Hoping to hear more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7? You’re in luck. We’re just a week away from Samsung’s official unveiling of its latest foldable, with Samsung’s latest foldable smartphone expected to steal the show during July’s expected Galaxy Unpacked event.

Although Samsung’s upcoming smartphone promises to be the thinnest Galaxy Fold ever, the rumors surrounding it are anything but.

If you’d prefer not to wait, there have been more than enough leaks about the Z Fold 7 to form an early impression of what to expect from next month’s reveal.

So, let’s dive into what we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, early.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Release date and price rumors

Samsung hasn’t officially announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7 yet, but that doesn’t stop us from piecing together when it will, based on its usual routine for unveiling and releasing smartphones.

Samsung typically holds two Galaxy Unpacked events each year. The first of which takes place right at the start of the year, and will usually focus on its Galaxy S series smartphones. This year, it was the turn of the Samsung Galaxy S25.

The second of Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked events takes place halfway through the year, and it’s here that we tend to see the company’s latest Galaxy Z Fold and Flip foldable phones.

Exactly when Samsung hosts these events can vary, but the second Galaxy Unpacked events of the last two years have both fallen within July. A Korean outlet, The JoongAng, claims the same will happen this year as well.

Samsung's summer Unpacked event is scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z series phones will typically go on sale within a few weeks of their announcement, meaning this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be available for purchase as early as Wednesday, July 25.

While the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 both received a $100 price bump last year, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 are said to remain at that price, with no further increases expected.

This means that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely be available to buy starting at a still-mighty $1,899.

While there are rumors of a price hike for the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, it seems more likely that Samsung will unveil a higher-end foldable, such as a Z Flip Ultra or Z Fold Ultra. However, we'll have to wait until Unpacked to know for sure.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Rumored specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Design and display rumors

From what we’ve heard so far, this year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 will reportedly take inspiration from last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 special edition, a limited edition of the foldable sold only in Korea and China that was larger, faster, thinner, lighter, and offered better cooling, speakers, and an improved primary camera.

These changes, along with the phone's super-narrow bezels, could translate to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 receiving a bigger ~8.2-inch foldable display (previously 7.6 inches), a 6.5-inch cover screen (previously 6.3 inches), and adopting a form factor that’s only 8.9mm thick (4.5mm when open) — though some reports suggest the phone could be as little as 3.9mm in thickness while open, making it the thinnest Galaxy Fold to date.

It’s suggested that the rest of the Z Fold 7’s build will largely remain the same, meaning it will presumably offer the same layout as the Z Fold 6 while touting a similar Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, rated at 2,600 nits of peak brightness.

Beyond raw specifications, Samsung’s display is also claimed to have a significantly less noticeable crease than other Galaxy Fold models, with Android Central reporting that the company showcased a creaseless panel at MWC 2025.

As for color choices, it appears the Z Fold 7 will be available in a few different shades. Android Central reported additional color leaks, including the sleek Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow. But Samsung could save the more unique colors for its own storefront exclusive.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Camera rumors

Among the list of Galaxy Z Fold 6 special edition features that the Z Fold 7 is expected to inherit, a staggering 200MP upgrade to the typically 50MP main camera stands out the most.

It’s believed that the new Galaxy Fold will also feature the same 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical), 10MP front-facing selfie camera with a 100-degree wide-angle lens, and 4MP under-display selfie camera of last year’s model.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Performance and battery rumors

There’s no need to speculate over whether or not the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will go with an Exynos or Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, as 91mobiles has already put that conversation to bed after uncovering an FCC certification confirming that the new Galaxy Fold will make use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (tailored for Galaxy devices) backed by up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a proven powerhouse, with Qualcomm exec Chris Patrick telling Tom’s Guide in October 2024 that the chip was “a desktop-class CPU [with] mobile-level power efficiency.”

That efficiency could make great use of the Galaxy Fold 7’s expected 4,400 mAh battery capacity, the same as previous models, utilizing 15W wireless charging and 25W of peak wired charging.

What's next

With leaks relating to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 7 appearing thick and fast ahead of July’s rumored Galaxy Unpacked event, expect more news to follow on this device in the coming days as we get closer to the official reveal.

These rumored changes to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 suggest a device even more premium, durable, and attractive than before. Samsung has confirmed in a May 2025 post that One UI 8 “will debut on Samsung’s newest foldables this summer,” making the Z Fold 7 one of the first devices to use the new customized Android 16 UI.

It’s also been suggested that owners of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could get free access (for an unknown amount of time) to Google’s AI Pro subscription service (typically costing $19.99 per month).

For a full look at what the Z Fold 7 will be capable of, we’ll need to wait to hear it directly from Samsung during next week's Galaxy Unpacked event. But until then, there’s plenty of information here to digest, and the Galaxy Fold is looking stronger than ever based on these early reports.

More from Laptop Mag

• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might be the most beautiful phone to fail
• MWC Shanghai 2025 will actually be a pressure test for the next generation of tech
• Anker recalls 1 million power banks — here are five to buy instead

We’ve finally learned more about the upcoming Google Pixel 10 following yet another round of leaks. This time, they come from Android Headlines and paint a clearer picture of Google's next flagship. And while previous leaks of the renders by OnLeaks and Mystic Leaks confirm a familiar formula, together they raise a worrying question: Is Google coasting?

If you were hoping for a design shake-up, you might want to temper expectations. The base model Pixel 10 looks almost indistinguishable from its predecessor. Same horizontal camera bar. Same flat display. Same matte glass aesthetic.

We’re not saying it’s ugly. It’s arguably one of the cleanest designs on the Android side of mobiles. But in a year when all the big Android players are leaning into bold, AI-heavy, edge-to-edge reinvention, Google’s next phone feels like it’s stuck in 2022. Especially when the base models are missing what is quickly becoming a critical inclusion: A vapor chamber.

A safe bet, but perhaps too safe

According to the leak, the Pixel 10 will feature a 6.17-inch flat display, possibly OLED, with the same centrally aligned punch-hole selfie cam we’ve seen since the Pixel 6. Around back, the trademark camera visor houses what should be three lenses — wide, ultrawide, and telephoto — and a flash in a layout similar to the Pixel 9.

Measurements show it’s slightly taller and slimmer than its predecessor (152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm), with rounded corners and a new metal frame that could help with durability. But visual tweaks aside, this feels like more of a spec refresh than anything groundbreaking.

There’s no confirmed word on the chipset, but we’ll likely see a next-gen Google Tensor G5, manufactured by TSMC. Early whispers suggest modest gains in AI performance and battery efficiency, but no leap in raw power.

That’s going to sting when the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Apple A19 chipsets are reportedly doubling down on generative workloads with major gains in TOPS (trillions of operations per second).

Vapor chamber? Pro model only

Easily the most surprising and controversial takeaway from June 24’s Pixel 10 leak is what’s missing under the hood. According to Android Headlines, the base Pixel 10 does not include a vapor chamber cooling system.

This is a pretty big deal. We’re in 2025 now, and thermal design is table stakes. Even budget phones are shipping with copper heat pipes or vapor chambers to keep performance stable under load, particularly with AI processing and high-end gaming pushing mobile chips harder than ever. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 and even OnePlus mid-rangers include advanced heat dissipation systems.

Segmentation seems to be the only viable reason Google would choose to do this. It would also explain why Google is leaving out Wi-Fi 7 and Ultra Res Zoom on the base model. By pulling key features from the vanilla Pixel 10, Google is drawing a sharper line between the base and Pro models. But that strategy risks alienating fans who don’t want to shell out $999 just to get modern cooling.

If the Tensor G5 chip is as efficient as leaks suggest, maybe this won't matter for most users. But for video capture or AI workloads, the lack of a vapor chamber could lead to thermal throttling, which is simply unacceptable.

Pixel vs. everyone

Let’s put all this in context. The Galaxy S25 Edge is 5.8mm thin, feather-light, and still packs a 200MP camera with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. That’s the same silicon expected in many late-2025 Android flagships. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, meanwhile, is tipped to include an upgraded Neural Engine with on-device GPT-4-class processing and improved battery life from its new stacked cell tech.

Against that backdrop, the Pixel 10's rumored dual-lens setup and conservative redesign feel underwhelming, especially without a confirmed leap in AI compute or display technology. Even mid-range phones like the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are starting to ship with periscope lenses and sub-4nm chipsets.

Despite all this, the Pixel 10 could still matter a lot. Pixel phones don’t win on brute force. They win on experience. Call Screen, Hold for Me, live translation, and Assistant at your fingertips. These are all features that turn Google’s phones into digital companions, not just pocket computers.

If the Pixel 10 tightens up the formula, enhances efficiency, and brings the next wave of Gemini-powered tools to a clean, stable phone? That’s a win for mainstream Android users. But if you were hoping for a radical Pixel Fold 2-style rethink? That’s not what the leaks are showing.

More from Laptop Mag

• Samsung’s next Unpacked is official, and an "Ultra" foldable might be coming
• This iOS 26 battery life upgrade could save the iPhone 17 Air from the iPhone mini's fate
• It takes more than money to buy this Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 rival

On Tuesday, Google announced on its Android developer blog that Android 16 started rolling out to supported Pixel devices, including several new features I've been itching to try on my Pixel 9a since they were announced on May 13 ahead of Google I/O 2025.

It may not be as exciting as a Google Pixel 10 announcement, but it means the Pixel phone (and more Android phones in the coming months) that you already own will be getting some enticing new upgrades. Google’s latest update offers a splash of fun additions, along with some upgrades that push Android even closer to becoming a potential laptop replacement for some users.

After digging through the announcements, here are the seven most exciting features in Android 16 that may get you to download it as soon as possible.

1. Desktop power with a connected display

Let's start with one of the most compelling features for us as laptop and mobile tech enthusiasts: the enhanced desktop experience when connected to an external display.

We've lived some form of this dream with Samsung Dex in recent years. In our Hot Swap series, one writer traded their laptop for a phone with Samsung Dex and a monitor, while another writer went even more mobile with a Samsung Dex phone and XR glasses.

Now, the rest of the Android world gets desktop-style performance when connecting your phone to a monitor or glasses via USB-C. This will now give you a taskbar, resizable windows, and the ability to run multiple apps side by side.

The phone display and monitor act independently, so you can also still pick up your phone when that's quicker than the desktop experience. Add a portable keyboard, such as the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2, and a small mouse, like the Targus ErgoFlip Ecosmart mouse, and you've got a complete laptop replacement that can fit in the smallest bags.

This feature is now in developer preview and coming in a general release later this year.

2. Material You is getting more expressive

Android 16 lays the groundwork for “Material 3 Expressive,” a fancier, more consistent version of Android’s visual design language. While the full changes are coming between July and September, early adopters will notice more polish in animations, layout spacing, and app transitions.

One important change: apps targeting Android 16 can no longer opt out of edge-to-edge layouts, meaning all apps will look more modern by default. It's not the massive visual refresh that Apple revealed with Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025 on Monday, but no one is going to be upset about a cleaner and more polished Android.

3. Creator camera upgrades

If your phone doubles as your camera rig, Android 16 is packed with perks. Night mode scene detection gets smarter, color temperature can now be fine-tuned, and motion photos are easier to capture with new built-in Intent actions.

Google also continues to push UltraHDR forward, adding support for HEIC encoding and integrating with professional video workflows thanks to the new Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. Whether you are someone who knows what all of that means or not, the takeaway is that you'll have more tools to ensure your images look their best on Android.

4. Predictive back gestures

Back gestures are a pain point for a lot of people on Android, and they are getting smarter and more consistent. Android 16 introduces predictive back navigation by default, even for users who still prefer the classic three-button setup.

Now, when you swipe or press the back button, you’ll get a visual preview of where it’s going to take you, reducing the chances of accidentally quitting your app. On the developer side, they also have new system callbacks to fine-tune how their apps handle backpresses. This is one of those features that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it fixes an irritating problem.

5. Progress notification progress

While Android often beats the iPhone to punch on features, this is one where Google is playing catchup. Ever wonder how long your Uber is going to take or if your food’s still on the way? Android 16 introduces a new framework for building smarter, more visually clear progress notifications.

Developers can now use segments and milestones to show real-time updates for tasks like deliveries or navigation. It’s a sneak peek into Android’s upcoming “Live Updates” feature, and it should make your status bar a lot more informative.

6. Android apps adapting

As Android spreads across more form factors — foldables, tablets, and now desktop displays — it needs to get better at adapting apps to any screen size or orientation.

Android 16 solves this problem by removing aspect ratio restrictions on devices with large displays (600dpi and up), meaning apps will automatically stretch to fill the screen — even if they weren’t originally designed to. It also adds better support for resizability, portrait/landscape switching, and dynamic display changes. If you are a longtime Android tablet user like me that has felt the pain of clunky looking Android tablet apps, this should be a game-changing upgrade.

7. Under-the-hood tune-up

It's not all about new features; Android 16 adds better CPU and GPU usage tracking for games and demanding apps, smarter job scheduling for background tasks, and system-triggered performance profiling.

On the privacy side, users can now limit access to shared media for apps on an individual basis. Accessibility also gets a big win with new outline text for higher contrast and expanded support for hearing aids via Auracast.

What's next?

Android 16 isn’t a flashy overhaul, but it’s a smart and focused update that improves the Android experience and solves a few long-standing pain points for users on traditional phones, foldables, and tablets.

If you own a supported Pixel device, you should be seeing the update soon. And if you own a Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, or other Android phone, you'll likely see the update in the coming months.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Everything announced at WWDC 2025
• Amazon Prime Day-worthy deals in June 2025, here are 50+ discounts I recommend
• Google quietly gave Gemini a big upgrade that could change everything

It's a busy time for the tech industry. Companies are holding their annual events, setting up upcoming software releases, and previewing what’s coming with new devices set to launch in the fall.

Google will hold its annual Google I/O event on Tuesday, the same time as Microsoft Build 2025 and the Asian tech expo Computex. It will also happen weeks before Apple's big event, the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.

Google I/O 2025 is a big event for the company. It's in the middle of all the tech trends right now. It's developing new devices to keep up with Apple, pushing its AI to stay right on top of Microsoft, and still offering a variety of services, whether it be Google Cloud, Chrome, or even YouTube, that are either the top dog in their fields or put the company right up there.

How to watch Google I/O 2025?

Google I/O takes place on Tuesday, May 20, with the keynote speech starting at 1 p.m. Eastern. The speech will be streamed on Google's Developers YouTube channel.

Here's what we're expecting to see during the keynote speech.

Google Smart Glasses

On May 13, Google's Android Show focused on the upcoming changes for Android 16, which should be released sometime in June. Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem, hosted the show. At the end of the event, he put on sunglasses, teasing that there would be some news coming at Google I/O.

Smart glasses are the current hot tech trend, with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses being the current market leader. Apple is reportedly working on its version, and it makes sense for Google to make its own.

Google was the first to release smart glasses when it released Google Glass in 2013. However, the price and lack of functionality made them unattractive at the time.

It's a different story in 2025, with technology getting smaller and cheaper, making smart glasses easier to produce while offering many possibilities. Powering these glasses will be Android XR, an operating system for headsets and glasses. Expect a chunk of the show to be dedicated to these new glasses.

Gemini

Even though Google smart glasses might be the show's breakout star, the main character will be Gemini.

Google released its Gemini 2.5 model in March and expects it to be in everything the company produces, whether hardware, software, or services.

Wear OS

The next version of Wear OS is coming. Wear OS 6 was shown during the Android Show, and as expected, it will use Gemini, although there is more.

The wearable OS will have a new look for Pixel Watch and show more data at a quick glance. Expect to see even more features for Wear OS during Google I/O.

Android 16

Even though the Android Show covered Android 16, there are likely some more features to discuss. What those features could be remains unclear, but Google wouldn't have an I/O show without discussing the next Android release.

Google TV

Google TV, the company's operating system for smart TVs, is currently using Android 14, and it's time for an upgrade. Google TV usually updates to the new version of Android every two years, which means it should be jumping to Android 16.

If it does, expect to see more features for smart TVs, and very likely, the incorporation of Gemini into Google TV.

Pinterest Alternative?

A new Pinterest-like social media platform from Google could be an interesting surprise. The Information reported that Google is looking to release an app that enables users to put together their pictures into shared collections.

It's hard to tell what Google is cooking with this platform, but that's why there are shows like Google I/O to showcase it.

Google Chrome

While Google is still dealing with the legal matters involving Chrome and the monopoly the company has that could require it to tell the internet browser, it might as well reveal some new features for it. If there are new features for the browser, like everything else in the show, expect it to incorporate Gemini.

More from Laptop Mag

• "See you on May 20": Is this Google I/O promo a sneak peek at Android smart glasses?
• Why I ditched Google Chrome for Microsoft Edge (and haven't looked back)
• Could AI replace Google in Safari? Apple executive suggests it’s possible.

Google may have just given us its biggest hint yet about a pair of Android smart glasses that could make an apperance at Google I/O next week.

It's been a couple of years since Google finally shuttered its ill-fated Google Glass AR glasses, but it looks like Google isn't giving up yet.

An Android Show video streamed Tuesday on the Android YouTube channel may have included a sneaky tease of Google's rumored Android-powered smart glasses.

Here's a look at what we know so far about Google's potential return to smart glasses and the pitfall Google will need to watch out for this time.

See also: Best phone deals in May 2025

Google teases Android smart glasses ahead of Google I/O

The live stream unpacked some recent Android updates, but the most interesting part of the show came near its end.

Sameer Samat, Android Ecosystem President, closed things out with a short promo for Google I/O, stating:

"Join us for an exciting Google I/O in just a few days. We'll have deep dives from developers, the latest on Google Gemini, and maybe even a few more really cool Android demos. See you on May 20."

As Samat says, "A few more really cool Android demos," he slips on a pair of black sunglasses. The frames are chunky black plastic, and there appear to be circular indents on each side — in the exact spots where cameras would be on a pair of smart glasses.

This couldn't have been a more obvious hint if Samat had ended by winking directly into the camera.

The implication is clear: one of the "really cool Android demos" coming up at Google I/O could very well be a pair of Android-powered smart glasses.

This hint comes after rumors of a private Google smart glasses demo last month, and as Google's rival Meta goes all-in on smart glasses.

There is a smart glasses showdown brewing. Google's potential return to the smart glasses market is no coincidence. Meta is pouring attention into its Ray-Ban AI smart glasses, which are expected to get a big refresh later this year. At the same time, there are rumors that Apple is developing a chip for a pair of smart glasses.

