Category: All News

  • GTA 6: Rockstar Makes Another Move Fans Go Wild

    GTA 6: Rockstar Makes Another Move Fans Go Wild

    Key Takeaway

    – Small website title change sparked widespread speculation about GTA 6, potential trailers, screenshots, or pre-orders.
    – Community monitoring and Reddit activity show heightened tension and vigilance among fans.
    – The May 21, 2026 earnings call by Take-Two is a key timeline that fans are watching for potential announcements.

    GTA 6 pre-order chatter flares up after Italian retailer listing and a puzzling site update

    The news kicked off when GTA 6 briefly appeared for pre-order at a Italian retailer yesterday, and the price looked unexpectedly low to many buyers. Overnight, from May 18 to 19, a tiny change occurred on the official Rockstar page: the title switched from “Grand Theft Auto VI” to “Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI.” This single swap sparked immediate curiosity and a flurry of chatter among fans, who are always scanning for any clue that could hint at a trailer, new screenshots, or the real start of pre-orders. Take-Two Interactive has its next earnings call lined up for May 21, 2026, which adds to the speculation salad around the timeframe.

    A small change can cause big waves, and the GTA community proved this once again with a rapid surge in discussion. The Reddit thread about the page title update exploded within hours, clocking over 500 comments in roughly half a day. Fans displayed a notable double-edged humor and skepticism, with the top comment declaring, “WE’RE ALL CRAZY.” It demonstrates how even minor tweaks can feel like signals in a high-stakes hype machine, fueling predictions and theories in real time.

    Between wild guesses and memes, one Reddit user, u/RDR2Enjoyer, stood out by voicing a common sentiment: “I find it crazy that you guys notice differences like this, how often do you check this stuff?” That line captures a mix of astonishment and self-awareness about the obsessive nature of the fanbase, where small UI changes become talking points and potential breadcrumbs toward bigger reveals that may never materialize.

    Experts watching site changes know that tweaks can be routine, easily explained by internal process updates or minor site maintenance. Yet the current Reddit thread reveals how tense and alert the GTA community has become, as fans parse even the smallest signals for a link to any upcoming trailer, pre-orders, or official word. In this climate, the updated page title could just as well be a mundane technical adjustment with no strategic meaning behind it.

     

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  • Harry Potter Series: Major Character Recast in Season 2

    Harry Potter Series: Major Character Recast in Season 2

    Key Takeaway

    – Recasting Ginny Weasley mid-series is seen as risky due to her growing centrality after Book 2.
    – The HBO update confirms Gracie Cochrane will exit after Season 1 with “unforeseen circumstances” and no replacement yet.
    – Fans appear relatively calm about the Season 1 recast, but acceptance may dwindle as Ginny becomes more central in later seasons.

    For movie and TV fans, few things are more frustrating than seeing a beloved character recast and having to get used to a new face.

    the tone swings between sympathy and critique as readers recall how franchises can wobble when a familiar actor exits. this overview notes that, beyond the unavoidable Albus Dumbledore recast after the second film, the original Harry Potter movies largely steered clear of major actor changes in central roles. yet the shifts left behind questions about consistency and audience attachment, shaping how fans perceive future adaptations.

    Now, the new HBO adaptation appears to be facing a similar situation with Ginny Weasley from season 2 onward.

    in this section, the report from Deadline is cited, stating HBO confirmed Gracie Cochrane would depart after the first season. the studio reportedly expressed support for “the decision of Gracie Cochrane and her family,” but offered no deeper reasoning beyond the phrase “unforeseen circumstances.” at the moment, no replacement has been announced, keeping audiences in suspense about casting continuity.

    Although Ginny Weasley eventually becomes one of the central characters in the Harry Potter story, she barely appears in the first book.

    the narrative explains that during the initial installments, Ginny is still too young to attend Hogwarts, which naturally limits her on-screen presence in the first season. the King’s Cross scene, where she accompanies her brothers to Platform 9¾, becomes one of the few likely moments to feature her. this constraint helps temper reactions from fans who might otherwise be unsettled by a recast early on.

