Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Fairphone 6 Embraces a Fresh, More Eco-Friendly Design

The eagerly awaited Fairphone 6’s leaked images indicate the company’s dedication to repairability.

What you need to know

– Leaked images showcase a modular design for the Fairphone 6, enabling straightforward component replacement.
– The Fairphone 6 is anticipated to introduce a new design featuring flat edges and a unique neon-themed power button, offered in black, white, and green hues.
– The Fairphone 6 is rumored to debut on June 25th with a starting price of €549, and may include a 6.31-inch pOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and a 4415mAh battery.

Fairphone is poised to introduce its sixth eco-friendly device next week. Ahead of the launch, we now have purported images of the device displaying its design and key features.

According to the render images released by Roland Quandt via WinFuture, the supposed Fairphone 6 appears in three color options: black, white, and green. While the color schemes seem reminiscent of the previous model, the actual design of the phone is significantly altered. Regardless of the colors, there is a neon-themed power button, which at first sight resembles past Pixel models, such as the Pixel 3.

We are likely to notice flatter edges, and the protruding camera visor has been replaced with an individually positioned camera system at the rear.

According to the leaked promotional images of the alleged Fairphone 6, it is expected to have a back cover directly below the camera sensors secured with only a few screws. Once unscrewed, users may find it possible to remove the battery, as it is not glued to the device but secured with additional screws.

The report further mentions that a similar method is likely to be used for the cameras, display, and speaker module—all contributing to the sustainability goal that the Fairphone 6 aims to achieve.

The device is expected to launch on June 25 starting at €549, with specifications for the upcoming Android phone comprising a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via microSD up to 2TB.

A 4415mAh battery capacity is anticipated to energize the Fairphone 6 with support for 33W fast charging. The camera setup on the phone is likely to feature a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP secondary sensor, and a 32MP front-facing camera. Finally, the Fairphone 6 reportedly holds a Class “A” certification for both reparability and durability, according to EU standards.

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Xiaomi’s Buds 5 Pro: Remarkable Attributes Exceeding Outstanding Audio Performance

These earbuds feature Qualcomm’s XPAN integration, providing significantly improved connectivity.

Xiaomi has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to create earbuds with impressive audio performance and great value, and after testing most of its offerings in this category over the past decade, I generally appreciate the sound tuning and comfort. The Buds 5 Pro maintain this standard, bringing forth a distinctive feature that sets them apart from the competition — Wi-Fi integration.

The Buds 5 Pro utilize Qualcomm’s XPAN mode embedded within the Snapdragon Sound suite, enabling the buds to alternate between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity while delivering superior music playback quality. This mode supports up to 96kHz/24-bit, and it is exciting to finally witness this technology in action. The standard Buds 5 Pro are priced at £159 ($213) in the U.K., while the Wi-Fi version retails for £189 ($253).

Lightweight construction with rapid charging

Xiaomi succeeded in the design aspects, and the Buds 5 Pro exude a premium quality akin to the finest earbuds. The buds feature elongated stems with metal accents, and the casing has a matte finish. They fit very comfortably; the sound tube does not penetrate excessively into your ear, and the weight is evenly balanced across the shell and the stem.

Even after prolonged usage, I encountered no problems with these earbuds, and at just 5.6g, they are light enough that you often forget you have them on. The case showcases an elegant design with a transparent panel, and the only drawback is the lack of Qi charging — you are confined to USB-C. This is a missed opportunity by Xiaomi, especially considering that even budget models include this feature nowadays, making its absence on earbuds over $200 frustrating.

The earbuds offer IP54 dust and water resistance and sufficiently prevent sweat from entering during workouts. Thankfully, the design ensures they remain secure while running, and this has not posed any issues. Although I’m not usually fond of touch controls on earbuds, the extensive recognition area around the stem allows for accurate gesture activation.

