Tag: Galaxy S25+

  • Galaxy S25 Gets Galaxy S26’s Cool Camera Features

    Galaxy S25 Gets Galaxy S26’s Cool Camera Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series includes enhanced camera capabilities, specifically the Virtual Aperture feature, which allows for adjustable background blur.
    2. The Virtual Aperture feature will soon be available for the telephoto cameras (3x and 5x) on the Galaxy S25 series.
    3. Virtual Aperture is a software solution to modify bokeh effects, compensating for the lack of physical apertures in smartphone cameras.
    4. The Galaxy S25 series will soon receive an AI document scanning feature, enhancing scanning with translation, text recognition, and drawing options.
    5. Samsung aims to incorporate new features into previous flagship models, although no specific timeline has been provided for these updates.


    The Galaxy S26 series brings several notable improvements compared to its predecessor. The basic and Plus versions do not feature the Privacy Display found in the Ultra model, but all three versions come equipped with an enhanced camera capability known as Virtual Aperture. Although the Galaxy S25 series does include this feature, it is somewhat limited in its application.

    Exciting Camera Updates

    On a Korean Galaxy S26 Camera/Gallery community page, a user inquired whether the Galaxy S25 Ultra would be able to use Virtual Aperture for its telephoto lens via the ExpertRaw app. A Samsung official, who also moderates the page, replied that this feature will be extended to the Galaxy S25. Presently, the Galaxy S25 series offers Virtual Aperture for its primary camera, and it appears that soon the telephoto cameras (3x and 5x) will gain this capability as well.

    Understanding Virtual Aperture

    Virtual Aperture enables users to modify the bokeh effect or background blur using software, since smartphone cameras don’t have physical apertures that can be adjusted like DSLRs do. This feature was first introduced with the Galaxy S25 series and has been improved upon in the Galaxy S26 series.

    New Features for Galaxy S25

    Additionally, there’s a new feature on the horizon for the Galaxy S25 series, which is AI document scanning. In response to another user’s inquiry, the executive indicated that this feature is expected to be available for the Galaxy S25. It’s worth mentioning that all Android devices can scan documents, either through built-in capabilities or using Google Drive. The AI document scanning feature on the Galaxy S26 will enable translation, text recognition, and drawing options, in addition to standard multi-page scanning abilities.

    At this point, no specific timeline has been provided, but it’s encouraging to see that Samsung is working to incorporate these features into its previous flagship models as well.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Pre-Orders and Vouchers for Unpacked Event

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Pre-Orders and Vouchers for Unpacked Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, with a variety of promotions.
    2. Promotions vary by region, including $30/£30/€30 vouchers for signing up on Samsung’s site and contests in the UK and Euro area.
    3. Samsung US is offering $900 in “extra savings” but has not mentioned the vouchers available in other regions.
    4. A free storage upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB is available for pre-orders, though it may not apply in North America.
    5. The pre-order period runs until March 10, with general availability starting on March 11, 2026.


    Samsung has shared more information about its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. The company is currently advertising different promotions on its website. With just two weeks to go before the official launch on February 25, 2026, Samsung has confirmed that there will be a range of vouchers, contests, and pre-order gifts available for its newest smartphones and wearables.

    Promotions Vary by Region

    As is common, the incentives differ by region. Generally, individuals who sign up on Samsung’s site for news about the forthcoming Galaxy devices will get $30/£30/€30 vouchers that can be used towards new smartphones and/or wearables. Furthermore, there is a chance to win various vouchers valued at up to £500 in the UK and €500 in the Euro area. However, Samsung US has not mentioned these vouchers and instead focuses on $900 in “extra savings.”

    Storage Upgrade and Pre-Order Details

    The company is also offering a free storage upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB, similar to what was available with last year’s Galaxy S25 series. Though, it appears this offer might not be valid in North America. Meanwhile, Samsung’s site states that the pre-order period will extend until March 10. Therefore, the general availability is expected to commence on March 11, 2026. The next Galaxy Unpacked event will start at 18:00 UTC. For more details, check Samsung’s website and recent leaks regarding specifications.

