Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S24 Ultra camera problems, Samsung’s display fix, Google Pixel going underground, Honor Magic6 Lite reviewed, OnePlus update details, Nothing 2a leaks, and Lineage OS numbers.
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 Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Cat Problem
If your flagship smartphone cannot take a sharp picture of cat, is it really delivering? Rita El Khoury sets up the ultimate challenge for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the results are disappointing. While the Pixel 8 Pro can cope with a rapidly moving feline, the S24 Ultra struggles to capture a picture that is not blurred. It appears that Samsung has not optimised the automatic shutter speed selection for sudden movement:
“…let’s be realistic: No one will ever think of manually setting their shutter speed on their phone. Especially not when taking pics of subjects in motion, which is the very situation where you need to be as quick as possible with your snapping. The only time it makes sense to set it manually is if you were doing a proper photo shoot session with your kid or pet and you know you’ll keep the same speed for a while. Otherwise, that’s impossible for spur-of-the-moment snaps.”
(Android Authority).
Galaxy S24 Ultra Screen Problems Explained
Discussions around Samsung’s washed-out screens on the Glaaxy S24 family have wondered if the issues were down to the display, the new Gorilla Glass, or issues on software. Turns out the answer is simpler than that. Samsung tuned the “Vivid” mode down, pushing it towards more natural colors.
“Samsung Spain indicated that the changes to the Vivid profile are intentional and meant to provide a more natural experience. The company went on to specify that the reported behavior is not a defect, seemingly ruling out the Gorilla Armor display glass as a potential cause.”
(Android Police).
Meanwhile, Samsung is expected to add a user option to set just how vivid the vivid mode is, which shoudl address the use.
(Ice Universe).
The Pixel’s London Underground Moment
Google has upset a lot of Cartophiles in London this week. To promote the new “Circle To Search” feature, it commissioned a new map of the London Underground. A circular map. Thankfully, it’s not a full takeover—it’s limited both in time and to a few hand-picked stations:
“While some maps on platforms will be changed to this limited-edition design, there will still be traditional Harry Beck maps available in the station and in-train announcements, announcements within the stations and staff on platforms will continue to help customers should they require it.”
(Ianvisits).
Honor Magic6 Lite Review
The latest mid-range from Honor, the Magic6 Lite, has arrived in Europe and the team at Notebook Check have taken the time to do some extensive testing. Perhaps the designers have cut a little too close to the bone to reach the desired price point?
“With $400-smartphones, compromise is always somewhere around the corner. With the Magic 6 Lite, there are too man of them for our tastebuds. The missing IP certification or the slow USB port are everywhere in the middle class, but the Honor phone deserves criticism for the limited WWAN and WiFi 5 frequencies and the missing stereo sound. Additionally, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 used here is no powerhouse for a phone of this segment. The Poco F5 delivers a much better performance.”
(Notebook Check).
The Life Of OnePlus Software Updates
With manufacturers pushing more years of support than previous years, why has OnePlus settled on 5 years for the OnePlus 12R, rather than the seven years others are toying with? OnePlus president Kinder Liu explains in an interview with Tom’s Guide.
“Still, this doesn’t appear to be something OnePlus seems to want to match, even in the future. “Simply offering longer software update policies completely misses the point,” Liu said. “It’s not just software update policies that are important to the user, it’s the fluency of your phone’s user experience too.” In other words, extended software support isn’t of much value if your phone’s hardware can’t keep up.”
(Tom’s Guide).
Nothing 2a Images Leak
Ahead of an expected launch this month, images and specs of Nothing Tech’s midrange Nothing Phone (2a) have leaked. The monochrome UI is on show, but what we don’t see is the back of the handset; the expected bright lights of Nothing’s brand will remain a surprise for now:
“Nothing Phone (2a) is expected to launch with a 6.7-inch AMOLED with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. According to the most recent rumors, Phone (2a) will be equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 7200 chipset with 8/12 GB RAM and 128/256GB storage. Phone 2a is expected to launch with a price tag in the $400/€400 range.”
(GSM Arena).
And Finally…
Lineage OS, one of the most popular open-source versions of Android, is now installed on 1.5 million handsets. That’s a significant number, but what does that mean in practice?
“There’s no word on how active those devices are, what they consist of, or how many different users that entails, but it’s the first look we’ve had in a while into how popular LineageOS actually is in a world where ROMs just aren’t as popular or necessary as they once were.”
(WVFRM via 9to5Google).
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!
