Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

“Why Prime Day is Perfect for Acquiring Your Initial Foldable Phone: An In-Depth Examination of the Razr Offer”

The new Razr Plus 2025 has already seen a price drop of $300, yet I’m still waiting for Prime Day in hopes of snagging a better deal on the Razr or Razr Ultra.

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is right around the corner, just a few weeks away, and I’ve already pinpointed the phone models I plan to focus on when the promotions launch on July 8. That is, unless I decide to purchase the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 at the current $300 discount! However, I might hold off for something even more appealing.

I’m eager to join the foldable phone movement. As an avid runner, I’m used to the inconvenience of clutching my standard phone during extended workouts. But after my coworker Brady discussed the benefits of using clamshell foldables like the Razr 2025 while running, I understood that the small size and cover screen would suit me well — or anyone active who desires a phone that’s easy to hold during hikes and walks.

I could always consider the Galaxy Z Flip 7, as there are rumors about Galaxy Unpacked happening around Prime Day. However, a brand-new phone isn’t likely to come with the best deals unless tied to carrier contracts and trade-ins; if I’m looking to purchase one of the top foldable phones outright, the Razr 2025 series appears to be the best choice. I just need to select the right variant!

Choices, choices

Reviewing our guide on which Razr 2025 to opt for, the Razr Plus seems quite appealing in comparison to the standard Razr. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor with an additional 4GB of RAM provides performance close to flagship standards, and the Victus protection on the cover screen enhances its durability against drops.

Conversely, its 4,000mAh battery capacity isn’t top-notch; I’ve grown accustomed to my long-lasting Pixel 9a with a 5,100mAh capacity, and I wouldn’t want my phone to die during a hike or run.

I might prefer to wait for the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, which boasts even quicker performance, greater battery capacity with 68W charging, and impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits for the cover display. Unfortunately, it’s currently priced at $1,169, even with a 10% discount! That’s beyond my budget, so Prime Day 2025 will need to deliver a substantial deal.

The primary reason I haven’t invested in a clamshell foldable until now is my concern regarding longevity and durability. I value that the Razr series is water-resistant, but a bit of dust can damage the inner display. Plus, all three models receive OS updates up to Android 18, making me wary of spending flagship-level money on the Razr Ultra when it won’t remain at the forefront of features for long.

That’s why I might follow Brady’s lead and opt for the base Motorola Razr 2025. Even with its limitations compared to the Plus, I appreciate that it feels more compact in hand and offers better battery life.

The Motorola Razr 2025 typically retails for $699, so scoring the Plus for the same price right now is quite a deal. However, if the base model drops by a couple of hundred dollars for Prime Day — paired with a trade-in offer — and I can acquire this phone for the same price as a smartwatch? That would be absolutely fantastic.

Ultimately, I’m waiting for Prime Day 2025, hoping to secure an excellent foldable deal! If the Razr isn’t affordable enough, perhaps Samsung will be reducing stock on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and I can save money on that instead.

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Extensive Leak Discloses Galaxy Z Flip 7 Color Selections and Watch 8 Series Information

Leaked Renders of Future Samsung Devices by Tipster

Noteworthy tipster Evan Blass has disclosed what appear to be official renders of Samsung’s forthcoming devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. These leaks showcase potential designs and color variations for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE, and the Galaxy Watch 8 collection.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE

Speculation suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will sport a more refined design featuring an edge-to-edge display, akin to the Motorola Razr 2025. The renders depict the device in three shades: Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Coral Red. The Z Flip 7 FE is anticipated to keep the folder-like cover screen, available in black and white hues.

Galaxy Watch 8 Collection

The Galaxy Watch 8 collection is slated to debut with a squircle dial format. The standard Galaxy Watch 8 boasts a silver foundation with a round dial and two physical controls. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is presented in a robust design featuring a rotating bezel, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 might arrive in a rich blue hue with a more streamlined bezel.