Can Google learn from Meta's experiences with user privacy?

It's no surprise that Google is returning to smart glasses despite its failure with Google Glass. The glasses Samat briefly wore in the most recent Android Show Livestream certainly look strikingly similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses.

While it's nothing exciting, the design is definitely a step up from the blocky Matrix-like look of Google Glass. The question is, what else has Google changed this time around?

Considering we got this sneak peek on the Android Show, it seems likely that this pair of smart glasses will be running on Android, or some sort of modified version of it.

Additionally, I hope Google is paying attention to the controversy surrounding privacy on Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. Privacy is a natural concern when you're walking around wearing a device that can record audio and video at the sound of a simple activation phrase.

Meta took things a step further recently by tweaking its privacy policy to require users to allow Meta to store certain audio and video data in the cloud to improve and train its AI.

While Google isn't exactly a paragon of data privacy, hopefully, they'll pay attention to the concerns over Meta's move with its smart glasses.

If Google commits to respecting user privacy and allowing them to control where and how data from their glasses is stored, it could give Google's new Android-powered smart glasses an edge on Meta.

Either way, we'll soon find out exactly what Google envisions for its Android smart glasses at Google I/O, which will kick off on May 20.

More from Laptop Mag

• The best smart glasses you can buy just got a lot creepier
• Google drops a surprise preview of its first smart glasses since Google Glass
• Looks like Apple isn't giving up on smart glasses after all

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, finally confirming what had been leaked months earlier — and the timing feels deliberate.

Packed inside the 5.8mm, 163-gram chassis is the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 200MP camera found in Samsung’s Ultra model. In other words, it’s not a “lite” edition; it’s a statement.

The big reveal was held in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday morning local time — still Monday evening on the East Coast of the United States.

While Apple hasn’t publicly commented, the Edge debut date feels quite intentional. With the iPhone 17 Air (or Slim) rumored to be Apple’s upcoming ultra-thin play, Samsung just got the first word in.

Edge-level performance, iPhone-level ambition

If you’ve followed Samsung’s recent strategy, the Edge is the natural endpoint: Strip everything non-essential to chase a singular design vision. Here, that means matching the Ultra’s internals but ditching the telephoto lens and reducing the battery capacity to 3,900 mAh.

In return, you get a Galaxy flagship that is lighter than anything Samsung has shipped in years. It’s also nearly 2mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and more than a full millimeter thinner than the iPhone 15 Pro.

We’ve been here before, though. Phones got thin, they bent (a throwback to the iPhone 6 Plus), and manufacturers overcorrected with bigger batteries, bulkier camera islands, and the naming of “Pro Max Ultra.”

The S25 Edge hints at a design rethink: What if sleek, pocketable, and premium could coexist?

Samsung is betting that it can. If the rumors are accurate, Apple will think the same thing.

Enter the iPhone 17 Air

According to earlier leaks, Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup could include a brand-new Air model. This handset would be dramatically thinner, possibly as thin as 5.5mm, and built from titanium or aluminum to cut weight.

The Air may not ship with the full triple-lens loadout we’ve come to expect. Like the Edge, it might settle for fewer sensors, a smaller battery, and an emphasis on lightness. And much like Samsung, Apple’s design decisions will pose the same question: How much compromise are users willing to accept in the name of thin?

The S25 Edge’s biggest gamble isn’t its weight or thickness. It’s the battery. At 3,900 mAh, it’s down nearly 25% from what you’ll find in most 2025 flagships. That’s the price you pay for a device this slim.

Thermal management is another concern. Thin phones have less room for vapor chambers or graphite pads, and any passive cooling is limited by physics. Some users will notice if Samsung is throttling the Snapdragon 8 Elite under sustained load.

Apple’s Air may face the same scrutiny. The thinnest iPad Pro (5.1mm) already sparked debates about heat and battery performance. Now imagine a similar device in your pocket and how it might hold up after a day of heavy use.

Building a narrative?

Samsung has everything to gain from this category. Unlike Apple, which has been refining a single design language across devices, Samsung can afford to experiment.

The Edge isn’t replacing the Ultra or the base S25. It’s an option; a stylistic choice for users who value comfort over cameras or runtime. By being first, Samsung gets to frame the narrative: thinness is premium again. And if the iPhone 17 Air follows, Samsung can credibly say it set the trend.

The S25 Edge feels like more than a hardware announcement in many ways. It’s a provocation. If Apple responds with an iPhone 17 Air this fall, we could see thin become the new must-have spec, right alongside megapixels, refresh rates, and AI.

But for now, it’s Samsung’s turn in the spotlight. The company has built the world’s thinnest flagship phone. And in doing so, it may have kickstarted the industry’s next great design war.

Watch the Samsung 'Beyond Slim' event

More from Laptop Mag

• iPhone 17 Air: Rumors are thick on the thinnest iPhone ever
• Samsung's Galaxy S25 phones offer a big performance boost and even more AI
• Samsung Galaxy Edge first look: How thin is Samsung's ultra-slim phone? (January 2025)

Nothing announced a freshly upgraded version of its budget-friendly CMF Phone 1 on Monday, which now features a new camera and a desperately needed upgrade that the first model was missing.

Nothing unveiled the new CMF Phone 2 Pro in a livestream presentation, showing off a modular design similar to the original, but with some key hardware upgrades. The price is refreshingly similar, though, at just $279.

I’ve been loving the CMF Phone 1 as my daily driver for the past couple of months, but I’m torn about picking up the CMF Phone 2 Pro thanks to the addition of one much-needed feature and the loss of another.

See also: Best phone deals in April 2025

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is a sweet upgrade on a stellar budget phone

Nothing has officially unveiled the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the follow-up to last year's CMF Phone 1, which immediately caught my eye with its unique modular design. The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a similar aesthetic, but with a cleaner design, a new camera, updated specs, and — finally — NFC.

Here's how it compares to the original CMF Phone 1 and the Nothing Phone 3a:

I'm a fan of the sleek, two-tone design Nothing went with for the CMF Phone 2 Pro, but even if you only care about specs, it's a pretty good deal. It features a more powerful processor than the CMF Phone 1, a slightly larger display, and an updated camera. While the camera specs are similar, the sensor is a major upgrade since Nothing equipped the CMF Phone 2 Pro with the same sensor it used for the pricier Nothing Phone 3a.

With the inclusion of NFC, a much-requested feature missing from the CMF Phone 1, the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers most of the core features you'd get in the Nothing Phone 3a, but for $100 less, which is a great deal if you're looking for a good budget-friendly phone.

Unfortunately, there is one feature missing from the CMF Phone 1: the modular backplates. You could swap out the entire backplate on the original CMF Phone and mix and match your hardware (for instance, I paired an orange backplate with black screws). Nothing has removed that feature this time around, though. You can screw on cases and accessories, but the backplate can't be swapped out anymore.

I have to admit, as much as I like the spec upgrades on the CMF Phone 2 Pro, I'm sad to see the modular backplates go away after just one generation. I thought that was a fun design, but Nothing may have ditched it to improve the water resistance on the Phone 2 Pro from IP52 to IP54.

If you want to get your hands on a CMF Phone 2 Pro, you'll need to snag one soon since they'll only be available in the U.S. during Nothing's Beta Program (meaning, once they're out of stock in the U.S., you won't be able to get one anymore, at least not directly from Nothing).

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is currently available for pre-order for $279 directly from Nothing.

More from Laptop Mag

• Can Apple learn from Nothing? The CMF Phone 1 has one glaring advantage over iPhone
• Nothing Phone 3a Pro hands-on: This camera is literally a big deal
• I switched from iPhone to Android, and there's still one thing I can't get over

We might finally have some concrete details on Samsung's thinnest phone.

Samsung debuted the Galaxy S25 Edge at Unpacked back in January but with few details beyond its thin form factor. We've seen a few more glimpses of the phone since then, with the phone appearing in an art installation at the Samsung booth at MWC Barcelona 2025.

However, when it comes to pricing, specs, and a release date, nothing.

Until now, a series of leaks on Friday gave us a glimpse at what could be behind the ultra-thin chassis of the Galaxy S25 Edge.

Because some of the leaked information comes from Samsung's website, these rumors instill more confidence than most.

So, here's a rundown of today's Galaxy S25 Edge leaks:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Rumored price

Samsung's website leaked the Canadian pricing of the S25 Edge.

According to retail intelligence leaker Roland Quandt, the S25 Edge was listed with a starting price of CA $1,678, with the 512GB model priced at CA $1,858.

This puts pricing for the Edge between the Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra. If that trend continues with the US pricing, the S25 Edge would cost somewhere between $999 to $1,299.

A direct currency exchange between the leaked Canadian pricing and US currency (at the current exchange rate of $0.72 USD to $1 Canadian) would put the US price for the base S25 Edge model at $1,210. Using the same math, the higher-spec model would cost $1,340.

$1,340 is above the base price for the S25 Ultra in the United States, so US pricing for the Edge is more likely to be between $1,149 and $1,199. However, the S25 Edge pricing landing between the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra will likely be the same on both sides of the border.

US prices are, of course, subject to change due to the constantly shifting US tariff policy, which could impact many of Samsung's products, including the Galaxy smartphone line.

Current tariff estimations indicate Galaxy phones could see a price hike of up to 46% depending on Samsung's production lines.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Rumored specs

Reputable hardware leaker Evan Blass posted a photo of what appeared to be S25 Edge marketing materials.

While not an official source, Blass has a history of leaking accurate information, so these specs could be true.

According to Blass's post, the S25 Edge features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 200MP camera, and all-day battery life.

However, the Galaxy S25 Edge isn't just a powerful smartphone. It's the thinnest Galaxy S25 phone. But just how thin and lightweight is it?

Allegedly, the S25 Edge is just 5.8mm (0.23 inches) thick, and weighs just 163g (0.36 pounds).

While this is incredibly thin and light, Apple's iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be just 5.6mm (0.22 inches) thick. While not a huge difference, in the race to make the thinnest smartphone, that 0.2mm would give Apple the edge.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Rumored release date

Lastly, Korean media outlet FN News reports that Samsung will announce information about the S25 Edge during a Galaxy Unpacked event on May 13th.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is currently expected to launch first in the South Korean and Chinese markets on May 23, with global sales (including the US) starting on May 30th.

We'll need to wait and see if Samsung confirms this information, but it would fit nicely into Samsung's release schedule.

More from Laptop Mag

• I switched to a smartphone and Xreal glasses — a perfect laptop alternative for travel
• iPhone 17 tipped for a long-awaited upgrade, but it may not come cheap
• iPhone 17 Air: Rumors are thick on the thinnest iPhone ever

The Google Pixel 9a appears to be, once again, the best bang for your buck if your bucks total up to $500.

Google's affordable smartphone launched on April 10, and so far, it looks to be another hit for Google. Tech sites have posted their reviews of the latest phone from Google, and they're all loving it.

If you've been waiting for a sign to get a new phone that won't break the bank, the Google Pixel 9a seems to be the best bet.

Here are some of the best features that the tech press have been crowing about with the Google Pixel 9a, making it one of the best phones released so far in 2025.

Low-priced speed demon

One of the big surprises mentioned in the reviews is how fast the Google Pixel 9a is.

For the Pixel 9a, Google added a Tensor G4 processor to the phone, the same chip used in the Pixel 9 series. Ars Technica says there was no feeling of slowdown or the phone heating up when using mutiple apps. According to 9to5Google: "In day-to-day usage, app launches and loading speeds feel on par with the Pixel 9 Pro."

Tom's Guide says it runs much smoother than Apple's affordable phone, the iPhone 16e, on basic tasks, but it can't compare to the lower-priced iPhone on more advanced tasks like gaming and video editing.

Small body, big battery

Another big improvement with the Pixel 9a is the battery life. The affordable phone comes with a 5,100-mAh battery, which is a jump from the Pixel 8a's 4,492-mAh capacity.

Wired's review of the Pixel 9a noted that while you're not going to get two days of use out of the battery, regular users will still have a chunk of battery leftover, in the 30-40% range. PCMag's test of the Pixel 9a showed it lasting just over 13 hours streaming 1080p video over Wi-Fi with full brightness on, which was an hour longer than the Pixel 8a and 90 minutes longer than the Pixel 9.

Affordable intelligence.

One cool new feature the Pixel 9a has is out-of-the-box AI.

Gemini comes on the Pixel 9a, replacing Google Assistant, and CNET noted the phone runs 2.0 Flash, 2.0 Flash Thinking, 2.5 Pro, Deep Research and Personalization. The phone also makes use of Gemini Live where the AI can see your surroundings via the camera and tell you about them. The reviewer for CNET mentioned how he was using the feature around his office, and when looking for his coffee, he asked Gemini, which told him where his coffee was hiding.

One thing to note is that the Gemini Live requires a Gemini Advanced subscription, which costs $19.99 a month, although Google gives Pixel 9a buyers a month free.

A picture worth $500

All the reviewers mentioned how good the Pixel 9a camera was for the price. The 48MP camera at f/1.7 is a bit of a downgrade from the 64MP at f/1.89 camera found on the Pixel 8a, but the PCMag review mentioned the new phone's camera has a larger aperture to let in more light.

It's a good camera, but just not great. The Verge's review said the 9a produced "most intensely flat and over-processed photos of high-contrast scenes," and pictures lose information when exported from the phone.

Looks boring for the money.

One con about the phone agreed on was how the 9a didn't look special. The Tom's Guide review mentions how the redesign of the phone makes it "more uniform" and doesn't give it much of a unique look from other budget phones. Wired called the phone's design "stale."

The screen for the 9a does have the same bright 6.3-inch display found on the Pixel 9 series, which was a welcome improvement to the budget phone.

The Pixel 9a is hard to beat for a $500 phone. It does everything most users will want from their phone and looks good while doing it. But don't get it twisted, it is very clear that this phone is a budget phone when comparing it to other flagship phones.

I love iPhones as much as the next Apple follower, but if I'm being honest, the non-Apple midrange and budget phone market is full of just as great devices.

That's great news if you're open to other phones but bad news for Apple, which released its iPhone 16e, a "budget" phone that unfortunately debuts at a less-than-ideal $600.

Don't get me wrong — the iPhone 16e is no slouch. It has Apple's latest A18 chip, is Apple Intelligence ready, and tries to offer a better camera experience with a new integrated telephoto lens system.

But at that price point, if you're okay with switching from iOS to Android, several other phones blow the iPhone 16e out of the water in terms of camera, display, and design. I've reviewed and tested a couple of those phones myself, and if you're looking for a real deal with flagship-like specs, these are the three phones I would consider instead of the iPhone 16e.

Phones to consider if the iPhone 16e isn't doing it for you

Most people are looking for the same things in a phone, regardless of their budget. For me, it's about having a nice screen, a good feel, a proper camera, and a chip that ensures smooth and uninterrupted doom-scrolling.

There are many phones that offer that, but with one big caveat: you have to be comfortable using Android. Yes, that means you won't get the coveted blue bubble when you text someone with an iPhone, but nowadays, switching from iOS to Android is a lot less painful than it used to be.

RCS, for one, has given Android phone users a lot of the same benefits as iPhone to iPhone texting — read receipts and high-quality photos, to name a couple. Android is also, at least in my experience, just as easy to use as iOS and shares a lot of the same tap and swipe language as iOS.

So, if you're okay with those caveats, these are the phones I would recommend if you're looking for a midrange deal with lots of features.

I recently got my hands on the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, and while there are some downsides — the huge camera bump isn't really my style — there are lots of perks that outweigh its somewhat clunky design.

For one, though the camera makes the phone feel a little unwieldy, it does deliver a good picture and has incredible zoom. It also uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip instead of the previous Phone 2a's MediaTek chip, which ensures smooth performance.

The design and camera steal the show, and it delivers a lot on a budget — a custom OS skin, a tri-camera system, and the company's Glyph Interface for some extra flair.

When I tested the Pixel 8 Pro, I was impressed by many things, but primarily, the incredible 120Hz OLED screen and the rich camera experience impressed me.

The Pixel 8a packs a lot of the good things about the Pixel 8 Pro into a cheaper package. It has the same gorgeous OLED screen and a still-formidable dual-sensor front camera array: a 64MP sensor and a 13MP ultrawide.

Sure, you might want to wait for the 9a, which appears to be on its way, but if you need a phone right now, this is an option that will likely check all of your boxes. Plus, this thing is usually seeing some heavy discounts like the one above.

If you want a midrange phone that really feels premium, then the OnePlus Nord 4 may be your perfect pick.

As touted by OnePlus, the Nord 4 is the only metal unibody 5G phone and brings a lot to the table for about the same price as the iPhone 16e — and that's not counting OnePlus' famous trade-in offers.

There's a lot to like about this phone, but I'm particularly fond of its beefy 5,500mAh battery and fast 100W charging. If you're more in the Nothing camp of smartphone design, you might call the Nord 4's look boring, but I find it simple and sleek.

Again, this isn't much cheaper than the iPhone 16e, but the company does offer $100 off for trading in your existing phone, so as long as you're okay with jumping through a couple hoops, the Nord 4 is actually $450.

More from Laptop Mag

• Nothing Phone 3a Pro hands-on: This camera is literally a big deal
• Google Pixel 7a review: The best phone for most people
• Best smartphones in 2025

Nothing is entering its "pro" era.

The U.K.-based phone and audio company officially unveiled the Phone 3a Pro, its first phone with a "pro" moniker.

As always, Nothing takes some big swings — the Phone 3a Pro has a big new tri-camera system (the first tri-cam system in any Nothing phone), a new design, and a button dedicated to AI.

This is all great news for fans of well-priced Android phones, but for another big phone company (ahem, Apple), that news could be problematic.

After using Nothing's Phone 3a Pro for a week, I'm convinced your iPhone 16e money should be spent elsewhere.

Nothing's Phone 3a Pro versus the iPhone 16e

Coincidentally, Nothing launched its Phone 3a Pro simultaneously with another phone titan — I'm talking about Apple.

Apple recently unveiled its continuation of the iPhone SE line, the iPhone 16e, which is a more affordable iPhone that sacrifices some flagship features for a budget-friendly $600 price tag.

The iPhone 16e has some perks: It comes with Apple's A18 chip, which makes it Apple Intelligence-ready; it has a new camera system; it can play back up to 11 more hours of video than the last-gen iPhone SE; and it has some flagship features, like the iPhone 16's Camera Button.

There's no denying that the iPhone 16e has its moments, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like Nothing's new phone has the 16e flat-out beat. Hear me out.

