Topic
smartphone
Manufacturing Google Pixel 10a Crowned Best Budget Pixel in WIRED's Updated 2026 Buying Guide
WIRED's updated buying guide names the Google Pixel 10a the best smartphone for the money, citing seven years of software support, a 6.3-inch OLED display, and a 48-megapixel camera. The guide, updated in August 2026, also covers the new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5.
Technology Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold Is Better, but Not the Best
WIRED's review of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold finds a better foldable than last year's, with IP68 dust-tight protection and Qi2 25W magnetic charging. But a $1,900 price bump, heavier chassis, and stiff competition from Samsung and Honor limit its appeal.
Finance Only 1 in 15 Indians Carry Active Smartphone Protection Even as 72% Report Damage
A new OneAssist-Hansa Research study finds fewer than 1 in 15 Indian smartphone owners carry active device protection, even as 72% report accidental damage and 82% have dropped their phones. The study, based on 1,260 respondents, identifies cost concerns, limited understanding, and claims distrust as structural barriers, and highlights the refurbished device segment as a parallel adoption front.
Technology Google Pixel 11 Pro's Rambler AI Voice-to-Text Strips Filler Words, WIRED Review Finds
WIRED's review of Google's Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL highlights Rambler, an AI-powered voice-to-text feature in Gboard that strips filler words, omits false starts, and can format or translate dictated messages. The reviewer tested the feature over a week, including Malayalam transliteration. WIRED also assessed HiLight as 'pretty useless,' with just five LED colors.
Technology Joule Thief Circuit Reveals Hidden Energy Still Left in Dead Batteries
Rhett Allain of WIRED explains how a so-called joule thief circuit — a transformer paired with a transistor — can recover residual chemical energy from batteries that appear dead. The circuit can run a 3-volt LED on a single 1.5-volt AA battery, showing that battery depletion is not the same as zero energy.
Manufacturing Fairphone Brings Repairable, Modular Smartphone to US Market for $650
Fairphone has launched its repairable, modular Fairphone (Gen 6+) in the US for $650, with component prices as low as $20 and a 10/10 iFixit repairability score. The Dutch company is entering a carrier-dominated market where Apple and Samsung hold a duopoly, and CEO Raymond van Eck says discussions with major carriers are already underway.
Finance RBI bars lenders from locking phones over missed EMIs under new recovery rules
The Reserve Bank of India has released final norms on loan recovery that prohibit lenders from disabling borrowers' mobile phones, tablets or laptops as a recovery tool, except for devices financed through loans. The new framework, effective January 1, 2027, sets a graduated restriction timeline, compensation for delayed unlocking, and certification requirements for device-locking software.
Technology Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Cases: Drop Protection, Qi2 Charging and Design Trade-Offs
WIRED tested a range of Samsung Galaxy S26 cases, from $20 budget options to a $60 Dbrand Tank, assessing fit, comfort, and button responsiveness without drop-testing. The guide highlights that the S26 lacks native Qi2 support, making magnetic cases necessary, and warns that camera bump design interferes with some magnetic accessories.
Technology Google Pixel 11 Series Launches with Tensor G6 Chipset, Enhanced Cameras and AI Features
Google unveiled the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, all powered by the Tensor G6 chipset. Pricing starts at USD 899 for the base model, launching August 20. The Pro models add a HiLight LED indicator and up to 120x Pro Zoom.
4 New Camera Tricks on Google’s Latest Pixel 11 Smartphones
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Technology Honor's Robot Phone Has a Gimbal-Powered Camera for Vloggers
WIRED reported Honor launched the Robot Phone in China, a handset with a motorized gimbal camera that pops out of the chassis for stabilized video. The phone combines a 200-MP gimbal main camera, telephoto and ultrawide shooters, and a 7,060 mAh battery. It remains China-exclusive for now, with pricing not yet confirmed.
Technology MagSafe Accessories Meet the Qi2 Standard as Android Compatibility Expands
WIRED's Reviews team has tested hundreds of MagSafe accessories, from wallets to charging docks. The Qi2 wireless charging standard now brings Apple's magnetic attachment system to Android devices, with the Google Pixel 10 series as the first fully Qi2-supported range. This means magnetic accessories can work across iPhone and compatible Android phones.
