Latest news with #SamsungUnpacked
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Android Circuit: Honor Confirms Record-Breaking Magic, Fairphone 6's Twin Launches, Galaxy Z Fold7 Pricing
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Taking a look back at this week's news and headlines across the Android world, including Samsung confirms Galaxy Unpacked launch event, Z Fold7 and Z Flip prices, Galaxy's pre-release offer, Pixel 10 specs, Google makes trade-ins more attractive, Fairphone 6 launch, Honor confirms record-breaking Magic V5, and Chrome changes down below. 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 Confirms Next Galaxy Unpacked Event Samsung has confirmed the launch of its next handsets, widely expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7. It's an early launch in the summer season, which will allow Samsung to set the 2025 story around foldables: "On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York – a borough with an extraordinary spirit and a distinctive history. Brooklyn is where visionary thinking and bold ideas shape the future, so it's only fitting that Samsung unveils the latest and greatest additions to the Galaxy portfolio in a place known for its culture, creativity, and collaboration. The event will be streamed live on Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung's YouTube channel beginning at 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. BST, and 4 p.m. CET." (Samsung Newsroom) Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 Prices Leak Samsung is being cagey around the pricing of the two new foldables, but reports from retailers with advance notice suggest that consumers are going to appreciate a move to stay stable on the Fold, and cut the price for the Flip "The latest report says that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 should cost the same as the Z Fold 6 at launch, i.e., €1,999 for 256GB, €2,119 for 512GB, and €2,359 for 1TB. Even better, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will supposedly launch for a lower price than the Z Flip 6. The report states that the 256GB Galaxy Z Flip 7 in Europe will undercut its predecessor by €100 and hit the shelves for €1,099 instead of €1,199. Meanwhile, the 512GB Galaxy Z Flip 7 variant should cost €1,219 instead of €1,319." (WinFuture via Sammobile) Samsung's Pre-Release Galaxy Offer There's more value to be found for Samsung's existing customers who are looking to upgrade to the new phones. Reserve your spot for one of the new phones now, and if you go on to complete the purchase, you'll get credit for the Samsung store: "Under the slogan Ultra Unfolds, Samsung is promising $50 of Samsung Credit for anyone who fills out a reservation form with their name and email address. If you then go on to buy one of the devices that's launched, you'll get a $50 credit to the Samsung store following your preorder and purchase." (Forbes). Pixel 10 Specs Gogole's Pixel 10 family will follow Samsung's foldables, likely near the end of August. Details on all four handsets are coming out, especially the Pixel 10. New specs suggest a brighter screen and a larger battery, albeit with a slightly weaker camera that resembles the Pixel 9a rather than the Pixel 9. The most significant change remains inside with the new Tensor Mobile chipset… although the specs backing it up are staying steady: "Internally, these specs won't surprise you, but we're looking at the Tensor G5, which will be manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process. It will also be paired with 12GB of RAM – the same amount of RAM as the $1,299 Galaxy S25 Ultra – and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Unfortunately, Google is not upping the storage on the base model this year, nor offering a higher storage tier." (Android Headlines). Google's Pixel Trade-In Prices Rise Google even has a promotion to engage the trade-in market, with its online store offering discounts supported by traded-in handsets that will provide up to £1045 off the list price. That's one of the best Google deals for many years: "I have covered almost every Google deal in the last two years and I haven't seen the company raise its trade-in prices by this much before. Perhaps it heard the grumbles about how poorly it has historically valued your old phone, or it saw Samsung's similarly high price trade-in deal. Whatever the reason, this is good news for customers." (Forbes). Fairphone 6 Launch Fairphone has launched its latest repairable phone in the Fairphone 6. Notable for its modularity and ease of repair, the company is bringing that to the fore with the sixth mainline model. It comes with three different accessories that can replace the back plate (a finger loop, lanyard clips, or a card holder), and at launch it ships with either Google's flavour of Android, or the privacy-focused e/OS/. Yet the underlying philosophy of the company remains: "Fairphone 6 is as easy to repair as ever, with the company supplying spare parts and video tutorials on how to replace all of the key components. Fairphone 6 is E-waste neutral, assembled in factories with fair labor conditions and boasts an excellent repairability rating from the EU's new energy efficiency label. Fairphone is also offering a five-year warranty and eight years of software support." (GSM Arena). Honor Magic V5 Previewed Honor has not only confirmed its new foldable to launch in July, but has also announced that its quest to create the thinnest foldable possible has resulted in a phone that is as close as possible to a regular candybar phone when closed: "The new model will come in at 8.8 mm when closed, Honor tells Power On. That means it will very likely be the world's thinnest foldable phone when it debuts. The V2 came in at 9.9 mm, while the current V3 measures 9.2 mm. It is believed that the latest Honor phone will be thinner than Samsung Electronics Co.'s upcoming Z Fold 7, which will also be introduced in July. Apple, for its part, is poised to launch a foldable at the end of 2026." (Power On). And Finally... A literal and finally this week, as Google finally allows Android users to move the Chrome address bar to the bottom of the screen: "Depending on the size of your hand and your device, one address bar position may feel more comfortable than the other. We designed this update to give you the flexibility to choose your preferred location — so you can browse with more ease. If you'd like to move your address bar, long-press on it and select the "Move address bar to bottom" option. Or just navigate to the Settings menu and select 'address bar' to choose your preferred spot." (Google Keyword Blog). 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!
