The Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition mobile phones launched during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event … [+]
Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 9a hands-on, Galaxy Z Flip 7 design, Nothing Phone (3a) specs, Qualcomm extends Snapdragon support, life-saving Pixel Watch 3 features, MWC previews, and Clicks keyboard announced for Android.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.
Pixel 9a Hands-On Leak
Google’s fifth handset in the Pixel 9 family will be the Pixel 9a. Targeting the mid-range price point, it is expected to launch during the Spring, with many looking at Google’s I/O conference on May 20/21 as a potential launch date. Meanwhile, the leaks are coming thick and fast, including a video with a hands-on that reveals key parts of the design:
“The video shows that Google is once again going with a slightly cheaper-looking build for the Pixel 9a, similar to previous A-series phones. It features a flat back with a matte finish, the Google logo in the center, and a slightly-flushed camera module. The power button and volume rockers are on the right side, while the left side is empty.”
Folding Into The Same Samsung Shape
Samsung’s next folding phones — the presumptively named Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 — are set for a summer release. We’re getting an early look at the Flip 7 this week, thanks to a leaked CAD render revealing the external dimensions and elements. It’s an evolutionary device
“The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is going to sport a 3.6-inch cover display with a 6.8-inch inner display. That does make both screens just a tiny bit larger, coming from 3.4 inches and 6.7 inches on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, respectively. The dimensions have also grown a smidge to 166.6 x 75.2 x 6.9mm, or 9.1mm thick with the camera bump. That larger cover display is going to be nice to have, however, the Motorola Razr+ 2024 (Razr Ultra 50) still has a larger cover display, and it was released almost a year ago.”
The Nothing Phone (3a) Camera Specs
Nothing Tech has offered an early look at the upcoming Phone (3a) smartphone. Not all the features and specs have been revealed, but the details on the camera have been teased, including a new periscope telephoto camera:
“The new Nothing Phone will have a triple camera system on the rear made up of a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP periscope camera with 3x zoom, 6x lossless zoom, and also telemacro abilities. Not neglecting the selfie snapper on the front, where Nothing has opted for a high-res 50MP sensor.”
Qualcomm Extends Chipset Support
With consumers looking for longer software and security update windows, Qualcomm has announced that it will be supporting its latest chipsets for eight years, allowing manufacturers to continue their support for up to the same eight-year window:
“Starting with Android smartphones running on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm Technologies now offers device manufacturers the ability to provide support for up to eight consecutive years of Android software and security updates. Smartphones launching on new Snapdragon 8 and 7-series mobile platforms will also be eligible to receive this extended support. “
New Pixel Watch 3 Feature Approved
Following approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, Google is rolling out the Loss of Pulse Detection to the Pixel Watch 3. The US rollout is set to take place at the end of March.
“This first-of-its-kind feature can detect when you’ve experienced a loss of pulse (your heart stops beating from an event like primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning) and automatically prompt a call to emergency services for potentially life-saving care if you’re unresponsive.”
Previewing MWC’s Anticipated Moments
This weekend sees the start of Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, where the vast majority of smartphone manufacturers and suppliers will showcase new hardware, advanced prototypes, and everything in between. The team at Android Central have picked out some key moments to watch out for, including some significant news from Honor:
“Honor recently launched the Magic 7 Pro, which features one of the best cameras we’ve seen on a smartphone so far. The company has begun teasing its MWC launch event for March 2 at 16:30 CET, where it will unveil its Alpha Plan, which will focus on the company’s latest AI innovations. Honor recently announced that it plans to introduce better iOS cross-platform compatibility, something we’ve been seeing more of from companies like OPPO.”
And Finally…
Clicks, the popular iPhone add-on keyboard and case launched in January 2024, is launching a version for Android devices. Supporting the Galaxy S25, Pixel 9 and 9 Pro and Razr+, it offers a qwerty keyboard reminiscent of the Blackberrys and Treos of old, but with the latest Android software supported:
“Type without looking – Ergonomically contoured keys for fast, fluid typing. Feel every press – Premium metal dome switches deliver satisfying, tactile feedback. Stay in control, day or night – Backlit keys for precision in low light.”
(Clicks.tech).
Android Circuit rounds up the 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!
