Android Headlines: Important Pixel 8 Leaks, OnePlus Buds Pro 2R Launch, Galaxy S23 FE Leaks
Rounding out seven days of Android world news and headlines, this week's Android scene includes a disappointing Galaxy S24 Ultra leak, S23 FE camera specs, three Pixel 8 Pro leaks, a Pixel 8a surprise, Xiaomi 13T price and OnePlus Buds. The launch of Pro 2R, Google's smart home strategy.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of the many things that happened in Android this past week (you can find our weekly roundup of Apple news here ).
Downgrade your Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
With so much imaging power available on smartphones, dropping the 10x optical zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra to 5x on the Galaxy S24 Ultra next year could be a bold move by Samsung.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra features new lens customization details from the popular Ice Universe, including a large 50MP sensor with 3x optical zoom for the lens.
(Forbes).
Galaxy S23 FE details ahead of India launch
Ahead of the launch in October, Samsung shared marketing posters with retailers in India. Indeed, the poster revealed the details of the camera lens and LED flash placement;
“We can't take away much from this poster, including the vertical placement of three cameras like the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+. However, a single LED flash can be placed between the second and third sensors instead of the second and third sensors. First, the overall design details of the phone, at least according to the latest 360-degree video trailer.
(Android Police).
Three great leaks about the Pixel 8 Pro
With less than two weeks to go until the official launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, we have a lot to look forward to. I've selected three important updates for Android phones based on our industry-leading commitment to software updates:
"...shows what Google wants to see from the developer community regarding software support and security updates. Google will offer Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro owners five years of Android updates. "Since these new smartphones will be the first to run Android 14, this will be one of the longest support periods for a new mainstream Android device, surpassing Samsung's current maximum for Galaxy S phones."
(Forbes).
Pixel 8a images have surfaced online
In addition to the 8 and 8 Pro, by the end of Q2 2024, the Pixel 8a is expected to replace the mid-range 'A' line currently occupied by the Pixel 7a. And we got the first leak.
“Images posted by @yabhishekd on Twitter/X earlier this morning show what is believed to be the Google Pixel 8a and looks like the first live image of the Google device we've seen. The pill-shaped cutout reveals the dual-camera setup. The entire device has a blue color similar to the leaked Pixel 8 Pro.
(By Abhishek Yadav via 9to5Google)
Amazing difference in Xiaomi 13T phone
Xiaomi will launch the Honor 13T next week, and the late 2023 model has a big advantage over the vanilla model launched earlier this year... and that's a big price cut.
According to Ishan Agarwal, the Xiaomi 13T in the 8GB/256GB configuration will cost €650/£550. The Xiaomi 13T Pro will start at €800 / £650 for the base 12GB/256GB model and go up to €1,000. For a 16GB/1TB phone By comparison, the Xiaomi 13 was priced at €1,000 for the 8/256GB phone at launch in Europe, while the 13 Pro starts at €1,300 for the 12/256GB model.
(GSM Arena).
The new OnePlus Buds Pro 2R is a more affordable option.
This week, OnePlus introduced the next version of its true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2R. It follows the pricier Buds Pro 2. What allows OnePlus to achieve more affordable prices? Bud no longer has two functions.
“You get the same 48dB of active noise cancellation as in adaptive mode, thanks to larger microphone holes in each earcup. The difference is the loss of more premium features. You don't have surround sound or Google Quick Pair's gyro sensor.
(something.tv).
And finally...
You've got Google Assistant, Nest Hub, Pixel tablets, Google Home... Google's many attempts at building a smart home have resulted in missed opportunities and limited products. How open is the target?
“I think Google missed its early start in Smart Home, just like it missed its strong roots in Google Talk. “Its Smart Home is now in the same place as the Google Messages app. it's there and working as it should." should be done
(Android body).
Every weekend, Android Circuit rounds up news from the Android world here at Forbes. Be sure to follow me for future coverage and of course check out my sister's Apple Loop column. Last week's Android Circuit can be found here. If you have news or links you'd like to see on Android Circuit, please contact us.