Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Samsung Provides Up to $250 Discount on Galaxy Watch 8 or Ultra with Possible Concealed Savings

Samsung is providing a notable price cut on its 2025 Galaxy Watch lineup, which includes the Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra, with discounts ranging from $50 to $70 for eligible purchasers without the need for a trade-in. This deal is in addition to more than $200 in trade-in value. The Galaxy Watch 8 can be acquired for as little as $279 after applying discounts, and additional trade-in possibilities can lower the cost to $199 or even $100, based on the smartwatch exchanged. The Watch 8 Classic is priced at $299 with trade-in credits, whereas the Galaxy Watch Ultra begins at $599, with possible reductions to $449 through trade-in offers. This campaign aims to motivate more consumers to embrace Samsung’s latest smartwatch innovations, which boast enhanced designs and features.

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COROS Hints at Upcoming Apex Mountain Watch: Expected Features and Anticipations

A COROS APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro must set itself apart from the durable NOMAD, athletic PACE, and high-end VERTIX.

COROS is gearing up to introduce a fresh addition to its collection of trail and mountain sports timepieces, likely called the APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro. This forthcoming model is expected to be revealed on October 15, with the teaser suggesting various design updates, such as a revised button arrangement and charging port. The APEX 2 series, which debuted in November 2022, showcased titanium bezels, sapphire glass, downloadable maps, prolonged battery life, and dual-band GPS in the Pro variant.

The recent release of the NOMAD watch, targeted at hikers and adventurers, indicates that the APEX 3 will need to establish its own distinct identity. The button design of the NOMAD, featuring a bottom-left Action button for shortcuts, may inspire analogous functionalities in the APEX 3.

The teaser image discloses a familiar three-prong charging port and a silicone strap, deviating from the APEX 2’s standard nylon strap. While additional information will be available on October 15, speculation based on previous releases indicates the APEX 3 will possess attributes such as a titanium bezel, sapphire glass, dual-band GPS, offline maps, an altimeter, a gyroscope, and a minimum battery life of two weeks. The expected price range is between $350 and $500.

A significant consideration is whether COROS will incorporate AMOLED displays for the APEX series, aligning with industry trends, or maintain MIP displays for enhanced visibility and contrast. Competing mid-range timepieces, like the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Suunto Race 2, provide vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent resolution and durability.

COROS might also think about integrating popular features such as Bluetooth calling, contactless payments, music streaming applications, or a flashlight, although these are less probable. COROS’s challenge will be to differentiate the APEX series from both the NOMAD and VERTIX lines. The NOMAD is aimed at hikers and anglers, whereas the VERTIX caters to climbers. The APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro will need to concentrate on particular “mountain sports” to make its mark.

The APEX 2 series was regarded as one of the finest running watches during its period, offering a more upscale appearance compared to the plastic-laden designs of the PACE and NOMAD. The upcoming APEX watch is expected to uphold this legacy while introducing new features to engage its target demographic.

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How to Effortlessly Apply the Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector on Pixel 10

This screen protector from Spigen is perfect for unsteady hands and those lacking installation expertise.

Anyone who has just received the [Google Pixel 10](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-10) is likely in a rush to purchase a screen protector. The issue with ordering one online is that when it arrives, you’re left to install it yourself at home. Regardless of your past experience, this can be an intimidating task. A single error could leave you with bubbles or dust trapped beneath the screen protector for months or even years!

The prospect of a poor screen protector installation might deter you, but a screen guard is crucial to safeguard your phone from daily wear and tear. This is why the best screen protectors for any device are those that include an alignment frame and cleaning kit, such as the [Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT series for the Pixel 10](https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-AluminaCore-Aluminum-Enhanced-Durability-Resistance/dp/B0D851Z6N8/). I purchased both the tempered glass screen protector and the camera lens protector for my [Pixel 10 Pro](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-pixel-10-pro-review).

The Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL is constructed from a durable tempered glass known as AluminaCore glass. It is extremely shatter-proof and resistant to scratches. Spigen provides a complete installation kit along with a cleaning kit in this two-pack.