A lot for a little

Nothing has made a name for itself by leaning into a distinct design language, and naturally, the Phone 3a series is no different.

Both phones still incorporate the company's semi-transparent design, with glass backs that showcase internal components, but unlike other phone makers, Nothing separates its pro and non-pro 3a phones with a very different look.

While I like the look of both phones, there's something about the design of the Phone 3a Pro that just speaks to me. I recognize that flashy design isn't for everyone, but I appreciate a phone that's actually trying to look a little different.

Compare that to the iPhone 16e, which looks fine if you're a fan of iPhones but isn't unique. The iPhone 16e just looks like a budget-focused phone, and a big part of that is due to one of the biggest features for any phone owner—the camera.

One of the first things you'll notice about the Phone 3a Pro is the big camera module on the back.

This year, Nothing takes a whole new direction with the camera module, with a tri-sensor system. Though both 3a phones come with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and the same ultra-wide sensors, the Pro has some distinct advantages in the camera department.

For one, the 3a Pro has a 1/1.56” sensor that takes in more light. According to Nothing, this means it's better at capturing a wider dynamic range and will produce less noisy pictures than comparable sensors.

Adding a periscope zoom lens — which works slightly differently from a standard lens — makes things interesting on the camera front.

In a periscope lens, light is redirected with a prism at 90 degrees instead of hitting the sensor directly and shot at a sensor placed vertically. This allows enough space to increase the focal length of shots and provide greater magnification for optical zoom, compromising quality less.

That equates to a 3x optical zoom, a 6x lossless zoom, and a 60x "ultra zoom."

As you can tell from how many words I used to describe the Phone 3a Pro's camera system, a lot is going on — the iPhone 16e, on the other hand, not so much.

As in years past, the budget-focused tier of Apple's iPhone lineup doesn't precisely go big in the camera department. This year, the iPhone 16e brings the same single-lens camera to the show, which has a 48MP sensor.

It does have an integrated telephoto lens that Apple calls a "Fusion Camera," but it's still not exactly what most would consider a flagship camera experience.

That's a bummer for many reasons, but primarily because of the phone's price tag — the iPhone 16e retails for $600, while the Nothing Phone 3a Pro starts at just $449.

A power struggle

One advantage that the iPhone 16e has over Nothing's Phone 3a Pro is its A18 chip.

The A18, Apple's latest iPhone chip, beats the Phone 3a Pro's Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip in almost every conceivable benchmark.

That's not surprising. Apple is a formidable force in the silicon world, and having a high-end chip was likely necessary for running AI features through Apple Intelligence.

That means if having raw power in your phone is a priority, it may make sense to spring for the more expensive iPhone 16e. The thing is, I don't think most people really need lots of compute power in their phone.

For the vast majority of people, phones are just a means of scrolling social media, watching videos, and messaging. Those aren't exactly tasks that require a lot of power, which means using a chip that's not quite top-of-the-line should be a-okay.

After using the Phone 3a Pro for a week, I didn't notice any discernible lag. Even if I did, I'm not sure that it would be enough to warrant paying $150 more for a device that still lags behind in many key phone metrics.

There are obviously some big caveats here since switching from iOS to Android isn't a decision that most people would take lightly, but on paper, Nothing's phone offers a lot more for a lower price.

Your move, Apple.

More from Laptop Mag

• Apple's iPhone 16e brings better performance, battery, and camera to the SE line — and a big price bump
• The iPhone 16's fiercest competitor is actually the cheapest Apple phone you can buy
• The iPhone 16e didn't kill the home button, it just anointed a new one

Nothing is no stranger to trying new things.

From the start, the U.K.-based company has experimented with unique hardware, incorporating see-through design in their earbuds and phones; it's pushed into software design with Nothing OS, its custom skin on top of Android; it even tried to (unsuccessfully) take on iOS' green bubble stigma with Nothing Chats.

Now, with its newly released Phone 3a Pro, it's taking on cameras in a big way. And when I say "big," I mean big.

What puts the "pro" in 3a Pro?

If there's one thing you'll notice first about Nothing's new Phone 3a Pro, it's the camera bump.

Which is to say, if you're not a fan of the camera bump, you may want to avert your eyes.

This year, in Nothing's first-ever "pro" phone, the company is taking a whole new direction with the camera module, with a tri-sensor system.

While both 3a phones — the 3a and the 3a Pro — come with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and the same ultra-wide sensors, the Pro has some distinct advantages in the camera department.

For one, the 3a Pro has a 1/1.56” sensor that captures more light, which according to Nothing, means it's better at capturing a wider dynamic range and will produce less noisy pictures than comparable sensors.

I got a chance to test Nothing's new pro camera and can say that it earns the pro moniker to my eyes. A 50MP sensor is a huge perk and produces high-res pictures, while granular settings allow you to adjust exposure for bright or low-light conditions.

Nothing claims its Phone 3a Pro has a 300% greater full well capacity than comparable sensors in the same price category, which means it has a higher maximum capacity for light, allowing for more depth in brightness levels.

Here's a comparison between how Nothing's Phone 2 captures the same figure in my disconcertingly dark New York apartment.

While the Phone 2 compensates for the darkness, the Phone 3a Pro exposes in a far more natural way, using more natural light that renders the final product in a more realistic, true-to-life way.

Where things get especially interesting on the camera front is the addition of a periscope zoom lens. For the uninitiated, a periscope lens works slightly differently from a normal one.

Instead of having light hit the sensor directly, in a periscope lens, the light is redirected with a prism at 90 degrees and shot at a sensor that is placed vertically. This allows enough space to increase the focal length of shots and provide a greater magnification for optical zoom, which compromises quality less.

That equates to a 3x optical zoom, a 6x lossless zoom, and a 60x "ultra zoom."

Those are a lot of big numbers, but what does that actually look like in practice? Well, since I had the Phone 3a Pro in hand, I took Nothing's new lens out for a spin.

Maybe you have different standards for zoom (and if you're a Samsung user, you'd be justified), but I find the Phone 3a Pro's zoom level to be impressive.

In the photo set above, you can see how the camera adeptly goes from a standard zoom, to 3x, to 6x, all while retaining the same optical quality. Even if you're not using your zoom all the time, it's nice to know that if you wanted to magnify from afar, you could do so adeptly.

That being said — and as impressive as the zoom is — there are some big tradeoffs with having all that zoom capability.

Kind of a big deal

As I mentioned previously, the first thing you'll notice about the Phone 3a Pro is the big, obvious camera module on the back of the phone.

And if your first thought is, "Why?" I can firmly say I was right there with you when I first saw it. The answer? The aforementioned periscope lens.

According to Nothing's designers, to make the periscope lens work, the camera module needs more room and has to protrude more than a typical camera sensor. That's the only way you can accommodate a design that has light entering a lens and then being refracted at a 90-degree angle.

And as you've already seen, the benefits are pronounced, with an optical zoom that retains photo quality. The downside, however, is that big-time zoom capability also requires a big-time footprint.

Holding the Phone 3a Pro in your hand, it's hard not to register the size of the camera module. If you're like me and like to choke up on your phone while you hold it, you're going to literally feel a big difference — the camera module rubs against your hand and definitely makes the iPhone 3a Pro feel a little more unwieldy than a typical flat glass slab.

It also makes the phone feel pretty top-heavy, which can be frustrating if — like me — you don't have particularly big hands. And if you're really a stickler about your phone sitting flat when you put it down, the Phone 3a Pro obviously isn't going to offer you that.

Then there's the purely subjective design appeal. While a big, look-at-me camera module might appeal to some, the aesthetic of it all might not really be your thing. I don't hate the appearance, but then again, I've always appreciated Nothing's commitment to subtle design choices that make its products stand out and not everyone shares that same zest for boundary-pushing.

Either way, Nothing's camera module is a choice, and with that choice, you will have to weigh some costs and benefits.

How much camera is too much camera?

Let me be straight: I think the Phone 3a Pro has a great camera, especially when you factor in its starting price of $459.

For that price tag, you get a 50MP sensor, great low-light performance, and even nice bonus features like a macro mode for getting super-close shots.

In that list of things I love, however, the periscope lens ranks somewhat low, and if the only reason the camera module is so big is to accommodate a periscope lens, I'm not sure if it's worth the impact that it has on the feel of the phone.

According to Nothing:

"The larger camera module on Phone 3a Pro is a deliberate design choice that balances functionality, durability, and aesthetics while staying true to Nothing’s transparent and futuristic design DNA."

That's all well and fine, but as far as I can see the only functional, practical, purpose of the module is to accommodate a periscope lens.

At the end of the day, I value a compact phone a lot and while I still love a nice camera module, I'm not sure squeezing the periscope into the equation is actually worth the impact on phone feel. The good news is, if you hate the large camera module, you can always buy the Phone 3a base model instead.

And if nothing else, I can appreciate taking a big swing for its first-ever "pro" phone, even if my hands are worse off for it.

Nothing took to YouTube to share the first quarterly update for the company, covering new hires, OS updates, upcoming apparel launches, and of course, some info on its upcoming phones: the Nothing Phone 3 and Nothing Phone 3a.

The company's mid-range Nothing Phone 3a is set to launch on March 4, 2025, a date first teased earlier this week. And based on the use of the word "series" across multiple teasers, it sounds like we'll be getting more than one Nothing Phone 3a model. Some rumors suggest this could include the base Nothing Phone 3a and a more premium Nothing Phone 3a Pro.

What we know so far about the Nothing Phone 3a

Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis says, "For the (a) Series, we have a different set of users. When people buy a smartphone some are looking for the greatest specs, they want the latest innovations and processors. Yet there are some other users that are equally excited about tech, but are happy with just a great user experience - that's who the (a) Series is for."

For Nothing, this means focusing on improving the phone's "camera, screen, processor, and of course design."

The most exciting potential upgrade for the Nothing Phone 3a is an upgrade to the rear camera setup. In the teaser video shared by Nothing earlier this week, you can clearly see what looks to be a three-camera setup. This was reportedly confirmed by a leak from Sanju Choudhary on X (via Tom's Guide), who says the phone may be coming with three 50-megapixel cameras. Other rumors suggest the Nothing Phone 3a may gain a telephoto lens.

Based on leaked info from Gadget Bits on X, the phone will come equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel 2x telephoto lens, and an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens. We won't know for sure what the camera setup includes until Nothing debuts it on March 4.

Gadget Bits also claims the Nothing Phone 3a will feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32-megapixel front camera, a 5,000mAh battery, and Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15.

In the quarterly update, Nothing also confirmed that the Nothing Phone 3 will arrive this year as well, but shared no specifics on a potential launch window.

It's a Samsung tradition to have amazing launch deals for new Galaxy phones, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. Right now, if you pre-order your phone via Samsung, you can save up to $900 with a trade-in, and you get a free storage upgrade, along with an instant $80 Samsung credit.

If your trade-in qualifies for the maximum discount, you can score the 512GB Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for just $399. Again, that's a massive $1,020 savings and a terrific deal if you can max out the trade-in offer. The deal applies to all seven colorways, among them the three Samsung-exclusive colors.

The Samsung savings stack up as you move through your choices. To start, select the 512GB capacity, which gives you double the memory for the same price as the baseline 256GB model. That free storage upgrade saves you $120.

Then move on to trade-in and select your phone. Samsung currently offers enhanced trade-in values, which means you can get up to $900. The maximum value goes to Samsung's latest flagship phones, specifically the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or Galaxy Z Fold 5. From there, the values scale based on the phone's age. For example, the Galaxy S23 Ultra garners $750. And so on. To qualify, the device must turn on, and the screen must work normally, with no cracks on the body (front and back) or camera lenses; the device is factory reset, with activation locks removed; the phone's charging port works, and its battery holds a charge. Oh, and the device can't be on a banned list.

Finally, you also earn yourself an instant $80 Samsung credit, which can be applied to Samsung accessories or devices during the checkout process.

The new Galaxy S25 Ultra ships on February 7. From its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to its integrated Galaxy and Google Gemini AI, this phone is all about using AI to make your everyday tasks run smoothly. The Ultra model stands out for its excellent quad-camera array, including a 3X telephoto lens. And it includes Samsung's handy S Pen Stylus for jotting notes on your screen.

This Galaxy S25 pre-order deal is one of the best we've seen yet. And it's one of the best phone deals we've seen in January 2025.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Samsung Galaxy S25 preorder deals: Best discounts, trade-in offers, freebies
• The results are in: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra crushes Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max in lab tests
• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's ultra-wide lens made me ecstatic for an ironic reason

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on January 22 was the grand reveal of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. I was there for the event, and while the audience was enthusiastic with applause, the broader response was somewhat tepid.

One Redditor called it "the most underwhelming Galaxy phone ever." That may be the popular opinion, but I think it's wrong, and the data backs up my experience. The Galaxy S25 Ultra just might be Samsung's sleeper hit.

After almost a week of using the phone, I have to disagree with this perception. I love features like the new ultra-wide camera and Audio Eraser, and Samsung's additions to Galaxy AI are the most compelling I've experienced on a phone.

However, now that the phone has been through our lab testing, I can also state definitively that the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip powering the Galaxy S25 Ultra, combined with the super-strong new display, makes it a more significant update than you realize. It offers a considerable leap over the Galaxy S24 Ultra and beats the iPhone 16 Pro Max in several key metrics.

Here's a closer look at how the Galaxy S25 Ultra performed in our lab tests.

Performance

For years, the iPhone's performance reigned supreme in the smartphone space, but last year's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra finally saw Samsung claim performance wins in several categories. Now, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung enjoys an even larger advantage.

Geekbench 6.3 shows how significant of a year-over-year upgrade the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy represents, with the S25 Ultra hitting an incredible multicore score average of 9,829. That's roughly 18.3% higher than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (8,306) and 35.6% higher than the Galaxy S24 Ultra (7,249).

Single-core still goes to the iPhone at 3,386, 11.7% higher than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (3,031). However, this is a massive leap of 31.8% over the Galaxy S24 Ultra (2,300).

Graphics performance was already in favor of the Galaxy S24 Ultra at 29.95 frames per second (fps) in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited test compared to 22.4 fps for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But the Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes things even further at 34.42 fps, beating its predecessor by 15% and the iPhone 16 Pro Max by 53.6%

The iPhone still maintains an incredible lead in video processing, completing our Adobe Premiere Rush test in just 21 seconds. That's twice as fast as the Galaxy S24 Ultra (42 seconds); this is one area where the Galaxy S25 Ultra (52.4 seconds) loses ground on its predecessor.

Overall, this year has been a decisive performance win for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Although it seems unlikely that the iPhone 17 will close the gap in some of these metrics, the iPhone still holds on to a couple of wins.

Display

Never bet against Samsung in a display fight. The Galaxy S25 Ultra continues Samsung's dominance in the smartphone display arena across every metric.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra's 1,231 nits of brightness with adaptive brightness turned on easily bests the iPhone 16 Pro Max (1,031), although it is a slight slip from the 1,242 nits achieved by the S24 Ultra last year.

Color gamut is a much clearer cut win compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and its predecessor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra reproduced 151.5% of the sRGB color gamut and 107.3% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The iPhone (114.1%, 80.9%) doesn't come close, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra (119.9%, 84.9%) was only narrowly ahead of the iPhone.

Battery life

Finally, we come to battery life, where the Galaxy S25 Ultra lasted 17 hours and 15 minutes in our Laptop Mag battery test that has the phone browse a set series of web pages while running at 150 nits on 5G until the phone dies.

The iPhone holds on to its lead in this regard. In this same test, it lasted for 17 hours and 35 minutes on average. However, the S25 Ultra narrowed the gap further, as the S24 Ultra gave up at 16 hours and 46 minutes last year.

Bottom line

While Samsung would love to claim a clean sweep against the iPhone, this was still an impressive showing and hopefully gives you an idea of just how much of an upgrade the Galaxy S25 Ultra represents despite its limited apparent hardware changes.

Now if you currently have a Galaxy S24 Ultra, you certainly don't need this upgrade, though the massive trade-in discount offers may make it tempting. However, if you are coming from the Galaxy S23 series or earlier, this is an massive upgrade in performance, battery life, and display tech.

And for those Apple fans considering the switch, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra has staked out its position as the pinnacle of Android hardware once again while also eclipsing the best Apple has to offer in several regards, and that's before we talk about Galaxy AI beating Apple Intelligence.

Preorder Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung announced the Galaxy S25 Ultra on Wednesday at its January 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The lone camera hardware upgrade? It was an ultra-wide lens that will make any hardware geek swoon.

I enjoy snapping the occasional landscape or cityscape while traveling, but the ultra-wide lens is typically the least-used lens on my phone.

So why was I so ecstatic to hear about this addition to the Galaxy S25 Ultra? Ironically, the new ultra-wide lens is the key to dramatically improved macro photography for highly detailed close-up shots of technology hardware—phones, laptops, keyboards, CPUs, and more.

Samsung Smartphone Product Manager Charles Uptegrove tells Laptop Mag, "From a macro shot, we're getting four times the detail year-over-year...so really bringing full high resolution into the conversation."

A macro look at how the Galaxy S25 Ultra is saving me $400

This is where we get to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, saving me at least $400. In my never-ending quest to add more high-quality macro photos to my reviews on Laptop Mag, I've researched macro lenses for my Panasonic Lumix GH5. The affordable option is the $397 Lumix G Macro, while the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm at $549 is a beloved, slightly pricier choice. Either way, it's a lot for me to spend on a lens for such a specialized use case.

Imagine my excitement to hear I can potentially skip that added investment and handle this task with my phone. You may rightly point out that the Galaxy S25 Ultra costs $1,299, but there are great preorder deals to bring that cost down. Unlike the single-task macro lens, I need a phone for many things.

However, I'm never one to believe the marketing claims. After all, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is far from the first phone to claim macro photography prowess, and most are terrible at it. If a phone proudly boasts of its dedicated macro lens, I can virtually guarantee you should skip it; these are almost invariably unusable 2MP sensors that cost the company pennies to claim it offers a "triple camera array."

So, let's take a look at how good the macro photos from the Galaxy S25 Ultra are.

Going ultra-wide to get ultra-close

I'm thoroughly impressed with the macro photos that I've been able to get with the Galaxy S25 Ultra so far. I can't upload the full 50MP resolution photos (or even the default 12MP resolution), but the detail is astounding, and I can pull them into Photoshop and reduce them to a usable size for the site without sacrificing too much of that quality. You can clearly see the textures on the MacBook and Magic Mouse and microabrasions on the edge of the Galaxy Ring, along with the circuitry inside.

