The Galaxy A36 brings a Snapdragon chip, IP67 rating, the Galaxy A26 sticks with Exynos - Related to xl, a, 9, launch, xiaomi
Deals: Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL prices drop, plus some cheap iPhone offers
The Apple iPhone 16e went on sale on Friday after a week of pre-orders and. We will see some alternatives (in addition to the ones we looked at last week). But let’s start with interesting Android deals first.
Amazon is still offering $200 gift cards with every 256GB Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Best Buy has a more effective offer – a free storage upgrade to 512GB (so it’s the same price as the 256GB model) and an $80 gift card.
Amazon does have the advanced Samsung Galaxy S25+ deal, a storage upgrade to 512GB for just $20 and a $50 gift card that you can use to buy a case or something.
For the Samsung Galaxy S25. The two retailers have different deals but both are interesting. Best Buy offers a $50 discount for a nearly free storage upgrade to 256GB (it costs just $10). Amazon, meanwhile, charges the full $860 for the 256GB model, but gives you a $100 gift card.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 (256GB) is $500 off. Making it just $100 more than the S25 Ultra (512GB). That’s with less storage but a more exciting form factor.
Here’s a great deal on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with a big caveat. The 128GB model is the lowest that we’ve seen it yet, just $800. Now for the caveat – the discount is only for the 128GB model, so if you need more storage, you are looking at a much higher price tag.
The RedMagic 10 Pro is a gaming flagship with interesting elements – an air-cooled Snapdragon 8 Elite and a ” 144Hz OLED display with an under display camera and. No excessive corner rounding. And it has a massive 7,050mAh battery. Note that this phone will receive only 2 OS updates. Still, $637 is a great price for a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, especially one with such unique elements. Note that the 16/512GB is pricey, but that’s partially because it is the transparent model.
Another value-for-money offering that focuses on performance is the OnePlus 12R – a $400 price tag buys you a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a ” 120Hz LTPO display (and a 5,500mAh battery too).
The OnePlus 13R has no discount. So it’s $200 more. That buys you a newer chipset (8 Gen 3), a 50MP 2x telephoto camera (a first for the R-series) and a 500mAh bump in battery capacity thanks to Si/C tech.
Alright. Let’s look at the iPhone 16e situation. The phone is now available and will cost you $600 for a 128GB model and. $700 for the 256GB model.
You could get an Apple iPhone 14 for $30 more than that at the same storage capacities. What you are giving up is performance (Apple A15 vs. A18) and the 48MP camera with in-sensor 2x zoom. And you’ll have to live with Lightning cables, unless you switch to MagSafe. What you gain is MagSafe (which is more convenient than 16e’s magnet-less charging), a 12MP ultra-wide camera and UWB.
For $50 more, you can also get the iPhone 14 Plus. Which is similar to the 14, except with a larger ” display (vs. ” on the 14 and 16e) and a larger battery (4,323mAh).
If you are okay with refurbished phones. An iPhone 14 with 256GB storage can be yours for $500 ($230 less than a new unit). Or you can get an iPhone 14 Plus for $580, but this one only has 128GB storage.
We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
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The Galaxy A36 brings a Snapdragon chip, IP67 rating, the Galaxy A26 sticks with Exynos
Samsung is setting the benchmark for support on mid-range and affordable smartphones – the new A-series (A16 and up) will receive 6 OS updates. This generation also boosts performance, speeds up charging, brings camera improvements and more. We’ve covered the Galaxy A56 in a separate article, here we will focus on its siblings, the A36 and A26.
The Samsung Galaxy A36 switches things up and. elements a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 after using a mix of Dimensity and Exynos chips for the last few generations. The base memory configuration is 6/128GB (though some regions will get 8/128GB) and there is an upgrade option to 8/256GB.
While the 6 Gen 3 isn’t a performance beast, Samsung is giving it the best tools to shine by giving it a larger vapor chamber (+15%) that is now the same size as the one inside the Galaxy S24+.