For additional information on Samsung’s upcoming devices, remain updated for more announcements.

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Reasons I Continue to Endorse Sonos Headphones Even with Their Flaws

Get your hands on one of the finest over-ear models for Android while enjoying significant savings for a short period.

(Image credit: Ted Kritsonis / Android Central)

I’ve routinely tested the Sonos Ace throughout the year since their debut, and honestly, they aren’t flawless. The retail price of $449 is quite high compared to some rivals, to start with. However, Sonos excels in many areas with its inaugural set of over-ear headphones, particularly in terms of comfort that leads the industry. If the price were about $100 lower, it would be a resounding recommendation, which is why a promotion from Walmart piqued my interest.

The retailer is reducing the Sonos Ace’s standard price by $117, lowering it to $332.29. This makes it considerably cheaper than Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/apple" data-auto-tag-linker="true" data-before-rewrite

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The Advantages of Having Multiple Headphones: Best Selections for Every Requirement

No, seriously — one set of wireless earbuds isn’t sufficient.

Phone, keys, wallet … headphones. For many, a set of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds or headphones is a necessity they carry daily. It’s logical — you want to enjoy videos, engage in gaming, listen to music, and experience audio without bothering others nearby. However, if you rely on just one set of headphones or earbuds for every occasion, you’re missing the mark.

For a comprehensive audio arrangement, three sets of headphones and earbuds are required. One set of wireless earbuds for daily use, another for sleep or exercising, and lastly, a set of over-ear headphones. If you possess one pair in each of these three segments, you’ll be ready for any situation.

You see, headphones and earbuds aren’t universally suitable for all occasions and activities. Sometimes, having the right tool for the task is essential. That tool could emphasize sound quality, comfort, fit, active noise-cancellation, or battery longevity based on the context. You can meet all these requirements with three sets, and here are my recommendations.

Daily usage: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

The first set of headphones everyone should acquire is a pair of truly wireless earbuds for daily usage. These are the type of headphones most individuals possess, and for good reason — they’re indispensable. With a sleek design, respectable sound quality, and excellent battery performance, you can easily stow these in a pocket or bag and forget about them. When you require personal audio, it’ll be there, even at unexpected moments.

For the majority of Android users, the ideal TWS earbuds to choose are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They excel in numerous aspects while often retailing for less than their $250 retail price. To begin with, they’re the only earbuds I’ve tested that can rival the AirPods Pro 2 regarding active noise-cancellation. Moreover, I favor the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro over that of Apple’s well-known earbuds.

The sound profile feels richer and louder, with more impactful bass without overpowering the rest of the audio. You’ll enjoy ample battery life, with six hours in the earbuds with ANC activated and a total of 26 hours with the charging case. By the way, the case charges via USB-C and also supports wireless charging.

You can download the Galaxy Wearable app on any Android device, so Galaxy Buds 3 Pro owners will enjoy a nearly full feature range even if they don’t have a Samsung phone. If you possess a Google Pixel or OnePlus phone, it might be wise to consider similar alternatives — like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 — that may work more seamlessly with your device.

Regardless, your headphone essentials begin with a quality set of TWS earbuds, so those should be your initial focus for purchase.

Best overall earbuds

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the top earbuds available for daily use. They’re comfortable, offer impressive sound quality with significant bass, and provide excellent active noise-cancellation. Additionally, they can be quite affordable with the right promotions.

Exercise earbuds: Powerbeats Pro 2

We’ve all likely attempted to use a regular pair of earbuds for workouts at some stage, and it probably didn’t end well. Truly wireless earbuds designed for everyday use simply aren’t made for rigorous runs, gym sessions, or fitness endeavors. They frequently lack the secure fit necessary for effective workouts, and some don’t have IP ratings that safeguard against moisture and perspiration.

