Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines around the world of Android, including Google’s renewed Pixel sale, Tensor Mobile’s chip upgrade, the new Galaxy S25 design, the arrival of the Xiaomi 15 Pro, the OnePlus reveal 13, new Android release dates and Thunderbird email client upgraded.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of some of the many conversations surrounding Android over the past seven days. You can also read our weekly roundup of Apple news here at Forbes.
Google Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a
Official Pixel updates now available
Following the well-worn path blazed by Samsung and Apple’s online stores, Google has opened a “Certified Refurbished” section of the store. Various models of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 are available, with the 128GB Pixel 6a starting at $249. But there’s one trick the competition has that Google is getting around:
“It’s also worth noting that Google offers the same warranty and customer support you’d get on a brand new Pixel…. There’s one note of caution. Unlike Apple’s refurbished store, Google doesn’t automatically replace the battery on Pixels.
(Google Keyword Blog via Forbes).
The new hardware brings new pixel upgrades
Looking further ahead, Google’s design for the Tensor 10 and Tensor 11 mobile chipsets (which will power the Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 families, respectively) will offer several hardware-based upgrades. Via a leak from Google’s gChip division, the Android Authority team has more details on the upcoming changes:
“Possible camera improvements include support for 4K 60fps HDR video, 100x zoom, an upgrade to Cinematic Blur mode, and a new ‘Ultra Low Light’ video mode for capturing quality footage in very low light. Upcoming Pixel devices may also introduce ML-based always on functions related to health monitoring and activity monitoring.”
A new look for the S25
Is Samsung preparing a new variant of the Galaxy S25? Reports this week suggest that the South Korean company is ready to launch a Galaxy S25 Slim. This follows in the footsteps of the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold Slim and speculation about an iPhone 17 Slim from Apple:
“Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, the slimmer version of the Galaxy S25 will reportedly focus on being slimmer. Samsung is said to be using this phone to gauge response to a premium thin phone. If it gets a good response from consumers, Samsung will change the Galaxy S26 series to include a slim version.”
The elites arrive
Following last week’s announcement of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s flagship silicon is now available to the public as the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro launch in China:
The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor but share a few other features. This includes the Hyper OS 2 skin, 12GB of RAM, an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, flat edges and an IP68 rating.
“…The phones are only available in China right now, but Xiaomi traditionally offers a global launch at MWC every year (in late February). It’s worth noting that the company didn’t launch the Xiaomi 14 Pro outside of China, opting instead to launch the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. So don’t be surprised if the Xiaomi 15 Pro is missing in action in February 2025.”
The OnePlus 13 has arrived
OnePlus launched the OnePlus 13 in China this week. It’s one of the first smartphones to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but that’s not the only notable step. For many, the new 6000mAh silicon/carbon battery will be a welcome feature, as will the upgraded IP69 rating. However, it’s the display that offers some of the best upgraded specs:
“The OnePlus 13 gets BOE’s flagship OLED X2 display. It’s an 8T LTPO OLED panel with a 1440p resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate. Typical brightness is now rated at 800 nits, while peak brightness beats the new additions at 4, 50 is the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.
(GSMArena).
Android’s new Tempo
Google has announced that the next major Android update will not happen in the third quarter of 2025, but in the second quarter. The thinking is that this will align more favorably with device releases in the second half—the busiest half—of the year, so they can get the major releases out as quickly as possible. What this means for the companies that have promised to deliver “x Åndroid updates” versus “x years of Android updates” remains to be seen:
“The Q2 major release will be the only release in 2025 that will include behavioral changes that can impact apps… The Q4 minor release will receive feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes from the major release. It will also include new developer APIs, but will not include any app-impacting behavior changes.
And finally…
Those looking for an alternative email client have followed the adventure of Thunderbird (nee K-9). The open source app is finally ready for the public.
” For all of you who have ever asked “when will Thunderbird for Android be released?”, the answer is – today! We’re excited to announce that the first stable version of Thunderbird for Android is now out, and we couldn’t be prouder. newest, more mobile member of the Thunderbird family.
Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here at Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any future coverage, and of course read the sister column on Apple Loop! You can find last week’s Android Circuit here, and if you have news and links you’d like featured on Android Circuit, get in touch!
