Tag: Android updates

  • Ultra-Premium Foldable Smartphone Launched Globally with Major Discounts

    Ultra-Premium Foldable Smartphone Launched Globally with Major Discounts

    Key Takeaway

    1. Motorola’s first international release of the book-style foldable, the Razr Fold, offers competitive hardware with an IP49 rating and a lightweight design.
    2. The device is priced at £1,799/€1,748 but is currently discounted to £1,579 with additional accessories included until May 3.
    3. Motorola commits to security updates until March 2030, but future OS update plans beyond Android 16 are unspecified.
    4. Pre-orders begin shipping on May 6, with special Edition options available during the promotional period.

    A New Foldable Arrival from Motorola

    Motorola finally made it official with their first real book style foldable in the international market. Although it came out a couple of days later than they initially planned, they quickly offered a enticing discount along with some extras like accessories to sweeten the deal. The device stands toe to toe with giants like Galaxy Z Fold7, boasting impressive hardware inside a sleek design.

    Hardware Specs and Build

    The Razr Fold is housed in a IP49-certified casing, making it to resistant to dust and splashes, which is a good step for durability. It’s weighin in at 243 grams, and measures 160 x 73.6 x 9.89 mm when folded. When unfolded, it’s just 4.55 mm thin! Motorola promises ongoing security updates at least until March 2030, but it’s not clear how many OS updates it will receive past Android 16.

    Pricing and Offers

    The retail price in UK is set at £1,799, and €1,748 in the Eurozone, equipped with 16 GB of RAM and a hefty 512 GB of storage. Color options available are Blackened Blue or Lily White. But if you act now, you can get it for a lower price of £1,579, and they’ll even include a stylus, a Moto Watch, and a pair of Moto Buds Loop, which on Amazon are priced at $129 currently.

    Special Promotions and Availability

    This special deal, including a €250 or £250 discount, is available until May 3. The pre-orders will start shipping out from May 6, so people need to act fast. Also, there’s a cool Fifa World Cup 26 Collection version available priced at £2,199 or €2,389.99, which comes with two World Cup tickets. For detailed info, check Motorola’s official website for your region.


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  • Moto G17 Likely Won’t Get Android Updates Due to EU Rules

    Moto G17 Likely Won’t Get Android Updates Due to EU Rules

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Motorola Moto G17 features minimal upgrades over the Moto G15, with the main improvement being a 32 MP front camera.
    2. The device is powered by the older MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme and comes with Android 15 preloaded.
    3. Motorola UK offers only two years of security patches, with no promise of major Android updates for the Moto G17.
    4. Motorola’s update strategy falls short compared to competitors, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, which provide longer support durations.
    5. Under EU regulations, manufacturers are expected to offer at least five years of updates, but Motorola interprets these rules differently regarding major OS upgrades.

    Officially unveiled just a week ago, the mid-tier Motorola Moto G17 brings minimal improvements over its predecessor, the Moto G15 (around $130 on Amazon), except for a better 32 MP front camera. The device continues to utilize the older MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme and comes preloaded with Android 15, which debuted in summer 2024.

    Limited Update Commitment

    Motorola UK guarantees only two years of security patches, without any major Android updates promised. Similarly, the German product page for the phone lacks details on update commitments. Under EU regulations, manufacturers are expected to offer at least five years of updates from a device’s launch. In a conversation with media source After Dawn, Motorola clarified that, according to their understanding of the rules, while security and feature updates are mandatory, significant OS upgrades are not required. This implies that the Moto G17 will likely not receive an Android 16 update in Europe.

    Lagging Behind Competitors

    Though this update strategy may not breach any laws, Motorola is significantly trailing behind many of its rivals when it comes to software support. For example, the comparably priced Samsung Galaxy A17 (approximately $180 on Amazon) guarantees six Android updates. Even manufacturers from China usually provide much longer support durations. For instance, Xiaomi commits to four years of OS updates for its Redmi Note 15.