That’s why, if you enjoy music or podcasts during workouts, you require a specialized pair of workout earbuds. The ultimate choice in 2025 is the Powerbeats Pro 2. They’re like if the AirPods Pro 2 were modified for a more secure fit, operated equally well on iOS and Android, and included a heart-rate monitor (HRM).

Apple, which owns Beats, took the best features of AirPods and reimagined them in a fitness-friendly design.

The large earhooks on the Powerbeats Pro 2 mean they probably won’t be ideal for everyday use, but that’s precisely what makes them fantastic for exercising. There’s no chance of a bud slipping out due to these hooks. Additionally, there are five sizes of ear tips included in the packaging to ensure an excellent fit. I used the original Powerbeats Pro for five years before the new version was released, and they are the best audio investment I’ve ever made.

If you enjoy running, exercising, or engaging in athletic activities, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are an essential audio accessory. If that doesn’t resonate with you, these can be replaced with a quality pair of sleep earbuds instead.

The best workout earbuds

For a secure fit during runs and gym sessions, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the leading choice.

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Honor’s Resolve Propels Magic V5 to Achieve the Slimmest Foldable

A recent conversation sheds light on what consumers can expect when the Honor Magic V5 makes its debut in July.

What you should know
– Honor confirms that its Magic V5 foldable will have a thickness of 8.8mm when closed.
– The manufacturer verified this information to a media outlet during an interview, also mentioning that the device will incorporate “ultra-slim battery technology.”
– Earlier this month, at MWC Shanghai, Honor stated that the Magic V5 will come equipped with a range of AI capabilities, likely supported by its Alpha AI Plan.

We now have a clear understanding of just how slender Honor’s forthcoming foldable phone will be.

In a message to Android Central, Honor discusses a conversation with Bloomberg that confirms its upcoming foldable, the Magic V5, will “reclaim the crown” as the most lightweight. The outlet reports that the manufacturer disclosed the Magic V5 measures 8.8mm when folded. Honor notes that this represents a progressively slimmer design compared to the previous two iterations of the Magic V foldable line.

The Chinese manufacturer reiterates the Magic V2’s folded size of 9.9mm and the V3’s 9.2mm measurement. Honor is already bringing its rivals—Samsung—into the conversation, expressing confidence that the Magic V5 will not be outdone by the “thinner” Fold 7.

In another part of Honor’s email, it credits its “relentless pursuit of thinness” and “holistic design strategy behind the Magic V5’s accomplishments.” The company then hinted at several enhancements for the Magic V5, including its structural engineering innovations, upgraded materials, and “ultra-slim battery technology.” While the company did not specify the battery capacity expected in the Magic V5, there may be an upgrade in the pipeline.

Honor aims for the pinnacle

Finally, Honor states that the Magic V5 will come with AI-powered processing features, which we have been anticipating since MWC 2025.

Honor has been actively promoting its Magic V5, announcing during MWC Shanghai that the foldable will be launched on July 2. This release will be specific to China on that date. While Honor has asserted its claim that the Magic V5 will be the “thinnest” foldable, it also emphasized the device as a “compelling alternative” for consumers. Honor claims its Magic V5 will boast PC-like functionalities and a wealth of its AI software.

This AI software, which was briefly mentioned, likely pertains to its Alpha AI Plan, revealed during MWC in March. The company disclosed that it would follow a three-step approach that includes intelligent phones, an AI ecosystem, and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). This new trajectory for Honor has driven it to invest around $10 billion in this innovative AI strategy for its devices, all in search of more human-centric AI.

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Pre-orders Available for AYANEO Pocket S2 and S2 Pro, Shipping to Commence Shortly

AYANEO has unveiled the Pocket S2, enhancing the original Pocket S with various upgrades. The Pocket S2 along with the newly introduced Pocket S2 Pro can now be pre-ordered on Indiegogo. The starting price for the Pocket S2 is $439 during the campaign, while the Pro version is set at $559. The Pocket S2 offers options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, whereas the S2 Pro comes with a more robust 10,000mAh battery, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Both versions are equipped with the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor. Additionally, the S2 Pro features a detachable D-pad, a rarity among handheld devices. AYANEO has also rolled out two limited edition versions of the S2 Pro: Retro Power and B.Duck, with the latter being the first collaboration between the B.Duck brand and an Android handheld. Pre-order shipping is anticipated to commence in late June.

