Best foldable phones of 2024

These are the best foldable phones you can buy right now

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the best foldable there’s a lot to look at, but all our favorites share something that makes them special. Whether it’s the overall fantastic quality of the OnePlus Open, the wealth of features in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the value of the Motorola Razr 2024. Meanwhile, other devices impressed us due to more specific reasons like the overwhelming brightness of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the cameras on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the style of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024. Each of these phones has something to love about them and all offer a generally great user experience.

I got my first foldable relatively recently, and frankly, I love it. While it might have taken some getting used to, it is undoubtedly the best in-between for a phone and a tablet. Honestly, I barely watch YouTube or Disney+ on my other standard phone as the experience on a foldable phone’s screen is just so much better. Not to mention the experience of using one to play games from the Xbox library and more.

We have compiled all our reviews and thoughts about all the foldable phones available to help you figure out which is the best for you.

related:EB-BF741ABE Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best flip foldable for cameras

(Image credit: Future)
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Best foldable camera phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.7 inches (2640 x 1080)   Secondary screen size: 3.4 inches (720 x 748)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3  RAM/Storage: 12GB/ 256GB, 512GB  Size, opened: 6.5 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches

Size, closed: 3.4 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches   Weight: 6.6 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Durable design
+Excellent Galaxy AI features
+Excellent low light camera performance
Reasons to avoid
-Rise in price
-Battery life could be better

Samsung makes a second appearance in this guide, this time for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. There is a lot to love about this little device, firstly just the size of it. The Z Flip 6 looks like any other phone normally, but it folds horizontally across the middle, making it tiny when folded. That alone might make it a slam dunk for you, but there’s a bit more to be excited about.

In our review, we praised the overall durable design and the excellent low-light camera performance, not to mention the overall speed of the phone. Our biggest praise was easily for the upgrade from a 12MP main camera to a new 50MP main sensor. It offers brighter visuals, and the ability to simulate a 2x zoom. When we compared it in our 200 photo shoot out between the Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs. Motorola Razr Plus (2024) it pulled ahead with ease.

Obviously, we also need to mention the Galaxy AI features which, while missing some of the Fold’s AI abilities, are still pretty impressive. Finally, this is easily the flip foldable with the best camera options, and with the added AI, it’s a dream to shoot and edit images and videos. However, all this does come at something of a premium, that’s because it’s more expensive than the previous Galaxy Z Flip 5 and MOTOROLA Razr 2024.

related:EB-BF742ABE Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Best foldable phone overall

OnePlus Open review: A Grand Opening - Tech Advisor

2. OnePlus Open
The best foldable phone you can buy
Specifications
Main screen size: 7.8 inches (2440 x 2268)  Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2484 x 1116)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB  Size, opened: 6.03 x 5.63 x 0.22 inches

Size, closed: 6.03 x 2.88 x 0.46 inches Weight: 8.4 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Outstanding thin and light design
+Long-lasting battery with fast charging
+Cheaper than comparable foldables
Reasons to avoid
-Low-light photos are subpar
-No wireless charging
As our best overall foldable there is a lot to love about the OnePlus Open, which we hope to see recreated in the OnePlus Open 2. When Phones Editor  reviewed the OnePlus Open he stated that the phone should be “a wakeup call for everyone.” And I can only agree that the phone comes with so many amazing design choices that it should be the baseline for any future foldable phone.

OnePlus tried to put in as much as it could in this device, including some impressive cameras. If you want to go even further then you could grab the OnePlus Open Apex Edition. Compared to the base model the Apex Edition boosts the storage and adds pretty cool AI cutout features to make stickers from any photo you take. It also features a VIP mode that lets you turn off the camera and microphone for a little extra privacy.

Regardless of which model you pick the phone comes with everything you could want. Both models feature the same thin and light design, the Dynamic Open Canvas multitasking or the frankly amazing battery life (which is great when watching series on some of the best streaming services) and the chance for a pretty good trade-in deal. However, no phone is perfect as the lack of wireless charging might be a turn-off for some and the camera isn’t amazing in low light.

related:EB-BF947ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Most feature rich foldable


3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Most feature rich foldable phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 7.6 inches (2160 x 1856)  Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (2376 x 968)

CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3  RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB, 512GB, 1TB  Size, opened: 6 x 5.2 x 0.22 inches

Size, closed: 6 x 2.7 x 0.48 inches  Weight: 8.4 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Thinner and lighter design
+Impressive AI features
+Great Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
Reasons to avoid
-Battery life gains not as big as we hoped
-Price rise

Samsung is probably the most well-known phone maker when it comes to foldable phones and it knows what it is doing. This is no more obvious than with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which builds and improves upon the prior Galaxy Z Fold 5 and stands as our most feature-rich foldable phone. When TG global editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer reviewed the phone, he had a lot of positive things to say, especially about the new design, durability and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

While there might be some disappointment about the cameras, as they are basically the same as the prior model, there’s a noticeable difference in actual image quality. If we look at the difference in quality during our 200 photo shoot out with the Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 4 we can see a marked improvement. While you might not buy a foldable for the camera, it’s certainly an addition that you want to see.

We also can’t talk about a new Samsung phone without mentioning the Galaxy AI features, including the Sketch To Image feature. This allows you to draw anything you want into the Samsung Notes app and then the Galaxy AI will turn it into anything from water art to a 3D cartoon. The results are, as Mark says, “pretty frickin’ impressive.”