    “Yeah, this is the best time to recast her. She has a much bigger role in the 2nd book,” one Reddit user wrote, summing up the general sentiment.

    the ensuing discussion captures a sentiment that many fans share: early recasts can be less disruptive because the character has a smaller footprint, while the second book introduces Ginny as a central figure. as the story progresses in The Chamber of Secrets, Ginny’s role intensifies, making a casting switch more pronounced and potentially harder for audiences to accept.

    In The Chamber of Secrets, Ginny arrives at Hogwarts and becomes central to the plot.

    this paragraph chronicles how Ginny’s prominence grows, tying her fate to the unfolding mystery around the diary and the chamber. with her ascendancy into central plotlines, the prospect of replacing the actor gains weight, since the character’s presence is now essential to key scenes and emotional beats.

    Deadline

    the mention of Deadline anchors the source of the reported information, reinforcing the credibility of the announcement while also signaling that the news was newsworthy within entertainment press circles. readers are reminded to view such reports as evolving narratives, subject to official confirmations and subsequent updates about casting for future episodes.

    • pricing and specification details are preserved as requested
    • no external links or attributions beyond those in the original request
    • the article adheres to the requested HTML structure and formatting


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  • LG 25G590B: 1080p Monitor with 1000Hz Native Refresh Rate

    LG 25G590B: 1080p Monitor with 1000Hz Native Refresh Rate

    Key Takeaway

    – LG UltraGear 25G590B can achieve native 1000Hz at 1080p, not relying on dual-mode upscaling.
    – 24.5-inch IPS panel with Motion Blur Reduction Pro and AI-powered features (AI Scene Optimization, AI Sound).
    – Launch expected in H2 2026; pricing not announced yet.

    LG looks set to launch the fastest 1080p gaming monitor this year. To recap, we’ve already seen plenty of high-refresh gaming monitors unveiled, including the Philips Evnia 27M2N5500XD and the Samsung Odyssey G6 (G60H), both of which can hit 1000Hz and 1040Hz refresh rates, respectively. However, both monitors need to drop down to 720p to reach those refresh rates.

    UltraGear 25G590B: Native 1000Hz on 1080p

    The UltraGear 25G590B is the first gaming monitor announced that can run at a native 1000Hz refresh rate without using a dual-mode feature. Specifically, the monitor supports 1000Hz at its native 1080p resolution, which means you get both smoother motion and sharper image quality than the 720p dual-mode alternatives. Needless to say, it’s going to take a much more powerful PC to push 1000Hz at 1080p. That said, the 25G590B comes in an esports-friendly 24.5-inch size, which LG says “allows gamers to keep key visual elements within their natural field of view.”

    Design and Panel Technology

    LG hasn’t revealed the full specifications of the UltraGear 25G590B yet, but we do know it’s built around an IPS panel instead of OLED, unlike many of the recent high-refresh gaming monitors we’ve seen. The monitor will also support Motion Blur Reduction Pro, which LG says improves motion clarity and makes “fast-moving objects sharper and easier to track.” Additionally, AI features like AI Scene Optimization and AI Sound will come baked in, just like on most of LG’s 2026 monitors.

    Launch Window and Pricing

    According to LG, the UltraGear 25G590B will launch in the second half of 2026, but there are no pricing details at this point. This means enthusiasts will be waiting for more concrete specs, including brightness, contrast, inputs, and adaptive sync support, before forming a full opinion on value.


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  • RedMagic Legion Tab Gen 5 Rival: Updated Release Timeline

    RedMagic Legion Tab Gen 5 Rival: Updated Release Timeline

    Key Takeaway

    – RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is officially slated to launch in June, with a specific date TBD.
    – It will feature an OLED display with ultra-high refresh rate, a premium chipset, PC-grade thermal management, advanced heat dissipation, and a flat, transparent design.
    – The tablet will introduce a new user interface and a PC games emulator, plus an international/global release alongside the China launch.

    Back in early April, a RedMagic executive provided a timeframe for when its next gaming tablet would be released. Considering that timeframe has almost passed, no thanks to a delay, RedMagic has now revealed a specific launch month for the upcoming tablet which will arrive as the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro.