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Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Allegedly Scheduled for Release Alongside Premium Models This Summer

Additional details have emerged regarding Samsung’s Flip 7 FE.

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • The highly anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE from Samsung is reportedly “confirmed” according to a recent leak on social media.
  • This device is set to debut alongside Samsung’s premier foldables this summer on a “global” scale.
  • Speculations suggest the handset will utilize the Exynos 2400 SoC, an older chip that was previously rumored for this device.
  • A leaked rendering of the Flip 7 FE indicates that its design will resemble that of the Flip 6, and it may even incorporate the same display technology.

Here’s a Samsung rumor to begin your week, focusing on the company’s much-discussed Fan Edition clamshell foldable.

The latest rumors (from June 23) originate from a tipster named PandaFlash, who asserts that “it’s 100% confirmed” that Samsung is set to release a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. According to their statement, this more affordable Flip FE will be launched alongside Samsung’s forthcoming flagship models: the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. Discussions following the rumor became centered on speculations regarding the phone’s anticipated processor.

which is feedback we received last year. It should be noted that this is a 2023 chip, and it is significantly slower compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon

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How the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 Might Transform the Market Similar to the Apple M1 Chip

This has taken years to come to fruition, and it appears stunning.

A common issue with many Chromebooks is the need to choose between performance and battery life, often sacrificing one for the other. There hasn’t been a viable solution that offers both until now; the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 may be the answer we’ve been seeking.

I was fortunate to be invited to a launch briefing for the device, among several other creators and executives from both Google and Lenovo. We were informed about numerous new features heading to all Chromebook users, including “Select to search with Lens” and “Text Capture.”

Over the past eight months, it’s been challenging to feel enthusiastic about Chromebook hardware. The lengthy gap between device launches earlier this year led me to wonder if consumer Chromebooks were fading out. However, all that enthusiasm has surged back with the unveiling of the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.

Power, performance, and features

The source of this excitement comes from several factors. First and foremost, we’re looking at the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 driving this device, marking it as the first Chromebook powered by Kompanio Ultra. As one might expect, this ARM-based processor is expected to deliver outstanding battery life, with Lenovo asserting that the Chromebook Plus 14 can last up to 17 hours on a single charge.

While this isn’t entirely unheard of in the Chromebook realm, it’s quite impressive considering the Kompanio Ultra 910 incorporates both a dGPU and NPU. This results in an on-device Gemini experience that reportedly boasts a 32% speed increase and 44% improved efficiency. These enhancements are notable; they resemble the kind of advancements seen with the launch of the Apple M1.

During various demonstrations, the Chromebook Plus 14 handled tasks effortlessly. I kept reminding myself that many of these features are being processed on-device rather than relying on the cloud. I’m thrilled about the possibility of accessing more Gemini functionalities, even without internet connectivity.

Exclusive to the Chromebook Plus 14 are “Smart grouping” and “Image editing in the Gallery app.” As someone who keeps 20-30 tabs open routinely, I exhaled in relief during the presentation.

While I may still use Photoshop or darktable for serious photo editing, the capability to use Gemini in the Gallery app for background removal will save me countless hours. Both features operate on-device and are powered by Gemini, accompanied by a range of new AI capabilities available for all Chromebooks.

What about the design?

Performance and battery life usually cover most users’ priorities, leading us to the design aspect. Lenovo has certainly excelled in this area; the Chromebook Plus 14 is elegant and lightweight. It exudes “premium” quality from top to bottom, starting with its display.

