Author: Richard

Five Possible Dangers of Buying a Second-Hand Smartphone

based on findings from research organization IDC, the secondhand smartphone market is expanding at a quicker pace than the new smartphone sector, with predictions indicating that this pattern will persist in the forthcoming future.

Therefore, if you’re contemplating the purchase of a pre-owned device, you are not alone, as it not only allows you to economize but also provides access to a wider range of high-end and pricier smartphones that might be beyond your financial reach if you opt for brand-new devices. Nevertheless, locating a quality used smartphone and steering clear of fraud can be challenging, particularly beyond trusted resale platforms like Apple’s Certified Refurbished initiative. Thus, here are several risks you should keep in mind when investing in a second-hand smartphone.

Stolen, counterfeit, or compromised phones

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 Fixes Pixel Lock-Screen Freezing Problems

The Android 16 Beta 3.3 release is now available for the Pixel 6 and newer models.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Key information

  • Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 is being deployed to Pixel 6 and later devices, which includes the newest Pixel 10 series and foldable models.
  • Google is not introducing new features in this update, but is concentrating on fixing a significant lock-screen freezing issue that has been bothersome for Pixel users.
  • This update has the build number BP41.250916.015 for the Pixel 6 series and BP41.250916.015.A1 for the newer models, all continuing with the October 2025 security patch.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to Omit Exynos 2600 Variant

The Galaxy S26 series has undergone a significant internal transformation in recent months, as reported by multiple sources detailing two major Samsung actions. Firstly, the Android manufacturer opted to eliminate the Edge model from the initial Galaxy S26 lineup and reintroduce the Plus variant. Subsequently, rumors from Korea suggested that the Exynos 2600 was such a groundbreaking chip for Samsung that the firm would utilize it to power all three Galaxy S26 models, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would mark a notable advancement for Samsung, since the company had not employed its proprietary mobile chips to power an Ultra model in four years. However, it appears that the mid-October reports may have overstated the scope of the Exynos 2600. ETNews has indicated that Samsung intends to utilize the Exynos 2600 in only two models, the standard Galaxy S26 and the Plus.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip globally. The Snapdragon processor is set to comprise 70% of all Galaxy S26 units, while the Exynos 2600 chip will account for the remaining 30%. Furthermore, the flagship Qualcomm chip will power all three Galaxy S26 models sold in North America. The Exynos 2600 will drive the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus versions available in Europe, Korea, and additional markets.

Samsung is said to have selected the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra despite fierce competition between Qualcomm and Samsung’s semiconductor unit. The Ultra model represents 50% of the total sales, necessitating Samsung to secure a consistent supply of premium chips. According to a report from last week, Samsung aims to sell 35 million Galaxy S26 devices next year, potentially elevating revenue to levels not seen in over a decade.

Exynos 2600 production might pose challenges

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Analyst Unveils Details for iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Fold, and iPhone Air 2

The upcoming series of Apple’s iPhones is anticipated to launch in September 2026. In a departure from past releases, it is speculated that Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Fold, and iPhone Air 2 during the latter half of 2026.

Several reports indicate that Apple may face challenges in launching the next iteration of the iPhone Air and the new iPhone Fold in September 2026. To address this, Apple is allegedly preparing to adjust its timeline, with the standard iPhone 18 being delayed to early 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e.

With a plethora of new models on the horizon for the next generation of the iPhone, BGR has noted a statement from GFHK Securities analyst Jeff Pu concerning the anticipated specifications for the iPhone 18 series, which encompasses previously reported rumors, including a more compact Dynamic Island for the new models, an upgraded 5G modem, and additional features. Here’s what you should know about them.

The A20 processor and C2 chip stand out as the key features of this generation.

Pu mentions that the upcoming iPhone Air will maintain the same 6.55-inch display but will incorporate a smaller Dynamic Island. However, it remains uncertain whether Apple will implement Face ID or a camera beneath the display. Furthermore, the Air will feature the A20 chip instead of the Pro variant, an 18MP front camera, and a primary 48MP lens. The device is also projected to include 12GB of RAM, a titanium frame, and Apple’s forthcoming C2 chip.