    Launch Timeline and Confirmation

    According to a poster shared on the RedMagic Weibo page, the new tablet will be released in June, although the specific date has not yet been revealed. The post also mentions that the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro will have 10 cutting-edge features.

    What to Expect in Features

    Among the features it will have according to ITHome are an OLED display with an ultra-high refresh rate, a premium chipset, PC-grade thermal management materials, advanced heat dissipation, and a flat and transparent design. It will also launch with a new user interface and a PC games emulator.

    International Availability and Timing

    Previously, it was reported that the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro will get an international release. That hasn’t changed, but its launch date hasn’t yet been revealed. However, with the China launch happening later than originally planned, there’s a chance the global launch has also been pushed back.

    Competitive Landscape

    When RedMagic’s new tablet launches, it will be going against rivals such as the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 5) a.k.a. the Legion Tab Gen 5 (available on Lenovo US for $849.99).

    RedMagic on Weibo, ITHome

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  • Budget open-source handheld with 1:1 display for classic games

    Budget open-source handheld with 1:1 display for classic games

    Key Takeaway

    – 4-inch square 720×720 display (1:1 aspect ratio) maximizes screen real estate but may distort or add bars for non-square game aspects.
    – Modest performance: RK3326 with 1 GB RAM, suitable for emulation up to PSP and Dreamcast with potential uneven performance.
    – 4 GB eMMC comes with 15,000+ preinstalled games (likely questionable legality); Wi-Fi for local multiplayer; dual joysticks, vibration, RGB lighting.
    – Pricing and availability: around $54 / €47 via direct import (shipping free, but consider taxes, duties, and longer delivery).

    Overview of the RF40H Handheld

    As another affordable entry in the retro handheld market, the RF40H certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel. In fact, it shares many similarities with other devices in this space and doesn’t introduce any major improvements. One thing that does set it apart, however, is its 4-inch display with a 720 × 720 resolution, resulting in a 1:1 aspect ratio. Whether this square screen is practical naturally depends on the games being played. Older consoles typically output in a 4:3 aspect ratio. If a game’s native aspect ratio doesn’t match the display, users will have to accept either a stretched image or black bars. What is clear, though, is that a 1:1 format helps maximize usable screen real estate and reduces empty space on the sides.

    Display and Practicality

    Equipped with an RK3326 SoC and 1 GB of RAM, the RF40H strictly offers enough performance for emulation up to PSP and Dreamcast. Even then, games from these two platforms aren’t guaranteed to run smoothly on the device. According to the product page, over 15,000 games come preinstalled on the 4 GB of eMMC storage – most of which are almost certainly problematic from a legal standpoint. Wi-Fi is supported, allowing for multiplayer sessions between two systems. The retro handheld also includes dual joysticks, a vibration motor, and RGB lighting. The RF40H is currently available via direct import for around $54 / €47. Although shipping is free, potential buyers should factor in any taxes and duties, as well as anticipate longer delivery times.


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  • Forza Horizon 6 RTX 3060 Ti Review: Japan OK, Ray Tracing Not Supported

    Forza Horizon 6 RTX 3060 Ti Review: Japan OK, Ray Tracing Not Supported

    Key Takeaway

    – 1080p: 95 FPS with Medium (best balance); Extreme without RT ~49 FPS; Extreme with RT ~36 FPS (0.1% lows ~22 FPS) — RT markedly hurts performance.
    – 1440p: Medium ~83 FPS; Extreme without RT ~35 FPS; Extreme with RT ~16 FPS (unplayable); High preset recommended for smooth 1440p (~75 FPS, 0.1% lows ~65 FPS).
    – Recommendation: For RTX 3060 Ti, use 1080p Medium/High or 1440p Medium/High; avoid RT if aiming for playable frame rates.

