Author: sparta

Samsung is advancing beyond basic SOS messaging.

Google Photos integration is officially coming to Samsung TVs, beginning with Memories in March 2026. Samsung is enhancing its smart TVs with Google Photos support through a software update in 2026. The initial rollout includes Memories, allowing users to view moments based on people and locations on their TV. The complete Google Photos application is not yet available; rather, a tailored Photos experience will be incorporated into the TV software.

In anticipation of CES 2026, where the company is set to unveil its latest range of smart TVs, Samsung has declared its plan to introduce Google Photos support on Samsung TVs. Samsung utilizes its proprietary operating system known as One UI Tizen rather than Android for running applications and services on its TVs. Although the user experience has typically been seamless and packed with features, the absence of Google Photos support (which is also not available on Google TV) has been a significant gap. This is finally set to change.

Samsung has revealed that it will soon provide Google Photos on Samsung TVs, enabling users to relive their cherished moments on a larger, immersive display. However, the company is not yet bringing the complete Google Photos app. Instead, a curated method to explore photos on the TV will be introduced.

The first feature from Google Photos arriving on Samsung TVs is Memories. Similar to the way the Google Photos app showcases Memories on Android devices, users will have the ability to view photos and videos categorized by people, locations, and significant moments on their TV. This feature will launch starting in March 2026.

Later in 2026, Samsung intends to enhance Google Photos functionality, including Create with AI, allowing users to utilize Nano Banana for themed template generation, and Remix to alter image styles, along with Photo to Video that animates static moments into brief clips. Users will also eventually have the option to enjoy their photos as topic-based slideshows.

In essence, rather than providing complete library access on TV, Samsung aims for Google Photos to be integrated into the smart TV experience. Samsung states that users will start experiencing Photos seamlessly incorporated throughout their day via Daily+ and Daily Board once they log into their Google account.

Samsung mentions that Google Photos will begin appearing on select Samsung TV models starting in 2026 through a software update later in the year.

The OnePlus 15R represents a new budget-friendly option that you might weigh against the Google Pixel 9a as an economical smartphone choice. Both devices are budget picks in their respective ranges that feature premium characteristics for Android users, inclusive of significant AI integration. They have both been launched relatively recently: the Google Pixel 9a debuted in March 2025, while the OnePlus 15R was released in December 2025. Choosing between them may seem daunting, but we’re here to assist.

OnePlus 15R vs. Google Pixel 9a: Core specifications

The OnePlus 15R boasts a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen presenting a resolution of 2,800 x 1,272 and certified by TÜV Rheinland’s Intelligent Eye Care 5.0, along with a remarkable 165Hz refresh rate. Its peak brightness of 1,800 nits can reduce to 1 nit as needed. According to Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda, the display is gentle on the eyes. However, he notes that refresh rates of 144Hz or 165Hz are only available in six gaming titles; for all other applications, it defaults to a standard 120Hz.

Nonetheless, Nicholas Sutrich adds that in his hands-on review, he found it features the most flicker-free OLED display he has encountered, which is a significant advantage for individuals with sensitivities. He praised the brightness and outdoor visibility, which he characterized as exceptional, and he values the eye care capabilities, even claiming its display is among the finest in OLED technology.

Available in Charcoal Black or Mint Breeze with Velvet Glass technology, the OnePlus 15R exhibits rounded corners and a reimagined camera bump designed to lessen hand fatigue during prolonged use.

The substantial 7,400mAh battery is a notable highlight, guaranteeing the phone’s longevity and functionality in tough circumstances. It utilizes OnePlus’ Silicon NanoStack technology, consisting of 15% silicon for enhanced energy density. It also incorporates 55W SUPERVOOC quick charging with the provided charger but can reach up to 80W with the OnePlus SUPERVOOC 100W Dual Ports GaN Power Adapter Lite.

However, it lacks wireless charging, which is a drawback compared to the outstanding flagship OnePlus 15. It can maintain 80% of its capacity after four years, ensuring prolonged battery health. Jonnalagadda mentions that the device effortlessly lasts up to two days without complications, and even a day and a half under heavy usage.