The Buds 5 Pro are equipped with a 64mAh battery, while the case houses a 570mAh battery. I achieved over six and a half hours of music playback on a single charge, along with fast charging that provides two hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

The audio performance is exceptional

In terms of sound, the Buds 5 Pro feature a custom 11mm driver paired with a planar driver and dedicated tweeter, resulting in considerably superior sound quality compared to many earbuds. The buds produce engaging bass with satisfying rumble, clear mids that highlight vocals and instruments, and rich treble that extends well without any sibilance.

The bass is not overemphasized, and I discovered that adjusting the EQ to boost the low-end made these earbuds really come alive for most contemporary music. Out of the box, they seem primarily set up for viewing movies and TV shows, but there’s ample opportunity to customize the sound.

On that note, these earbuds excel at noise isolation. I used them consistently for over a month, and they’ve effectively blocked out the humming of the air conditioner as well as the sounds from my mechanical keyboard. Calls were clear as well, featuring environmental noise isolation, making them adept at minimizing wind noise during outdoor calls.

A Xiaomi phone is required to access the extras

Now for the additional features; they offer a 50ms low latency mode and enable spatial audio following a personalized hearing test. You gain access to AptX Lossless codecs, with the standout feature being 96kHz/24-bit audio — it’s refreshing to see Xiaomi exploit Qualcomm’s audio offerings. However, you must utilize a recent Xiaomi phone to access this mode — I tested it using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra — and it reverts to 48kHz/24-bit when paired with devices like the Xiaomi 15.

Spatial audio is exclusive to Xiaomi phones, mirroring a common practice among other brands with their products. Overall, using the Buds 5 Pro with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as the combination of sound quality, lossless audio, and excellent connectivity gives these buds a notable advantage. Being within the Xiaomi ecosystem is essential to fully utilize some of the additional features, and for owners of the Xiaomi 15 or 15 Ultra, these earbuds are a highly recommended choice.

With impressive audio performance and unrivaled connectivity, the Buds 5 Pro rank among the top earbuds available today.

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Galaxy Z Fold 7 Camera Improvement Guarantees Better Selfie Quality

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 may be bidding farewell to under-display cameras.

What you should know

– Samsung could be eliminating the concealed selfie cameras and reintroducing punch-holes on both the inner and cover screens of the Z Fold 7.
– UDC technology still faces challenges with clarity due to the screen layers atop the lens.
– If these modifications are implemented, the Z Fold 7 may be Samsung’s pathway back to leading the foldable segment.

A fresh rumor about the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has emerged, suggesting that Samsung might replace under-display cameras with punch-holes on both the primary and cover screens.

According to PandaFlash on X, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to abandon the under-display selfie cameras for a more traditional punch-hole design (source: TechRadar). Recent visuals support this assertion, distinctly displaying the new camera cutout on both the main screen and cover display.

Reviewing the recently leaked visuals, it is evident that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature punch-hole cameras on both its inner and cover screens. However, some fans may perceive this change as a regression in terms of aesthetics and technology for the Fold series.

This change harkens back to the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the last instance when we saw punch-holes on both the main and cover screens. Since that time—even through the current Galaxy Z Fold 6—Samsung has opted for under-display cameras (UDC), commencing with the Z Fold 3, the first model to conceal its inner selfie camera under the display.

Why make the switch?

There is no official statement regarding why Samsung is moving away from the under-display camera on the Z Fold 7, but the probable reason is straightforward: enhanced photo quality. Despite advancements, UDC technology still struggles to compete with the clarity of a standard punch-hole camera, owing to the additional display layer covering the lens.

Indeed, under-display cameras represent a notable technological achievement, but concealing the lens beneath screen layers often compromises photo quality. The camera must deal with multiple display layers, which generally results in noisy, poorly exposed images, along with problems such as excessive lens flare and odd artifacts.

A punch-hole camera, conversely, avoids the visual complexities and generally produces much clearer, sharper images.

Is this Samsung’s foldable renaissance?

