Three months in, Galaxy Z Fold 8’s cameras aren’t enough, and Fold 9 might not fix it [Gallery]

9to5google.com Nov 4, 2026

Three months in, Galaxy Z Fold 8’s cameras aren’t enough, and Fold 9 might not fix it [Gallery]

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 4, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, praised for its foldable design, falls short in camera performance, prompting criticism after three months of use. The device features dual 50 MP sensors but lacks a third lens, limiting zoom and causing framing issues, such as accidental finger inclusion. Users rely on secondary phones for higher‑quality shots, citing poor zoom beyond 2× and design constraints. Leaks suggest the upcoming Fold 9 will retain the same sensor specs, offering little hardware improvement. Samsung’s focus on camera layout changes remains uncertain.

💡 Why It Matters

· The Fold 8’s camera shortcomings highlight the broader challenge of balancing foldable innovation with core smartphone expectations, potentially influencing consumer loyalty and future design priorities.

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The first Snapdragon phone with Android Linux Terminal support is here

The Redmagic 12 Pro becomes the first Snapdragon‑based Android phone to support the Linux Terminal app introduced with Android 16 on Pixel devices. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, the handset enables users to run terminal commands and access a 132 GB disk, with up to 10.6 GB of RAM allocated to the terminal. The device also supports GUI applications like GIMP, though installation can be problematic. Preorders open November 12, with launch discounts ending November 17.

💡 By extending Linux Terminal to Snapdragon hardware, the Redmagic 12 Pro opens a new development ecosystem for Android power users, bridging a gap that previously existed only on Google and Samsung devices.

androidcentral.com · Nov 4

Not surprising: Galaxy Z Fold 9, 9 Ultra might not upgrade a…

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 9 and Fold 9 Ultra are rumored to keep the same camera hardware as the current Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. According to X tipster WalleGalaxy, the Fold 9 would retain the 50 MP primary and ultra‑wide sensors, while the Fold 9 Ultra would continue with a 200 MP main lens, 50 MP ultra‑wide and a 10 MP telephoto with 3× zoom. No details were given about selfie cameras, which remain at 10 MP on the Fold 8. The same leaks also suggest Samsung may double its foldable lineup in 2027, adding a Galaxy Z TriFold 2, a Fold 9 Pro and a slideable “Galaxy Z Slide.” These concepts were previewed at CES 2025 with flexible display prototypes. Analysts note lack of camera upgrades could dampen enthusiasm among users seeking improvements.

💡 Without a photographic edge, Samsung risks losing foldable enthusiasts to rivals offering fresh imaging tech.

9to5google.com · Nov 4

Google confirms something was draining Pixel Watch batteries, fix rolling out

Google confirmed that a software issue was causing unexpected battery drain on some Pixel Watch models, including the Pixel Watch 2 and newer. The company acknowledged the problem after user complaints surfaced on forums and social media. A fix is now being rolled out via the Play Store, with updates expected to reach all affected devices within a few days. Users can manually trigger the update by selecting “Update all” in the Pixel Watch’s Play Store app. The issue appears limited to a small subset of watches and is not linked to hardware defects.

💡 The rapid deployment of a software patch demonstrates Google’s responsiveness to user‑reported performance issues, reinforcing consumer confidence in its Wear OS ecosystem.

9to5google.com · Nov 4

Microsoft Authenticator is ditching its own password backup for Google One

Microsoft will replace its own password‑backup feature in the Authenticator app for Android with Google One starting January 2027. The change means users must enable the “Microsoft Authenticator” option in Google One’s backup settings instead of using a Microsoft Account for backup. The app, which generates one‑time codes for two‑factor authentication, already used iCloud backup on iOS. The shift reflects Microsoft’s move to leverage Google’s infrastructure for Android users.

💡 The transition forces Android users to rely on a third‑party backup service, potentially altering how they secure and recover authentication data.

9to5google.com · Nov 4

Android Auto 18.1 update rolling out with additional prep for light mode…

Google has released Android Auto 18.1 to stable users, following its 18.0 launch in October. The update contains no new user-facing features but continues to lay groundwork for a forthcoming redesign, codenamed “Cielo,” and a light‑mode UI. Decompiled APKs reveal assets for dark and light modes, including Samsung‑specific variants, and hints at upcoming Quick Settings tiles. The update also references map scaling and dashboard animation effects seen in earlier demos, indicating that the redesign may debut sooner than expected.

💡 The incremental build‑out signals Google’s focus on a cohesive visual overhaul, potentially improving driver experience and setting a new standard for in‑car interfaces.

androidcentral.com · Nov 4

HyperOS 4 update schedule: Every Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phone getting Android…

Xiaomi will launch HyperOS 4, its Android 17‑based operating system, on more than 80 devices worldwide in November 2026. The rollout is split into three waves: the first includes the Xiaomi 17, 15 series, Redmi Note 17/15, POCO F8/X8, and Xiaomi Pad 8; the second adds the Xiaomi 15T, POCO F7/F9, Pad 7, and other tablets; the final wave covers older models such as the Xiaomi 14/13, MIX Flip, and Redmi Note 14. HyperOS 4 introduces a “Soft Light Glass” UI, faster app launch times, improved HDR capture, and the new Super XiaoAi 2.0 assistant, while tightening privacy controls.

💡 The staggered release tests Xiaomi’s ability to scale its AI‑driven features beyond China, potentially reshaping global expectations for integrated smart‑home and personal‑assistant capabilities.