit

$69.99
$150 Save $80.01

Got big travel plans in store for 2026? If you’re heading abroad, make sure you can stay in touch without spending a fortune with aloSIM. This eSIM card keeps you connected in more than 200 countries and regions without roaming charges, and right now you can get a $150 credit to aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan for just $69.99.

Traveling internationally is not cheap. Fortunately, you can make it a little more affordable with this aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan. Instead of coming home to ridiculous roaming charges, this eSIM card gets you $150 of data for less than half the price. You can connect to a fast, local data connection on 5G and LTE networks easily — with no surprise charges that creep up later.

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With aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan, you just install a digital eSIM ahead of your travels and connect to data networks in over 200 countries. It’s prepaid and never expires, though the data package is only valid for the length of time stated at purchase, and unused data won’t roll over to your next trip.

This eSIM can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, giving you flexible connection options once you land. You also have it for life, with no monthly charges. Just add a data plan next time you need to use it. You can also add more data as you go, with packages starting at $4.50 that last for 7 days.

Don’t leave home with this $150 credit to aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan for just $69.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

A tiny smartphone for a bigger, less distracted life — just $85

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: This tiny NanoPhone is a 4G smartphone with Dual SIM and essential apps that’s on sale for $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping.

Credit: NanoPhone

NanoPhone - A Mini 4G Smartphone Packed with Mega Features!

$84.97
$199.99 Save $115.02

One of the most popular goals for the new year is to rely less on your phone. If you are in that camp, the NanoPhone Mini 4G Smartphone offers a surprisingly practical way to get there.

For just $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping, you get a fully functional smartphone that’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand — and discreet enough that it won’t dominate your day.

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This credit-card-sized device delivers the core features most people actually use: Dual SIM support, 4G + Wi-Fi connectivity, clear voice calls, video chats, and access to popular essentials like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. It’s a lightweight, clutter-free option designed for staying reachable without the constant pull of a large, app-loaded phone.

The NanoPhone shines as a travel companion, gym-friendly device, emergency backup, or dedicated “focus phone” for days when you want to unplug but can’t be totally off the grid.

Its small build and surprisingly crisp 3-inch HD touchscreen make navigating apps easy, while the front and rear cameras let you capture quick moments without hauling around your usual tech loaded with distractions. And because it supports two SIM cards, you can keep personal and work numbers separate — or use it internationally without swapping your main device.

If you’re ready to reclaim some screen-free space in your life, this tiny-but-mighty smartphone is a good place to start. Get the NanoPhone Mini 4G Smartphone while it’s on sale for $84.97 (reg. $199.99) with free shipping for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apples iOS 26.3 has 2 new features to make the European Commission happy

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:13:04 +0000

The European Commission is pleased with Apple's iOS 26.3 – two of its features in particular, that is.

The European Union's watchdog said that two of the features introduced in the iOS 26.3 beta were a result of an EU investigation into Apple's terms for connected devices.

"The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe. This is another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens,” an EC spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal.

One of the two features in question is Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches, which we've covered here.

The other feature the EC probably refers to is Proximity pairing, allowing users of iOS devices to easily pair with third-party devices, similarly to how you pair AirPods to your iPhone.

There's also a feature called Transfer to Android, allowing users to transfer their data to an Android device in an easier way.

I can't remember when a new version of iOS was this focused on compliance with European rules. All three new features have to do with Europe's Digital Market Act (DMA), which Apple isn't very happy about.

All of these new features will only be available for customers in the European Union. Apple's iOS 26.34 is currently in beta, and will probably become available in January.

Google Messages made some aesthetic changes to Nano Banana

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:24:00 +0000

Google's AI image generation tool got some minor alterations in the Android Messages app.

Specifically, Google slightly retooled how you access the Remix tool (which is powered by Nano Banana) in Messages, per 9to5google. If you wanted to put a funny hat on a picture of your dog or whatever prior to this change, you would long-press on an image and tap the "Remix" button on the lower left corner of the display. That's still true, but the button is now smaller and less prominent than before. Additionally, Google removed the banana emoji that was on the button, replacing it with a more generic AI image icon.

Beyond that, if you look at an image in the fullscreen view mode, there won't be a Remix button on top of the image anymore. It's now in the bottom-left corner of that view, as well.

Again, these are not hugely seismic changes to the way Nano Banana Remix works in Google Messages, but they're worth knowing about so you don't get lost the next time you want to use those features.

Apples iPhone Fold isnt even announced yet, and Samsung might already be working on a competitor

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:58:49 +0000

Apple's iPhone Fold might be on its way, but Samsung appears to be determined to remain the king of foldable phones no matter what.

A new report says that Samsung is working on yet another foldable phone, this one with a wider form factor than its current foldable flagship, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

According to Korean news outlet Etnews, the Samsung Wide Fold (we're really not sure about that name; perhaps Samsung W Fold has a better ring to it?) will have a 7.6-inch internal display when unfolded, with a screen ratio at 4:3. The outer display will have a 5.4-inch display, an "industry insider familiar with the matter" told the outlet.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has an 8-inch display, so the new foldable won't change much in that regard. But having a different aspect ratio – 4:3 vs. the Galaxy Z Fold 7's near-square 3:33.3 – should make it feel more like a regular tablet when unfolded.

It's worth noting that Samsung also has a flip-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, as well as a tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which actually already has a near-4:3 aspect ratio (with 2,160x1,584 pixels, it's actually 1.36:1, but that's very close to 4:3). Adding yet another foldable to the lineup might be confusing, but it appears that Samsung is ready to throw everything at a wall and see what sticks.

As for why Samsung would add yet another foldable phone to the mix, we have to go back to Apple's rumored iPhone Fold, which will reportedly have a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, making it similar to a small tablet. If this latest report is accurate, it would mean that Samsung simply wants to pre-emptively strike at Apple's first foldable before it even launches.

The rumored release window for both devices is 2026, so it appears that next year will be the year of foldable phones, and we wouldn't mind that one bit.

Ring in the new year with a new phone: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is at its lowest price yet

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:15:19 +0000

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 19, get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for $849.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099.99. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.

Credit: Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

$849.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $250

We're on the precipice of 2026, and that means new starts and fresh reboots. Why not get a new phone to celebrate the occasion? It's time to shed the old and bring in the new, and you can do just that with an affordable Android phone that's made it to the most affordable price it's ever been.

As of Dec. 19, get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for $849.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,099.99. That's $250 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a modern version of the quintessential flip phone. It boasts Samsung's powerful Exynos 2500 processor, which makes it a zippy and capable device for calls, video, and all other types of media. It also has 256GB of storage, a 50MP wide angle camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 1-year manufacturer warranty with your purchase.

Mashable's Adam Doud took the phone for a spin and awarded it a 4.4 out of 5 score, praising its "excellent build quality and improved hinge" as well as its "excellent camera".

"If you're a fan of the form factor, this is the most compelling foldable on offer here in the United States," Doud proclaimed. "I like what Samsung has finally done here, catching up to its contemporaries and restarting a competition war in which the consumer will ultimately win."

You can pick up the phone for its lowest sale price yet, so grab it while it's still available.

iOS 26.3 beta arrives: How to download it and 3 new features to try

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:59:51 +0000

Apple's next public iOS beta is here.

That would be the public beta for iOS 26.3, to be more specific. It launched this week, shortly after the launch of iOS 26.2 to the public, and with the expectation that the full release of the update will happen in early 2026. The new beta brings with it a few small (but still noteworthy) new features, and you can try them out for yourself. Here's how.

How to download the iOS 26.3 public beta

Apple makes its public betas available for anyone with an iPhone to test out. All you have to do is sign up for the beta program. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get the iOS 26.3 public beta on your iPhone:

Go to Apple's beta website
Sign up for the beta program with your Apple ID
Log in and click "Enroll your iOS device"
On your iPhone, open Settings, then go to General, then Software Update
Select the iOS Public Beta and install it

iOS 26.3 public beta new features

Once you've done that, you can start looking at the new stuff Apple added to iOS 26.3. Be warned, though, that there aren't any game-changing everyday adjustments here for most Apple users. There is, however, one notable update for Apple users who prefer non-Apple smartwatches or fitness trackers.

For starters, Apple has slightly rearranged the Wallpapers page, putting Weather and Astronomy into their own distinct sections instead of bundling them together. There are also a few new Weather wallpapers to choose from, but otherwise, everything else is the same.

On top of that, you can also choose to have your notifications forwarded to a third-party wearable device instead of an Apple Watch. This should make life easier for folks who prefer other wearables but still want to get every notification that their iPhone gets without looking at the phone. The only problem is that this is only available to users in the European Union at the moment, and there's no telling when (or even if) U.S.-based iPhone owners will get this feature. As we reported earlier today, Apple was forced to make this change by the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Lastly and most significantly, Apple and Google worked together to make switching from an iPhone to an Android device (or vice versa) easier than it used to be. You'll be able to place your iPhone next to a new Android device and wirelessly transfer messages, notes, photos, apps, and even your phone number between devices. This sounds easier than the old way of doing things, which largely involved downloading an app on either side of the equation.

Android 16 QPR3 will tell you when an app is using your location

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:26:42 +0000

The next Android 16 update could make apps more transparent about location tracking, giving users more insight into their privacy.

The feature showed up in the beta for Android 16 QPR3 (QPR meaning quarterly platform release), set to launch early next year. According to 9to5google, the beta adds a blue dot with a map icon next to the battery meter on the upper side of the display, which will only appear if an app is actively tracking your location for any reason. You can tap the dot in the notifications view to see which app (or apps) is tracking you. At that point, users can close the app or update their location settings.

This new Android privacy feature builds on something Google added years ago, which was a green dot with a camera icon in the same place that revealed when an app was using your camera or microphone. When apps are tracking both your location and accessing your camera, these two dots will be combined to show both the camera and map icons, according to screenshots shared by 9to5google.

It should be noted that this tool is only available in beta for Pixel devices right now, but presumably it will come to other Android phones at a later date, like the green camera dot did previously.

At any rate, it's nice to get a software update that's just objectively helpful.

T-Mobile is giving away free Samsung Galaxy S25 phones — heres how to qualify for the deal

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:14:43 +0000

GET 4 PHONES FREE: During T-Mobile's holiday sales event, you can get four base Samsung Galaxy S25 phones for free, no trade-ins required. Here's all the details to qualify.

Credit: Samsung

Get 4 Samsung Galaxy S25 phones for free

When you switch to T-Mobile's Essentials promo plan

Upgrading your phone doesn't have to be expensive — you just have to be strategic about it. For instance, instead of paying $799.99 out of pocket for a new Samsung Galaxy S25, you can bring your number to T-Mobile and get four for free.

There is a bit of fine print, so listen up. First of all, this offer is only valid for the base model Galaxy S25, which has 128GB of storage. Second of all, you must transfer your current number to the T-Mobile Essentials promo plan at $25 per month per line. You'll have to pay a $35 connection fee as well as any included taxes. You'll also need four lines minimum to score the phones for free, so this deal works best with family plans wanting to make the switch to T-Mobile. The good news is there are no trade-ins required and there's no current end date listed. That being said, we recommend jumping on the deal sooner rather than later to lock it in.

It's not as powerful as the S25 Ultra or Edge, but it's also a lot easier on your wallet at $799.99. Just shy of a year old, the S25 base model features the impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, upped from 8GB over the S24. It's also slightly thinner and lighter than the previous-generation, but otherwise pretty similar in terms of display, battery life, and camera setup. And of course, as with anything in 2025, it's also loaded with AI features.

Not a Samsung person? T-Mobile's holiday sales event also includes offers for a free iPhone 17 Pro (with eligible trade-in), four free iPhone 17s (when you switch to T-Mobile's Essentials plan), a free Motorola razr+ (with new line on eligible plans), or a free Google Pixel 10 (with eligible trade-in). Head over to T-Mobile to browse your options for a free device this season.

iOS 26 bug is turning Android photos red in iPhone camera app

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:09:08 +0000

Sometimes you encounter a technical issue on an iPhone that makes you chuckle more than anything else.

That's what's currently happening to some photos in the iOS Photos app, per 9to5mac. Various reports on places like Reddit have confirmed that some photos originally snapped on Android phones are showing up with a horrifying red filter applied to them when you look at them in the Photos app. You won't see the filter until you tap on the image, for some reason, so you can't tell that something is wrong from the thumbnail.

It's seemingly not yet known how this is happening, but the good news is that there's an easy fix. According to 9to5mac, just open an affected photo, hit the Edit button, and then hit Revert. That should remove the red filter. Again, this apparently only applies to photos taken on Android phones and saved to iPhones for whatever reason, so you may not even have any of these in your library. I certainly couldn't find any in mine.

At any rate, this is more goofy than problematic. Just make sure you fix any affected photos before sharing them with someone else.

The best smartphones of 2025 include some surprises

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:43:38 +0000

Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus brought their A-games with new phone releases in 2025.

Not every aspect of every new device that those companies released was great. Some of the devices themselves were disappointing. Still, whether you want a mid-range powerhouse or a fabulous foldable, or anything in between, you have plenty of great options in 2025.

Here are the best smartphones that launched in the past 12 months.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best video games of 2025

OnePlus 15

It's a little generic-looking, but who cares? Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

For the past few years, Chinese firm OnePlus has offered pretty excellent flagship phones at competitive prices. If you want to escape the Apple/Google/Samsung ecosystem and go with something a little different (but arguably just as good, if not better), the OnePlus 15 is a great way to go.

There's nothing especially distinctive or gimmicky about the OnePlus 15 — just a reliable, solid Android handset. For $899, you get three good rear cameras, a huge display with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate, and a gargantuan 7,300mAh battery that holds up for exceptionally long stretches of time.

The OnePlus 15 is the most recently released phone on the list, and absolutely stands its ground against the rest.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

It's simply absurd how thin this phone is. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

One of the big problems with tablet-style foldables (which I personally prefer to clamshell-type phones) is this: most feel bulky when folded up. You can use the outer display like a normal phone — but on almost all of these devices, the form factor doesn't make that a super fun thing to do.

That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 so remarkable: Samsung fixed that problem entirely. The solution, it turned out, was just to make the phone extraordinarily thin.

The Fold 7 has the most impressive physical design of any device on this list; it really needs to be seen to be believed. It's a great phone in many respects, but the fact that it actually feels like a regular phone when you fold it up is a true game-changer. This is easily the best foldable I've ever used.

Motorola Razr Ultra

Samsung's Z Flip 7 has gotten the most attention among foldable fans, but don't count out the premium Razr Ultra.

This smartphone has an incredible battery life, and it lasted over 24 hours in our rundown tests. On top of that, it starts with 512GB of storage and comes with a Snapdragon processor, unlike the Z Flip 7.

In short, the Razr Ultra feels more like a flagship phone, whereas Samsung's flip phone is a clear step down from the flagship Z Fold 7. The early versions of the foldable Razr had some problems, which we've covered in depth. But the 2025 version fixes these bugs, and it's a satisfying flip-style phone that actually fits in your pocket.

This phone went a long way in convincing our tech editor that foldables are finally ready for the mainstream market; he called it the "unsung hero" of the year.

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Not the most exciting color options, sadly. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

I'm an iPhone guy and probably will be for the rest of time — but if I ever had to move to Android, Google's Pixel line is where I'd go.

The Pixel software is always clean and intuitive, and Google tends to favor Pixel phones when it comes to releasing new Android software features first. Then there's the fact that they have some of the best cameras in the business.

Most of that remained true with the Pixel 10 Pro this year. It delivered amazing photos (at least during the daytime) and some of its new AI features, like Daily Hub, can be useful. Google didn't do much tweaking to Pixel this year, but it didn't need much.

iPhone 16e

It's a blend of old and new. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For years, Apple's mid-range iPhone was the iPhone SE. These were generally pretty good devices, and in particular, they appeased folks who yearned for the physical home button.