If these speculated adjustments actually make it to the final version of the Z Fold 7, Samsung could finally regain the momentum needed to reclaim the foldable throne. After years of cautious approaches, this could be the disruption that elevates it back to the forefront of every best foldable list.

Samsung remains silent for the moment, but all indications suggest a reveal for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 on July 9.

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Gemini’s Latest Android Function Quickly Recognizes Song Lyrics

Ever find yourself curious about the song playing in a cafe or on the radio? Your Android device, equipped with Gemini, can now help with that.

What you should know

– Android users now have the capability to use Gemini for identifying songs through playing, singing, or even humming.
– However, instead of providing answers directly in the chat, Gemini redirects you to a Google Search page, interrupting the flow.
– Moreover, iOS users are currently left out, although a broader rollout is likely on the horizon.

Google has been refining Gemini on Android, and it can now finally recognize that elusive song for you—a highly requested feature that enhances its everyday utility.

Initially, when Gemini debuted, it lacked some beloved functionalities from Google Assistant, such as identifying currently playing songs. Asking it back then would simply direct you to another app.

But as reported by 9to5Google, this has evolved. In recent weeks, Gemini has subtly acquired built-in song identification, effectively bridging a significant gap with its predecessor and enhancing its capability as a comprehensive assistant for Android users.

Just ask and play

To test out Gemini’s new song identification feature, simply say, “What song is this?” It will then switch to a full-screen mode and request you to play, sing, or hum the melody. While it’s listening, you’ll observe that iconic pulsing sphere as it seeks the closest match using Google’s intelligence.

Gemini’s music recognition capabilities function universally, meaning it can detect songs playing in the vicinity, from your playlists, or even those you hum.

Still a bit clunky

Although Gemini on Android can now identify songs, it’s not fully integrated into the Gemini experience just yet. When you ask it to recognize a song, it actually transfers the task to the full-screen listening mode of the Google app.

It works, but it’s not as fluid or integrated as something like Pixel’s built-in Now Playing feature, which continues to excel in seamless song identification. You can activate it with a simple voice command or by tapping the lock screen shortcut, providing results directly in the interface. Additionally, it functions offline, which is a significant advantage.

Another distinction of Gemini’s song identification compared to a fully integrated system is that it displays results on a Google Search page instead of keeping it within the chat. Thus, instead of a smooth, inline response as you would receive from Google Assistant, you’re redirected from the conversation flow, making the experience feel somewhat fragmented.

At present, Song Search is exclusively available in Gemini on Android. Google has not officially announced when (or if) it will arrive on iOS, but it’s likely just a staggered rollout.

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Comparison of Two Smartwatches in a Spartan Race: Assessing Performance Without a Definitive Champion

This year, my goal is to compete in three Spartan races to elevate my fitness journey. It’s a process that has taken me five years to reach, and while I’ve gradually progressed among my fellow Spartans over that time, I still have a significant distance to cover before I entertain any thoughts of reaching the podium.

However, regardless of whether I ever secure a podium finish, the secret to advancement lies in training. Monitoring my performance with a smartwatch has been incredibly beneficial, but given the diverse obstacles and fitness types encountered in a Spartan race, which watch is optimal for tracking my progress?

I revisited two of my favorites from last year, the OnePlus Watch 3 and Google Pixel Watch 3, both of which I frequently rely on due to their precise fitness-tracking capabilities and comprehensive statistics. While I favor the compact size of the 41mm Pixel Watch 3, the battery longevity of the OnePlus Watch 3 stands out even more.

After completing the race, I analyzed my stats using various tools. Strava extracted the information from my OnePlus Watch 3, whereas Google’s Fitbit managed the data for the Pixel. All of this data was compiled into a web-based tool known as Quantified Self, which simplifies the process of directly comparing statistics and GPS-tracked maps at a glance. Now, let’s review the results.