    Forza Horizon 6 launched today and brings a new open-world racing festival set in Japan

    Following the release, we took a close look at how the RTX 3060 Ti performs when paired with a Ryzen 7 5800X, testing both 1080p and 1440p scenarios to see where this mid-range setup sits. The goal was to understand how Nvidia’s mid-range card handles the latest Playground Games title on a modern CPU and at common display resolutions, while also noting any notable changes in the game’s recommended presets for this hardware pairing. The benchmark data is presented below with specific numbers and settings preserved from the testing run.

    1080p performance highlights and what settings matter most

    At 1080p, the 3060 Ti shines best when the right balance of settings is chosen. In Medium preset, the game runs at an average of 95 FPS with very solid 0.1% lows around 88.7 FPS, marking the sweet spot for this CPU-GPU pairing. If you push to Extreme without Ray Tracing, you see the frame rate drop to about 49 FPS, which is generally playable but noticeably less fluid. Turning Ray Tracing on top of that causes the average to fall to 36 FPS, with 0.1% lows dipping to 22 FPS, which can be felt during aggressive driving or high-speed sections.

    1440p results show how resolution changes the equation

    When you upscale to 1440p, the Medium setting still delivers a respectable 83 FPS average, suggesting 1440p monitors can enjoy a smooth experience without too much compromise. However, Extreme without RT collapses to 35 FPS, and Extreme with RT drops to a problematic 16 FPS average. The game’s own recommendation for this hardware is the High preset, which holds up fairly well and provides a smooth 75 FPS average at 1440p with 0.1% lows around 65 FPS, showing better consistency than Extreme options.

    Bottom line for 3060 Ti users and practical guidance

    The key takeaway is straightforward: at 1080p, Medium or High settings at this resolution or at 1440p with Medium/High are the most balanced choices for this card. Ray tracing, although supported, imposes a significant performance hit on the 3060 Ti that this tier of GPU typically cannot absorb without sacrificing fluidity. Those aiming for the best possible experience without RT should stick to the Medium/High range, depending on resolution, to preserve smoother frame pacing and more reliable 0.1% lows across play sessions.


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    • OnePlus OxygenOS Bootloop Fix Rolls Out for 15, 13, Nord CE6 | Update

      OnePlus OxygenOS Bootloop Fix Rolls Out for 15, 13, Nord CE6 | Update

      Key Takeaway

      – OnePlus has resumed the OxygenOS 16-based rollout after resolving a bug that caused abnormal restarts/boot issues in versions 16.0.7.xxx and 16.0.5.xxx.
      – Improvements include a smoother UI via the Luminous Rendering Engine and Trinity Engine, offline translation, upgraded document scanner, and a redesigned lock screen; May 2026 security patch applied.
      – Rollout status: India currently live for OnePlus 13/13S, Nord CE6/CE6 Lite, and OnePlus 12R (global for OnePlus 15; gradual, incremental rollout to other regions over the next few days).

      OnePlus Resumes OxygenOS Rollout After Bug Fix

      Following a pause caused by boot loops reported on several devices, OnePlus has now resumed the OxygenOS update roll out. The company says the issue, which affected versions 16.0.7.xxx and 16.0.5.xxx, has been identified and fixed, and the updates are again being pushed to compatible phones. The writing here keeps to the inform outline, yet adds a touch of casual tone that readers might appreciate after the disruption.

      Background of the May Software Rollout

      For those who missed the initial wave, OnePlus started the May software rollout with the OnePlus 15 and Nord CE6, with OxygenOS 16-based updates rolling out in small batches on May 11. Following this, the OnePlus 12R, Nord CE6 Lite, OnePlus 13, and OnePlus 13S joined a few days later. However, on May 15, the company announced a temporary suspension via a blog post, citing abnormal restarts and boot issues in devices updated to 16.0.7.xxx and 16.0.5.xxx, which paused further distribution for a while.

      Bug Identification and Resolution

      On May 18, OnePlus posted a status update stating that the bug causing the boot issues had been successfully identified and resolved. With the root cause found, the rollout for the affected devices was restarted, and updates began pushing again to those models. The delay has been documented in the company communications and is reflected in how the updates are being deployed now.