Now, one big caveat if you are a budding macro enthusiast: Light is always critical for photography, but it will make or break your macro photos more than the typical wide-angle snapshot. If I'm not hitting the subject of these photos with either full sunlight or one of my video lights from close-up, the details will quickly become a grainy mess. Samsung's AI enhancements are good, but they can't perform magic.

The macro photos have been a wonderful first foray into photography with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but I'm looking forward to experimenting further with its cameras.

While the rest of the camera hardware remained the same, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip powering the phone includes numerous upgrades targeted at photo and video enthusiasts that could make the Galaxy S25 Ultra more of an upgrade than you might expect.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Samsung's big bet on personal AI makes the Galaxy S25 feel compelling but creepy
• Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: What are the differences?
• Samsung revealed a wild statistic about its displays ahead of the Galaxy S25 Ultra launch

Samsung unveiled a bounty of new AI-powered software this week, including one intriguing addition for anyone who captures video on their phone: Audio Eraser.

Revealed at January's Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on Wednesday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, Audio Eraser does exactly what it says on the tin — with brilliant execution.

Using AI to identify different sound elements in your videos — voices, music, wind, nature, crowd, and noise — Audio Eraser enables you to turn each one up or down.

Suppose you are recording yourself or someone else speaking to you in a noisy environment. Audio Eraser can reduce or eliminate distracting background sound, whether it's music, vehicle noise, or even a crowded subway station.

This isn't one of those features that immediately jumps out at you in a press release or even during Samsung's presentation, but it might be the most useful.

As the audience at Samsung's event included many individuals who produce videos professionally, Audio Eraser generated some of the most applause at Unpacked.

However, even if your videos never go beyond your friends and family, this feature could save videos that would otherwise end up in your digital trash bin.

Audio Eraser in action

It's a post-production feature, so you don't need to worry about doing anything while recording.

The other plus is that it will also work on any video you bring into the Gallery app on your Galaxy S25, regardless of what it was captured on.

In Samsung's example, a group of street musicians are playing with a loud engine noise in the background. There is an auto mode that will attempt to adjust as needed, but you can dial each element in yourself, and in my testing, that delivers far superior results.

The auto mode rarely turns any sound down to -100, which is what I wanted in every simulation I tried.

There are limits to what the feature can do. I tried playing music loudly on the Sonos speaker next to me in my office while recording myself talking to the camera, and while it dramatically improved the results by making me clearly audible above the music, it wasn't able to remove the music entirely.

However, in a separate test, I played back audio captured at a busy train station on the same speaker while speaking to the camera, and Audio Eraser was able to remove that background noise completely. I suspect it's better at identifying and eliminating more steady droning background sounds, similar to the engine noise in Samsung's sample.

Even in those cases where it can't remove the background noise entirely, this is an incredibly powerful tool for personal and professional use. It's salvaging otherwise potentially unusable audio with a free app that is built into your phone.

What's next?

This feature faces the same challenges as many other compelling new AI features: Awareness and discoverability. It's not difficult to find Audio Eraser; you tap the Galaxy AI button on any video in your gallery, but almost the same could be said for Audio Magic Eraser on Google Pixel phones.

This is where the awareness part comes in. Google's Audio Magic Eraser is essentially the same feature. It was announced at the Made by Google event on October 4, 2023, and is available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 phones.

I need to run some tests comparing the two, but the overall look is identical. Google's implementation relies on cloud processing rather than on-device processing for Samsung, so there's at least one difference in Samsung's favor.

Samsung also ships far more phones than Google, with the former sitting atop the global smartphone market at 19% as of Q3 2024 per Counterpoint, while Google still falls outside of the top 5 in the "Others" category, so even if they are identical, this puts the feature in far more users' hands.

Finally, returning briefly to discoverability, Samsung removed a couple of steps, which could make all the difference. On a Pixel, you need to tap Edit and Audio before seeing the Magic Audio Eraser interface. It is just a tap of the Galaxy AI button away for Samsung.

Following the Unpacked event, I wrote that "Samsung might have cracked the code to be your 'true AI companion," and this is yet another example.

Samsung is removing barriers to its AI features and putting them front and center in many apps. AI can become an indispensable tool for mobile phones, but the learning curve needs to be flattened so that people can use and enjoy these great new features.

To no one's surprise, AI took the spotlight at Samsung's latest Galaxy Unpacked event.

We got to see new editing tools, better photo searches, call transcripts, and much, much more. But it wasn't the features that stood out as much as the theme they project.

If Samsung has anything to do with it, AI isn't just getting more pervasive. It's getting personal.

A new kind of Galaxy AI

This isn't just another phone-release event for Samsung; it's a test for AI phones.

While the concept of a generative AI-focused phone is still relatively new, Galaxy AI — the company's suite of AI phone features — has been out for a year now.

On a non-tech time scale, that's nothing, but we expect progress at a consistent clip in the phone market. So, what is Galaxy AI progressing to? Your personal assistant, of course.

There was a lot to sort through regarding new AI features, but maybe the most telling addition is a summary feature called Now Brief.

Now Brief is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: an AI-produced summary that gives you insight into what your day has in store and less superficial data like how well you slept.

Summaries aren't a new trick for AI — just ask Apple about its less-than-ideal text summary feature — but Now Brief feels more all-encompassing. For one, Now Brief isn't static; it's active.

What I mean is it takes context into account. It can suggest navigation in the evening on your commute home, recommend places to eat depending on where you are, or recap a day in which you've taken many pictures.

In other words, Now Brief isn't just meant to be a tool; it's meant to be an assistant — one that does what you want without you even having to ask. And to do that properly, Samsung needs your data, and lots of it.

AI take the wheel

The idea of an AI personal assistant doing everything you don't want to do sounds great in theory, but in practice, it's actually a massive exercise in trust.

Sure, I'd love an assistant to know when I'm leaving work and send me on the fastest route home, but to do that, it has to know when I'm going home and where I am.

I wouldn't blame you if you're a little creeped out by the prospect. As much as we're used to our devices (phones in particular) being magnets for our personal data, knowing our routines and habits intimately — and all in one place — is definitely another level.

Samsung, for its part, seems to know that its vision is an escalation of sorts and is taking the harder, but safer, approach to Galaxy AI, which is to say AI that happens on-device.

The difference here is that, unlike using the ChatGPT app for example, your data never goes to the cloud (a server outside of your phone) to get processed. That difference, while subtle on the UX end, makes a huge difference in terms of security since it reduces the potential pain points for having data stolen.

Not all of Samsung's new AI features are this secure, however. A deep integration with Google's Gemini, for example, that connects to Samsung apps and allows users to prompt Gemini for help with calendars, reminders, and navigation might reach the cloud if a task is too burdensome to process on-device.

This is all to say that achieving Samsung's vision of a connected, all-knowing AI assistant sounds great in theory, but getting there in a way that respects privacy and feels worth it for customers won't be simple.

Privacy aside...

Even with some potential pitfalls, Samsung's vision of a more personal AI-centric phone experience is one that genuinely excites me. Phones, despite being our more beloved gadget, haven't exactly been an exciting category in recent years.

That's because we've perfected glass slabs to the point of plateau. In so many ways, that's great — the phone I have now does so much more than I ever could have imagined in the days of clamshells.

But there's a part of that plateau that feels like just that — stagnation. A lot of that frustration, for me at least, centers on UI, which has made phones feel like a nightmare at times.

Having to sort through an unwieldy din of apps or settings to do something on your phone isn't fun, and it feels like a far cry from the simple, streamlined vision that Android and iOS operating systems had hoped for.

Getting more personal with AI might be a chance to reset that balance, bringing smarter, more adept voice assistants closer to the action or reducing the number of taps it takes to order an Uber. These are all real, practical advantages that

The day many Android fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. On Wednesday, Samsung debuted the new Galaxy S25 series lineup at its January Galaxy Unpacked event. The base Galaxy S25 is excellent if you need an essential upgrade, but for most people, the choice between the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be a personal preference.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has all the bells and whistles—a larger display, titanium body, embedded S Pen, and more. But at a steep starting price of $1,299, are all these premium upgrades worth it?

The Galaxy S25+ starts at $999 — just $200 more than the base Galaxy S25 — and features a high-res, large display and a battery nearly as big as the S25 Ultra's. For most people, the Galaxy S25+ is the best pick. But for others, paying an extra $300 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra could be well worth it.

We'll compare the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra side by side, examining performance, battery life, camera setup, and more to help you decide which phone to upgrade to.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Specs compared

Here's a quick overview of the main specs compared between Samsung's mid-range Galaxy S25+ and the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If the quality of photos and videos taken on your Galaxy phone is an important deciding factor, here's a deep dive into the front camera and rear camera array on the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Performance

The Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra are both going to perform well. Both phones are equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, so we expect similar Geekbench scores once reviews start rolling out. Leaked Geekbench 6 scores for the Galaxy S25 Ultra indicate it could have a multi-core score of over 10,000.

We can look at Samsung's previous-gen Galaxy S24 phones to predict just how similar performance will be in these new flagships. For reference, both the Galaxy S24+ and S24 Ultra phones are decked out with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM.

In our Galaxy S24 Ultra review, the phone clocked a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 7,249. In the Tom's Guide's Galaxy S24+ review, the phone delivered a similarly impressive multi-core score of 7,083.

In terms of real-world performance, a difference of less than 200 between multi-core scores won't be noticeable. We expect the difference between Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra performance to be this minimal.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design

The design differences between the Galaxy S25+ vs. S25 Ultra are subtle, but they're certainly there, and this could easily be a deciding factor for many people.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a bit larger and heavier on paper, but you may not notice these differences much in hand. The Galaxy S25+ measures 2.98 x 6.24 x 0.28 inches and weighs 0.42 pounds, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has dimensions of 3.05 x 6.41 x 0.32 inches and weighs 0.48 pounds.

More noticeably, the Galaxy S25+ has more rounded corners than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The S25 Ultra's corners aren't nearly as sharp as those of its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but they're certainly more angular than those of the Galaxy S25+.

Another big difference is the construction of each phone's frame. The Galaxy S25+ features an aluminum frame, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a stronger titanium frame.

This difference in frame material also brings unique colorways to each phone. You can pick up a Galaxy S25+ in Icyblue, Navy, Mint, or Silver Shadow or grab a Galaxy S25 Ultra in Titan Black, Titan Gray, Titan Silverblue, or Titan Whitesilver.

Or, if you order directly through Samsung's website, there are a few exclusive colorways to choose from. For the Galaxy S25+, Samsung offers Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold shades. For the Galaxy S25 Ultra, online Samsung customers can choose between Titanium Jetblack, Titanium Jadegreen, and Titanium Pinkgold.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Display

Samsung excels at making gorgeous smartphone displays, and that's true for the Galaxy S25 series. That said, if you're looking for the biggest, best display Samsung has to offer, you'll find it in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is decked out with a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Galaxy S25+ features a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display, but all other display specs are the same when compared to the S25 Ultra.

We can't talk about the display without talking about the protective glass on top as well. The Galaxy S25+ features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass in front and back. Alternatively, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 in back and Enhanced Gorilla Armor 2 glass in front, which has been proven to improve screen durability and decrease needed repairs.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Battery life

There is a tiny 100 mAh variance between the battery capacity of the Galaxy S25+ (4,900 mAh) and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (5,000 mAh), but it probably won't make much of a difference in overall battery life. Of course, we can't say this for sure until we see how long each phone lasts in battery tests, but we can look to the previous-gen Galaxy S24 series for a prediction.

The Galaxy S24+ similarly has a 4,900 mAh battery, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra a 5,000 mAh battery. In battery tests published by Tom's Guide, the Galaxy S24 Ultra lasted 16 hours and 46 minutes, and the Galaxy S24+ lasted 16 hours and 32 minutes.

In the big scheme of things, battery life won't be a deciding factor for most people.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

One of the biggest differences between the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the rear camera array. Both smartphones feature the same 12-megapixel wide, autofocus-capable front camera, but the rear camera setup on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is much stronger compared to that of the Galaxy S25+.

The Galaxy S25+ features a main wide 50-megapixel camera on the back, while the S25 Ultra features a sharp 200-megapixel main wide camera. This is the camera sensor most people are going to use when simply pulling out their phone to snap a quick photo, and that boost in quality will be recognizable.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, better than the Galaxy S25+'s 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra again wins in terms of telephoto sensor and overall zoom. The Galaxy S25+ has a single 10-megapixel 3x telephoto sensor, while the S25 Ultra features the same 10-megapixel 3x telephoto sensor and a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto sensor.

Ultimately, these telephoto lenses allow for 3x Optical Zoom, 2x Optical Quality, and 30x Space Zoom on the Galaxy S25+ and 3x, 5x, 2x, 10x Optical Quality, and 100x Space Zoom on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

All of these camera boosts make the S25 Ultra capable of snapping high-res macro shots, and high-res zoom photos and videos, whereas the Galaxy S25+ cannot.

Believe it or not, the differences don't stop there. Regarding video recording quality, the S25 Ultra has a leg up on its mid-range sibling. The Galaxy S25+ can record in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) or 8K at 30 fps, whereas the S25 Ultra can record in 4K resolution at 120 fps or 8K at 30 fps.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Other features

For the most part, the Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra boast the same features. Both phones will be capable of performing every new Galaxy AI feature Samsung just announced, including the helpful summary briefs for mornings, afternoons, and evenings, Galaxy AI editing tools, and AI-powered communication tools.

The main feature difference between these two flagships is the embedded S Pen that comes with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. You can use the S Pen to draw, write, utilize the Circle to Search tool, and bring up the Air Command shortcut menu. And this time around, the S Pen doesn't feature Bluetooth, which means users won't have to worry about keeping it charged.

Galaxy S25+ vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which is better?

Objectively, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a better phone compared to the Galaxy S25+, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better for everyone's individual needs.

For those who tend to only upgrade their smartphones every three to five years, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a worthwhile investment. In exchange for an extra $300, you'll get a larger display that's more durable, an embedded, multi-use S Pen, a stronger titanium frame, better color options (in my opinion), and a stellar rear camera array.

However, I'd say that if you'd prefer to have a slightly smaller display or you know you won't be taking a lot of photos and videos with your smartphone, the Galaxy S25+ will likely be a better fit for you and save you $300.

Samsung kicked off the launch of its new Galaxy S25 series phones at the January Unpacked event on Wednesday. As expected, the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra is all the rage, with premium cameras, a stunning display, and a beefy battery.

If you've already pre-ordered the Galaxy S25 Ultra (or plan to), it's wise to protect your costly investment with a phone case. Even though the phone was just announced, we've been able to source some great deals on Galaxy S25 Ultra phone cases.

My favorite pick is the Torras Kickstand case, which costs just $28. It has a gorgeous matte black sheen and an adjustable kickstand built right in. If that doesn't sound like your vibe, no worries! We found four other Galaxy S25 Ultra case deals for you to choose from.

• Get a free Galaxy S25 Ultra from AT&T when you preorder and do this
• Samsung's Galaxy S25 phones offer a big performance boost and even more AI
• Samsung revealed a wild statistic about its displays ahead of the Galaxy S25 Ultra launch

Quick links

• Spigen Tough Armor Galaxy S25 Ultra case: was $19, now $18
• Temdan Clear Galaxy S25 Ultra case: was $12, now $9
• Spigen Thin Fit Galaxy S25 Ultra case: was $18, now $17
• Spigen Ultra Hybrid Galaxy S25 Ultra case: was $18, now $17
• Torras Kickstand Galaxy S25 Ultra case: was $34, now $28

Best Galaxy S25 Ultra case deals

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series of flagship phones launched this week, and that means deals galore on Samsung's latest phones and other Samsung products like watches and tablets.

You can find a slew of pre-order deals for the Galaxy S25 series. If you're interested in the mid-tier Galaxy S25 Plus, Verizon has a great deal right now that allows you to save up to $1000 and buy an S25 Plus for free with a trade-in (at maximum value) and a Verizon Unlimited Ultimate plan.

To qualify for the free phone, you'll have to trade in an existing device and get 36 months of bill credits up to $27.77 per month. How much credit you get depends on your existing phone's trade-in value. Unfortunately, you can't know the value of your existing phone without supplying your phone's IMEI number and walking through the full purchase.

For example, a chat agent told me a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra would net the full $1,000 credits. That makes the Unlimited Ultimate plan deal especially good since you're getting top dollar for a 4.5-year-old phone. Note you'll also have to pay a one-time device activation fee of $35.

As a bonus, when you purchase any 5G smartphone (including the Galaxy S25 Plus), you can get a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G deal (value up to $549).

The Galaxy S25 Plus is on pre-order now and will ship on February 7.

Best Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and more Verizon deals

Samsung phone screens are tougher now.

Each year, the Samsung Galaxy S series phones arrive with the latest Gorilla Glass, now Gorilla Armor, from Corning to protect the display. While it's never the highlight feature, there are always compelling claims about enhanced protection against scratches and cracks.

It sounds great, and while you can drop-test or scratch the screen to see how it responds, nothing is a perfect simulation of millions of people in the real world using their phones and seeing what happens to these screens over time.

This year was no different; Samsung announced on Wednesday at its Unpacked event that the Galaxy S25 features Corning Gorilla Armor 2, the "industry’s first anti-reflective glass ceramic for mobile devices."

Marvelous, but one of the little asides regarding the Galaxy S24 display in a session with Samsung Smartphone Product Manager Charles Uptegrove grabbed my attention more than the pronouncements about the new Gorilla Armor.

Uptegrove tells Laptop Mag that "from S23 to S24, with that Gorilla Armor, we had a 60% decrease in screen repairs...proof positive that durability is king."

Durability and sustainability go hand in hand

That 60% statistic means so much more than any claim that a display is 4x more scratch-resistant or less likely to break than ever before.

This is complex data to back up the claim that Galaxy S24 series owners were far less likely to experience a broken display.

I asked Uptegrove to confirm this wasn't a limited data set, like phones brought into specific Samsung service centers in Switzerland. He confirmed that this was a global figure.

This one shouldn't be ignored in the face of all the sustainability programs and other eco-friendly messages we see from tech companies. Part of the problem is the disposability and fragility of modern phones and other tech, necessitating recycling parts as much as possible and disposing of others.

Offering a more durable product is ultimately an outstanding ecological benefit, as it allows the owner, or even multiple owners, to get the most use possible out of a device before eventually turning to recycling.