Unfortunately, Apple never got into the habit of releasing new SE models annually, and the line was sent out to pasture.

The good news is that Apple didn't give up on mid-range iPhones entirely. The iPhone 16e is the first in what we expect to be an annual line of cheap-ish iPhones, and while its $599 starting price is a bit on the high end for a mid-range device, the phone itself is great.

For far less than the price of a flagship iPhone, you get a nice A18 chip for quality performance, outstanding battery life, and all of the current Apple Intelligence features you could ask for. Hopefully Apple keeps up the momentum and eventually gets the iPhone e-series up to par with the next phone on this list.

Google Pixel 9a

Nice color. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Google's Pixel A-series has been its budget-friendly standard bearer for years, and the Pixel 9a was no different. Aside from a somewhat dull redesign, this $499 handset is almost as good as the regular Pixel 9.

All the AI features are here, the cameras aren't bad, the battery lasts a long time, and you can get it in pink. As a budget phone, it doesn't bring any new features to the table, but the fact that you don't really miss out on much from the regular Pixel 9 is a great selling point in itself.

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Sadly, we didn't get the orange one. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

No, we were not going to end this list without talking about 2025's new flagship iPhone. You can breathe easy.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse. You can get up to 2TB of onboard storage, it has some of the best smartphone cameras money can buy, and you will never have any concerns about performance thanks to powerful internal hardware.

Oh, and the battery is pretty great too; we noted as much as 39 hours of battery life when it comes to video playback. It's not a cheap phone, but if you can afford it, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth the investment.

Apple releases iOS 26.2, and new Edge Light tool. Heres how to try all the OS updates.

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:02:39 +0000

Apple released new updates to its core operating systems today, with the 26.2 versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS available now.

As expected, the iPhone update iOS 26.2 is getting the most attention. Apple's official description of the update says it offers "enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone."

How to update to iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2

Apple makes this process pretty simple; if you have automatic updates enabled, your device may already be updated to the new OS.

To manually update, go to your device's settings, tap or click on "General," and then "Software Update." From there, you'll see options to update immediately or later in the evening while you're asleep.

What's new with iOS 26.2?

The beta of this update has been available since November, so there may not be surprises if you follow all of the latest beta developments and bug fixes. But if you don't (and why would you?), here are the key updates:

Your "Favorite Songs" playlist will appear in "Top Picks" on the Apple Music home tab
Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music
Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts
New filters in the Games library
Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass
Enhanced safety alerts
AirDrop verification codes when connecting with unknown contacts
New navigation options in Apple News
A new accessibility setting that makes the screen flash when you receive a notification

What's new with iPadOS 26.2?

The release notes for iPadOS 26.2 highlight 17 changes and bug fixes. The update "enhances the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26 with familiar drag and drop gestures for tiling app windows and creating a Slide Over window," as well as enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, and essential security updates.

Most of the key changes are the same as with iOS:

Multitasking gestures to quickly tile windows or place an app in Slide Over by dragging app icons from the Dock
New drag and drop gestures for the iPad windowing system
Your "Favorite Songs" playlist will appear in "Top Picks" on the Apple Music home tab
Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music
Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts
New filters in the Games library
Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass

What's new with macOS 26.2?

The new Edge Light feature in macOS 26.2. Credit: Apple

MacOS introduces one of the most notable changes with this round of updates — a new video calling feature called Edge Light.

"Edge Light simulates a ring light by illuminating the borders of your screen, providing a pleasing fill light when you make a video call in low light. And to ensure that you always have access to your content, the effect automatically recedes from the area around your mouse pointer...Edge Light works best in low-light conditions, such as dim indoor lighting at night. You can combine it with any of the other effects."

Google is bringing Gemini live translation to your headphones (unless youre using an iPhone, of course)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:26:26 +0000

Google just made whatever pair of headphones you own a bit more useful.

As part of a broader expansion of Google Translate, the company is rolling out a beta for live language translation using headphones, Google announced in a blog post. Google says the feature supports more than 70 languages and, most importantly, works with "any pair of headphones," presumably provided that they have a microphone on them in some capacity.

"We’re bringing Gemini’s most powerful translation capabilities to Google Translate for text, launching a beta experience for live speech-to-speech translations with headphones, and adding new languages to the app for practice and skill building," the blog post reads.

And according to Google VP of product and search Rose Yao, Gemini doesn't just translate each word you hear; it provides meaningful translation to capture the meaning and intent of the speaker.

"Say you’re trying to translate an English idiom like 'stealing my thunder.' Now, it's easier than ever to get a more natural, accurate translation, instead of a literal word-for-word translation. Gemini parses the context to give you a helpful translation that captures what the idiom really means," Yao wrote in a blog post.

You can try the new live translation feature by opening the Google Translate mobile app with your headphones paired and tapping the "Live translate" button.

Apple got a lot of press when it introduced live translation with AirPods at the September iPhone event, and previously, this Google Translate feature was only available for users with Pixel Buds, the company's wireless earbuds. Now that Android users can use live translation on their preferred headphones or buds, Google has taken a big step closer to universal live translation.

But, as I said, this is a beta, so it's not fully cooked yet. As such, it's only available in the U.S., Mexico, and India right now, and crucially, only Android users have access at the moment. Google says the feature will come to iOS in 2026, but for now, iPhone users are stuck with Apple's more limited live translation.

Large-language models like ChatGPT and Gemini often excel at language translation, and live translation is one of the more promising use cases for the technology.

Motorola might announce a book-style foldable phone at CES 2026

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:54:43 +0000

Motorola already has a foldable on the market with the revived Razr, a flip phone-style foldable, but rumor has it the mobile company has more coming soon.

Motorola sent a physical invite to Android Central in the mail that heavily suggests a book-style foldable, perhaps similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series (and eventually the long-rumored iPhone Fold), will debut at CES 2026 in January.

The big tells in the package are a small folding book with a wooden finish (the Motorola Razr Ultra was available with a wood finish as well), and a card that rather unsubtly says "We're getting ready to unfold new perspectives at Lenovo Tech World," which is a CES-adjacent showcase on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas.

There isn't much more to the invite than that, but it's still enough to make the mind wander a bit.

Motorola has been steadily releasing clamshell-style Razr foldables for a few years now, but it has yet to dip into the Z Fold-esque world of book-style foldables. Both kinds of devices fill different market niches, so it makes sense that Motorola would want to expand its customer base.

We're only a few weeks away from finding out, at any rate.

Android now lets you share live video on emergency calls

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:30:52 +0000

Android users can now share live video of their environment while reaching out for emergency services, providing more context and assistance in potentially dire situations.

Launched on Wednesday, Emergency Live Video on Android lets emergency dispatchers request a live video feed while talking to a person who may be in danger. When initiated, callers are prompted with a single-tap button on their screen, which then provides a live video feed to dispatchers who can assess the environment or provide more specific medical assistance, like CPR instructions.

A Google blog post states that the resource works for both emergency calls and texts, and the footage is encrypted by default. The company also says it is looking to partner with global public safety organizations to expand the feature's reach.

Google has launched a variety of emergency safety features across its Android devices, including crash and fall detection, Emergency SOS, and satellite-based services. With the most recent Android 16, Google also added new accessibility features, parental controls, and the ability to mark communications as urgent.

Emergency Live Video has already rolled out to U.S. devices and emergency service calls in select regions of Germany and Mexico. In order to use the feature, devices must be running Android 8+ with Google Play services.

The nanophone might be the tiniest $89.97 tech stocking stuffer this year

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The NanoPhone is now more than 50% off at $89.97.

Credit: NanoPhone

NanoPhone

$89.97
$199.99 Save $110.02

Smartphone makers can’t seem to agree on what the “right” size is anymore. Not long ago, the industry was racing to make phones as small as possible. Now, many models are creeping into tablet territory. If you’d rather cut the bulk and carry something genuinely compact, the NanoPhone is one of the smallest fully functional smartphones currently on the market.

Right now, it’s on sale for $89.97 (reg. $199.99) through Dec. 21, with orders placed by Dec. 14 arriving in time for Christmas.

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True to its name, the NanoPhone is nearly as small as the iPod Nano of yesteryear. Despite its size, it still handles core smartphone tasks. It supports clear voice calls and video chats through 4G and Wi-Fi, with a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. It runs on Android 10, so the interface will feel familiar, and it supports web browsing, video streaming, and commonly used apps such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

The NanoPhone also features dual SIM support, allowing you to stay connected to two numbers at the same time. Despite its small size, it’s built to handle daily use and works well as a backup phone, travel device, workout companion, or emergency handset. Its lightweight design makes it easy to keep on hand without adding noticeable bulk.

Instead of replacing your primary smartphone, the NanoPhone works best as a compact secondary device for situations when carrying a full-size phone isn’t ideal.

The NanoPhone is on sale for $89.97 through Dec. 21. To ensure delivery before Christmas, orders should be placed by Dec. 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Foldable iPhone rumors: Everything weve heard so far

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:08:49 +0000

The long-awaited foldable iPhone — rumored to be called the iPhone Fold — could be here soon.

Tech enthusiasts and early adopters already love foldable phones — and they have plenty of options — but Apple's been notably absent from the genre. But that's reportedly due to change in 2026, when Apple is expected to release the iPhone Fold. Here's everything we know about the future addition to the iPhone lineup, including the latest rumors and pricing information.

When will the iPhone Fold be released?

We think the iPhone Fold is coming in 2026. Chinese site UDN (via MacRumors) reported last month that the phone was coming next year and that it would, indeed, be called the iPhone Fold. That's far from a guarantee, but as Mashable's Stan Schroeder wrote, it is a bit of comfort for Apple fans who'd seen other reports that it could be pushed to 2027.

That's also in line with new rumors that hit the internet this week, suggesting Apple had purchased about 11 million OLED panels from Samsung Display — a much higher than expected figure — for its new foldable. That bit of rumored news could be misleading, however, because the original report — from a Korean site called ET News — has since been deleted.

How much will the iPhone Fold cost, and will people buy it?

The iPhone Fold is likely to be expensive. A recent estimate from research analyst Arthur Liao suggested the price tag for the Fold — gulp — could come in around $2,399. That's in line with expectations in a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC). I

Despite the sizable cost (the flagship Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at $1,999.99), sales expectations remain high. The IDC report estimated Apple would siphon one-third of the spending in the foldable market in 2026.

"But the real game-changer for the category comes at year-end when Apple enters the foldable space, projected to capture over 22% unit share and a staggering 34% of the foldables market value in its first year, thanks to an expected average price point of $2,400,” read the report.

What will the iPhone Fold specs look like?

The iPhone Fold remains a mystery to some extent, of course, but we do have a very rough idea of what it could offer. The report from UDN noted the iPhone Fold could be creaseless, which means you wouldn't see that awkward line when it was folded open.

In August, Mashable also reported on predictions from Apple reporter Mark Gurman, who said that the foldable iPhone would be a book-style foldable with four cameras — two on the back, one on the inside, and one front selfie camera. Gurman also predicted it would use Touch ID, even though iPhones typically use Face ID.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported earlier this year that the iPhone Fold would have a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer display, and measure in at just 9 to 9.5mm of thickness. We heard another rumor in September, which claimed the iPhone Fold would look like two iPhone Airs put together, with a similar thickness of 5.6mm. Why the discrepancy between the two reports? It could be the difference between the device's thickness when folded and unfolded.

Mashable's Alex Perry also compared the potential specs of the iPhone Fold with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, which we know a lot more about. Obviously, the Samsung trifold will be larger and thicker than the iPhone Fold. Otherwise, we're still waiting on official details. But if recent rumors prove true, the wait shouldn't be too much longer.

Trying to curb your screen time? The Brick is 20% off in a rare deal for the holidays.

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:12:29 +0000

SAVE $11.80: The Brick is on sale for just $47.20 as of Dec. 10. That's 20% off its usual price of $59, a discount normally reserved for students.

Credit: Brick

The Brick

$47.20 at getbrick.app
$59 Save $11.80

I live in Chicago — which is to say, I know how depressing winters can be. An infinite, dopamine-inducing TikTok FYP or Instagram Reels feed becomes a salve when the sun starts setting at 4 p.m., and before you know it, your daily screen time numbers are hitting the double digits. If you're having trouble breaking free from your smartphone's clutches, allow me to introduce you to the Brick.

The Brick is a palm-sized device that blocks certain apps until you tap your phone to it. It creates a physical separation between you and your restricted apps — you actually have to get up and go to the device to unlock them — so it's more difficult to bypass than digital screen time tools. After using it for a few months, Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino found that it cut her screen time in half.

"With all my most distracting apps blocked, I'm finally bored again," said Mangino. "When I have some downtime, rather than defaulting to scrolling, it motivates me to spend more time reading or finally tackle those errands I've been putting off."

The Brick is normally 20% off year-round for students, but right now, that discount is open to everyone for the holidays. It's usually priced at $59, but you'll pay just $47.20.

Note that shipping is free if you buy two Bricks (otherwise it's $7.99) — one for you and one for someone on your holiday shopping list. It makes a great stocking stuffer or gift idea under $50 for any TikTok junkies you know.

Apple AirTag rivals from Motorola, Xiaomi expected soon

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:44:01 +0000

Apple's AirTags might be synonymous with GPS tracking devices, but there's about to be some new competition in town.

Specifically, Motorola and the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi are said to be working on new location trackers to compete with AirTags. This information comes from a pair of different reports. For Xiaomi, all we know right now is the name "Xiaomi Tag," which comes from a Weibo post courtesy of tech leaker Repeater 002. There is, unfortunately, no other information in the post, but this would be Xiaomi's first location tracking device.

As for Motorola, that company already has something called the Moto Tag. However, Android Headlines got the first marketing image of an unannounced Moto Tag 2, with a similar circular design to the first one and two new colors: orange and beige. Android Headlines said to expect a more precise tracker, probably with better battery life than the original.

It's not yet known when either of these devices will launch, but it sure seems like they're both happening.

Switching between Android and iOS is about to get easier

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:32:05 +0000

Apple and Google are working together to make it easier for customers to switch ecosystems.

The newest Android Canary build (basically a beta) started planting the seeds for easier device switching, according to 9to5google. Apple and Google told 9to5google that a quicker transfer process will be available during the new device setup phase after you buy a phone. At some point, this will be baked into both Android and iOS after future software updates to both platforms.

Unfortunately, it's not super clear what, specifically, this means just yet. 9to5google said these updates will support transfer of additional data types between phones, but we'll probably need to be much closer to launch before we know what all of that will entail. Both platforms have officially supported data transfer apps you can download right now, but it sounds like the end goal might be to make all of that magic happen right when you turn on a new phone for the first time.

That would certainly be convenient, and would probably lessen the drama of going between Android and iOS.

Four Apple product launches to expect in the near future

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:36:49 +0000

Apple's next big iPhone launch is still almost a year away, but there's plenty to look forward to between now and then.

Cupertino's finest are cooking up a bunch of rumored new products that are said to be launching in the first half of 2026. From new MacBooks and iPads to a new budget(-ish) iPhone, you may want to start saving up now. Here's what we can expect from Apple in the next few months.

iPhone 17e

Last year, Apple rebranded its budget-friendly iPhone SE line to the iPhone e-series with the launch of the iPhone 16e. It offered flagship-like specs in certain respects, but at a more affordable price, even if it wasn't quite as affordable as the old SE phones were.

Rumor has it that Apple wants to annualize the e-series phones, like how Google does with its Pixel A-series lineup. That means we'll most likely get a new iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026. Prominent leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo posted some information about the phone back in August. It will reportedly include a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, the latest-generation A19 chip, and Dynamic Island support, among other things like camera upgrades.