Phone Arena
19 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 8: it's coming back, but why?
Intro In early July, we are expecting a scorching hot Samsung Unpacked event that'll reveal the next generation of foldable phones from the company. However, as is tradition, we may very much also get new Galaxy Watches. But, in a bit of an unusual manner — there will be three models this time around! A reiteration of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and a base Galaxy Watch 8 — those are a given. But the Classic is also making a return, with its mechanical rotating bezel in tow! So, yes, we expect a Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Typically, the regular one is more sporty whereas the latter one has a bit of a... classier look. And the aforementioned bezel. But, what else will separate them? Let's see what we know so far: Stainless steel vs aluminum build Rotating bezel and new crown-shaped button on Classic One size for Classic, two sizes for base model IP68, 5ATM for both 32 GB of storage for both Same sensors, including ECG, SpO2, temp on both Table of Contents: Design and Sizes Bands Software Battery Models Specs Summary Samsung isn't done spinning the bezel just yet — quite literally. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is supposedly bringing back that clicky, tactile bezel that is just right enough to make it feel like a "real" watch. It picks up right where the Watch 6 Classic left off and should come in a premium build with a stainless steel body, available only in a 46 mm size. Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy Watch 8 will be playing it safe — and slim. Expect a sleeker, lighter aluminum build, likely offered in two sizes (think 40 mm and 44 mm), with a digital-only bezel and a more fitness-focused design. Supposedly, it will be only 9 mm thin and should be your go-to if you are more interested in the fitness tracking capabilities of a smartwatch. Both watches should be getting the usual Home and Back buttons. Early leaks show the Classic also sporting a digital crown-looking button right between them. It'll probably not be rotatable — we expect it to be something like the Quick Button of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. But we'll see. Samsung redesigned the band locking mechanism with the Galaxy Watch 6. Surely, we are not due for another redesign. So, whatever straps you bought for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic or your regular Galaxy Watch since model 6, they should work with the new 8 generation. Hopefully, of course, hang tight for the official announcements. Software & Features If you've tried to follow Samsung's smartwatch software story over the years… well, grab a map. First, there was Tizen. Then came the big handshake with Google, merging it all into Wear OS — specifically, the Samsung-flavored version we've had since 2021. Then, despite new Wear OS being a joint effort, Samsung still felt the need to start dressing it up — thus, the One UI Watch interface was born. This year, we're expecting One UI Watch 8 to arrive baked into both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, running on top of Wear OS 6. Either on launch, or it should come out within months after release. Think the same familiar foundation, but with a slicker Samsung skin, plus the usual sprinkle of Galaxy-only features. AI will be front and center, supposedly offering smarter fitness tips, more intuitive workout recommendations, and — maybe — better sleep insights. We'll believe it when we see suggest Samsung may go the subscription route for advanced metrics — stuff like detailed coaching plans, pro-grade insights, or even premium AI analysis. Nothing confirmed, but with Apple and Fitbit already dipping into the fitness feature subscription pool, it wouldn't exactly be the bright side, Samsung seems to be cooking up some truly futuristic health tracking. Noninvasive blood measurements — yes, actual biomarker reads like antioxidant levels — are rumored to be in testing. Plus, a new vascular load metric might show just how hard your heart and blood vessels are working. If real, these would land on all Galaxy Watch 2025 models, not just the high-end ones. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is rumored to have around 425 mAh, so it may give us a day and a half easy. Of course, the Exynos W1000 energy efficiency may extend that further. The Galaxy Watch 8 , with its two sizes, is supposedly going to have ~300 mAh and ~425 mAh. So, its endurance and performance should be around the same as the Classic. The smaller one does have to feed a smaller screen, after all, so that may end up almost evening out. As mentioned above, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will only come in 46 mm. In that case, you will have a choice between a model with cellular and one without. The prices should be around $400-$450, but we are leaving room for inflation to surprise us. The Galaxy Watch 8 should be available in 40 mm and 44 mm variants, again — with our without LTE. So, the most basic model