Best foldable phone value


4. Motorola Razr 2024

Best flip phone-style foldable
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080)  Secondary screen size: 3.6 inches (1066 x 1056)

CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7300X  RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB  Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.28 inches

Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.62 inches  Weight: 6.63 ounces

Reasons to buy
+Long lasting battery life
+Larger, more usable outer screen
+Affordable close
Reasons to avoid
-Camera struggles under low light
-Short 3 years of software support
Motorola might not be the dominant force it was in the past, but it can still create a great phone for good value. This is obvious in the Motorola Razr 2024, which is upgraded in all the right areas compared to the prior Razr and is easily our best-value phone. In our review, we noted that the bigger screen offered far more functionality than before, while also being brighter.

Now, it should be noted that there are two variations of the Motorola Razr 2024, and both appear in this guide. What puts this foldable ahead of its larger cousin is the balance it strikes between features and cost. Everything from the design to the 50MP camera and 13MP ultrawide for as little as $699 is a real steal.

If that was the only change then it would be more than enough for a value phone, but there’s even more thanks to the outstanding battery life and surprisingly snappy performance. When Technical personnel reviewed it he stated that even the Galaxy Z Fold 6 “faces a tough competitor.” However, there are some issues as there is no ultrawide camera, which might be a turnoff for some, as well as shorter software support compared to other Samsung devices.

Best display in a foldable


5. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Brightest foldable screen
Specifications
Main screen size: 8 inches (2076 x 2152)   Secondary screen size: 6.3 inches (1080 x 2424)

CPU: Tensor G4   RAM/Storage: 16GB/ 256GB, 512GB   Size, opened: 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches

Size, closed: 6.1 x 3.0 x 0.4 inches  Weight: 9.1 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Smart AI features
+Thinner, lighter design
+Longer battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Underwhelming Tensor G4 performance
-Camera upgrades are minimal
Google’s foldable game has made a massive leap in quality with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold after the Pixel Fold — despite Google’s new awkward naming conventions. There’s a lot to love about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, especially the much bigger and brighter 8-inch main display which is the main reason why it’s managed to snag a spot on this list. When we tested the phone in the TG lab, the display was easily the best of any of the foldables we tested. However, that isn’t the only thing to love about the phone.

In his review, John Velasco mentioned that he loved the longer battery life, durable redesign and the host of AI features that help the phone to stand out from the competition. While it is a pretty great phone, there are a few issues namely the lackluster Tensor G4, although honestly, the average user wouldn’t notice that issue in everyday use.

Having used the Pixel 9 Pro Fold myself a little, I really can’t emphasize just how bright the screen is. When we tested it the screen reached as high as 2,319 nits. Now, normally I would expect this level of brightness to mean that the phone would have a pittiable battery life. However, when we tested the phone it reached 11 hours and 36 minutes, which is more than enough time to watch or play anything you please.

Best flip-style phone

X 上的Ubergizmo:「Motorola RAZR Plus 2024, Larger Cover Display With Software  Upgrades, Better Camera, and Moto AI https://t.co/qvbQOpUzX0  https://t.co/4cP4BxNQD0」 / X
6. Motorola Razr Plus 2024
The best flip-style phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2640 x 1080)   Secondary screen size: 4 inches (1272 x 1080)

CPU: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3   RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB  Size, opened: 6.74 x 2.91 x 0.27 inches

Size, closed: 3.46 x 2.91 x 0.6 inches  Weight: 6.66 ounces
Reasons to buy
+The least expensive foldable ever made
+Excellent design
+Long-lasting battery
Reasons to avoid
-Tiny cover display
-Older Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip
While the base Motorola Razr 2024 might have been our best-valued phone, its larger cousin easily has the best style compared to the other phones here. Like other flip phones the Razr Plus folds into a compact little square, but where it stands apart is the outer screen, which is much larger than other devices. Not only is it larger, but it also offers way more functionality since you can run any app you like on it rather than simple widgets like the Galaxy Z Flip series. Plus you can even customize the screen to mimic the iPhone’s StandBy Mode with different images and backgrounds when the Razr is set to a tent position.

It’s not just the screens where the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 excels. It offers an improved camera array featuring a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and a 50MP main camera. This meant that when we compared it to its smaller brother in our 200 photo shoot out between the Razr Plus (2024) vs. Razr (2024) it blew it out of the water.

The design also has a smaller hinge, meaning that the crease in the phone is much less noticeable than on other foldable phones (primarily Samsung) and the performance is nothing to sneeze at. However, the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 has some of the same issues as the other Motorola Razr, including no ultrawide camera and a shorter-than-average software support window.

Least expensive foldable phone

Nubia Flip 5G Review | Trusted Reviews
7. Nubia Flip 5G
Least expensive flip phone
Specifications
Main screen size: 6.9 inches (2790 x 1188)    Secondary screen size: 1.4 inches (466 x 466)   

CPU: Snapdragon 7 Gen 1   RAM/Storage: 8GB, 12GB/256GB, 512GB   Size, opened: 6.69 x 2.97 x 0.28 inches

Size, closed: 3.45 x 2.97 x 0.59 inches          Weight: 7.3 ounces
Reasons to buy
+Incredible value for a foldable
+Fast charging
+Attractive and unique design
Reasons to avoid
-Photography is limited in scope and quality
-Lacks performance power
the Nubia Flip 5G is a bit of a surprise model from a lesser-known company, but it stands as easily the cheapest foldable you can currently grab for a staggering $499. It’s a great starter device for anyone who doesn’t want to drop hundreds.

When Technical personnel reviewed the device he praised the stylish design and smudge-resistant matte texture. The overall look of the phone suggests you paid a lot more for this flip phone-style device than you did. You’ll also appreciate the 6.9-inch display that’s available when you open up the Nubia Flip 5G.

Battery life seemed so-so in our everyday use, but at least the Nubia Flip 5G offers peppy 33W charging that can top off the phone’s battery quickly. If you want a foldable phone, but can’t afford a more premium model, you certainly won’t feel short-changed by this option.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will reportedly fall behind iPhone 16 Pro Max in one big way

It’s a dim prospect for Samsung

(Image credit: Future)

While the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra offers plenty to be excited about, a new report indicates it will fall short in one particular area.