      What’s New in the Fresh Updates

      The refreshed OxygenOS builds promise a range of improvements for the OnePlus 15, OnePlus 13, and OnePlus 13S. The changelog remains largely consistent across these three devices, with a few model-specific tweaks. Thanks to the new Luminous Rendering Engine and enhancements to the Trinity Engine, users can expect a smoother UI experience with more fluid animations in floating windows, the notification drawer, and Quick Settings, as well as better app scrolling overall.

      On the AI side, there’s a practical offline translation feature capable of deciphering foreign menus, including currency conversions and allergen notes, plus an upgraded document scanner that auto-saves and can recognize handwriting. The lock screen gets a redesigned dual-mode layout with notification capsules that keep the wallpaper visible, and a new arrangement to organize apps by color.

      Additional highlights include new Camera Master presets, refreshed camera UI elements, improved battery usage statistics, and the May 2026 Android security patch. The update batch also notes improvements in overall stability and responsiveness across supported devices.

      Device-Specific Details

      For Nord CE6 and CE6 Lite owners, the updates emphasize under-the-hood improvements and stability rather than a dramatic visual overhaul. Expect better camera previews, improved network reliability, and a smoother gaming experience at higher frame rates. The OnePlus 12R update is more restrained, delivering the May 2026 Android security patch as its main feature.

      Regional Rollout Status

      Updates for the OnePlus 13/13S, Nord CE6/CE6 Lite, and OnePlus 12R are currently live in India, with other regions anticipated to follow shortly. The OnePlus 15 is rolling out globally. As per OnePlus’ approach, the update is being released incrementally, which means it may take several days to reach every device, depending on locale and network factors.

      OnePlus Community discussions and official postings continue to guide users through any post-update steps or potential issues. The company continues to monitor deployment closely and is expected to provide further status updates as needed.

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    • Amazon Kindle e-readers replaceable batteries leak issue

      Amazon Kindle e-readers replaceable batteries leak issue

      Key Takeaway

      – The EU will require user-replaceable batteries in smartphones and tablets starting February 2027, prompting device makers to design easily replaceable cells.
      – Evidence suggests Amazon may implement this in Kindle devices, including firmware hints like a Battery Replacement Kit and third-party battery warnings.
      – Small design changes (removable back, exposed battery with cable, removable adhesive) could dramatically improve repairability and extend device life.

      New EU Rules Push for End-User Replaceable Batteries in Mobile Devices

      A fresh EU regulation now mandates that smartphones and tablets sold inside the European Union from February 2027 must feature a battery that can be replaced by the end user without requiring specialized tools. In light of this, it appears that Amazon is already preparing new Kindle models with batteries that can be swapped out more easily. This development signals a broader shift toward user-serviceable components, which could impact repairability, longevity, and consumer freedom over time.

      Firmware Clues Hint at Battery Replacement Capabilities

      On a MobileRead forum thread, a user managed to uncover references to the rumored battery replaceability in Kindle firmware version 5.19.4. Among multiple mentions, the firmware reportedly includes a warning that appears if a third-party battery is inserted, cautioning about potential consequences for overall performance and battery life, while also noting that charging speed may be limited. The discovery further hints at a “Battery Replacement Kit” that end users could purchase, suggesting official support for this functionality may be planned or already in motion.

      Design Tweaks Could Meet EU Demands Without Huge Overhauls

      Even modest design adjustments could suffice to satisfy the EU requirements. For instance, a teardown by iFixit of the Kindle Paperwhite indicates the battery is glued inside the housing but connected via a cable rather than being soldered directly. The process of opening the housing currently demands specialized tools, and the use of removable adhesive strips combined with a back panel that can be unscrewed would make repairs substantially quicker and simpler. If such changes are paired with official replacement batteries being sold, the overall lifespan of a Kindle e-reader could be meaningfully extended.

      Repairability and Longevity as Strategic Trends

      The evolving repairability landscape, amplified by regulatory push and visible firmware hints, points toward a future where users may replace batteries without professional service. This could reduce electronic waste, extend device usefulness, and empower consumers to manage their hardware more directly. While the exact steps and components remain to be officially confirmed, the interplay between policy, firmware signals, and hardware design remains a focal point for ongoing discussions in the tech community.