We'll see how much it costs, but this could be a great option for people who want all the newest iPhone software features without shelling out for the most expensive model.

A new budget MacBook

One of the most intriguing devices on this list is a new budget-friendly MacBook laptop, set for launch in the early part of next year, per 9to5Mac. It'll reportedly be powered by an older A18 chip instead of a more intensive (and expensive) M-series chip. The device will also allegedly cost somewhere around $599 or $699, making it by far the cheapest MacBook available. All of the other ones are $1,000 or more.

This could be Apple's entry into the Chromebook tier of the laptop market, and it would be a welcome one, especially for someone like me. My MacBook Air is on its last legs, so a replacement may be in order. I imagine there are other people out there in the same position.

New big boy MacBooks

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a noted Apple prognosticator, reported in his Power On newsletter a while back that Apple is working on two new higher-cost MacBooks, as well. According to Gurman, we'll get a new M5 version of the MacBook Air, as well as MacBook Pro laptops with more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips inside of them.

These will almost certainly be very capable and powerful devices. Unfortunately, they'll probably also cost a lot more than $599.

An A18 iPad

Lastly, iPad fans have something to look forward to in early 2026.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, in a note seen by 9to5Mac, a new entry-level iPad with an A18 chip inside of it is coming in the next few months. Sadly, the A18 part is the only concrete info we have about the device right now. It sounds like it'll mostly entail internal spec upgrades rather than a wholesale hardware redesign. The new chip should enable Apple Intelligence support, though, if that helps.

Samsung launches One UI 8.5 public beta. How to download it.

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:18:01 +0000

Samsung’s One UI 8.5 public beta program is finally rolling out, several outlets have confirmed, giving Galaxy S25 users their first real taste of the new features and upgrades headed for a wider release.

Those additions include a visual refresh, expanded customization options, new AI-powered tools, and deeper cross-device connectivity. As reported, the public beta is currently available only to Galaxy S25 series users in South Korea, the U.S., the UK, Germany, India, and Poland.

So what’s actually new in the public beta? Expect updated Galaxy AI features — including enhanced image-generation tools — along with improved cross-device integration, such as storage sharing between Samsung devices and faster Smart View access. Auracast also receives a boost, with easier listening and broadcasting controls available through a new Audio Broadcast menu in Settings.

Battery and performance also see meaningful improvements, thanks to redesigned power management tools. For personalization lovers, One UI 8.5 introduces more freedom across the Quick panel, lock screen, widgets, and icons. Privacy and security are also enhanced with new anti-theft protections.

How to download One UI 8.5 public data

Getting in on the action is straightforward: simply enroll in the beta program through the Samsung Members app. Make sure the app is installed, log in, and look for the “One UI Beta Program” banner or card on the homepage. Tap to enroll, and you’re in.

After that, head to Settings > Software update > Download and install to pull the beta build and start exploring One UI 8.5 for yourself.

The 8-in-1 EDC is the gift they didn’t see coming — and it’s just $20

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: A compact 8-in-1 keyring GoCable that charges fast, organizes neatly, and solves everyday tech moments — on sale for the holidays for just $19.97 (MSRP $49.99).

Credit: GoCable

GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable

$19.97
$49.99 Save $30.02

There are gifts people expect — socks, candles, yet another travel mug — and then there are the ones that quietly earn a permanent spot in someone’s daily routine. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable falls squarely into the second category. It’s the kind of practical, tech-forward surprise that makes people say, “Wait … this does that too?”

At first glance, GoCable looks like a sleek little keyring accessory. But once you start using it, it quickly proves it’s more than just a charging cable.

Designed as an everyday carry essential, it combines ultra-fast charging with genuinely useful built-in tools, all wrapped in a compact, tangle-free design that clips neatly onto a bag, belt loop, or keychain.

With 100W charging capabilities (when paired with a compatible power source), GoCable can power everything from phones and tablets to laptops, drones, and cameras.

Universal connectors mean you’re covered whether you’re using USB-C or Apple’s Lightning — no more digging through tangled cords or carrying three different cables just in case.

What makes it especially satisfying, though, are the thoughtful extras. An LED power display shows your real-time charging status. The magnetic wrap keeps things neat and frustration-free. There’s even a built-in bottle opener and a safe-proof cutter for impromptu moments like opening a package on the fly or cracking a drink at a picnic.

With on-time holiday shipping available through Dec. 14, the GoCable makes for an unexpected but incredibly useful gift — especially for travelers, creators, commuters, and anyone who lives even slightly tethered to their devices.

Priced at $19.97 (MSRP $49.99) for a limited time, the GoCable is a gift that feels both smart and genuinely helpful — grab it while stock is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

New Android malware threat can wipe your bank account

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:41:40 +0000

Android users, be careful about where your apps come from.

That's because there's a new and very sinister-sounding kind of malware going around on Google's mobile OS, according to the fraud prevention experts at Cleafy (per Android Authority). Called Albiriox, the malware has been known to infect users' devices, giving bad-faith actors full remote control over the device, at which point they drain the device owner's bank accounts without even needing a password.

Cleafy goes into the nitty-gritty technical details on how this all works, but a basic summary is that the malware is being hidden in fake (but real-looking) Google Play Store download pages for financial apps on external sites. If you hit the download button on one of these pages, which, again, are not actually in the Play Store proper, you may be letting the malware onto your device. From there, it covertly enables the "install unknown apps" permission in the device settings, at which point the really bad stuff gets installed on your device.

From there, the bad actors can fully, remotely control your device without you noticing, performing actions like swipes and clicks from wherever they are. At that point, the hard part is over, and they can get to draining your bank account. It sounds like the best way to avoid this is to simply not download any weird financial apps from places that aren't the Play Store. If you stick to downloading apps straight from the Play Store app, you should be fine.

That said, even apps on the official Apple App Store and Google Play Store can contain malware, as we've reported previously. Last month, we reported on six malicious Android apps that were recording user data, including WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and even background audio.

Snag a Google Pixel 10 for its lowest price yet

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:41:05 +0000

SAVE $200: As of Dec. 5, get the Google Pixel 10 (Unlocked, 256GB) for $699 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's a discount of 22% and the lowest price we've seen.

Credit: Amazon

Google Pixel 10 (Unlocked, 256GB)

$699 at Amazon
$899 Save $200

The new year is almost upon us, and that means it's time to start making good on all the resolutions you have planned. If that includes getting a new smartphone, we've got one that can help you kick off the year on a great foot with some awesome new tech that you'll actually want to pick up.

As of Dec. 5, get the Google Pixel 10 (Unlocked, 256GB) for $699 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's $200 off and a discount of 22%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

The Pixel 10 isn't even six months old, and it's getting this significant discount. It's a great phone for beginners and power users alike, with a Tensor G5 chip that can power plenty of AI features, the same as the Pro, for less money. It isn't as robust as the Pro, but it's still got everything else going for it as an upgrade from the Pixel 9.

That includes a third rear telephoto camera lens, a better processor, and improved battery. It also boasts a gorgeous 6.2-inch display with plenty of ways to edit your photos and a range of other fun options that make it a good candidate for your new daily driver phone.

All this, and you get a still-new phone for $200 off, which is the lowest price you're likely to see this phone for in the coming months. Best to get it while it's hot if you're thinking about switching.

The tiny smartphone that somehow does it all is on sale for $85

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The NanoPhone is a credit-card-sized smartphone that’s surprisingly practical and undeniably fun — perfect as a quirky tech gift while the limited-time $84.97 offer lasts.

Credit: NanoPhone

NanoPhone

$84.97
$199.99 Save $115.02

Shopping for someone who loves quirky tech and clever gadgets? Or maybe you’re just craving something delightfully different for yourself. Either way, the NanoPhone might be one of the most unexpectedly fun finds of this holiday season.

At first glance, it looks almost impossible: a fully functional smartphone that’s about the size of a credit card. But NanoPhone isn’t just a novelty — it’s a surprisingly capable mini device that handles calls, texts, apps, video chats, and browsing, all while fitting comfortably in the smallest pockets, bags, or even your palm.

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Running on Android 10, this tiny powerhouse supports Dual SIM, 4G connectivity, and Wi-Fi, allowing users to stay connected on the go without relying on bulky devices.

You can scroll Instagram, check WhatsApp, watch YouTube videos, or hop on a quick video call — all from a phone that weighs just 2.8 ounces.

Where NanoPhone really shines is in real-life convenience. It makes an excellent emergency backup phone for travel, festivals, or outdoor adventures where carrying a full-sized smartphone feels unnecessary or risky.

It’s also perfect for parents who want a basic connected device for kids, or for anyone who loves the idea of a secondary phone that doesn’t dominate their pocket or attention.

Despite its miniature build, it includes front and rear cameras for capturing quick moments.

And yes — it’s genuinely fun. The kind of gadget people want to pick up, inspect, and immediately say, “Wait, this is real?”

The NanoPhone is available for just $84.97 (MSRP: $199.99), marking a 57% discount with free shipping — but only until Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Last-call on T‑Mobiles Black Friday Apple bundle — get an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch for free

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:49:22 +0000

SAVE UP TO $1,899: Until Dec. 3, T-Mobile has dropped the Ultimate Apple Bundle for Black Friday. The mobile carrier is offering new and existing customers, including businesses, the chance to get the iPhone 17 Pro, iPad (A16), and Apple Watch SE 3 for free.

Credit: Apple

iPhone 17 Pro, iPad (A16), and Apple Watch SE 3 for free with T-Mobile

It's been an incredibly strong start to Black Friday, and T-Mobile is joining in on the seasonal fun with an excellent bundle offer for customers. As of Nov. 26, T-Mobile has dropped an Apple bundle that offers new and existing customers (including businesses) the opportunity to get the iPhone 17 Pro, iPad (A16), and Apple Watch SE 3 for free.

That's not all, though. T-Mobile is also offering a little treat for new 5G Home Internet customers — one month on them via a one-time bill credit. On top of that, you'll get a $300 virtual prepaid Mastercard when you sign up for the All-In plan. This is quite a lot to take in, but it's worth keeping in mind that for each of the Apple devices listed, there's a few prerequisites that we've broken down below per the press release.

iPhone 17 Pro: If you're interested in the iPhone 17 Pro, it's on T-Mobile when you trade in an eligible device in any condition and sign up for the Experience Beyond plan, which is $215 per month. Existing customers on Go5G Next can get the new iPhone via 24 monthly bill credits plus tax. Businesses can also get the iPhone 17 Pro on T-Mobile without a trade-in when switching a line to T-Mobile on the SuperMobile plan, or trading in an eligible device and switching a line to the ProMobile or SuperMobile plan, via 24 monthly bill credits plus tax.
iPad (A16): You can score the iPad on T-Mobile by adding a tablet line on a qualifying plan, via 36 monthly bill credits including tax.
Apple Watch SE 3: Similar to the iPad, you can score the Apple Watch SE 3 on T-Mobile by adding a watch line to a plan, via 36 monthly bill credits plus tax.

This is an excellent way to set you up with some of Apple's sleek new tech ahead of the holidays. Don't miss out on T-Mobile's Apple bundle during Black Friday 2025. And if you just can't get enough of Apple deals right now, there's even more to look at in our overall breakdown of the 30+ best Black Friday Apple deals.

More Black Friday-Cyber Monday Apple deals still live

Some of the best Black Friday deals on Apple products are still live. So, if you're not interested in switching to T-Mobile, here are the best offers on iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks.

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

$99 at Amazon
$179 Save $80

Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Pro, 14.2 inches (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$1,349 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $250

Lowest price ever 🔥

Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Air, 13 inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$749 at Amazon
$999 Save $250

Credit: Apple

Apple AirTags (4-Pack)

$74.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $24.01

Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)

$329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70

Lowest price ever 🔥

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad, 11 inches (A16)

$274 at Walmart
$349 Save $75

Lowest price ever 🔥

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad, 10.2 inches (Refurbished)

$179.99 at Amazon

UPDATE: Dec. 3, 2025, 2:47 p.m. EST This article has been updated with additional offers on Apple products.

Everything new in the December Android 16 update: Emoji kitchen, AI notifications, parental controls

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:46:02 +0000

Google launched Android 16 back in June, and with it came a ton of features and updates. Usually, that’s all Google does until the next version, which is expected to be released in beta sometime in January or February 2026. That isn’t the case this time, as Google just announced several new features coming to Android 16 as a sort of mid-cycle refresh for the OS.

As per the norm these days, a sizable percentage of the new features will be powered by AI and leverage Gemini's ability to categorize and summarize data. The rest are extra features coming to apps like Google’s Phone and additional customizations you can use to personalize your phone even more.

Google posted not one, but two blog posts about what’s coming up, so you know it’s going to be good. To save you some clicks, here’s everything coming in the next feature-packed Android 16 update. The December Android 16 update should roll out to Pixel devices starting today (Tuesday, Nov. 2), with other Android devices getting the updates when their OEMs get around to it.

Now, Gemini can help make sense of your notifications. Credit: Google

AI can manage your notifications

Two of the big changes are coming to notifications. The first one is pretty simple. Google will allow AI to summarize long notifications (such as multiple messages in a group text) into a short summary to let you know what happened when you were away. These summaries can take several texts and sum them up in a sentence or two, making them easier to scan through while checking them quickly. It seems as though this is specifically targeted at group chats with lots of messages, but it may work with other types of messages as well.

Credit: Google

The other big notification change is an organizer function. This is vaguely similar to how Gmail filters messages and looks about the same in practice. Your various notifications will be categorized into things like News, Promotions, and others, thus letting you check your notifications as you please based on what kind of stuff you want to see. It’s a small change, but as a writer who gets probably 55 emails a day, this is going to be an awesome feature for me.

Let your loved ones know its urgent. Credit: Google

Mark your calls as urgent

Cell phones make phone calls, and although that isn’t what people use them for most often these days, Google still wants to make the experience as good as possible. One of the new features is the ability to mark a phone call as urgent when you place the call to communicate to the other person that this isn’t an everyday catch-up call and that they need to answer the phone.

This feature is rolling out to the Google Phone app. When you place the call, you’ll have an option to mark the call as urgent. The recipient will see that the call is urgent on their end. Even if they miss the call, it’ll be marked as urgent in their call logs, so that they know to call back as soon as they can.

Themed icons and better dark mode

One of the long-awaited and consistently asked for features is the ability to theme icons within Android. This was previously doable with icon packs, but you also needed a custom launcher to use them. Google has finally included at least some custom icon functionality in Android itself, giving users the ability to customize their homescreens further without the need for a ton of additional downloads.

Credit: Google

The themed icons have three main functions. You can customize the icon shapes, and it’ll theme the icons using the same Material 3 Expressive theming that the rest of your phone uses to theme things. This should create a more consistent and minimal icon design, giving the end user more control over how things look.

As an aside, Google also mentioned an expanded dark mode that will work on apps that don’t have a dark mode built into them already. That’s not terribly common these days, as most apps have a dedicated dark mode, but it helps smooth out those rough edges for apps that don’t.

Dip out of unwanted group chats quickly (while reporting them)

Getting pulled into a group chat can be annoying, especially when the group starts acting a fool (or worse, when it’s spam). Google Messages is getting a new feature to remove yourself from such chats as quickly as possible. This function works pretty simply. When you’re pulled into a group chat under certain conditions, like being added from an unknown number, you’ll get the option to leave the group chat straight from the chat itself, while also giving you the opportunity to block and report the number as spam.

Credit: Google

Circle to Search can find spam

Speaking of spam, Google is adding another feature to help you track it down and get rid of it faster. When you receive something that you might suspect to be spam, you can active Google’s Circle to Search function and circle the message. An AI overview will pop up letting you know whether the message is likely legitimate or if it’s definitely spam. If it is spam, you know to delete, block, and report the message so you don’t get it again.