At the same time, we'll have to wait and see how the latest Gorilla Armor 2 fares this year, it certainly gives me added confidence to see hard data supporting the resiliency of its predecessor.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• With the S25, Samsung might have cracked the code to be your "true AI companion"
• Is Samsung's Edge the dawn of the slim phone era?
• Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 live blog: Galaxy S25, Galaxy AI, and more

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch display, a new custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a new 50MP ultra-wide camera, but that's not the headline for this phone, which the company revealed on Wednesday here in San Jose, California.

AI is irrefutably the story of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The launch event and my session with Samsung made this clear: Most of both were spent on new AI functionality while quickly breezing through formerly attention-devouring features like the cameras.

Samsung Smartphone Product Manager Charles Uptegrove tells Laptop Mag that Galaxy AI "was one of the key reasons for our users to purchase the device (Galaxy S24), but more importantly, our customers are utilizing Galaxy AI."

Currently, Circle to Search is the most heavily used feature, with 10 million users in the U.S. and 20% using Galaxy AI daily.

The new Galaxy AI features are designed to drive those numbers up considerably in 2025, with upgrades to existing favorites like Circle to Search and AI Select, while the new Now Brief and multimodal natural language voice commands could prove the most impactful.

Now Brief is your gateway to Galaxy AI

Now Brief is new with One UI 7. It gives you an overview of your day and other useful information based on your habits. For example, if the weather is bad, it may advise you when to leave for a meeting on your schedule, or it may try to refer you to some news articles or YouTube videos that you find interesting. This will improve over time as Galaxy AI learns your habits. Critically, this is all happening on-device for the privacy-conscious.

This is already using Galaxy AI, of course, and presuming it does its job effectively, it could quickly become a fixture in many Galaxy S25 owners' daily usage, but it also feeds you into additional Galaxy AI features. For example, Uptegrove showed Now Brief, reminding him it was a friend's birthday and offering to create a generative AI image to send them along with a happy birthday text.

One of the biggest hurdles that Samsung and others face is getting people to buy into and use AI. Now Brief seems like one of the most straightforward, practical implementations I've seen, and it also encourages people to try other AIs.

Multimodal natural voice commands are what make Galaxy AI feel like a "true AI companion"

The multimodal natural voice commands feel like a long-awaited promise finally fulfilled. They allow you to string together multiple actions in a single query, much like how you would phrase a question or request to a person. For example, when Uptegrove asked Galaxy AI to "Summarize YouTube videos about the Galaxy Z Fold 6," it took approximately 20 seconds to process and summarize that information in a note.

This is all happening on-device, which is another critical point for Samsung with the Galaxy S25. The "Personal Data Engine," as Samsung calls it, gives you an LLM on your phone that can leverage everything it knows about you and your habits without sharing it with the cloud.

Uptegrove also offered a more straightforward example: simply asking Galaxy AI when the Warriors' next basketball game was happening and adding it to his calendar. This would typically require jumping back and forth between your browser and your calendar, but it's done in seconds without opening a single app. These quick interactions with Galaxy AI are priceless if you are trying to limit your screen time.

Now, this isn't quite the slam dunk that Now Brief is, as it requires users to proactively use an unfamiliar feature instead of being regularly presented with it on screen. However, this is a compelling feature if Samsung can deliver on its promise and get people to buy in.

At launch, this feature works only with apps in the Google suite, Samsung apps, WhatsApp, and Spotify, but Samsung is working to add other services over the course of the year.

Circle to Search, AI Select, and your Settings sherpa

Samsung's most popular Galaxy AI feature is still Circle to Search. This feature allows you to circle any image or text on your display and have Galaxy AI offer you search results. It can do the same for music if an audio element is detected on your screen.

AI Select is another helpful feature that gets an upgrade for 2025. You just need to slide over the Edge panel, and it will offer you contextual options regarding different things you can do with the content on your screen. One example is if you are watching a video you can just select it and automatically convert a portion of it into a GIF. You can also use AI Select to translate text between languages or summarize a long article.

Finally, for those unfamiliar with the labyrinthine settings menus or the full capabilities of their phones, Galaxy AI will now make recommendations on settings to change based on any issues you are experiencing. If your eyes are irritated, it may recommend turning on blue light reduction or dark mode.

If you are having trouble reading what's on the screen, it may offer to increase the text size for you. We've seen Apple Intelligence do something similar, answering basic how-to questions about Apple devices; this essentially takes that one step further and walks you through the process.

What's next?

Samsung focused on Galaxy AI when it announced the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in 2024, but the Galaxy S25 series takes that to a new level.

AI is the defining feature of this round of phones. Only the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers any notable hardware changes beyond the move to the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip; Galaxy AI must almost exclusively drive Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus upgrades.

While AI has been the buzzword on everyone's lips for a year, that killer feature hasn't emerged.

I don't think Galaxy AI has a single killer AI feature yet. Still, it is building out a compelling set of features and making them more accessible to users without expressly driving them to an AI app or hub. This may be as big a hurdle as building out the features themselves, as the best AI apps and services will be worthless if users don't integrate them into their lives.

While you could argue that Samsung is playing it safe with the Galaxy S25 series this year with minimal hardware upgrades, in another sense, it is taking a massive swing that Galaxy AI is enough to convince people to upgrade.

Samsung's January Galaxy Unpacked event gave us a lot to dive into when it comes to a new lineup of S25 phones, but one product really stole the show: the Galaxy Edge, Samsung's upcoming slim phone.

If you've been into Samsung's Galaxy S lineup for a while, you might remember a brief stint between 2015 and 2016 when Samsung had "Edge" in the titles of its premium Galaxy S6 and S7 phones. Despite ditching the "Edge" naming convention, Samsung kept the classic curved edges on its S series phones for a while after the Galaxy S7 Edge.

Now, it looks like Samsung's bringing the "Edge" name back, but the new Galaxy Edge may not sport curved edges like its similarly named younger siblings.

What we know so far about Samsung's thin Galaxy Edge phone

All we truly know about the Galaxy S25 Edge is that it's an ultra-slim phone. As of right now, Samsung hasn't released any offical specs, measurements, or the upcoming phone's release date and price.

That said, there's a Galaxy S25 Edge on display at the Unpacked event, and Laptop Mag is on the scene. We may not be able to touch it or experiment with it, but we can gain some insight on how similar it is to the other Galaxy S25 phones just by viewing it.

From the video and what we've been able to see, it looks like the Galaxy S25 Edge has a small pin-hole front camera, super thin bezels creating an almost edge-to-edge screen, and a dual rear camera array.

In the teaser video, there appear to be multiple heat management layers. If the Galaxy S25 Edge is going to use the same powerful processor — the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy — it's understandable that such a thin phone is putting great emphasis on heat management.

Past those few notable features, we don't know much else about the new Galaxy Edge phone. If you want to see new features for the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup, check out our live coverage of the January Galaxy Unpacked event.

Galaxy S25 series: Specs compared

Samsung is set to debut its new Galaxy S25 series smartphones today during the annual January Unpacked event, and significant leaks from a reliable tipster reveal a focus on AI for the S25.

Based on images shared by Evan Blass, Samsung seems to focus on its new smartphones' powerful AI capabilities as a top-selling feature rather than next-gen hardware. And honestly, we're not surprised. (The event begins at 1 p.m. Eastern; see the YouTube video below.)

Last week, we deemed the Samsung Galaxy S25 debut to be the biggest test of AI phones yet, and that's precisely why these promo images are framing the S25 series as an AI-powered starting point for all other Android phones to follow.

AI features headed to Galaxy S25 smartphones

Samsung's Galaxy S series smartphones are widely regarded as some of the best phones for those who want a smashing camera setup. With the Galaxy S25 launch, Samsung is taking that stellar camera array and adding some fresh AI flavor.

The Night Video feature resembles Google’s latest Pixel in low-light situations. According to the marketing material in Blass' screenshots, Night Video with the Audio Eraser tool will let users "capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions."

Then, there’s a screen feature called ProScaler. This tool makes images and videos look better, with “sharper visuals and brighter colors.”

As impressive as these photo- and video-related features are, they’ve got nothing on Samsung’s AI summaries.

Equipped with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Samsung’s upcoming phones will be more capable of tackling complex AI tasks, including AI summaries that pull relevant information from other apps.

In the leaked promo image, we can see a morning brief, a commute summary, and an evening brief — all of which appear to be compiling information primarily from Samsung’s proprietary apps, like Samsung Health and Weather. As the tool expands, more apps will likely become compatible with these neat summaries.

The commute summary has prompted to “Open Maps” and “Play media,” and the marketing reads, “You often use these features while driving. You can make them run automatically when you get into your car.” Ideally, users will be able to connect whichever maps and media apps they’d like to this AI summary.

It seems like a great feature to see all the essential information you need in the morning, evening, and while driving on a single screen. Rather than opening a separate app to check the weather, check your schedule, scan for important emails, and check your Samsung Health Energy score, you can now do it all from one screen.

These look like official marketing materials, but as always, until we hear directly from Samsung, take them with a grain of salt with a grain of salt.

In the meantime, look at what we expect at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 beyond the company's new flagship smartphones.

Update January 22 at 6:35 p.m. ET: You can now preorder the Galaxy S25 Ultra from $1,299 at Samsung.com and save up to $900 with trade-in.

We are days away from Samsung officially unveiling its Galaxy S25 series at the first Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event. While there are multiple rumored devices, the follow-up to the Editor's Choice-winning Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the biggest for Android fans. However, if you're not set on getting the latest model, you can save a massive amount with certain phones using Samsung's trade-in offers.

If you take the maximum trade-in value of $750 and choose one of the three Samsung exclusive colors (Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, Titanium Orange) for an additional $200 discount, you can now pick up an unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra for just $350 at Samsung.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched a year ago, yet it remains one of the best phones you can buy in 2025. Its smooth AI-driven features like Google Circle to Search, Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Photo Assist make everyday tasks easier. It also has an outstanding camera system with optical zoom. We recently looked at the rumors regarding the Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra, which may help you decide if the latest and greatest is worth the added cost.

Note that if you've been considering a Galaxy S24 Ultra, this might be your last chance to get a terrific deal on the phone in a color and capacity of your choosing. Amazon already no longer stocks the Galaxy S24 Ultra (the only listings at Amazon are for used products.

Act fast to grab the best deal you can on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, or if you do want the latest, don't miss the Galaxy S25 Ultra pre-order offers, which include $50 off plus trade-in incentives and possibly a storage upgrade.

Today's best Galaxy S24 Ultra deal

A new lineup of flagship Galaxy devices is right around the corner.

On Wednesday, January 22, Samsung will hold its annual January edition of Unpacked, where the tech giant has historically pulled back the curtain on its latest and greatest. This includes new iterations of its mainstay Galaxy phones, which about 1 in 5 smartphone owners worldwide have.

This year will likely be more jam-packed than usual, with rumored AR glasses and a new Galaxy ring on the agenda. And sure, a first-ever pair of smart glasses would steal the show, but Samsung's Galaxy phones may have stakes equally as big as a first-ever product category — and that has everything to do with (drum roll) ... AI.

The stakes for Galaxy AI

AI in phones isn't new. Samsung launched Galaxy AI last January, and both Google and Apple have their version of what an AI-centric phone can be.

But that fact — that AI phones aren't new — makes this year's launch even more critical.

Last year, Galaxy AI introduced an array of new features to the Galaxy lineup, including AI photo assist, live translation, Circle to Search, and more.

Whether people have fully embraced those AI features outside of Circle to Search remains up for debate, but one thing is sure: We expect Samsung to expound on Galaxy AI somehow.

With any year-over-year software update, AI features aren't groundbreaking; they're a work in progress. That means Samsung's job will not be to create a fully realized AI device but merely to move the needle.

Sophomore slump?

Despite the focus on AI in phones, many of the applications for it — whether from Apple, Samsung, or Google — are fairly similar.

Image generation, photo editing, text writing, and email interpretation are just some of the uses of AI in phones.

Despite the nascency of AI in phones, there's a general playbook, and but it's too early to tell if that playbook is practical and changing user behavior. There's just not enough evidence yet. In fact, data show that the opposite may true.

According to a recent survey, both Samsung and Apple users have responded tepidly to AI features, with most people saying they find little to no value in using them.

The mild reaction to AI features in phones could be due to the newness of those features, or it might just be that the applications that titans like Samsung and Apple are currently offering don't feel compelling yet.

The onus is on Samsung to find out what does speak to people. According to recent reports, that answer might be AI agents.

According to a recent teaser video from Samsung, a new AI agent (or companion as the company bills it) in Galaxy AI could expand Galaxy AI's capabilities to help you do things like fill your calendar and make reservations. That might not be mind-blowing, but if AI agents are in fact on the agenda, then why stop there?

As long as you're giving AI the keys to pulling levers on your device, why not unleash an agent to do even more burdensome tasks like ordering you an Uber or maybe pulling a picture from your camera roll and posting it to Instagram?

Why not unleash an AI agent to read your calendar and then send a relevant email?

The point is: If Samsung is tasked with providing a real second-gen version of Galaxy AI and the response thus far has been tepid, we might see a lot more out of this year's update than you think.

Galaxy Quest

A new iteration of Galaxy AI will obviously be big for Galaxy phones, but it's not just Samsung in the spotlight, it's the entire idea of an AI smartphone.

With so much of the value of future smartphone experience being hinged on AI, Samsung, Apple, and Google will have to prove that their future is one worth buying into. And while generating emoji is fun and cute, I think most people's expectations are probably higher.

While lots of people love useful features like Circle to Search, generative AI on smartphones is still firmly first-gen, and as the awareness and hype around AI smartphones grows, so too will the expectations.

Whether Samsung is actually capable of rolling the ball forward in a way that feels substantive will be a major test of whether AI smartphones can deliver on their promise of a transformative UI.

It's still too early to call a second-gen iteration a make-or-break moment, but it's clear the rest of the AI smartphone hopefuls will be looking to Samsung next week.

Samsung's first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025 is just around the corner, officially revealed to be taking place on January 22. In the meantime, leaks surrounding the company's latest Galaxy S25 Series of smartphones continue to pour in.

The latest, shared in a now-deleted X post by reputable leaker Evan Blass, appears to be official promotional shots of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus (shown below).

The images purportedly showcase Samsung's push to reduce display bezels, a new camera rim design, its overall design, and a familiar look at each's camera array. However, what's on the screen might be more interesting than anything else.

While the hardware hardcore may be distracted by the device's smoothed corners and amped in speculation over its lenses, I'm more interested in the reveal of the expected One UI 7 "Now Bar." A new Galaxy AI-powered feature that Samsung claims will be a "defining element" of its Android-based interface.

Samsung's "Now Bar," a different kind of Dynamic Island

Originally showcased in a November blog post to the Samsung Newsroom, One UI 7's new "Now Bar" feels suspiciously like Apple's Dynamic Island, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022. However, Samsung's version of this may potentially have the upper hand, mostly because it could actually be good.

While Apple's Dynamic Island wasn't quite the groundbreaking piece of innovation its reveal reel would have led you to believe (eventually slipping into little more than a fancy notification bar), Samsung's Now Bar aims to integrate everyday actions into a widget-like bar for the device's lock screen. Better still, it won't require a large pill-shaped punch-out hole to do so.

Samsung's Now Bar will offer instant access to media controls, sleep and fitness insights, navigation assistance, and even recommendations on actions you can take to optimize your day-to-day phone use. Simply swiping the Now Bar offers you a selection of relevant slices of information based on your activities and most used apps. It can even offer a handy recap of events once the day is done.

While it's easy to pass this feature off as just another all-in-one widget, the fact that it seems to blend so tightly into One UI 7 and make effective use of Galaxy AI to ensure its recommendations are uniquely tuned to each user suggests more.

It's a bit like having a convenient way to scroll through your most important updates without needing to juggle several apps in the process. It's also a great way of breaking things down into bite-sized, easily absorbed doses of info, and effectively eradicating the "doom" from your doomscrolling in the process.

Samsung's Now Bar is more proactive than it is reactive, potentially making the next batch of Galaxy S25 phones feel smarter and more convenient in response — if it's handled right.

What's next?

We'd expect to see more of the Now Bar during the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22. It's here that we're also expecting to see the Galaxy S25 Series in full, with several other new Galaxy AI features sure to be unveiled.

The Now Bar has promise, but so did the iPhone's Dynamic Island. Promise alone won't guarantee success, just ask Bixby.

Whether or not the Now Bar dramatically changes how Galaxy smartphone users interact with their devices remains to be seen, but if Samsung and third-party developers can apply some creativity to this space, it could become a fantastic utility and a real draw for Samsung's One UI.

However, if the Now Bar fails to catch on, it may become yet another forgotten gimmick, a once heralded "defining" feature that turns out to be all hype, no bite.

More from Laptop Mag

• What to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Galaxy Ring 2, Project Moohan, Galaxy S25-Series, and Galaxy AI
• Leaks show Samsung's Galaxy S25 series in full ahead of launch
• Samsung Galaxy S25 launch preorder deals — here's what to expect

Samsung is set to launch its annual Unpacked event on January 22, and, as usual, the leaks are pouring in.

There's a lot potentially on the agenda, including a second-gen Galaxy Ring, Galaxy AI improvements, smart glasses or an XR headset, and the next installment in Samsung's popular Galaxy S25 phone series.

While we'll have to wait to see Samsung's hypothetical smart glasses and second-gen smart ring, we don't have to wait to glimpse the Galaxy S25 series. Thanks to leaker Evan Blass, who shared last week renders of all three Galaxy S25 phones.

A first look at Samsung's Galaxy S25 series models

The renders shared by Blass closely resemble what we've been seeing in the biggest Galaxy S25 rumors over the past few months.

The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus look similar, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra ditches its predecessor's sharp corners for a softer, more rounded design.

A thick black ring surrounds each lens of the Galaxy S25 series camera arrays, giving protection (whether you opt for a case or not) as weland helpinghone stand out design-wise among the competition.

All the phones look pretty slim and, more importantly, feature even smaller bezels than the Galaxy S24 series.

Blass' renders also give us a first look at some of the colorways Samsung may opt for this time. In the photos, the Galaxy S25 is in the Ice Blue colorway, the Galaxy S25 Plus is in the color Navy, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is sporting the Titanium Silver Blue shade.

If you want to see even more of the colorways available for Samsung's Galaxy S25 series, Android Headlines shared "75 official images of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series." Design-wise, they all match up with Blass' leaked renders in multiple color options.

