Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S25 Ultra leaks, Pixel 9 Pro Fold review, Pixel 9 Pro surprise, Android 15 sneaking out, Africa’s mobile titan, HMD takes to the catwalk, and deciding on a new smartphone
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.
First Look At The Galaxy S25 Ultra Design
With an expected launch in January 2025, details on Samsung’s Galaxy S25 range of smartphones are coming out of the production chain. One of the clearest views of the design comes from the ever-reputable Ice Universe, as they compare the S25 Ultra next to the S24 Ultra:
“Apparently, the new phone will be thinner and lighter than its predecessor, due to tweaks to the metal frame. We can also clearly see the corners of the device are becoming more rounded, something that’s been mentioned in previous leaks. It would seem the boxy, angular look is out, and the curved, rounded look is in for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.”
(Ice Universe via Tech Radar).
Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Big Change
My review on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold this week saw me praise the hardware, and rightly so. The cover screen is the biggest change in the 9 Pro old compared to last year’s Pixel Fold—and arguably to the last generation of foldables. No longer a little alert window, a closed Fold is now just as capable and usable as a standard phone:
“The outer screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in at 6.3 inches, with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels, giving it a 20:9 aspect ratio. That’s the same as the Pixel 9 (although the 9 Pro Fold has more curved corners at the edge of the display). Unlike other foldable phones, when the handset is closed, and you are using the outside screen, there’s no visual clue to this being a foldable phone.”
(Forbes).
What About All That Pixel RAM?
Following a deep dive into the new Pixels, Robert Triggs has discovered a curious bit of memory management. Google’s 9 Pro handsets (specifically the Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold) have a reserved area of RAM for the exclusive use of the Gemini Nano AI suite. While this will mean that the AI routines will run faster and always have space, for those moments when you are not using AI, the extra memory is little more than a line on the spec sheet:
“After the AI reservation, these phones have effectively 13GB of RAM for general apps and games. That’s still plenty for virtually everything you can throw at a modern smartphone anyway, but barely an upgrade on last year’s 12GB Pixel 8 Pro. Something for gamers and heavy multitaskers who don’t intend to use AI to keep in mind.”
(Android Police).
Here Comes Pixel’s Android 15
Google launched the Pixel 9 series with Android 14 with the intention to update it to Android 15 in short order. We now have a date for the public debut of the new OS. Of note, this Android 15 launch is limited to Android devices running Google’s Tensor chipset—effectively the Pixel 6 and upwards:
“Typically, Google does push out updates on a Monday, however, October 14 is technically a holiday – Columbus Day – in the US. So it makes sense to move it to the next day. Obviously, things could change, if Google finds additional bugs that need to be squashed ahead of the October 15 date. However, that is the current date for Android 15 to begin its rollout to Pixel devices.”
(Android Headlines).
Meanwhile, In Africa
Bloomberg has taken time to profile Shenzhen Transsion Holdings Co and its success in the African market. Three brand names are established—iTel, Tecno and Infinix—and they are tailored to the local needs:
“Over the years it’s developed handsets with multiple slots for SIM cards, because Africans frequently switched telecommunications providers for better service. The company equipped devices with camera sensors that improved photo captures of darker skin tones, as well as robust audio modules for locals who also use their phones as music speakers. “Only when companies truly respect the local culture and tradition in a market could they gain a foothold,” the company’s founder, Zhu Zhaojiang, once told China’s state-backed Global Times.”
(Bloomberg).
HMD Takes To The Catwalk
Following on from May’s partnership with Sinead Gorey, HMD took to the catwalk this week as part of Gorey’s latest collection, the “Great British Prom,” with the new HMD Skyline on show:
” Adding to the excitement, the brand introduced its latest collaboration with Human Mobile Devices, featuring the “HMD Skyline” as part of the “Phonecore” collection. On the runway, models seamlessly integrated the tech into fashion, carrying phones tucked into bespoke spiked belts, bras and jean pockets, merging utility with a rebellious style.”
(Hypebae).
And Finally…
What’s the point of a new phone? The BBC’s Zoe Kleinman looks over the recent rush of new smartphones, including the potential of AI, the rise of digital detox, feature phones, and the continued benefits of a smartphone.
“Both Apple and Google have gone big on baked-in AI features. Google’s new Magic Editor can add AI generated content into existing photos, as well as remove the bits you don’t want (with varying degrees of success, in my experience). Apple Intelligence on the iPhone16 includes ChatGPT-maker OpenAI’s tech being embedded into the digital assistant Siri – which many argue has long been in need of an update. But has anyone actually said that they want all of this stuff?”
(BBC News).
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!