should start at around $300, the bigger one — $320. Add $50 to the price tag if you want a cellular modem inside. Here's what we generally expect: It's kind of very clear who the Classic is meant for and who the base model is for. Going just by previous experience — the Classic variants are heavier, bulkier, and their mechanical parts click and clack. Thus, they are not very practical for workouts. But they are quite pretty — so that's the watch meant for an outfit. If you already have a fitness tracker or don't care to use one — the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic should be more up your alley. The base Galaxy Watch 8 will bridge that gap between stylish watch and fitness tracker, as its predecessors have. It is kind of big but not too big. Kind of sporty but doesn't look out of place when paired with casual wear. So, it casts a wider net, and it may just catch you in it.
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): what we know and expect
Intro Samsung's Unpacked is happening in the scorching heat, right in the middle of summer. And, somewhat appropriately, Samsung will be dropping a bunch of hot devices. The expected Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, maybe a FE edition of at least one of those devices. And then the timepieces — we expect yet another Galaxy Watch 8, a re-do of the Watch Ultra — possibly named Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra or Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. And a return of a classic — the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a rotating bezel! Many will be happy to get that mechanical ring back, as it's a nice touch on any Samsung smartwatch that has it. The question now is, how will the Galaxy Watch Classic differ from the Ultra, and which one do you go for? Well, they are still some weeks away, but here's what we know on the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 so far: Traditional circular watch vs a "squircle" shape Stainless steel vs a rugged titanium build Only Classic will have the rotating bezel Ultra will have the programmable Quick Button again IP68, 5ATM vs IP68, 10ATM, MIL‑STD‑810H 32 GB vs 64 GB storage Same sensors, including ECG, SpO2, temp on both ~$400-$450 vs ~$650-$700 Table of Contents: Design and Sizes Bands Software Battery Models Specs Summary Samsung is reviving the rotating bezel dream, and fans seem to be here for it. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is apparently set to carry forward the legacy of the Watch 6 Classic—yes, skipping over the "7" moniker like Samsung's in a hurry to catch up with Apple. Expect a polished stainless-steel body, available in one 46 mm size, with that gloriously tactile mechanical bezel. It's the kind of detail that makes you feel like it's a real watch and not a computer on your wrist. We've also seen a digital crown-like button, located between the typical two "back" and "home" buttons that Samsung watches get. It is yet unknown if that will be rotatable and if it will be customizable like the Ultra's Quick Button. The new Galaxy Watch Ultra will likely not be a redesign, more of a refinement, as the first gen model was a bit rough around the edges. The squared-off titanium shell should be back, only available in one 47 mm size option. Still built like a smartwatch tank, but rumors say it'll be a bit thinner. Samsung heard the complaints about the Watch Ultra feeling like a hockey puck and seems ready to fix that—without losing the rugged appeal. It'll probably be overkill again, with MIL-STD-810H, IP68, 10ATM, dual-band GPS, and a ridiculous 3,000-nit AMOLED screen with sapphire glass. Basically: this thing should survive a hike, a dive, and probably a strike or two. The last time we saw a band mechanism redesign was with the Galaxy Watch 6. That is to say — fairly soon, so we imagine the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will still have that one-button quick-release module. So it should, hopefully, be compatible with any bands you may have amassed over the last couple of years. Lat year's Galaxy Watch Ultra came with a band mechanism of its own and, again, we would hope that Samsung isn't in a hurry to change it. We haven't heard complaints about its durability, so why fix what works? Software & Features Following Samsung's watch interfaces may be a bit confusing. First, Sammy and Google entered a tight-knit partnership, where Samsung's Tizen was fused to Wear OS. The resulting platform is the Wear we've had since 2021. But Samsung can't help itself, so it has began slightly re-skinning it, now called the One UI Watch interface. We should get One UI Watch 8 on top of Wear OS 6 when the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra 2 launch. Supposedly with new AI features and workout recommendations. But also, we've heard rumors about subscription plans for the more elaborate measurements, workout routines, or coaching. Nothing concrete yet, but at this point — we wouldn't be surprised. Fitness tracker manufacturers are already doing it, and so is Apple. We also may get some innovative measurements, like noninvasive blood measurement tests (for antioxidant levels), and a vascular load measurement to show heart and vascular system health. These should be available on all Galaxy Watch 2025 models. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 should come with the same 590 mAh cell as before. That'd mean about two days of battery life with some excercise thrown in. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is rumored to have around 425 mAh, so it may give us a day and a half easy. Of course, the Exynos W1000 energy efficiency may extend that further. These won't be very flexible in terms of size, it seems. The Classic is expected to come in one, 46 mm variant. The Ultra will probably be a 47 mm case. We also expect them to be available in LTE modem variations if you want to leave your phone at home while jogging. Here's what we generally expect: Neither the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic nor the Ultra 2 are meant to flip the table. These are iterative updates — refinements for people who already liked where Samsung was you're new to smartwatches or stuck on a Galaxy Watch 4? This might be your year. But if you already own a Watch 6 Classic or the first Ultra? You might want to wait for 2026—when Samsung might finally shake things up again (foldable watch, anyone?). But hey, there's still room for Samsung to surprise or shock us. Stay tuned for the Galaxy Watch 8 reveal, and our upcoming reviews!
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
Reserve Samsung's New Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 and Get a $50 Credit
Samsung's latest Galaxy Z foldable phones are soon to be unveiled at the company's upcoming Unpacked event, which takes place July 9. But you don't have to wait to lock in your next device; you can reserve one now at and earn a $50 Samsung credit. It's not yet clear just how many new phones we'll be getting -- will there be more than the usual two? -- but Samsung has been teasing Ultra-grade and slim foldable phones for this launch. Samsung Newsroom posts have pointed to a more "powerful camera" and "AI-powered tools," and have also noted that its "newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet." So, it's possible Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Z Fold 7 and then the Z Fold Ultra, or whatever it ends up calling these devices. But wait, there's more! There are also rumors surrounding a more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE phone. Leaks show renders of the rumored device, which appears similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it's possible the phone could swap out the Snapdragon chip for an Exynos processor to keep that price down. Ultimately, we'll have to wait and see what Samsung has up its sleeve. But if you're eager to get your hands on one of the latest devices, you can head to Samsung's site to reserve your future phone and score that $50 Samsung credit. You can also enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win an additional $5,000 credit. These offers are only available on and the Shop Samsung app. If you'd like to explore Samsung's other phone options, check out list of the best Samsung phones to buy right now.
The Verge
4 days ago
- The Verge
Samsung's offering a $50 credit if you commit to preordering its upcoming Galaxy foldable
Samsung has announced an Unpacked event that's happening on Wednesday, July 9th at 10AM ET. Details are sparse, but it shared the tagline 'Ultra Unfolds,' which suggests we're about to learn a whole lot more about a premium foldable phone, and perhaps some other foldables. However, you don't have to wait for the keynote to unfold to mark yourself as interested, and Samsung is offering a free incentive if you follow through with buying it. By filling out a reservation form for the upcoming device, including your full name and e-mail address, you'll get a $50 credit to the Samsung store following your preorder and purchase of said device. Creating a reservation will set up an alert to ping you when preorders are ready, so you won't miss out. You can't apply this credit toward the smartphone you're purchasing, but can use it on anything else on Samsung's site in the future. Registering will also enter you into a sweepstakes to win a $5,000 Samsung gift card. As for what we expect to see at this Unpacked event, the announcement's graphic and tagline suggest there may be a thin foldable smartphone with the Ultra branding, a title that was previously reserved for its flagship S-series phones. A Samsung press release from earlier this month teased a foldable with a 'powerful camera,' which would address a complaint that Verge reviewer Allison Johnson had about the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That same press release featured an image titled 'Galaxy Z Fold 7 Z Flip 7 Pre tease,' which corroborates rumors from earlier this year that Samsung plans to launch multiple foldables. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we've tested sent to your inbox weekly.
