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Tech News
Samsung warns that dirt, coins, and keys can scratch or puncture the internal screens of its Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra models, especially when closing the device. The level of protection varies, with these models rated IP48, indicating some resistance to solids but not dust-tight, unlike the IP68-rated iPhone Duo. Users in dusty or sandy environments should exercise caution to prevent damage.
Samsung has announced that its latest SmartTag 3 trackers will be compatible not only with iPhones but also with a broader selection of Android smartphones running Android 12 and above. Previously limited to Galaxy models, the new trackers are now accessible to more users across different device brands. Confirmation from Samsung indicates that support extends beyond Galaxy phones, opening the product to a larger audience.
Users across Garmin, Galaxy, and Apple devices report persistent errors when attempting to connect their smartwatches to Strava, disrupting automatic workout data uploads. The issue affects multiple platforms, including Samsung Health and Health Connect, with no clear cause identified yet. Strava has been contacted for comment, and updates are pending.
Leaker WalleGalaxy reports that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will maintain a 60W charging rating but may optimize power delivery to sustain higher wattage levels longer during initial charging. This could enable the device to charge approximately 2-3% faster than the Galaxy S26 Ultra despite its larger battery capacity. The improvements are believed to focus on the charging curve rather than increasing the maximum wattage.
Samsung has started deploying the Android 17-based One UI 9 update to select Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 models in the United States. The update, which includes new features like enhanced AI capabilities, privacy improvements, and greater Quick Panel customization, is reaching both carrier-locked and unlocked devices across various carriers.
A review of phone cooling accessories finds they matter most for long gaming sessions, livestreaming, video processing and other sustained workloads where performance throttles due to heat. Everyday fixes—removing thick cases, avoiding direct sunlight, repositioning near AC vents in cars, or using a Galaxy feature that pauses USB PD charging during gameplay—can often resolve heat issues without a dedicated cooler.
According to The Elec, Samsung plans to sell the Galaxy S27, S27 Plus and S27 Pro with Exynos 2700 processors in Europe and Korea, while Snapdragon versions go to the US and China. Samsung has reportedly boosted Exynos 2700 production by nearly 10% over the prior generation, and has yet to decide whether the flagship S27 Ultra will also use the chip.
Leaker Ice Universe claims the Galaxy S27 Ultra will launch in four colors: Black, Blue, Light Pink, and White. The report suggests Light Pink may replace the Deep Purple option offered on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, though exact shades and finishes were not specified.
Users running Android 10 on phones like the Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact are reporting in-car warnings that their devices will soon lose Android Auto support. The messages appear during wired connections and state the phone cannot update to the Android version Android Auto will require going forward. Google has not announced any change, and its support pages still list Android 9 Pie as the minimum for wired Android Auto.
Android Authority's Aamir Siddiqui argues that for the price of Apple's base 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max, buyers have strong Android alternatives. His picks include the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. A reader poll accompanying the piece shows the Galaxy S26 Ultra as the most popular alternative at 42% of votes.
In an Android Authority reader poll of nearly 2,300 votes, 61.5% chose the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as the preferred alternative to Apple's iPhone 18 Pro, beating out the Google Pixel 11 Pro, Motorola Razr Ultra (2026), and other Android flagships by a wide margin. The Galaxy S26 Ultra costs about $100 more than the iPhone 18 Pro but includes features like a Privacy Display, an additional camera, and Samsung's Galaxy AI tools.
Samsung's One UI 9 update adds new personalization options accessible through its Good Lock suite and Home Up application. Key additions include a Favorites Background tool for editing blur, shadow, image, and color on the Favorites screen, similar controls for the Edge Panel, and configurable multi-finger gesture shortcuts for actions like screenshots or volume control.