Samsung unified the screen size of the A56. A36 and A26 – all three feature ” Super AMOLED screens with 1080p+ resolution. That is a ” increase over the A35, by the way. The display is also brighter, reaching 1,200 nits in high brightness mode and peaking at 1,900 nits.
The front and back of the phone are protected with Gorilla Glass Victus+. While the frame is made of polycarbonate. Like last year, the phone is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. Samsung has a selection of colors all but one of which (the black one) have an iridescent effect.
Samsung Galaxy A36 colors: Black • Lime • White • Lavender.
In relation to this, the rear camera has a new look with a single camera island (instead of three individual lenses), but. It’s mostly the same hardware. This includes a 50MP main (f/ lens with OIS), 8MP ultra-wide (f/ and. A 5MP macro (f/.
There are two upgrades to the camera system this year. First, the selfie camera has a new, larger 12MP sensor. Second, video HDR (10-bit up to 4K @ 30fps) is available on both the rear and front cameras. A quick comparison with the A56 exhibits that the pricier model has a larger sensor (now with 1.0µm pixels), a 12MP UW cam and. Supports Low Noise mode on the selfie camera.
Samsung kept the battery capacity of the Galaxy A36 at 5,000mAh. However, it improved the charging speed from 25W to 45W. This means that 30 minutes of charging gets you to 66% and a full charge takes 68 minutes. Once full, the battery should last up to 29 hours of video playback.
The A36 launches with Android 15 with the latest One UI 7. It will see 6 OS updates (up from 4 on the A35) and security patches for 6 years (up from 5). Samsung loaded in some AI attributes like the handy Circle to Search, the Object Eraser for image editing and a simple way to make your own image filters (by picking an example image to copy its style).
The Samsung Galaxy A36 costs the same as its predecessor – the 128GB base model is $400/€380, while the 256GB upgrade is €450/£400 (different markets are getting different storage options).
One crucial thing to note is that the Galaxy A56 will be available in the US. Unlike its predecessor. So that is something to consider when looking at the A36. Check out our A56 article for details on specs and prices.
In some ways, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is a redo of the A35 from last year. But at a lower price. And it’s not far off the A36, though with a lower price tag in mind.
The A26 is powered by the Exynos 1380. Which was used for the A35 last year. When talking about the new A36, Samsung highlighted one performance improvement – the CPU of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is 8% faster than that of the Exynos 1380. There might be a difference in efficiency (we will have to test that) and the A26 didn’t get the larger vapor chamber.
The memory situation is similar, the base model has 6/8GB of RAM (region dependent) and. 128GB storage and there is an 8/256GB upgrade. Note that the A26 also has a microSD slot, which is not available on higher tiers of A-series phones. And you’ll be getting the same software support – 6 OS updates and 6 years of security patches (up from 4 and 5. Respectively).
As mentioned above, all three A-phones from today feature a ” OLED display with 1080p+ resolution (up from ” on the A25). It’s not the same screen, though. The A26 has a notch for its selfie camera (instead of a punch hole) and the fingerprint reader is mounted on the side instead of under the display.
Speaking of the selfie camera, this model uses the old 13MP unit. So no video HDR for it. This applies to the rear cameras as well, which include a 50MP main (OIS), 8MP ultra-wide and. 2MP macro.
Samsung upgraded the body on this model. It slimmed it down from to , though weight went up from 197g to 200g. And new this year is an IP67 rating – the same level of dust and water protection that the A36 and A56 have.
The battery has the same capacity as the other two, 5,000mAh, but. This cheaper model misses out on the charging upgrade and still only supports 25W.
The Samsung Galaxy A26 costs €300 for the base 128GB model and €370/£300/$300 for the 256GB upgrade. The version with more storage will be available in more markets.
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 launch globally at MWC
A few days after its Chinese launch, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is going global. The global version has some subtle differences, though.
While the Chinese model packs a 6,000mAh battery, the global unit has a smaller 5,410mAh. The power pack still takes 90W wired and 80W wireless HyperCharge.
The other difference is the choice of colors. In Europe, we get White, Black, and the special Silver Chrome edition. That means the Pine Green special edition remains .
