Smartphones
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Smartphones.- Engadget review recap: Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4, Dell XPS 14 and moreEngadget's review team has published new assessments for several devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy Buds 4, Dell XPS 14, Google Pixel 10a, and the ASUS ProArt GoPro Edition PX13. The roundup also features reviews for the Ambient Dreamie bedside companion and the Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 kitchen knife, alongside early impressions of Pokémon Pokopia and the Falcon Northwest FragBox gaming PC.
- The Morning After: Apple takes on cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks with the $599 MacBook NeoApple has launched the MacBook Neo, a new $599 laptop running on an iPhone chipset, targeting the budget Windows laptop and Chromebook market. The device features a 13-inch Retina display, 8GB of RAM, and two USB-C ports. The article also touches on other tech news including hands-on impressions of the Nothing Phone 4a Pro and 4a, a review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Netflix's acquisition of an AI startup founded by Ben Affleck.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: The stealth upgradeThe Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers subtle upgrades over its predecessor, including a new Privacy Display feature and improved AI capabilities powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. While the design remains similar, enhancements in camera aperture, processing speed, and charging capabilities make it a refined, albeit stealthy, update.
- Nothing Phone 4a Pro hands-on: A premium design with a price to match the Pixel 10aNothing has unveiled its new premium midrange device, the Phone 4a Pro, featuring a thin full-metal design and a redesigned camera unit. The phone boasts a brighter 6.83-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate, improved cameras with a new Sony sensor, and enhanced performance with flagship LPDDR5X memory. It also includes new AI software features like Essential Search and an updated Android interface, launching on March 27th.
- Nothing Phone 4a hands-on: A more technically accomplished entry-level smartphoneThe Nothing Phone 4a offers significant hardware upgrades over its predecessor, including improved dust and water resistance, a brighter display with Gorilla Glass 7i, and a major camera overhaul with a new periscope telephoto lens and a 50-megapixel main sensor. It features a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, a larger 5,080mAh battery, and an updated Glyph Bar notification system. Priced at £349 in the UK, it aims to provide a capable and eye-catching option in the entry-level smartphone market.
- Nothing's Phone 4a Pro picks up flagship features and an even brighter display for $499Nothing has launched the Phone 4a Pro and Phone 4a, successors to its midrange devices. The Phone 4a Pro features a new metal unibody design, an enhanced Glyph Matrix interface, and a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 5000 nits peak brightness. Both phones will run Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16 and offer AI-powered features, with the Phone 4a Pro starting at $499 in the US.
- Google Pixel 10a review: Small changes, but still great valueThe Google Pixel 10a continues to offer great value in the midrange smartphone market, despite minimal upgrades over its predecessor. It features a brighter 120Hz P-OLED display, improved charging speeds, and a refined design, while retaining the Tensor G4 chipset and a capable camera system. The phone runs on Android 16 and receives a seven-year software update commitment.
Xiaomi 17 Series Launched with 100W Charging and Lightest Ultra to DateXiaomi has launched its new flagship Xiaomi 17 Series smartphones, featuring the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra. These devices boast refined designs, upgraded Leica-lensed camera systems, up to 100W wired charging, and improved battery capacities. Both models are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform and are available starting March 1st, 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Unpacked Led by Camera, AI and Power UpgradesSamsung has launched its Galaxy S26 series, emphasizing AI-centered features for proactive assistance and reduced user friction. The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a built-in Privacy Display and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, offering significant performance gains for AI tasks. The series also features upgraded camera systems with enhanced low-light performance and new video codecs, alongside AI-powered editing tools and proactive assistance features.