Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including a new Galaxy S25 model, Pixel 9a’s special offers, Zenfone 12 Ultra release, Oppo Find N5’s invisible fold, Qualcomm and ARM come to an agreement, an recommended apps for the weekend.
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.
Samsung’s Fourth Galaxy S25 Quietly Arrives
Samsung has launched a fourth variant of the Galaxy S25 family. It’s not the S25 Slim, but the Í25 Ultra Enterprise Edition. While the hardware remains the same, there are more options to allow for®emote configuration and service activations, as well as improved connectivity to office systems:
“These phones come with a one-year subscription to Samsung’s Knox Suite and three years of enhanced support. Similar to the regular variants, these phones will get seven major Android OS updates and security updates for seven years. “
(SamMobile).
Google Pixel 9a Special Offers
With Apple set to return to the mid-range market with the iPhone SE, Google is preparing its challenger with the presumptively named Pixel 9a. It’s not just the hardware that will be promoting the new Pixel; it’s going to be backed up by several offers and services:
“According to our source, those purchasing the Google Pixel 9a will get Fitbit Premium for 6 months, YouTube Premium for 3 months and Google One 100GB for 3 months. This is similar to the freebies that Google offered for the rest of the Pixel 9 series, though interestingly Google is not including the 2TB + AI plan for Google One. So if you want to use all of the Gemini Advanced features, you’d need to pay for it yourself.”
(Android Headlines).
ZenFone 12 Ultra Release
Asus has released its latest Zenfone smartphone. The ZenFone 12 Ultra has much of the DNA of Asus’ ROG gaming phone, but looks to make an impact through its stylish design and AI features:
“The 12 Ultra, naturally, comes with a load of AI features. There’s AI background noise removal for video recording, AI-powered semantic search in the photo gallery, AI voice memo transcription, and AI document summarization. AI, AI, AI. These are all very familiar and seemingly a pre-requisite for any phone in 2025.”
(The Verge).
Oppo Find N5’s Looks For A Crease
While the hardware may be expensive, foldable smartphones allow manufactuers to demonstrate their prowess in design, much like the sports cars in the automotive industry. Oppo’s Pete Lau has fired a shot across the crease ahead of the upcoming Find N5 foldable’s launch with a post on X drawing a direct comparison between Oppo’s display and that of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6:.
“The OnePlus Open, based on the Oppo Find N3, was very impressive on this front as well. That previous generation had a very minimal display crease, but it was still visible. To emphasize the accomplishment, Lau shared this preview of the Find N5’s display up against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. The comparison can’t help but elicit a chuckle, as Samsung’s latest generation still has a huge dip in the screen compared to what Oppo is developing.”
(X via 9to5Google).
Qualcomm And ARM
ARM and Qualcomm have stepped back from further legal action following disputes over the licensing agreements.
“Arm recently notified us that it was withdrawing its October 22, 2024 notice of breach, and indicated that it has no current plan to terminate the Qualcomm architecture license agreement,” [Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon] told analysts on conference call on Wednesday, discussing the company’s first-quarter results.”
(Reuters).
And Finally…
Something for your phone for the weekend? Reddit’s Android community has been nominating their under-rated applications all week. You’re sure to find something interesting in the mix!
(Reddit Thread).
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!
