A look back at this week’s news and headlines in the Android world, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 sepcs, the European launch of OnePlus Pad Go, the Pixel tablet refresh, the Nothing Phone (2a) review, the success of Huawei’s Pura 70, HMD has a Pulse and more. …
Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many discussions surrounding Android over the past seven days. You can also read my weekly Apple news roundup here on Forbes.
Pixel Tablet
The two batteries of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The battery capacity of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to match that of the Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 5 at 4,000 mAh, and the latest regulatory filing does not confirm this. But it shows that the power will be split across two cells, a small but important part of the design:
“Another advantage of using two batteries is that they are beneficial for a foldable smartphone. Designers can use the two dense batteries on either side of the hinge. Thanks to the balance created by the design, the Z Fold 6 unfolded should be comfortably held with little tension.”
(Forbes).
OnePlus Pad Go in Europe
OnePlus has launched its second Android tablet in the UK and Europe. The OnePlus Pad Go is a stripped-down version of last year’s version, offering a slightly smaller and cheaper variant than last year’s OnePlus Pad, but two features stand out… cellular connectivity and card expansion SD.
“There’s a large 8,000mAh battery (with 33W charging), the relatively powerful Helio G99 chipset and 8GB of RAM, while the OS is still based on Android 13. You’ll get 128GB of storage in the base model There’s also a microSD card slot to let you easily expand storage down the line.
(Reliable reviews).
A refreshed Pixel tablet
Last year, at its I/O developer event, Google launched the Pixel tablet. While there are still suggestions that a second tablet could be on the way, there is a lot of buzz surrounding a relaunch of the original Pixel tablet, with two key devices finally arriving in the ecosystem:
“[tipsters claim] As well as launching a refreshed Pixel tablet, Google will also unveil an official Bluetooth stylus and keyboard, each costing around €100, which equates to around £85 / $100 / AU$160. It states that the accessories will be available in the same hazel and porcelain colors as the Pixel tablet. “
(Radar Technology).
Nothing phone (2a) examined
The Phone (2a) is Nothing Tech’s first foray into the competitive mid-range Android smartphone market, and it uses its design advantage to stand out. is it sufficient? The NotebookCheck team examines the handset to discover:
“The Nothing Phone (2a) has an impressive 120Hz AMOLED panel that hits four-digit brightness levels and delivers excellent colors. Its other strengths include its long battery life, dual camera, which is suitable to mid-range standards, and its decent performance will not only meet your daily needs, but will also be able to support demanding mobile games. We also commend the phone for its build quality.
(NotebookVerification).
Emergency success of the Huawei Pura 70
Following its listing on the US Entity List and subsequent loss of access to many parts of the Android ecosystem, Huawei’s return to the high-end smartphone market has been difficult. With the Pura 70 family, it has a handset that shows what it is now capable of. Its new satellite emergency call system is not only equal, but even superior to that of the Apple iPhone:
“To send images via satellite, with its limited bandwidth, the files are heavily compressed, which can result in distortion or blurring of the image. Hence the emphasis that this feature is intended only for emergency use… Even so, this is a very big step forward and very useful if, for example, it can indicate your location in a way that makes it easier for emergency services to locate you. .
(Forbes).
HMD has a pulse
HMD has launched three smartphones under its new Pulse brand. The Pulse, Pulse+ and Pulse Pro are marketed between 100 and 200 euros and emphasize repairability at a very affordable price:
“HMD is betting that consumers are moving toward more environmentally friendly products and emphasizing repairability. HMD says the Pulse line is designed for “Gen 1 repairability” and users can purchase self-repair kits from iFixit. Repairs include changing the battery, but also changing the screen.”
(GSM-Arène).
And finally…
The usual slot for its Galaxy Unpacked event is otherwise occupied by Samsung’s PR team, so it appears that the foldable launch event date will be earlier than usual, July 10.
“The location? Paris, or the City of Love as it is so often called. It’s the perfect choice, since Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics later that month and Samsung is there “one of the world’s largest sponsors of the games.”
(SamMobile).
Android Circuit brings together news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course, read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!
