Phones
Pixel 11 to get improved version of one of iPhone’s best features
Google Pixel 11 could bring an under-display infrared camera. Google is reportedly considering bringing back infrared camera tech to its Pixel lineup, starting in 2026.
AndroidAuthority claims that Tensor G6 could support an under-display infrared camera, potentially enabling the Pixel 11 phone to feature fast and secure biometric authentication tech.
An infrared camera will make it possible to unlock the phone through facial recognition, even in total darkness. The authentication would rely on under-display IR camera supported by Tensor G6.
iPhone X was the first Apple phone to come with an infrared sensor for facial recognition. With the iPhone 13 series, Apple debuted an upgraded IR sensor with improvements in speed and accuracy.
Smartphone makers continue to reduce the bezels to offer functional display areas in most of the part. Apple opted for the pill-shaped cutout, while Samsung and Google prefer punch-hole display.
Selfie camera quality would keep the punch-hole cutout on flagship displays for a few more years. However, Google’s plan for an IR camera in Pixel 11 would be a technological breakthrough.
Face Unlock returned to Google’s smartphone segment with the Pixel 7 series. The latest Pixel 9 series also relies on a front camera sensor to bridge as a facial recognition solution.
Apple could use LTPO OLED display in all iPhone models next year. With the iPhone 13 Pro, the company adopted LTPO display technology. Now, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to use LTPO OLED and it’s a double-edged sword for Samsung.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 flagships feature LTPO displays. While the advanced screen tech is limited to iPhone 16 Pro models this year, things will dramatically change next year. Apple plans to bring LTPO to all models of the iPhone 17 series.
LTPO upgrade in iPhone 17 could be a double-edged sword for Samsung. The Mobile Division will face some additional heat, while the Display subsidiary could win even more orders than this year due to BOE’s exclusion from the supply chain.
Samsung Elec
Hardware upgrades in Apple’s iPhone segment always hurt Samsung’s ambitions. The company keeps innovating and has a pretty solid track record in early adoption of innovations and advanced technologies.
However, Apple surpasses Samsung Elec sometimes, despite its edge in the manufacturing segment. The iPhone 16 uses Samsung’s latest M14 OLED, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra is unlikely to upgrade to the new display tech.
Samsung Display
Samsung’s Display subsidiary will enjoy as Apple decided LTPO across iPhone 17 models. China’s BOE has been expanding footsteps in the display supply chain. However, it will not be able to supply OLED for iPhone 17 next year.
BOE lacks LTPO display technology, potentially increasing Samsung and LG’s share in Apple’s OLED supply. The exclusion of BOE is a win-win for Samsung Display as it will be enjoying higher OLED orders from Samsung.
Via – TheElec
Samsung is developing a 5G-powered Galaxy A06 smartphone. The company appears to be massively widening the reach of 5G-supported handsets this year.
Gizmochina discovered Samsung’s development of its cheapest 5G phone, dubbed Galaxy A06 5G. It’s worth noting that the company has never released a 5G variant in its Galaxy A0x segment.
The Galaxy A06 5G, model numbers SM-A066B/DS and A066M/DS, is in development. It’s a big technological development in Samsung’s history, bringing affordable 5G to more people.
The phone is expected to share almost the same specifications as its 4G model. However, we could see a change in chipset installation to power 5G network compatibility.
Samsung’s Galaxy A1x models are already leading the global Android market. The debut of the 5G-powered Galaxy A06 will further solidify the company’s dominance in the Android world.
The fifth-generation network will offer faster internet, better data transfer, and a reliable calling experience. It’s a move aligning with sequential 5G adoption by key countries such as India.
Galaxy A06 features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Moreover, its 6.7-inch HD+PLS LCD screen ensures everything looks vibrant and sharp.
Samsung in Q3
The Korean tech giant led the global smartphone market in the third quarter. The current quarter is expected to favor Apple given its recent iPhone 16 series launch.
Galaxy A15 and A15 5G are the best-selling Android phones globally. The expansion of 5G to the A0x series will surely bring fruitful outcomes not only budget segment market, but Samsung.
[Via]
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE uses the same UTG display tech as other Fold models. It was speculated that the company has applied a new technology as part of reducing the overall thickness and making the phone sleek and slim.
TheElec reports that the Galaxy Z Fold SE features UTG display tech. The rumored UTI component hasn’t received approval for mass production. Hence, the new display tech remains due for a future Galaxy Z Fold model.
It was rumored that the Fold Slim would feature UTG with selective etching. To this end, the company had to reduce the thickness of foldable-only film. However, technological difficulties reportedly led the UTI to be reserved.
That said, thickening UTG enhances surface hardness and reduces the visible crease in the center of foldable panels. Selectively etched UTG is being researched by Samsung and Apple for future foldable products.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has about 60-70 hinge components, while the Z Fold SE has around 130-140. It’s clearly visible that Samsung has used almost double components in SE’s hinge to make the smartphone slimmer.
The backplate (support structure) of Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold SE is made of titanium. Compared to conventional Aluminum material, it is harder to process but offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
The Special Edition foldable measures 10.6mm thick when folded, 1.5mm slimmer than the 12.1mm thickness of the Z Fold 6. By removing the digitizers, the folded thickness could be reduced by 0.6mm, with an additional 0.9mm shaved off.