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  • Samsung Launches Certified Re-Newed Program in Europe for Galaxy S25

    Samsung Launches Certified Re-Newed Program in Europe for Galaxy S25

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed program is expanding to Europe, initially featuring the Galaxy S25 series.
    2. The program offers refurbished flagship Galaxy phones at lower prices than new devices, available in France, Germany, and the UK.
    3. Pricing for renewed models varies by country, with the Galaxy S25 starting at €769 in Germany and £1,153 in the UK for the S25 Ultra.
    4. Renewed devices undergo extensive inspections, cleaning, and quality tests, with all personal data erased and damaged parts replaced.
    5. Renewed phones come in new packaging, include the same accessories as new devices, and carry the same warranty.


    It’s been a couple of years since Samsung introduced its Certified Re-Newed program in the US and Korea. Now, they have revealed plans to launch this initiative in Europe. Initially, the program will feature selected models from the Galaxy S25 series in these areas, with the Galaxy Z series, which joined the renewed program for the very first time in August 2025, expected to follow soon after.

    Reduced Prices for Flagship Models

    The Certified Re-Newed program allows Samsung to offer refurbished Galaxy flagship phones at lower prices than brand-new devices. The program is currently rolling out in France, Germany, and the UK, where it is known as Reconditionné Premium par Samsung or Refurbished Premium by Samsung.

    In these countries, buyers can choose from the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s worth noting that the renewed phones come in limited color options and configurations, and availability might differ based on the region.

    Pricing Details by Country

    In France, customers can buy a renewed Galaxy S25 in Absolute Black and Coral, featuring 256GB of storage, for €799. There’s a listing for a renewed Galaxy S25 Plus, but the price hasn’t been disclosed yet. The Galaxy S25 Ultra with 256GB of storage is offered at €1,249 and comes in Titanium Black and Absolute Black.

    For those in Germany, there are more color choices for each of the three models. The renewed Galaxy S25 with 128GB of storage is available for €769, while the 256GB version is priced at €799. They also have a 512GB option for €859. The Galaxy S25 Plus is offered in both 256GB and 512GB options, costing €979 and €1,039, respectively. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at €1,239 for the 256GB version, reaching up to €1,299 for the 512GB version, and capping at €1,419 for the 1TB version.

    Limited Availability in the UK

    The UK isn’t seeing as many options since only the Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently available, priced at £1,153 for the 512GB storage model in Titanium Black.

    Samsung claims that the Certified Re-Newed devices have gone through thorough inspections and refurbishments by in-house experts. This process includes deep cleaning and more than 100 quality tests. All devices are reset to erase any personal data from previous users, and damaged parts are replaced with genuine Samsung components.

    Additionally, the software is updated to the latest version, and a new IMEI is assigned to the devices sold in Europe. These renewed devices come in new packaging that includes the same items as a new device, and they also carry the same warranty.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26+: 2026 Model Features and Upgrades Explained

    Samsung Galaxy S26+: 2026 Model Features and Upgrades Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26+ will have a similar design to the Galaxy S25+, with only minor upgrades.
    2. Expected updates include a revised camera layout, an upgraded processor (Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), and new software features.
    3. The AMOLED display will remain unchanged from the Galaxy S25+, while the Galaxy S26 will see a slight screen size increase.
    4. Samsung plans to produce significantly more Galaxy S26 Ultra units compared to the S26 and S26+.
    5. An Unpacked event is scheduled for February 25, 2026, with the products launching in early March.


    The 6.66-inch screen of the Galaxy S26+ is not the only thing that closely resembles its previous model. A report from TheElec, a South Korean trade magazine, revealed today, January 13, 2026, that this year’s Galaxy S26 Plus, which is being introduced late to replace the Galaxy S26 Edge that was scrapped at the last minute, will only offer a modest upgrade over the Galaxy S25+. Insiders from the supply chain have noted that the time frame for development is quite short.

    Minor Changes Expected

    This Plus version, which is set to start mass production this month, is anticipated to be very similar to the last model, featuring only a few minor adjustments. Among these updates are likely to be a revised camera layout with a camera bump rather than individual camera rings, an upgraded processor (the Exynos 2600 in South Korea and possibly worldwide, or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the US), and new software along with Galaxy AI functionalities.