Similarly, the Spigen Optik EZ Fit Tempered Glass Screen Protector two-pack is available for all three Pixel 10 models. It is also made from the same sturdy AluminaCore glass and comes with all the same installation and cleaning accessories included.

The Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT is designed for the front screen of the Pixel 10, while the Spigen Optik EZ Fit is intended for the camera lens. Each kit comprises two pieces of the highly durable AluminaCore glass screen and camera lens protectors. In fact, it is significantly stronger than regular tempered glass, providing enhanced durability and impact resistance.

While there are many more affordable Pixel 10 screen protectors available, I decided to go for this

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Nothing’s CMF Brand Obtains $100M Funding to Function Independently in India

CMF, the budget-oriented brand that emerged from Nothing, is poised to set up its global headquarters in India. This strategic initiative is part of a new collaboration with Optiemus, aimed at channeling $100 million and generating 1,800 jobs within the nation. CMF, which caters to the budget device sector priced under $200, will function independently from Nothing, with its manufacturing, R&D, and operations situated in India. This choice aligns with India’s increasing importance in the worldwide smartphone market, as emphasized by Nothing’s CEO Carl Pei. The partnership with Optiemus will concentrate on advanced manufacturing as well as on developing export-ready products conceived in India. CMF’s formation as a distinct entity allows Nothing to focus on premium, AI-driven devices, while CMF dedicates itself to economical technology. This development occurs as Nothing undergoes notable growth in India, becoming the fastest-growing brand in the nation with an 85% surge in shipments. CMF, initiated in 2023, has earned popularity for its customizable devices and intends to broaden its product array with new releases like over-ear headphones.

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Xiaomi 17 Launches with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Cutting-Edge Dynamic Rear Display

Xiaomi’s latest flagship series is taking things to the next level by creating a seamless foldable experience for its smartphones.

Today (Sep 25), Xiaomi unveiled its new 17 series, which will initially be available in China for its domestic market. The base 17 model resembles the Xiaomi 15, featuring a squared camera layout and showcasing a 6.3-inch compact screen design. The Xiaomi 17 Pro series (including the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max) steps up the game with the “Dynamic Back Display” that offers dynamic notifications, AI-generated wallpapers, and customizable watch faces. The starting price for the 17 Pro is 4,999 Yuan (~$700), while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max begins at 5,999 Yuan (~$840).

Today (Sep 25), the all-new Xiaomi 17 series debuted in China, marking it as the first next-gen series powered by Qualcomm’s latest chip. With the Snapdragon Summit 2025 happening this week, the Xiaomi 17 series is quick to announce its pioneering use of this technology. The Chinese OEM publicized the new line today through a press release, showcasing the innovative devices available to local consumers. Kicking off the series is the Xiaomi 17, which adopts the familiar design seen in the Xiaomi 15. This updated model features a 6.3-inch compact design with rounded corners, flat sides, and a flat display.

Thanks to LIPO technology, Xiaomi claims the base 17 can reach a peak brightness of 3,500nits. The design of the camera array might lead some to observe a slight resemblance to Apple’s iPhone. Regardless, the Xiaomi 17’s camera setup includes a 50MP primary lens with an f/1.67 aperture, ideal for low-light conditions.

Powering this device is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Its telephoto lens reportedly utilizes a Leica 60mm “floating lens” design with an f/2.0 aperture and a 10cm close-up zoom.

Completing the package is a robust 7,000mAh battery for this compact device. Xiaomi asserts this battery should provide extended longevity and impressive low-temperature performance. Furthermore, compared to the previous series, the Xiaomi 17 supports 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and compatibility with the 100W PPS universal charging protocol. The base model comes with the following RAM/storage configurations: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB. The Xiaomi 17 is priced starting at 4,499 Yuan (~$630).

This new series consists of three devices in total, leading to the introductions of the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Xiaomi promotes these two models as the pinnacle of its innovations this year. Like the base version, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max also feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The Xiaomi 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display that utilizes an M10 Display Panel and SuperRED luminous material for greater efficiency and brightness.