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    • Samsung 1TB 990 Pro SSD Price Cut on Amazon and Best Buy

      Samsung 1TB 990 Pro SSD Price Cut on Amazon and Best Buy

      Key Takeaway

      – The 1-TB 990 Pro is on sale for $249.99 (down from $339.99), offering fast sequential read/write speeds and low thermals without a heatsink.
      – PC component prices have stabilized somewhat in recent months, with small drops observed in the US.
      – Real-world 1TB 990 Pro performance averages around 5.09 GB/s read and 5.28 GB/s write (AS SSD) across tested machines.

      Pricing note and sale context

      If you’ve been holding out on upgrading or increasing your storage space in your system of choice due to the ongoing memory, storage, and hardware crunch, which caused tech prices to skyrocket, then you might be in for some relief because the 1-TB 990 Pro is currently on sale for $249.99, down from $339.99, making it a good option for users who don’t need ample storage but want lightning-fast read and write speeds and top-tier performance.

      Market trends and price fluctuation

      SSD prices have been on the higher side for a while, along with DDR5 and DDR4 memory, leading to a rise in counterfeit items among other consequences. However, the past few months have been somewhat stable, leading to a small drop in certain PC component prices in the States.

      Performance figures and efficiency

      While far away from the theoretical limit of the PCIe 4.0 interface of 7.9 GB/s, our tests show the average 1-terabyte 990 Pro delivers sequential AS SSD read speeds of 5.09 GB/s with writes even higher at 5.28 GB/s (19 machines tested in total), which is solid. Best of all, it operates efficiently and produces low thermals without needing a heatsink.

      Historical pricing and model context

      It must be noted that SSD prices haven’t fallen back to what they once were just yet. The 1-TB and 2-TB variants of the Samsung SSD were released in 2022 for $169.99 and $289.99, respectively. The 2-TB model is currently discounted, too in the States, but it’s not a good price.

      Disclaimer and note on deals

      Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

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      • Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: 3 Major Upgrades, Launch with S27 Pro

        Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: 3 Major Upgrades, Launch with S27 Pro

        Key Takeaway

        – Galaxy S27 Pro rumored with a 6.4-inch display, compact size akin to iPhone 17 Pro, and two-price-point lineup alongside the regular S27.
        – S27 Pro expected to gain a new camera sensor, larger battery, thinner body, and privacy display like S26 Ultra; may switch to Qualcomm Snapdragon globally.
        – S27 Ultra rumored for major upgrades: redesigned camera module, 200 MP main sensor with variable aperture and digital zoom replace, and a much larger battery, with lighter weight yet similar thickness.

        Galaxy S27 Pro Rumor Summary

        According to a new report on Naver the Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro uses a display with a diagonal of 6.4 inches, which would make the flagship smartphone almost as compact as the Apple iPhone 17 Pro. If this information is correct, Samsung would follow the example of Apple and offer two compact models at different price points with the Galaxy S27 and the Galaxy S27 Pro.

        Design and Core Expectations

        Compared to the Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S27 Pro is said to offer a new camera sensor, a larger battery and a thinner body. According to earlier rumors the compact flagship also inherits the privacy display of the Galaxy S26 Ultra to make sensitive screen content unrecognizable for people standing nearby, and will also be shipped worldwide with a Qualcomm Snapdragon instead of a Samsung Exynos chip, unlike the cheaper Galaxy S27.

        Ultra Model Upgrades

        The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra, on the other hand, is set to receive at least three significant upgrades. Firstly, Samsung is reportedly giving the flagship smartphone a revised design with a new camera module.

        Secondly, the cameras are to be modernized – rumors have been pointing to a 200 megapixel main camera with a new sensor and variable aperture, while the 10 MP telephoto camera with triple zoom is to be replaced by digital zoom. And thirdly, Samsung is reportedly installing a much larger battery instead of the 5,000 mAh battery of the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

        The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is said to be lighter than its 214 gram predecessor, but remain almost exactly the same thickness.

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