Samsung’s Camera Shuffle For The Galaxy S27 Family

Camera hardware remains a battleground specification, especially on manufacturers’ flagship handsets. Samsung’s Galaxy S27 may not arrive until early Q1 2027, but the design process is already under way, and details are starting to emerge. The latest from noted tipster IceUniverse suggests that a bigger-than-normal change is coming to the optical assembly:

"Early Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra rumors are in: that often mocked 3x telephoto, famous for being tiny and underwhelming, has finally changed. It didn't get stronger. It didn't get weaker. It's simply gone"

Google Prepares To Glow Up The Pixel 11

The phrase “Pixel Glow” has appeared in recent Android code builds. Following a deep dive, the team at Android Authority believes that Google is bringing back the coloured notification LED and tying it into Gemini AI:

"In addition to these references spotted in the Pixel Diagnostics app, we’ve also seen mentions of “PixelLights,” “Gemini Glow,” and “Aurora” in the Google app’s code. These appear alongside “Robin,” the codename for Gemini, affirming the lights could work with the assistant in some way. Additionally, “Aurora” was used by Google instead of “color LED” in previous builds of the Diagnostics app, though it has been removed in the most recent version."

Pixel 10 Price Cuts

While other smartphone manufacturers are raising their prices, Google is going in the opposite direction with the Pixel 10 family. Thanks to a steady run of deals and discounts, the Pixel 10 family is among the most affordable phones for their specs. Presumably, Google is happy to trade margin on the hardware to bring users into the Google ecosystem, especially Google AI, which comes bundled with the Pro handsets. Janhoi McGregor looks over the new prices:

"The Google Store has slashed the price of the entire Pixel 10 series this week. The base Pixel 10 is down to $599, a $200 discount. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are $250 cheaper, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold gets a $300 price cut, bringing it down to $1,499. The price cut is something the company has done repeatedly since the devices launched. This is fairly normal for Google and a common trend in the Android world (the only noteworthy Apple discount went to the iPhone Air), except it isn’t guaranteed in 2026."

The OnePlus 15T Powers Ahead Of Its Family

The OnePlus 15T is giving its larger and more powerful older sibling a run for its money, according to NotebookCheck’s Marcus Herbrich. The 15T is geared towards the mid-range $599 market, where the likes of the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10 hang out. It’s currently a Chinese-only variant, but we expect a global release in the near future. As for what makes it stand out? What else would it be in 2026 if not the battery:

"OnePlus relies on a silicon-carbon-based battery with a large capacity of 7,500 mAh for its mini flagship smartphones. The energy storage can be charged with a maximum of 100 W or 50 W wirelessly. In our practical battery test with an adjusted display brightness of 150 cd/m², the OnePlus 15T achieved an excellent battery life of nearly 1.5 days."

The Power Of Silicon-Carbon Arrives In America

Staying with batteries and the rise of the silicon-carbon battery, Motorola is going to claim a first later this month, as its Razr Ultra 2026 and Razr Fold will be the first to bring the advanced technology and the higher density and endurance to the US market. Brady Snyder previews not just the batteries, but both handsets in detail:

"Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2026 and Razr Fold will be much more accessible to the average US shopper. Both phones will be widely available through retail channels, and the Razr Fold is coming to T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Verizon in the coming months. Since most smartphone buyers stateside purchase phones through carrier deals, this is crucial for the availability of silicon-carbon batteries in phones for the US market."

Samsung Galaxy Glasses Spotted

New details on Samsung's upcoming smart glasses were uncovered this week. Running Android XR, the eyewear will partner with noted brands and offer a camera, speakers, and Google Gemini driving part of the interface. David Phelan looks at the new details:

"Like the Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses, the Samsung model looks like it has hidden speakers and no screen. Also like Meta, Samsung has said it will collaborate with fashion brands for its frames: where Meta has EssilorLuxotica, Samsung is working with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. These are the Samsung Galaxy Glasses, which the company plans to announce later this year as its second Android XR product.

And Finally...

Google is bringing picture-in-picture to all YouTube users over the next few months. It’s a feature already available to premium users, but once the update reaches you, a simple swipe up to leave the app will see the video remain in a small thumbnail over the content of your screen. Google explains who gets which option on the announcement:

"Non-Premium Viewers: For users in the US, there will be no change to your PiP experience. For users outside of the US, you now have access to PiP for longform, non-music content on Android and iOS.

"Premium Lite Members: You will continue to be able to use PiP for longform, non-music content on Android and iOS.

“Premium Members: Premium members will continue to enjoy PiP for both music (exclusive to Premium only) and non-music content, creating a fully uninterrupted experience."

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!