Let’s get Spartan

If you have never participated in a Spartan Race, here’s a brief overview. Spartan Races are offered in three distances: Sprint (5K, 20+ obstacles), Super (10K, 25+ obstacles), Beast (21K, 30+ obstacles), and Ultra (50K, 60+ obstacles). The obstacles consist of a variety of challenges including rope ascents, crawling under barbed wire, navigating angled walls, and even carrying heavy objects for a specified distance.

Up to now, I’ve only completed Sprints and have no plans to go longer. I’m not Michael Hicks, and I can’t handle 20-mile races, but I have taken part in Ninja Warrior competitions previously, so obstacles play to my strengths. The varied demands of a Spartan Race make it challenging to gauge with a watch designed strictly for running, but they still offer a good amount of data for comparison.

Typically, I participate in Spartan Races in my home state of North Carolina, known for its hilly terrain, but I opted to try one while vacationing in the much flatter (and hotter) state of Florida.

Post-run 20-mile stats from four fitness watches

| Category | OnePlus Watch 3 | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|——————————|—————–|———————-|
| Distance | 5.26 Km | 5.33 Km |
| Pace | 11:37 min/km | 11:05 min/km |
| Ascent / Decent | 0 m / 0 m | 35 m / 50 m |
| Avg. / max heart rate | 177 bpm / 195 bpm| 177 bpm / 200 bpm |
| Running power average / max | 93 W / 532 W | N/A |
| Calories | 852 kcal | 864 kcal |
| Steps | 7,049 | 7,042 |
| Cadence | 117 spm | 112 spm |
| Stride length | 0.74m | 0.74m |
| Vertical oscillation | 7.7cm | 8.1cm |

While both watches are quite even in their overall performance, a few statistics caught my attention. The elevation change, for example, indicated that the OnePlus Watch 3 perceived Florida as much flatter than it truly is.

Although much of the course at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Boca Raton is indeed very flat by my North Carolina expectations, several obstacles were positioned above or below the general elevation of the majority of the route.

The bucket carry, for example, required me to trek up a constructed hill that was several dozen feet tall, while another obstacle had us traversing through a pond that we needed to navigate down a slope to access.

Examining the graph reveals a malfunction with the OnePlus Watch 3. Whether this was a glitch or something else entirely, I’m not sure, but it’s clear that I didn’t receive accurate altitude readings from the OnePlus Watch 3. This anomaly is unusual, as I’ve never experienced this outside of this specific race (naturally), and I’ve taken it hiking multiple times.

I recognize this was an anomaly since when I analyze the remaining data, both watches show remarkably comparable results. This impresses me as it affirms my initial impressions regarding the OnePlus Watch 3.

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Enhance Your Android Flip Phone Camera: Best Tips and Techniques

Flip phones might appear to be a fad, but the camera functions are genuinely entertaining and practical.

There’s much to appreciate about contemporary flip phones, yet one of the most compelling aspects, at least in my opinion, is the diverse ways to utilize their cameras. Traditional candybar smartphones offer a fairly conventional experience for taking photos and selfies. However, the flip phone design and their ever-expanding cover screens provide a distinct enhancement to that experience.

After reviewing an array of Android flip phones over the last couple of years, I’ve observed that people are consistently thrilled to see the innovative ways I leverage the cameras and cover screens. It’s one of the prime avenues to demonstrate what flip phones are capable of, so here are how I maximize the flip phone’s design to secure superior photos and videos.

Securing the perfect selfies

In standard smartphones, capturing selfies typically requires using the front-facing camera. While this method is generally adequate, front-facing cameras often deliver lower quality than the main rear cameras. Smaller sensors and reduced resolutions can sometimes lead to noisier images that simply don’t look as appealing.

Flip phones do feature front-facing cameras, but honestly, I hardly ever employ them, and when I do, it’s mainly for video calls. If I’m aiming to take a selfie, I close the phone and activate the camera. This approach allows me not only to see myself on the cover screen, but it also lets me capture selfies using the superior quality of the main camera.

What’s fantastic is that you don’t need a high-end flip phone for this to work; even the less expensive models with smaller cover screens typically offer a selfie preview. Naturally, having a larger cover screen improves the overall experience.

