Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes the latest Galaxy Z Flip 5 leaks, OnePlus V Fold details, Pixel 8 display specs, Pixel Tablet reviews, Opera’s new Android AI browser, Nothing Phone (2) Pricing, and Google’s iPhone vs Pixel campaign.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many things that have happened around Android in the last week (and you can find the weekly Apple news digest here).
Galaxy Z Fold 5 Details Leak
Ahead of the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, new details on Samsung’s foldable phone have leaked. The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s screen looks to be the same as last year’s model:
“Namely, the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel will have a 1-120Hz refresh rate and reach 1,200 nits of brightness, just like the ongoing Galaxy Z Fold 4. It’s unclear if the cover screen got any brighter, but its dimensions and other specs appear to be the same (6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 48-120Hz).”
(SamMobile).
OnePlus Fold Leaks
It must be the season for folding phones to leak. The latest comes from OnePlus. Previously the OnePlus V Fold was expected to echo the Oppo Find N2, given the close relationship between Oppo and OnePlus. Now, the latest leaks suggest otherwise.
“Our findings are derived from images of a prototype unit in the testing stage, which typically closely resembles the final product. While it is plausible to anticipate some minor adjustments, it is important to emphasize that the OnePlus V Fold will unquestionably possess its own distinctive identity and will not mirror the OPPO Find N2.”
(OnLeaks via Smartprix).
Smaller And Faster Screens For The Pixel 8 Family
More details on Google’s next generation of Pixel smartphones, the presumptively named Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Not only will Google to flat screens on both devices, it’s also set to make the Pixel 8 smaller and the Pixel 8 Pro faster:
“Firstly, the regular Pixel 8 is moving to a smaller display — 6.17-inch instead of the 6.3-inch on previous models. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, retains the same 6.7-inch size, but the panel is now flat — good news for the many people who consider flat displays to be a positive thing… The Pixel 8 Pro also has a notable upgrade of its own; a more variable refresh rate…. it appears that the Pixel 8 Pro will be able to smoothly change the refresh rate between 60 and 120Hz…”
(Android Authority).
Pixel Tablet Review
Meanwhile, Pixel fans have the new Pixel Tablet to enjoy. I spent some time ahead of its release to review Google’s tablet… or is it a Home Hub that you can carry with you?
“This is very much a tablet made for use at home. That’s probably why it’s only available with Wi-Fi; there’s no cellular version available. It’s also why the ability to switch profiles is front and centre – it’s an easy matter for me to pass over the device to my partner and have them switch profiles to represent what they need in a home device.”
(Forbes).
An AI At The Opera
A quick note on the latest release of Opera’s web browser for Android. The Oslo-based team behind the popular alternative Browser has added an AI option for search and discovery as one of the options in the latest version:
“Aria is Opera’s cutting-edge browser AI, developed in collaboration with OpenAI. This groundbreaking tool brings the power of generative AI right to your fingertips. By seamlessly integrating Opera’s Composer architecture with OpenAI’s GPT technology, Aria provides users with free access to a leading AI service while offering real-time results from the web. It’s like having your very own AI expert right inside your browser!”
(Opera).
Nothing Phone (2) Price Leak
Nothing Tech’s next phone, the Phone (2) is going to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (last year’s debut model use the 778 chipset). Naturally that’s pushing the price up. Will the handset stay competitive and popular at the higher sticker cost?
“Where the Phone (1) was sold for €469 in Europe, the Nothing Phone (2) may start at €729. That’s according to a report from Dealabs, which claims the Phone (2) will see this over-50% price hike. The report pins down that price for France in particular, so it’s unclear what the price may be in the UK, US, or even other parts of Europe.”
(9to5Google).
And Finally…
Google is work the ‘Pixel v iPhone” storyline hard in the latest adverts, although it’s pulling its punches a little bit to play nice with its neighbour. Nevertheless, direct comparisons are being welcomed:
“The company’s latest ad campaign, #BestFriendsForever, doesn’t avoid getting in a jab or two about the ongoing blue bubble controversy, but it keeps things feeling a little lighter than the usual I/O call out. Crossing Apple’s own Get a Mac campaign from the 2000s with Marcel the Shell with Shoes On might not sound like a winning combination on paper, but all five shorts are absolutely adorable, talking up the best of Pixel without getting too heated towards the iPhone.”
(Android Police).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
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