Latest news with #PhoneArt
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Phone Arena
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is controversial in this key way, but let me tell you why that's a good thing
Most of us like islands, right? Some folks immediately start to paint long, white-sanded beaches with picturesque dunes and palm trees, while others get that inner buzz of being on a small piece of land, surrounded by I like islands that have a nice, big X on their maps. With a dotted line to the X, where the treasure lies.I also like camera that's the protruded part of a phone's rear panel, surrounding and housing the camera(s). As a rule of thumb, the bigger the island, the higher the chances there's a real treasure to be found. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, for example, might grow a camera island on its back, per the latest leaks. Very hush-hush stuff. Although it seems pretty logical, once one comes to think of it. The Galaxy S25 Ultra for reference. | Image by PhoneArena It's important to note that the camera bump that's presented by PhoneArt (a.k.a. Ice Universe, as some of you might know them), as seen here: Image source – X …might grow because of a thinner Galaxy S26 Ultra chassis. So far, nobody knows exactly how thin the phone will be, but it's probably going to be 7.x mm thick. Naturally, a thinner body would make the camera setup pop up even further out of the rear panel. Maybe one day phone manufacturers will be able to fit it all in a sleek, flat body, but for now, we have to settle for raised camera islands. And that's not a problem at all for me. I tend to obsess about what a phone can do, not the way it is on the outside. Yeah, sure, I like some models (like the boxy, overly aggressive-looking Galaxy S24 Ultra) more than others, but if I had to choose between a Porsche-like phone with a small battery and a pathetic camera and the ugliest phone ever (but with great battery and camera), I'd definitely go for the hideous massive camera islands on phones look like they're about to launch into orbit – but they're actually doing real work. Bigger sensors need more room, and more lenses mean sharper shots, better zoom, and night photos that don't look like security cam footage from 2002. It's less about style and more about cramming a DSLR into your skinny jeans. Wobbly on the table, sure – but your photos won't be. I can live with that. The Galaxy S25 Edge and its camera bump. | Image by PhoneArena The Galaxy S26 Ultra 's alleged camera island design reminds me very much of the way these two brand-new Sammy phones are: Galaxy Z Fold 7 Galaxy S25 Edge The common theme is that both of these (despite one being a foldable) are super thin and the camera surroundings are protruding quite a bit: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its camera bump. | Image by PhoneArena It's only logical that the (allegedly thinner) Galaxy S26 Ultra will follow in suit. The $64,000 question is: So far, nothing is pointing at such a direction. As Sammy fans very well know, the Galaxy S24 Ultra dropped its predecessor's 10x zoom for a 5x lens. Most people weren't out there spying on mountaintops anyway, and the 5x hits the sweet spot for everyday zoom. Plus, with higher-res sensors doing the heavy lifting, you still get crisp detail without carrying a phone that feels like binoculars. The Vivo X200 Ultra has a camera bump with the size of Utah. | Image by PhoneArena Camera islands can get annoyingly large to the point where they're a bit impractical. Like my colleague Vic found out first hand: Vivo X200 Ultra Review: Impractical design, but an incredible camera This (otherwise excellent) phone feels awkward to hold due to its top-heavy design, which throws off the balance and makes it easier to fumble. While it's only slightly heavier than the Vivo X200 Pro at around 230 grams (comparable to other large phones) it's the uneven weight distribution that stands out more than the overall heft. I doubt that Samsung will slap a humongous camera island on the Galaxy S26 Ultra , but cons of large camera islands had to be highlighted. The more you know. The Galaxy S25 Ultra. | Image by PhoneArena I've praised camera islands so much that one would think nothing else is needed for capturing great shots. Nothing can be further from the truth. You may have the ultimate machine in your arsenal, you may have a camera island as big as Greenland on the back of your phone and still Because the hardware part is just one part of the equation here. Knowing what makes a photo great (the correct light for your needs, the angle, the best moment to press the shutter, etc.). If you keep ignoring the basic rules – or worse, if you abide by them all the time, without trying to break them – you'll end up in a limbo so deep that even the most expensive gear won't pull you out of. Like this dude's post I saw in a popular forum for dedicated cameras the other day: he was baffled as to why his brand-new gear (that cost him several thousand dollars) produced "lousy" shots. I know why: because the shots were taken in the worst lighting conditions, without any idea for composition or "story", no juxtaposition, no tone, no mood: just some random pics of flowers, people, buildings, etc. I often advise those who whine about not having a good enough camera to check out the iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS) from, say, 2018. If you keep telling yourself that your 2025 or 2024 phone "is not good enough", check out what some are able to do with iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 series. Great stuff.I really hope Samsung doesn't read that last part I just wrote, though. They might decide not to upgrade the Galaxy S26 Ultra camera setup at all. So far, there are some positive camera-related rumors surrounding the future flagship. Let's not jinx it. 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Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
