Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes Galaxy 24 Ultra leak, Pixel 8 Pro expectations, Pixel 7a spare parts program, Pixel Fold’s exclusive book, Oppo’s Reno10 Pro prize, OnePlus gets wet, and putting together the Honor Magic v2.
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).
Zooming In With the Galaxy S24 Ultra Camera
With smartphone manufacturers leaning heavily into photography and videography to differentiate their handsets from the competition, Samsung’s first mover advantage in the media campaigns ahead of MWC is a strategic move watched by many. The Galaxy S24 could be looking at 5x zoom before needing a physical zoom lens.
“According to the leak, Samsung’s new 50-megapixel sensor is revealed to be a Type 1/2.52 sensor with 0.7μm pixels with the stated reasoning being, “With this sensor, Samsung can get a good 5x zoom image quality”…. Ice Universe cites this improved 5x zoom performance as the reason previous rumors expected the Galaxy S24 Ultra to feature a physical 5x zoom lens, which now appears to be unnecessary.”
(Forbes).
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 27: The back cameras of the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra during day 1 of … [+] Mobile World Congress 2023 at Fira Barcelona on February 27, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Cros Garcia – Corbis/Getty Images)
Pixel 8 Pro Expectations
Google’s annual pixel update offers more than a new smartphone to consumers; it also provides an unfettered look at Google’s implementation of Android and what it believes the ecosystem can offer.
“They’ve proved surprisingly popular with the public with some notable successes worldwide, such as Japan, where the Pixel is the number two smartphone brand. The Pixel hardware clearly reflects Google’s decisions for its Android platform. This is why the latest leaks around the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are exciting; they offer the clearest view into Google’s smartphone world.”
(Forbes).
Pixel 7a Spare Parts
Google’s support of the Right to Repair movement continues. Following the availability of parts for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, parts for the Pixel 7a are now available through iFixit along with the relevant documentation.
“With the right to repair going mainstream, Google announced its own self-repair service last year, following in the footsteps of Samsung and Apple. It launched DIY kits for Pixel models as old as the Pixel 2, offering genuine parts along with all the tools (and repair instructions) you need to dissect your phone through iFixit. And now, the Pixel 7a is joining the list of supported devices, with its parts and accessories already available for purchase on the platform.”
(iFixit via Android Police)
Pixel Fold Exclusive
Google’s adventures with the Pixel Fold continue this week with a page-turning read… a specially commissioned digital novel designed for the book-like Android foldable:
“The book is by the popular crime author Ajay Chowdhury, and is the latest episode starring Kamil Rahman, former Kolkata policeman now in London. The Invitation is designed to complement a commute, offering a highly engrossing interactive crime story that lasts around 20 minutes, complete with sound effects, drawings and countdown timer.”
(Forbes).
Oppo Reno10 Pro Wins EISA Consumer Smartphone Award
Chinese manufacturer Oppo continues its push into Europe, which will be aided by the Reno10 Pro winning Expert Imaging and Sound Association smartphone award. Oppo’s European President Bingo Liu writes:
“Winning the prestigious EISA award for the fourth year in a row demonstrates our dedication to creating devices that perfectly meet consumer demands. Inheriting the iconic beautiful design and outstanding imaging capabilities of the Reno series, OPPO Reno10 Pro is aiming to take the portrait shooting experience to the next level. “
(Oppo via Geeky Gadgets).
A New OnePlus Gets Ready To be Wet
OnePlus has announced a new Chinese handset with a fun feature. The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro will have a significant 24 GB of RAM and rapid charging up to 150W. And the potentially useful feature of a screen that works while wet:
“The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro is now out of hiding and on full display for the world. The Chinese device packs genuinely surprising internals along with new display technology that allows it to be used when wet, unlike every other device.”
(9to5Google).
And Finally…
What better way to show how your phone works than let a YouTuber disassemble it. How about a YouTuber assembling it? Honor has done just that with the Magic V2 and JerryRigEverything:
“In this video, it is clear to see more details inside this slimmest and lightest foldable, such as an improved hinge, and dual thinnest silicon-carbon batteries. Youtuber Zack also directly compared HONOR Magic V2 to the competitor’s latest foldable, to further give us more visual comparison on how manufacturers created the latest foldable and its difference.”
(JerryRigEverything on YouTube).
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!