However, the standout feature is the “Dynamic Back Display.”

The Xiaomi 17 Pro

The rear panel of the phone houses a dual camera setup along with a 2.6-inch Dynamic Back Display. Xiaomi claims this display will incorporate a dual-screen design for the smartphone, enhancing both lifestyle and efficiency in various scenarios. This secondary display allows users customizable watch faces, AI-generated wallpapers, “virtual pets,” dynamic notifications, notes, and more.

As for the AI wallpapers, Xiaomi mentions users can utilize their photos for this function. Real-time notifications on the Dynamic Back Display provide information like flight alerts, train ticket updates, delivery details, and more. Notably, similar to a foldable device, this secondary screen aids users in taking photos, whether it’s of others or themselves.

Xiaomi also highlights a special gaming case for the 17 Pro and Pro Max, transforming the devices into retro gaming consoles when the main display is off.

The Xiaomi 17 Pro includes two 50MP lenses within this back display, with the main camera having capabilities of an f/1.67 aperture. Specifically for the 17 Pro, consumers will find an inverted floating lens telephoto that supports macro shots of up to 20cm. The Pro model reportedly has a 6,300mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The Pro Max extends the features

In contrast, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is equipped with a larger 6.9-inch display, also utilizing the same M10 Display Panel and SuperRED luminous material. However, the press release highlights that the Pro Max comes with Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0, which enhances its durability. Similar to the 17 Pro, the

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Comparison of Garmin Venu 4 and Venu 3: Assessing Enhancements in Garmin’s Top Versatile Watch

The Garmin Venu 4 presents a fresh aesthetic, enhanced precision, Forerunner training resources, and an entirely new Fitness Coach. But does it suffice for owners of the Venu 3?

Designed for athletes seeking daily workout recommendations, the Garmin Venu 4 strives to provide more diverse suggestions for both indoor and outdoor exercises than what a Forerunner can deliver. It retains the slimmer, sleek appearance of the Venu 3 but incorporates superior materials, updated hardware, and the latest Garmin user interface.

Pros:
– Flashlight and dual-band GPS
– Eye-catching steel in casing
– Training load, courses, and additional Forerunner training tools
– Daily personalized workout suggestions and Garmin Fitness Coach
– Innovative circadian sleep advice
– Health Status and Lifestyle Tracking
– 40 new sports modes

Cons:
– Increased brightness leads to reduced battery longevity
– Lacks new health sensors or sapphire glass
– Priced $100 higher

The Garmin Venu 3 was a game-changer in numerous aspects. Garmin’s anticipated software obsolescence for older models implies it won’t benefit from the Venu 4’s new features; nevertheless, self-guided athletes continue to experience the same fundamental capabilities, with the most prevalent indoor and outdoor sports modes, precise health metrics, and a lightweight, slim design.

Pros:
– Improved daily and always-on display battery longevity
– Additional button for shortcuts
– Lighter polymer casing
– Consistent health sensor accuracy
– More budget-friendly and frequently discounted

Cons:
– Absence of flashlight and dual-band GPS
– Dimmer AMOLED display
– Limited training guidance and no course navigation
– Will not receive new Garmin software updates like Health Status

The Garmin Venu 4 enhances the Venu 3, our top all-purpose Garmin watch of the last two years, featuring understated design tweaks, a handful of anticipated hardware improvements, and a comprehensive array of new fitness attributes that give this fourth-generation version a feel akin to the Forerunner 570 with fewer buttons.

This overview comparing the Venu 4 and Venu 3 is unlikely to reveal many surprises. Most Garmin watches in 2025 have added a flashlight, increased display brightness, voice commands, smart alarms, and new Garmin Coach plans. Those hoping for sixth-generation health sensors or other exclusive features may be let down.

Nevertheless, despite the widening gap between the Venu X1 and Venu 3, the Venu 4 boasts numerous appealing upgrades for those who felt Garmin restrained the Venu 3 software too much to achieve mainstream accessibility.