Luckily, we won't have to wait much longer to get this information directly from Samsung. If you already know you want to upgrade to a Galaxy S25 series phone, you can reserve a spot to pre-order one and earn a $50 Samsung credit toward a new device, up to $1,250 in additional savings, and a chance to win a $5,000 Samsung credit.

Leave Samsung and Apple behind and say Hello Moto! Motorola isn't quite the king of the hill when it comes to the best smartphones these days, but they've been making a compelling comeback in recent years with some excellent handsets, including 2023's Motorola Edge Plus. Now, they're offering some free gifts to entice you over, including a Lenovo tablet and some nifty tracking tags.

Right now, you can pick up the Motorola Edge Plus for $799 and get both a Lenovo P11 Tablet with Stylus and Keyboard and a four-pack of Moto Tags thrown in for free. The Lenovo tablet package is worth $469 by itself, and the Moto Tags are worth $99, so that's $568 worth of free gifts — not bad, not bad at all.

We haven't reviewed the Edge Plus ourselves, but our colleagues over at Tom's Guide said there's "a lot to like about this phone," including the epic battery life, gorgeous edgeless screen, and top-end processor. It's not quite on the level of other flagship phones, but it's also much cheaper... and it comes with a free tablet.

We probably wouldn't recommend the Edge Plus by itself at full price these days. It's a 2023 model that was already struggling to keep up with the Samsung Galaxy S23+ when it launched, and you can find it for around the same price on sale pretty regularly. But throw in a free tablet — and a good one at that — and suddenly we're really interested.

We reviewed the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (Gen 2) and loved the gorgeous OLED display, powerful speakers, and shockingly good Precision Pen 3 stylus. The performance is a little lacking, but as a movie-watching tablet, it's hard to beat.

Another interesting deal in Motorola's New Year sale is the Motorola Razr+ for $999, which comes with a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds and a four-pack of Moto Tags.

Update Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. ET: This article was updated to reflect Samsung's new Galaxy S24 offer of up to $750 off with trade-in or $250 off without.

As the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's release date nears, Samsung's enhanced trade-in deals slash up to $750 off excellent Galaxy S24 Ultra — one our favorite phones.

Although Galaxy S25 Ultra preorder deals are expected pre-launch, now is a great time to score huge savings on Samsung's previous-gen top tier phone.

Browse: Samsung's entire sale

Right now, you can get yourself an unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra for as low as $549 via Samsung's trade-in program. The Galaxy S24 Ultra typically costs $1,300, so that's up $750 off when you trade-in an eligible device. You'll get the maximum trade-in value when you trade in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Don't have a device to trade-in? No problem. You'll save $250 on the Galaxy S24 Ultra outright which drops it to $1,049. Amazon mirrors this deal.

Launched last year in January, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still one of the best phones to you can buy in 2025. Intuitive AI-driven functions like Google Circle to Search, Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Photo Assist make everyday tasks easier.

Content creators will benefit from the phone's fantastic 200MP camera. It's a fool-proof means of capturing vibrant photos and vividly detailed video recordings, even in low light.

Now up to $750 off with Samsung's trade-in offer, the Galaxy S24 is a wise choice if you want to skip the incremental upgrade and save big on a top-shelf Android phone.

Today's best Galaxy S24 Ultra deal

More from Laptop

• Best phone deals in January 2025
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Will it be worth the upgrade?

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best phones you can buy right now, especially if you're looking for an incredibly strong camera setup. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review also praised the flagship for its bright display, impressive battery life, strong performance, and enhanced AI capabilities.

All in all, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a stellar phone. But with the imminent release of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, how does it stack up? Will the Galaxy S25 Ultra bring even better battery life, performance, and AI features that justify a higher price?

Until Samsung's semi-annual Galaxy Unpacked event plays out, we won't have concrete details to compare these two phones. However, we can use the massive amount of Galaxy S25 rumors and leaks to help give you an idea of whether it's worth saving up for a Galaxy S25 Ultra upgrade.

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Price

The retail price for the Galaxy S24 Ultra is $1,299 for an unlocked model with 256GB of storage. However, because it's been out for roughly a year, you can often find it on sale for less than $1,000.

For the Galaxy S25 Ultra, there's no official starting price from Samsung yet. The phone will likely be available to pre-order at or shortly after the company's semi-annual Galaxy Unpacked event in January, but until then, we can only go based on rumors.

WinFuture reported that "northern European retailers are quoting the same launch prices for the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra as for the previous models" (translated from German). However, others think the Galaxy S25 Ultra could see a $50 or $100 increase, boosting its starting price to $1,349 or $1,399.

Whether the starting price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra goes up or not, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will still be the better choice when it comes to price because it's much easier to find a great deal on a last-gen model.

Winner: Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specs

Many of the specs between Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra models are likely remaining the same. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is suspected to offer the same starting storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, same starting RAM of 12GB, same 5,000mAh battery, and same 12-megapixel front camera.

It's possible the Galaxy S25 Ultra may offer 16GB of RAM with higher priced storage options, but without official confirmation from Samsung, we're just guessing right now based on leaks.

In a since-deleted tweet from @Tech_Reve (via Tom's Guide), the leaker revealed the Galaxy S25 Ultra would feature an upgraded main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (up from the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 12-megapixel ultrawide camera), and a new telephoto camera with "variable capabilities." Paired with Galaxy AI features, this new camera setup might be beautiful.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is also rumored to sport a slightly larger display, measuring 6.9 inches diagonally compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch display. Leaker Ice Universe shared all three Galaxy S25-series phones side by side to show the size difference, and all three look like they have incredibly thin bezels.

As always, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will get a performance boost over the Galaxy S24 Ultra by way of a new Qualcomm processor. It's rumored that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be equipped with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is essentially the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip renamed to "represent the highest level of performance [Qualcomm has] ever delivered in a mobile processor."

The performance difference between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra will likely be greater than the difference between the S24 Ultra and the S23 Ultra. After all, the S25 Ultra needs to be powerful enough to potentially handle more complex Galaxy AI tasks on-device.

Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Design

The Galaxy S24 Ultra may be the last boxy phone Samsung releases for a while. After a three year stretch of the design below with sharp corners, Samsung is moving in a different direction with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature softer, more rounded corners, though not nearly as rounded as the Galaxy S21 Ultra's corners. Honestly, the new shape of the Galaxy S25 Ultra closely resembles the new iPhone.

Despite its new shape, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still expected to come with the fan-favorite S Pen stylus.

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the S24 Ultra are equipped with a titanium frame that's more resilient than the lower-end Galaxy S-series' aluminum frame. Though both phones feature a titanium frame, the color options will vary slightly.

Determining which phone design is more attractive really comes down to personal preference, so declaring a winner here is a tough decision. However, with a slightly larger display and more people-pleasing color choices, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a slight edge.

Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Galaxy AI

Samsung came out swinging with Galaxy AI features with last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra, and we're expecting the company to impress even more with AI-powered tools in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In Samsung's quarterly earnings report for Q3 2024 (via Tom's Guide), the company speaks on "plans to enhance the Galaxy AI experience to drive innovation in everyday life," but doesn't elaborate on what features and tools may drive that experience.

Then, an APK teardown by Android Authority suggests the Galaxy S25 Ultra could come with a year-long free trial for Google's Gemini Advanced, roughly a $240 value.

Winner: Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Overall winner

The Galaxy S25 Ultra appears set to comfortably beat the Galaxy S24 Ultra in many ways. It'll come with a much speedier processor (and hopefully, a more efficient processor), a better rear camera array, a slightly larger screen, and potentially more max RAM.

The one category the S25 Ultra probably won't beat the S24 Ultra in is price, even if it ends up starting at the same price. If you're looking for lots of performance power and a stellar camera array, but don't want to spend the full amount for Samsung's latest flagship, it's likely worth sticking with the S24 Ultra. For all other people, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is definitely the phone worth upgrading to.

After we get more concrete details via Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, we'll be sure to update all the currently leaked and rumored info in this face-off.

Samsung kicks off the New Year with generous offers on unlocked phones. Beginning January 9, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G will be available in the U.S. alongside Sammy's 3rd generation fitness tracker (valued at $60).

Starting January 9, you'll save 50% on the new Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 (valued at $60) when you buy the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G from $199.99 at Samsung.com. That's $30 off the cost of buying each item separately and one of the best phone deals of 2025 so far.

Browse: Samsung's entire sale

The new Galaxy A16 5G follows the Galaxy A15 5G and brings a larger display and additional memory options to the Galaxy A series phone lineup.

Its spec sheet lists a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 800-nit 90Hz display, Samsung Exynos 1330 8-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB of storage. If you don't mind spending a little more out of pocket, the Galaxy A16 5G offers an 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option.

For just under $200, you're getting a capable phone with flagship-worthy features including a 25W super-fast charging all-day battery, Samsung Knox Vault security, and up to 6 years of Samsung One UI and Android OS updates.

Pair the Galaxy A15 5G with the Galaxy Fit 3 and you'll have a reliable companion to help you reach your health and fitness goals. It tracks over 100 different workouts and gives you comprehensive data on your progress. You can also stay on top of your daily wellness by monitoring your heart rate, stress, and sleeping habits.

Over the Galaxy Fit 2, the Galaxy Fit 3 boasts a 1.6-inch display which is 45% wider and provides up to 13 days of battery life (rated).

So if you're on the hunt for a decent unlocked phone with flagship features and a wearable that doesn't cost a whole lot, snap up this Galaxy A16 deal while you still can.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy A16 deal

Mint Mobile is at it again with a ridiculously appealing deal if you need a new Android phone and can switch to Mint Mobile. This time, Mint Mobile cuts the price of the Google Pixel 9 in half when you commit to one year of Mint Mobile's unlimited service.

That means you're paying $399 for the phone and another $180 for the 4G/5G unlimited service. Mint Mobile's service includes unlimited talk and text, high-speed 5G/4G LTE data, unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada and free mobile hotspot (up to 10GB). This last part makes this deal especially mouth-watering considering what competitors charge to use your phone as a hotspot.

Adding it all up, that means you're paying $579 total, including the one year of service. Consider this: The smaller, less capable Pixel 8a is on sale for $399 at Amazon for the phone only, same price as the Pixel 9 if you get the Mint Mobile service plan. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Plus, Mint Mobile has a generous unlock policy.

The Pixel 9 has a lovely 6.3-inch OLED display with 60 to 120Hz refresh, an impressive camera setup with a 50-megapixel main rear camera and a 48MP ultra-wide rear camera, and solid AI features powered by the latest Google Tensor G4 chip. Pair this top-notch phone with a Mint Mobile plan — which comes with unlimited talk and text, high-speed 5G/4G LTE data, and a free mobile hotspot — and you've got one of the best Cyber Monday phone deals available today.

Even though this deal isn't the rock bottom price of Cyber Monday, we still say: Run, don't walk, to grab this deal before it's gone. This deal is only available through December 31 so act fast.

Today's best Google Pixel 9 deal

Perfectly positioned to act as the final holdover gift of the 2024 Holiday season, Samsung Galaxy Unpacked will arrive in January 2025 to give us our first look at some of the best products we expect in the consumer tech space over the next 12 months.

But what, and when, can we expect Samsung to reveal during its biannual showcase? Well, thanks to the recent Project Moohan reveal, we can hear more about the company's mixed reality partnership with Qualcomm and Google, which may also include a glimpse at Samsung's first venture into the modern smart glasses market.

However, rumors of a new Galaxy Ring 2 wearable smart ring suggest it joining the January event's staple showcasing of a new Samsung Galaxy S-Series smartphone lineup. If reports are to be believed, the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra will be joined for the first time by a new S25 Slim handset.

Let's take a closer look at what to expect during January's Galaxy Unpacked event and some of the products we hope to make an appearance.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, January 2025: What to expect

While we can bank on Samsung to showcase its latest Galaxy S25-Series of smartphones, we could potentially get more information about its recently revealed Project Moohan mixed reality headset, too. However, there's still a lot up in the air about the upcoming event.

From hardware refreshes to all-new reveals, Unpacked has the potential to impress across several fronts. Much of what we know so far is based purely on historical showings and leaks from previously accurate tipsters. We won't know for certain what Samsung has in store for us until the showcase itself takes place.

In the meantime, here are some of the more likely products to feature during next month's Galaxy Unpacked January 2025 event.

Samsung Galaxy S25-Series

Samsung's opening Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025 is sure to focus heavily on this year's Galaxy S25-Series of smartphones, which are rumored to be receiving a series of upgrades including a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and the usual tweaks and refinements to this series' impressive camera offerings.

However, reportedly joining this year's expected Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra handsets will be a new model of smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Slim. Whether or not we'll be seeing this new handset in full, or simply teased for an eventual outing during a second Unpacked event in July 2025 remains to be seen.

However, the announcement of a new "slim" smartphone for the Galaxy lineup will do much to counter Apple's own smartphone announcement this year, as it is expected to reveal a similar iPhone 17 Air model in September.

• Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks cause color confusion and put iPhone 17 Air on notice

Samsung Galaxy AI

Last year's Galaxy AI launch saw Samsung's smartphones become some of the best-equipped handsets for AI on the market, unlocking powerful AI-assisted editing, image creation, language translation, search, and more.

Samsung's Vice President of Product Management for mobile devices, Drew Blackard, stated in September that 75% of users have "actively engaged" with Galaxy AI so far and that the company was expecting the powerful toolset to reach 200 million devices worldwide by the end of 2024.

As such, it seems almost certain that we'll be seeing more from Galaxy AI at Unpacked 2025, especially following the launch of Apple Intelligence and a looming AI upgrade for Siri. Could we see Samsung's Bixby get a similar conversational AI refit?

Samsung Galaxy Ring 2

Last year, Samsung used its January Unpacked event to offer a preview of the upcoming Galaxy Ring, a health and fitness tracking wearable. This year, we may outright be presented with its successor in the Galaxy Ring 2.

Given its stiff competition from industry veterans Oura, the Galaxy Ring 2 is rumored to provide improved battery life, a thinner profile, new size options, and potentially better integration with Galaxy AI.

for a brief stint in 2024, smart rings caused some considerable buzz, but following the eventual launch of the Galaxy Ring, hype seemed to return to its normal levels. Perhaps Samsung can once again energize the space by offering some impressive upgrades for its latest wearable.

Project Moohan mixed reality headset

Qualcomm and Google appeared during Samsung's February 2023 Galaxy Unpacked event to announce a partnership to develop a new mixed reality platform to challenge the Apple Vision Pro.

After over a year of radio silence on official channels, the dam finally burst in December 2024, with the reveal of Google's Android XR operating system and an all-new premium mixed reality headset from Samsung going by the name Project Moohan.

The two are set to work in tandem to deliver impressive mixed reality experiences enhanced by Gemini AI capabilities, with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor acting as the hardware's engine.

• Read more: Samsung's Moohan mixed reality headset eyes the Vision Pro, but should be targeting Meta Quest 3 and 3S

Samsung Galaxy Glasses

Much like the reveal of Meta's Orion holographic glasses prototype stole the show during Meta Connect 2024, Samsung may be preparing to reveal its own pair of futuristic frames to go head-to-head with the popular Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Samsung has been interested in developing a pair of smart glasses for some time, with the leaked (and seemingly abandoned) Samsung Glasses Lite concept impressing as far back as 2021.

However, thanks to Android XR, Samsung may finally be preparing to make its smart glasses dreams a reality with the reveal of a display-touting pair of smart glasses not dissimilar to the rumored third-generation Ray-Ban Meta frames or the glasses showcased during Google's Project Astra tech demo from Google I/O 2024.

• Read more: Samsung may debut an all-new product during January's Galaxy Unpacked event

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025: When is it?

Now that we've covered what we might be lucky enough to see during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, the only question is when can we see the event itself.

According to a recent leak, shared to X by tipster Sondesix and lining up with similar rumors regarding the upcoming event, Samsung's first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025 will take place on January 22 at 10 a.m. Pacific, live-streamed from San Jose, California.

While this is by no means an official confirmation, it does pair up with a claimed leak of a Galaxy Unpacked 2025 poster shared by reputable leaker Evan Blass in December showing the same date. The image has since been removed from X following a copyright report by Samsung, which adds significant weight to the January 22 claims.

More from Laptop Mag

• Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks cause color confusion and put iPhone 17 Air on notice
• A week on, Google's Android XR is stealing the VR/AR spotlight from Meta
• Samsung and Google's XR headset looks like an Apple Vision Pro killer

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is one of the most anticipated phones of 2025, and the good news is that it should also be one of the first new phones of 2025.

While there is no official date for Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025 yet, the event is typically held in late January or February. It should come as no surprise then that the rumors regarding the Galaxy S25 series are coming fast and furious in the waning days of 2024.

A pair of new rumors this week offer new insight into what we can expect at that event. The first is regarding one of the colors of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it's sparking a common internet debate. The other points to a new entrant in the Galaxy S series potentially stealing Apple's thunder with an earlier-than-expected debut.

Blue or Gold Gray

The first rumor comes courtesy of one of the more prolific and accurate leakers in the business, Ice Universe, and it's simply one of the color options for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The post on X merely shows a color field with "S25 Ultra" and "blue" above it.

Like the black and blue dress (or was it white and gold?), the source of the argument and confusion is that the color field appears gray to many in the comments on the post.

While we'll have to wait for the Galaxy S25 Ultra to reveal a definitive answer, a look at the Galaxy S24 Ultra colors can help to clear things up. It came in both Titanium Blue and Titanium Gray; if you look at them side-by-side below, the leak appears much closer to the Titanium Blue shade.

The rest of the Galaxy S24 Ultra colors were Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Black, Titanium Green, and Titanium Orange. Samsung consistently switches colors yearly, so while Titanium Blue and Titanium Gray could both return, we expect at least a few changes; just don't get your hopes up for anything too bright as the titanium trend hasn't leaned that way.

A slim victory

The second rumor pertains to the "Galaxy S25 Slim," a new model in the Galaxy S series for 2025. As you might expect, this would be a much thinner version of the flagship phone, something Apple is also allegedly working on delivering with an iPhone 17 Air.

The earliest rumors regarding the S25 Slim date back to October 31, 2024, from ETNews.com, but all previous leaks regarding the phone suggested it wouldn't arrive until months after the typical Galaxy S25 flagship launch. This leak from the Korean site FNNews.com indicates that the S25 Slim will debut at a Galaxy Unpacked event at 1 p.m. EST on January 22.

