Let’s recap week number 8 of 2026. It was heavily influenced by Galaxy S26-related stories, but Google unveiled its groundbreaking Pixel 10a, and Xiaomi’s 17 series is nearing global release.
We saw a few S26 chip stories. It seems that the Exynos 2600, which will power some of the S26 units in some markets, has stronger ray tracing performance than the Adreno 840 inside the Snapdragon-powered models. On the other hand, the single-core performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered Galaxy S26 Ultra is significantly better than the corresponding Exynos 2600.
Samsung has also teased the privacy display feature of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Apparently, the phone will use per-pixel controls to black out specific parts of the display only when needed.
Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S26 Ultra beats Exynos-powered S26 in single-core performance
The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses an overclocked “for Galaxy” version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Samsung shows off Galaxy S26 Ultra privacy display in short video
This feature provides protection from anyone peeking around to see your display by making the entire display (or parts of it) appear black without affecting your legibility.
Samsung advertises the low-light camera performance of the Galaxy S26 Ultra with an AI video
It’s strange to say the least.
Galaxy S26 Ultra selfie camera tipped to use a new sensor
It is said to have a slightly larger hole-punch front camera cutout than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Google announced the Pixel 10a, and it’s almost identical to the 9a. You get a slightly different color palette (slightly a key word), a much less bright screen (3,000 vs. 2,700 nits peak local brightness), stronger Gorilla Glass 7i, and slightly faster charging. The starting price of Pixel 10a is only $499.
The Nothing Phones (4A) and (4A) Pro are arriving on March 5.
Google Pixel 10a comes with older Tensor G4, faster charging and same price
The phone now uses Gorilla Glass 7i and a slightly brighter 6.3″ Actua display. Battery capacity is the same as last year, at 5,100mAh.
No confirmation of launch event for phone (4a) series
This is happening a day after Apple’s “Special Experience Event.”
Nothing Phone (4a) series specs, colors and price leaked
The phones (4a) and (4a) Pro will be unveiled on March 5.
Infinix Note 60 Pro unboxing and hands-on
The phone comes with a 90W charger and a MagSafe-enabled case, among other things.
Finally, the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra will likely be revealed globally on February 28. The 17 will get a smaller 6,330mAh battery (compared to 7,000mAh in China), while the 17 Ultra is expected to have a 6,000mAh (compared to 6,800mAh in China).
The price of the Xiaomi 17 is said to be €999 for the 12/256GB model and €1,099 for the 12/512GB. The Ultra starts at €1,499 for a 16/512GB unit.
Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra global launch date leaked with European prices
The pair eventually flee China very soon.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica Edition is coming to global markets with a different name
It’s a mouthful, but it makes sense.
