Samsung Galaxy S26
David Phelan
Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy Z Fold 8 details, Galaxy S26 Ultra deals, summer smartphone price rises, a Pixel easter egg, Honor’s MagicPad 4, Oura Ring update, and a World Cup eSim from AT&T.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.
The designs for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 have been revealed. With dummy production units showing up this week, we have a closer look at the traditionally sized foldable and the new wide form-factor, which not only offers a larger screen but also a thinner unfolded design, as 9to5Google explains.
"While it’s likely not any thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 – if anything, this dummy unit is maybe a little thicker as there’s a slight gap towards the hinge – the wider aspect ratio makes that thin profile look all the thinner. Dickson compares it to “an S25 Edge thin when folded,” which would put the device at under 6mm when folded. "
Samsung’s Memorial Weekend offers cut the price of the Galaxy S26 Ultra down to $1049.99 for US consumers. While this remains one of the best prices that the South Korean company has offered, and there’s more value to be found with the trade, as noted by Forbes contributor:
"The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is now $250 off, bringing it down to $1,049.99. This is one of the lowest prices since launch and the first Galaxy S26 Ultra discount to genuinely beat the equivalent Galaxy S25 Ultra deal from last year… Trade-in prices have also improved meaningfully since last week. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has jumped from $260 to $350. But my other benchmark trade-in device, the iPhone 14 Pro, has remained at $214."
Pricing on consumer electronics continues to be volatile, as manufactuers deal with the increased cost of memory and storage. Xiaomi is reporting lower profits due to the crunch, and prices are expected to rise soon to cover the shortfall. Samsung is also expected to follow suit over the summer across various Galaxy S and Galaxy Z models
"It's unclear whether the price hike will affect only the base models, but it's easy to assume that the higher-tier storage options will see also see some sort of price bump. It's also safe to assume that Samsung won't be the only one transferring the higher cost of RAM prices to its consumers. Analysts have warned us about an increase in prices in the second half of this year due to a memory shortage, so buckle up."
During the final presentation at Google I/O, a Pixel smartphone showed off an interesting lighting effect around the camera island. Given that a ‘glowing’ UI for alerts and notifications is expected in the next generation Pixel, was this an easter egg hint of things to come? Ben Schoon lays out the counter-argument:
"For one thing, the entire segment we’re looking at here is made with AI. The lit-up camera bar fits in nicely with the disco scene Omni threw together Of course, that said, it does seem pretty on the nose. Plus, being the last shot in the sequence, that gives it all the more attention. That doesn’t mean it’s some accidental leak or “official look,” but it could be a fun wink at leaks."
Honor has released its latest tablet. The MagicPad 4 builds on the success of previous MagicPads in the midrange. It has made some interesting decisions in the specs to keep the price down (such as the lack of fingerprint sensor), but it balances out to allow Honor to offer a solid all-rounder.
The team at NotebookCheck take a closer look:
"Anyone looking for a large OLED tablet will find the MagicPad 4 to be a truly excellent all-around package at an affordable price. Its powerful performance, stylus input, and lightweight keyboard cover also make the MagicPad 4 a great companion for either school or university. In our opinion, the Honor tablet possesses no truly major flaws – especially not for a mid-range device.""
Oura has released an updated version of its smart ring, promising a week of battery life and a refreshed software package including its ‘health radar.’ Forbes contributor David Phelan looks at the smaller wearable:
"The new model is 40% smaller than before, which means it’s lighter, too, though the company hasn’t stated how much lighter. In person, there’s a noticeable difference when you pick the new model up. Another key difference is ŌURA claims it’s the most scratch-resistant ring yet — which will be quite something if it can beat the Oura Ring 4 ceramic edition."
Football fans heading to the World Cup might like to consider an AT&T offer for travellers. Its AT&T World Cup eSim offers connectivity in the three host countries of the summer soccer tournament.
"The FIFA World Cup is just weeks away and carrier AT&T has just announced what it calls a unique travel package. It comes in the form of an eSIM which lasts between one day (for U.S. only) or for longer periods up to 30 days which work in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — all three countries where the games are being played."
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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