The Razr also includes an entertaining Photobooth feature that automatically takes four pictures after a brief countdown. Once completed, it compiles them into an amusing 4×4 collage.

Capturing your finest angles

One of the most frustrating experiences is having someone else take your picture, only for it to turn out poorly or capture you at an awkward angle. You often find yourself reliant on the person taking the photo, hoping at least one of the shots is decent enough to share on Instagram.

With most flip phones, this concern is eliminated. Thanks to their large cover screens, devices like the Motorola Razr and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip allow you to activate a viewfinder preview. This way, when you’re photographing someone, they can see themselves and position themselves accordingly, ensuring you capture their best angle.

I make use of this feature every time I photograph friends, and they consistently mention how impressive and handy it is that they can see themselves.

For the TikTok enthusiasts

If you’re a TikTok user or a content creator, this is tailored for you. Rather than purchasing a tripod or another device to prop your phone up while filming a video, you can simply take a flip phone, set it down in a suitable spot, and fold it at an angle. With the cover screen viewfinder, you can see yourself as you film your videos. Plus, since you’re not utilizing the front camera, the video quality will be notably superior compared to a standard smartphone.

This is one of my preferred methods for capturing hands-free “selfies” that appear to be taken by someone else. This technique pairs well with Air Gestures, which trigger a short countdown when you raise your hand toward the camera. Additionally, for video recording, the Razr Ultra enables similar controls, letting you start, pause, or conclude video capture by displaying your palm or fist.

However, it’s also an excellent way to record footage of not only yourself but also other subjects. Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich recently took a Motorola Razr Plus 2025 while paddleboarding on a lake. He placed the phone in front of him on the board and simply began filming. It was beneficial because he could document his experience on the lake with the Razr while concentrating on steering the paddleboard (with the Razr secured to the board, of course).

If you own a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can benefit from a fascinating auto zoom feature. While utilizing the cover screen viewfinder, the camera will automatically zoom in or out based on your proximity to the camera, a task that typically requires manual adjustment.

Unleash your inner filmmaker

Recent Razr and Galaxy Z Flip models have introduced an exciting feature that simplifies video recording, especially when holding the phone. Camcorder Mode effectively transforms your device into a camcorder when you fold the phone at a 90-degree angle while the camera is active.

With Camcorder Mode, the user interface changes so the viewfinder is

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Comparison zwischen Motorola Edge 2025 und Edge 2024

The Motorola Edge 2025 represents a significant enhancement over its forerunner, the Edge 2024, featuring multiple improvements that make it an enticing option for potential upgraders. The Edge 2025 brings forth sophisticated AI functionalities and markedly enhanced camera abilities, establishing it as a more contemporary and adaptable gadget. Nevertheless, it still encounters rivalry within its price bracket from alternative Android devices.

**Design and Display:**
The Motorola Edge 2025 showcases a 6.7-inch pOLED Super HD HDR10+ screen with a resolution of 2,712 x 1,220, delivering vibrant hues and an impressive peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. Its design features a soft-touch vegan leather exterior and a curved display safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass 7. It is available in a Forest Green shade and holds an IP68 and IP69 rating for dust and water resistance.

**Performance and Battery:**
Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Edge 2025 enables multitasking and gaming, although some performance challenges like lags and stutters have been observed. It contains a 5,200mAh battery that supports 68W TurboPower charging along with 15W wireless charging, promising up to two days of operation on a single charge.

**Camera System:**
The Edge 2025 shines in photography with a quad-camera arrangement, comprising a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP front camera. The integration of AI functionalities enhances image quality by executing intelligent adjustments, minimizing noise, and boosting dynamic range.

**Software and Features:**
Operating on Android 15 with the Hello UI, the Edge 2025 is set to receive updates until Android 17. It unveils AI-driven features such as Moto AI, Google Gemini, and a specific AI Key for swift access to the virtual assistant. The device also supports Smart Connect for effortless content sharing to larger displays.