We have a 14-inch 2K OLED display that is visually striking, offering excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors. There’s even a slight bulge at the top, where the somewhat lackluster 5MP webcam resides. While it serves its purpose, it does leave some room for improvement.

As for the keyboard, if you’ve used a Lenovo Chromebook or laptop in recent years, you’ll feel instantly comfortable. Additionally, I was pleased to see the Quick Insert Key return, which first appeared with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, but hasn’t made its way to other Chromebooks yet.

One concern I have pertains to the trackpad. Apple has spoiled me with its Magic Trackpad, and aside from the HP Dragonfly Pro, I haven’t encountered anything comparable. While it didn’t seem like the Chromebook Plus 14 was equipped with a glass trackpad, it also didn’t feel inferior like some other alternatives. So, I’ll be scrutinizing this further once my review unit arrives.

Lastly, I wanted to mention the bottom casing. While aluminum graces the lid and keyboard deck, the base is plastic, which may remind Pixelbook Go owners of their device.

Neither Google nor Lenovo explicitly mentioned that it took cues from the Pixelbook Go, but it’s quite evident. Lenovo did explain that they chose this design for its ease of portability, allowing users to handle the Chromebook Plus 14 with confidence. Regardless of the motivation, it’s pretty neat to witness, adding an additional layer of uniqueness to this device.

This could be the “change” that Chromebooks required

In the end, what truly excites me about the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is the possibility that this could be the “Apple M1 moment” we have been anticipating. Lenovo and

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One UI 8 Improves HDR Screenshot Brightness in Recent Test

Chances are, it utilizes Android 16’s built-in gain maps to deliver authentic HDR visuals.

Samsung is allegedly preparing a visual delight with One UI 8, with the newest test incorporating HDR screenshot support. This means your screen captures will finally retain all the rich contrast and brightness from what you truly observe on your display.

With Android 16, genuine HDR screenshots are at last available. Now, when you take a shot of any HDR content, it retains the vibrancy you notice in the original image or video.

Rather than compressing the image, it now saves everything as a PNG filled with all the necessary metadata, including gain maps. Thus, when you view it on an HDR-compatible display, what you see is precisely what was intended to be seen, not some faded version.

When the majority of content was SDR, Android didn’t really require HDR screenshot support. However, SDR has its drawbacks, such as dull colors and diminished contrast. You’ve likely experienced it: you take a picture of an incredibly detailed photo, only to check the screenshot and find it looks flat, uninspiring, perhaps even washed out. That’s because standard screenshots default to SDR, which simply can’t match the vibrant color and brightness that HDR provides.

HDR screenshots are (finally!) coming

According to leaker Ice Universe, the latest One UI 8 ZYF7 beta—still restricted to closed testing—introduces support for HDR screenshots (via SamMobile). That marks a substantial improvement from the previous SDR-only screen captures.

Ice Universe even tested this on a Galaxy S25 Ultra by capturing an HDR photo from social media, and it preserved the complete HDR appearance.

Since it’s already active in the closed beta, there’s a strong possibility that HDR screenshot support will be included in the forthcoming One UI 8 public beta. If this persists through to the final One UI 8 release, your screenshots will maintain all the vivid colors and deep contrast that make HDR content stand out.

Considering that beta features are often uncertain, there is no affirmation they’ll be included in the final build. However, the presence of HDR screenshot support in One UI 8’s closed beta is an encouraging indication.

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Budget-Friendly $50 Earbuds Poised to Be Your Go-To Tech Gadget

An exceptional deal at only 47 dollars.

(Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

Inexpensive earbuds typically fall short in performance, which is why it’s great to come across deals like this. Amazon has recently introduced a 32% price cut on the Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2, the only budget earbuds truly worth considering in this segment.

The CMF Buds Pro 2, produced by the phone brand Nothing, boast an attractive, stylish design available in four colors, decent audio quality for the cost, and notable features such as basic EQ and audio enhancement, which are uncommon at this price point.

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