Credit: Google

See emotions in Live Caption video

Live Caption already does a lot for people with hearing loss. Now, Google is expanding this functionality with what it calls Expressive Captions. The idea is pretty simple. Not only will Live Caption write what people are saying, but it will also listen to their tone of voice and show you the emotion with which people are speaking.

Credit: Google

Given that text has no tone intrinsically, it can lead to a variety of communication problems. This solves that problem by making an educated guess based on the context of the video. It likely won’t be 100 percent accurate all the time, as human emotions are complicated, but it’s still a neat idea, especially when video calling with friends.

Better parental controls

Safety and security are usually in the spotlight when it comes to Android releases, and this time is no different. Google has added some new parental controls to the Settings menu, giving parents an easier place to access such controls on a child’s device. The setting is protected by a PIN, so kids can’t easily get into it, allowing parents to configure things on the child’s device without worry that the child will get into it.

Some of the new features in this parental control settings menu will include setting the amount of screen time, scheduling downtime to lock the device for things like sleep, controlling app usage to limit time spent on apps or to block them entirely, and granting additional time if need be. Parents will also have direct links to Google Family Link, where they can set more things like app purchase approvals, location alerts, and more.

Emoji Kitchen and voice dictation in Gboard

The Emoji Kitchen is a neat little idea that lets you create custom emojis by combining two existing emotes, much like that silly Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen song from years ago. This one is pretty simple. It still functions as it did in Google’s Gboard app, but now includes new sticker combinations, including some made for the holiday season.

Look, the little monkeys are hugging each other. Credit: Google

Gboard is also making it easier to use voice dictation in Gboard. The new gesture is a two-finger double-tap, and once engaged, it will let you use voice dictation without hitting the specific microphone button on the keyboard. It’s a little thing, but the motor skill-impaired may find this useful over having to tap a small button on the keyboard. Gemini’s Smart Dictation feature will also let you type and edit text, and even shorten the text for you with the power of AI.

Pin your tabs in Google Chrome

How to pin tabs in Google Chrome Credit: Google

This is exactly what you think it is and works exactly how you think it does. Much like the desktop version, the mobile version of Chrome now lets you pin tabs. These tabs remain even if you clear out the rest of them, allowing you to save important webpages for later. Of course, the bookmarks function also lets you do this, but this is still very useful, especially if you don’t like using bookmarks.

December Android 16 update: More miscellaneous updates

There are plenty of other small things that got looped into the update, and they’re not quite enough for their own sections, so here’s a rapid-fire list of additional small changes.

A shortcut for Live Caption is now available at the bottom of the volume slider.
The “Enhanced HDR brightness” setting now has an intensity slider letting you set it either dimmer or brighter.
Google’s Health Connect now automatically adds steps tracked by your device.
A Pixel Launcher design tweak has increased the size of the microphone, Google Lens, and AI mode icons while adding an extra dash of color.
Widgets make a return to the lock screen. Head to Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen > Widgets on lock screen to use them.
Google has updated its Guided Frames feature in the Pixel camera app to give longer, more detailed explanations when describing what’s in the frame.
Users can also now activate Voice Access by simply asking for it. Say “Hey Google” and then “start Voice Access” instead of hunting it down in the settings.
Fast Pair is extending to hearing aids made by Demant, a conglomerate that includes the brands Oticon, Sonic, and Bernafon.

There are also a host of under-the-hood changes that are aimed primarily at developers. These are too numerous to list, but you can see them yourself (along with any features we missed) on the Android Developers website. Some of them include boilerplate things like improved app performance and better battery life as well.

Android 16 is an update worth having

Despite the fact that this is still the same Android 16 that launched just a few months ago, it feels as much like a new Android update as anything I’ve seen in the last few years. There’s plenty to like here, especially the extra refinements to the design. Notification categories and themed icons win the day in terms of making OS customization and productivity feel more complete, and everything else is just icing on the cake.

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold vs Apple foldable iPhone: Specs and rumors

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:49:15 +0000

Samsung has a new recruit in the foldable trenches, while Apple is set to join them soon.

On Monday, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, an oft-rumored foldable phone with two hinges and a gigantic inner display. It's coming to the U.S. in early 2026, and people are excited. However, Apple is also said to be working on a foldable iPhone, potentially set for launch in 2026, as well.

With that in mind, let's take what we know about both devices and compare them.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold vs. Apple iPhone Fold: Specs

It's like a regular phone! Credit: Samsung

It's worth mentioning that only one of these devices has been officially announced. Therefore, we only have real specs for Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold right now. Here's how they shake out:

10-inch main display with 2160x1584 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
6.5-inch cover display with 2520x1080 resolution and 120Z adaptive refresh rate
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
16GB RAM
512GB/1TB storage
5,600mAh battery
Three rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom

In case you haven't been following the news, the main selling point of Samsung's new device is that it folds twice. It has two hinges that, when unfolded, open up a gargantuan 10-inch display with a 4K-ish resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It's also got a 6.5-inch outer display so you can use it like a regular phone and put it in your pockets, similar to how the single-hinged Galaxy Z Fold 7 works.

Like I said, we unfortunately don't have nearly as much firm information about the rumored iPhone Fold right now. The latest reports suggest that Apple has mastered some kind of "creaseless" design, which would be huge. Recent foldables, such as the ones from Samsung, have made great strides in reducing the visibility of the crease in the unfolded display, but if Apple could truly eliminate that, it would really be onto something. To be clear, this is expected to be a single-hinged device, like most foldables. Some reports have suggested that it will have a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, making it significantly smaller than the Galaxy Z TriFold.

As for cameras, the Galaxy Z TriFold has a fairly standard set of lenses, relative to other Samsung flagships. You get three on the back and one on the front, with highlights including a 200MP main shooter and a telephoto lens on the back. We don't know the exact specs for the iPhone Fold's cameras yet, but it's thought to have four lenses just like the Samsung phone. However, they'll be arranged differently; there will be two on the back and, for reasons that will surely become clear when the device is actually shown, two on the front.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold vs. Apple iPhone Fold: Everything else we know, or don't know

Sadly, that's about all we have on both phones in terms of hard information. Samsung's device doesn't have a firm U.S. release date or price yet. One recent report suggested the iPhone Fold could cost as much as $2,399, which would be a lot, even for a foldable.

One thing we do know about Samsung's foldable is that it's thin, like the other phones Samsung launched in 2025. Samsung says it measures in at just 4.2mm of thickness when unfolded. One recent report said the iPhone Fold will resemble two iPhone Airs strapped together, so expect that device to be thin, as well.

If you're excited about the Galaxy Z TriFold, you have only a few months of waiting left. If you're excited about the iPhone Fold, well...patience is a virtue.

Samsung finally makes the Galaxy Z TriFold official, announces U.S. release window

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000

Samsung is on a bit of a hot streak with foldables, so why not launch another one?

That seems to be the philosophy for the Korean tech giant, as Samsung just announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, a massive-looking flagship foldable with not one, but two hinges. It's designed to fold inwardly, so as to protect the gigantic main display. Samsung says there will be a series of alerts and vibrations letting users know when they're not folding it correctly, too. That makes sense, given that this is going to be a completely new form factor for a large majority of users.

Even better, you won't have to wait long to try it out. Samsung says it will launch in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026. The company did not provide a price at this time.

Big phone. Credit: Samsung

Here are the basic specs for the Galaxy Z TriFold:

10-inch main display with 2160x1584 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
6.5-inch cover display with 2520x1080 resolution and 120Z adaptive refresh rate
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
16GB RAM
512GB/1TB storage
5,600mAh battery
Three rear cameras: 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom

From the press release and the handful of photos Samsung provided, this looks fairly similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, except bigger and with an extra hinge. It still has a large outer display, so you can use it like a normal phone without having to unfold it, but when you do unfold it, you'll be treated to a massive inner display. One of the things that made the Z Fold 7 so great was how thin it was, coming in at just 4.2mm of thickness when unfolded. Astonishingly, Samsung says the Z TriFold is just 3.9mm at its thinnest point, so Samsung seems to be prioritizing that with this phone, as well.

It comes with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and a very large 5,600mAh battery, too. Samsung says you can multitask with three apps open at the same time, with all of them functionally being sized the same as they would be on a regular 6.5-inch mobile display. All of Samsung's AI features are here, too, as is Gemini Live support.

There will surely be more information to come as we approach the eventual U.S. release date. This phone has been speculated about for months, with rumors pointing to a 2025 launch as recently as September. Those turned out to be true; the phone will launch in Korea in December, with the U.S. launch coming later. If you've been on the fence about foldables because their displays just haven't been big enough for you yet, this might be the one to consider.

Wait, is T-Mobiles free iPhone 17 Pro, iPad, and Apple Watch bundle as good as it sounds?

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:24:16 +0000

T-MOBILE IPHONE DEAL: New and existing customers can score a free iPhone 17 Pro, an iPad, and an Apple Watch SE 3 with the "Ultimate Apple Bundle," saving up to $2,000, in theory. We checked the fine print to see if this deal is as legit as it sounds.

Credit: Apple

T-Mobile 'Ultimate Apple Bundle'

Score a free iPhone 17 Pro, an A16 iPad, and an Apple Watch SE 3 (saving up to $2,000) when you trade in an eligible device and activate three service lines on a premium T-Mobile plan.

T-Mobile is closing out Cyber Monday with a deal that looks frankly ridiculous: the chance to get the iPhone 17 Pro (starting at $1,099), an A16 iPad (starting at $499.99), and an Apple Watch SE 3 (starting at $299.99) for free. For new and existing customers, this "Ultimate Apple Bundle" is a quick and easy way to upgrade your entire personal tech lineup (even if you don't have the cash on hand).

So, what's the catch? After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch — or iPhone — right?

Per the fine print, you can get this deal by trading in a device and activating three required service lines on a premium T-Mobile plan. Let's break it down.

How to get the Ultimate Apple Bundle at T-Mobile

Now, while this is a kick ass deal, the savings come with a major commitment. To qualify for the iPhone 17 Pro, you'll need to trade in an eligible device (even a damaged one is fine) and sign up for T-Mobile’s premium Experience Beyond phone plan (starting at $100+ per month with AutoPay). You'll also need to add two new service lines: one for the iPad A16 mobile internet line and one for the Apple Watch SE 3 wearable service. And, of course, there's a full sales tax on the pre-credit price of the devices due upfront, plus a $35 connection charge per device.

The total discount is delivered via bill credits stretched out over two to three years (24 months for the phone, 36 for the accessories), meaning you have to keep all those lines active and in good standing to receive the full savings. If you cancel your account early, the credits stop, and you'll be responsible for paying the full amount due.

The bottom line is this: This is an awesome deal for anyone who's already planning to trade in their phone or switch to T-Mobile (and wants the absolute latest Apple hardware without paying upfront). If you were only looking for a cheap phone deal, this commitment is probably overkill, but for the right customer, it's one of the best deals of 2025.

New Google Pixel feature could let your employer see your messages

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:10:44 +0000

If you use a company-owned Google Pixel phone, be careful what you say on it.

That should be common sense with any work-provided device, but in case it wasn't, it will be now. That's because Google has introduced the ability for third-party archival apps to track RCS messages (Pixel's version of text messages) that are sent, received, edited, or deleted on "fully managed" phones, per a Google blog post. The idea is to let employers comply with legal discovery, FOIA requests, and other things like that.

According to Google, older methods of message retrieval required working with mobile carriers, which is apparently difficult to do with the way RCS messages are encrypted from end-to-end. Google says that this new form of archival still retains end-to-end encryption because all of the archival is done on the device itself, but your employer will be able to see anything you say in RCS messages if they choose to turn this feature on. It will allegedly be a fully transparent process, with the employee being notified that their messages are being archived on their end, as well.

To be clear, it seems like this only applies to text messages sent using RCS through the default Messages app. As far as I can tell, this may not apply to other encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp. Still, just to be safe, you shouldn't say anything you wouldn't want your employer to see on an employer-managed device.

The best Black Friday deals on unlocked phones: Save on Google, Samsung, Motorola, and more

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:57:14 +0000

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deals at a glance

Best Google Pixel deal

Google Pixel 10 (256GB)

$699 (save $200)

Best Samsung deal

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

$1,599.99 (save $200)

Best Motorola Deal

Motorola Moto G Stylus

$284.99 (save $115)

If you've been limping along with a sad phone that will no longer hold a charge, it's time to make the upgrade. Even if you try to limit the amount of time spent looking at your phone, it's a necessary piece of tech these days. An unlocked phone allow you the ability switch plans, carriers, or swap to a new phone if you'd like. Plus, they're excellent for installing an e-sim for international travel.

While Black Friday isn't officially here yet, the major retailers aren't waiting and they're packed with great deals on unlocked phones. Options include basic budget models that are perfect for kids or anyone who doesn't need fancy features. Or you can go with some of the latest and best designs. Keep in mind iPhones tend to be the exception here, and it's not common to find a great deal on an unlocked iPhone. Carriers tend to offer the best value for those.

Before we fill up on pie later this week, shop these unlocked phone deals before they disappear.

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deal

Credit: Google

Google Pixel 10

$699 at Amazon
$899 Save $200

Why we like it

Google's lineup of Pixel phones rarely disappoints. Instead, they offer a great value for those aren't tied to iOS. The Pixel 10 comes with all the essentials we've come to love about Pixel phones like solid battery life, a bright display, and a telephoto camera lens. In Mashable's review of the Pixel 10, Tech Reporter Alex Perry noted it's a great upgrade if you current phone needs an update and he was able to get about 26 hours of life before it asked for a recharge, not including time spent sleeping. The $699 sale price applies to the 256GB version, which is $200 off and matches the record-low. But you can also go with less storage and spend $599 on the 128GB Pixel 10 which is also $200 off the normal.

More unlocked phones on sale for Black Friday

Motorola Moto G (128GB) — $149.99 ~~$199.99~~ (save $50)
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER (128GB) — $169.99 ~~$249.99~~ (save $80)
Motorola Razr 2024 (256GB) — $399.99 ~~$699.99~~ (save $300)
Samsung Galaxy S25 (128GB) — $674.99 ~~$799.99~~ (save $125)
Google Pixel 9 (128GB) — $499 ~~$799~~ (save $300)
Nothing Phone (3) (256GB) — $639 ~~$799~~ (save $200)
OnePlus 13 (512GB) — $799.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $160)
Motorola Razr Ultra (512GB) — $884.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $415)
Samsung Galaxy S25+ (512GB) — $940.79 ~~$1,119.99~~ (save $179.20)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) — $949.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $350)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (512GB) — $1,019.99 ~~$1,219.99~~ (save $200)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) — $1,057.91 ~~$1,419.99~~ (save $362.08)

The best Black Friday deals on unlocked phones

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:16:40 +0000

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deals at a glance

Best Google Pixel deal

Google Pixel 10 (256GB)

$699 (save $200)

Best Samsung deal

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

$1,599.99 (save $200)

Best Motorola Deal

Motorola Moto G Stylus

$284.99 (save $115)

Before we fill up on pie later this week, shop these unlocked phone deals before they disappear.