**Comparison with Edge 2024:**
The Edge 2024, though still a competent device, lacks the cutting-edge AI capabilities and camera enhancements found in the Edge 2025. It employs a Snapdragon processor and a 144Hz refresh rate, but its camera capabilities and software support are limited. The Edge 2024 is approaching the conclusion of its software update cycle, rendering the Edge 2025 a more future-oriented choice.

**Conclusion:**
In summary, the Motorola Edge 2025 is a deserving successor to the Edge 2024, providing significant advancements in AI functionalities, camera technology, and durability. Although it might not rank as the top pick among all Android devices, it offers a robust alternative for individuals looking for a contemporary gadget with superior features.

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Early Pixel 12 Rumors, Possible OnePlus and Hasselblad Separation, New Oakley+Meta Smart Spectacles, and More Updates

A recap of the most notable Tech-related stories that made waves this week.

(Image credit: OnePlus)
News Weekly

(Image credit: Future)

News Weekly serves as our section where we spotlight and summarize some of the premier stories of the week to help you stay informed on the latest happenings in tech.

This is Android Central’s News Weekly, your essential destination for a brief summary of the week’s most crucial tech news. Here, we explore the leading headlines outlining the recent advancements and innovations shaping the digital realm.

This week unfolded with several key leaks, beginning with a complete rumored lineup of the Pixel 12 series expected to launch in 2027, the potential absence of Hasselblad’s cameras on future OnePlus models, additional leaks regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, the introduction of new smart glasses by Oakley and Meta aimed at athletes, and <a data

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“Best Headphones Offered at Cheapest Rate Ahead of Prime Day”

The AirPods Max drop back to $479.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

I’ve been using the AirPods Max for almost a year, and they are fantastic. Their sound quality exceeds my expectations, the connectivity is impeccable, and they offer the finest isolation compared to any other product I’ve tried. If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem and looking for an audio enhancement, this is undoubtedly the right choice.

I also pair my AirPods Max with many Android devices, and they perform as well as the Bose QC Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5. The convenience of the USB-C model is great since it charges with the same cable as my other equipment, and a recent software update enables high-res audio, increasing the headset’s adaptability. The standard price for the AirPods Max is $549, but they are currently available for $479, matching Sony’s latest WH-1000XM6.

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In-Depth Analysis of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Latest Insights and Data

Qualcomm is poised to achieve remarkable advancements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The debut of Snapdragon 8 Elite represented a crucial milestone in Qualcomm’s evolution, featuring the revival of custom CPU cores and a transition to a 3nm technology, resulting in significant improvements universally. Qualcomm is not remaining complacent, as it is accelerating the release of this year’s flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, enabling manufacturers to introduce smartphones and tablets powered by the chipset earlier than ever.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: CPU

Building on the base of custom cores, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is anticipated to include two high-performance cores along with six mid-tier cores, likely produced on the 3nm process. A leak from China showcases remarkable Geekbench results, with a single-core score surpassing 4,000 and a multi-core score exceeding 11,000, indicating a notable enhancement compared to the 8 Elite. Qualcomm is targeting an increase of up to 30% in single-core tasks and up to 12% in multi-core performance, demonstrating significant improvements for the second year in a row.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Gaming

The Snapdragon 8 Elite serves as a gaming titan, managing high-demand games effortlessly. Nevertheless, enhancements in thermal capacity are required, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite tends to operate at elevated temperatures, leading devices to become hot. Qualcomm should prioritize enhanced thermal control for the 8 Elite 2 to guarantee peak performance in 2026 flagship devices.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Launch date

Qualcomm is hastening the rollout of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, which will be unveiled at the annual Snapdragon Summit on September 23. This accelerated launch places it in a more advantageous position alongside the anticipated A19, altering the typical Q4 launch pattern. While specifics regarding camera and connectivity modifications have yet to be disclosed, further details are expected in the following weeks.

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