Smartphones
Google finally unleashes the Pixel 9 series
Meet the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL
Once again, the Pixel 9 series is the world’s most leaked smartphone. Regardless, seeing the new flagships in all their glory is still a sight to see. Finally, Google has taken the cover off of the series. This time, we’re seeing a few new faces. Let’s break them down.
Pixel 9
Though it’s the smallest of the bunch, the regular Pixel 9 is still a capable smartphone. It comes with the latest Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. The 6.3-inch Actua display puts out images in 1080p resolution, with a refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz, and up to 2700nits of brightness.
As for design, the entire series features the redesigned camera bar. Both front and back panels are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
For power, the Pixel 9 has a 4700mAh battery, capable of charging to 55 percent in just 30 minutes. It also has Fast Wireless Charging and Battery Share.
Now, for the good stuff, the regular Pixel 9 comes with the 50-megapixel main sensor. It also comes paired with a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera for macro shots. Finally, it has a front-facing 10.5-megapixel selfie camera. You can shoot up to 4K video at 60fps.
Pixel 9 Pro + Pixel 9 Pro XL
The bigger siblings in the Pixel 9 series are packing a lot more. Though the Pixel 9 Pro also comes with a 6.3-inch Actua display, it puts out images at 1280 x 2856 resolution, with a refresh rate going from 1Hz to 120Hz, and up to 3000nits of brightness. It also has LTPO capabilities.
On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch Actua display. Images come out in 1344 x 2992 resolution with the same features as the regular Pro.
Both models ship with Tensor G4, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of internal storage.
Also, besides the two cameras found in the regular model, both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL carry a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, capable of up to 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom. Also, they both have a sizable 42-megapixel selfie camera. They can shoot up to 8K videos at 30fps through Video Boost.
The Pixel 9 Pro carries the same 4700mAh battery as the regular model. However, the Pro XL model comes a huge 5060mAh battery, capable of charging up to 70 percent in just 30 minutes.
Price, availability
The Pixel 9 comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony. It starts at US$ 799.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz. The Pro starts at US$ 999, and the Pro XL starts at US$ 1,099.
WATCH: Google Pixel 9, Pro, XL, Fold: Everything You Need To Know!
News
Samsung brings back the Galaxy Z Trifold
The brand’s first trifold phone comes back after being pulled from stores.
Rumors of the Galaxy Z Trifold’s death have been greatly exaggerated. Recently, Samsung pulled its first trifold phone from its stores, heavily hinting that their three-screen experiment has ended. However, if you didn’t manage to grab one of these beasts during its first release, the Galaxy Z Trifold is back in stores.
At the start of this year, Samsung officially launched the Galaxy Z Trifold, ushering in its entry into the relatively infantile market. Naturally, the unique smartphone was a looker; however, with its eye-watering price tag, the demand is still low. Reflecting that, the brand reportedly pulled the device from the market last month.
Now, the phone is back once again. Interested users can grab the phone from Samsung’s website for the same US$ 2,899 price tag.
As with the other trifold phones (scant as they are), Samsung’s entry features three screens packed into one phone. Users can then fold the main screen in a variety of ways, introducing a lot of configurations to enjoy content. With how popular foldable phones are today, there’s certainly a market for flexible screens.
If you’re still in the market for Samsung’s first trifold phone, Samsung has not announced how long this latest batch will last, so get one while you still can.
SEE ALSO: Samsung has reportedly stopped selling the Galaxy Z TriFold
News
Report: ‘Accessible flagship’ smartphones might provide best value this year
Next-gen hardware, AI optimization among consumer demands to justify price hike
As global smartphone prices continue to rise, the “accessible flagship” segment could be the only bright spot for manufacturers this year.
But that’s only if they gamble and improve specs significantly for attractive devices. According to a recent Counterpoint report, taking into consideration MWC 2026 Barcelona insights, consumers are looking for significant upgrades for their next smartphone purchase instead of iterative updates.
This includes a combination of next-generation hardware, deeply optimized AI software, and affordability for a premium-grade experience.
The demand for these upgrades from one generation to another stems from a massive spike in memory costs. With smartphone manufacturers increasing their prices drastically, consumers in turn are demanding more in return to justify such adjustments.
As such, manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, HONOR, Motorola, and OPPO continue to democratize features once reserved for the most expensive handsets.
Chance for smartphone manufacturers to shine
It is clear that leading smartphone companies are focusing on next-generation chipsets, professional-grade imaging, and high-efficiency batteries, as well as AI adoption.
So those who successfully integrate cutting-edge hardware with deeply optimized AI software into such accessible flagship ((US$ 700 to US$ 999) devices will more likely win the battle.
According to the report, only Samsung and Xiaomi have released phones falling under the “accessible flagship” category so far this year. These are obviously the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Xiaomi 17 series, although OPPO has also launched the Reno15 series.
This means there is an opportunity for other OEMs like Google, Motorola, and HONOR to launch better packages later in the year.
The report specifically mentions HONOR as a brand that has seen considerable growth in its accessible flagship tier (HONOR number series) sales outside of China in the last few years.
The report concludes by mentioning that in 2026, shipments are predicted to drop by 12% (year-on-year). Along with this, only improving specs significantly shall enable brands to stand out.
News
Apple’s iPhone Fold reportedly hits engineering delays
But it’s still supposedly on track for a September launch.
The foldable iPhone might be the most mythical device in technology today. Rumoured as far back as the launch of the very first Galaxy Fold, the so-called iPhone Fold has peeked in and out of the spotlight over the years but has yet to make its full debut. Sources today have speculated that Apple is readying its much awaited launch for this year; however, a few hitches might derail the expected unveiling.
According to Nikkei, Apple has pushed forward with the foldable iPhone’s test production phase, which marks an advanced stage in the device’s production. However, a source indicates that the device has encountered engineering issues, potentially pushing its launch back by an undisclosed amount of time. Apple is reportedly working on the issues now.
Opposite this report, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone Fold can still reach its projected launch later this September. As any fan of the iPhone can attest to, September is the usual ground zero for the latest generation of iPhones. Should Apple meet its September launch, the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the iPhone 18 series. This also makes it possible to be Apple’s “one more thing” for September’s event.
There’s a lot riding on Apple’s foldable phone. Fans have been clamoring for the iPhone Fold for a while now, especially since Samsung remains an undisputed cornerstone in the foldable market. Despite the demand, it might take a while for the foldable to truly take off. If Apple’s gingerly approach to foldables is any indication, the iPhone Fold will likely take a few iterations to match Samsung in terms of supply and market share.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review
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