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs the full-fledged Snapdragon 8 Elite with up to 16GB of RAM. The phone has a frame made of aluminum, upfront there's Xiaomi's Shield Glass . Which is 16 times harder to crack from a drop per the enterprise's tests. The back is a special glass fiber. The black model has a textured finish, while the white model has etching running in circular shapes from top to bottom.
The Ultra packs a 3200x1440px AMOLED display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, and up to 3,200 nits of peak brightness.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra in White, Black, and. Silver Chrome.
The main camera has the same 50MP LYT-900 1-inch type sensor, but its lens drops the variable aperture and has a fixed f/ lens. There are two zoom cameras - a 70mm f/ backed by a 1/ Sony IMX858 sensor, and. The new 100mm f/ telephoto with the 200MP 1/ Samsung HP9 sensor. Finally, the ultrawide camera has changed to a 14mm f/ lens with the 1/ Samsung JN5 sensor.
Upfront. There's a 21mm f/ selfie camera with a 32MP sensor.
The Xiaomi 15 also makes its global debut today. It also has a different-sized battery to its Chinese counterpart. Globally, the Xiaomi 15 ships with a 5,240mAh battery (the China model has a 5,400mAh power pack).
The Xiaomi 15 has a 1200x2670px LTPO AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and. The same "shatterproof glass" as the Ultra. Also like the Ultra, the 15 packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite with up to 16GB of RAM.
The Xiaomi 15 has a versatile camera system. Its main shooter is a 23mm f/ unit with a 50MP 1/ imager. Zooming is done by a 60mm f/ camera with a 1/ Samsung JN5 sensor, and there's a 14mm f/ ultrawide. Finally, there's a 22mm f/ selfie on the front with a 32MP sensor.
Both the Xiaomi 15 and. 15 Ultra start at the same prices as their predecessors. The Xiaomi 15 is available in Black, White, and Mint and starts from €1,000 for the 12/256GB config. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's 16/512GB model is €1,500. Both models will go on sale on March 4.
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Market Impact Analysis
Market Growth Trend
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% | 10.3% | 10.8% | 11.2% | 11.3% |
Quarterly Growth Rate
| Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.6% | 10.8% | 11.1% | 11.3% |
Market Segments and Growth Drivers
| Segment | Market Share | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | 42% | 8.7% |
| Mobile Applications | 26% | 14.5% |
| Mobile Infrastructure | 17% | 12.8% |
| Wearables | 11% | 18.9% |
| Other Mobile Tech | 4% | 9.4% |
Technology Maturity Curve
Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity:
Competitive Landscape Analysis
| Company | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Apple | 24.3% |
| Samsung | 22.7% |
| Huawei | 14.2% |
| Xiaomi | 11.8% |
| Google Pixel | 5.4% |
Future Outlook and Predictions
The Galaxy Ultra Xiaomi landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing threat vectors, and shifting business requirements. Based on current trends and expert analyses, we can anticipate several significant developments across different time horizons:
Year-by-Year Technology Evolution
Based on current trajectory and expert analyses, we can project the following development timeline:
Technology Maturity Curve
Different technologies within the ecosystem are at varying stages of maturity, influencing adoption timelines and investment priorities:
Innovation Trigger
- Generative AI for specialized domains
- Blockchain for supply chain verification
Peak of Inflated Expectations
- Digital twins for business processes
- Quantum-resistant cryptography
Trough of Disillusionment
- Consumer AR/VR applications
- General-purpose blockchain
Slope of Enlightenment
- AI-driven analytics
- Edge computing
Plateau of Productivity
- Cloud infrastructure
- Mobile applications
Technology Evolution Timeline
- Technology adoption accelerating across industries
- digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
- Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
- new digital business models emerging
- Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
- emergence of new technology paradigms
Expert Perspectives
Leading experts in the mobile tech sector provide diverse perspectives on how the landscape will evolve over the coming years:
"Technology transformation will continue to accelerate, creating both challenges and opportunities."
— Industry Expert
"Organizations must balance innovation with practical implementation to achieve meaningful results."