Trade India Smartphone Exports Surge 23% to $9.8 Billion in Q1 Driven by iPhone Shipments
According to Business-Today, India's smartphone exports rose 23.4% year-on-year to $9.8 billion in the first quarter (April-June), the highest ever. The growth was driven by strong iPhone shipments to the US, which accounted for 71% of export value in April-May. Industry estimates project exports could reach $35 billion in FY27, up from $29 billion in FY26.
Technology Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review Reveals Passport-Style Design Ahead of Apple's Folding iPhone
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a radically shorter, wider build reminiscent of a passport, aimed at improving video viewing and one-handed use. The $1,900 device, shipping Aug. 7, 2026, precedes Apple's first folding iPhone expected in less than two months. Early testing reveals trade-offs in information density but a charming form factor.
Technology Samsung's New Galaxy Z Fold8 Adopts Passport Shape to Match Mobile Video Viewing Habits
Samsung revealed a new passport-shaped design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 at its second Galaxy Unpacked event, targeting the shift to mobile video consumption. The phone features a 10:16 aspect ratio cover screen and a 4:3 inner display, priced at $1,900, with a new Flex Titanium layer to minimize the crease.
Manufacturing India Smartphone Shipments Decline 10% in June Quarter, Sharpest Drop in 3 Years
India's smartphone shipments declined 10% year-on-year in the June quarter, the steepest drop in three years, driven by record-high memory prices and weak demand in the mass-market segment. Chinese brands suffered most, while Samsung posted growth. Premium devices held steady.
Technology OnePlus, the 'Flagship-Killer' Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
OnePlus, once a disruptive 'flagship-killer' brand, is effectively shutting down in North America and Europe. The company has laid off staff across multiple regions, with employees moving to parent Oppo or sub-brand Realme. Smartphone shipments globally fell 11% year-over-year in Q2 2026, and OnePlus faced tariff-driven price hikes and lost T-Mobile partnership.
Technology Six Ways to Share Your Location from Smartphones: Google Maps, Find My, Messenger, and WhatsApp
Sharing your location from a smartphone is easy with built-in features in popular apps. This article covers six methods, including Google Maps, Apple's Find My, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, with step-by-step instructions for both Android and iOS devices.
Manufacturing India Smartphone Shipments to Fall Over 10% in Q2 as Memory Costs Squeeze Margins
India's smartphone market shipments are set to decline more than 10% year-on-year in Q2 2026, the sharpest drop since Covid, according to IDC. Soaring memory costs have pushed handset prices up 15-18%, squeezing OEM margins and deterring entry-level buyers. Analysts warn of further price increases ahead of the festive season.
Technology Samsung reclaims top spot as memory shortage squeezes smartphone market, shipments hit 2013 low
Samsung Electronics regained the global smartphone market lead from Apple in Q2 2026 as industry shipments fell to their lowest since 2013, driven by a severe memory shortage. DRAM and NAND supply constraints, fueled by AI data center demand, pushed memory costs up four- to five-fold year-on-year, squeezing margins on budget models and prompting price increases across brands.
Anthropic Launches Claude Cowork AI Agent on Mobile, Enabling 24/7 Task Automation Without a Desktop
Anthropic announced on Tuesday that Claude Cowork, its AI agent for performing digital tasks, is expanding beyond the desktop app to the Claude smartphone app and web browser. Users no longer need to leave their laptop open to keep the agent running; it can execute scheduled tasks overnight. The update addresses a key limitation of the earlier Dispatch feature, which required the desktop to be awake. Anthropic also released a report indicating that 'Business process and operations' and 'Content creation and copywriting' are the two largest categories of recent usage.
Technology Motorola Phones Now Have a Built-In Travel eSIM for Mobile Data Outside the US
Motorola introduces a built-in travel eSIM experience through its Global Connect app, initially available in Latin American markets with expansion to Europe soon. Powered by Gigs, it offers data plans starting at $3 for 1GB, with 1GB free for first-time users. The feature aims to simplify roaming for travelers.
Technology Why Buying Used iPhones Is Now a Smarter Enterprise Procurement Strategy
With Apple facing unavoidable price hikes due to a memory shortage and tariff uncertainty, buying used iPhones offers significant cost savings and environmental benefits. New iOS 27 software updates extend the life of older models, making them a viable option for enterprise device fleets. Battery replacements are cheaper, and expert sources confirm the value proposition.
Technology iFixit Teardown Reveals Trump Phone Is Rebadged HTC U24 Pro, Raising Trade Compliance Questions
A teardown by iFixit reveals that the T1 by Trump Mobile — marketed as a 'proudly American' smartphone — is effectively a gold-colored version of the 2024 HTC U24 Pro, a Taiwanese-designed handset likely manufactured in China. The device carries an 'assembled in the USA' marking, but iFixit speculates that key components such as the chassis and screen are imported pre-assembled from China, with only final assembly occurring in Florida. The finding raises questions about origin labeling, import duties, and compliance with FCC 'Made in America' standards.
Technology Razr Ultra, AMD GPU, Honor Foldable Lead Latest Consumer Electronics Trade Cycle
Engadget's recent review coverage spans foldable phones, GPUs, headphones and travel accessories. Products such as the Motorola Razr Ultra, AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE and Honor Magic V6 highlight ongoing innovation in consumer electronics, with implications for global trade flows and supply chain planning.
Technology Honor 600 Pro Molly Limited Edition Blends Gen Z Fashion and Tech, Apple Could Never Match Its Charm
Chinese smartphone maker Honor has unveiled the 600 Pro Molly Limited Edition, a collaboration with Pop Mart's popular character Molly. The phone features a glittery golden white design, exclusive photo watermarks, and deep customization options targeting Gen Z consumers. The character, created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006, is Pop Mart's top-selling mascot.
Tech Expert Wishes Apple Would Copy 5 Google Features in iOS 27 at WWDC 2026
David Nield, a technology journalist covering both iOS and Android, shares five features he hopes Apple will incorporate from Google's ecosystem in the upcoming iOS 27 update at WWDC 2026. The wishlist includes an improved keyboard, more Liquid Glass customizations, version history in Apple Notes, and additional place details in Apple Maps.
Technology 7 biggest iOS 27 features: Siri AI, password auto-change, and Liquid Glass slider
Apple has announced iOS 27, featuring a new Siri AI assistant built on Google's Foundation Models, an opacity slider for Liquid Glass, automatic weak password changes in the Passwords app, and upgraded Photos editing tools with improvements to Clean Up. The update is expected in September, with a developer beta available now.
Technology Best EOFY 2026 iPhone Deals: Save Up to 45% Outright or on a Plan for Work
The 2026 EOFY sales in Australia offer discounts of up to 45% on Apple iPhones, including the iPhone Air, 16e, 17 Pro, and 17. Deals are available from retailers like Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, Kogan, and The Good Guys, as well as telcos Vodafone and Optus. Business buyers may also benefit from tax deductibility on work purchases.
Technology Honor Magic V6 Review: Mechanical Marvel Targets Enterprise Durability and Performance
Honor's Magic V6, launched eight months after its predecessor, focuses on internal redesign to achieve world's thinnest foldable. With IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance, 33% more impact-resistant glass, and a 6,660mAh battery, it offers robust hardware for mobile professionals.
Technology Apple Drops More Hints About a Foldable iPhone: Developers Told to Design for Widescreen Sizes
Apple has updated multiple native iOS apps to support landscape mode, and its developers are being encouraged to design for widescreen aspect ratios. These moves, along with a WWDC 2026 presentation, are the strongest hints yet that a foldable iPhone—reportedly called the iPhone Ultra—will launch in September 2026.
Technology Understanding the Green Dot on Samsung Phones
The green dot on Samsung phones is a security feature indicating camera or microphone access by an app. Introduced with Android 12, it helps users monitor app permissions and enhance device security.
Technology Exploring Apple's Spatial Reframing in iOS 27
Apple's iOS 27 introduces Spatial Reframing, an AI-powered photo editing feature that allows users to adjust image angles post-capture. While it promises to enhance photo composition and save storage, it raises debates on authenticity in photography.