Let’s explore every critical difference to assist Garmin enthusiasts in determining whether the Venu 4 justifies the additional cost or if the Venu 3 remains a worthwhile purchase if available at a discount.

Garmin Venu 4 vs. Venu 3 specs
| Category | Garmin Venu 4 | Garmin Venu 3 |
|———-|—————|—————|
| Case colors | 41mm: Slate, Silver, Lunar Gold; 45mm: Slate, Silver | 41mm: Slate, Silver, Soft Gold; 45mm: Slate, Silver |
| Materials | Case: Stainless steel and fiber-reinforced polymer; Bezel: Stainless steel | Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Bezel: Stainless steel |
| Strap | 22mm or 18mm silicone Quick Release strap | 22mm or 18mm silicone Quick Release strap |
| Protection | 5ATM, Gorilla Glass 3 | 5ATM, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Dimensions | 45 x 45 x 12.5mm, 56g w/ strap; 41 x 41 x 12mm, 46g w/ strap | 45 x 45 x 12mm, 47g w/ strap; 41 x 41 x 12mm, 40g w/ strap |
| Display | 1.2-inch (390×390) or 1.4-inch (454×454) AMOLED touchscreen, 2,000 nits | 1.2-inch (390×390) or 1.4-inch (454×454) AMOLED touchscreen, 1,000 nits |
| Tracking | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SatIQ, All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, All-Systems GNSS |
| Sensors | Elevate v5 HRM, SpO2, accelerometer, altimeter, compass, ECG, gyroscope, skin temperature | Elevate v5 HRM, SpO2, accelerometer, altimeter, compass, ECG, gyroscope, skin temperature |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, NFC | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, NFC |
| Storage | ✔️ (8GB) | ✔️ (8GB) |
| Mic & speaker

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Google Phone with Enhanced AI Capabilities Now Half Price at Mint Mobile

The Google Pixel 9 is a present that keeps on providing. The Google Pixel 9 might be a previous generation smartphone, yet the 2024 flagship continues to impress with extended software support and all the AI-driven software capabilities you could possibly require. The phone’s (somewhat) older model also means that Pixel 9 bargains are becoming more frequent, including this Mint Mobile offer that slices a straight 50% off the phone when you bundle your purchase with a year of the unlimited plan.

That promotion alone would be quite an outstanding deal, but Mint Mobile is also cutting 50% off the wireless, which means you’re receiving a complete year of unlimited T-Mobile-powered service AND a new smartphone for just $579 (or $49/month using affirm). Who says you need to break the bank to enjoy all the latest AI features?

Get 50% off one of 2024’s top phones

The Google Pixel 9 may not be the latest model on the market, but it continues to be an excellent device for anyone who values adaptable cameras, brisk performance, and a plethora of AI capabilities. Purchase the phone from Mint Mobile with one year of the Unlimited plan, and the T-Mobile-owned carrier will provide you with 50% off both the wireless AND the phone, no trade-in needed. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, it’s also noteworthy that Mint is offering a similar promotion on the Google Pixel 10.

✅Recommended if: you seek a compact, AI-equipped smartphone with exceptional cameras, lengthy software support, and a vibrant display; you’re in search of a new data plan and reside in an area with strong T-Mobile coverage; you’re tired of high phone bills.

❌Avoid this deal if: you can afford the Google Pixel 10; you prefer not to be committed to one year of a single wireless plan.

As noted in our 4/5-star review, the Google Pixel 9 is a pocket-sized AI phone with enough capability to compete with the top Android devices available today. The device features a brilliant 120Hz OLED display with a Gorilla Glass Victus design and IP68 water and dust resistance. Under the hood, you have the still-robust Tensor G4 processor with 12GB of RAM, excellent haptics, and over a day of battery life on a single charge.

Thanks to Gemini, you’re also gaining all of the enjoyable (and free) AI features you could desire, like Pixel Studio and Call Notes. The phone is powerful enough to support on-board AI processing, and Google’s extensive software commitment will ensure these features improve with each new update.

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan, on the other hand, provides unlimited talk, text, and data on T-Mobile’s extensive 5G network, plus you receive a complimentary mobile hotspot and calls to Mexico, Canada, and the UK. This 50% off deal reduces the cost of the data plan to only $180, which amounts to just $15 per month. Look at last month’s phone bill and tell me that doesn’t sound appealing right about now.

Of course, the Google Pixel 9 is a previous-generation phone, so you will be making a few compromises when compared to a device like the Pixel 10. Some individuals may also prefer not to be bound to a single wireless plan for an entire year, and that’s understandable. However, if you desire an affordable phone and some budget-friendly T-Mobile-powered wireless to accompany it, this offer is still an obvious choice.

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Honor Unveils ‘Dual-Engine’ AI Age and Hints at Magic 8 Pro During 2025 Snapdragon Summit

The firm’s robust emphasis on enhanced, intelligent, and supportive on-device AI has made significant progress.

At the Snapdragon Summit 2025, Honor showcased its innovative “Dual-Engine” strategy for on-device AI concerning the Magic 8 Pro and Magic Pad 3 Pro. The keynote emphasized Magic Color, a cutting-edge on-device AI engine designed to assist everyday users and creators in producing edits reminiscent of professional work. The company is also aiming to elevate its gaming features, unveiling functionalities akin to DLSS seen on gaming PCs. The Magic 8 Pro and Pad 3 Pro from Honor are set to debut in China in October.

The Snapdragon Summit 2025 is currently in progress, and Honor’s latest participation signifies a pivotal moment in its AI advancements, propelled by Qualcomm’s latest chip. Honor hinted at “revolutionary” AI breakthroughs scheduled for its flagship Magic 8 Pro and Magic Pad 3 Pro in a press release to Android Central. For those eager to express their creativity with Honor’s upcoming flagship smartphone that will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the announcement mentions the pioneering “Agent-powered Magic Color” system. This innovation elevates the Honor Alpha Plan, the company’s prior promise of more powerful on-device AI, to an entirely new dimension.

Honor claims that Magic Color integrates its on-device AI with “advanced semantic understanding” to simplify the image editing process for average users and creators, delivering edits akin to those of professionals. Using “one-sentence commands,” Honor states users can modify their images, restyle them, and extract “key color tones” for other applications.

From a technical aspect, the enhanced capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 have enabled Honor’s “Dual-Engine” model for on-device AI. The company aims to address three primary challenges associated with on-device AI: computational power, memory usage, and energy efficiency. At the Snapdragon Summit 2025 event, Honor unveiled its Low-Bit Quantization technology, a first in the Android landscape. Utilizing Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU, this technology enhances computing performance by 15%, reduces energy consumption by 30%, and utilizes 30% less storage. This Low-Bit technology is also reputed to accelerate the speed at which the on-device AI can process and provide data.

Performance represents another facet of Honor’s “Dual-Engine” strategy this year. Concerning gaming, Honor has rolled out its GPU-NPU Heterogeneous AI Super Sampling technology. This implies that through AI reconstruction, Honor’s innovation can elevate low frame rates and resolutions, similar to DLSS found on gaming PCs. During trials, Honor asserts that this Super Sampling technology can achieve 120fps at 1080p from content initially running at 60fps on-device.

Fang Fei, Honor’s product president, remarked, “By collaborating with industry leaders like Qualcomm Technologies to continuously redefine the boundaries of on-device AI, we move closer to creating a shared, co-created world where everyone can reap the benefits of AI.”

These groundbreaking AI capabilities from Honor are anticipated to be available on the Magic 8 Pro and Magic Pad 3 Pro “next month.” However, the spotlight this week has turned toward the company’s forthcoming flagship device. The Magic 8 Pro made an appearance during Honor’s keynote at the Snapdragon Summit 2025, impressing with its rounded corners, flat sides, and a seemingly level display.

The design resembles what users experienced with the Magic 7 Pro. The next version will maintain its centrally positioned, rounded camera assembly with a glossy ring surrounding it from below. The device is set to launch in China in October, with no updates regarding a global release as of now.

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