This Pixel 11 setting fixed my biggest issue with modern smartphone photography

androidcentral.com Sep 24, 2026

This Pixel 11 setting fixed my biggest issue with modern smartphone photography

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 24, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Nick, a veteran tech writer and former IT professional, has long championed Android devices and VR gear. He recently discovered a Pixel 11 camera setting that resolves his persistent PWM sensitivity issue, a problem that has plagued many modern smartphones. By adjusting the camera’s exposure compensation, the Pixel 11 eliminates flicker and improves low‑light performance, allowing users to capture clearer images without the distracting artifacts that often arise from LED backlighting. This tweak demonstrates the device’s potential for serious photography enthusiasts.

💡 Why It Matters

· The fix shows that even flagship phones can suffer from subtle hardware quirks, and that software adjustments can unlock their full creative potential.

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Xiaomi 18 Pro Transparent Special Edition Launched With Striking Red See-Through Design

Xiaomi unveiled Transparent Special Editions of its flagship 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max smartphones, featuring a red, see‑through aesthetic achieved through micron‑level film embossing that reveals a three‑dimensional relief of internal components. Both models retain the standard hardware: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6/Extreme Gen 6 processors, Leica triple‑camera arrays (200 MP main, 200 MP periscope, 50 MP ultrawide), 7,000 mAh (Pro) or 8,500 mAh (Pro Max) batteries, 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging, and run HyperOS 4. Each edition is offered in a single configuration of 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. Pricing in China is ¥9,999 ($1,492) for the 18 Pro and ¥10,999 ($1,642) for the Pro Max, bundled with matching red accessories.

💡 The bold transparent design turns the phone into a showcase of engineering, positioning Xiaomi as a brand that blends high‑end specs with collectible aesthetics to attract tech‑savvy consumers seeking novelty.

9to5google.com · Sep 24

Samsung starts rolling out Android 17, One UI 9 to Galaxy S26…

Samsung has begun distributing its Android 17‑based One UI 9 update to Galaxy S26 devices in the United States after a brief, unexplained delay. The rollout, first announced earlier this month, initially failed to appear for many users, prompting Samsung to acknowledge a postponement in some regions. Early reports from Reddit indicate that a small group of U.S. owners, primarily on T‑Mobile, have received the roughly 4 GB update, while unlocked phones remain untouched. Carrier‑specific pushes typically precede broader availability, suggesting additional devices will be updated soon. Samsung has not clarified the cause of the delay or provided a detailed timeline for the remaining users. The company continues to monitor feedback and urges owners to report their status, carrier, and region.

💡 Carrier‑first deployment hints that Samsung is using network‑level testing to ensure stability before a full‑scale launch, reducing the risk of widespread bugs on a flagship line.

androidcentral.com · Sep 24

5 things I learned after a month of daily-driving the Pixel 11…

Harish Jonnalagadda, Android Central’s Senior Editor, began his tech career by modifying Windows XP systems and later earned a computer‑science degree. He transitioned from PC hardware reviews to mobile coverage after switching from iPhone to Nexus 4, joining Android Central in 2014. Over a decade, he has tested every major global phone, specializing in Chinese manufacturers, and now oversees coverage of Chinese phones, audio gear, networking, and storage. Outside work, he reads sci‑fi and follows Arsenal.

💡 His deep, hands‑on experience across platforms gives readers authoritative, comparative insights into emerging Chinese devices, shaping informed purchasing decisions.

androidcentral.com · Sep 23

Xiaomi 18 Pro series stuns with privacy screen and wondrous rear displays—debuts…

Xiaomi launched its 18 Pro series in China, offering the 18 Pro Max with a 6.9‑inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9‑inch rear screen, and the 18 Pro with a 6.4‑inch front display and a 2.7‑inch rear screen. Both models feature a new privacy screen that activates via location‑based triggers to conceal sensitive content. The Max is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, while the Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Prices start at 6,999 CNY ($1,042) for the Max and 5,999 CNY ($900) for the Pro, with a special transparent red edition available.

💡 Xiaomi’s introduction of location‑based privacy screens marks a significant step toward context‑aware security in smartphones, setting a new benchmark for protecting user data on the go.

gizmodo.com · Sep 23

Qualcomm’s iPhone Killer Chip Is a Performance Monster Built for Supersized Phones

Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a flagship processor built on a 2 nm process that reaches 5 GHz on its prime cores. The chip powers reference Android devices equipped with 24 GB of RAM and a 4,400 mAh battery, delivering an 8% boost in multi‑core Geekbench 7 scores and up to 22% higher 3DMark performance versus Apple’s A20 Pro. Despite the gains, the units ran hot, requiring cooldown periods between tests. The new chip signals Qualcomm’s push toward ultra‑powerful, large‑screen smartphones.

💡 The Extreme Gen 6 demonstrates a new benchmark for sustained mobile gaming performance, challenging Apple’s dominance in single‑core efficiency. It also highlights the trade‑off between raw power and thermal management in next‑generation flagship designs.

9to5google.com · Sep 23

Google Maps update shows traffic lights and stop signs at your next…

Google Maps has introduced a new Android Auto update that displays a pop‑up indicator for upcoming traffic lights and stop signs at each turn. The feature, which has been available on the phone for six years, now shows real‑time intersection information alongside the street name. The update also appears on iPhone CarPlay, offering drivers a glanceable cue about intersection control. The change is likely a server‑side tweak aimed at improving navigation clarity.

💡 By revealing intersection controls ahead of time, the update reduces last‑minute surprises and can help drivers navigate unfamiliar roads more safely.