Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S25 Edge pricing, Samsung plans Exynos return, Pixel 10 Pro leaks, Oppo Find X8 Ultra specs, Google could sell Chrome, Pokemon Go sold, and Genshin Impact picks up official controller support.
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.
Galaxy S25 Edge Pricing Leak
Tucked behind glass and on available to look at (but not to touch) at both Galaxy Unpacked and Mobile World Congress, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge—the thinner form factored flagship—is clearly approaching launch, but questions remain over durability, feel and price. The latter is becoming clear, at least relative to the other S25 handsets
“Past rumors said the Galaxy S25 Edge may cost somewhere between the S25+ and the S25 Ultra… According to this new report, Samsung will sell the 256GB Galaxy S25 Edge in Korea for 1,500,000 won ($1,029) and the 512GB variant for 1,630,000 won ($1,118).”
(FN via SamMobile).
Samsung Considers Galaxy S Exynos Return
Looking ahead to 2026, Samsung will refresh the portfolio with the presumptively named Galaxy S26 family. The current S25 all sport the more powerful and more expensive Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. Will the home-grown and cheaper Exynos return?
“Samsung will be hoping it can return to the split inventory it had before. Exynos is widely regarded as being less powerful than the equivalent Snapdragon, but it can have better battery life. For those looking for “a good Samsung phone” that gravitates towards that year’s S25 and S25+ equivalent, the slight loss in benchmarking on the Exynos is nowhere close to being a dealbreaker.
(Forbes).
Pixel 10 Pro Design Leaks
The Pixel 9a may be ready for an imminent launch, yet this week, the first clear looks at the Pixel 10 family have been revealed. New CAD files for the three main phones (the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL) show the phones carrying the same acclaimed form factor and design as the Pixel 9 family:
“Of note, Google is continuing with the smaller form factor with the highest specifications available. The Pixel 9 Pro was seen by many as a departure from the norm of having the highest specs only available with the larger phones. It picked up many ‘Phone Of The Year’ awards, with many noting the size and style as contributing factors;”
(Forbes).
Oppo Find X8 Ultra Specs Confirmed
Following a specs leak via Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Oppo’s Find Series product manager has confirmed some key specs of the upcoming Find X8 Ultra, including a 2K resultion display, ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and various camera options
“There will be two periscope telephoto cameras on the back, one with 3x optical zoom, the other with 6x. One of those will double as a macro shooter as well. The phone will be 8.xx mm thin and will come in a fake leather finish, and it will also pack a custom vibration motor.
(GSM Arena).
Will Google Be Forced To Sell Chrome?
As part of the US Department of Justice’s remedy against Google’s Search Monopy case, one of the proposed remedies is for Google to divest itself of the Chrome browser. While the potential to lose AI was an option, that has been quietly removed. Instead, it’s all about the user-facing browser.
“The DOJ is asking the court to force Google to promptly and fully divest itself of Chrome, along with any data or other assets required for its continued operation. It is essentially aiming to take the Chrome user base—consisting of some 3.4 billion people—away from Google and hand it to a competitor. The government will vet any potential buyers to ensure the sale does not pose a national security threat. During the term of the judgment, Google would not be allowed to release any new browsers. However, it may continue to contribute to the open source Chromium project.”
(Ars Technica).
Pokemon Gone
One of the most recognisable and popular mobile games has a new parent company. Pokemon Go publishers Niantic has been sold for $3.5 billion to Saudi-owned Scopley. Niantic is holding on to some properties as it pivots towards geospatial AI:
“Niantic is selling Pokémon Go, along with Monster Hunter Now, Pikmin Bloom, and their teams, for $3.5 billion, with an extra $350 million in the mix, a total of $3.85 billion. Of course, to put this in perspective, Savvy Games Group paid $4.9 billion for Scopley in 2023. Clearly, the Saudi multinational video game investment, development, publishing, and Esports company is continuing its plans to expand into gaming with Scopley’s acquisition of Niantic’s games.”
(Android Police).
And Finally…
Until now, Genshin Impact players looking to use a controller on Android have been left to use controller mapping, essentially the software simulating taps on the display. It mostly works but isn’t perfect. So, the news this week that the popular title will be picking up official Android support by the end of March has been met with a lot of love.
(Hoyolab via Reddit).
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!