— Technology Analyst
"The most successful adopters will focus on business outcomes rather than technology for its own sake."
— Research Director
Areas of Expert Consensus
- Acceleration of Innovation: The pace of technological evolution will continue to increase
- Practical Integration: Focus will shift from proof-of-concept to operational deployment
- Human-Technology Partnership: Most effective implementations will optimize human-machine collaboration
- Regulatory Influence: Regulatory frameworks will increasingly shape technology development
Short-Term Outlook (1-2 Years)
In the immediate future, organizations will focus on implementing and optimizing currently available technologies to address pressing mobile tech challenges:
- Technology adoption accelerating across industries
- digital transformation initiatives becoming mainstream
These developments will be characterized by incremental improvements to existing frameworks rather than revolutionary changes, with emphasis on practical deployment and measurable outcomes.
Mid-Term Outlook (3-5 Years)
As technologies mature and organizations adapt, more substantial transformations will emerge in how security is approached and implemented:
- Significant transformation of business processes through advanced technologies
- new digital business models emerging
This period will see significant changes in security architecture and operational models, with increasing automation and integration between previously siloed security functions. Organizations will shift from reactive to proactive security postures.
Long-Term Outlook (5+ Years)
Looking further ahead, more fundamental shifts will reshape how cybersecurity is conceptualized and implemented across digital ecosystems:
- Fundamental shifts in how technology integrates with business and society
- emergence of new technology paradigms
These long-term developments will likely require significant technical breakthroughs, new regulatory frameworks, and evolution in how organizations approach security as a fundamental business function rather than a technical discipline.
Key Risk Factors and Uncertainties
Several critical factors could significantly impact the trajectory of mobile tech evolution:
Organizations should monitor these factors closely and develop contingency strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts on technology implementation timelines.
Alternative Future Scenarios
The evolution of technology can follow different paths depending on various factors including regulatory developments, investment trends, technological breakthroughs, and market adoption. We analyze three potential scenarios:
Optimistic Scenario
Rapid adoption of advanced technologies with significant business impact
Key Drivers: Supportive regulatory environment, significant research breakthroughs, strong market incentives, and rapid user adoption.
Probability: 25-30%
Base Case Scenario
Measured implementation with incremental improvements
Key Drivers: Balanced regulatory approach, steady technological progress, and selective implementation based on clear ROI.
Probability: 50-60%
Conservative Scenario
Technical and organizational barriers limiting effective adoption
Key Drivers: Restrictive regulations, technical limitations, implementation challenges, and risk-averse organizational cultures.
Probability: 15-20%
Scenario Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Optimistic | Base Case | Conservative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation Timeline | Accelerated | Steady | Delayed |
| Market Adoption | Widespread | Selective | Limited |
| Technology Evolution | Rapid | Progressive | Incremental |
| Regulatory Environment | Supportive | Balanced | Restrictive |
| Business Impact | Transformative | Significant | Modest |
Transformational Impact
Technology becoming increasingly embedded in all aspects of business operations. This evolution will necessitate significant changes in organizational structures, talent development, and strategic planning processes.
The convergence of multiple technological trends—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and ubiquitous connectivity—will create both unprecedented security challenges and innovative defensive capabilities.
Implementation Challenges
Technical complexity and organizational readiness remain key challenges. Organizations will need to develop comprehensive change management strategies to successfully navigate these transitions.
Regulatory uncertainty, particularly around emerging technologies like AI in security applications, will require flexible security architectures that can adapt to evolving compliance requirements.
Key Innovations to Watch
Artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and automation technologies leading innovation. Organizations should monitor these developments closely to maintain competitive advantages and effective security postures.
Strategic investments in research partnerships, technology pilots, and talent development will position forward-thinking organizations to leverage these innovations early in their development cycle.
Technical Glossary
Key technical terms and definitions to help understand the technologies discussed in this article.
Understanding the following technical concepts is essential for grasping the full implications of the security threats and defensive measures discussed in this article. These definitions provide context for both technical and non-technical readers.
platform intermediate
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