In the past, Samsung was known for shipping the Galaxy series with some of the best and brightest displays. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series shipped with the M13 OLED panel which was, at the time, one of the best available. However, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 were later released with Samsung’s M14 OLED panel, which offers a higher brightness and better power efficiency. We would expect the Samsung Galaxy S25 series to come with the same option, but a recent report indicates this may not be the case.

Related:EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

According to ET News (via Android Police) Samsung will continue to use panels based on the M13 for the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The report suggests Samsung intends to upgrade its displays every two generations from now. This is reportedly due to the current performance of OLED and the saturation of the smartphone market. A suggestion seemingly backed up in a post on X by Ross Young, the CEO of Display Chain Consultants.

(Image credit: OnLeaks / SmartPrix / MacRumors)

In our tests, we found the M13 OLED on the Galaxy S24 Ultra managed a max brightness of 1,363 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro with the new display hit a peak of 1,553 while the Pixel 9 Pro hit as high as 1,938 nits. However, most average users won’t really notice that kind of difference in day-to-day use.
The reality is that, as speculated, this is a cost-cutting measure to help keep the Galaxy S25 series affordable. Part of the issue is that the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips will reportedly increase the phone’s price. However, the power of the chip could help the S25 to stand against the iPhone 16 Pro, with leaked benchmark scores exceeding Apple’s latest iPhone in the multicore score.

For the time being, we can only wait for the official release of the Galaxy S25 series. At that point, we will be able to test it ourselves to see if this is a major downgrade, or if the phones will still find a place in our best phones list.

Leak reveals new Samsung foldable phones in sleek black and gold design

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition in South Korea, and the W25 Fold, based on the same foldable phone, is expected to launch soon in China alongside the W25 Flip. A new leak has now revealed the design of both smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy W25 Flip and W25 Fold will have gold accents like their predecessors (Image source: Evan Blass on X – edited)

Initially launched in July, the Samsung Z Fold 6 now has a refreshed Special Edition in South Korea. It’s the same phone but with some noticeable upgrades. Among the improvements is an upgraded 200 MP primary camera on the rear and a slightly thinner and lighter form factor.

related:EB-BF741ABE Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Samsung is expected to launch the same phone in China as the W25 Fold, and a new leak has revealed the Chinese variant alongside the W25 Flip, which will reportedly debut at the same time. In the leak, the new W25 Fold is shown to feature a black and gold design similar to its predecessor.

As the W25 Fold is said to be based on the Z Fold 6 Special Edition, its specs will be slightly better than the regular edition. Besides the better form factor and camera, the foldable phone will have larger internal and cover displays, measuring 8.0-inch and 6.5-inch, respectively. However, it won’t reportedly have S Pen support, which is something that the normal version has.

Moving to the W25 Flip, it’s not expected to see any major changes compared to the Z Flip 6 as Samsung hasn’t refreshed it as a new fancy Special Edition yet. However, just like the W25 Fold, it will launch in China with a sleek black and gold design.

The leaked images show that the packaging of both the foldable phones will include a charger and a protective case, which is another difference from the regular versions. However, it’s worth noting that a W-series foldable tends to be more expensive than its regular Z-series counterpart in China .

related:EB-BF742ABE Battery for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Image

Source(s)
Evleaks on X via: GSMArena

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro boast improved cameras, batteries and displays in new pre-release teasers

Xiaomi’s next flagship smartphones will be joined by a whole host of other devices. (Image source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi continues to tease its first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones before their release early next week. While the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are not ready for primetime just yet, many details about both devices have been posted on social media.

related:BP51 Battery for Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Xiaomi is only a few days away from unveiling the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro. While many smartphone manufacturers would confirm a release date and leave it at, Xiaomi operates in a different manner. As with its recent Redmi Note 14 series release, it continues to share promotional materials for both of its forthcoming flagships on Chinese social media.

To recap, the company shared official renders of both devices earlier this week. Now, Xiaomi has confirmed a few details about the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro while also sharing alleged camera samples taken with both devices. Unsurprisingly, the company advertises the pair as utilising Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, although that much was already known.

Moreover, Xiaomi hopes that its new HyperCore architecture will help the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro surpass its previous flagships like the Xiaomi 14 not just in terms of speed but also in terms of efficiency. Specifically, the company reports that this new architecture will improve app launch speeds and efficiency by up to 45% and 52%, respectively.

>>>>>BP4Q Battery for Xiaomi 14

Similarly, the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are said to boast longer battery life, with 23% longer runtimes than its predecessor for the former and 38% for the latter. For reference, Xiaomi has only confirmed the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s battery capacity so far, which will sit at an impressive 6,100 mAh. On top of that, the company has installed a reputedly exclusive M9 AMOLED display that will deliver a native 2K resolution with full DC dimming and up to 3,200 nits peak brightness.

Meanwhile, a 5x periscope telephoto is headed to the Xiaomi 15 Pro, too. Allegedly, this new camera boasts 10x lossless digital zoom capabilities thanks to Xiaomi’s computational photography algorithm (AISP 2.0). As ever, we would recommend waiting for independent reviews to land before passing judgement in this regard. Unfortunately, it seems that the Xiaomi 15 completely misses out on this new telephoto camera.

(Image source: Xiaomi)
Source(s)
Xiaomi (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Cameras compared

Although the latest iPhone is always likely to slot neatly into our list of the best smartphones for photographers, the competition at the moment is fiercer than ever.