Samsung expected to stop debuting the newest iteration of Android with the Galaxy S series
As you undoubtedly know, Google moved the release of Android 16 up a few months to June. Recent releases took place in August (Android 13), September Android 10, Android 11), and October (Android 12, Android 14, Android 15). This change by Google could have an impact on Samsung, which released a new version of its One UI platform on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Those two foldables were released with One UI 8 which includes Android 16 . Previously, One UI 8 with Android 16 would have debuted with the release of the flagship Galaxy S26 line coming late January or early February. However, the earlier Android 16 forced Samsung to make this change. A tweet from long-time leaker PhoneArt (previously IceUniverse) explains the possible new OneUI release schedule. The Galaxy S flagship series will now receive updates to One UI X.5. The content will be "more substantial" than what the Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series receives, and will include AI features, software enhancements, and new UI/UX designs. The five to six months between the release of the latest generation of the Fold/Flip models and the Galaxy S line will allow Samsung to refine the latest One UI update, allowing the Galaxy S series to be the first to receive One UI X.5 starting with One UI 8 .5 with the Galaxy S26 line. What PhoneArt is saying is that instead of releasing major changes with the new One UI update debuting with the Galaxy Z Fold/Flip, Samsung will hold off releasing them and reserve these changes for the One UI X.5 iteration, which will debut with the release of the flagship Galaxy S series. Leaker PhoneArt reveals Samsung's new One UI update system. | Image credit-X The leaker makes a point of stating that Samsung will continue to consider the Galaxy S line the flagship priority. This is why Samsung won't introduce all of the new content it has for its latest One UI release until One UI X.5 is released with the Galaxy S series. To reiterate, typically, you'd expect One UI 8 , debuting with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 , Galaxy Z Flip 7 , and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE to have all of the new cool features and content. In other words, Samsung will delay the release of some new features that you'd normally expect to see with the debut of the next build of One UI until the One UI X.5 release that will be included with the release of Samsung's next Galaxy S series flagship line. This will be confusing to some Samsung Galaxy fans. What we can tell you is to expect the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 to be released next year with One UI 9. This means that Android 17 will debut on the Fold 8/Flip 8 next year.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G tipped for major battery upgrade after 5 years
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is expected to be more exciting next year due to several reasons. Firstly, the smartphone is tipped to get a new camera sensor for the main camera and the telephoto lens. Secondly, Samsung may stick to the Snapdragon chips for its flagship series. However, we have come across one major leak that makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G game-changing. Reportedly, the smartphone is tipped to get the battery and charging upgrade we all have been waiting for. Yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is expected to get a bigger battery after 2020, and fast charging, than the usual 45W next year. Here's everything we know so far about the ultra-premium smartphone. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could be worth upgrading due to this awaited battery upgrade.(Samsung) Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 FE, and Watch 8: Here's everything announced at Galaxy Unpacked July event Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G battery upgrade Over the years, Samsung has been integrating a 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging into its Galaxy S series Ultra variants. However, in 2026, this is expected to change as the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G will likely get a bigger battery. A tipster who goes by the name @chunvn8888 shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) revealing that the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could get a 5500mAh battery with 65W fast charging. The post was shared as a comment to a previous leak by tispter Phone Art, who claimed that Samsung could bring a faster charging capacity for the Samsung S26 Ultra model. Therefore, if rumours are true, then the smartphone could offer a 10% upgrade in battery capacity and a 45% increase in charging speed. Therefore, this could come as a relief to buyers, since Samsung has been introducing the Ultra models with a 5000mAh battery since 2020, whereas other brands have drastically changed their battery game. Also read: Samsung unveils world's first 500Hz OLED monitor with QHD display and gamer-focused features Therefore, the Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could look more exciting in comparison to its predecessor with new cameras, upgraded performance, and finally a bigger battery. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G: What we know so far Next year, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is expected to get an even slimmer and lighter build. It is also tipped to get a 1/1.1-inch Sony camera sensor and is likely to maintain the 200MP resolution. In addition to a new main camera, the smartphone is also expected to feature a 12MP telephoto lens, an upgrade from a 10MP lens. For performance, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G could be powered by a Samsung-made Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor, paired with 16GB RAM.
