Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Pixel 9a specs leak, Galaxy Z Flip FE details, more Play Store security, XIaomi 14T review, Redmagic 10 Pro release, Oppo Find X8 goes global, and a new Linux kernel arrives.
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 .
Google Pixel 8a
Pixel 9a Powerhouse
Is Google ready to “Osbourne” the Pixel 9 early next year with the launch of the Pixel 9a? Recently leaked specs suggest that the affordable phone in the Pixel 9 family may overshadow the base Pixel 9. In the mid-range market these numbers are going to be hard to beat:
“As expected, the Pixel 9a will also be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. As we’ve confirmed in an earlier exclusive, the Pixel 9a will also sport a 5,000mAh capacity battery, which is about 11% larger than the Pixel 8a, but then again, the Pixel 9a does also have a larger screen.”
(TechRadar).
Fold Or Flip For Fan Expectations
Samsung has released a Special Edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, focusing on a thin and fashionable device rather than the more affordable Fan Edition many were hoping for. Those looking for a mid-range Samsung foldable may have something to look forward to, as chatter around a Z Flip 6 Fan Edition are rising:
“During a Q3 2024 earnings call, Samsung hinted that it is looking at making a more budget-friendly foldable. It’s rumored that this handset could be a Galaxy Z Flip FE model and it would be ready for release sometime in 2025. Leaker Jukanlosreve has now posted on X (formerly Twitter) that this phone could be equipped with an Exynos 2400 processor.”
(Android Authority).
More App Security From Google
Google has also added a new real-time protection feature to Google Play Protect that detects when unsafe apps are found on Google Play. Currently available for the Pixel series, the service is expected to extened to other manufacturers in the ext few months:
“”Play Protect analyzes behavioral signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services,” Google announced. “With live threat detection, if a harmful app is found, you’ll now receive a real-time alert, allowing you to take immediate action to protect your device.” The scanning and detection process is handled locally on the device through Android’s Private Computer Core to protect users’ privacy.”
(Bleeping Computer).
Xiaomi 14T Review
Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones launched earlier this month pack a punch, but there’s a price tag to match.. The Xiaomi 14T looks to address that, sitting in the same space as the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy S24 Fan Editions, which are more affordable versions with as few compromises as possible. Manuel Masiero takes a deep dive into the 14Tto find out more:
“t is a lot more affordable, while still mastering an extensive range of features—plus, it runs almost as fast as a flagship smartphone. Further things that speak in favor of the 6.67-inch Xiaomi 14T are its 4,000-nit AMOLED panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate, its Leica-optimized triple-camera as well as an update guarantee until Android 18.”
(NotebookCheck).
The T1000 Of Gaming Phones
Nubia has announced the Redmagic 10 Pro gaming handset. As well as the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the specifications list a massive 7050 mAh battery, a 144 Hz 1216×2688 AMOLED display, and the use of liquid metal to keep everything cool:
“Being gaming-focused phones, the Red Magic 10 Pro and Pro+ have a highly sophisticated thermal system. It all starts with a 12,000mm2 3D ice-step vapor chamber, which Red Magic says is 18% bigger than on the previous phone. Then there’s a 5,2000mm2 copper foil and a graphene layer. The nubia Red Magic 10 Pro series is the first to use liquid metal cooling in a phone. It also packs active cooling through a 23,000rpm centrifugal fan.”
(GSM Arena).
The Find X8 Goes International
Following a release in China, Oppo has confirmed that its flagship Find X8 and Find X8 Pro will not only be getting a global launch, but that launch will take place next week:
“[Oppo] confirmed it will hold a global launch for the Find X8 series on November 21 in Bali, Indonesia. Oppo’s big event is set to start at 1PM local time (GMT+8) and will also mark the global launch for ColorOS 15 which will debut on the new Find X8 series phones.”
(GSM Arena).
And Finally…
It has been a long time coming, and that timescale was expected. The next major update to Android, at least for the the full range of “modern” Pixel hardware reaching back to the Pixel 6, will be updated to use the Linux 6.1 kernel:
“This Linux kernel upgrade hasn’t come as a surprise, as I actually reported on this very change at the beginning of the year. What I wasn’t sure of at the time was when the kernel upgrade would actually come, but it’s good to see that it’s arriving with Android 15 QPR2, slated for release in March of 2025.”
(Android Authority).
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on . 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!