One of the best models on the market right now is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which comes packed with a host of photographic features that are very tempting to those who crave the very best camera on their smartphone. But can it beat the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

All signs point to yes during our individual reviews of the two models, but what happens when we put them head to head – let’s find out…

>>>>>BP51 Battery for Xiaomi 14 Ultra

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Camera specs
Both of these flagship models have excellent camera specifications for photographers, but it’s fair to say that – on paper at least – the Xiaomi has a superlative set up thanks to its quadruple 50MP sensors fronted by Leica-branded lenses.

Not only that, but the main 1x camera (23mm equivalent) has a variable aperture of f/1.6-4 (not something we usually see in smartphones) and also has a large 1-inch type sensor – something we also don’t usually see in smartphones. It is joined by an ultrawide (12mm, f/1.8), and two telephoto lenses (75mm, f/1.8 and 120mm f/2.5). All of the other sensors have a 1/2.5” sensor, while all of the lenses have Leica Summilux branding.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s cameras look a little more pedestrian by comparison. There are just three cameras, with only one offering high resolution (48MP). This is the 1x – 24mm equivalent – f/1.8 lens. It is joined by two 12MP sensors, one with a 13mm f/2.2 ultrawide lens and one with a 120mm f/2.8 telephoto lens.

Both smartphones have selfie cameras – of course – with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra having a 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max having a 12MP selfie camera. While the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s is higher resolution, it doesn’t have AF (the iPhone’s does).

So it’s safe to say that here the Xiaomi is the overall winner, but what results will they deliver in real-world shooting…?

>>>>BP4R Battery for Xiaomi 14 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Camera apps and shooting modes
As with many other Android models, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a much more comprehensive native camera app than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Along with a standard shooting mode, there’s an array of special modes. Some are fairly commonly found on most phones, such as “Night” mode for shooting in low light, but there are others which are a bit more unusual. The Portrait mode for example includes the ability to recreate the look of Leica lenses, rather than being a straightforward Portrait mode. It should be noted however that Leica recently introduced an app which allows the same for iPhone, so this is no longer strictly a unique selling point in the comparison.

Enthusiast photographers may wish to take advantage of the “Pro” mode which gives you a range of different shooting parameters which you can change, such as white balance, ISO, focus mode, shutter speed and if you’re shooting with the 1x lens, aperture. This is also where you can shoot in raw format if you wish.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max  Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

By contrast, the iPhone’s native camera app has a little less going on. You still have a Portrait mode and various video options, but other things are missing. There is a Night mode, but it comes on automatically when low light is detected, it’s not something you can select yourself. There is no Pro mode, but there is the option to switch on raw format shooting from the main Photo mode.

An interesting thing to note here is that as well as the dedicated Photo mode, when the phone detects that you’re photographing a portrait subject (human, dog or cat), then it will automatically save the data needed to convert it into a portrait later on. This has been incredibly useful when quickly photographing such subjects.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max  Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

So do we have a clear-cut winner here? That largely depends on what you’re priorities are. If you really want a Pro mode in your native app, then it’s the Xiaomi that wins, but if you’re happy enough to have a fairly simple app and download a more comprehensive one separately, then the iPhone is still a good shout.

>>>>BP4Q Battery for Xiaomi 14

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: General image quality

In this scene, both look great, but I’d say that the Xiaomi has more pleasing colours, while the iPhone shot has a slightly green cast. The same colour issue can be seen in the ultrawide shot too, although on the plus side at least the colours are matched between lenses.

Detail is good from both models, though it’s worth pointing out that the standard output from the iPhone is 24MP when using the standard lens, compared to 12MP from the Xiaomi, so there’s a little more potentially for cropping with the iPhone. Exposures are well balanced with both models, with both demonstrating a good blend of highlights and shadows.

When there’s artificial lighting present in a scene, both do a pretty good job. Here, the Xiaomi has corrected what the scene actually looked like to produce a pleasing result. The iPhone has kept things more accurate – the light looked yellowish in real life, but it could be argued that therefore the result is slightly less pleasing to look at.

We’ve got a bit of a tie-break situation here, with both producing excellent images in everyday conditions. It might be easier to pick things apart when looking a bit more closely at specific shooting scenarios.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Macro


If you’re into taking close-ups, both phones here have suitable modes to allow for that, and both put in great performance. It’s only the Xiaomi however which has a floating telephoto which has been specifically designed to create good macro images.

There are two ways to create macros using either phone. You can simply move your phone closer to the subject and the phone will automatically switch to the ultrawide lens. Or, if you want to fill the frame a bit more, you can also switch to the 5x lens.

In my test, the iPhone puts in a reasonably good performance when shooting with the ultrawide after automatically switching to it, but the Xiaomi’s is noticeably better, being cleaner and brighter. However, I have been extremely impressed by what the Xiaomi is capable of from the telephoto – here it blows the iPhone out of the water, producing an image which I think would be easy to pretend came from a “real” camera. It’s crisp where it needs to be, has plenty of detail, but also has a beautifully blurred background.

Here I have to give top marks to the Xiaomi, if you regularly shoot close-ups, I’d probably say it’s worth buying the Xiaomi for that purpose alone.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Screen and Design
Both of these smartphones are pretty large, with both having a 6.7” screen. The overall sizes of the phones are both reasonably close in size to each other, with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra measuring up at 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2mm and 219.8g, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max coming in at 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm and 221g. If you’re after a small phone, neither of these devices are going to be for you – but it’s hard to deny these large screens are great for viewing your photos on.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max  Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

If you do want a smaller iPhone, you can opt for the iPhone 15 Pro (6.1” screen), which has most of the same specifications as the Max version, but the telephoto lens is only 3x, rather than 5x. Similarly, you can also get a smaller Xiaomi, in the shape of the Xiaomi 14 (6.3” screen), but here – among other things – you lose the fourth (telephoto) lens.