Regarding the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is striving to integrate a variable aperture for the main 48MP lens, a quicker SSD, the A20 Pro chip, and the new C2 5G modem. The new A20 processor will utilize TSMC’s next-gen manufacturing technology. This innovative approach enables Apple to link various components of the chip, such as processing and memory, more closely, enhancing speed, efficiency, and heat management.

Lastly, the iPhone Fold is anticipated to feature an exterior 5.3-inch display and an interior 7.8-inch screen. It is also expected to contain 12GB of RAM and the A20 Pro chip. However, contrary to other speculations, Pu believes Apple will include two 18MP selfie cameras instead of an under-display 24MP option, along with two main 48MP lenses. It will utilize Touch ID rather than Face ID, incorporate a blend of titanium and aluminum for its frame, and feature the company’s new C2 5G modem.

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Garmin’s Creation of a Crown Function Might Annoy Devoted Users, Yet Here’s an Alternative Solution

Garmin has been a longstanding preference for fitness lovers due to its dependable and durable smartwatches, noted for using Up/Down buttons rather than the more common rotating crowns. This choice in design has been a source of pride for numerous Garmin supporters, who value the reliability and ease of use of buttons over the possible complications of crowns. Nonetheless, recent indications imply that Garmin might be working on a rotating crown featuring a magnetic sensor, akin to those found in rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

The possible transition to a crown design could represent a major shift for Garmin, reminiscent of its earlier switch to AMOLED displays. While a segment of Garmin users might resist this change in favor of the classic button arrangement, the introduction of a crown could attract a wider demographic, particularly those familiar with the styles of other well-liked smartwatches.

The speculated design would include two buttons on the left side and a lone crown on the right, mirroring the configuration of watches such as the Pixel Watch 4. This modification could initially be seen in Garmin’s mainstream offerings, like the Venu or Vivoactive series, rather than in its more specialized options like the Fenix or Forerunner.

The inclusion of a crown could bring certain benefits, especially in terms of navigation, where zooming in and out on maps might feel more natural. However, it could also necessitate Garmin enhancing the functionality of its watches to guarantee seamless operation, particularly if the crown is utilized for scrolling through maps or other features.

In the end, Garmin’s choice to incorporate a crown design may stem from the desire to draw in new clientele and compete with other smartwatch manufacturers. Although the classic button design has worked well for Garmin, adopting a crown could assist the company in broadening its market presence and appealing to users who favor a more traditional smartwatch aesthetic. As is the case with any transformation, the success of this potential change will hinge on how effectively Garmin can balance progress with the preferences and requirements of its devoted customer base.

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An Essential ColorOS 16 Feature for Every Android Phone

ColorOS 16 introduces a swifter method to navigate the app drawer, and it’s fantastic.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

I’m relishing my experience with ColorOS 16; even though it resembles iOS 26, the interface is contemporary, well-optimized, and smooth. There are numerous new features, and one that stands out is the revamped app drawer. It hasn’t undergone significant visual changes compared to previous iterations — save for a search bar at the bottom — but it comes with a few fresh functionalities.

The app drawer retains the usual alphabetical sorting, but now when you select a letter, it instantly displays all apps beginning with that letter without the need to scroll down to that section. This enhancement simplifies app launching and is a delightful addition. I find myself opting for this method over scrolling through the app drawer, and it’s even quicker than relying on the search bar.

(Image credit: Har

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Samsung’s Initial Trifolding Smartphone Anticipated to Debut Next Month

December 5 could be the significant date

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy Z TriFold on December 5, 2025.
  • The gadget boasts a 6.5-inch external display and a 10-inch unfolded screen, fueled by a 5600 mAh battery.
  • Samsung intends to have a limited launch in Korea, China, and certain Asian regions, with only 20,000–30,000 units available.