Similar to the OnePlus 15, it is highly durable, achieving not only an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance but also IP66, IP69, and IP69K ratings. This assures the phone can endure submersion, high-pressure water jets at close range, and elevated temperatures. Thus, whether in the hot tub or at a backyard water fight, it’s capable of withstanding it all.

You can choose between 256GB or 512GB storage, with the latter option available solely in the Charcoal Black variant, and it can be complemented with the Sandstone or hole-pattern magnetic case. The device promises four years of software updates and six years of security updates.

In summary, Jonnalagadda perceives the design as a downgrade, aside from an Electric Violet finish exclusively available in India. He believes the Panda glass used isn’t as robust as Corning Gorilla Glass, despite the remarkable IP ratings.

The Google Pixel 9a is offered in Iris, Peony, Porcelain, or Obsidian, featuring a composite matte back along with a satin metal finish. It showcases a smaller 6.3-inch OLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Actua and offers a resolution of 2,424 x 1,080, with an adaptive refresh rate spanning 60-120Hz. Its brightness peaks at 2,700 nits. Michael Hicks notes in his review that it’s comfortable for outdoor visibility with satisfactory color saturation. While viewing videos side by side with the upgraded Google Pixel 9, he observed no notable disparity in color accuracy or contrast.

With sharp edges and an IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating, it marks the first Pixel device devoid of the conventional camera housing, which allows for a larger battery and an ultra-sleek design. Hicks remarks that the subtlety of the camera housing is almost excessive, but he values that its thinness prevents wobbling and remarks on the phone’s remarkable lightness. He notes that the design modification was justified to accommodate a more expansive battery.

Its battery capacity is slightly above average at 5,100mAh, which comfortably lasts over a day according to Hicks, even under heavy usage, and can extend to two days with lighter use. However, this still pales in comparison to the OnePlus 15R. Nonetheless, you can count on a rated 30+ hours per charge, potentially extending to 100 hours, or just over 4 days, through Extreme.

The OnePlus 15R may appear superior due to its recent release, but the truth tells a different story. Although the OnePlus 15R brings enhancements compared to the 13R, like a more luminous AMOLED display, excellent battery longevity, and commendable performance, it also has its share of downsides. The 15R comes at a higher price, lacks a telephoto camera, features mediocre cameras, and sports a nondescript design. Furthermore, it does not include a 16GB variant, which was an option with the 13R.

Conversely, the OnePlus 13R, which is $100 less expensive, boasts a sturdier design, impressive hardware, a better main camera, and remarkable battery longevity. It also comes standard with 256GB of storage and seamless software. While the auxiliary cameras on the 13R might not match the main lens’s quality, and its charging time approaches an hour, it still stands as a commendable choice.

Regarding design and display, the 15R presents an uninspiring aesthetic and is bulkier and heavier than the 13R. It features an updated fingerprint sensor and enhanced water resistance but omits the traditional Alert slider. The display shines with its 1.5K resolution LTPS AMOLED screen, although the 165Hz refresh rate is only applicable in select games. In contrast, the 13R is lighter, maintains the Alert slider, and provides a brighter display with Aqua Touch technology.

On the hardware front, the 15R is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, which surpasses the 8 Gen 3 in the 13R regarding power; however, the difference is minimal for everyday use. The 15R’s larger battery offers improved life, yet the 13R’s performance remains stellar, and its battery longevity is equally commendable.

Both devices operate on OxygenOS, with the 15R coming pre-installed with OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16. The 13R will gain the same software features through updates.

In terms of cameras, the 15R’s lack of a telephoto lens is a notable drawback. The 13R, however, features a 2x optical zoom telephoto lens, delivering clear, magnified images.

In summary, the OnePlus 13R proves to be a more advantageous flagship compared to the 15R, presenting a more well-rounded package at a reduced price. The 15R’s upgrades do not warrant the increased cost and missing features, rendering the 13R the clear preference for many users.