Size aside, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 3200 x 1440 pixel screen with 3000 nits maximum brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it higher resolution and brighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max which has a 2796 x 1290 pixel screen with 2000 nits maximum brightness (it has the same 120Hz refresh rate). The difference isn’t hugely noticeable in real-world usage though.

Both are IP68 rated, meaning that they can withstand water and dust exposure. The Xiaomi has “Xiaomi Shield” for the screen, while the iPhone uses a “Ceramic Shield” – it’s hard to say exactly how these two compare, but either way, neither phone has succumbed to scratches while I have been using them.

(Left: iPhone 15 Pro Max  Right: Xiaomi 14 Ultra)

In terms of design, the Xiaomi make some slightly odd aesthetic choices – but it does look a bit more like a “real” camera, with its large ring around the four lenses. The iPhone looks like, well, an iPhone. Some people feel these are aesthetically pleasing – but they’ve been a bit boring for a while now. Look at the pictures and decide for yourself which you prefer the look of.

Here I’d say it’s a bit of a tie when it comes to design. Both are large, both are high resolution, both have waterproofing. So, it might come down to which you personally feel is the more attractive of the two.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Battery life, charging and storage
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery and boasts both wireless charging and super quick charging (separate chargers will need to be bought, they don’t come in the box). It uses a USB-C connection, as is standard now. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also fast charging and wireless capabilities – again you will need to buy a charger for that capability. Apple doesn’t disclose the size of its batteries but says that it is rated for 29 hours of video play back, which gives an indication that it’s probably reasonably close in size to the Xiaomi’s.

Either way, in real-world usage, both phones usually easily last a full day, even with reasonably heavy usage and spending a lot of time using the camera.

In terms of storage, the Xiaomi only has a 512GB option, which should be plenty for the average user. For the iPhone, you can go for a lower amount (256GB), or a higher amount (1TB), with price variations accordingly. For most photographers, the 256GB version is likely to be adequate – especially if you make use of cloud storage, but for content creators shooting video, the higher storage might be a better option.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Verdict

So after all that testing, what’s the conclusion?

It’s safe to say that both these flagship models are excellent for photographers, and despite high prices for both of them, represent good value for money considering the quality you get.

However, it has to be said that the overall trophy quite probably belongs to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. It does extremely well in all areas, beating the iPhone in most of them quite easily. There are some caveats depending on what you like to shoot and how you like your images to look. Some might prefer the warmer tones of the iPhone for example, but it’s hard to deny that the Xiaomi keeps very close to accurate.

If you’re into macro photography, the Xiaomi is nigh-on perfection, while in some low light conditions, the iPhone’s inbuilt night mode seems to perform just a touch better than the Xiaomi’s – so if either one of those things is your bag, then it might sway you in either direction.

Of course, there will be many who simply prefer the look of one or the other, and many more who prefer using iOS compared to Android (or vice versa). If that’s you, then it’s likely to be hard to push you one way or the other, but if you’re OS agnostic, then certainly don’t dismiss changing sides.

As for cost – as mentioned, they are both expensive. However, like for like prices for both models when you consider storage makes the Xiaomi better value. That said, when it comes to resale, it’s probably fair to say that an iPhone will almost certainly hold its value better than the Xiaomi, so that’s something to consider too.

In the end, the answer is – as is so often the case – a solid “it depends”, but, if pushed to make a final decision on which is the best smartphone for photographers, I’d give it to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. Xiaomi 14 Pro: Which is Better and Why?

Choosing between flagship smartphones often comes down to subtle differences in features, performance, and design that significantly influence the user experience.

In this comparison, we’ll explore two of the latest high-end smartphones: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Xiaomi’s 14 Pro. We’ll break down their design, display, media, software, performance, battery, and cameras, and see which phone provides a better overall experience.

iPhone 16 Pro vs Xiaomi 14 Pro: Características y precios, ¿cuál es mejor?  | MVS Noticias

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SPECS OVERVIEW

CategoryiPhone 16 ProXiaomi 14 ProBest Specs
Design– Glass front and back (Corning-made glass)- Titanium frame- IP68 water/dust resistance (6m)– Glass front and back- Aluminum / titanium frame- IP68 water/dust resistance (1.5m)iPhone 16 Pro
Display– 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED- 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision- 2000 nits (HBM)– 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED- 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+- 3000 nits (peak)Xiaomi 14 Pro(larger, brighter screen)
Performance– Apple A18 Pro (3nm)- Hexa-core CPU (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.X GHz)– Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm)- Octa-core CPU (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.2 GHz)iPhone 16 Pro(superior chipset)
Battery– 3582 mAh- 25W wireless charging (MagSafe)- 15W wireless (Qi2)- 4.5W reverse wired– 4880 mAh- 120W wired, 100% in 18 min- 50W wireless, 100% in 40 min- 10W reverse wirelessXiaomi 14 Pro(larger battery, faster charging)
Camera (Main)– Triple:48 MP (wide)12 MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom)48 MP (ultrawide)TOF 3D LiDAR scanner– Triple:50 MP (wide)50 MP (telephoto, 3.2x optical zoom)50 MP (ultrawide)Leica lensiPhone 16 Pro(better telephoto zoom)
Camera (Selfie)– 12 MP (wide) with SL 3D depth sensor– 32 MP (wide)Xiaomi 14 Pro(higher resolution)
Charging Speed– 25W MagSafe, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired– 120W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wirelessXiaomi 14 Pro(faster charging)

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Design
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro sitting on a wooden rail with the camera app open and some vivid vegetables on display

The iPhone 16 Pro features a premium build with a glass front and back protected by Corning-made glass, encased in a Grade 5 titanium frame. It’s also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, allowing it to survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The device is available in multiple SIM configurations, including a dual eSIM setup in the U.S. and a dual Nano-SIM model in China.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 Pro offers a similarly premium design with a glass front and back, surrounded by either an aluminum or titanium frame. It also holds an IP68 rating, though it’s only water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it slightly less durable in extreme conditions compared to the iPhone.