However, while the leak claims that pre-orders for the main Galaxy S25 lineup will go live on January 24th ahead of a February 7th launch, there's no indication that the Slim model would ship alongside them. This suggests Samsung could mirror the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which was teased in January 2024 but did not launch until July 2024.

Details regarding the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim are as thin as the phone itself, with little more than the claim that it will be slimmer than the existing lineup.

What's next?

Before the arrival of phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset last year, I would have been extremely nervous about any manufacturer driving for a thinner and lighter phone. However, Qualcomm's chipset turned things around and delivered a massive leap in efficiency last year, giving us slightly improved performance with hours of additional battery life.

While not everyone will want to give up that newfound battery life for a thinner phone, it's at least now plausible that you can get all-day battery life with a phone that is less than 7mm thick. Now, whether Samsung or Apple can make these thinner phones resistant to the issues that kicked off "bendgate" over 10 years ago could be another question.

With both Samsung and Apple, at least allegedly on the verge of making a play for this market, it's clear that there must be some evidence of consumer interest in thinner and lighter phones. Reports that Samsung could be cutting foldable production significantly suggest that maybe slim is the new foldable.

We haven't seen any major shifts in phone hardware over the last few years, so 2025 could prove extremely interesting for anyone in the market for a new phone.

It's official: The OnePlus 13 Android smartphone's global debut is January 7, 2025. We don't know its full price yet, but you can already pre-order the OnePlus 1. And the early pre-order deal is good: Save $50 and choose a free gift worth up to $299 when you make a refundable $50 payment now.

The free gift options include the OnePlus Watch 2 (a $299 value), Watch 2R ((a $229 value), or the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 earbuds (a $179 value).

This pre-order deal is quite attractive If you can use any of OnePlus' gift bonuses. You only commit $50 now during the holiday season. Once announced, OnePlus will reveal its trade-in options, and you will have until January 13 to pay the remaining balance.

Official details about the phone are still sparse. The pre-order page reveals little beyond the three colorways (Black Eclipse, Arctic Dawn, and Midnight Ocean) and that there are multiple storage options.

We expected the OnePlus 13 phone's debut in early 2025 based on prior releases, but we didn't anticipate such an early global announcement. If you're considering the new OnePlus flagship, act now to get the pre-order deal.

Today's best OnePlus 13 pre-order deal

While it may feel like Samsung just launched its Galaxy S24 series, it's actually been a year — well, almost. That means we're due for the Galaxy S25 lineup any day now, and because of that imminent launch window, Galaxy S25 rumors are swirling strongly right now.

So far, the biggest rumors we've heard include a major boost in performance and perhaps beautifully thin bezels (fingers crossed). Regardless of which promised changes end up realized with the Galaxy S25 series, it's likely still going to be one of the best smartphones you can get your hands on.

Here's all the renders, leaks, and other info we've rounded up so far on the Samsung Galaxy S25 flagship, from the launch price to design changes and those all-important expected spec upgrades.

Samsung Galaxy S25: How much will it cost and when is it coming out?

Samsung doesn't always release its new Galaxy S lineup in the same month every year, but we can still guess a general timeframe.

Based on historical releases, we expect the Galaxy S25, along with the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra, to be released in early 2025. However, it's unclear which month Samsung will launch its next smartphone lineup.

• Galaxy S24 release: January 31, 2024
• Galaxy S23 release: February 17, 2023
• Galaxy S22 release: February 25, 2022
• Galaxy S21 release: January 29, 2021

Over the past four years, Samsung has launched a new Galaxy S series of phones in late January or February. For comparison, early Galaxy S series phones used to be released in late May or June, so Samsung has historically been pushing the release date up. Perhaps eventually, Samsung flagships will launch alongside Apple flagships in September; who knows?

For that reason, I think it's a safe bet to assume Samsung will try to match its January release date for the Galaxy S24 lineup or maybe even shoot for a little earlier.

Regarding price, Samsung has reliably kept the launch price for its base Galaxy S series phone at $799 for the past four lineups. However, this might change with the Galaxy S25 series launch.

• Galaxy S24 base launch price: $799
• Galaxy S23 base launch price: $799
• Galaxy S22 base launch price: $799
• Galaxy S21 base launch price: $799

According to SamMobile, Qualcomm's SVP Chris Patrick said that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 — the chip expected to grace Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup — is expected to increase in cost due to its push to reach "astonishing levels of performance."

Digital Chat Station and Ice Universe on Weibo have claimed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip will be about 20% more expensive, or about $40 to $50 more. Those added costs will likely be passed on to consumers.

JoongAng.co.kr estimates that the price of Samsung's Galaxy S25 series could increase by as much as 150,000 won (or roughly $105).

Still, some insist the pricing scheme will remain the same. WinFuture reported that "northern European retailers are quoting the same launch prices for the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra as for the previous models" (translated from German).

The Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone could cost between $799 and $899.

Samsung Galaxy S25 design

The only smartphone in Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup that looks like it's getting a slight design change is the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which will reportedly (via Android Headlines) transform its sharp corners into softer, slightly rounded corners (though not as rounded as the S21 Ultra, somewhere in between).

The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, will look almost identical to the Galaxy S24. According to Android Headlines, the Galaxy S25 will likely feature the same 6.2-inch display as the Galaxy S24, but differ in dimensions. The Galaxy S25 will reportedly measure 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, slightly smaller than the Galaxy S24's dimensions of 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be the only phone in the lineup featuring a titanium frame, while the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will both sport an aluminum frame.

According to Ross Young on X, the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will both be available in the following colorways: Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green. Then, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will come in Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gold, and Titanium Silver.

These are the colorways that will be available at all retailers, but Samsung is known to reserve a few unique colorways exclusively for its own site. For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra had black, purple, and yellow options that were exclusive to the online Samsung Store.

Samsung Galaxy S25 specs

Samsung's current Galaxy S24 lineup sports Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips, from the base Galaxy S24 to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The upcoming Galaxy S25 was initially expected to not follow suit, but recent rumors suggest we'll see the next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite in most Galaxy S25 series phones.

In an article on the Google DeepMind website (via Tom's Guide), Google's team hinted that some of Samsung's Galaxy S lineup may be powered by a MediaTek chipset rather than its long-standing Qualcomm chip upgrade. As of October 8, the implicating quote has been removed from the Google DeepMind article, so there is no mention of a MediaTek Dimensity chip or Samsung.

More recent leaks, including one from Ice Universe, suggest that the Galaxy S25 series uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which may be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, just with a different name.

According to Android Headlines, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is also expected to feature 12GB of RAM (along with the Galaxy S25 Plus), a base storage capacity of 128GB, and a battery life similar to its predecessor, which has a 4,000 mAh battery.

Perhaps the most exciting rumored spec for the Galaxy S25 is its display. The Galaxy S25 display is expected to have thinner bezels than the Galaxy S24.

Frequent Galaxy S25 leaker Ice Universe shared an image (via Android Headlines) of tempered glass screen protectors for Samsung's Galaxy S25 series phones — and they all indicate impressively thin bezels. Interestingly, it appears the Galaxy S25+ will have slightly thicker bezels than the Galaxy S25.

In addition to thinner bezels, the display might also increase slightly in size. Known leaker Yeux1122 (via Tom's Guide) says Samsung may increase the Galaxy S25's screen from 6.2 inches to 6.36 inches.

Samsung Galaxy S25 cameras

As of right now, we haven't heard any rumors on improvements to the Galaxy S25's camera array — and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

If the Galaxy S25 kept all the same camera specs as the Galaxy S24, it'd still be in great shape to take sharp, vibrant photos. Here's what the existing Galaxy S24 camera array looks like:

• 12MP front camera
• 50MP main wide rear camera
• 12MP ultra-wide rear camera
• 10MP telephoto rear camera
• 3x optical zoom, 2x optical quality, 20x space zoom

Samsung announced new camera sensors recently, and one of them will likely make its debut in the Galaxy S25 lineup: the 50-megapixel ISOCELL GNJ sensor. This sensor features an anti-refractive layer and pixel isolation, which were added to help improve light capture and color reproduction, reduce reflections, and deliver more accurate shadows. In short, it'll help you take even better photos.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to get more intense camera upgrades compared to the base Galaxy S25. In a since-deleted tweet from @Tech_Reve (via Tom's Guide), the leaker revealed the Galaxy S25 Ultra would feature an upgraded main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera (up from its predecessor's 12-megapixel ultrawide camera), and a new telephoto camera with "variable capabilities."

Outlook

I'm a sucker for a smartphone with stellar cameras, so the Galaxy S25 Ultra may have stolen my heart at the moment. Still, the Galaxy S25 is looking to be a solid, budget-friendly option for those just looking for a great phone with next-gen performance improvements.

We're hopefully only a month or so away from the Galaxy S25 launch, so we'll surely hear more rumors and reports over the next few weeks to update this post. But for now, the Galaxy S25 is worth waiting for if you think your existing phone will last a little longer.

Samsung is expected to host a Galaxy Unpacked event in January and, hopefully, debut an all-new product. A news report out of South Korea already has said the date of Samsung Unpacked will be January 23, 2025 — but Samsung has not officially confirmed that.

For more news, rumors, and updates on everything related to the Samsung Galaxy S25 and all things tech, follow Laptop Mag on X, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest news as it arrives.

With all eyes on Android behemoths like Samsung and Google, it's easy to overlook other flagship Android brands like Motorola. With Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals behind us, Amazon still has these five unlocked Motorola phones on sale for a limited time.

The discounts aren't all as deep as during the recent sale events, but this Amazon sale is still very respectable. For example, the unlocked Motorola Razr+ 2024 is now $799. That's a savings of $200 over the regular price, and $50 more than Amazon's lowest-ever price.

The Motorola Razr+ is an eye-catching phone we love, and it's a great Samsung Z Flip 6 alternative. It's a capable, pocket-friendly foldable flip phone with a stylish design that opens up to a lovely internal 6.9-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

The Razr+ has a larger external display than its predecessor, with a more interactive external display for quick notification checks and camera guidance. And its rear camera delivers attractive images (though in our camera battle, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip came out ahead) and outstanding selfies using its 32MP front-facing camera.

If you want to spend even less, the basic Motorola Razr 2024 is also on sale for $599, $100 less than its usual price.

For those seeking a deal on the level of Black Friday/Cyber Monday, we've found that, too. You can now buy the excellent Motorola G Stylus 5G 2024 for $249, just $12 shy of its cheapest price ever. As its name implies, the G Stylus 5G has a built-in stylus. The stylus lacks the fancy extras of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's S Pen, but you can buy the G Stylus phone for a fraction of the cost -- and it's the cheapest phone that lets you take notes directly on-screen.

See all of Amazon's Motorola phone deals, and check out our other picks for the best phone deals available now.

Today's 5 Best Motorola phone deals 

Samsung has a terrific Cyber Monday deal on the Galaxy S24 Ultra phone that drops it to $899. This is the lowest price we've ever seen for the 256GB Galaxy S24 Ultra.

To get this deal, go to Samsung's site and select one of the three online exclusive colors, 256GB, and scroll down to choose no trade-in. Samsung bills its Galaxy S24 Ultra discount at $400; if you want one of the other colors, you'll have to settle for a $350 discount, which is still a solid price.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 came out in January 2024, and it remains Samsung's top flagship phone, at least until the Galaxy S25 Ultra inevitably launches in early 2025. This model features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 8-core processor and Adreno 750 graphics, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It was Samsung's first Galaxy AI phone, with features like Circle to Search, AI Photo Edit, AI Translate, and more. If snapping sharp photos is important to you, we loved this model's 200MP camera in our review.

If you're shopping for an Android phone this holiday season, this is one of the best deals you can buy. Jump on this sale now while supplies last.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Cyber Monday deal

Ready to upgrade your Android phone? The Google Pixel 9 is now on sale at Best Buy for $250 off with service activation and $150 off if you buy it unlocked for use with your existing service.

That means you can get a new Google Pixel 9 phone for as little as $549 at Best Buy. This is the lowest price we've seen with activation. And the unlocked Google Pixel 9 price of $649 is within dollars of the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

The Google Pixel 9 is the smallest of Google's four latest handsets, but its 6.3-inch display is sizable enough to enjoy using the phone for productivity as well as communications. This model shares many core attributes with Google's larger Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of my favorite high-performance Android phones thanks to its generous 6.8-inch display and its excellent 5x optical zoom camera.

The smaller Pixel 9's display is half an inch smaller, but it still has a fast variable refresh rate (60Hz to 120Hz), and it is very bright, measuring up to 1,800 nits during typical use and 2700 nits at peak brightness. The phone has Google's Tensor G4 processor and Titan M2 co-processor, both of which are primed for AI use. And it has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (add $100 to jump up to 256GB of storage).

Tom's Guide gave the Google Pixel 9 Pro 4 out of 5 stars in their review. Among the standout features were the Pixel 9 Pro's excellent camera performance and bright display.

If you're in the market for a new Android phone and want something that's powerful but won't break your wallet, grab this Best Buy deal while supplies last. Amazon also has the unlocked phone on sale for $649.

Best Google Pixel 9 Black Friday deals

Google's Pixel phones are amid an identity crisis as the company seeks to rejuvenate its style after ditching the handset's iconic camera bar design with the release of the Google Pixel 9 series.

The visor-like camera bar has been a staple of Pixel phones since the release of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, giving the devices a unique stand-out look that unmistakably set Google's devices apart from the competition.

However, judging by a recent leak sourced by one well-known and credible leaker, the upcoming budget-focused entrant to the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9a, will look closer to the competition than ever — sporting a new look resembling an Apple iPhone 16 prototype.

Google Pixel 9a: A first look at Google's mid-range megastar

While we don't expect to see the official unveiling of the Google Pixel 9a until spring 2025, we've been granted an early look at its design thanks to @OnLeaks — a tipster with a history of accurate predictions surrounding upcoming smartphones, via Android Headlines.

As previously stated, the camera bar is no more. However, what's more interesting is how closely this new smartphone's layout resembles Apple's latest iPhone 16.

The recently launched iPhone 16 received a fresh new look after adopting a vertically stacked, pill-shaped camera island, replacing the previous diagonal layout and squared design that dated back to the iPhone 13.

The Pixel 9a, which appears naked without its iconic camera bar, offers a similar layout, though with its almost-flush to the back panel, pill-shaped camera array sitting horizontally flanked by a lone camera flash (as with the iPhone 16).

While it's by no means a 1:1 carbon copy of Apple's latest handset, it is eerily similar, especially when you factor in the Pixel 9 series' flat frame. If we removed the Google logo from the back of this phone and pulled its camera array slightly further out, I'd not rule out the possibility of this being a prototype of the iPhone 16 designed to shoot spatial video in portrait orientation.

While you can't say that the Pixel 9a is by any means an ugly device to look at, it's not unfair to say that the loss of the Pixel's camera bar has a big impact on its overall aesthetic. While this might be Google's next mid-range megastar on price, features, and performance, it certainly lacks in visual pizazz and identity.

Google Pixel 9a: What else do we know?

It's still early days on the Pixel 9a rumor front, but that doesn't mean we're short of early words about how Google's handset will be outfitted.

Judging by the leaked images, design aside, the Pixel 9a looks roughly similar to the Pixel 8a we already have available, and will potentially feature a similar 6.1-inch, FHD+, OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

While it's likely that the Pixel 9a will retain the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage of its predecessor, we would expect it to adopt the new Tensor G4 chipset of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro/XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google Pixel 9a: When can we expect it?

Based on previous Pixel A-series releases, we don't expect to see the Pixel 9a in 2024. The most likely window for release will be May 2025, mirroring the release of the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a from 2023 and 2024 respectively.

There's a lot of time to pass from now until then, and (as always with rumors like these) there's still the potential for things to change or further information to come out that clashes with today's news. We'll keep a close eye on the Pixel 9a in the news cycles ahead to provide the most up-to-date information as it's available.

More from Laptop Mag

• How to get the iPhone 16 Pro Max for just a penny — no trade-in required
• Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 16: Which is better in 2024?
• Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold are here, but which one is right for you?

With the recent launch of Google's Pixel 9 series, we expected the Pixel 8 series to go on sale — but we never expected to see a deal quite this epic. 

Right now, Amazon has an unlocked Pixel 8 (256GB) for just $559. Regularly $759, that's $200 in savings and the best price we've ever seen for this popular phone.

Make sure you also check out the best early deals for Amazon's October Prime Day to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Today's best Google Pixel 8 deal

I'm due for an upgrade and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL caught my eye since it launched on August 22, 2024. I've always said I would ride with my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE until the wheels fell off and here we are. Android security updates will end for my trusty Galaxy S20 FE on Oct. 2 and after three years of serving me well, it's time to buy a new phone. 

Right now I'm considering waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE which is rumored to launch soon or buying the Pixel Pro 9 XL from Mint Mobile.  

For a limited time, I can get the base model Pixel 9 Pro XL for $699 ($400 off) and one year of Mint Mobile's unlimited premium wireless service for just $15 per month ($180). Sure, I'd have to spend $870 outright, but in the long run, I'd save $709 with this deal. The Pixel 9 Pro XL normally costs $1,099 unlocked, and my monthly Metro By T-Mobile bill costs $40/month ($480/year). 

• Browse: Mint Mobile's phone deals

Best Pixel 9 Pro XL deal 

After Mint Mobile's promotion ends, I'd pay $30/month ($380/year) for the Unlimited Plan. Since Mint Mobile runs the same network as Metro by T-Mobile, I'd spend less for the same service. Or, if for any reason, I decide to go back to monthly payments instead of forking over $360 outright, I can always bring my phone back to Metro by T-Mobile.

By comparison, I can get a free 256GB model Pixel 9 Pro XL (valued at $1,200) from T-Mobile via trade-in but there's a catch. I would have to activate the phone on at least a T-Mo's Go5G Plus plan which costs $90/month ($1,080/year). That's six times the cost of Mint Mobile's current $15/month offer and too rich for my blood. For me, prepaid is life. This is the way.

If you're looking for a price break on the Pixel 9 Pro XL and aren't opposed to prepaid carriers, Mint Mobile's Pixel 9 Pro XL deal is one of the best you can get.

The OnePlus 12 series launched earlier this year in the U.S. — and yet, we're already hearing rumors about the upcoming OnePlus 13 series, hopefully set to debut in the U.S. early next year after its typical December launch in China.

Our hands-on review of the OnePlus 12 was very positive, thanks to the phone's powerful specs, excellent battery life, and improved cameras. The brand impressed us even more with the budget-friendly OnePlus 12R, which earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review.