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  • Google Pixel Tablet Gets Two Major Android Updates Surprise

    Google Pixel Tablet Gets Two Major Android Updates Surprise

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Google Pixel Tablet, released in June 2023, will receive operating system updates for five years, extending support until Android 18.
    2. This update lengthens the useful life of the Pixel tablet, although it still falls short of the seven-year update support for newer Pixel smartphones like the Pixel 10.
    3. Google’s software support for other devices, such as the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8, has also been increased from three to five major Android updates.
    4. The change in update policy may be influenced by Google’s decision to cancel the Pixel Tablet 2, indicating a retreat from the tablet market.
    5. The first-gen Pixel Tablet is praised for its battery life, build quality, and performance, but criticized for lacking 5G support and having an outdated 60Hz display.

    The Google Pixel tablet was released in June 2023, running on Android 13. Originally, Google had said it would provide just three significant Android updates and feature enhancements until June 2026, but the Pixel tablet was set to get security updates for five years. Now, however, Google has updated its support page to state that the Pixel tablet will get operating system updates for five whole years.

    Update Expectations

    This means that users of the Google Pixel Tablet can look forward to updates until Android 18. Even though this doesn’t quite match up with newer Pixel smartphones like the Pixel 10, which are set to receive updates and security fixes for seven years, it does help lengthen the useful life of the Pixel tablet. Additionally, Google has previously increased software support for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 from three to five major Android updates at the end of 2024.

    Market Changes

    This change might be because Google has canceled the Pixel Tablet 2. It seems that Google is stepping back from the tablet sector, especially since there haven’t been any leaks or news about a new Pixel Tablet lately. In our detailed review, the first-gen Google Pixel Tablet stood out thanks to its impressive battery life, solid construction, good performance with the Google Tensor G2, and the handy speaker dock. However, it was disappointing that it lacked 5G support, and the 60Hz display with its thick bezels felt outdated even in 2023.

    Google via 9to5Google

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  • Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: Affordable Tablet with 7 Years of Updates

    Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: Affordable Tablet with 7 Years of Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Emphasis on data safety and security over speed and robustness.
    2. Long update timeline with seven major Android version upgrades and regular security patches.
    3. Access to new features and enhanced user experience through extensive updates.
    4. Samsung Care+ provides coverage for damages, reducing financial risks for users.
    5. Samsung Knox offers comprehensive hardware and software protection for sensitive information.

    The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite isn’t the quickest or the most robust tablet in its price range. Instead, Samsung emphasizes the importance of data safety and security in this device.

    Security Features of the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite

    There are three key areas where the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite stands out in terms of security. You can read our full review to learn more.

    One big plus of this budget-friendly Samsung tablet is its long update timeline and the promise of seven major Android version upgrades. Regularly issued security patches help close known vulnerabilities that could be taken advantage of by potential threats. Without these updates, the chances of a device falling prey to malware or hacker attacks tend to rise.

    Long-term Benefits of Updates

    A tablet that gets extensive Android version upgrades also gains access to new features and enhancements that improve the user experience over time. Furthermore, it guarantees that the Android system stays compatible with the newest apps and services.

    Samsung provides Care+ for the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, which helps users cover damages from accidents, falls, or even water exposure. Unlike standard warranties, which can differ by country (for instance, 1 year in the USA and 3 years in Germany), users don’t have to stress about high repair costs, thereby lowering their financial risks.

    Samsung Knox for Enhanced Protection

    The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite is equipped with Samsung Knox, a unique security platform tailored for mobile devices. Samsung claims this delivers all-around hardware and software protection to keep sensitive information safe from unauthorized access, malware, and various threats. Knox encompasses features like secure boot processes, encryption, and data compartmentalization (for instance, separating personal and work-related data).

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    Galaxy Tab S10 Lite: Affordable Tablet with 7 Years of UpdatesGalaxy Tab S10 Lite: Affordable Tablet with 7 Years of Updates

     

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  • Honor 400 Series to Receive 6 Years of Android Updates

    Honor 400 Series to Receive 6 Years of Android Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Honor has committed to providing 6 years of Android updates for the new Honor 400 series, extending support until 2030.
    2. The Honor 400 series will launch with Android 15 and will be upgraded to Android 16 by the end of the year.
    3. Honor’s update plans align with Samsung’s similar 6-year support for its Galaxy A56.
    4. The Magic 7 Pro and Magic V3 will also receive the Android 16 update this year, with the beta already available for the Magic 7 Pro.
    5. The Honor 400 series will be unveiled on May 22 in the UK and Europe, with a separate announcement in China on May 28.

    Lately, several brands making Android phones have started to provide longer software support for their devices, and Honor is one of them. Today, the Chinese company shared its plans for the software support of the new Honor 400 series.

    Software Commitment

    According to a press release from Notebookcheck, Honor has pledged to offer 6 years of Android updates for the Honor 400 series. This means that these phones, which will come with Android 15, will continue to get updates all the way until 2030. This is comparable to Samsung, which also provides six years of updates for its Galaxy A56.

    Upcoming Updates

    Honor has also stated that the Honor 400 series will be upgraded to Android 16 by the end of this year. While a stable version of Android 16 is expected to be available in June for supported Pixel devices, only a handful of manufacturers will be able to keep up with this release schedule for their own devices.

    Other Models

    In addition to the Honor 400 series, Honor plans to upgrade the Magic 7 Pro (currently for sale on Amazon.de for €999.90) and the Magic V3 to Android 16 this year. The Android 16 beta is already available for the Magic 7 Pro, which means a stable update should come much sooner than for the Honor 400 series. This update will also introduce a new version of Honor’s MagicOS software, likely named MagicOS 10, since the current version, MagicOS 9, is based on Android 15.

    The Honor 400 series is set for launch on May 22 in the UK and Europe. The phones will also be unveiled in China, but the announcement is scheduled for May 28.

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  • Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Launches Officially in India

    Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Launches Officially in India

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release and Pricing: The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is officially launched in India, priced at INR 24,999 (~$292) for the base model with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage.

    2. Performance Upgrades: It features an Exynos 1380 chipset, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of expandable storage, operating on Android 15 with One UI 7.0. Samsung promises 6 years of Android and security updates.

    3. Display Improvements: The device boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate, upgraded from the A25’s 6.5-inch display.

    4. Camera Specifications: The camera setup remains unchanged with a 50 MP main camera, 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro lens, along with a 13 MP front-facing camera for selfies.

    5. Design Features: The Galaxy A26 5G has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and comes in various colors including Awesome Mint and Awesome Black.

    Following its worldwide introduction at MWC 2025, Samsung has officially released its newest budget smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, in India. This model serves as the direct successor to the A25, which is currently priced at $199.45 on Amazon. There are minor upgrades in specifications compared to the previous version. Nevertheless, it keeps the same robust 5,000 mAh battery that supports 25 W wired charging.

    Performance Features

    Inside, the Galaxy A26 5G is driven by the Exynos 1380 chipset, combined with a Mali-G68 GPU. It comes equipped with 8 GB of RAM and offers 256 GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 2 TB. The device operates on Android 15 with One UI 7.0 right out of the box. Samsung has committed to providing 6 years of Android OS updates (including Android versions 16 through 21) and 6 years of security updates, mirroring the support offered for the Galaxy A36 and A56 models.

    Display and Camera

    Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G features a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen, an upgrade from the 6.5-inch display of the A25 5G, boasting a peak brightness of 1000 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate. There are no enhancements in the camera specifications; it retains the 50 MP main camera with OIS. This primary camera is paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro lens. For selfies, it includes a 13 MP front-facing camera.