Similarities:
Both phones feature premium materials like glass and titanium, ensuring a sturdy yet elegant build. They are IP68-rated, meaning both devices offer solid protection against water and dust. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that has become rare in modern flagship phones.

Differences:
The most significant difference lies in the water-resistance depth, with the iPhone 16 Pro able to survive greater submersion. Additionally, the iPhone uses Apple’s proprietary Ceramic Shield glass, which is known for its durability. Meanwhile, Xiaomi employs its custom Longjing Glass, which may offer similar protection but lacks the same brand recognition.

Advantages:
The iPhone 16 Pro has a clear advantage in terms of water resistance and the use of Corning-made glass for its build. Xiaomi’s 14 Pro, with its more affordable titanium variant, offers flexibility in materials, which might appeal to different user preferences.

Which is Better?
For those who prioritize durability, the iPhone 16 Pro takes the lead with its stronger water resistance and more established protective glass. However, Xiaomi’s flexible design options might be appealing to those who want choices in their premium experience.

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Display, Media, and Software
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. It supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and a 120Hz refresh rate, with brightness levels reaching 2000 nits for outdoor visibility. The screen is protected by the new Ceramic Shield Glass (2024 gen) and offers an always-on display feature. Apple’s iOS 18 powers the phone, offering a refined, secure, and exclusive software ecosystem.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro features a larger 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, also supporting Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi edges out Apple in brightness, with peak levels reaching an impressive 3000 nits. The display is protected by Xiaomi’s Longjing Glass. The phone runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS, blending customization with performance and offering users an open-source software experience.

Similarities:
Both devices deliver top-tier AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, Dolby Vision, and high brightness levels. They also come with always-on displays and support a wide color gamut for enhanced media consumption.

Differences:
Xiaomi’s 14 Pro has a slightly larger display, higher resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels compared to the iPhone’s 1206 x 2622 pixels), and a significantly brighter screen with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The iPhone’s display, while smaller, provides a more compact and refined viewing experience. In terms of software, the difference lies in the ecosystems: Apple’s iOS 18 offers more security and optimization, while Xiaomi’s HyperOS provides more freedom in customization.

Advantages:
For media consumption and outdoor visibility, the Xiaomi 14 Pro holds a slight edge due to its larger, brighter display. However, if software smoothness, security, and app optimization are priorities, the iPhone 16 Pro remains the better option with its seamless iOS experience.

Which is Better?
For media lovers and those who value a bright, immersive display, the Xiaomi 14 Pro wins this round. However, for users deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem and who prefer a more optimized software experience, the iPhone 16 Pro may be the better choice.

Performance and Battery
Features:

The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip (3 nm), with a Hexa-core CPU and Apple’s custom 6-core GPU. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it ensures top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. The battery capacity stands at 3582 mAh, with wired PD2.0 fast charging and up to 25W wireless MagSafe charging.

The Xiaomi 14 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm), featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU. It is available with up to 16GB of RAM, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and gaming. Its 4880 mAh battery supports ultra-fast 120W wired charging, which promises a full charge in just 18 minutes, and 50W wireless charging.

Similarities:
Both devices offer cutting-edge processors, ensuring smooth performance in daily tasks and high-demand scenarios. Neither phone supports expandable storage, although they offer substantial internal storage options.

Differences:
The Xiaomi 14 Pro comes with a significantly larger battery and much faster charging capabilities. The 120W wired charging speed is one of the fastest in the industry, while the iPhone 16 Pro, though offering solid charging options, lags behind in terms of raw charging speed and battery size.

Advantages:
If you’re seeking a phone with outstanding battery life and the ability to quickly recharge, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is the better option. However, Apple’s A18 Pro chip remains one of the most efficient and powerful processors on the market, which could mean better long-term performance for iPhone users.

Which is Better?
For sheer power and battery management, the Xiaomi 14 Pro stands out. However, the iPhone 16 Pro may still appeal to those who value efficiency and the long-term reliability of Apple’s chips.

Cameras
Features:

Photo is from:iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a triple-camera setup, featuring a 48 MP main wide sensor, a 12 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 48 MP ultrawide lens. It also has a TOF 3D LiDAR scanner for depth sensing. Video capabilities are exceptional, with 4K recording at up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, and 3D spatial video.

TheXiaomi 14 Proalso boasts a triple-camera system, including a 50 MP wide-angle lens with variable aperture, a 50 MP telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50 MP ultrawide sensor. It features Leica optics and advanced video recording options, including 8K at 24fps, 4K at up to 60fps, and gyro-EIS.

Similarities:
Both phones offer triple-camera systems with wide, telephoto, and ultrawide lenses. They also support advanced video recording technologies like Dolby Vision and high frame rates.

Differences:
TheiPhone 16 Profeatures a more advanced LiDAR sensor for depth and spatial video recording, while Xiaomi’s14 Prooffers a unique variable aperture on the main lens for greater control over exposure. Xiaomi also supports 8K video recording, which Apple currently lacks.

Advantages:
For photography, theXiaomi 14 Prooffers more control with its variable aperture and advanced Leica optics, while theiPhone 16 Proexcels in depth sensing and video recording, particularly with its 3D spatial video feature.

Which is Better?If photography is your priority, theXiaomi 14 Prooffers more flexibility and customization. For videographers and those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, theiPhone 16 Prois a better fit.

Which is the Better Buy?
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Pro are exceptional flagship devices that cater to different audiences. The Xiaomi 14 Pro shines in terms of display quality, battery life, charging speeds, and flexibility in photography. Its aggressive pricing compared to the iPhone makes it a strong contender for users seeking value without sacrificing premium features.