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The Outsiders Introduces Apple Watch Application Tailored for Top Athletes

### The Gentler Stories App: A New Chapter for Athletes with Apple Watch Integration

The Gentler Stories app, tailored for cyclists, runners, and performance-oriented athletes, has recently upgraded its features with the launch of a dedicated Apple Watch app. This innovation signifies a notable advancement in offering users critical insights into their training readiness.

#### Training Readiness at Your Fingertips

The Gentler Stories team had earlier introduced The Outsiders app, which aims to provide a comprehensive exercise experience. The newly launched Apple Watch app highlights “Training Readiness,” a metric that integrates the ratio of acute to chronic training load, body metrics, and sleep quality. This functionality empowers athletes to evaluate their training session preparedness efficiently.

Katarina Lotrič, co-founder and CEO of Gentler Stories, noted the significance of this update, stating, “The Apple Watch app signifies the next phase in our evolution… We developed this app for athletes who aren’t seeking motivation; what they require is meaningful insight into their training readiness.” This perspective underscores the app’s dedication to addressing the specific interests of committed athletes.

#### Key Features of the Apple Watch App

The Apple Watch app not only introduces the Readiness index but also offers a variety of metrics and insights vital for athletes:

– **7-day Training Load Ratio (TLR)**
– **7-night Sleeping Heart Rate**
– **7-night Heart Rate Variability (HRV)**
– **7-night Wrist Temperature**
– **7-night Respiratory Rate**
– **7-night Blood Oxygen**
– **Recent nights’ Sleep**

These elements provide a comprehensive overview of an athlete’s health and readiness, allowing them to make informed training decisions.

#### A Beautifully Designed Experience

The Outsiders app is celebrated for its remarkable animations and intuitive interface, and the Apple Watch iteration preserves this visual charm. Gentler Stories advises wearing the Apple Watch overnight as well as during training sessions to optimize the precision and usefulness of the data gathered.

#### Availability and Access

The Outsiders app is available for free download, with optional in-app purchases for added features. Athletes seeking to enhance their training journey can discover the app by following this

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Grasping ‘DLAA’ on an Nvidia Graphics Card

Deep Language Super Sampling (DLSS) and today’s focus, Deep Language Anti-Aliasing (DLAA).

DLAA is an image-enhancement technology that leverages machine-learning techniques to produce sharper, more polished visuals without increasing a game’s inherent resolution. When activated, DLAA employs AI to refine in-game visuals in real-time, leading to reduced jagged edges, smoother intricate details, and enhanced image stability.

Although DLAA is not compatible with every PC game, it serves as an excellent optimization for gamers who prioritize clear cinematic visuals over frame rate improvements (which are better achieved with Nvidia’s DLSS technology). Since DLAA aims to provide near-pixel-perfect image quality, it’s advisable to invest in a robust Nvidia graphics card with ample power and headroom to ensure your GPU maintains optimal performance.

DLAA and DLSS: Choices that empower gamers

Nvidia’s DLAA technology debuted in 2021, with “The Elder Scrolls Online” being the first PC game to incorporate the feature. Developers at Zenimax Online Studios collaborated with Nvidia to integrate DLAA into the game, allowing players to experience detailed character models and environments. Partnering with a game developer was a clever strategy by Nvidia, enabling the GPU manufacturer to effectively demonstrate how DLAA functions in a live, player-driven environment, rather than showcasing the feature in a controlled tech-demo setting.

Both DLAA and DLSS enhance Nvidia GPUs using ultra-detailed high-resolution images provided by Nvidia supercomputers. The neural network learns to forecast the visuals of upcoming frames, which subsequently produces the anti-aliasing algorithms that are integrated into

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Google Pixel’s November Update Fixes Major Emergency Call Problem

Google’s November 2025 update addresses a significant flaw impacting emergency calls on Pixel devices.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google has launched the November 2025 security update for Pixel smartphones featuring important bug resolutions and stability enhancements.
  • Some Pixel 7 variants are excluded from the update roster, while the Pixel 8, 9, and 10 series are included.
  • This update resolves emergency call malfunctions and enhances charging, battery efficiency, and camera functionality.

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