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deal

Credit: Google

Google Pixel 10

$699 at Amazon
$899 Save $200

Why we like it

More unlocked phones on sale for Black Friday

Motorola Moto G (128GB) — $149.99 ~~$199.99~~ (save $50)
TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER (128GB) — $169.99 ~~$249.99~~ (save $80)
Motorola Razr 2024 (256GB) — $399.99 ~~$699.99~~ (save $300)
Samsung Galaxy S25 (128GB) — $674.99 ~~$799.99~~ (save $125)
Google Pixel 9 (128GB) — $499 ~~$799~~ (save $300)
Nothing Phone (3) (256GB) — $639 ~~$799~~ (save $200)
OnePlus 13 (512GB) — $799.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $160)
Motorola Razr Ultra (512GB) — $884.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $415)
Samsung Galaxy S25+ (512GB) — $940.79 ~~$1,119.99~~ (save $179.20)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) — $949.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $350)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (512GB) — $1,019.99 ~~$1,219.99~~ (save $200)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) — $1,057.91 ~~$1,419.99~~ (save $362.08)

Apple iOS 27: Everything we know so far

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:57:13 +0000

Apple just launched iOS 26 a couple of months ago, but we're already starting to hear things about iOS 27.

The operating system for iPhones will get another big update in 2026, as it always does. It might be a ways off, but that doesn't mean we can't start talking about it now. Here is everything we know about iOS 27 so far.

iOS 27: Announcement and release dates

Apple always outlines the next iteration of iOS at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which is typically held in June of every year. As of right now, there is no reason to expect the routine to change with iOS 27. For now, we should assume WWDC will still be held in June of 2026, and that is where Apple will show iOS 27 off for the first time.

As for when it'll come out, Apple has traditionally launched every new iOS iteration in the September following WWDC. It's timed to come out alongside new iPhones. Again, there's no reason to believe this will change at all in 2026, so operate as if you'll have access to iOS 27 starting in September of 2026.

iOS 27: New features

As for what iOS 27 will bring to the table, there isn't much info out there yet. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, a prominent Apple reporter, did share some tidbits in his latest Power On newsletter, though.

iOS 27 will not prioritize flashy new features, Gurman reports. Instead, it will focus on performance improvements, with some AI enhancements to go along with those. Apple reportedly wants to improve the software in order to pave the way for future hardware, such as a potential foldable device. There are two rumored AI features for iOS 27 at the moment: an AI health coach, and AI web search. Beyond that, we don't know much.

However, we will surely hear more about iOS 27 over the next 10 months or so. Patience is key, folks.

Google breaks the AirDrop barrier between Pixel 10 and iPhone

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:11:33 +0000

Google made its flagship phones play nicer with iPhones, all without Apple's involvement.

In a company blog post, Google revealed that Pixel 10 phones (and only Pixel 10 phones) can now seamlessly AirDrop files to iPhones.

To do this, the iPhone owner will need to make their device discoverable to anyone. Similarly, a Pixel owner will need to do the same if they want to receive something AirDropped to them from an iPhone. On the Pixel side, you'll initiate the exchange via Quick Share.

For now, this feature is only available on Pixel 10 devices — not on other Android phones, or even on other Pixel phones, just the Pixel 10 family. Google, interestingly enough, also confirmed to The Verge that this feature was developed without any input from Apple. It remains to be seen how or if Apple will respond to this.

Hopefully, Apple responds with some measure of kindness, as interoperability between Android and iOS just makes life easier for everyone else.

iOS 26.2 will remove one feature in parts of the world

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:57:27 +0000

The latest version of iOS will somewhat negatively affect Apple Watch users in the European Union.

Specifically, automatic WiFi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches will be toned down for EU users when iOS 26.2 launches later this year, per the French publication Numerama (via 9to5Mac). Normally, when you set up an Apple Watch by pairing it with an iPhone, it automatically gets access to all the WiFi networks stored in the phone's memory banks. When iOS 26.2 drops, users in the EU will find that this no longer happens in the same way.

Namely, the difference seems to be that an Apple Watch will only automatically connect to a WiFi network if its paired iPhone is physically nearby. If you run to the cafe with your watch but not your phone, you'll have to manually type in the WiFi password on the watch now. This really only seems like it will affect people who regularly leave the house with their Apple Watch but not their iPhone, which I imagine to be a pretty small subset of users.

You're probably wondering why Apple would do this. The answer, of course, is to avoid market regulations. The EU's Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple make that sort of interoperability available to third-party devices as well as their own devices. Apple doesn't want to do that, so Europeans have to suffer a bit.

Only a bit, though.

Review: Id take the new OnePlus 15 over the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Almost a year ago, OnePlus released the OnePlus 13, a quality flagship smartphone with high-end specs and a lower starting price than its competitors in the U.S. It also did the same thing the year before, as well as the year before that. This is pretty normal, in other words.

What is surprising about the new OnePlus 15 (aside from the fact that they skipped 14, presumably for cultural reasons) is that it's coming out in November instead of January. OnePlus may have accelerated its release schedule for this year's flagship, but not much else has changed. The OnePlus 15 is a very solid Android handset with glossy specs, including a super high refresh rate and the biggest battery you'll currently find in a smartphone of this caliber.

And with an $899 starting price, it's at least $100 cheaper than the flagship models from Google, Apple, and Samsung.

OnePlus 15: Price and specs

It's got a good display. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

I've already explained that you can get a OnePlus 15 for $899 (compared to $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro). Here's what you get for that price:

6.8-inch display with 2772x1272 resolution and up to 165Hz refresh rate
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile chip
12GB RAM
256GB storage
7,300mAh battery
Three rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto
32MP front camera

There is only one other variant of the OnePlus 15. For an extra $100, you can get a version of it with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. I personally don't love that anyone who opts for the slightly cheaper phone is getting less RAM, but that's also pretty unlikely to affect most people's daily lives in any meaningful way. The lack of a 1TB storage option also stands out among other recent flagship smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Still, compared to the competition, OnePlus comes out looking like a winner here. No other flagship from the Apple-Google-Samsung triumvirate has a 165Hz display, and the OnePlus 15 is the first smartphone to hit the U.S. with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. At 7,300mAh, the battery is also larger than the ones found in the S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 10 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro. And while the higher-end OnePlus 15 costs the same as a base Pixel 10 Pro, none of those other devices can be had for $899.

This is a pretty good deal, is what I'm saying.

OnePlus 15: Design

This looked cooler last year. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

However, there are a couple of areas where OnePlus didn't really bring the wow factor this year, and the design of the phone is one of them.

It's not bad, but it is boring. Your three available colors are Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet. So, in other words, two of the most uninteresting colors imaginable, and a third, more eye-catching one that OnePlus says will only be available in limited quantities. Bleh.

My other issue with the OnePlus 15 is that the rear camera bump is now a fairly safe-looking square (with rounded corners), rather than the more visually distinctive circular bump found on the OnePlus 13. At a glance (at least to the eyes of people who don't look at phones every day for their jobs), it just kinda looks like an off-brand iPhone. It's perfectly functional and inoffensive, but I wish it had a more unique look.

Other than that, though, the phone is at least comfortable to hold and the bezels around the display are very thin. This isn't a total boondoggle by any means; it's just a little boring.

OnePlus 15: Performance

It charges fast, too. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

One area where OnePlus very much did not drop the ball is performance.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is probably one of the best chips you can get in a phone in the U.S. right now, or at least that's what the marketing says. I'm inclined to believe it, though, as the OnePlus 15 performs like a dream. Everything is smooth as silk, and even when running benchmarks or playing intensive games, it doesn't get too hot to the touch.

Speaking of games, those are what benefit the most from the maximum refresh rate of 165Hz. PUBG Mobile, in particular, is astoundingly smooth on this thing. I'm not a big mobile gamer at all, but if I was and I needed a new phone, I'd take a close look at this one.

And if you want numerical proof that this phone is powerful, I ran it through the Geekbench 6 benchmark test. Its multi-core score of 10,560 is about 500 points higher than the S25 Ultra, and about 700 points higher than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Again, this phone is cheaper than both of those. Geekbench numbers aren't necessarily the definitive word on a phone's performance, but I can more or less promise that you won't find any performance issues here.

OnePlus 15: AI features

Like any other high-end smartphone these days, the OnePlus 15 has some AI features. For the most part, it's pretty normal stuff, including integration with Google's Gemini chatbot. It's got automatic voice transcription in the sound recorder app and the ability to scan images and turn them into PDFs, both of which are nice and convenient, if not especially novel.

Mind Space is probably the most unique AI feature on the OnePlus 15. It's a pre-installed app that stores anything you ask the phone to analyze using Plus Mind. Plus Mind is something you activate by either pressing the Plus Key on the phone or swiping up on the screen with three fingers. Doing so will basically take a screenshot and use AI to analyze whatever is in it. For instance, I took a screenshot of some movie listings on a website for a theater near me. After doing that, I can go to Mind Space and look at a text analysis of what's in the screenshot, including the names of the movies and showtimes, and I can make calendar entries for them.

This is not bad, per se, but its usefulness is a little muted, in my opinion. It's nice that I can take a screenshot and automatically turn that into a calendar entry, I suppose, but an app that tells me what's on my screen feels a little redundant when I could simply look at the screen myself. I just don't know that this is doing anything that I can't already easily do with my brain.

OnePlus 15: Battery life

Battery life is, without a doubt, the standout feature of the OnePlus 15.

The 7,300mAh cell is, as previously noted, bigger than what you get in some other flagships. But that doesn't necessarily guarantee anything on its own. That said, I can confirm that this thing lasts a while. I would estimate that I could go about 30 hours between charges on the OnePlus 15, depending on what I'm using it for. My testing involved playing 3D games at high frame rates and streaming basketball on YouTube TV, so I might have been able to squeeze even more juice out of a charge without doing that.

In other words, the battery's real good, folks.

OnePlus 15: Camera

As I said in the specs section earlier, you get a trio of 50MP lenses on the rear end of the OnePlus 15. I love even numbers. They make my job easier.

Anyway, photos taken on the new OnePlus 15 look nice. Colors really pop and images are sharp and clear.

NYC is a little gloomy these days. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

As for nighttime shots, I don't have too many complaints here. You can brighten up the image without making them look too fake.

Left: No night photography here. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Right: Night mode turned on here. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

For what it's worth, you do only get 3.5x optical zoom here, as opposed to slightly higher counts on some of the other flagship phones from big companies. You also get 7x "optical-quality" zoom, which is slightly lower than the 8x count on the iPhone 17 Pro. If you stick within those parameters, zoom shots look nice and sharp.

No zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

7x zoom. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Macro photography is always a plus for photographers who love taking photos of tiny things.

Tiny. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

And lastly, portrait mode works as you'd expect, too.

Portrait mode. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

OnePlus 15: Final thoughts

OnePlus phones are honestly a little boring to talk about because they're quietly very good, fairly no-frills devices that you can get for a marginally more agreeable price than an iPhone. The OnePlus 15 is no different.

A quality display, a powerful processor, and a huge battery make this a perfectly acceptable handset for anyone in the market for an Android upgrade. I'd definitely take it over a Galaxy S25 Ultra, and maybe even over a Pixel 10 Pro. I wish it looked a little more interesting, but that's so far down the list of concerns with a smartphone that I can't hold it against OnePlus too much here.

Samsungs trifold phone has exactly the name you expected

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:27:20 +0000

What do you call a trifold phone that's made by Samsung and has flagship, Galaxy-level performance? Exactly!

According to leaker Evan Blass, Samsung's upcoming trifold phone will be called the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. At least there will be no confusion about which one it is, given that the company already has several "Fold" phones.

Blass also shared what he claims are the official specs for the device: a 6.5-inch cover display, a 10-inch inner display (with peak brightness of 2,600 and 1,600 nits, respectively), a 200-megapixel main camera, and a 5,437mAh battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold will reportedly have a 6.5-inch cover display, and a 10-inch inner display. Credit: Samsung

Finally, Blass said that the three "leaves" of the TriFold will vary in thickness: 3.9 vs. 4.0 vs. 4.2 millimeters. He also said the phone will be "powered by SD," by which he likely means a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip (likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite).

The Samsung TriFold hasn't been officially announced yet, but an unveiling will reportedly happen on Dec. 5. However, we have seen the phone (or a prototype), as Samsung recently gave us a behind-the-glass sneak peak.

Google issues security alert about malicious VPNs stealing user data

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:09:58 +0000

The holidays are almost upon us, and Google is giving us some security advice as a gift.

In a wide-ranging fraud and scam advisory blog post on its website, Google warned users of a number things, including malicious VPNs. According to Google, there are bad-faith actors disguising their software as legitimate VPNs for users who feel they might need such a thing. Anyone who downloads one of these might be subject to data theft (or worse). Google did not name any specific examples of VPNs you shouldn't mess with, however.

While it was light on specifics, Google did offer some advice that should help keep you safe.

"Only download VPN apps from official sources, and check for apps with the VPN badge in Google Play. Be skeptical of free offers and avoid sideloading unknown apps," Google wrote. "Users should look carefully at the app's requested permissions — a VPN should not need access to things like your contacts or private messages. Always pay attention to browser download warnings and keep your antivirus software enabled."

In other words, don't sideload strange apps onto your Android device if you don't know where it's coming from. If you're getting something from the Play Store, there should be a verification badge letting you know it's OK to use. Follow this advice and you should have an easier time avoiding serious problems this holiday season.

iOS 26.2 beta: The biggest new features

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:53:03 +0000

Apple has a new iOS beta out now for your perusal.

Specifically, the beta for iOS 26.2 is out now for iPhone users. As the second update to iOS 26, it doesn't seem like it's going to be especially transformative or revolutionary. But, the fine folks at places like 9to5Mac have dug into iOS 26.2 and come back with information about the biggest new features you can expect when the update drops in the near-ish future.

iOS 26.2 beta: The biggest new features

Here's what you can expect from iOS 26.2.

Changes to Apple Podcasts

As I said, iOS 26.2 isn't a huge update. Many of the changes are minor updates to apps and whatnot, starting with Apple Podcasts.

Specifically, podcasts will now have AI-generated chapters with timestamps. Podcast creators are free to make their own chapters that will override the AI-generated ones, but if they don't feel like doing that, you'll at least have something to use as a guide for when to avoid spoiler discussions about a movie you haven't seen yet. There's also a new "Podcast Mentions" feature that will link to other podcasts that are mentioned in the one you're listening to.

Sleep Score adjustments

Interestingly, Apple decided to refine the Apple Watch Sleep Score system. Here are the new score classifications, with the previous ones in parenthesis:

Very Low: 0-40 (was 0-29 before)
Low: 41-60 (was 30-49 before)
OK: 61-80 (was 50-69 before)
High: 81-95 (was 70-89 before)
Excellent: 96-100 (was 90-100 before)

In other words, it's a little less forgiving than it used to be.

Apple News redesign

Apple also made some UI changes to the Apple News app. For instance, the "Today" screen now has easy-access buttons for food, puzzles, politics, and sports, so you don't have to seek those out yourself. There's also a new "Following" tab that will surface stories you've saved and things you've favorited.

Liquid Glass lock screen customization

Lastly, Apple is continuing its quest to make people like Liquid Glass more.

After introducing an ability to tint the Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26.1, the new iOS 26.2 beta gives you even more control over it. There's now a slider that lets you adjust the opacity of the clock on your lock screen. This isn't a huge change, but it should be welcome for people who really, really don't like Liquid Glass.

Apples iPhone Pocket is a new way to carry the iPhone, and we have questions

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:16:56 +0000

Apple has teamed up with Issey Miyake to launch the iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted, stretchy bag for your iPhone (and other smaller items).

Known for pricy, often-stretchy, sometimes very avant-garde pieces of clothing, Issey Miyake is a fashion company founded by the late Japanese designer, who also happened to designed Steve Jobs' legendary black turtleneck.

In an announcement posted Tuesday, Apple says the iPhone Pocket has "the qualities of the original pleats by Issey Miyake," as designer is synonymous with pleated fabrics. The iPhone Pocket's fabric appears to be very stretchy, and Apple says that when stretched, the open textile allows the users to peak at their iPhone display, meaning you'll be able to check notifications without removing your phone from the Pocket.

The fabric does look nice. But that price tag... Credit: Apple

The iPhone Pocket is designed to be worn in a number of ways; you could wear it as you would a handbag, strap it around your body, or tie it onto a bag. It's available in two basic designs: a short strap, which is available in eight colors, and a long strap, which is available in three colors.

The iPhone Pocket is designed to be worn in a variety of ways. Credit: Apple

We have questions about the iPhone Pocket's construction and of course, price. Yes, it's a stretchy sock with a cut-through, but if you look closer you will see that the ribbed construction is quite nice, and the fabric is probably of better quality than a regular sock.

The price tag, however, is such that we can already see people making their DIY versions of these: $149.95 for the short strap design, and $229.95 for the long strap design.

The iPhone Pocket will be available starting Friday, Nov. 24, in Apple Store locations and on Apple.com in France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, and the U.S.

Apples iPhone might soon be able to send photos via satellite connection

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:27:10 +0000

Apple's iPhone will soon be able to do a lot more without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.

According to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is working on several new features that rely on satellite connectivity alone. This includes navigation in Apple Maps and sending photos via messages, all via satellite connection. An API is also coming, allowing third-party developers to add satellite connectivity into their apps, the report said.

Apple originally launched its first satellite connectivity features for the iPhone in 2024 with the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. The Emergency SOS feature allows iPhone users to send a distress message via satellite, when cellular and Wi-Fi aren't available.

That feature requires an unobstructed view of the sky, but that might also be changing. Gurman claims Apple is working on satellite connectivity even when the iPhone is in a pocket, a car, or indoors.

Finally, the report claims that starting next year, the iPhone is getting support for 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks), a system which integrates 5G with satellites to extend wireless coverage farther than what can be achieved with standard cellular towers.

More advanced, data-intensive stuff such as phone or video calls, as well as web browsing via satellite, doesn't seem to be a part of Apple's immediate plans.

The slightly less good news for iPhone users is the cost of these new services. Right now, features such as Emergency SOS are free, but in the future, more advanced capabilities might come at a cost, which users will pay to satellite carriers directly.

For its current satellite connectivity features, Apple works with American telecommunications company Globalstar. The new features mentioned in the report would require major upgrades to Globalstar's infrastructure; however, should Elon Musk's SpaceX acquire Globalstar (a deal between the two companies is reportedly in early stages) the new features could roll out faster.

The Google Pixel 10 has never been this cheap before

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:34:05 +0000

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 6, the Google Pixel 10 (unlocked, 128GB) is on sale for only $599 at Amazon, Google, and Best Buy in every color. That's 25% off its list price and the best price to date.

Credit: Google

Google Pixel 10 (Unlocked, 128GB)

$599 at Amazon
$799 Save $200

The Google Pixel 10 arrived on shelves in August and has only seen one discount since. So, it comes as quite a surprise that you can slash $200 off the base model with the latest deal.

As of Nov. 6, the Google Pixel 10 (unlocked, 128GB) is on sale for only $599 at Amazon, Google, and Best Buy in all four color options. That's 25% off its list price and the best price to date by far. A $200 discount on a phone that's just three months old screams Black Friday doorbuster deal — even though it's still early November.

The standard Pixel 10 is the most approachable option in Google's 2025 lineup, but it's powered by the same Tensor G5 chip as its bigger siblings. That means it gives you the same AI-first smarts and performance as the Pro for a much lower price. Of course, there are some drawbacks for going for the cheaper option, like a less impressive camera lineup and less RAM and storage. Still, the base model Pixel 10 has a lot to offer. The biggest upgrades from its predecessor are the addition of a third rear telephoto camera lens, a new processor, and better battery life. The 6.3-inch display is also brighter and smoother than the previous generation.

Mashable's reviewer writes, "Google Pixel 10 will do just fine if you’re in need of a solid Android handset that takes nice photos and can give you a full day of use out of a single charge. And if you're excited about new AI smartphone features, this phone has a few notable ones."

It's hard to pass up a price this low on a 2025 smartphone — no need to wait until Black Friday. Grab the Pixel 10 in any color for under $600 while you can.

Tinted glass: How to change Liquid Glass settings in iOS 26.1

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:56:58 +0000

If you're not happy with Liquid Glass, Apple has something for you.

The first major post-iOS 26 update launched this week in the form of iOS 26.1. There are plenty of new features and changes to talk about in the update, but the most pertinent one for our purposes here today is the new tint settings for Liquid Glass, the omnipresent design language introduced in iOS 26. Some people may not like the way push notifications and other UI elements now have a transparent, glassy look. The new iOS update didn't give us the ability to turn it off, necessarily, but there is something you can do, at least.

iOS 26.1: How to tint Liquid Glass

Go here first. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

If you've found it hard to distinguish push notifications from your lock screen's background, this may be for you. Just follow these steps to turn it on:

Go to Settings
Go to Display & Brightness
Go to Liquid Glass and choose between Clear and Tinted

It's right there. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

Left: No tint. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

Right: Tinted. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

And there you have it. Turning this setting on will make the glassy surfaces more opaque, which does indeed make them stand out more from the background. It's not the same as going back to the way things were, but it's a start.

Samsung plans to sell a ton of foldable phones next year

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:50:48 +0000

Samsung's got big plans for 2026.

According to Korean news outlet Maeil Business News (via 9to5Google), the company plans to sell 35 million units of its Galaxy S26 flagship, with 24 million sales coming in the first six months. For comparison, the company estimated 22 million sales for its Galaxy S25 smartphone, which it launched in January this year, in the first six months after launch.

The company also plans to sell five million units of its foldable phones, namely the Fold and Flip models, which aren't coming until July 2026.

Overall, Samsung's mobile division plans to do $90.7 billion in sales next year.

This is notable as Samsung's mobile division doesn't typically make this much in sales. Last year, however, the company's flagship Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 exceeded expectations, and Samsung chalks this up to its phones' AI capabilities.

Samsung's chief rival is Apple, and even though the company also had a great year so far, it's almost universally seen as lagging when it comes to AI in its phones.

Samsung recently revealed that new camera sensors, a new chip, and "next-gen AI" will be the key features of the Galaxy S26 phones, which are due to launch next January.

The company didn't say much about its super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge, which apparently isn't selling very well.

DJIs new Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal launches today, but not for you

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:34:03 +0000

DJI formally released the new Osmo Mobile 8 today, its third smartphone gimbal stabilizer in seven months. But not everyone can buy it.

More specifically, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is now available in all global markets except for the U.S. It's not surprising: Mashable's Amanda Yeo reported in October that the Chinese company "has been facing significant challenges conducting business in the U.S. as of late, many of which appear to be posed by the federal government." In a July blog post, DJI said U.S. Customs and Border Protection was detaining its popular drones due to claims of using forced labor (which the company has denied).

Many products on DJI's website have been listed as "out of stock" in the U.S. for months — not just its drones, but cameras and mobile accessories, too.

Credit: DJI

For its part, the Osmo Mobile 8 isn't a groundbreaking upgrade from the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P, which debuted in February. Its key new features include 360-degree camera pans, pet tracking, and Apple DockKit compatibility, which lets it use an iPhone's camera to track objects. Its global launch comes less than two weeks after its initial release in China, where it retails for 898 yuan (or about $126).

Notably, the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P are still readily available in the U.S. at the time of writing. They're priced at $89 and $129, respectively. (The 7P has an added extension rod and a Multifunctional Module that enables tracking and third-party camera apps.) Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth considers the Osmo Mobile 7 to be the best phone gimbal he's tried, and DJI confirmed to Mashable it will still be available for sale.

Credit: DJI

DJI Osmo Mobile 7

$89 at Amazon

Credit: DJI

DJI Osmo Mobile 7P

$129 at Amazon

Motorola might be onto something with its iPhone Air challenger

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:57:56 +0000

Apple's iPhone Air and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge changed the smartphone game by giving up camera power and battery life for an extremely thin body.

Motorola's take on the thin phone idea, the new Motorola Edge 70, is incredibly simple — the phone is very thin, but has a triple camera, a large battery, and a fairly low price.

The colors on offer are Lily Pad, Bronze Green, and Gadget Grey. Credit: Motorola

Check the specs: The Edge 70 has a 6.67-inch P-OLED display, a dual 50-megapixel camera on the back, a 50-megapixel selfie camera on the front, and a respectable 4,800mAh battery that's good for up to 38 hours of mixed usage (according to Motorola).

What makes the Motorola Edge 70 really interesting is how thin it is. At 5.99 millimeters of thickness, it's very close to Apple's iPhone Air, which measures 5.6 millimeters at its thinnest point.

The fact that this is a mid-range phone is revealed in the chip that powers it, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 coupled with 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage.

The display is a 6.67-inch Super HD pOLED. Credit: Motorola

But the whole package doesn't sound too shabby, given that you basically get a full-featured phone that also happens to be thin. The Motorola Edge 70 cheats a little on the camera front, as it appears to have three rear cameras, but it really only has two (one wide and the other ultra-wide). Other than that, it's hard to find too many faults with its specs. It has fast, 68W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, water resistance up to IP68/IP69 standard and, as is customary these days, a bunch of AI features including image enhancement, visual search, and AI-based image creation, among others.

All of this hits even harder when you consider the price of the Motorola Edge 70, which starts at €799 in Europe and can get significantly lower in some markets thanks to early bird discounts. For reference, Apple's iPhone Air starts at about €1,199 in Europe, while the Galaxy S25 Edge is even pricier at €1,369 (note that the prices vary by market).

iOS 26.1 is officially out now. Here are the biggest new features.

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:35:24 +0000

Pick up your iPhone, folks, because it's time to download iOS 26.1.

Apple launched the newest iOS version on Monday, which means you can download it right now by going to the iPhone Settings app, hitting "General," then hitting "Software Update." The update, referred to as iOS 26.1, follows up on iOS 26 with a bunch of minor bug fixes and adjustments. However, there are also a handful of larger new features worth talking about.

The biggest new iOS 26.1 features

Here are the most noteworthy changes in iOS 26.1.

Adjusting (but not turning off) Liquid Glass

Perhaps the most requested feature in iOS 26.1 is the ability to change how the new Liquid Glass user interface looks. After it was introduced in iOS 26, some people found that they didn't like Liquid Glass and wanted it turned off. Well, you can't turn it off, but you can make a small adjustment to it.

Specifically, there's a new Tinted Mode in the Settings app that might make Liquid Glass UI elements stand out a little better to your eyes. It's not quite the same as just allowing users to revert to the way things used to look, but it's a start.

No more accidental camera swipes

Another small but much needed change in iOS 26 is that you can go into the Settings app and turn off the ability to open the Camera app straight from the lock screen. You might read that and wonder why people would want to turn off something so eminently convenient. Well, the problem is that you activate the Camera app from the lock screen by swiping to the left, which is unfortunately very easy to do by accident.

I know I've opened my camera unintentionally this way far more times than I've ever done it on purpose. I'm probably not the only one.

Increased language support

Another nice thing is that Apple is adding more languages to various services that need them. First up is Live Translate via AirPods, which now supports the following languages:

Chinese (Mandarin simplified and traditional)
Korean
Japanese
Italian

Second, Apple Intelligence now supports a bunch of additional languages:

Danish
Norwegian
Dutch
Chinese (traditional)
Portuguese
Swedish
Turkish
Vietnamese

A new UI for alarms

When Apple launched iOS 26, one of the most noticeable changes for some of us came in the form of alarms. When an alarm goes off on iOS 26, you simply press a comically large button on-screen to dismiss it. This is simple to understand, but can sadly result in unintentionally dismissing an alarm. The new iOS 26.1 update changes this just a tiny bit.

By that, I mean you now have to swipe to the right to dismiss an alarm. Making it a more intentional action is probably for the best, but I'm going to miss the giant button.

Swipe to change songs in Music

Speaking of swiping, the last change we'll cover here is that you can now skip songs in Apple Music by doing a swipe motion. This one is comparatively smaller than the other changes, but hey, someone will get a lot of use out of it.

iOS 26.2 beta could arrive imminently. How to download it.

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:56:19 +0000

The launch of Apple's next big iOS update is imminent, which means you might also be able to try out the next one soon, possibly even this week.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that iOS 26.1 could drop as soon as Monday, which also means that the first developer beta for iOS 26.2 could drop this week, perhaps on Tuesday. It doesn't sound like this beta will include much in the way of exciting new features, but still, it's something to try out if you're an iPhone enthusiast. The good news is that you, the normal person reading this, can try it for yourself. Here's how.

How to install the iOS 26.2 beta

For clarity's sake, I will mention that this initial beta is intended for developers, so you need to enroll in the developer beta program to access it. First, you'll need to enroll in the free version of the developer program, which you should be able to do on Apple's website without making any payments. After that, go to the Apple developer website and log in, then enroll in the beta program.

Once you've done all of that, here's how to access the beta on your device:

First, make a device backup
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates
Choose the iOS 26.2 developer beta (assuming it's available)
Go to the previous screen and select Download and Install

Again, all of this is contingent on Gurman's reporting being correct, which it usually is on these sorts of things. Just remember not to be too disappointed when the beta doesn't have a lot going on at first.

iOS 26.1 arrives soon: 4 new features

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:16:47 +0000

Apple's next somewhat major iOS update is almost here.

The operating system for iPhones is getting a notable update in iOS 26.1 in the near future, as evidenced by the fact that beta testers got access to the release candidate version of it this week. We don't know the exact day it will drop yet, but anyone who wants it would benefit from keeping an eye on their iPhone's software update page.

In the meantime, we now have a pretty clear idea of what iOS 26.1 includes. Here are the four biggest new features coming to iOS 26.1.

An adjustment to Liquid Glass

Some people are not huge fans of Liquid Glass, the new design language for iOS 26. It makes app icons and other UI elements more transparent, which in turn has made them harder for some folks to distinguish at a glance. Apple has addressed this problem in iOS 26.1, offering a new "tinted" version of the interface. Simply go to Settings, find "Display & Brightness," and look for the new option there once the update is installed on your phone.

This isn't quite the same as being able to turn off Liquid Glass entirely, but it's better than nothing.

Stop accidentally opening your camera

By default on an iPhone running iOS 26, you can open your camera straight from the lock screen by swiping to the left from the right side of the display. This is convenient for when you need to quickly snap a photo without going through the process of unlocking your phone, but it also leads to a lot of instances of accidentally opening the camera when you don't want to do that.

After you've installed iOS 26.1, go to Settings, find "Camera," and toggle off the "Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera" feature in the menu there. That will make it so you can't just swipe to open the camera anymore, meaning you're free to swipe to the left on your lock screen to your heart's content.

Support for more languages

Adding increased language support for Apple Intelligence features isn't necessarily flashy, but it's important, nonetheless. On the AI side of things, users now have access to these new languages:

Danish
Norwegian
Dutch
Chinese (traditional)
Portuguese
Swedish
Turkish
Vietnamese

That's not all, though! There are also some new languages being added to Live Translate for AirPods:

Chinese (Mandarin simplified and traditional)
Korean
Japanese
Italian

This is sure to be useful to plenty of folks.

Slide to stop alarms

Lastly, Apple is already walking back a change made in iOS 26. With that update, Apple made it so you dismiss alarms from the lock screen by simply tapping a comically huge button on the bottom of the screen. I personally dig this, but as some folks have noted, this makes it easy to accidentally get rid of an alarm.

With iOS 26.1, you now have to swipe to dismiss an alarm from the lock screen, adding a degree of intentionality to the process of making your phone stop yelling at you in the morning. Having to do that will engage your brain a bit, too, so maybe it's a good thing overall.

Samsung reveals key features of upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphones

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:44:12 +0000

Samsung's Galaxy S26 phones probably won't launch for several more months, but the company is already teasing some of their key improvements.

Daniel Araujo, VP of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Division, shared some insights about the Galaxy S26 series during the company's Q3 2025 earnings call (via Android Authority).

The Galaxy S26 phones will “revolutionize the user experience with user-centric, next-gen AI, a second-generation custom AP, and stronger performance, including new camera sensors," he said.

None of this is very precise, but it's still worth going through that list. The Galaxy S25 Ultra's main camera upgrade was the improved ultra-wide camera sensor; perhaps the S26 phones will bring a more significant camera upgrade across the board.

The second-gen custom AP might refer to Samsung's own Exynos chips, the "for Galaxy" Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, or both, as Samsung typically uses both types of chips in its flagship devices, mostly without many differences in performance.

Finally, the "user-centric, next-gen AI" is the least surprising bit, given how important AI features are to smartphone manufacturers these days. There's no word on what, exactly, the improvements might be.

Notably, Araujo didn't mention the battery or the design of the phones. A recent rumor said that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (the successor to the Galaxy S25 Ultra) will have a similar design as its predecessor, and the exact same battery. There's no official word on these, though, and Samsung may surprise us when the Galaxy S26 phones launch, likely next January.

The 7 best iPhone 17 screen protectors, including one that comes with its own little squeegee

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

We’ve all been there: applying a screen protector to a prized device, and that stray bubble caught below the plastic just will not move to the edge and escape. It can be so frustrating. If you recently picked up the new iPhone 17 and are hunting for the best screen protector for your new device, then one of the following options might be the right fit for you. As for the pesky stray bubble tormenting you beneath your brand-new screen protector, Johnny Kim, a technician from New York Computer Help, has a few tips.

"When it comes to installing screen protectors on your device, quality and type of protector really make all the difference," says Kim. "By and large, most screen protectors on the market are made from glass or plastic; glass is almost always easier to install, and plastic screen protectors are the culprit behind the majority of the bubbles and wonky wrinkles."

What's the best way to install a screen protector on your phone?

Overall, Kim recommends picking up a glass screen protector to avoid the hassle of a bubbly install (especially for first-time screen protector buyers). If you have to spring for plastic, though, Kim recommends following the instructions as closely as possible or heading to your local phone repair shop and having an expert install it for a low fee.

Kim also says the best screen protector for your phone is most likely the one made by your phone's manufacturer. “If that’s not an option, there aren’t a ton of well-known brands on the market, and it’s best to go off-screen protectors that have a significant amount of positive reviews,” he adds.

One of our editors also highly recommends the Spigen screen protector, which comes with an adorable little squeegee to help you iron out all those annoying bubbles.

Finally, don't forget about scratchgate. Because the new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max scratch so easily, you'll want to pair your screen protector with one of the best iPhone 17 Pro cases as well. With all that in mind, here are some of the best screen protectors for your new iPhone 17.

Magic John

Credit: Magic John

MAGIC JOHN 2 Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Tempered Glass Screen Protector

$19

This screen protector from Magic John comes with an “installation frame” for applying the protector to your phone screen. Reviewers have said that it was one of the easiest installation processes they’ve ever experienced. The screen protector is made of tempered glass and claims to be auto-dust-eliminating.

Spigen

Credit: Spigen

Spigen AluminaCore Tempered Glass Screen Protector

$22.99 at Amazon

This screen protector from Spigen is specifically designed to have enhanced durability. The glass of the protector is specifically enhanced with aluminium to make the surface of the protector stronger and more resistant to cracks. The tempered glass screen protector also comes with a guided installation kit and a squeegee, which makes the installation even easier.

TORRAS

Credit: TORRAS

TORRAS OrigArmor for iPhone 17 Pro Max Screen Protector

$33.22 at Amazon
$41.99 Save $8.77

This screen protector has a “3D curved edge” to offer you the maximum surface area coverage possible. Reviews of this protector praise this feature as it feels like they’re not losing a sliver of their screen to the edge of the screen protector. The tempered glass is anti-scratch and anti-reflection as well.

Mkeke

Credit: Mkeke

Mkeke Screen Protector 3 Pack Compatible with iPhone 17 Pro

$9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00

This screen protector 3-pack is almost half off right now at 9.99 down from its list price of 16.99. It has 210,000 reviews on Amazon that praise its quality and installation ease. The screen protector is designed with military grade drop protection and touch sensitivity.

Mothca

Credit: Mothca

Mothca Matte Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 17

$8.99 at amazon

For those folks that want a matte, papery, almost Kindle-like screen feel to their phone-- this protector from Mothca might just be the perfect option. The anti-glare and anti-fingerprint tempered glass protector is super smooth and reviewers rave about the texture of their new screen.

Supershieldz

Credit: Supershieldz screen protector

Supershieldz screen protector for iPhone 17

$5.99 at Amazon
$7.99 Save $2

This three-pack of screens rings in at such a lower price point than some of the aforementioned cases. A true budget option, especially if you want a pack of multiple protectors. The reason for the lower cost, though, is that these protectors are made of PET, which is, in fact, plastic. The install might be a little hard to execute with precision compared to some of the above options, but that price point is hard to beat.

Ailun

Credit: Ailun

Ailun Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 17

$7.98 at amazon

One of the best deals on this list is this pack of 3 Ailun Privacy screen protectors that cost a total of $7.99. That comes down to $2.66 per screen protector, and they are made of tempered glass. These screen protectors have a whopping 154,000 mostly positive reviews on Amazon. Some of the themes in critical reviews include that these protectors crack easily, especially on the sides.

Samsung unveils its tri-fold phone with a sneak peek

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:59:47 +0000

Samsung's tri-folding phone may actually be real, folks.

The rumored device was shown in the flesh by Samsung at the K-Tech Showcase event ahead of the APEC Summit (via Chosun/Digitaltrends).

As expected, the phone unfolds vertically twice, extend from a fairly regular-sized smartphone into a decent-sized tablet.

As is often the case with these early teasers, the audience that was fortunate enough to see the phone was not allowed to touch it or view it up close as it was placed in a glass display case.

It also appears that Samsung didn't share any additional details about the phone.

It's not even that thick when fully folded. Credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Samsung TriFold phone (as it may or may not be called) has been the subject of rumor mills for a while, though it now certainly looks a little more real. Expected specs include a 6.5-inch cover display, a 10-inch interior display (when fully unfolded), a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a powerful, 200-megapixel camera with 100x digital zoom.

We might find out more about the phone during the APEC Summit, an event held in South Korea from October 31 to November 1, 2025.

Chrome for iOS and Android just got a quick AI Mode shortcut

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 15:24:30 +0000

Gemini just got easier to access in Google's mobile web browser.

Chrome users on both iOS and Android can now activate "AI Mode" from the page that opens when you try to open a new tab, per 9to5Google. Previously, this page had a Google search bar and icons for some frequently visited websites, but now it has a big old AI Mode button right underneath the search bar.

There's also a button to launch an incognito tab right next to it, which might be more useful to you, depending on how you live your life.

There it is. Credit: Screenshot: Google/Alex Perry

This gives users a much quicker way to launch into the Gemini-powered search capabilities of AI mode. To be clear, you could always use AI mode on mobile, but now there's a convenient shortcut for it that negates the need to remember the URL or set a bookmark.

For those who don't like AI-powered search, regular old Google search is right there on top of the shortcut.

Should you upgrade to iOS 26? The pros and cons of the Liquid Glass update.

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:58:02 +0000

The latest version of Apple iOS has been out for more than a month, but plenty of folks are probably still undecided as to whether or not to install the upgrade.

iOS 26 features the biggest design overhaul to Apple's mobile OS in a decade, bringing the new Liquid Glass aesthetic to iPhones. But in the weeks since iOS 26 launched, users have shared as many opinions about it as there are apps in the App Store. Its new translucent visual style, user complaints about battery drain, and other quirks have led some users to conclude that they don't need to download it just yet. After all, once you download iOS 26 and switch to Liquid Glass, there's no going back.

However, there are positives to iOS 26, as well. Here are just a handful of reasons why you should (or shouldn't) download iOS 26 on your iPhone.

Pro: Some of the new features are great

Every new version of iOS comes with new feature drops, of course. Some years bring very little, while other years bring a lot. There are at least a couple of new features in iOS 26 that put this year's update in the latter category.

For starters, it's got Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. Two people who speak different languages being able to mutually understand each other over the phone is probably the best application yet of Apple Intelligence. Sure, it might be a little awkward having to wait to listen to a translation of what was just said to you before responding, but not as awkward as not understanding what was said at all.

That's genuinely kind of transformative, but there are other standouts, as well. Being able to make polls and set custom backgrounds in group chats in Messages seem small, but they could inject a lot of personality into spaces where you commune with your loved ones and friends. That's not nothing, and you can only do it on iOS 26.

Pro: You might like Liquid Glass

Credit: Apple

Liquid Glass didn't just come to the iPhone. Thanks to macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26, and other OS updates, it's also changing the look of MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches. Mashable's tech editor gave iPadOS 26 a positive review, thanks in part to the new Liquid Glass design. Many users like the translucent glass effect.

To quote our review:

Liquid Glass also comes with new custom lock screens, which allow you to add a touch of personalization to your iPhone.

Con: You might not like Liquid Glass

A custom lock screen in iOS 26. Credit: Apple

Again, the most noteworthy change Apple made with iOS 26 is Liquid Glass, and the new design language permeates the entire UI on your iPhone after you install the update. It makes everything look, well, like liquid glass, with lots of transparency effects and dynamic animations that make everything flow very nicely — when it works.

There's just one problem: Not everyone likes Liquid Glass. While you have some control over how it looks, the added effects and transparency don't work for everyone. You also can't really turn it off. One of the latest iOS 26 beta builds has a new "tinted glass" mode that lets you exert a little more control over how Liquid Glass looks, but it still falls short of just allowing users to retain the old UI, and it's just a beta feature. I don't personally mind Liquid Glass (although I did tweak it a bit to make a little less glassy), but if you absolutely hate it, you might want to hold back on installing iOS 26.

Pro: Crucial app redesigns

Why wasn't it always like this?! Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Aside from new features and a new design language, iOS 26 also introduced at least one vitally important app redesign. Of course, I'm talking about the Photos app.

On previous versions of iOS, Photos had become a jumbled mess with multiple confusingly laid out tabs. It was harder than it should be to just find your library or your Favorites folder, for example, at least until you got used to it. On iOS 26, Photos has been streamlined so there are just two tabs, Library and Collections, at the bottom of the screen. One of them shows you everything on your phone, while the other shows you everything you've put into folders.

It's so simple that it makes you wonder why it wasn't always this way.

Con: Your battery might suffer

Last but certainly not least, there have been numerous user complaints that iOS 26 is affecting — or even outright ruining — the battery life on their iPhones. To be perfectly clear, this has not affected everyone or even a majority of iOS 26 users, but that doesn't mean it isn't real.

There are some potential explanations for this. Apple itself says that this is a temporary setback as your phone gets used to the new update (my words, not theirs). Some have claimed that updating all your apps and power cycling the device helps. Low Power Mode (and the new Adaptive Power setting) could alleviate this, at least, potentially. It's also possible that none of those will work, at which point you might need to make an appointment with Apple support.

I personally don't have anything against iOS 26, having used it since it launched, but there are good reasons not to upgrade.

iOS 26 battery drain: What users are saying about the problem

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:01:44 +0000

Apple may have created a problem with the latest version of iOS.

Since iOS 26 launched in September, there have been reports around the internet of the new update significantly shortening battery life, even on newer iPhones. For instance, one user on Apple's support message board posted a thread at the beginning of this month claiming that their brand new iPhone 15 was impacted, and as they put it, the only possible explanation is iOS 26.

"Today, I was busy all day and did not use my phone from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., yet it still dropped from 90% to 45% without doing anything. No apps were open, the “Refresh apps in background” option was not enabled, the screen was set to turn off automatically after 30 seconds, and automatic brightness was enabled," the user wrote. "So it's definitely not the phone's fault because it's brand new with a 100% original battery, nor is it the settings because it was in permanent mode. So the fault lies solely with iOS. There are no excuses."

There are also lengthy Reddit threads about it. For example, in one thread, users with iPhones as old as the iPhone 13 and as new as the iPhone 16 pointed out they were getting several hours less of battery life compared to what they had before the update. User Responsible_Film_778, who has an iPhone 13 Pro Max, summed it up succinctly.

"I have replaced the battery last year with Apple and it was exceptional with iOS 18.6. I was ending the day with 87% battery left with light usage. Now I’m lucky if it’s above 50%," the user wrote. "It seems to consume the battery when scrolling through the Liquid Glass enhanced tabs or panels. Really disappointed with this update. I have 98% battery health but it acts like it has lost 1/3 of its capacity. Hopefully a new update will come soon to rectify the problem."

Naturally, you don't have to go far on X to find people mad about this, either. User @Digitalix complained that their iPhone 16 Pro is now only a "half-day phone" thanks to the iOS 26 update.

Of course, this hasn't all happened without any kind of response from Apple. The company has a support page with information about possible battery life downgrades as a result of software updates. According to Apple, it might just be temporary and could go away on its own as the company makes further updates to iOS 26.

Users in the Apple support forum and Reddit threads also suggested some possible fixes, and Mashable previously wrote about the new "Adaptive Power" setting in iOS 26. It sounds like updating all of your apps and then power cycling the phone helped some people, as third-party apps may not be optimized to run efficiently on iOS 26 right away. There are also other measures you can take, such as turning off ProMotion on higher-end iPhones or activating Low Power Mode.

Fingers crossed anyone dealing with this is able to fix it without sending their phone off to Apple for a battery replacement.

Possible OnePlus 15 price and specs leak ahead of impending launch

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:57:48 +0000

The newest OnePlus phone might actually be cheaper than the last one.

That's according to one prominent leaker, anyway. @MysteryLupin on X posted that the 16GB RAM/512GB storage variant of the upcoming OnePlus 15 will retail for £949 in the U.K., which comes out to about $1,266 USD.

There are two bits of good news here: One is that £949 is actually cheaper than the £999 price point for the equivalent version of the OnePlus 13, and another is that the U.K. OnePlus price was higher than the U.S. price last year, for whatever reason. In other words, U.K. customers are getting a small price cut, and the 16GB/512GB version may not actually cost $1,266 in the U.S. when it launches later this year.

Of course, until OnePlus releases official price points, take any leaks with a grain of salt. It shouldn't be long now, though, as OnePlus is set to launch the phone in its home country of China on Oct. 27, with a global launch expected shortly after in November.

As for specs, we don't have to rely as much on leaks here because OnePlus has already officially announced much of what to expect from this phone. We already know it will be the first North American phone running on the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, with a massive 7,300mAh battery inside it. It'll also have three 50MP cameras on the rear, a 165Hz OLED display, and up to 120W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds, per Android Authority.

If OnePlus can manage to set the U.S. price at an agreeable level despite all of those specs and whatever is currently happening with U.S. tariff policies, the OnePlus 15 might be a seriously enticing option for the non-iOS crowd.

Apples iPhone Air reportedly isnt selling very well

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:44:21 +0000

When Apple launched the iPhone Air, the big question wasn't whether the phone will be good; Apple doesn't often produce bad phones. The question was whether there's a demand for a thin iPhone in the first place.

Judging by a new report from Nikkei, the demand is there but it's very low.

The report, published Wednesday, claims that Apple is "drastically" cutting iPhone Air production while boosting other iPhone 17 models instead. This is due to lower than expected demand for the iPhone Air, but also because the demand for the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models has been "unexpectedly robust."

Nikkei's sources say that the iPhone Air originally accounted for "roughly 10% to 15%" of overall new iPhone production this year. However, the production has now been cut "nearly to end of production levels."

In particular, one supply chain manager told Nikkei that production orders for the iPhone Air from November onward will be less than 10 percent of the volume compared with September.

One (imperfect) way to check the demand for various iPhone models is to look at shipping times on Apple's website. For example, the orange iPhone 17 Pro ships in 1-2 weeks while the white iPhone 17 ships in 2-3 weeks. But the iPhone Air is readily available for immediate shipping, no matter which color you choose.

I've reviewed all three models and found the iPhone Air to be (by far) the most beautiful and elegant of them all. But it has shorter battery life and a less versatile camera than both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro, and it appears that buyers care about that more than they do about thinness.

Tinted glass: Apple previews Liquid Glass alternative in new iOS beta

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:32:00 +0000

With the release of the iOS 26.1 beta 4 update, both the critics and accessibility advocates can rejoice: Apple has made it easier for users to customize the Liquid Glass UI.

The Liquid Glass design, which drew some mild criticism from iPhone users transitioning to iOS 26, now offers the choice between Clear and Tinted modes. The update applies to both mobile and desktop users (read more about the macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 4) and serves as a fallback option for those who had trouble reading the Clear version of the interface.

To access the feature, beta users can go to the "Display & Brightness" menu under Settings to find the new Liquid Glass option. On Mac, it’s located under "Appearance" in System Settings. The Tinted option increases the opacity of the UI, which should make notifications and text easier to read.

It’s a welcome update, as many iOS 26 users complained about the interface's translucency — and it seems Apple has been listening. In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple said feedback from beta testers made it clear that users wanted more customization for Liquid Glass.

While the Appearance option won’t roll out publicly until the official iOS 26.1 update, it’s a far better solution than before. Since users can’t roll back to iOS 26 or disable Liquid Glass entirely, the previous workaround involved diving into Accessibility settings, reducing transparency, and tweaking the home screen color for a makeshift tinted look.

Samsung might be ditching S26 Pro

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:30:58 +0000

It looks like the rumored Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro is no more. According to a report from SamMobile, Samsung has decided against introducing a "Pro" rebrand for its next smartphone lineup. Instead, the company will stick with the standard S26 naming convention.

It’s a fairly unexciting move, but not a surprising one. Per the report, the "Pro" model would have been a marketing play rather than a meaningful hardware upgrade — an attempt to mirror Apple’s naming strategy with its iPhone Pro series. In other words, Samsung’s base model will keep its name, and its specs will stay in familiar territory.

That might be a bit disappointing for fans hoping for something new, especially since other Galaxy news has been underwhelming. Just last week, reports surfaced that Samsung is axing its Edge line after only one release — the S25 Edge, which debuted just five months ago in May. It’ll reportedly be replaced by the S26 Plus, and rumors suggest there won’t be any groundbreaking design changes beyond a refreshed camera bump.

Meanwhile, the S26 Ultra also seems poised for only minor updates, primarily a larger camera module. So, unless Samsung has a surprise up its sleeve, expect the 2026 Galaxy lineup to look familiar: a base model, a Plus, and an Ultra — and not much else.

Apple iPhone 17 review: Stuck in the middle with you

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Apple's iPhone 17 has finally caught up with the Pro models in almost every way that users will notice. It has a camera that's almost as good as the one on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Battery life is excellent. The display is so much smoother and nicer than before, thanks to Apple's 120Hz ProMotion tech.

It's the iPhone that makes the most sense for most people.

So, why am I not excited?

Despite all these important upgrades, Apple is still giving us a tough choice between the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone Air, which is downright sexy, an adjective rarely used to describe handsets. Yes, the Air has shorter battery life and lacks an ultra-wide camera, but it's nicer, cooler, and thinner, while the iPhone 17 looks pretty much the same as last year's iPhone 16.

Apple iPhone 17: Price and specs

Two cameras! Take that, iPhone Air! Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple's base iPhone sometimes feels like a lot of compromises, which were necessary to avoid cannibalizing the sales of the more expensive Pro phones.

This year, it's the opposite: It feels like Apple decided to give the iPhone 17 most of the goodies that are important to most people. Besides the telephoto camera, the rest of the iPhone 17 Pro's exclusives are fairly exotic, such as a vapor chamber cooling system and RAW video support. In that sense, it's easily the most compelling standard iPhone in years.

Here are the key specs for the iPhone 17:

Display: 6.3-inch, Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz refresh rate
Design: Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield on front
Rear cameras: 48-megapixel dual rear camera array with wide and ultra-wide lenses
Front camera: 18-megapixel selfie camera with Center Stage
Processor: Apple A19 chip with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 256GB or 512GB
Battery life: Up to 30 hours of video playback
Software: iOS 26

Apple iPhone 17: Design and display

The display is almost as good as the one on the Pro models. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This review will mention the iPhone Air too many times, as it's impossible to give a verdict on the $799 iPhone 17 without at least considering the iPhone Air. Yes, the iPhone Air costs two hundred bucks more than the iPhone 17, but it's still way closer to it than the iPhone 17 Pro, which costs $400 more.

Starting with the design, there's almost nothing to say about the iPhone 17, as it looks the same as the iPhone 16. That means it has an aluminum frame, a 6.3-inch OLED display with a Dynamic Island up top, two cameras on the back, a standard array of buttons (including the fairly new Camera Control button) on the sides, and a USB-C port on the bottom. The choice of colors is between black, lavender, mist blue, sage, and white; Apple sent me a review unit in plain old white.

Technically, the iPhone 17 is ever so slightly inferior when compared to the Pro and Air models. For example, it's the only one that doesn't have a Ceramic Shield on the back. But the most important part, the display, is very similar across all three. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display that's very bright and also satisfyingly smooth thanks to Apple's ProMotion tech. The inclusion of ProMotion also gave the iPhone 17 some tricks previously reserved for Pro models, such as Always On display and StandBy mode, which is something I (curiously) missed the most on the iPhone 16e.

Apple iPhone 17: Performance and AI

Two cameras and a dedicated Camera Control button on the side. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I can't really tell the difference between any of the new iPhones when it comes to performance. They're all blazing fast, period.

Again, the chips that power them aren't quite the same; the iPhone 17 gets the A19 chip, while the Pro and Air get the A19 Pro, the main difference being 5 vs. 6 GPU cores. Apple doesn't say how much RAM these phones have, but we know from teardowns that the iPhone 17 only has 8GB of RAM vs. 12GB on the other new models. None of the differences are noticeable in daily use.

Perhaps more importantly, all three phones now start at 256GB of storage; the iPhone 17 can also be had with double that amount, but the extra storage will cost you $200 more.

As for AI, which Apple endearingly calls "Apple Intelligence," you get a few nifty features such as AI image recognition, smart note rewriting, and simple image generation. Frankly, Apple's take on AI is severely lacking where it matters most, which is when you use Siri. Sure, Siri can now relay your questions to ChatGPT, but on her own, she's just not capable of holding a decent conversation, which is hard to believe.

Apple iPhone 17: Cameras

How does it stack against the other phones in the lineup? Pretty well. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I've taken a deeper look at how all of Apple's new iPhone cameras compare, and you can see for yourself the results of my iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max camera tests.

Suffice to say that the iPhone 17 has a camera that's almost as good as the one on the Pro models in most scenarios. It also wins versus iPhone Air as it has an ultra-wide camera, which also enables macro photography. It does lack a dedicated telephoto camera, which is a pretty big deal.

Apple iPhone 17: Battery life

Apple's battery life figures for its iPhone lineup can be deceiving. The company rates iPhone 17 as being capable of up to 30 hours video playback, compared to up to 33 hours on the iPhone 17 Pro, and up to 27 hours on the iPhone Air. But the iPhone 16 was only rated for up to 22 hours, meaning that all three new devices are significantly better than Apple's base phone from 2024.

It's easy to get used to more battery life, and I'm sure people will compare the iPhone 17 against the new benchmarks, not old. But still: Apple has vastly improved battery life on all of its phones. The iPhone 17 may not be a two-day phone like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it should definitely last you a full day or even day and a half.

Is the Apple iPhone 17 worth it?

Aluminum frame, but no Ceramic Shield on the back. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Absolutely. The iPhone 17 is the most sensible choice for most users. I actually think it compares better with the iPhone 17 Pro, as it offers all of the key features - great camera, beautiful display, 256GB of storage, fast performance, and long battery life — for less money.

The question, however, is whether you'll go for the regular-looking iPhone when you can get the sexier and thinner iPhone Air? My advice: Check them both out in person, then decide. You won't make a mistake either way.

Apple iPhone 17

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Camera shootout: I compared iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro Max photos side-by-side

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:42:00 +0000

Apple’s iPhone lineup has never been this diverse. You have four new phones on offer — iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max — with very different designs, dimensions, colors, battery sizes, and camera systems.

And yet, it feels like the iPhone 17 has been upgraded to the point of being a very good option for a lot of buyers; it finally has a 120Hz display, its battery life has been significantly improved, and, just like the other devices, it starts with 256GB of storage. The iPhone Air, on the other hand, has the same chip and display size as the iPhone 17 Pro, but only one camera on the back.

This is why, for a lot of potential buyers, the choice will fall down to the cameras. Apple hyped up the iPhone Air’s single camera as a many-cameras-in-one system, but is it really up to par with the other iPhones, let alone camera powerhouses like the Google Pixel 10 Pro? And is the iPhone 17’s camera system just as good as the one on the Pro models, only without the zoom, or is it noticeably weaker in other areas, too?

Let's go hands-on and compare some photos to answer all of your questions.

Camera shootout: Daylight

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. In daylight, at maxed out resolution, the differences between the three phones are almost non-existent. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I'm happy to report that all three cameras take wonderfully detailed daylight shots with accurate colors. Turn up the megapixel count to 48 if you want more details, but only do so when the light conditions are just right.

TL:DR: A three-way tie.

Camera shootout: Zoom

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. Again, without zooming in, you'll get very similar photos across the three devices. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

There’s no real competition here: The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have a telephoto camera capable of 4x optical zoom, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air simply do not have that lens. Still, you can zoom in on all three phones (yes, even past the default 2x) as Apple will take the zoomed-out photo out of the larger, 48-megapixel capture.

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. The level of detail and sharpness you get on the Pro Max is vastly better than the digital zoom on the other two phones. Still, the iPhone Air consistently performed a little better than the iPhone 17. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As you can see above, the photos without the dedicated telephoto camera simply cannot measure up to the level of detail you get on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, especially at 8x magnification. Interestingly, I’ve gotten slightly better results with the iPhone Air than with the iPhone 17. This was quite consistent over various set-ups and zoom levels, indicating that the Air has a better overall main camera than the iPhone 17.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 Pro Max wins in this category, which is no surprise. What is a surprise? The iPhone Air beat the iPhone 17.

Camera shootout: Ultra-wide

Left: Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Right: Left: iPhone 17 Pro Max, Right: iPhone 17. Sometimes the scenery demands an ultra-wide photo, and the iPhone Air just doesn't have the option. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Only the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 have the ultra-wide camera; the iPhone Air doesn’t even have the option to zoom out past the default, 1x setting. On both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the ultra-wide yields significantly blurrier photos than the wonderfully sharp main shooter, so I recommend avoiding it. However, sometimes you just have to use it — typically, when you need to place a large group of people within the frame — and that’s where the option is great to have, photo quality be damned.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max have a decent but not great ultra-wide camera; the Air lacks this altogether.

Camera shootout: Low light

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. This nocturnal scene was captured beautifully by all three phones. The one taken with the iPhone Air has the most accurate colors, but differences are minute. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I was particularly interested in low-light performance, as this is where you really see whether the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air can hold their own against the Pro Max's powerful main camera. I'm happy to report that nighttime photos turned out roughly the same, no matter if I used the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, or iPhone 17 Pro Max.

TL;DR: All three phones took low-light photos of roughly the same quality.

Camera shootout: Macro

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. The photos taken by the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max are almost identical. The iPhone Air simply cannot capture as many details up close. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This test is perhaps unfair towards the iPhone Air, which doesn’t have a dedicated macro mode. But it’s still worth comparing the results, just to show how better the other two phones are when it comes to this specific photography type.

The iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max automatically switched to macro mode when I came in close to the flower, and both took a beautiful, detailed macro photo with vivid colors. With the iPhone Air, going in this close would only yield a blurry photo, so I used the 2x zoom option to get a bit more detail out of the flower. It’s not bad, but it's also nowhere near the quality of the other two photos when it comes to details. Also, the iPhone Air decided to blur the background, leaving me with a portrait photo; it’s not bad, but not exactly what I needed here.

TL;DR: The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max excel at macro photography; the iPhone Air doesn't even have a macro mode.

Camera shootout: Selfie

Left to right: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, iPhone Air. In Croatia, we do not smile. Apparently. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

On paper, all three cameras should be the same, and judging by the selfies I took, they pretty much are. I've taken a number of selfies with all three phones and they're always true-to-life with accurate colors and tons of detail. Here, I've chosen a portrait selfie which turned out very similar across all three phones.

TL;DR: A three-way tie.

The iPhone 17 vs. the iPhone Air vs. the iPhone 17 Pro Max: Which is best for photography?

They're all pretty good, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the most versatile camera. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The good news is that the main camera appears to be very similar across all three phones, and the iPhone Air performed much better than I expected. For your bread-and-butter daylight photos, as well as low-light shots, nature shots, and selfies, you can choose any of these phones and be happy.

Being able to zoom out and in (especially in) does make a difference in photography. Also, the video capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro Max are truly pro-grade, compared to the more basic (yet still very good) video shooting you get on the other two phones. If you like to tinker with settings, need tons of storage for videos (the iPhone 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB), and use zoom a lot, then the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a must.

How we tested

The rules of this contest were simple. I took photos in a multitude of scenarios with all three phones, doing my best to use similar settings and take the photo from the exact same position. Then, I uploaded the photos to my computer to see just how different they looked. In this article I’ve used cropped up details from each set of photos to highlight the differences between each phone.

This is not a perfect test. Sometimes you’ll get a bad (or a surprisingly good) photo for no apparent reason. I did take several sets of photos in each scenario to confirm the differences I saw were real, but I’ve only used a single set of photos for each scenario for the purposes of this article.

The quirky and fun Nothing Phone (3) is the cheapest its ever been

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:24:14 +0000

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 17, the Nothing Phone (3) is on sale for only $699 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price and its biggest discount to date.

Credit: Nothing

Nothing Phone (3)

$699 at Amazon
$799 Save $100

Unlocked, 256GB

If you're in the market for a new phone and want something a bit different than the usual suspects, the Nothing Phone (3) is the quirky handset you've been searching for. And as of Oct. 17, it's down to its best price ever.

Usually $799 for the base model, you can pick up an unlocked Nothing Phone (3) with 256GB of storage for just $699 at Amazon. That's 13% off the list price and its biggest discount on record since its July debut. As a Lightning Deal, the discount will disappear once all units have been claimed or the deal timer runs out — whichever comes first. So if you want to secure the best price, we suggest adding it to your cart ASAP.

The UK-based tech startup Nothing is known for its eccentric products that deliver flagship-like experiences at relatively affordable prices. And the Nothing Phone (3) is no exception. Its unconventional design features three misaligned camera lenses on the back with a glyph interface that uses a pixel-based circular window to do things like tell the time, operate a stopwatch, or even play games with you.

Its specs are solid for a phone at this price: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB RAM, 50MP cameras, 15-hour battery life. It's not going to blow you away by its performance, but it will offer something iPhone and Samsung don't: a fun, unique user experience that's unlike anything else. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested out the Nothing Phone (3) and called it "the company's best yet, thanks to its beautiful screen, strong performance, capable cameras, and standout design."