Phone Arena
6 days ago
- Phone Arena
And just like that, the most unnecessary Galaxy S26 model has become my most anticipated 2026 phone
As it turns out, I may have been perfectly justified to doubt the , but at the same time, I'm starting to get what Galaxy S26 Edge might be an entirely different story. As it turns out, I may have been perfectly justified to doubt the S25 Edge's chances to achieve global box-office hit status , but at the same time, I'm starting to get what Samsung is doing here. No, I'm not saying I would ever consider buying a 6.7-inch smartphone with a gorgeous (and power-hungry) LTPO AMOLED 2X screen and an underwhelming (to say the least) 3,900mAh battery in tow, but next year'sEdge might be an entirely different story. Forget the S26 Ultra, this could be the real MVP of Samsung's 2026 high-end roster Am I getting a little too excited after just one (fairly vague) rumor ? Perhaps, but darn it, I need some hope in my life after so many disappointingly repetitive Galaxy S Ultra flagships, not to mention the latest speculation calling for an unchanged 5,000mAh battery and only slightly upgraded charging speeds on the S26 Ultra Confirmed: The Galaxy S26 Edge will be thinner than the S25 Edge and have a larger battery thanks to new battery material technology. — PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) July 23, 2025 need to believe that the S26 Edge will considerably improve the modest cell size of its predecessor while further slimming down that already drool-worthy 5.8mm waist. Technically, of course, the wording of @UniverseIce's X post from yesterday leaves the door open for slight upgrades to, say, 4,000mAh battery capacity and a 5.7mm profile, but if you'll allow me, I will continue to dream with my eyes open of a premium Realistic or not, Ito believe that theEdge will considerably improve the modest cell size of its predecessor while further slimming down that already drool-worthy 5.8mm waist. Technically, of course, the wording of @UniverseIce's X post from yesterday leaves the door open for slight upgrades to, say, 4,000mAh battery capacity and a 5.7mm profile, but if you'll allow me, I will continue to dream with my eyes open of a premium Samsung phone with at least a 4,500mAh juicer and 5.5mm or so thickness. Galaxy S26 Edge couldn't bring that latter number down to 5.5 or 5.6mm and the former to... 5,000mAh (or even more) when the display size is expected to sit at 6.66 inches. Is such a thing even possible in today's mobile industry? I strongly believe so, and the evidence comes from China (where else?). If the OnePlus 13T can pair a 6,260mAh silicon-carbon battery with a 6.32-inch screen while measuring 8.2mm in depth, I don't see why theEdge couldn't bring that latter number down to 5.5 or 5.6mm and the former to... 5,000mAh (or even more) when the display size is expected to sit at 6.66 inches. Are you as excited as I am about the Galaxy S26 Edge? Pretty much I'm even more excited Not even close I'm waiting to hear more before forming an opinion Pretty much 0% I'm even more excited 0% Not even close 0% I'm waiting to hear more before forming an opinion 0% Granted, there are still some risks and downsides associated with switching from traditional lithium-ion to silicon-carbon battery technology (which is a type of lithium-ion material too, mind you), but I feel like the Galaxy S Edge line could be the ideal home for such risks and experiments. Should there still be a Galaxy S26 Plus model? That, my friends, might be the million-dollar question Samsung needs to answer over the next few months and that I'm personally ambivalent about right now. On one hand, we all know Galaxy S Plus devices have never been particularly popular for fairly obvious reasons, costing too much to replace their Ultra siblings for more cash-strapped buyers and cutting too many corners (especially compared to said Ultra models) to bid for the title of best Android phone Galaxy S26 Plus would probably free the S26 Edge from some of the pressure inevitably linked with the aforementioned risks of adopting groundbreaking new battery technology and potentially making the S25 Edge On the other hand, aPlus would probably free theEdge from some of the pressure inevitably linked with the aforementioned risks of adopting groundbreaking new battery technology and potentially making the's design even more susceptible to both short and long-term destruction. Galaxy S26 Edge between the "vanilla" and the state-of-the-art S26 Ultra , thus essentially replacing two different devices with one Edge model, that's going to make me even more excited about this next super-slim flagship, suggesting great faith from its manufacturer in its box-office potential. Of course, if Samsung does decide to only slot theEdge between the "vanilla" Galaxy S26 and the state-of-the-art, thus essentially replacing two different devices with one Edge model, that's going to make me even more excited about this next super-slim flagship, suggesting great faith from its manufacturer in its box-office potential. Now, I'm obviously not saying that the S26 Edge will outsell the S26 Ultra (or the compact Galaxy S26 ), but after a confusing fourth member of the S25 family that doesn't seem to be going anywhere in terms of global popularity, it could well mark the beginning of a beautiful, highly successful, risk-taking, and trend-setting handset (sub) family. To say that I've never been a big fan of the Galaxy S25 Edge would probably be the understatement of the year. After all, I went on record not only once but twice ahead of the official announcement of the ultra-thin Android powerhouse to voice not just my skepticism that the phone could ever become a commercial success, but my complete inability to understand... the existence of this device.
Phone Arena
23-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Samsung could pull off the impossible with next year's Galaxy S26 Edge
Despite reportedly not selling very well around the world (at least ahead of a massive recent wave of super-hefty discounts), the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge is all but guaranteed to get a sequel at some point in 2026. The Galaxy S26 Edge could be released a lot earlier in the year than its forerunner and face additional public scrutiny as a "main" member of Samsung's next big high-end handset family alongside a "standard" S26 model and a top-of-the-line S26 Ultra . This is something that's been rumored for a little while now, and the key strengths and selling points of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus replacement are purportedly "confirmed" today by one of the most reliable social media leakers out there. According to @UniverseIce, aka Ice Universe, aka PhoneArt, the S26 Edge will somehow be thinner than this year's S25 Edge while also bumping up the battery capacity. The mediocre battery life, mind you, was (predictably) highlighted in our in-depth Galaxy S25 Edge review as the phone's biggest weakness, so it's definitely nice to hear that Samsung is planning to increase the modest 3,900mAh cell capacity. If Samsung pulls off a thinner phone than this with a 4,000mAh+ battery, my mind will be blown. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena Of course, it's not entirely clear how something like that would be possible if the already insanely thin 5.8mm profile is set to go down, although "PhoneArt" is offering us a precious (albeit vague) little hint. The Galaxy S26 Edge will apparently use "new battery material technology" of some sort to achieve what seemed impossible just a few short months ago. This can only be silicon-carbon (Si/C), which is the same material that has allowed the OnePlus 13, for instance, to squeeze a 6,000mAh cell into a sub-9mm profile, not to mention the absolutely bonkers new 6.32-inch OnePlus 13T with a 6,260mAh battery under the hood. The problem with Si/C tech is battery degradation, which can be drastically faster and more severe than in the case of traditional lithium-ion cells used by devices like the Galaxy S25, S25 Edge , S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. It remains to be seen if Samsung will ultimately decide that the advantages of switching to new battery technology outweigh the risks, and of course, I'm sure we're all dying to find out exactly how much the S26 Edge will improve cell capacity and reduce thickness. If that's the case, the compact S26 is likely to keep the 6.2-inch S25's 4,000mAh cell capacity more or less unchanged, which means that Samsung could embrace the groundbreaking aforementioned silicon-carbon battery material for only one member of the super-premium 2026 smartphone family as a small-scale experiment potentially leading to something bigger in 2027. It's premature to have any guarantees, but the S26 Ultra could look a lot like the S25 Ultra. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena
