If you're using a Google Pixel handset, you could be in line for a decent suite of upgrades pretty soon. That's because a new set of adverts have been spotted, which seem to showcase the next edition of features coming as part of the Pixel Drop series.

That's expected to arrive pretty soon based on the historic schedule for such releases, meaning we could see it any day now. So, what exactly is coming?

As reported by DroidLife, there are a few different ads being shown at the moment, which each point towards a different feature. Those are Screen Reactions for Creators, Gemini Omni and Music Generation.

As noted in that report, the latter two features are already available as part of the Google Gemini offering. That does suggest that there's something more to this, though it's not something they were able to gleam from the videos. Sadly, they've since been removed.

The Screen Reactions feature essentially enables the user to react to what's on their screen with a cutout of their face from the selfie camera. That does appear to be a feature exclusive for Pixel devices, and will be handy for capturing reaction content.

The report does also note a small – but potentially significant – change in terminology. Previously, the new features for Google Pixel devices were unveiled as part of something called the Pixel Feature Drop, but now appears to only be dubbed the Pixel Drop.

Whether or not that's significant remains to be seen, but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on. Regardless, it's exciting to see some new features coming to these handsets after a few months without a new arrival.

With new devices anticipated towards the end of the year, there should be a lot to look forward to for fans of the Google Pixel range before 2026 draws to a close.

In rather unexpected news, there's a new variant of the Google Pixel 10a which has launched. That features a new colour variation, which is likely to be a popular one.

The Isai Blue model comes to market in addition to standard colours like Lavender, Berry, Fog and Obsidian. There is just one issue for most people – it's an exclusive launch for the Japanese market.

That means anyone who doesn't find themselves located in the land of the rising sun will have to make do with the standard suite of colour options. For anyone who isn't able to get their hands on one, the Lavender is the next best option, offering a blue-purple hue.

The limited edition Android phone will only be available from the 20th of May, according to Android Police, so there's a little bit of a wait for those seeking to snag it. Those who do manage to get their hands on one won't just have the limited edition phone, with a unique box as well as stickers and a case.

There's even a wallpaper and theme pack offered, to ensure the limited edition notion goes at least a little more than skin deep. It's good to see – most brands would simply slap the colour on the back and call it a day.

The remainder of the handset is identical to the standard version. There's no boost to the internal hardware here, which some might have hoped for in a limited edition model.

Still, it's a pretty capable handset, with a Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of RAM and a minimum of 128GB of storage on board. You'll also enjoy a capable camera system complete with great zoom and a slew of dedicated features for shooting in different scenarios.

Right now, there's also another alternative for those seeking a gorgeous blue hue. The base model Google Pixel 10 is currently reduced to just a hair more than the Pixel 10a on Google's site, and comes in the Indigo colour. Opting for that model will snag the newer Tensor G5 processor, and a much more advanced camera system.

It feels like just moments have passed since the Google Pixel 10 range debuted, yet already attentions have switched to its successor. Today, we've seen a suite of renders for the Google Pixel 11, showing off the handset in all its glory.

If you were hoping for a revolutionary Android phone design, this probably isn't it. Instead, the brand has made some very subtle tweaks to a design which has already won them legions of fans.

The leaks come courtesy of OnLeaks and Android Headlines. That seems to be a combination made in heaven right now, as the pair also leaked imagery of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide last week.

So, what do these images tell us about the impending handset? Well, the first thing is the bezels, which appear to be slimmer than the current model.

The other notable change comes on the camera bar, which is depicted in all black. That's in contrast to the current model, which has a colour matched portion around the flash unit.

Like I said, it's not exactly a drastic redesign, though it does at least help to make the rear panel feel a little more balanced. If this does end up being an accurate representation of the device which is launched, I'm sure there will be some criticism.

We've seen this kind of design for a few years now, though that's really nothing too uncommon in the tech space. When something works, brand's tend to stick with it – look at the iPhone, which has been in a relatively similar state for the better part of a decade at this point.

These renders really don't point to anything major with regards to the internal specs, either, though we can make some educated guesses in that department. It's likely to include an as-yet-unreleased Tensor G6 processor, likely paired with 12GB of RAM.

Google has released its March Pixel Drop, its quarterly update for Pixel phones, which adds a selection of new features. These include one that first appeared on stage at Galaxy Unpacked alongside the Galaxy S26 family of phones.

The new Pixel Drop adds at least 10 new features for Pixel phone owners, including a more dynamic Circle to Search function that can give you much more detail about what you're looking at.

The example that Samsung used for this feature – which Google now offers – is circling an outfit to get details on all the parts of it, including where you can buy the outfit for yourself.

But while it looked like Samsung was getting an exclusive feature for its new Galaxy phones, the reality is that Pixel owners will have it even before the Galaxy S26 goes on general sale on 11 March.

What else is in the March 2026 Pixel Drop?

In addition, there are enhancements to Gemini, allowing it to take care of your to-do list, while Magic Cue and Gemini will work to give you restaurant ideas. This is available when chatting with friends, with the prompt to have Gemini find the details for you without switching apps.

Unfortunately, for Magic Cue to work, you need to be using Google Messages, so those of us who live in WhatsApp are out of luck.

One of the great features of Pixel devices is the Now Playing tool, where it will listen to music and identify that for you, so you can glance at your phone and get the details immediately. Others are still messing around with Shazam.

Now Playing is getting its own app, so you can dive in and see the music that you've heard historically. This already exists on Pixel phones, but it's always been a bit of an unloved shortcut. A proper app interface should make it much easier for people to find and use.

At a glance is getting an update too, in order to pull in more information and showcase that in real time. That includes things like live sport scores (which could be a huge spoiler), while financial results and commutes also get richer. It's a becoming a bit more of a widget-like experience.

There are also new custom icon controls, including a SpongeBod SquarePants theme pack.

On top of this there are new features for Pixel Watch for safety alerts and more convenient payments, while Pixel Watch 3 now gets the one-handed gestures from Pixel Watch 4.

The new Pixel Drop should be landing compatible on Pixel devices immediately.

When Google announced that the Pixel 10a was right around the corner, I wasn't the only person out there to assume that we'd get a pretty similar offering to normal.

For a few years now, the "a" line has been a cost-effective way to get Google's latest Tensor chip in a cheaper package, a little later than when it first arrives in a flagship design.

This year, though, Google is switching things up in a way that's sure to attract plenty of criticism, by sticking with the Tensor G4 from last year's lineup, making the internal differences between the Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a pretty tough to pick out, where any even exist.

The design is different, sure, but largely by a matter of millimetres – in the now 100% flat camera enclosure, for instance, or bezels around the display that have become ever so slightly thinner.

That one big decision to keep the G4 chip, though, when the G5 came out months ago in the Pixel 10, is a huge attention-grabber for what would otherwise be a pretty 'as expected' phone, so I couldn't turn down the chance to query Google about it during a behind-closed-doors live Q&A session.

Talking to Laura Kastilani, Product Manager at Google, I asked why the 10a hardware had foregone the upgrade to Tensor G5, but only ever received impressively media-trained responses – suggesting this topic was very much expected to come up.

Kastilani was only willing to underline that, from Google's point of view, the "Pixel 10a is packed with value" – having had no price rise this year – and underlining the claim that it's the "only phone under $500 to have the incredible Google Pixel camera" experience.

That boast is because the Pixel 10a has added some camera features from the Pixel 10, but it begs the question – if the Pixel 9a also has the same processor, why can't it get the same features?

In fact, my core question for Google went basically unanswered – how can the Pixel 10a be the best value for Google AI experiences at the asking price, if the Pixel 9a has the exact same processor and can now be readily found for around £100 or even $150 less?

Google also couldn't comment on whether the Pixel 9a will remain on sale through its own store. My guess is that it won't.

Which leaves the 10a in a curious place. I've little doubt that it'll be a great handset in its own context, but one of the biggest reasons to go for the "a" lineup will disappear if it no longer gets the newest chip each year.

One thing I love about Cyber Monday is just how many great deals there are to be had. Deals on top tech – like shiny new Android phones – has been a foundational part of this event since its inception.

Right now, I've found what I believe is the very best deal out there for the Google Pixel 10 Pro. That gets the handset on a 24 month contract with an astounding 500GB of data per month – and all for less than the cost of the handset alone!

This bargain comes courtesy of the team over at Mobiles.co.uk, which has become my personal go to when looking for a new phone. Simply put, they routinely have deals which are very, very good, but they're also brilliantly transparent about exactly what it's going to cost.

It's no secret that phone contracts can be confusing. There are upfront costs, monthly fees and annual price increases, all of which make calculating the overall cost a bit of a minefield.

But it's displayed prominently and proudly on the Mobiles.co.uk site, which allows you to see exactly how good a deal is. This one, for example, costs just £768.76 over the course of two years – much less than the retail price of the device on its own!

The contract comes with ID Mobile, which I can personally vouch for. I've been an ID Mobile customer for about ten years now, as they often offer much better SIM deals than you'll get from the bigger brands.

In my experience, coverage is great, with much of the UK supported without any black spots, and features like inclusive roaming in a wide range of locations and data rollover make it effortless to use.

In short, if you're in the market for a new phone, you'll be hard pressed to find a better deals than this right now!

It's a busy day for Pixel phone owners, with the latest Pixel Drop landing. And there's a whole heap of new AI editing features dropping into place for Google Photos and other apps, including Google Messages. It makes access to Nano Banana – Google's Gemini AI image editor – more widely available.

We'd already reported that one-tap themes were coming to Pixel phones, starting with a Wicked theme to coincide the release of the next movie in the series. But the Pixel Drop also adds new skills to Google Messages, with the integration of Nano Banana editing.

Nano Banana has been trending after Google slapped a clicky name on it in August, as part of the Gemini 2.5 Flash update. It allows for quick creative edits to photos, as well as bespoke AI creations from Gemini. That's now made its way into Google Messages too, under the name Remix.

Users can directly edit images that they are dropping into Google Messages, without the need to create that image in advance. It makes for a more natural way to manipulate an image on the fly to make things more fun.

That means you'll be able to change the look of an image, with suggestions such as "turn it into a 90s sitcom" or "put on formal wear" among the suggestions. You can make yourself smile or add something else to the photo - although the recipient might not appreciate the results. Fortunately, there's a tiny watermark in the corner so that everyone knows it's AI.

The new feature sits within Google Messages for those using the RCS side of the app (ie., using it with data), but that's not the only banana twist that's coming.

Google Photos is also getting an AI boost that expands on the changes to photo editing. Within Google Photos you can get help with editing under the "Help me edit" option. That will now let you make changes to people's faces, using other images in your gallery as a reference.

This takes advantage of Google Photo's face groups, which recognises a particular person and makes them searchable. Now AI can replicate their smile in another image.

That means that you can take the actual photos, from the actual real-world situation, and make it an artificial depiction that never happened.

For example, you can make everyone smile, you can remove sunglasses, and so on. The result is an AI version of what actually happened – but sometimes people just won't open their eyes and it saves taking that photo again and again.

This doesn't appear to be on my device in the UK yet, so looks like it's a US-only feature for now, but because it lives in Google Photos, it's going to be available on both Android and iOS.

For iOS users, this update also brings descriptive edits, so you can type what you want to happen, which has been available to Android in the US for some time, but again, isn't globally available yet.

International users will soon get the Ask Photos feature for natural language searching, making it even easier to find the specific photo you're looking for. That update is starting this week, but again, doesn't seem to have landed in the UK.

With Google making AI image editing even easier, there seems to be no let-up in the potential for users to flood their world with AI slop.

Google is in the process of adding one-tap themes to Pixel devices with the release of a Theme pack app for Pixel phones. The news of the feature was recently leaked, with themes being part of the next Pixel Drop.

Google Pixel phones have a couple of advantages over other Android devices. First, they're always at the front of the queue for the latest version of Android, getting the update on day one. And second, Google pushes updates to the phones with new features on a regular cadence – called Pixel Drops.

In the past, that's seen the addition of features such as Circle to Search, Material 3 Expressive and a load more. While some might argue that these should just be part of the Android release, it's a great way to keep devices feeling fresh, and keep the development going throughout the year.

The next Pixel Drop is expected sometime in November or December and the themes feature is on the list. It's going to allow users to change the theme of their phone with one tap and Google has released the Theme pack app that's going to power it. It's available to install on the Play Store for Pixel owners now, but you can't actually use it yet.

To use the app, an update to the existing "Wallpaper and style" tab of the home page is needed, adding in Themes so it can draw whatever options the app will supply. Essentially, the app that's available now is a system app which doesn't have a user interface.

What will Theme packs offer?

Thankfully, because of the listing on the Play Store, we can see how things are going to work. It's going to allow customisation of a Pixel "in one tap". That's going to include wallpaper, icons, sounds, GIFs and more – with Google saying that it's offering seasonal theme packs.

The first theme is Wicked: For Good, drawn from the sequel to the 2024 movie Wicked.

That the theme is based on a new blockbuster movie is a little suspicious, and makes me suspect that some money is changing hands to get a premium one-click feature on Google devices.

But anyway, for fans of Wicked, it's going to be a nice easy way to add a little touch of magic to your phone with general Wicked, Glida or Elphaba options.

Whether you'll want to run roughshod over the existing vibe of your phone (that you already spent hours perfecting) with a single click is a different matter, but it doesn’t take much imagination to see how Google will pair up with various new events to bring regular themes to Pixel.

As I said, while the app is available to download, there's no point as you can't use it without the Pixel Drop that's going to support the new feature. So hang fire for now.

Google is making big strides to ensure anyone who wants a smartwatch chooses a Google Pixel Watch. Today, the brand announced that the Clock app for Wear OS will only be available on the Pixel Watch.

That's a pretty significant app to wall off, particularly on a smartwatch. That's the app which controls things like the alarms, timers and stopwatch functionality.

According to the blog post, those with a Pixel Watch will continue to have access to the app and its updates as they always have. For any other Wear OS watches, you'll continue to be able to use the app if it's already installed on your device.

You won't continue to get updates, though, so the form it exists in now is how it will remain. If you didn't already have the Google Clock app installed, you'll no longer be able to find it on the Play Store. Instead, you'll have to access whatever the default clock app for your watch is, or download a third-party alternative.

That means anyone with a different Wear OS watch brand will miss out on the Material 3 Expressive redesign. That promises new interfaces, Dynamic Colours and new tile designs.

It comes just weeks after the brand confirmed that its Weather app would no longer be available on Wear OS 6. That was said to be in response to the variety of other apps available on the market for users to select from.

While the news may seem puzzling, I actually think it makes a lot of sense in the modern age. Google's big play in recent years has been for its Gemini AI assistant, which can easily handle requests about the Weather and simple timing tasks.

By removing the app for those tasks, users are more likely to pivot towards using their voice to control them, which in turn would increase utility of Gemini.

Google regularly updates its devices through Pixel Drops – scheduled quarterly updates that not only fix bugs, but introduce or refine features that the phone offers. And the content of the next Pixel Drop could have just leaked.

The Pixel Drop has become one of the benefits of owning a Pixel phone. Not only do you get any Android updates first, but Pixel Drops allow Google to push new features throughout the year, while some other manufacturers only really add features on an annual basis.

Arguably, the content of the Pixel Drop could have been applied when a Pixel device updated to a new version of Android, but Google has made a feature out of progressive development. Sometimes we know what's coming in a Pixel Drop because Google has previously teased that feature, sometimes it's revealed through developer betas – and sometimes it just plain leaks, which is what might have happened here.

The next Pixel Drop is scheduled for December, but a leak on Telegram seems to reveal what it might contain (via 9to5Google). It shows that Google might be adding theme packs, Pixel Studio animations, and Pixel VIP notifications.

The Pixel approach to theming appears to be a way to "instantly customise", with one tap to change the wallpaper, icons, GIFs and sounds. This will live in the Wallpaper & Style settings for the phone, with the leak revealing that there's going to be a Wicked theme available.

It looks like the idea is that instant changes can be made without any messing around, making the process smoother and faster. The availability of a Wicked theme suggests that this might be a continuation of Google letting other brands get involved (which we've seen previously from Marvel, for example).

Pixel Studio – the app that's a hub for AI generation of images – is expanding its skills to include animation. This will allow you to create an images and put motion into it.

The final thing that's been revealed is an expansion of Pixel VIPs. This is currently a widget (which on my Pixel is really clunky) which gives quick access to important contacts and pulls together messages (including WhatsApp), location (if shared) and other details – all with one tap.

Pixel VIP is going to get priority notifications, with the VIP's contact photo appearing in the status bar so you know you have messages from someone important. That sounds like it could be a good evolution of the VIP system, which itself is an evolution of favourite contacts.

Of course, this leak isn't a guarantee that this is actually going to happen – it could just be a work in progress and Google could equally change its mind at short notice. On this one, we'll have to wait and see what we get.

If there was an award for most improved Android phone range, the Google Pixel would have it down. Once a kind of quirky sibling to the major brands, the range has earned some serious pedigree in recent years, establishing itself as a firm favourite among users.

Now, a new render has leaked for the successor to the Google Pixel 9a. That's the brand's more affordable handset, and arrived last time out with a fresh new design which did away with the camera bump entirely.

The new renders show off a Google Pixel 10a handset which is almost entirely identical to the the look of the previous iteration. In fact – save for the gorgeous blue hue, which the report suggests may not even end up being real – you'd be hard-pressed to find any differences at all.

The device shown features the same flat back panel, with a flush-mounted camera array on the rear. That still looks like a dual rear camera setup, though there's nothing to say what specs to expect. It also appears to utilise similar, slightly chunky, bezels on the display.

The device itself is also expected to be physically pretty similar to the current iteration. According to the report, the device is expected to make use of a 6.2-inch display, and sit 9mm thick.

Other rumours of note include a change to the chipset. The Pixel 10a is said to make use of the older Tensor G4 chip, found in the Google Pixel 9 series. That goes against tradition for the 'a' series devices, which have always used the current chip.

It is said to be a "boosted" version of the G4 chip – likely an overclocked one – but that's still going to frustrate some users. It's also going to make the choice between a Pixel 9a and a Pixel 10a really confusing. If the two are similarly priced, with almost identical spec sheets, it's hard to see what the new model really offers.

Hopefully there's some hidden goodies which Google has to offer with the Pixel 10a.

One of the appealing things about Android is the ability to update various parts of the experience as and when software is ready. Although we've already had Android 16 and the Material 3 Expressive update, there's still more that Google is bringing to its Pixel phones.

The Pixel camera looks slightly different on the Pixel 10, because it was brushed up with Material 3 Expressive cues. The whole aim here is to make it easier to navigate the settings, with each selection better expressed through design.

That sees a change to the shutter buttons and the flanking preview and switch camera controls, making things look more modern and distinct.

Across the rest of the controls, the selected item is rounded, while those not selected are squared and comparing the old with the new, I've found that the icons are more distinct against the background.

The good news is that this camera is now rolling out to other Pixel models in the form of Camera 10.1. This is a Play Store update and if it's available for your device, you should get a notification on the display to say there's a newer version available when you open the camera.

The news of the update comes from 9to5Google and when I checked my Pixel 9 Pro XL in the UK it wasn't available yet, suggesting that this is a regional roll-out and some might have to wait a few more days.

What new features come to older Pixel cameras?

While most of the update is window dressing, there are some updates that also arrive with the latest version of the software. That's going to see the inclusion of the "optimise FPS" feature.

That will switch from 30fps to 60fps to suit the conditions when recording video. Generally, 60fps is better for faster moving content because it helps keep the video smooth so that it looks better. This feature was new on the Pixel 10, but is now on the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 models too.

So while there are some tweaks coming for older devices, much of the focus will be on the design and making the Google camera fit into the newly updated interface that the rest of the phone – and Google's apps – now offers.

When Google first entered the world of folding phones, it was, quite frankly, a disappointment. But a surprise move saw Google's second-gen foldable reimagination rise to the top of the stack as the best folding phone upon its release.

I was excited, therefore, to get my mitts on the brand's third-gen foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, to see whether that story continues. I've been using the big-screen folding phone for a full week for this review, to get a real feel of the device as if my own.

However, given the significant similarities between the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and its 9 Pro Fold predecessor, not to mention Samsung's sudden rise with the mighty impressive Galaxy Z Fold 7, I have been left pondering whether Google should have taken a leaf out of OnePlus' book and delayed for the sake of further development and differentiation.

While I know the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is still a great foldable handset, I also know – through experience of using many, including Honor's Magic V5 – that the key competition has come on in leaps and bounds. So is the latest folding Pixel phone worth buying?

Price & Availability

There's no getting around it: folding phones are expensive. That's because they're at the cutting edge of technology right now. It's more about context in how one sits against another, though – and in that regard, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold sees no price rise over its predecessor.

With a £1749 / $1799 / €1899 / AU$2,699 asking price at launch (for the 256GB model; the 512GB and 1TB options are yet more), the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is actually lower than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 on-sale asking price, but marginally pricier than Honor's Magic V5 (albeit only by a whisker in both instances).

What's New?

• Front display reduces bezel by hinge side, is 6.4in (up from 6.3in)
  • Less resolute (408ppi v 422ppi of last-gen model)
• Both front and folding displays are brighter
• Larger battery (5015mAh v 4650mAh)
• Adds dust resistance (IP68 v IPX8)
• New colours: Moonstone / Jade
• Qi2 wireless charging (to 15W)
• Latest Tensor G5 processor
• 1TB storage option

I possess both the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold, so I've been able to position them side-by-side for a proper comparison about what's new.

As you can see from my listing highlights, above, the simple answer is 'not a lot'. Google has made some nips and tucks here and there, changing the footprint by such a tiny amount that I literally can't tell.

The key changes, subtle as they are, are the reduction in front bezel, increase in battery capacity and screen brightness, addition of Qi2 wireless compatibility, and two new colours (there's no 'classic' black or white finish this time).

Design & Displays

• Aerospace-grade aluminium frame
• Exterior display:
  • 6.4-inch Actua (OLED) panel, 20:9 aspect ratio
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
  • 1080 x 2364 resolution (408ppi)
  • 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
  • To 2000 nits, 3000 nits peak
• Internal display:
  • 8-inch Super Actua (OLED) panel
  • 2076 x 2152 resolution (373ppi)
  • 1-120Hz variable refresh rate
  • To 1800 nits, 3000 nits peak

One of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's big sells is that its front display is a 20:9 aspect ratio, so it's not a million miles away from one of the best typical Android phones in that regard. All folded up, it feels almost like a regular handset.

I can certainly commend the work that's gone into reducing the metal edge toward the hinge for this new design, too, as that's been squashed almost completely to allow the screen to breathe more. However, the metal curved edges, into which the screen sits, do still appear pronounced – especially in the Moonstone finish of my review sample.

I think the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's front display is better implemented into its design, without any such curved excesses, but it's also a much narrower panel – which not everyone is going to prefer. For some, this will still make the Google the winner, aesthetics aside.

Unfold the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and it presents its massive 8-inch panel within, which is almost a square format in aspect ratio. While this remains akin to the IMAX of foldable phone displays, the competition has now also caught up – Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 display is also an 8-inch diagonal measure.

Prior to using this new Google foldable, I had been using the super Pixel 10 Pro XL, which doesn't feel hugely different to a folded 10 Pro Fold. They're only marginally different in weight and scale, so there's not a giant compromise in shifting from standard to foldable – especially with the battery enhancement on this newer-gen model.

As I'd stated in my previous Pixel foldable review, however, I do find there's often a question mark over when you'll actually use the internal display. Because the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's external 6.4-inch panel feels so 'normal', quite often I've just failed to open the massive panel within. And a near-square aspect ratio isn't always useful for enhancing apps.

As with any folding phone, however, there's no mitigating the 'crease' that's subtly present on that main display, nor the reflective qualities of such a panel. That's just part of foldable life right now, and an issue that all makers have in this product category.

Note: there's also no stylus compatibility here, as is also the case with Samsung's latest Z Fold (it removed the feature), so if you thought sketching and note-taking on that big internal display was going to be an upsell, then I'm afraid that's not the case.

Performance & Battery

• Google Tensor G5 processor, 16GB RAM
• 52000mAh battery capacity
  • 39W wired (maximum)
  • 15W wireless (Qi2)
• Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive
• Google AI Pro free for 12 months

Like the Pixel 10 Pro XL, the 10 Pro Fold brings Google's most advanced processor yet, the Tensor G5. It's a decent chip, which runs generally cooler than its predecessor, though last-gen CPU cores aren't going to compete with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or even the current Snapdragon chip) when it comes to raw benchmarks.

However, just as I said in my XL review, benchmarks don't equate to user experience – and in my week of testing I've not run into any problems. The Pixel isn't as wafer-thin as the latest Samsung or Honor competitor, so it can handle cooling better thanks to a vapour chamber – and while it does get warm (especially when recharging), it's never got wildly hot.

All that power does need to be kept in check, though, and Google's favourite 'trick' for this – aside from some inevitable throttling – seems to be overzealous auto-brightness and screen time-out timing. I get that it's to save battery life, but with some of the brightest screens around, this aversion to allowing sensible levels of brightness is one of my main bugbears about this device (and, it seems, all Pixel handsets).

The resulting battery life per charge is pretty decent, though, which isn't something you can say for all foldables. I've not felt as though the 7.5% battery capacity increase has delivered a particularly different longevity compared to its predecessor, though, but 18-hour days are no problem. The caveat is you won't achieve that in the first few days of use, as it takes a while for everything to sink in.

I play plenty of mobile games in the evenings, so those innings per charge aren't based on scaled-back use. Whether you want to play South Park: Phone Destroyer or PUBG Mobile for a few dozen minutes or a couple of hours, the performance feels suitably flagship, yet balanced in its approach.

The charging speed has also been increased this time around, with a (not supplied) 30W charger ('USB-C PPS or higher' – as stated on Google's official spec) able to hit such speeds, slightly more if you have Google's 45W plug.

While that can refill 50% of the battery in half an hour, you'll want to take note of Google's Battery Health feature, which slows charging over time – and, indeed, savvily on overnight charging cycles based on your wake-up time – to aid battery life over months and years.

Software

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold ships with Android 16 and, as a major part of that, delivers the visual aesthetic that Google likes to call 'Material 3 Expressive'. In short, this is how you customise the look and feel of the software, from colour palettes and icons, to typography and cut-out images on your Lock Screen. I love the smaller-scale icon and text size, which looks really smart.

Buying a Pixel 10 Pro Fold will also deliver a year's subscription to Google's AI Pro, for access to the more advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro model – which brings Gemini AI to Google Docs and more – and opens up 2TB storage in Google Drive. I wouldn't pay for this subscription for the AI aspect alone – I mean, it's extortionate, at £18.99/$19.99 per month – but the storage is an essential for me.

Google's advancement in AI defines what the company is all about right now. There are good and bad aspects to it – the death of search and attack on publishing models, in case of the latter – but Gemini's use is only going to expand. It's still got a long way to go, though, as summaries built from regurgitated portions of articles is less useful than, say, contextual aware search between apps. That on-hardware intelligence is slowly progressing, though.

Cameras

• Triple rear (with improved stabilisation (OIS)):
  • Main (82°): 48-megapixel, f/1.7 aperture, 1/2in sensor, stabilisation (OIS)
  • Wide (127°): 10.5MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4in, macro focus
  • Tele (5x): 10.5MP, f/3.1, 1/3.2in, OIS
• Selfie (one front, one inner): 10MP, f/2.2

There are no differences between the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold's cameras and its 9 Pro Fold's offering. They look the same, they act the same. But in the wider context of foldable devices, that's actually a pretty good thing.

It's also one of the areas where Google's push into AI shows some of its greater advancements. Features such as object removal or generative-fill to expand a scene are useful – although, as with all AI features, imperfect. Improvements will happen over time, I'm sure.

Put AI to the side for the moment, though, as that large-scale camera 'island' on the rear of this device isn't something that's easy to ignore. It's sure to divide opinion, as it's a big physical protrusion. I think it looks nicer on the Moonstone finish than it did on the last-gen colourways though.

Tucked within that island is a 48-megapixel main, 10.8MP 5x optical zoom, and 10.5MP wide-angle. This has been Google's go-to since the first Fold, so it's really due a change up, as an upgraded offering would have made a bigger impact here.

While the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's main camera is clearly the star of the show, given its resolution and detail, I've otherwise found the versatility of this camera system to be among its biggest appeals.

Whether shooting far-away subjects at 5x zoom – which I gave a go in the Royal Albert Hall during a gig – or going wide-angle and shooting handheld at night in such dimly-lit venues, the Pixel can handle it all. It relies on post-processing, which you can often see happen in real-time.

Other features raise the overall experience, too. From the optical image stabilisation (OIS) – which I could 'feel' activate to offset my hand movements – to the Night Sight mode for lifting night shots out of the shadows. There's plenty here that works in a simple 'point and click' way.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold review: Verdict

While I'm impressed with the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold's overall offering, as its nips and tucks bring marginal gains over its predecessor, the key folding phone competitors have really put their foot on the gas during this past year.

As a result, a once 5-star potential product can't, in my view, compete with the current best in the business – Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7. Some will disagree, mind, as the Pixel's wider front display will seal the deal for some buyers – as the Samsung's is so much narrower that it's a very different experience.

Google's foldable journey has been impressive: the original Fold really didn't hit the mark, while the second-gen model was a total reinvention that blew everyone away. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold hits plenty of high notes, but for its future to be secured it's going to need to slim down further and refine the screen bezel yet more. Then Google will be back to top once more.

Also consider

As said in this review: folding phones are pricey! Given the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's similarities to its predecessor, if you can find a 9 Pro Fold on a better deal then it's an obvious consideration.

Otherwise, the hottest foldable right now is Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is super-thin, super-powerful, and has elevated the design to another level. So long as you can handle that narrow front display, of course.

Honor's Magic V5 is a similar play to Samsung's offering, should that appeal – but I find its software is just a bit too fussy.

Users of a Google Pixel Watch could soon be getting a neat feature upgrade which is perfect for keeping track of their health. What's even more exciting is that it's a feature already present on Apple Watch models, which means the brand could bridge the gap to one of its biggest rivals.

According to a report by 9to5Google, version 4.53 of Fitbit for Android reveals the inclusion of "Fitbit Hypertension Study". That was found via an APK Teardown – looking into backend code to try and gain insight into new features and functionality which may be coming in the future.

The report suggests that the functionality will be employed to advance research around hypertension screening, using the Pixel Watch. Users will be able to consent to join the study, and will be asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Anyone who is selected for the study will have their sensor data collected from their watch under normal use. There's also a warning to users that the process may increase battery consumption.

Beyond the base group, a randomly selected group of users will also be asked to wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. They'll earn $50 in compensation for wearing it and returning the equipment, and there's no word on other currencies to suggest that will be offered in other territories.

So while the new feature isn't exactly ready to go live any second, it does look like Google is making some serious steps towards getting a hypertension feature ready for market. It's worth noting that Apple conducted a similar study prior to adding its version.

What also worthy of note is that the feature landed on Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Series 11 models, offering a substantial user base access to its new feature. Whether or not Google will match that remains to be seen, but I certainly hope it does.

Backwards compatibility is incredibly important in the modern tech industry, and that's never felt more strongly than with health data. No one wants to feel like they have to spend hundreds of pounds just to give their health a fighting chance.

It's also worth caveating all of this with a reminder of what the backend code means. While it's often a good, rare piece of insight into what a brand may or may not have in development, it's not always a perfect science. Features found here could be delayed, or scrapped altogether, so its worth taking with a pinch of salt until they're live and on the device in front of you.

After the launch of the Google Pixel Watch 4 at the recent Made by Google event, many will be beginning to pour over the spec sheet to understand if it's right for them. If you already use an Android phone, chances are it will be.

The new watch packs in a wealth of updates to make things more enjoyable than ever before. A new Dual Chip computing architecture powers things, which should ensure much more impressive performance and battery life.

You'll even find some nifty material on offer. The case, for example, is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium, while gorilla glass sits atop the display for added protection.

But what really caught my eye was the new display. The brand was clearly very proud of that design, which uses a fully domed display to maximise the 3D rendering of the material found on it.

My first thought, though, went to luxury watchmaker, Ressence. For the unaware, this brand has made a name for itself with watches that are filled with oil, which enables minimal distortion regardless of the viewing angle.

The combination of the new domed display and the watch face used in the brands marketing material looks uncannily similar to the designs used in Ressence watches.

Now there are, of course, a wide variety of differences between the two watches. I'd probably recommend the Google model if you're planning to use it for tracking health and fitness – the Ressence is unlikely to shine there.

Regardless, it's great news if you're a fan of the style, but need something designed for a lesser price point – from just £349 (approx. €405 / US$471 / AU$728), the Google model is roughly 100 times cheaper than watches from Ressence.

That's much more aligned with my personal budget, so I might just have to snag a Google Pixel Watch 4 to scratch the itch.

The Google Pixel 10 range has just been unveiled, with a variety of small but meaningful updates over the previous Google Pixel 9 range. The devices mark the brands latest efforts in the Android phone space, and will undoubtedly continue to showcase Google's prowess in the sector.

But there's one new feature which is more important than any other, and it's one you might not immediately jump to. See, while some will be enamoured with the introduction of Qi2 charging or the updates to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the most important new feature actually comes in the camera.

It's called Content Credentials, and it's actually not a new thing. The standard is employed on a handful of Leica cameras – including the Leica M11-D – and is designed to ensure the validity of imagery captured on the device, by building metadata into the image which confirms it isn't a product of AI.

For the Pixel 10 range, the feature will be made available in a smartphone for the first time. That's not just significant for the range – it's a landmark moment for the industry at large.

It's no secret that AI generated content is becoming more and more commonplace, and as the systems continue to gain traction, the content gets tougher to discern from reality. For imagery, that could generate a lack of trust with the general public, who are remiss to believe what they see.

The Content Credentials initiative is currently the best way of combatting that, with irrefutable metadata which confirms the origin of the image. Google says that the metadata is embedded on the device, and will affect all images, regardless of whether they use AI enhancement or not.

There will also be an easy way to view this information in the Google Photos app. That's just as significant in many ways – having the functionality is all well and good, but being able to prove it easily makes it accessible in real world scenarios.

We'll have to wait and see how easy it actually is to use, but it feels like a really important moment for the market as a whole.

2025 has already been a fantastic year for foldable phones – and now there's another one to muddy the waters even further. At its Made by Google event, the brand unveiled the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is primed to make the battle even more intense.

As the third handset in the brands folding catalogue – coming after the original Google Pixel Fold and last year's five-star Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – this feels like a proper coming of age. Gone are the foibles and quirks of the past, replaced by a solid handset with a seriously enviable spec sheet.

Let's start with arguably the key piece for any folding handset – the hinge. That's been redesigned here, with the brand opting to use a gearless hinge design. The result is two times hardier than the previous iteration, and is tested for over ten years of folding.

It also offers a pair of new features which are a first in the foldable phone market. First up, that's an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. That should inspire some added confidence in the mind of users, who can put it through its paces.

The other foldable phone first is the inclusion of Qi2 wireless charging. That's something which can be found across the Pixel 10 range, and should offer iPhone MagSafe style charging and accessories with the new Pixelsnap accessories.

You might think that inclusion means a sacrifice in battery capacity, but that's also not true. At 5,015mAh, its the largest battery ever fitted to a Pixel Fold device, and should be more than capable of getting through the daily tasks of most users.

There's even some new software available on the handset. Instant View allows you to see recent photos alongside the camera when using the inner display, Split Screen mode lets you resize apps beyond the screen boundary for extra real estate, and a new gaming mode allows you to view the game on one half of the internal display, while controlling it on the bottom.

At £1,749 (approx. €2,026 / US$2,365 / AU$3,650) it's certainly not what you'd call affordable, but it's also completely in keeping with the competition.

After months of leaks and rumours spilling out of every nook and cranny like a cartoon character taking a drink after walking through a shootout, the Google Pixel 10 range is officially here!

It looks like it was worth the wait, too. While there isn't a sweeping change when compared the the previous Google Pixel 9 range, there are enough small tweaks to make the handsets a top pick for most Android phone fans.

The base model gets a significant shift, with a new telephoto camera added to its rear array. That means you'll have the full wide, ultra-wide and telephoto offering which is usually reserved for Pro-grade handsets.

Elsewhere, users will enjoy a best-in-class Actua display – with 3,000 nits of peak brightness – upgraded speakers, the new Tensor G5 chip with 12GB of RAM, over 30 hours of battery life and Qi2 wireless charging built in.

If you want to opt for the Pro-level handsets, there's still a choice of two sizes for you. As we've seen on previous generations of the device, both a Pixel 10 Pro and a Pixel 10 Pro XL will be offered, as the brand says users love the choice of sizes.

Those feature an even better super zoom, which will send you to 100x with the help of some AI tweaking. That means you can snag photos of just about anything from just about anywhere – physical proximity really isn't too much of a barrier anymore!

It also packs in the best selfie camera yet, while a 3,300 nit display is 10% brighter than the previous model with reduced power consumption. There's 16GB of RAM in these handsets, which the brand says offers the best AI performance, and the XL variant offers the best audio ever featured on a Pixel, complete with added bass response.

UK pricing remains the same as last year, and is shown in the table below (pricing for other territories is approximated):

With the Google Pixel event now just a matter of weeks away, it should come as no surprise that the rumour mill has been spinning furiously. Fans are eager to understand what is coming, to try and get a feel for just how much of an upgrade is coming.

We've already seen leaked renders of the Google Pixel 10 Pro, as well as those for the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Those Android phones are likely to be among the most highly anticipated at the event, with the brand's offering growing substantially in recent years.

Now, the same leaker has shared an image of a new set of earbuds. That is listed as the Google Pixel Buds 2a, which would make them a successor to the brand's current budget buds – the Google Pixel Buds a.

The image was shared by Android Headlines, and shows the buds in a pale Lilac hue. The colour – which the report suggests is called 'Iris' – is seen in the innards of the case, which has a white outer casing.

It looks like the case is designed to reveal a little sliver of that colour when closed, too. There appears to be a band which will be visible on the outside, ensuring your carefully chosen style can still be seen.

You might have noticed I'm dwelling slightly here, dear reader, and that's because there isn't an awful lot more to tell you. While the leaked render gives us a good look at the device, there is no accompanying information to make any suggestions about the specs or pricing.

With little else to go on, we'll just have to wait for the official launch to offer further comment. Still, with that set to take place in just a few short weeks, we shouldn't have long to wait.

There's not too long left to wait for the launch of the new Google Pixel 10 range, and it's shaping up to be a really impressive handset. The last few weeks have played host to a wealth of leaks and rumours, leaving us with a fairly good impression of what the device may look like.

But there is always something else to learn, and the latest leaked images of the upcoming Android phone might just have revealed something massive. The images are shown with a charging device attached to the back, which suggests the presence of a Qi2 charging system.

That device is said to be dubbed the Pixelsnap Charger, and looks relatively familiar for anyone who has used a Google Pixel Watch. The overall design isn't too much different to its charging puck, though it's a little broader.

Crucially, these images show it in use on the bare back cover of the handset – no smoke, mirrors or special cases in sight. That means the hardware is baked into the phone itself, which is great news for those who prefer a case-free experience.

The images were shared by Evan Blass on Twitter. Blass is well-regarded within the tech space as someone which a knack for getting information and pictures to the public ahead of full releases.

The tweet also showcases the official case for the Pro model of the devices. That's much less exciting, though, with a mostly unchanged design from that of the Google Pixel 9 Pro models.

Even so, it's cool to see. With just a matter of weeks to go before the launch event is set to take place, excitement is really building for the new handsets.

They're shaping up to be pretty impressive devices, too. Check out the full rundown of all the leaked specs, or leaked information on the colours for the Google Pixel 10 Pro and the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for more information.

It's no secret that Google is preparing to launch the Pixel 10 – Google itself has shared an image and invited people to sign-up for more information. But now things have gone a little further, with the reveal of the full line-up of Pixel 10 phones.

This doesn't look like it was deliberate, because I've been checking devices to see if I can discover the same Google Play banner that caused the big reveal – but it's safe to say this probably isn't how Google expected to make the big announcement.

Spotted by Android Authority, a card appeared at the top of Google Play's "for you" page, saying "Meet the new Pixel 10 Series". The fact that it also says "now available" suggests that this advert has jumped the gun.

However, it also goes on to say that you can get $50 off from Google, an offer that's set to end on 13 October 2025. Considering that the Pixel 10 is due to launch on 20 August, that's a pretty long introductory promo and a great deal for switchers.

That is if you're tempted by the new phones. The image shows the Pixel 10 (with its larger camera), Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Pixel 10 Pro XL. The latter three phones appear to be in the previously leaked Moonstone colour (grey) while the Pixel 10 is shown in the bright Indigo colour.

It seems a strange way to promote your phones, with three shown in what is a pedestrian colour, with the cheapest of the lot looking the best. I can't help feeling that this banner might be a work in progress that slipped out early.

What to expect from the Pixel phones

If you've been keeping up with the news, you'll probably have gathered that not many changes are expected. This latest leak reinforces the fact that the design is virtually unchanged, with only the Pixel 10 getting an adjustment thanks to that wider camera array on the rear to accommodate the telephoto lens that it's getting.

Elsewhere we're expecting internal upgrades with the Tensor G5 hardware, a new fingerprint scanner, but not a lot else. It looks like this is a year of consolidation for Google and we have to accept that iterative design is common in smartphones: Apple and Samsung get away with it year after year.

If that leaves you feeling a little flat about the prospects of the new Pixel 10, then it might be a great time to take advantage of the Pixel 9 discounts that are currently running. After all, you'll basically be getting the same device and with seven years of software updates, there's plenty of life left in the incumbent device.

Just yesterday, we saw new images leaked which showcased the rumoured colour options available on the upcoming Google Pixel 10 Pro. That included a gorgeous green and gold hue, which is reminiscent of the old Google Pixel 7 Pro.

Now, the same brand has showcased an image of the follow up for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. That's the brand's foldable phone, and won widespread acclaim last year when it launched thanks to a solid spec sheet and a delightful form factor.

The leak from Android Headlines shows off two colour options for the handset – Moonstone and Jade. The Moonstone hue is a fairly industrial blue-grey hue, with matched metalwork in a lighter shade.

However, that Jade is the real boon here. It's the same pistachio green and gold accents combination which I loved on the Pixel 10 Pro leak, and seeing it here is even better. As someone who has been especially vocal in my adoration for that combination on the older Pixel 7 Pro, this feels like a landmark occasion.

Other specs appear to show less change this time out. There's said to be a very marginal increase in the size of the outer display, though that's probably more down to improvements in the bezel and hinge design than anything else.

Obvious internal improvements include a new sensor – the Tensor G5 should be found in this handset – while there is also talk of a bigger battery. That could be as big as 5,015mAh, which is seriously impressive in foldable terms.

That's a solid jump compared to its predecessor, while wireless charging is also said to enjoy a small boost. Rumours suggest that devices will support 23W wired and 15W wireless charging, which is hardly setting the world alight. Still, it's likely to be more than sufficient for most users.

With only a few weeks left before the launch event is set to take place there shouldn't be too many more surprises. Even so, we'll be keeping an eye out for more details in the coming weeks.

With the launch of the Google Pixel 9 successor expected in the coming weeks, its no surprise that leaks and rumours have begun to spill out from everywhere. The device family has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and is widely considered to be among the best Android phones on the market right now.

Today, renders which appear to showcase the colour options for the Pro model have appeared online – and it's a tasty offering! Of course, as you'd probably expect, the range is more muted and classy, but that doesn't mean the brand can't still have some fun.

The renders shared by Android Headlines shows off a quartet of colour options, including some classics and a tasty new option. Official names of Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone and Jade will be better known to you or I as black, white, blue-grey and a gorgeous pistachio green.

It's the latter which has really caught my eye. Not only is it bang on trend right now – those pale, pastel green hues are all the rage across fashion and design – it's about as close as the brand has come to a return of the iconic Google Pixel 7 Pro colour scheme.

The Hazel colour variant on that model remains one of the best designed phones I've ever seen, with beautiful curves and a really stylish colour profile. The green is definitely paler on the new Pro variant, but it's paired with gold accents to really bring that whole vibe back.

I'm sure I won't be the only one who enjoys it. I've long been opposed to the brand's decision to move away from the sleek design of those elder models. Still, this is the best I think it has looked so far, and if my position is waning, I'm sure others will be too.

The other colour options also look pretty good, though they follow the more traditional formula for Pro-grade devices. That is a single, fairly inoffensive colour scheme, with accents either a shade lighter or darker.

It's not exactly the most inspiring colour designs, but it does do a magnificent job of blending in – which is exactly what it's intended to do.

There's been a lot of talk about the new camera bump designs coming to the iPhone 17 range later this year. Swathes of leaks and rumours have shown us some interesting designs, with each model seemingly taking on a different form.

Most notable, though, are the iPhone 17 Pro models. Those are showcased with a frankly gargantuan camera bar – roughly an inch tall and spanning the entire width of the rear panel.

But if you thought that looked cumbersome, wait until you see the new leaked images for the new Google Pixel device. The flagship Android phone carries on the theme from the Google Pixel 9 range, with a square-edge panel protruding from the rear of the device.

Why, you may ask, would anyone want that? Well, it's a good question. The main reason we see designs like this coming to the fore is space. In order to maintain ever-better levels of camera performance, brands need space to work with.

The additional images give us some other details about the handset itself. That features a SIM-card slot in the upper left side, and showcases just how chunky that camera cutout is.

We can't be certain from a single image, but it looks even thicker than the previous generation. The pockets of your Levi's will be wincing in horror at the news.

Is this the future for phone design?

I can't help but feel like the current age of phone design is a marked step back from where we were even just a few years ago. Then, every handset was designed to look fantastic – sleek and slim, with a certain sex appeal that any luxury item should have.

I don't personally feel like that's the case anymore, though. In the pursuit of improving specs, we've totally lost the plot in terms of design, and it's really quite concerning. Put simply – I want my good looking phone back, please.

If you stop and think about it, modern phones really are astounding devices. Gone are the days when you'd simply use them to make calls and receive texts – these days, everything from your shot-snapping to your finances happens within these handsets.

Still, the core concept is still a big factor. Making and receiving calls is crucial, and the latter half of that equation has proven to be a bug bear for many users.

In particular, many have questioned the differing UIs used for the accepting or rejecting of incoming calls. Brands seemingly flit between separate buttons, swiping gestures and other methods of saying yes or no.

Now, though, it looks like Google is set to turn that choice over to the user. As spotted by 9to5Google, there's code in a new beta version which appears to give users the choice for exactly how their calls will look.

That appears to let users decide how they'd prefer their call screen to look. The options include single tap and horizontal swipe, which is likely to relate to the individual answer and decline buttons of old, or the newer pill-shaped swipe bar.

The 'swipe up to answer' version doesn't appear in the code they found, though it's possible that is being held for when the phone is locked, or simply being removed altogether.

As this information comes from unreleased back-end code, it's tough to say with any real conviction. It is also possible that these features may be rescinded before anything comes to market. Still, it's something which would make a lot of sense, and is likely to please a lot of users.

With the broader Material 3 Expressive redesign coming soon, this may well be a feature in that suite. That was announced at The Android Show a few weeks ago, and brings a new animation style, as well as added customisation features to Android phones.

Software updates can be a mixed bag. Usually they are brilliant, delivering bug fixes, small enhancements and in some cases big feature releases, but there are times when they don't always work out as planned.

Earlier this month, we saw the May 2025 update for Google's Pixel devices roll out. It didn't bring anything groundbreaking in terms of new features, instead delivering a couple of fixes and tweaks that you may not even have noticed following the update.

What you may have spotted however, were issues with your Pixel's battery life. As reported by 9to5Google, coinciding with the drop of the May 2025 update, users began posting complaints about their Pixel batteries draining more quickly. They also reported overheating problems through Google support forums and a Google Pixel subreddit.

It was thought to affect all Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 through to the latest Pixel 9 models, but there's a new twist to the story. It's now thought it wasn't the May 2025 update at all – it's actually said be one of your favourite social media platforms to blame.

How to fix your Google Pixel battery issues

Google told 9to5Google that while the battery issues affecting Pixel users were genuine, they were due to an ongoing bug with the Instagram app instead.

It has also advised that if you update to the latest version of Instagram on your device, the battery issues should resolve themselves.

In an attempt to corroborate this, 9to5Google went back through some user reports and concluded that a number had mentioned Instagram and some other Meta apps eating up battery life. It concluded that Google was likely right in suggesting it wasn't the May 2025 update at fault.

Moral of the story? Don't jump to conclusions too quickly – and update your Pixel device to the latest Instagram app.

When we talk about the best Android phones on the market, it rarely takes long before the Google Pixel range emerges. These handsets include killer specs and offer decent value for money, making them a popular choice in a crowded market.

There is something of a shifting tide among loyal Pixel fans, though. The controversy has been brewing over battery health – a feature which gives users an idea of how their battery is currently performing compared to how it would have when new.

In a previous version of the Android operating system, that feature had been widely available on a range of older devices – some users report compatibility as far back as the Pixel 6. However, the latest updates appear to have shelved that, and a subsequent comment from the brand suggests it won't be available on devices older than the Pixel 8a. That leaves just the 8a and the Pixel 9 series.

That's massively frustrating for users. It's never fun to see a feature not supported on your handset anyway, but it's even more infuriating when it was working, but has been snatched away.

It's perhaps most annoying for users of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. They look set to be cast aside, despite the sub-series Pixel 8a getting the nod. What's more, those devices were both sold on the promise of getting seven years of updates, yet less than two years later they're already being shunned for some pretty basic stuff.

It has caused uproar in the Google community, with comments across Reddit and the Google Issue Tracker showcasing just how frustrating the situation is. Some have even questioned whether or not the limitation has been imposed to hide poor battery performance, though there's nothing official to suggest that.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see how Google manages the situation. While we wouldn't necessarily expect a U-turn, doing so could go a long way to limiting the damage caused by this situation.

As fans of Android phones, we should be quite accustomed to new features which satisfy the wants of consumers. AI-powered photo editing and memory recall functionality are two such examples which have come to the fore in recent years.

But what about the features we actually need? One such spec is the pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming rate. In effect, that is the method by which most LEDs are made brighter or darker – rather than actually dimming the LED output, they are rapidly switched on and off to trick the brain into seeing a certain brightness.

It's a design choice which can have serious implications. Those who are sensitive to PWM dimming can experience everything from headaches to a tingling sensation in their faces.

Now, it looks like Google may finally be taking that on board with its next Pixel 10 model. That report comes courtesy of Android Central, where a Google representative suggests that updates on the matter would arise later in the year.

If you're aware of Google's release schedule, you'll know that likely marks the Pixel 10 as the point of difference. That model is expected at some point later in the year – traditionally they came around the start of Autumn, though last year's Pixel 9 range cropped up a little earlier.

Of course, there's no guarantees of that, either. The response from Google was suitably vague, and while we're hopeful that change will come, it could also take the opportunity to outline future plans for that technology.

Regardless, it would be a welcome change. Phones are often praised for adding new and exciting features, but there's really nothing better than a change which could literally stop someone's pain. It would also set Google apart from other brands like Samsung and Apple, who continue to utilise rates which are significantly slower than some of the Chinese manufacturers.

After a good few rumours and leaks in the past few weeks, Google has finally unveiled the Pixel 9a properly, showing off its latest mid-range Android phone and letting us know its specs. While its Tensor G4 chipset is a welcome upgrade and there are other nice tweaks, one big element will surely get the most attention this time around – a new design on its rear.

Where there's previously been an ever-shallower camera band across the back of Pixel phones, including the last-gen Pixel 8a (our pick for the best budget phone available, by the way), this time around it's very different. Google has slimmed things down even further, removing the band altogether.

Now, the Pixel 9a simply has a two-lens camera array that bumps out by a tiny margin, in rounded glass. It makes the phone almost entirely flat on its back, and it should lay on a surface with almost no rocking, which is a pretty huge rarity in the world of modern smartphones.

The main 48MP lens should be improved compared to the Google Pixel 8a, and the 9a also has all the AI-powered photo-editing software that you can use on the more powerful Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, since it runs on the same chip as those phones. Its 6.3-inch Actua display gets a little upgrade to 2700 nits of peak brightness, too, and will be a 120Hz panel.

Presumably because of more efficiency with its chip, but also due to an expande 5100mAh cell and some downgrades compared to the 9 and 9 Pro, this will also be the best-performing Pixel phone from a battery standpoint. It'll last 30 hours in regular use, but can stretch to 100 hours with an extreme battery saving mode enabled.

The phone will also get seven years of security and OS updates and should be more durable than ever thanks to an IP68 water resistance rating, an improvement on the Pixel 8a's IP67.

The Pixel 9a will launch at some point in April, and will come at the exact same price as the Pixel 8a's launch – £499, $499 or €559. That makes it likely to immediately stand as a contender if you're looking for a mid-range phone that can rival flagships where features are concerned.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge leak that happened over the weekend is the gift that just keeps giving. Not only did it give us a glimpse of the forthcoming superthin device, another handset was spotted lurking in one of the shots.

Yep, sitting on a desk in a video titled "Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Camera Samples" is a phone that looks suspiciously like the Google Pixel 9a. And what's more, it's a full release model too.

We know that because it has Google's "G" logo on the rear – previous leaks of dummy units were blank on the back. The design also matches recently-leaked renders that many experts have confirmed are the real deal.

According to 9to5Google, the video (like the other S25 Edge hands-on clip) was soon removed from YouTube, lending even more credibility to its legitimacy. Samsung tends to enforce takedown notices rapidly when genuine leaks emerge, while each of the videos seem to have been accidentally posted (maybe breaking embargoes in the process).

What Google will have to say about one of its own forthcoming phones appearing too is anyone's guess... it won't have been happy through.

In all honesty, you can't get much from its appearance. It's clearly the Obsidian (black) version pictured, and you can see the pill-shaped camera on the rear, along with the flash. That's about it really.

It does "confirm" that the design will be different from the other phones in the Pixel 9 family though. And it must be said that it looks very much like the iPhone 16e, which we've alluded to before. Certainly, you can expect a bit of a battle at the entry-level end of the market once it does officially break cover.

That shouldn't be long now, considering how regularly Pixel 9a leaks are appearing. And with Mobile World Congress due to start this coming weekend, it wouldn't come as a surprise if Google didn't use the opportunity to at least tease the device before a rumoured 26 March announcement.

It's a big day for tech fans. As I'm writing this, excitement is building over the imminent launch of the iPhone SE 4, which is expected to take place later today.

It's not the only solid midrange option which has cropped up, though. A new leak from Roland Quant at WinFuture showcases images of the Google Pixel 9a, as well as giving us a comprehensive look at its specs.

Let's kick off by talking about the design first. No prizes for guessing its inspiration – there's a distinctly iPhone look to this handset. I've bemoaned this lack of design innovation for many months now, but it's still as plain as day here.

While we're talking design, let's mention the back panel. The images shared show it almost entirely flat, with the camera recessed right into the back panel.

That's something many have been asking for over the last few years, though I must say I'm really not a fan. It just looks... wrong? After so many years of being used to the bumps and shapes of cameras and other goodies, this doesn't quite sit right.

Elsewhere, we've got details of what could be packed inside the device. It's said to pack in a 6.3-inch OLED panel, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That's also covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, according to the report.

Inside, the handset is powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor, which is the same one you'll find in the other Google Pixel 9 series devices. That's paired up with an in-house Titan M2 chip for security.

The cameras do suffer slightly – as you should probably expect on a more budget-friendly device. There's a main 48MP 1/2-inch sensor, paired with a 13MP ultra-wide option. The report suggests video will top out at 1080p – quite a shame in this day and age – but redeems itself somewhat with 240fps shooting.

Elsewhere, users are said get a 5,100mAh battery, and the device is expected to offer wireless charging. It's also set to come in the following colours:

• Obsidian (black)
• Porcelain (white)
• Peony (pink)
• Iris (lilac)

Said to be priced from €499 (approx. £415 / $520 / AU$820) this should be a really good competitor for the upcoming iPhone SE 4.

Excitement is building for the launch of two new affordable phones – one coming from Apple, the other from Google. Not only does it look like these phones are launching at pretty much the same time, but they could look nearly identical too.

Renders of the forthcoming Apple iPhone SE 4 were shared recently, having been sourced from a case manufacturer. And while it’s not possible to see the device completely, we get a good sense of the overall design that Apple is going for – hint, it looks like a completely new design for the series, which is exciting.

To accompany them, we now have alleged images of the Google Pixel 9a, too. This time they come from Android Headlines and show official-looking renders of the Pixel 9a in an array of colours. So, although we’ve seen the Pixel 9a previously, this is the best look at this phone so far.

From these images, we can see that the camera location and shape on these phones appears to be almost identical. The lozenge-shared area in the top left-hand corner of the rear presents the phone’s cameras, with Google offering two, while Apple only has one.

And even though we can’t see the front of the Pixel 9a, there’s no doubt that the Google phone won’t have Apple’s iconic notch at the top of the display. Unfortunately, because the iPhone is in a Spigen case, we can't really see the sides – but it’s likely to have flat sides to match the rest of the iPhone family.

Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone SE 4: How to the specs compare?

While the visual design of these phones might be close, let’s just take a quick look at how they may compare on the hardware front. Bear in mind that none of this information is official, we only have leaks to work with.

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to have the Tensor G4 processor and 8GB RAM, with 128 and 256GB storage options. The iPhone SE 4 could come with the A18 chip to match the iPhone 16 (which follows the pattern of Apple’s previous SE models). If the phone is to get Apple Intelligence, which seems highly likely, it will need 8GB of RAM too. It could also come in 128 and 256GB storage options.

By all accounts, the A18 is a better performer than the Tensor G4.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a 6.1-inch display, with a 60Hz refresh rate and it’s thought to be an OLED display instead of LCD on the new model. The Pixel is expected to have a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,700 nits peak brightness.

The battery in the iPhone SE 4 could be 3,279mAh, while the Pixel 9a could get a huge 5,100mAh battery. That might see the Pixel offering better stamina.

Finally, moving to the camera, the Pixel 9a is expected to carry a 48-megapixel main sensor, joined by an ultra-wide camera. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have one camera, again, with a 48-megapixel sensor.

Of course, there’s a lot of speculation here, but you can see that these two models could be really closely matched. As for the price – the Pixel 9a is said to start at £/$499 and the iPhone SE 4 around the £/$449-499 mark.

Hopefully, we’ll have more concrete details on each soon.

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to launch in March and we’re starting to learn more about the affordable Android phone. While most of this news has been positive, today’s discovery could sour one of the best cheap phones for some buyers.

The prices for the Pixel 9a have been circulating for some time. Android Headlines – who brings us a lot of details about Pixel launches – shared the Pixel 9a price as $499 for the 128GB version and $599 for the 256GB model, meaning a bump of $100 between them.

Currently, the Pixel 8a costs $499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB costs $559, only $60 more expensive.

Unfortunately, it looks like that price increase for the larger storage model is reflected in other regions too. Thanks to Dealabs we have the prices for the UK and Europe, with the Pixel 9a reportedly costing £499 / €549 for the 128GB and jumping up to £599 / €649 for the 256GB.

So if you’re after the model with more storage, you’re going to have to pay more for it.

What else do we know about the Pixel 9a?

While the date of the announcement is currently unknown, it’s been reported that the Google Pixel 9a could be open for pre-order on 19 March 2025, which is a Wednesday. It could be that the phone is announced and the pre-orders go live immediately. Shipping is said to be from 26 March.

The Pixel 9a is expected to change design slightly, dropping the camera bump from the rear of the phone, so this year’s cheaper model from Google is alleged to be flatter and have an IP68 rating.

We think that it’s going to come with a range of freebies to sweeten the deal, while it will also pack in the Tensor G4 processor, along with 8GB RAM. Exactly what this means for its AI capabilities compared to the Pixel 9 remains to be seen.

Elsewhere, a big 5,100mAh battery is expected, with 23W charging, while the screen is expected to come in at 6.2-inches, with an impressive 2,700 nits brightness, which will be great for showing off your HDR photos.

The camera is said to be the star of the show, with Pixel’s customary performance that’s boosted by great processing and AI editing skills. The camera hardware itself is said to be a 48-megapixel main camera, supported by an ultra-wide camera.

The launch of this phone is approaching, but with the Nothing Phone 3a expected on 4 March and the iPhone SE 4 just about to launch, the affordable phone segment could suddenly become very competitive.

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to launch soon, with shipping said to start on 26 March. But, the affordable cousin of the Pixel 9 phones won’t just be about the great camera on the back, it’s reportedly going to bundle in a range of free services too.

According to details from Android Headlines, the new Pixel phone could come with YouTube Premium for three months. That should increase the appeal for younger users who the Pixel 9a is aimed at. But then, it will also give you Fitbit Premium for six months, as well as Google One 100GB for three months.

What is less likely to be offered is free access to the AI Premium Google One plan, which also includes access to Gemini Advanced. That was something that was bundled with the Pixel 9 Pro models, but hasn't been mentioned in the report.

It’s also worth noting that the subscriptions are limited, giving you the chance to test some of Google’s services, but without the benefit of a full year of use. The storage offering is a little odd, because what are you going to do after three months of expanded 100GB storage? You’re either going to have to pay, or move everything to another online storage option, if you actually use it.

What to expect from the Google Pixel 9a

Regular as clockwork, we’re going to see Google launch a more affordable device to complement the Pixel 9 models already out there. It’s launching a little earlier than expected in 2025, with Google moving its timeframe forward, and while a launch date hasn’t been confirmed, we’re expecting it to appear in the middle of March.

The phone will have a flat design, losing the pronounced camera housing that has graced the last few generations of Pixel phones, so it will have a sleeker appearance if leaks are to be believed.

The Pixel 9a is expected to be powered by the Tensor G4 hardware, with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The battery should come in at 5,100mAh, with 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging.

The display is said to be 6.2-inches with a 2,700 nits brightness, while the camera should offer a 48-megapixel main sensor supported by an ultra-wide camera.

The price is expected to come in at $499, which we think will translate to £499 in the UK and AU$849 down under.

If you’re a Google Pixel fan, or more specifically a Pixel ‘a’ fan, then there could be some good news for you. Based on the latest leak, the Pixel 9a could follow in the footsteps of the Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL with an early announcement.

The Pixel 9 series was revealed in August of last year, which was two months ahead of Google's previous schedule for the Pixel 8 series. Now leaked documents have suggested the Pixel 9a might also appear a couple of months earlier than usual.

Picked up by 91Mobiles, certification documents have appeared on EMVCo referencing the model number GTF7P. That might not seem like a big deal, but the model number has previously referred to the Pixel 9a and appeared in leaked images of the apparent device. The documents also suggest the Pixel 9a will come with Android 15 out of the box.

What might the Pixel 9a offer?

What might be more surprising is that the expected launch date is said to be March, with availability before the end of that month. For context, the Pixel 8a was announced in May, so like the Pixel 9 series, this puts it on track to be ahead of previous schedules.

The certification documents don’t reveal much else, but previous rumours have suggested the Pixel 9a could come with a 6.28-inch display with a 2,700 nit peak brightness and run on the Google Tensor G4 chipset – an upgrade from the Pixel 8a's Google Tensor G3 chip.

It's also said it could come with a 5,100mAh battery, supporting 23W charging and 7.5W wireless charging speeds, and there's thought to be a dual camera on the rear with a 48-megapixel main sensor and Sony IM712 ultra wide camera. On the front, rumours suggest a 13-megapixel camera.

Nothing is official yet of course, but reports suggest the Pixel 9a could have the same starting price as its predecessor – £499 in the UK, $499 in the US, and AU$849 in Australia for the 128GB storage model.

The next phone we’re expecting from Google is the Pixel 10, but there are already rumours out there to leapfrog that device and get you excited about the Pixel 11 – expected to launch in 2026.

Yes, we’ve only recently seen the launch of the Google Pixel 9, but we’re jumping into the future, with details about the codenames for these devices finding their way into the public domain thanks to Android Authority.

It's reported that there will be four phones in the Pixel 11 family – the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which suggests that Google is very much following the path it laid down for the Pixel 9 in 2024. As you may recall, that saw a renaming of the Pixel devices, and it looks as though Google is happy with that arrangement.

We’re talking about two years down the line, of course, so things could always change.

The codenames that have been shared from a "source inside Google" include:

• Pixel 11 - Cubs
• Pixel 11 Pro - Grizzly
• Pixel 11 Pro XL - Kodiak
• Pixel 11 Pro Fold – Yogi

So there’s a bear theme going on – and the codename for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold is especially interesting because obviously Yogi is a cartoon bear, but it also hints at “yoga”, paying homage to the flexible nature of the phone.

Previously, we’ve heard a little about the Pixel 11 and the powers of the Tensor G6 that’s expected to sit at the heart of the new phone series.

It has been reported before that the Tensor G6 will make big AI gains and that could include a 100x zoom camera feature. That might seem ludicrous, but it’s one of the headline features of the Honor Magic 7 Pro, which can use AI to clean up zoom images over 30x. It’s a contentious issue, however, as some of the results are far too unrealistic.

There are also said to be a host of new health features coming to the Pixel 11, with a new nanoTPU said to offer monitoring for sleep apnoea, sneezing, snoring and a whole lot more, as part of a more holistic approach to health data on devices.

We’re still some way from Pixel 11 making its debut – the estimation would be August 2026 and there’s a lot that could happen between now and then.

Google’s cycle of Pixel launches sees a new flagship phone unveiled and then a slightly more affordable model released about six months later. In 2024, the company launched the Pixel 9 models – along with a fresh new design – and the Pixel 9a is the logical follow-on. Now we know a lot more about that forthcoming Pixel phone.

We’ve been tracking details about the Pixel 9a for some months, along with the news that Google is shifting up its launch cycle. That saw the Pixel 9 launched alongside a new folding model - the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – in August rather than October and we’re expecting the Pixel 9a to surface in March rather than May.

We’ve already seen renders of the new phone, as well as some leaks of that design in the wild, so we know what it looks like – but now we have a lot more information thanks to Android Headlines, in what looks like one of the best cheap phones for 2025.

The Pixel 9a specs tell us it will be a little lighter than the Pixel 8a, and there will be minor changes to the dimensions, but not to any great degree. These phones are going to feel basically the same when they’re in your pocket. It will come with an IP68 rating.

The Google Pixel 9a will be powered by the Tensor G4 as expected, with 8GB RAM and 128 or 256GB storage. There will be a 5,100mAh battery – a bump over the Pixel 8a – while there’s a move to 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.

There will be a 6.2-inch display with a peak brightness of 2700 nits, which is nice and bright, especially on a phone in this position. I saw a similar move from the Motorola Edge 50 Neo earlier in 2024 and I’m all for boosting the display brightness on more affordable devices.

Moving to the camera there’s a change from the device it replaces, with a new 48-megapixel main sensor paired with an ultrawide. That chimes with previous information about the camera that we’d heard.

It’s said that the Pixel 9a will cost $499 in the US when it launches, so we’re expecting a £499 price in the UK, or AU$849 in Australia.

We’re expecting the Pixel 9a to launch with Android 15 and a whole collection of Google AI goodies.

If you’ve been waiting for the Pixel Tablet 2 then there’s some bad news – it seems that Google has cancelled the follow-up device.

Only recently, we were reporting on the news that the company was planning to fix one of the major annoyances with the original device, but now it seems that the Pixel Tablet 2 isn’t going to be launched at all.

The news comes from Android Authority, which reports from a source inside Google, where we learn a lot about the device that is no more. And, as it happens, it seems that the Pixel Tablet 2 was on course to be a great iPad alternative, addressing the problems highlighted with the original Pixel Tablet.

First of all, there was the keyboard that we previously mentioned, but also a move to more powerful hardware in Tensor G4. There was also a plan to include 5G in the Pixel Tablet 2, which would have opened up its use cases, but perhaps move away from its original positioning as a device for the home.

That perhaps is at the route of the problem here: we also learn that there were plans for GPS, which might be useful for locations when out and about, but the inclusion of a Thread radio for smart home functionality points to a device that’s designed to stay at home, docked, like the original model.

That raises the question of what the Pixel Tablet is supposed to be. It launched with a unique selling point with that speaker dock in the box, long before you could just buy the tablet on its own. Now we’re looking at a mixture of features, some suggesting it's going to move towards being a more conventional productivity-enabled device for working or entertainment on the move, but other features suggesting it wants to be the centre of your smart home.

Pixel Tablet 2 hardware updates

Apart from the changes above, it’s said that the Pixel Tablet 2 was destined for a 120Hz display, sticking to the LCD technology used before rather than moving towards anything more fancy. A minor bump in the brightness was also on the cards.

This would be supported by better cameras, including a sensor upgrade for the selfie camera to improve Google Meets calls, but at the same time, face unlock was never planned as an option. Having used the iPad Pro, face unlock is a really attractive feature on a tablet, so why the omission?

The fact that this tablet now seems to have been consigned to the recycle bin is a surprise: Google has talked at length about improving the big screen experience for Android users, and the Pixel Tablet was supposed to be part of that strategy. However, with little action on the Nest Home devices and most of the focus on Pixel phones, it feels like Google’s triumphant return to tablets has faltered.

Google has been doing a great job in bringing updates to its best Android phones: the Pixel series – most recently the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We've already seen an unbelievable upgrade to battery health and an Android 15 update bonus.

Today, however, marks Google's December 'Pixel Drop' with the next raft of features and enhancements. And this time it's all about making your life easier thanks to benefits in Gemini AI, personalisation and cross-app integration. Below is a summary of some of the best bits you can expect for your Pixel phone.

1. Gemini personalisation and app integration

As artificial intelligence (AI) pushes to get smarter, part of that process is in personalisation – how AI can distinguish you and your requests from someone else's. Now Gemini Advanced's saved info feature can store your interests and preferences – perhaps you're pescatarian and want Gemini to exclude certain meals from recipe suggestions, for example. That's now possible – without needing repeats or reminders.

Gemini on Android – so beyond just Pixel phones – will also offer more apps and services access integration, with more to come in future feature drops. This update brings message drafting using your preferred messaging apps. Later there'll be a new Spotify extension, enhanced Maps integration offering review read-outs and follow-up question-and-answer, plus more.

Instagram will also be able to capture and share Google's Ultra HDR photos format directly in the app, so that's another avenue of the brighter, high-contrast shot format getting into wider circulation.

2. Better live captions and audio descriptions

If, like many, you like to read live captions – some people prefer it to blurting out noise in public – then new Expressive Captions is able to reflect the intensity of output using caps, so you'll see a shift in "oh my, OH MY GOSH", for example.

Furthermore, emotions and responses are now also recognised and captioned, from whispering, to laughing, screaming, groaning, and so forth – these expressive injections will appear [in square brackets] in your captions. There's even [APPLAUSE].

If you rely on image description, then audio is now richer and more accurate in Google Lookout. You can upload a photo in the app and hear read-aloud descriptions – even ask questions and gain contextual answers.

Another benefit of Google's AI system is its ability to vet calls – using Call Screen. It's possible to respond to unknown callers without answering, but now you can see live transcripts – useful if it turns out that you do actually wish to pick up.

3. Dual Screen Portrait for the Fold

Google's second-generation foldable was a revelation at launch – and it's only got better and better as feature drops have enhanced its use-cases. Now there's yet another new feature specifically for the Fold product.

Called Dual Screen Portrait, the device uses both screens so the subject can preview the shot of them and adapt accordingly. We've seen this on a number of the best folding phones already – but good to see Google finally make use of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's design in this way.

In summary

There are more additions too – Pixel Screenshots now automatically categorises your grabs; Emoji Kitchen brings updated navigation in Gboard; and built-in Google VPN now available for Pixel Tablet – to make your life just all-round easier and better.

Overall this December 'Pixel Drop' is a small but welcome addition to the software of Google's top phones. These features will only continue to grow, as Android support for 7-years is part of the extensive Pixel package.

One thing which you'd always hope to spot among the best Black Friday deals is a top price on a great phone. It's no secret that those handsets are getting more and more expensive every year, which makes a deal even sweeter.

That's exactly what I've found here. The Google Pixel 9 is one of the newest Android phones on the market – and you can snag it in a bargain deal!

Not only will you pay just £9 upfront for the new handset, you'll also get a brilliant contract deal, which means the cost over the course of the contract is under £650.

That's an incredible deal. It's not even like that price snags you a poor contract. You'll get 500GB of monthly data, with unlimited minutes and texts. What's more, because ID Mobile – the provider for the deal in question – offers a data rollover option, you could end up with 1TB of data every month. That's more than anyone would really need, but it's certainly nice to have.

Then, there's the handset itself. Both the Google Store and Amazon are currently selling that for £699 in the same configuration. That's just for the handset, though – there's no data plan involved. It just goes to show what a great deal this is.

That's a stonkingly good handset, too. I'll admit, the design didn't initially spark much joy for me, but it is slowly growing on me. I also do seem to be very much in the minority on that front, so make of it what you will.

This is certainly the best deal we've seen on a Pixel 9 so far. Getting the handset and a 24-month, 500GB contract for less than most people will snag just the handset? That's a certified bargain.

If you're on the hunt for a new phone, there really is no better time to buy than right now. A spate of early Black Friday deals have arrived, bringing top bargains to your basket.

While there are all manner of different ways to buy a new handset, there's nothing simpler than just buying it outright. That's exactly what you can do with this deal on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Far from just being the last generation of Pixel's most iconic design, its also a killer handset. Frankly, it was a fairly solid pickup at the RRP – but now you can pick it up for half the price at Amazon!

That's an unbelievable amount of phone for the money. The Super Actua display is crisp and clear, while a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures motion within your content looks killer too.

The 5,050mAh battery inside should be good for a full 24 hours in normal use, but can also achieve up to 72 hours in the Extreme Battery Saver mode. You'll find the Tensor G3 processor inside, paired with a Titan M2 security chip to keep your device safe.

This is also one of the devices which will receive a whopping seven years of security, OS and Feature Drop updates from the brand. That means your £500 investment now should still be up-to-date in 2030! That's something you don't get from many manufacturers.

The camera is also impeccable on these handsets. You'll find a 50MP main sensor, paired with 48MP units for the ultrawide and telephoto duties. There's a 5x optical zoom on the telephoto, too, making this a great option for wannabe photographers.

Snagging all of that for just £500 is an absolute no brainer. If you're looking to snag yourself a new Android phone, I don't think you'll find any deal better than this.

Google has been expanding its hardware offerings of late, getting back into tablets with the launch of the Pixel Tablet in 2023.

That tablet put a focus on being a dockable home screen, initially shipping with a speaker dock in the box, but now it seems the company could be planning to take its follow-up in a different direction.

One of the things that the Pixel Tablet wasn’t very good at was productivity. It was a little too thick, there were no productivity accessories and little in the way of support on the software side. Compare that to Samsung or Apple, where you have keyboard covers and a range of software functions to support working on a tablet and Google has some catching up to do.

According to details coming from Android Authority, Google is going to address some of these shortcomings. Work is already underway on the software side with a number of recent improvements to boost the big screen experience, but it’s said that the Pixel Tablet 2 will also have an official keyboard case.

The downside to this is that the design of the Pixel Tablet 2 is said to be close to the current Pixel Tablet, so it might be a little on the thick side once more. Compare it to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ for example, which is slim, metal, comes with a keyboard and is about the same price as Google’s tablet.

More Pixel Tablet power

On top of that, it’s said that Google will be moving to new hardware, although it’s not clear what will be powering the Pixel Tablet 2. The previous tablet launched on the Tensor G2 hardware which was a little out-of-date by the time the tablet hit stores, so any more to more powerful hardware would boost the tablet’s experience.

We’ve already heard that the Pixel Tablet 3 – slated for 2027 – could launch with the Tensor G6 hardware, so it’s clear that Google has tablet performance in mind. Exactly when we might see the Pixel Tablet 2 is unknown, but it’s likely to be teased at Google I/O in May 2025, before being launched in August 2025.

In the world of Android tablets, Samsung enjoys the top spot, offering a range of productivity features, accessories and tablets at a full selection of price points. Google would have to offer something special in the Pixel Tablet 2 to challenge Samsung’s offering.

It can be that the best Black Friday deals end up being on last year's devices rather than the newer models, but from what I've seen so far, that's not the case for 2024 – and I am absolutely here for it.

The Google Pixel 9 has been discounted on Amazon ahead of Black Friday, joining the Pixel Watch 3 that also has a good chunk of money off. That's despite both having only been available for a couple of months, and there's also a deal on the 5-star flagship Pixel folding phone too.

The deal on the Pixel 9 slices £100 off its asking price, making it the cheapest it has ever been. I checked CamelCamelCamel to make double sure I hadn't missed a previous discount – but that was always going to be unlikely given the Pixel 9 only launched in August. The fact it's already on a deal price at all is surprising.

Check out the Google Pixel 9 deal on Amazon

It's a brilliant phone too, with its small form-factor delivering power and performance, a lovely premium design, and an absolutely delightful display. There are several reasons I would recommend the latest Pixel devices like the Pixel 9, one of which is the bloat-free Android software experience, but the Pixel cameras are the main reason – because it's here they really shine.

The Pixel 9 has a dual rear camera with the ultra-wide lens getting an upgrade for this year, which sees it offer the same 48-megapixel sensor and f/1.7 aperture as the Pro models. There's also autofocus on the front camera and there are new camera features too, like Add Me.

Overall, the camera performance is excellent and enough of a reason on its own to snap up this deal, but when you pair that with a brighter display and refined design, you're onto a real winner if you're looking for a good price on one of the best Android phones out there.

If the deal price is still a stretch for your budget, the Pixel 8a is also discounted on Amazon at the moment. It was excellent value even before it had a deal – so the fact that it now has nearly 30% off means it is also at its lowest price ever (again, I checked CamelCamelCamel to make sure), which makes it a steal.

Smartwatches are arguably one of the most subjective pieces of tech. There's a very good chance you will like certain styles more than others, so you might love the Apple Watch and its slightly rectangular shape, or you might think that circular is the only shape that should ever be seen on a smartwatch.

I've worn the Apple Watch for 10 years so you would think I was set on that look and design, but when I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this year – it's only been out for a couple of months – I was really taken by its design. So it's great to see one of the best Black Friday deals appear for this great wearable.

The Pixel Watch 3 only launched in September, so we're talking about the latest smartwatch from Google, with the latest technology and latest features, all of which make it genuinely brilliant. It's a surprise to see it discounted so heavily so soon – and it's the lowest it's ever been, as verified by price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel. The discount applies to both the 41mm model and the 45mm models, though if you want the larger model, the discount is on the LTE model – not the Wi-Fi version.

Check out the Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) deal on Amazon

Despite having slightly smaller wrists, I barely noticed wearing the 45mm model, whether during the day or at night. I thought the OLED display was gorgeous and exceptionally responsive, whether using the crown or your finger, and I loved the reduction in bezels around the screen – that was one of the improvements that launched on this model compared to the Pixel Watch 2 .

Either is worth snapping up, because their simple and elegant designs aside, they are also excellent with fitness-tracking and insights. I loved the Daily Readiness Score, which gave me an indication of how prepared I was for the day. The Cardio Load and Target Cardio Load scores were also favourites of mine for seeing how much of an impact what I was doing had on me. And now these features can benefit your life for less cash too.

If you want to determine the best Android phone on the market, you're likely going to end up with a very sore head. There are all manner of wonderful devices from different brands, each offering their take on the form and offering functions to try and tempt you into purchasing.

One thing is certain, though – if you want a device where the hardware and the operating system were designed under one roof, you'll need to look at the Google Pixel phones. Those are the only Android devices manufactured in-house by Google, offering a seamless experience.

Now, users of those handsets are getting a killer free upgrade, as part of the new Android 15 software. That sees smarter control of how your device charges, allowing you to cap the charging at 80% or use Adaptive Charging to minimise battery degradation.

The report from Android Authority shows screenshots of the update, which were shared by a user on Telegram. They show off a new portion of the settings menu, where the feature can be activated. It's worth noting that the report was unable to replicate those findings, however.

Still, it's a massive change. In the modern age, battery degradation is one of the toughest things to manage. Just about everything you can think of has some powered element to it, and anything that requires power can only ever be as good as its battery. If you're adding stress to it with sub-optimal charging cycles, you're likely going to shorten the lifespan of your device.

It's not new technology, either. Owners of the best EVs will recognise this, with some models there limiting charging at 80%, too. It's arguably even more important in applications like those, as the batteries are substantially more costly to replace.

For Pixel owners, then, the future is looking bright. We'll be keeping a close eye on this over the next few weeks to see if it comes to handsets prior to the launch of Android 15.

It has been over a year since the Google Pixel Tablet was launched. Dubbed "the tablet that only Google could make," it's fair to say the debut tablet in the Pixel range was an unusual one.

The main selling point of the device was an additional charging dock and speaker. That allowed users to mount their tablet when not in use, turning it into a home hub of sorts. Google stated at launch that other tablets spend around 80% of their time unused, and this was intended to circumvent that.

Now, rumours of a future launch in the space have emerged – and it sounds just as unusual! The report comes from Android Authority, who suggest that a document seen by their team confirms a device launching in 2027.

That's being dubbed the Google Pixel Tablet 3, with suggestions that another addition will arrive next year as the Pixel Tablet 2. It was discussed as part of a document concerning the Tensor G6 processor, which would tally up with expectations for that device.

What's most unusual, though, is the rumour of a second USB-C controller on the device. It's not entirely clear what that would be used for, though we can certainly make some assumptions.

The most likely use case would be for supporting a secondary display. That would turn the Pixel Tablet into a really useful productivity device – something which the current range is lacking. After all, there is no Pixel laptop, so the tablet is the closest thing to a working device which Pixel lovers have.

The report also suggests that the charging dock will remain a feature of these later devices. That's great news for fans who will be able to continue using a feature which made the original device stand out.

With some three years before the device is slated for release, we certainly would recommend taking these rumours with a pinch of salt, though. That's a long time in the tech industry, and all sorts of things could change in the meantime to change the current plan.

Google’s next Pixel phone will be the Pixel 9a. As has become the custom, following the launch of its flagship devices, Google follows-up with a phone that’s a little cheaper, making a few sacrifices, but still offers a great experiences. We’ve just heard that it’s hanging onto one more pro-level feature.

According to the details from Android Headlines, the Google Pixel 9a is going to land with a 5,000mAh battery. That’s a hefty increase from the 4,492mAh battery in the Pixel 8a – an 11% increase in capacity.

That could see the Pixel 9a lasting for longer and the Pixel 8a was no slouch as we found out in our review. It looks like Google’s aim here will be to make sure that the Pixel 9a is one of the best affordable phones you can buy.

We’ve also previously heard that Google is pulling the schedule further forward, so the Pixel 9a is going to launch earlier in 2025 than might have been anticipated. That reflects the shifting launch of Google’s other phones in 2024, bringing the flagship Pixel 9 devices in line with the Pixel Fold update.

What can we expect from the Pixel 9a?

It’s expected that the Pixel 9a will launch on the Tensor 4 hardware that made its debut in the Pixel 9 models, offering the same sort of power as you get from those devices. That’s going to include the AI skills – such as Gemini Advanced – that Google has been putting at the heart of its devices.

We’ve also previously reported that there’s going to be a new camera on the Pixel 9a, shifting from the 64-megapixel main camera that it currently uses to a 48-megapixel main camera. It’s likely that this lower resolution sensor will offer better results and be paired with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera.

One interesting detail about the forthcoming Pixel phone is that it’s expected to have a new design, dropping the familiar camera bar for a flush finish instead.

There’s been no shortage of leaks surrounding the new Pixel 9a phone, with the launch expected to take place in March 2025.

When it comes to the best smartwatches on the market, your decision is ultimately limited by the other technology you own. Sure, there are a few models which can be used with a range of different phones, but most others are tied to their respective handsets.

You'll need to be an iPhone user, for example, to take advantage of the Apple Watch range. Fortunately, if you use an Android phone, there are a much wider array of options for you.

Chief among them is the Google Pixel Watch range. Newer than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google's offering has gone from strength to strength over three iterations.

Now, reports about an as yet unreleased model suggest that shows no signs of slowing down. That's according to notable Google insider, Kamila Wojciechowska, who suggests that a custom Tensor chip could power a future iteration of the series.

The news comes from Google's in-house chip division, with a document viewed by Wojciechowska. That outlined part of the roadmap for the smartwatch division, which is where the insight arose from.

The report suggests that very little in the way of specific information is given, but that they could still gleam a fair amount from what was on offer. That includes a rather major stumbling block – the chip isn't anticipated to launch until 2026. You didn't go getting your hopes up, there, did you?

Elsewhere, the document defines the core makeup of the chip. That includes a single Arm Cortex-A78 and a pair of Arm Cortex-A55's. That might be double Dutch to some, but it's also anticipated to be built on a 3nm process node. That should mean high efficiency and fast performance.

Of course, with the chip only lining up to make its mark on the Google Pixel Watch 5, this should really be taken with a pinch of salt. Two years is a long time in technology, and a whole lot could change before then making these rumours seem entirely incorrect.

The bezels surrounding phone displays have become smaller and smaller over the last few years. We aren't complaining of course – the latest iPhone 16 Pro models have lovely slim bezels and they look great. But for some devices, it has meant that features have had to go in order to allow for the slim, sleek look smartphones now offer.

One of those features when it comes to Google's Pixel phones was the IR camera that sat within the bezels on older Pixel models allowing for fast and secure authentication, even in the dark. It's possible that feature might make a return however, after Android Authority spotted some "credible documents" that came from a leak in Google's chips division.

The leak suggests that Google might be considering adding an under-display infrared camera to the Pixel 11. The leak claims Google's Tensor G6 image signal processor will support an under-display IR system, though it is important to note that just because the chip supports it, doesn't mean it will automatically become a feature on the phone.

Currently, Pixel phones like the latest Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL all use the front colour camera to offer face authentication, though it will only work when there is enough light and it's not considered as secure as a dedicated IR camera.

If Google does opt to put the under-display IP system in the Pixel 11, the timing would match what Apple is also rumoured to be doing. It's claimed Apple will launch phones with an under-display IR camera for Face ID in 2026, which would be the iPhone 18 models if our maths is correct.

Of course for now, all of this under-display IR camera system talk is rumours, with no confirmation it will appear in either a future Pixel or a future iPhone, but it's a good sign for those future Pixel phones that the Google Tensor G6 will at least support the idea.

The Google Pixel made a name for itself through its camera skills. From the Pixel 3 onwards – which introduced Night Sight – this phone has pushed the envelope when it comes to camera skills, often being regarded as one the best phones for the photography experience. It looks like the next-gen Pixel phones could take this further.

Thanks to a leak reported by Android Authority, we've now learnt about new features coming to future Pixel phones. Specifically, it's reported that these features are being worked on for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, expected to launch in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

The Tensor G5 hardware has recently seen a run of leaks revealing powerful AI features, including "Video Generative ML". This suggests that the phone will be able to use machine learning when you edit video, presumably to help add or remove elements based on the content you've captured.

It's also said that the Tensor G5 will support 4K 60fps HDR video, a step up from the 4K 30fps currently offered.

Beyond that we learn that Google is working on a 100x zoom feature. That might not sound so amazing, because we've already seen 100x zoom in plenty of phones (such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra). It's said that this will use machine learning again, so it's AI-powered – and it could be that it recognises the scene and uses generative AI to make up for the optical shortcomings to give you a clearer result.

On top of that there are new Cinematic Blur features coming, as well as Ultra Low Light video. The Pixel already offers Night Sight video and this could be an extension. Currently the system requires processing in the cloud which is really slow, but a move to on-device processing that's faster could be a great advancement. Currently, Night Sight video offers some excellent results, it's just too slow to be useful in that moment.

New health features coming to Pixel too

It's not just the camera that's due to get more powers on future Pixel phones – there are health features coming to future devices too. These are said to be powered by a new nanoTPU as part of Tensor G6 (so likely to be on the Pixel 11 in 2026) and could include features like the current cough detection, but focusing on sleep apnoea, sneezing, snoring, agonal breathing, as well as boosting functions like fall detection and gait analysis.

This could also extend to running features, presumably to feed data into the system to tell you how efficient your running style is, perhaps as part of a new coaching feature in cahoots with Fitbit.

It seems there's potentially a lot coming on the AI side of things from future Google phones – but it's going to be some time before these features arrive. Whether any will roll back to the Pixel 9 or older devices remains to be seen.