The iPhone 16 Pro, however, offers unmatched software optimization, stronger water resistance, and long-term performance, making it a better choice for users already integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Its camera features, particularly for video and depth sensing, are also more advanced.

Our Opinion: If you’re an Android enthusiast who doesn’t want to break the bank and need good battery and charging speed, then Xiaomi 14 Pro is the best option. However, if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem and value software reliability, then go for the iPhone 16 Pro.

Here’s my problem with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite platform

Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in a box, sitting on a tropical beach
Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 8 Elite platform with Oryon CPU and much-improved power efficiency – here’s why I’m not thrilled
At its annual Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Qualcomm finally put to bed the discussion about what its new flagship chipset will be called by unveiling the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new smartphone System on Chip (SoC) has plenty of flashy features and impressive benchmarks to talk about, which I’ll get into below, but my first reaction was to think back to 2021.

A little under three years ago, I was covering the latest chipset from Qualcomm and discussing its new name. It was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, heralding a new naming system that was designed to demonstrate a clear hierarchy among Qualcomm’s increasingly cluttered lineup of mobile platforms. Things looked good when it was succeeded by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and then Gen 3, but somewhere in the mix, the message of clarity was lost, with the likes of the 7s Gen 2 and 8 Plus Gen 3 muddying the waters.

And now we have the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which could either be a grand finale for the 8-series ahead of the Snapdragon 9 Gen 1 launching next year, or yet another tier in the increasingly convoluted Snapdragon family. Before we get too into the weeds with my concerns, let’s go over what exactly the Snapdragon 8 Elite is and what new features it brings to the table.

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Snapdragon 8 Elite: What’s new?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite appears to just be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 by another name. It’s a top-of-the-line flagship mobile chipset that will likely be the most sought-after platform for many of the biggest phones of 2025. The name change is no coincidence, either, as it uses a version of the Oryon CPU that features in the Snapdragon X Elite PC platform.

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The Adreno GPU is also getting an upgrade, with a new sliced architecture, 12MB of local memory and, in a first for mobile, support for the Unreal Engine 5.3 and the Nanite Virtualized Geometry system. According to Qualcomm, the new GPU will deliver performance up to 40% better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with 35% improvements to ray-tracing and up to 40% better power efficiency.

Rounding out the chipset is the improved Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which handles all things AI. This upgraded NPU is said to deliver 45% improvements to both performance and performance per watt, compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making the multimodal Gen AI more adept and efficient at addressing your queries. Qualcomm’s AI engine can also now accept much longer token inputs – examples used were entire book chapters or technical documents – allowing it to digest more complex tasks.

The AI upgrades carry over to photography, too, with the AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) capable of “limitless” segmentation, splitting images into over 250 separate layers (that still sounds to me like there’s a limit…) and adjusting each one individually. It also claims to be able to capture and replicate natural skin tones in even the most challenging conditions – though we’ll have to see how that pans out when we test phones that run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Speaking of which…

Snapdragon 8 Elite: What phones will use it?
As part of the announcement, Qualcomm teased several manufacturers that would soon be incorporating the Snapdragon 8 Elite in their upcoming smartphones. Brands such as Honor, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Samsung and Xiaomi are all poised to release devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite in the “coming weeks”. Unless certain release schedules are drastically different to previous years, weeks might be a stretch, but here are a few that we will likely see within the next few months.

Honor Magic 7 series – This one is dead cert because Honor took the stage at the Snapdragon Summit to announce that its upcoming Honor Magic 7 series will make use of the 8 Elite. The follow-up to the Honor Magic 6 Pro is launching in China on October 30th.

OnePlus 13 – The OnePlus 13 has long been rumoured to be the first phone to use 8 Elite but Honor has beaten it by a single day. The OnePlus 13 has a launch set for Halloween, and once again you can expect it to come to the NZ in the first couple of months of 2025 – the OnePlus 12 arrived in late December, for reference.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – In the past, Samsung has used Snapdragon for all of its S-series flagships, but this past year, only the Galaxy S24 Ultra used it, so it’s anyone’s guess what they’ll do next year. Either way, the S25 Ultra is all but certain, and this will likely launch towards the end of January 2025.

Xiaomi 15 series – While rumours have it launching in China as soon as 23 October.Last year, the Xiaomi 14 launched in Europe at the end of February, so we can expect the 15-series to follow a similar schedule in 2025.

Snapdragon 8 Elite: What’s the problem?

Qualcomm Debuts Snapdragon 8 Elite, Dubs It “World's Fastest Mobile CPU” |  Geek Culture
The fact that the Snapdragon 8 Elite exists is not a problem – it’s a natural upgrade to the 8 Gen 3 and has plenty of exciting features that could make next year’s flagships formidable in both the performance and power efficiency stakes. My issue is that Qualcomm’s attempts to keep naming simplified – to a point where a layperson could easily parse the lineup and quickly understand whether a chipset was better or worse than those around it – have been abandoned in less than three years.

It’s messy enough right now but I’m wondering what’s going to happen next year. Will we see a Snapdragon 9 Gen 1 join the fray? Or will it be Snapdragon 9 Elite, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 or Snapdragon 8 Plus Elite? Will we see a slightly underclocked Snapdragon 8s Elite? It’s exhausting even thinking about it.

Admittedly, this likely won’t be much of a problem for a lot of people, as not everyone pays close attention to exactly what chipset is tucked away inside their new phone, but I still find this kind of obfuscating setup to be inherently anti-consumer. When the options are so chaotically laid out, how is anybody supposed to easily assess them and make an informed decision?