    Display Details

    The AMOLED display, which will be directly taken from the Galaxy S25+, is expected to remain unchanged, unlike the Galaxy S26 Ultra that will likely debut a new M14 panel. The Galaxy S26’s screen is projected to increase from 6.17 inches to 6.27 inches. Reports suggest that Samsung has high hopes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, planning to produce 3.6 million units for its launch at the end of February, compared to only 700,000 units for the Galaxy S26 and 600,000 for the Galaxy S26+. An Unpacked event is now almost guaranteed for February 25, 2026, but the product won’t be available until March 11, at least in Europe.

    TheElec via Ice Universe.

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  • One UI 8.5 Update: Essential Upgrade for Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

    One UI 8.5 Update: Essential Upgrade for Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series will feature “Super fast wireless charging,” potentially reaching speeds of 25 W, a significant upgrade from the S25 series’ maximum of 15 W.
    2. The new wireless charging feature aligns with the Qi 2.2 standard and may include built-in magnets for magnetic wireless charging.
    3. The 25 W wireless charging capability might be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while the standard and Plus models may max out at 20 W or 15 W.
    4. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to support enhanced wired charging speeds of up to 60 W with Super Fast Charging 2.0.
    5. Recent leaks and code findings in One UI 8.5 confirm these anticipated upgrades for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.


    The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is likely to introduce several improvements compared to the previous generation flagship devices. Recent leaks have provided insights into what the new smartphones may offer, and a hidden code found in One UI 8.5 has seemingly confirmed a significant upgrade.

    New Wireless Charging Feature

    According to Android Authority, a mention of “Super fast wireless charging” has been discovered in the One UI 8.5 code. This feature is a new development, as the Galaxy S25 series is limited to regular or “Fast” wireless charging modes. The regular mode charges at speeds of 5 W to 10 W, while the “Fast” mode allows for a maximum wireless charging speed of up to 15 W.

    The anticipated “Super fast wireless charging” mode is expected to enable the Galaxy S26 series to charge wirelessly at rates as high as 25 W, aligning with the Qi 2.2 standard. This is consistent with earlier reports, and it would represent a significant upgrade, given that the S25 series maxes out at 15 W, a standard that Samsung has maintained for a long time. Additionally, there are indications that the new phones may include built-in magnets for magnetic wireless charging, akin to MagSafe and Google Pixelsnap.

    Potential Model Differences

    However, there is a chance that the 25 W wireless charging capability may be exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The standard and Plus versions might only reach a maximum of 20 W or retain the usual 15 W max wireless charging rate found in their predecessors.

    On another note, the Ultra model is also anticipated to have enhancements in wired charging speed. Recent reports indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could support 60 W fast charging, thanks to the newly branded Super Fast Charging 2.0.

    Android Authority

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  • Xbox and Crocs Release Xbox Controller-Inspired Clogs

    Xbox and Crocs Release Xbox Controller-Inspired Clogs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox has collaborated with Crocs to create the Xbox Classic Clog, inspired by the Xbox Wireless Controller.
    2. The clogs feature bold Xbox branding, with the Crocs logo in green and Xbox emblems on the sides.
    3. Each clog is marked “Player Left” and “Player Right,” and includes design elements like thumbsticks and buttons.
    4. Customers can purchase themed Jibbitz charms from popular Xbox games for an additional $20.
    5. The Xbox Classic Clog is priced at $80 and available in various sizes for men and women on the Crocs website.


    Earlier this year, Samsung teamed up with Crocs to create a unique case for the Galaxy S25, drawing inspiration from Crocs’ well-known clogs. Now, Xbox has joined forces with Crocs to introduce special clogs that take cues from the Xbox Wireless Controller.

    Xbox Classic Clog Details

    Called the Xbox Classic Clog, this footwear is offered in black and showcases bold Xbox branding. The clogs are designed with the Crocs logo in the iconic green shade associated with Xbox. Each side of the clogs features an Xbox emblem, while the top is adorned with thumbsticks and buttons reminiscent of the Xbox Wireless Controller, which is currently listed on Amazon at a price of $39.99.

    Unique Features

    Inside the Xbox Classic Clog, you’ll find Xbox branding as well, with each shoe marked with “Player Left” and “Player Right.” Beyond the fixed buttons and thumbsticks, customers can also buy a set of 5 Jibbitz charms that are themed after popular Xbox games like Doom, Halo, Fallout, World of Warcraft, and Sea of Thieves.

    Sizing and Pricing

    The Xbox Classic Clog comes in sizes 6 to 12 for women and sizes 4 to 13 for men. The retail price for the Xbox Classic Clog is set at $80, while the Jibbitz pack is available for $20. You can find these clogs on the Crocs website, launching later today.

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  • Samsung One UI 8.5 Leak Unveils Exciting New AI Features

    Samsung One UI 8.5 Leak Unveils Exciting New AI Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has launched One UI 8.0 for the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, while the Galaxy S23 lineup is still in beta.
    2. One UI 8.5 will focus on artificial intelligence to enhance everyday device functions.
    3. New AI features in One UI 8.5 include Touch Assistant, Smart Clipboard, Social Composer, and Meeting Assist.
    4. Design changes may include floating buttons with a frosted glass effect, similar to iOS 26.
    5. One UI 8.5 is expected to launch with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026 and will run on Android 16.


    Samsung has begun to launch One UI 8.0 for compatible devices, including the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 series. On the other hand, phones like the Galaxy S23 lineup are still running in beta mode. However, fresh details have surfaced regarding Samsung’s next software update, One UI 8.5, which highlights a strong focus on artificial intelligence. The upcoming update seems to incorporate AI into everyday functions of the devices to make daily tasks easier.

    New Features Unveiled

    According to a leak from NirmalSri, there are several exciting new features on the way. The post shared on X/Twitter indicates that One UI 8.5 will introduce at least four new AI-enhanced tools: Touch Assistant, Smart Clipboard, Social Composer, and Meeting Assist.

    Touch Assistant aims to enhance reading efficiency by processing text displayed on the screen. The Smart Clipboard is expected to automatically recommend actions like summarizing, translating, or correcting text. For social media interactions, the Social Composer will generate posts and reviews automatically. Finally, Meeting Assist is said to provide real-time translation during meetings and presentations.

    Design Expectations

    Earlier leaks have hinted at potential design changes coming with One UI 8.5. This update is rumored to introduce floating buttons with see-through backgrounds, resembling features found in iOS 26, but Samsung is likely to apply its distinctive “frosted glass” effect.

    The new features are anticipated to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series in the first quarter of 2026. This would be the initial rollout of the new software on flagship devices, with other compatible devices receiving it later. It’s worth mentioning that One UI 8.5 will still operate on Android 16. In contrast, One UI 9.0, which is rumored to be the next major OS update, will be built on Android 17.

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  • Stable One UI 8.0 Update Now Available for Eligible Devices

    Stable One UI 8.0 Update Now Available for Eligible Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. One UI 8.0 will be released soon for Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, starting with the Galaxy S25 series in South Korea.
    2. Carrier-tied models may experience delays in receiving the update.
    3. A full list of eligible devices for the One UI 8.0 upgrade has been shared by Samsung.
    4. New features include AI-powered personalized suggestions, improved Knox security, and enhancements for larger screens.
    5. One UI 8.0 aims to provide a better overall user experience.


    Following a bit of a rocky start with One UI 7.0, its next version, One UI 8.0, is set to be released on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets in the next few weeks. The official rollout of One UI 8.0 will begin soon, with the Galaxy S25 series being the first to get it in South Korea. Other areas are likely to get it shortly after. However, models tied to carriers may experience a delay. Samsung has also shared a full list of devices that will be eligible for the upgrade this year.

    New Features and Enhancements

    In addition to the fundamental changes introduced by Android 16, One UI 8.0 is bringing new features powered by AI, such as personalized suggestions, improved Knox security, Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and various enhancements for larger screens found on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra.

    Conclusion

    Samsung has made significant advancements with One UI 8.0, aiming to provide a better experience for its users.


     

  • Battery Life Test: Pixel 10 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25

    Battery Life Test: Pixel 10 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro vs Galaxy S25

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Google Pixel 10 Pro has a 6.3-inch display and a 4,870mAh battery, which is smaller compared to some competitors.
    2. In comparison, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has a 3,582mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 features a 4,000mAh battery.
    3. A YouTube comparison video tests battery life under everyday conditions for the Pixel 10 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and Galaxy S25.
    4. The Pixel 10 Pro lasts 7 hours and 1 minute in the battery test, outperforming both the iPhone 16 Pro (6 hours 15 minutes) and Galaxy S25 (6 hours 10 minutes).
    5. Actual battery performance varies significantly based on individual user habits and phone usage.


    The Google Pixel 10 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, making it one of the more compact phones available today. Its battery, rated at 4,870mAh, is also on the smaller side, especially when compared to larger smartphones or even some compact models from various Chinese brands. For instance, the Vivo S30 Pro Mini comes equipped with a 6,500mAh battery, all within a similar size.

    Competitors from Apple and Samsung

    In contrast, when we examine devices from Samsung and Apple, the situation changes. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has a rather small battery of 3,582mAh, while the Samsung Galaxy S25, which starts at $779 on Amazon, features a 4,000mAh battery. A YouTube channel, Lover of Tech, has shared a battery life comparison video that pits the Pixel 10 Pro against these two popular models, examining how they perform under everyday conditions. The test involves activities like video recording, using social media apps, watching YouTube videos, and gaming.

    Battery Life Performance

    For this comparison, all devices were set to a display brightness of 200 nits. In this test, the iPhone 16 Pro drains its battery first, lasting only 6 hours and 15 minutes. The Galaxy S25 follows closely behind, running out of power just five minutes later. However, the Google Pixel 10 Pro impressively lasts 7 hours and 1 minute, outshining its rivals. Even though its efficiency is a bit lower, the larger battery proves to be beneficial. Ultimately, actual battery performance will depend significantly on how each user utilizes their phone.

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  • Samsung One UI 8 Beta 6 Now Available for Galaxy S25 Series

    Samsung One UI 8 Beta 6 Now Available for Galaxy S25 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has released One UI 8 Beta 6 for the Galaxy S25 series, marking the final phase before the stable public version.
    2. The update focuses on bug fixes rather than new features, with a size of over 800MB.
    3. Key improvements include fixes for lock screen notification previews, keyboard suggestions disappearing, screen freezing issues, and errors in the clock widget.
    4. Future features speculated for One UI 8 may include an enhanced “Audio Eraser” and “Call Captions,” but are not confirmed in this beta.
    5. The update includes the latest security patch for September 2025, with the stable version expected to roll out sometime in September.


    Samsung has started to distribute the One UI 8 Beta 6 update for the Galaxy S25, S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. This update has the firmware version 5ZYHB/5BYHB and is intended to be the last phase before a stable public version is released.

    Focus on Fixes

    This latest beta version primarily targets known bugs rather than adding new functionalities. The update is a bit more than 800MB in size. Users have reported seeing it in several regions such as the US, UK, Germany, India, and Poland.

    Key Improvements

    One UI 8 Beta 6 for the Galaxy S25 series fixes a pesky problem where the lock screen showed only app icons and not full notification previews. Additionally, it resolves an issue that led to the keyboard’s phrase suggestions vanishing after a reboot. Other significant fixes include tackling a glitch that caused the screen to freeze randomly and correcting errors in the clock widget’s time display. The update also addresses a particular issue with the Naver Sports app and a font bug that reverted custom fonts back to the default settings.

    Future Features

    Although this beta is concentrated on stability, some previous reports hinted at new features being added to One UI 8. These speculations include an enhanced “Audio Eraser” for videos and a “Call Captions” option. Nonetheless, Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed these as part of this beta release. They may make their debut with the final stable version in the next few months.

    Moreover, the Android 16-based One UI 8 Beta 6 comes with the latest security patch for September 2025. There’s no exact date provided for the stable OTA rollout yet, but the South Korean tech giant has assured users it will start sometime in September.

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