    Design and Availability

    Measuring 7.7 mm (0.3 inches) thick and weighing about 200 grams (0.44 lbs), this 5G smartphone also features IP67 rating for water and dust protection, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and NFC capabilities.

    The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G is offered in colors like Awesome Mint, Awesome Black, Awesome White, and Awesome Peach. The starting price is INR 24,999 (~$292) for the base model with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, while the 8 GB + 256 GB variant is priced at INR 27,999 (~$327). It’s currently available for purchase on Samsung India’s official site and Flipkart.

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    Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Launches Officially in India

     

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  • Qualcomm and Google Extend Software Support for More Phones

    Qualcomm and Google Extend Software Support for More Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm and Google are extending Android software updates to up to eight years for smartphones with Snapdragon 8 and 7-series processors.
    2. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor enables manufacturers to offer long-term support, enhancing user experience with the latest features and security.
    3. Current Galaxy and Pixel devices are already benefiting from this extended support.
    4. Phone manufacturers are responsible for implementing these extended updates, promoting sustainability and device longevity.
    5. Qualcomm aims to improve user satisfaction by encouraging more OEMs to support longer Android OS updates.

    Qualcomm and Google are teaming up to provide longer software updates for more mobile devices. They announced that smartphones equipped with the new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series processors will benefit from up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates, starting from the release year. This means many Android phone owners will not only enjoy the latest Android features but also gain more from their purchase.

    Extended Support for New Devices

    In a blog post, the company explained that Android smartphones using the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor can already offer manufacturers the ability to maintain support for as long as eight years. Now, all new smartphones that utilize the Snapdragon 8 and 7-series chips will also receive these extended updates. Currently, Galaxy and Pixel devices are the ones enjoying this up to eight years of Android OS and security support.

    Manufacturer Responsibility

    This implies that every phone maker using these Snapdragon chips can provide longer support than the usual three to four years. However, it remains the responsibility of each brand to implement these extended updates. This initiative aims to foster sustainability and longevity, helping users avoid the need to upgrade their devices every few years just to access new features and security improvements.

    Chris Patrick, Qualcomm’s Senior VP and GM of mobile handsets, mentioned, “We are elevating the standard with this progress, offering more options for our OEMs and ultimately improving user satisfaction. We look forward to seeing more OEM products that support Android OS longevity in the near future.”

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  • Samsung Galaxy A06 5G Launch: 88% Faster Than 4G, 4 Years Updates

    Samsung Galaxy A06 5G Launch: 88% Faster Than 4G, 4 Years Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Processor Upgrade: The Galaxy A06 5G will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, offering significant performance improvements over the MediaTek Helio G85.

    2. Display and Camera: It is expected to have a 6.7-inch LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, an 8 MP front camera, a 50 MP main camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery.

    3. Charging and Build: The device will support 25W wired charging through USB-C, have an IP54-rated body, and will not support wireless charging.

    4. RAM and Storage Options: The Galaxy A06 5G will offer 4 GB to 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB to 128 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.

    5. Software Support: It will receive four major Android updates and four years of security updates, enhancing its longevity in the market.

    The Samsung Galaxy A06 4G was revealed last August, and the 5G version is set to be launched shortly. Insider @Sudhanshu1414 has indicated that the Galaxy A06 5G will be presented “soon” and will closely resemble its 4G version, except for one key aspect: the processor.

    Processor Upgrade

    Samsung is expected to swap the MediaTek Helio G85 for the MediaTek Dimensity 6300. This new chip includes two advanced ARM Cortex-A76 performance cores, which can reach clock speeds of up to 2.4 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Additionally, it’s built on a 6 nm architecture instead of the previous 12 nm. Our performance tests show that this new chip is about 88.4% quicker than the Helio G85 in single-core operations and 47.5% faster in multi-core tasks. However, as per @Sudhanshu1414’s insights, other specifications have seen little change.

