TechCapsules

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra were compared in seven evaluation rounds. The iPhone won in design, camera, performance, and battery, while Samsung edged out in display resolution and software/AI features. Both 256 GB models launch at $1,299 in the U.S. The iPhone weighs 249 g with an 8.75 mm thickness; the Galaxy is lighter at 214 g and 7.9 mm thick. Samsung offers a higher‑resolution screen, 200 MP primary sensor, and S Pen, whereas the iPhone delivers a 48 MP camera system, 120 Hz ProMotion display, [...]

Honor announced the X9e Pro, slated for a September 24 launch in Malaysia before expanding across Southeast Asia. The device features an 11,000 mAh silicon‑carbon battery—the largest offered in any mainstream smartphone in 2026—and is priced at roughly $295 in China, undercutting rivals in its capacity class. It carries an IP69K rating, tolerating high‑pressure water, 3‑meter drops, and extreme temperatures from –30 °C to 85 °C. Powered by a mid‑range Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, the phone sacrifices processing speed to preserve endurance. [...]

The stable rollout of Android 17 QPR1 introduced unexpected changes to Pixel status‑bar icons. The mute/​silent indicator, previously a crossed‑out speaker, now appears as a bell—a design Google had replaced with the speaker icon in Android 14. This regression was absent from the QPR1 beta and only appeared with the OTA this week, while the speaker icon remains in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 build. Additionally, the VPN icon has been redesigned as a thicker, solid shape, also debuting [...]

Xiaomi announced that its 18 Pro series will be unveiled at an autumn product launch event on September 23, 19:00 China time. The lineup includes the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, which share a common 2nm GAA‑process flagship chipset—identified by analysts as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6—alongside identical camera and display hardware. Both models feature a Leica‑branded dual‑200 MP camera system, with a main sensor and a periscope telephoto sensor, and a new Super Pixel display employing an M11 [...]

Android Central senior editor Namerah Saud Fatmi reviewed Nimble’s new SHAREPOWER power bank, a 10,000 mAh unit that physically separates into two independent 5,000 mAh modules. Each half features its own USB‑C input and output ports, allowing users to charge one device while handing the other half to a companion. The design includes magnetic connectors that lock the halves together for combined capacity or detach for simultaneous charging of multiple phones. Nimble markets the device as a “share‑first” solution [...]

Gmail introduced a “Copy code” shortcut for two‑factor authentication (2FA) codes on its Android and iOS apps, following recent updates that added Live search and chat. The pill‑shaped button appears beneath the email subject line and displays the numeric code, allowing users to tap it and automatically copy the code to the clipboard. This eliminates the need to open the message, select the code, and manually copy it before pasting it into the authentication field. The feature [...]

Valve has released Lepton, an open‑source tool that enables Android‑native games to run on Linux, specifically targeting the new Steam Frame. The repository is hosted on GitHub, and Valve notes that developers can use Lepton to port Android VR titles, such as Meta Quest games, to the Steam Frame. The Steam Frame, a Snapdragon‑powered headset priced at $1,059, debuted earlier this week, and a waitlist is now open for interested buyers.

Patrick, an eCommerce Editor at Android Central, transitioned from a decade in independent bookstores and freelance writing to full‑time tech journalism in 2020. He joined Android Central in 2022 as Deals and Commerce Writer, now overseeing the site’s eCommerce coverage and major sale events. Patrick focuses on helping consumers avoid buyer’s remorse by simplifying complex tech purchases, such as carrier switches and smart TV buys. His work appears in major outlets including the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, [...]