With such high marks for the OnePlus 12 series, how will the next-gen OnePlus flagship improve? The rumors have been relatively light so far, but with the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 launches behind us now, the rumor mill will start churning harder on the OnePlus 13. Here's everything we know right now about the OnePlus 13, from its price and possible release date to its specs and features.

OnePlus 13: Potential release date

We haven't heard anything definitively yet on when the OnePlus 13 will officially launch, but we can look to the previous two phone launches to spot a pattern:

• OnePlus 12/12R: launched in China on December 6, 2023; launched globally on January 23, 2024
• OnePlus 11/11R: launched in China on January 9, 2023; launched globally on February 7, 2023

If OnePlus follows suit with the OnePlus 13 launch, we can expect the phone to launch in China sometime around early December 2024 or, at the latest, early January 2025. Then, it should hopefully launch globally a month later, either in January 2025 or February 2025.

OnePlus 13: Pricing

OnePlus is known as the budget-friendly Android phone choice, but with rising prices for phone components, will the company be able to stick to an affordable price?

The starting price of the OnePlus 11 and the OnePlus 12 is $699 and $799, respectively. Since OnePlus has already bumped the price by $100 between its 11 and 12 models, it seems unlikely that we'll see another price hike between its 12 and 13 models. Until we hear differently, we're hoping the OnePlus 13 will start at $799.

There have always been decent trade-in offers through OnePlus as well, so if these stick around for the OnePlus 13 launch, trading in your phone could knock hundreds more off the price.

OnePlus 13: Specs

The most suspected spec upgrade for the OnePlus 13 is a new processor. Qualcomm's CMO recently confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip would debut in October at the Snapdragon Summit, making it the perfect upgrade contender for the OnePlus 13.

We haven't heard anything specific about RAM and storage amounts, but the OnePlus 13 will likely have at least 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to match the minimum specs of the OnePlus 12.

It's also possible the OnePlus 13 could feature a more robust water-resistance rating and a bigger battery.

Leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo (via Tom's Guide) suggested that the OnePlus 13 could feature an IP68 or IP69 rating, a significant upgrade over its existing IP65 rating. With an IP68 or IP69 rating, the OnePlus 13 could be submerged for up to 30 minutes with no ill effects.

In a different Weibo post, the same leaker said the OnePlus 13 may be equipped with a larger 6,000 mAh battery, up from the OnePlus 12's 5,400 mAh battery. Unfortunately, that good news came with the potential bad news that the OnePlus 13 could drop wireless charging.

That said, the OnePlus 12 gained wireless charging after the company dropped it on the OnePlus 11, this would be an odd move.

OnePlus 13: Design

The OnePlus 13 will largely keep a similar design to the OnePlus 12, aside from possibly the position of the camera array.

Currently, the OnePlus 12 features a large, circular camera array positioned towards the left side of the phone's back. In an outline provided by tipster Yogesh Brar on X, it looks like the camera array could be centered on the OnePlus 13.

The same outline suggests that the OnePlus 13R could be getting a wildly different rectangular camera array, which could help clearly differentiate it from the OnePlus 13.

As for the OnePlus 13 display, there are a few possibilities right now. 

We haven't heard anything about a change to the 6.8-inch display size, but Yogesh Brar on X says OnePlus will be using a micro-quad curved display panel, which would mean curved edges on all four display edges.

Alternatively, a post from Digital Chat Station on Weibo suggests a flat 2.8K 8T LTPO display with a "micro-curved glass cover design" instead, which would create a more symmetrical, bezel-less look.

OnePlus 13: Cameras

After teaming up with lens specialist Hasselblad, OnePlus has created mobile camera arrays that rival that of Google, Samsung, and Apple. For reference, the OnePlus 12 features a 50MP main camera with a 48MP ultrawide lens and a 64MP telephoto lens that supports up to 3x zoom.

One rumor from Digital Chat Station on Weibo (via PhoneArena) said the OnePlus 13 camera array would include three 50MP sensors and an upgrade to its periscope-style telephoto lens, but the leaker has also claimed nothing will change about the camera setup. 

A downgrade from the OnePlus 12's 64MP telephoto lens doesn't seem likely, so for now, our best guess is that the OnePlus 13's camera array won't stray too far from what currently exists on the OnePlus 12.

OnePlus 13: Outlook

The OnePlus 13 is still months away from release, and while we've accumulated an impressive number of rumors thus far, we're bound to have more to add as we get closer to the end of the year.

With the information we have right now, the upcoming OnePlus 13 boasts a lot to be excited about. If the next OnePlus flagship has Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, an impressive 6,000 mAh battery, and a micro-curved display, it could even prove to be a proper competitor for Google and Samsung.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Best laptop 2024: 10 best laptops tested and rated
• Best laptop deals in June 2026: MacBooks, Windows PCs, Chromebooks
• Best AI PCs in 2024: These laptops are optimized for the latest AI-powered features

Android 15 is right around the corner — but only for Pixel users. 

A recent message spotted in an Android Beta Exit update appears to confirm rumors about when Google will release Android 15. The good news is the release date is coming up fast, so you might not have to wait long. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a Pixel phone, you probably won’t have access to the update on day one. 

Here‘s a look at the rumored release window for Android 15 and when you can expect to get the update if you don’t have a Pixel phone. 

Android 15 release date hint spotted in Beta Exit update

Google has quietly released a hint about the Android 15 release date in the notes for the Android Beta Exit update, as originally spotted by Android Authority. The Android Beta Exit update is for users who were previously enrolled in Google’s Android Beta program but opted out, which prompts an update to roll back their device to the most recent public release of Android. 

The update includes a note stating, “If you are waiting for the Android 15 stable update, please ignore this OTA till Android 15 is available in October.”

This is straight from Google, so we now know Android 15 will launch on Pixel devices sometime in October. That lines up with Google’s past few Android update release dates: 

An October release date is later than earlier rumors hinted but is still consistent with Google’s release date patterns. Google tends to launch Android updates in late summer or early fall with the last two out of four updates rolling out in October. Beyond that, it’s hard to say for sure what the exact release date will be, but Android Authority‘s report claims it will fall near the middle of the month. 

It’s important to note that this mid-October release date is only for Pixel phones. If your Android phone is not a Pixel, you may be in for a longer wait. 

When will all Android users get Android 15?

Since Pixel phones are designed by Google, they’re first in line to receive Android updates. If you have an Android phone that’s not a Pixel, you will have to wait a bit longer. How long it will take for your phone to get Android 15 depends on the phone manufacturer since each one is responsible for rolling out Android updates on their devices. 

Usually, you won’t have to wait too long, though. For example, Android 14 rolled out to Pixel devices on October 4, 2023, and launched on Samsung devices on October 30, 2023. So, even if you don’t have a Pixel phone, you will most likely have access to Android 15 within a month of when Google launches the update on Pixels. 

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news and rumors surrounding Android 15, so stay tuned for more details about when it will launch on various Android devices and what to expect. 

More from Laptop Mag

• Android 15: Potential release date, supported devices, rumored features and more
• Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold are here, but which one is right for you?
• 3 new Android 15 features I can't wait to try

I'm constantly seeing my phone deliver low-battery notifications, and I'm sick of it.

My phone, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, is three years old at this point, and that means its battery life isn't what it used to be. Between accidentally leaving it plugged in and charging overnight (multiple times), forgetting to close apps when I'm done with them, and the usual wear and tear on batteries, my phone's battery life drains way too quickly.

All that said, I'm not ready to upgrade my phone yet, especially not just for a battery life boost. If you're in the same boat (or if you're just trying to get the most life out of a single charge for a concert or a hike), check out these three changes I made in settings to extend my phone's battery life.

Turn on battery saver mode

Your phone jumps into battery saver mode automatically when your phone reaches a certain percentage, usually 20% or 15%. But you can turn this feature on even when your phone is fully charged to help extend battery life.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap on the Battery section.

3. Next to Power saving or Battery saver, toggle the switch on.

Alternatively, this could be a toggleable option in your phone's Quick Settings menu. Swipe down from your home screen once to open Quick Settings, then swipe down again to fully see all your options. If you see Power saving or Battery saver, tap it to turn it on.

Turn on dark mode

Turning dark mode on can be great for eye comfort as well as battery life, and it's a super quick process.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and select Display from the Settings menu.

3. Change your display from Light to Dark mode. Or, depending on your phone, you might need to toggle on a switch next to Dark mode.

Lower screen time out time

When your screen is on, your phone is using up more battery life. By lowering the time it takes for your screen to time out and go dark, you can get more battery life out of your phone.

1. Head to your phone's Settings app.

2. Scroll down and select Display.

3. Find Screen timeout as an option in the Display menu.

4. Change the time it takes for your screen to timeout to a lower option, like 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• I tested trackers using Google's Find My Device network — are they ready to take on Apple's AirTag?
• The 8 longest-lasting back-to-school laptops — no more outlet hunting
• Google Pixel 8a vs. Google Pixel 9: Which is the better deal?

Using a slow phone can make you want to chuck it across the room, especially if you're trying to get something done quickly. Luckily, there's an easy setting you can change in just a few minutes to make your phone feel faster.

This nifty hack I discovered won't actually make your phone faster — only updated software and hardware or possibly clearing out old apps and files can do that. Instead, this trick makes your phone look and feel faster.

If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm talking about changing your Android's animation speed. By speeding up or eliminating animations, your slow phone will feel rejuvenated, like it was when you first got it. You can even remove animations altogether, but using your phone without animations might take some getting used to.

Whether you're trying to breathe new life into an old phone or make a new phone feel even faster, here's how to change animation speed on Android.

How to change animation speed on Android

Changing animation speed on Android is a two-step process. First, you have to enable Developer Options, a hidden tool that allows access to more advanced settings. Once that's enabled, you can start adjusting animation speed.

Because some settings in Developer Options can be dangerous to your phone if used incorrectly, there's not a simple toggle switch to enable and disable it. To enable Developer Options, here's what you'll want to do: 

1. Navigate to your phone's Settings menu.

2. Scroll down and tap About phone from the Settings menu. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone like me, you might need to then tap the Software information option before the next step.

3. Locate your phone's Build number and tap it seven times to enable Developer Options in your settings menu. Depending on your settings, you might need to enter a PIN, password, or pattern to enable Developer Options.

Once you've successfully enabled Developer Options, you can start the process of changing animation speed.

1. Find the newly enabled Developer Options in your phone's settings menu. On my Galaxy S21 Ultra, it appears as an option under About phone, but you may need to navigate to System first to find Developer Options.

2. Scroll through the long list of options to the Drawing section.

3. Tap Window animation scale, and then change it to the 0.5x option or None/Animation off.

4. Repeat the process with Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale, changing both to either 0.5x or None/Animation off.

Now, your phone should feel faster to use! If you decide you don't like how the speedier animations feel, you can always follow these steps again and change the animation speed back to its default of 1x.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
• I gave up my laptop for this XREAL spatial computer and smart glasses combo, I felt like I was living in the future
• Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 16: Which is better in 2024?

If you've purchased a Pixel phone between September 2017 and now, it could have a hidden app pre-installed that leaves you vulnerable to potential cyberattacks.

On Thursday, iVerify, a cybersecurity company, published a report providing details on an app pre-installed in Pixel firmware — called "Showcase.apk" — which was discovered when looking into a flagged device from Palantir Technologies, one of iVerify's clients. According to iVerify, "millions of Android Pixel phones worldwide could have this application."

Pixel phones and every other phone on the market come with pre-installed apps, so what makes this one different? Well, iVerify unearthed a major vulnerability within the app's infrastructure that cybercriminals could exploit.

What could this Pixel vulnerability cause?

The Android app appears to have been created for Verizon employees to showcase what phones could do. In a statement to The Washington Post, Google spokesperson Ed Fernandez said the software was made "for Verizon in-store demo devices and is no longer being used."

Although the app isn't enabled by default and "is not inherently malicious," iVerify isn't quick to rule out the dangerous possibilities, saying, "there might be multiple methods to enable [the app]." Fernandez, however, told The Washington Post that "Exploitation of this application on a user phone requires both physical access to the device and the user's password."

According to iVerify, the Android package Showcase.apk has "excessive system privileges." These privileges could potentially allow for "man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks," like remote execution and installation of malicious code or spyware.

This information was enough for iVerify's client, Palantir Technologies, to ban Android devices at the company. Dane Stuckey, Palantir's CISO, told The Washington Post, “This was very deleterious of trust, to have third-party, unvetted insecure software on it. We have no idea how it got there, so we made the decision to effectively ban Androids internally.”

iVerify notified Google of this vulnerability when it was first discovered earlier this year, but in the published report overview, iVerify said, "It's unclear when Google will issue a patch or remove the software from the phones to mitigate the potential risks."

There haven't been any hacking attempts through the Showcase.apk as of now, but Fernandez told The Washington Post on Wednesday night: "Out of an abundance of precaution, we will be removing this from all supported in-market Pixel devices with an upcoming Pixel software update."

In a separate response to Wired, Fernandez specified the software update would happen "in the coming weeks," but Google has not yet provided a specific date for the update.

While this exploit doesn't appear to have been used in the wild, it's an important reminder to keep your mobile device secure at all times and be sure to download and install relevant security updates as soon as they are available.

MORE FROM LAPTOP MAG

• Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
• Leaked iPhone 16 images trigger mixed reactions from fans — here's what they are saying
• I love a good budget laptop, so here are 4 that I recommend with one critical feature in common

On Tuesday, Google announced a host of new Gemini AI features at its Made by Google event, which also showcased a new line-up of Pixel phones. Google highlighted a leap forward in on-device AI features, but is it enough to get people to switch to Pixel?

The on-device AI competition is heating up, and the rivalry between Google Gemini and Apple Intelligence is already front and center. Google is coming out swinging and launching its AI features faster, but it will take some serious innovation to win over long-time Apple users and even people currently using a non-Pixel Android phone. 

Here's a look at the new Gemini features Google announced this week, how they compare to competition from Apple, and how they might convince some people to switch to a Pixel. 

Gemini on Pixel: The good, the bad, and the boring

On August 13, Google hosted its annual Made by Google event, showcasing a new line-up of Pixel phones and some major updates to its Gemini AI platform. The highlights include Gemini Live, new Magic Editor features, a Microsoft Recall-like screenshot tool, AI-generated phone call summaries, on-screen awareness, and the Pixel Studio image generator. 

Gemini Live is Google's revamped AI assistant, which will replace Google Assistant. Right now, it's exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, who pay $20 a month for the Google One AI Premium plan that includes 2TB of Drive storage. Google clearly wants people to try out Gemini Live, though — it's including a free year of Google One AI Premium ($240 value) with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. 

The main difference between Gemini Live and Google Assistant is that Gemini Live can have natural, spoken conversations with you (rather than requiring you to type out questions). 

Pixel Screenshots is another eye-catching AI feature from this year's Made by Google event. This is Google's take on Microsoft Recall, which faced a deluge of skepticism when announced earlier this year. Google's approach aims to dodge privacy concerns by making its version manual. 

Whenever you manually take a screenshot, Gemini will identify contextual info in it, such as the date on a reservation or a typed-out reminder. Then, you can use the Pixel Screenshots app to easily find and organize screenshots using Gemini or ask Gemini to recall info from a screenshot. This feature could be useful, but some users may not like an AI scanning all of their screenshots. At least Gemini only looks at screenshots you've manually taken rather than automatically taking screenshots like Microsoft Recall. 

The third noteworthy new Gemini feature is Call Notes, which generates summaries of phone calls lasting longer than 30 seconds if you trigger the feature. If you often have long phone calls for work, this feature could be useful. If you activate it, the other party on the call will receive an audible notification that the call is being recorded. Despite these precauations, for some people, it may feel a bit invasive. The recording and transcription are all happening on the device, according to Google, so this feature seems private for those who want to use it. 

Notably, most of the new features, including Pixel Screenshots and the new Magic Editor features, are exclusively available on Pixel phones right now. This appears to be Google's policy on its on-device AI updates. If you want the latest Gemini features, you'll need a Pixel phone. 

How does Gemini on Pixel compare to Apple Intelligence on iPhone?

Google's slew of new AI features comes just a couple of months after Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, a similar set of on-device AI features for the iPhone. Clearly, AI is becoming a major part of the competition between Apple and Android. Are Google's AI features enough to give it an edge over its biggest rival?

That depends. How well the AI features on both platforms work in real life and everyday use is critical. It's one thing to show off a potentially enticing AI feature in a demo, but if the real thing is buggy or broken, it will make little to no difference in which phone people choose to buy. That goes for both Apple and Google. 

While it's too soon to say how well Apple Intelligence or Google's new Gemini features work, there are a few reasons to bet on Google. 

First, Google currently has the lead in the on-device AI race by launching its features sooner. Apple Intelligence is on track for a prolonged rollout that will go into 2025, long after the initial release of iOS 18 (which Apple Intelligence is supposed to be part of). In contrast, Google's new Gemini features are launching with its new Pixel phones, which are available for pre-order and shipping later this month. 

There are some similarities looking at Gemini vs. Apple Intelligence, but Gemini has much more extensive AI photo editing features. Google's Magic Editor has long led the way in AI-powered photo editing, so it will be tough for Apple to eclipse it. After this week's new Gemini features, Magic Editor will soon be able to edit people into photos and "reimagine" photos with more eye-catching yet realistic backgrounds. 

Beyond that, it's a toss-up depending on which company does on-device AI better. Both have on-screen awareness, an image generator, text generation, and upgraded natural language processing. 

Is Gemini worth switching to Pixel?

Considering the updates Google announced this week and how Gemini compares to Apple Intelligence, is the new-and-improved Gemini enough to entice people to switch to a Pixel phone? 

It's possible, but likely not for a large segment of users. If you frequently use AI photo editing tools, a Pixel phone is the way to go since Google's Magic Editor currently has the most to offer in that niche. Other Pixel-exclusive features, like Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes, will likely be helpful to certain people but aren't groundbreaking enough (at least, not on their own) to justify switching to a Pixel. 

The strongest case for switching to a Pixel right now is future-focused. It looks like Google will be launching all of its latest Gemini features on Pixel phones first. 

Google is currently leading the charge if you want to be at the forefront of on-device AI innovation. Apple is trying to catch up, but its slow roll-out of Apple Intelligence leaves it far behind Google in 2024. 

More from Laptop Mag

• Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
• Where to preorder the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Best deals and free offers so far
• Google Pixel 9 vs. iPhone 16: Which is better in 2024?