    Display and Camera Features

    The Galaxy A06 5G is rumored to feature a 6.7-inch LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, but it will only have a 720p+ resolution. It will come equipped with an 8 MP front-facing camera, alongside a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP secondary sensor that is not very useful. The device is expected to house a 5,000 mAh battery, which can be charged through USB-C at speeds of up to 25 watts; however, it will not support wireless charging. Moreover, the smartphone is speculated to include a fingerprint sensor on the power button, an IP54-rated body, and options for 4 GB to 6 GB of RAM along with 64 GB to 128 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card.

    Software Support

    Another notable aspect for its price range is that the Galaxy A06 5G is set to receive four major Android updates and four years of security updates, which is quite impressive.

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  • iQOO 12: 4 Android Updates and 5 Years of Security Patches

    iQOO 12: 4 Android Updates and 5 Years of Security Patches

    iQOO has recently revealed that it will be increasing the support duration for its flagship smartphone from the previous year. The iQOO 12 will receive an extended software support cycle, which includes an additional year of Android updates and security patches. Below are all the specifics.

    Extended Software Support

    The Chinese phone manufacturer has declared that it will prolong the Android and security updates by one year. Originally, support was set to continue until 2028, but now it will extend to 2029. This change is made possible with 4 guaranteed Android OS updates alongside 5 years of security patches. Essentially, the iQOO 12 now matches the iQOO 13 when it comes to extended software support.

    Device Specifications

    In a formal announcement, the company mentioned, “At iQOO, we are focused on providing top-tier performance, smooth experiences, and long-lasting value for our customers. This new policy shows our commitment to keeping your device secure, current, and functioning well for many years ahead.”

    When discussing the smartphone itself, it’s an economical flagship option featuring a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen that boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 3000 nits of maximum brightness, and FHD+ resolution. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Additionally, it has a robust 5,000mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging. Other impressive features include a 50MP triple-camera array, stereo speakers, a glass and aluminum body, an in-display fingerprint scanner, Android 14 OS right out of the box, and configurations offering up to 16GB RAM with 1TB of storage.

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  • Honor Magic 7 Pro Gets Software Support Until 2030

    Honor Magic 7 Pro Gets Software Support Until 2030

    The Honor Magic 7 Pro is now globally available after its debut in China last October. Launched together with the Magic 7 Lite, the Magic 7 Pro boasts a more updated version of Android when compared to its mid-range sibling. Shortly after the launch, Honor provided information regarding the software support for its flagship model.

    Software Support Details

    Honor has announced that the Magic 7 Pro will receive five significant Android OS updates, guaranteeing software support until January 2030. This is an enhancement over the Magic 6 Pro, which is scheduled to receive four major updates, ranging from Android 14 to Android 18. The Magic 7 Pro is anticipated to receive updates up to Android 20, with security patches being available throughout this time frame. While this extends the device’s usability, it still lags behind Google and Samsung’s latest flagship models by one version.

    Specifications of the Magic 7 Pro

    The Magic 7 Pro is equipped with a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display, featuring a resolution of 1280 x 2800, a refresh rate that ranges from 1 to 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, which can peak at 5,000 nits for HDR content. It also includes high-frequency PWM dimming at 4,320Hz to minimize eye strain. Inside, the device runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and comes with 12GB of RAM, which ensures a smooth user experience.

    Powering the device is a 5,270mAh battery, supporting both 100W wired and wireless charging. Its rear camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with a large 1/1.3-inch sensor, a 200MP periscope zoom lens, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. For those who enjoy selfies, a 50MP front camera equipped with a 3D face-scanning sensor is available too.

    Operating System and Features

    Operating on MagicOS 9.0, which is based on Android 15, the Magic 7 Pro brings forth handy features such as Magic Portal, AI-driven Honor Notes, real-time AI translation, and Gemini AI. Furthermore, it carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for both dust and water resistance, providing protection against hot water jets.

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