Regardless of my feelings on the Snapdragon naming systems, I’ll be getting my hands on all of the above-mentioned devices soon, so be sure to check back in then to see if Qualcomm’s claims about the Snapdragon 8 Elite hold up.

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro revealed to be launching on October 29 with Hyper OS 2.0 in new leak

A new leak has revealed the alleged launch date for the Xiaomi 15 series. Reportedly, the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro will arrive in under a week’s time with Hyper OS 2.0 to boot.

The Xiaomi 15 series may be official in under a week’s time. (Image source: Xiaomi)

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Xiaomi has had a rather busy week regarding the Xiaomi 15 series, even if it has not revealed any specifics about its forthcoming flagships yet. To recap, the company confirmed during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit that the Xiaomi 15 series would be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Following that, it began accepting reservations for the series in China, albeit without revealing full pricing or even a launch date. However, it seems that the latter may now be official, assuming recent reports are accurate.

Specifically, an official-looking poster is now floating around online that the likes of SmartPrix and Xiaomi Time have reposted citing the Xiaomi Community App as its source. Based on the image contained within the image, it would appear that the Xiaomi 15 will debut on October 29 at 11:00 UTC (19:00 CST).

Moreover, Xiaomi’s ‘see every light’ event is also slated to showcase HyperOS 2.0, which will likely come pre-installed on the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro at launch. Unfortunately, we cannot find the original image within the Xiaomi Community App at this stage. Thus, it remains to be seen whether it is accurate or an elaborate fake.

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(Image source: via SmartPrix & Xiaomi Time)

Source(s)
via SmartPrix & Xiaomi Time

YouTube Music’s ‘Now Playing’ widget may arrive on Galaxy Z Flip cover screens

More support for Samsung’s “Flex Window,” after it was clear that it needed to be more flexible.

What you need to know

  • A discovery in the YouTube Music app’s code suggests the company is working on bringing “Flex Window” support to Samsung’s clamshell foldable, the Flip.
  • The widget will likely give users quick playback controls like play/pause and skip forward/back buttons.
  • When Samsung debuted “Flex Window” in 2023, it was clear that it needed some work as users were limited through this “curated, optimized experience.”

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YouTube Music could be working on support for clamshell foldable phones to refine its user experience.

According to Android Authority, the YouTube Music mobile app’s latest version (v7.24.51) holds clues that point toward a “FlipWidgetProvider.” The publication conducted an APK teardown of the app and found a string that directly mentions a widget for a “flip” device, which is reportedly confirmed to be Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series.

The post states the app’s code shows that the “music player” widget can be enabled via Settings > Cover Screen > Widgets once YouTube rolls it out. Users may find this useful as such a widget isn’t supported on the Flip series. However, it is on your standard slab phone like the Galaxy S24 series for the home screen. The widget gives options like play/pause, skip forward/back, and thumbs up/down options.
With its expected arrival on the Flip series’ cover display, users can have enhanced access to their music without opening the phone. Considering the size of the Galaxy Z Flip cover display, this widget will give users more mileage. Speaking of, it’s unclear which devices will grab YouTube Music’s widget support.

The widget will likely debut on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Flip 5; however, it’s unclear how far back Samsung is willing to go.

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Samsung dubbed the larger screen of its Flip series the “Flex Window” when the Flip 5 launched in 2023. It was clear from the beginning that the “window” needed to be more flexible. Users couldn’t open any app they wanted on the cover display. Samsung implemented a “curated, optimized experience,” limiting your options. Originally, the Flip 5’s cover screen supported the following apps: Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps.

The ability to open more apps was tucked behind Samsung’s Good Lock app launcher. The launcher gave users control over almost every app they had. This YouTube Music widget with Flex Window support will likely give users a more refined music control experience.
In other news, YouTube Music was busy rolling out a Gemini Extension for desktop and Android users. Users will find a series of suggested commands for the AI for music lookup, album discovery, or specific radio genre. After Gemini locates the song, users are thrown into YouTube Music for the playback or continuous radio stream.

Forget iPhone Flip — Samsung just tipped to launch tri-fold phone in 2025

Samsung is gearing up to expand its foldable lineup with a new tri-fold smartphone, potentially launching in 2025. The device, featuring a screen that folds twice, has already seen its components developed, indicating readiness for commercialization. However, the final decision rests with Samsung’s Mobile eXperience division led by TM Roh.

Samsung’s tri-fold could be the first tri-fold for global market

Samsung-tri-fold

Currently, Huawei’s Mate XT is the only tri-fold on the market, currently limited to China. If Samsung releases this model globally, it could be the first tri-fold available worldwide. The new form factor would transform from a tablet-sized display to a compact phone, providing versatile usage for various scenarios.

There’s no word yet on specifications, but industry patents suggest innovative hinge mechanisms and sensor integration, hinting at a device designed for flexible use cases​.

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What to expect?

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Based on Samsung’s track record of foldable phones, the premium tri-fold will also likely use the latest Qualcomm flagship, the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

For those curious about the multitasking capabilities, key advancements in the Snapdragon 8 Elite include a 40% boost in GPU performance and a 35% enhancement in ray tracing capabilities as compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 of the existing Galaxy Z Fold 6. These improvements, coupled with a 44% increase in power efficiency, make the chipset ideal for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking, ensuring a reasonable performance upgrade for the upcoming Samsung tri-fold.

The chipset features an upgraded NPU (45% improvement in AI capabilities), ensuring more complex Galaxy AI features for the tri-fold phone.

However, the tri-fold will also likely need to be slimmer than the existing Galaxy Z Fold 6, so no larger camera sensors are expected inside as well. Readers should expect a camera setup similar to the company’s existing book-style foldable. For reference, the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s camera setup is noted below:

  • 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 10 MP, f/2.4, 66mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
  • 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm