In certain markets, Samsung could use the Exynos 2600, a new flagship processor for mobile devices, in its upcoming non-foldable flagship smartphone range, the Galaxy S26 series. The performance of the CPU and GPU has previously been revealed by SoC leaks.
But because the chipset was still being developed, the CPU benchmark that we previously saw wasn’t particularly outstanding. We now have the Exynos 2600 as a new CPU benchmark. This one demonstrates its far better performance, surpassing even the Snapdragon 8 Elite from Qualcomm.
Samsung’s forthcoming Exynos chip has been seen on Geekbench with a new benchmark listing (via @Jukanlosreve). As you can see in the screenshot below, the chipset received 3,309 points in the single-core CPU test and 11,256 points in the multi-core CPU test.
Samsung Exynos 2600 Geekbech
In contrast, the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy S25 received 2,900 points for its single core and 9,300 points for its multi-core. On the other hand, the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy Z Flip 7 received about 8,100 points in the multi-core test and 2,500 points in the single-core trial.
To put it another way, the CPU of the Exynos 2600 is 13% to 17% quicker than the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 32% to 38% faster than the Exynos 2500.
A new version of some of Garmin’s more expensive smartwatches has been introduced. Beta Version 23.16, which is being distributed globally through its Beta Program, comes ahead of a far more significant stable software update that seems to be imminent.
After revealing the August 2025 Feature Update a little more than a week ago, Garmin has just upgraded a number of its devices. In summary, since releasing its most recent Feature Update, the business has released new stable upgrades for the Fenix 8, Forerunner 970, Instinct 2, Instinct 3, and related smartwatches. Additionally, it has produced significant modifications for its cycle computers, such as the Edge 1050 from the previous year.
Through a new beta update for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Fenix 7, Marq Gen 2, and Quatix 7, Garmin has now resorted to its more expensive, older smartwatches. In June, Garmin published System Software 22.06, the most recent stable update for these smartwatches. As it prepares to release a new stable build at some point, the corporation has released a number of beta updates in the interim.
Following a wait of more than three weeks, Garmin has begun releasing a new beta version, known as Beta Version 23.16. According to reports, Beta Version 23.16, the fourth v23.xx update to date, fixes two major problems that can lead to problems with CT10 sensor pairing and Hunt activity navigation. When Garmin will complete v23.xx development is still unknown. But given its recent modifications, the shift from v23.08 to v23.16 indicates the corporation may be on the verge of releasing a stable build.
After a while, we discovered that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 from Qualcomm might actually be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. After a short lull, a new rumor has surfaced that offers some data about the specifications, allowing us to examine the advancements between the two generations more closely—at least on paper—because there is more. We should start investigating this report right away because the whistleblower who supplied these details also stated that the AnTuTu score is purportedly 50% higher what the Snapdragon 8 Elite achieved.
The Digital Chat Station, a Weibo tipster, has returned with some important information on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. As its performance cores recorded on Geekbench 6 were 4.74GHz rather than the normal 4.61GHz mentioned in the most recent rumor, it appears that the version tested on the Galaxy S26 Edge was a higher-binned part. According to reports, the efficiency cores are capped at 3.63GHz, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has a “2 + 6” CPU cluster, just like the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
As for the GPU, Qualcomm will couple its forthcoming flagship SoC with the Adreno 840, with the source adding that its default clock speed is 1.20GHz, making it slightly faster than the Adreno 830’s 1.10GHz speeds. The San Diego company seems to have some latitude in raising those frequencies thanks to TSMC’s third-generation 3nm technology, but how much of a difference will that translate into benchmarks? The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 allegedly scored over 4 million points in AnTuTu, according to the rumor.
The REDMAGIC 10 Pro, which has a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, is the quickest Android smartphone according to benchmark leaderboards. The final score for this device was 2,662,615. These numbers will be 50% greater than those of its straight predecessor, assuming the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s AnTuTu findings are genuine. Due to an exclusive arrangement with Qualcomm, Samsung will be the only company able to debut the Galaxy S26 series with the quickest flagship out of all the companies anticipated to do so. Stay tuned for additional developments as the chipset maker’s Snapdragon Summit gets underway on September 23. Any elusive specifics will be revealed throughout the event.
This week, Google is distributing the September security patch to all Pixel devices that support it, starting with the Pixel 6 series. Numerous updates are included, and fortunately, Google offers a comprehensive list of all the new features.
The most recent Pixel 10 devices will have BD3A.250721.001.B7, the Pixel Tablet will have BP3A.250905.014.A1, and most Pixel owners will want to see build version BP3A.250905.014 to make sure they’re running the most recent version.
Among the highlights are fixes for Pixel Launcher crashes, call audio quality issues, camera stability issues, “overall improvements for network connection stability,” and enhanced Bluetooth stability for a variety of phones. The whole list and the devices it applies to are shown below. However, we’re pleased with the list overall.
Changelog:
The September 2025 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users – see below for details
Audio
Fix for issue Call Audio quality in certain conditions*[2]
Fix for issue causing occasional system instability and performance slowdowns in certain conditions*[2]
General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions*[1]
Based on Android 16, Xiaomi has shown HyperOS 3, its upcoming significant software update. Along with a list of compatible devices, the brand has revealed new features and enhancements, and the rollout is soon to start. All of the HyperOS 3 features that will be available for Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices are listed here.
Design update
Starting with the home screen, HyperOS 3 icons have a slightly increased contrast and a more 3D appearance. Clearer and more readable icons have also been added to the bottom bar. The improvement won’t be that noticeable to regular users.
Additionally, Xiaomi finally changed the HyperOS 3 status bar icons. With slightly more dispersed pieces and the battery % inside the battery indicator, the company’s strategy is comparable to Material 3 Expressive in stock Android.
In order to provide HyperOS 3 a more unified and professional appearance, the home screen layout has been somewhat altered to be more uniform with tighter gaps between the widgets.
Lockscreen customisations
HyperOS 3 introduces new lockscreen customizations and effects, as well as smoother unlock animations, in keeping with the immersive lockscreen user interface trend. Motion can be added to still images, and then the lock screen clock can be given Cinematic Depth. This is comparable to iOS 26’s new Spatial Scene feature, which gives lock screen backgrounds a 3D appearance.
This feature is known by Xiaomi as “Movie lock screen,” according to our translation from Chinese to English. This function will assist in applying AI styles to images, enabling you to Ghibli-fy, dreamscape-fy, or Disney-fy your photos. Additionally, there is a library of community-made and shared custom lock screens available if you don’t want to invest the time in such artistic endeavors.
Finally, users can now relocate the lock screen to the center in HyperOS 3. This is on top of the plethora of clock typefaces that can all be customized to fit the themes of your wallpapers. Users will find these settings in a single menu under the Wallpaper customization section, similar to OxygenOS or iOS.
Super Island
Xiaomi is utilizing Xiaomi Super Island in HyperOS 3 to leverage live upgrades, one of the greatest aspects of Android 16. The functionality can display up to three live events simultaneously, and its implementation is eerily similar to Dynamic Island on iPhones.
Around the selfie camera, you’ll notice a Super Island. After that, you can open a floating window for the current activity by swiping down on the pill to activate the feature. Two additional activities are displayed beside the floating window, one as a pill and the other as a circular icon. You can easily switch between these, and you may open the app by dragging them to the center of the screen.
By dragging and dropping material straight from the Super Island to an app, HyperOS 3 will also make sharing simple. More than 70 apps are presently supported, according to Xiaomi, and support for more well-known apps will be added soon.
NameDrop
Similar to NameDrop, HyperOS 3 allows for the easy exchange of Wi-Fi passwords as well as images and videos. According to the firm, media may be moved quickly and without loss. It bridges the ecosystem divide by supporting both iPhones and Xiaomi devices.
It’s important to note that the feature was briefly shown on stage and using HyperOS 3’s default Gallery app, which receives a number of enhancements of its own (more on that later). Even though Xiaomi didn’t go into detail, we can guess that it connects using NFC.
Updated system apps and features
Xiaomi is enhancing the HyperOS 3 app experience for a number of system programs, but its Gallery app is getting the most love. To begin with, users will now be able to quickly locate photographs according to their search preferences. In order to transition between layouts organized by date and continuous tiling, it offers photo view and photo sorting.
AI advancements are enhancing the image search capabilities. For faster search results, the app’s image search has been optimized for over 30,000 keywords and 10 categories.
Additionally, Xiaomi has included an algorithm that facilitates pet photo searches. The brand aggregates its photographs using pet body traits, just like it does with facial recognition.
In addition, HyperOS 3 offers design enhancements for a number of its China-only apps, including the calendar, Xiaomi Shelf, voice recorder, weather, clock, and others.
More AI features
Xiaomi is also improving its in-house Xiaoai with HyperOS 3 to provide suggestions more quickly and effectively. Google’s Circle to Search is comparable to the new Circle Screen functionality, which is driven by Xiao AI. This function allows you to circle a portion of the screen to obtain information about it.
The agentic AI integration in HyperOS 3, which employs LLMs to carry out a number of activities for users, is by far the most fascinating innovation. For instance, it can initiate navigation to a location you wish to visit or place food orders from restaurants. By the end of September 2025, Xiaomi says its new AI agent-like capability will work with more than 80 apps.
Xiaomi Watches will also get a number of new features with HyperOS 3. Similar to the Smart Boost option that shows your heart rate on a HyperOS-powered automobile, supported watches will allow you to transmit real-time workout data to your phone. Along with syncing music to smart speakers while working out, the watch and automobile will also sync navigation instructions.
HyperOS 3 enhances split-screen multitasking, latency, and other aspects of tablets. Additionally, it has an enhanced PC-like browser and better app layouts for wide screens.
HyperOS 3 supported devices and rollout calendar
Xiaomi has confirmed that a limited number of devices in China will begin receiving the HyperOS 3 Beta on August 29, 2025. Although the distribution is now limited to China, we have compiled a lengthy list of HyperOS 3 devices that are eligible for the upgrade in India and around the world.
When Xiaomi releases a comprehensive list of devices that will receive the HyperOS 3 stable update, we will update the list and timeline of rollouts. By the end of 2025, we anticipate the stable update.
The Xiaomi 15 and Redmi K80 series will be the first to receive the HyperOS 3 Beta. On September 17, 2025, the Mi Mix Flip 2 will take its place. On September 30, 2025, the Redmi K70 series, Xiaomi 14 series, and Mi Mix Fold 4 will be available for beta testing.
All of those are the new HyperOS 3 features that Xiaomi has disclosed. The layout of the home screen and lock screen in particular has been optimized in this release. Xiaomi adds that games should benefit from 1% lower frame rates and lower battery usage, and that latency has been lowered by 21%.
For Indian lovers of Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco, this is an all-around great update. To find out more about the HyperOS 3 upgrade rollout in India and around the world, keep checking back and bookmarking this site.
The major update of Android 16 has finally arrived, and Google Pixel owners can now get the QPR1 update. This is how to set it up.
The long-awaited Android 16 has finally come after a well-known initial release earlier this year. With the first stable release of Android 16 QPR1 currently accessible on Google Pixel devices, the massive Material 3 Expressive redesign is officially live.
Which Pixel models are capable to running Android 16 QPR1?
Android 16 QPR1 is now available on more devices than ever before, thanks to Google’s extended software support schedule. Every Pixel published since 2021 is on the list:
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Tablet
Pixel Fold
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9a
In the meanwhile, this update is pre-installed on the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
How to get Android 16 QPR1 on your Pixel device
Downloading an OTA update is the primary method for installing Android 16 QPR1 on a Pixel phone. To accomplish this, select “Check for update” under Settings > System > Software updates. It could be able to pull the update a bit quicker than you’d receive a notification, but it might not function right away.
As an alternative, you can manually sideload the update.
Alternatively, you can sideload the update manually.
To do this, follow the steps below:
Download the needed files.
Boot into Recovery mode.
Navigate to ADB sideload.
Connect the handset to a computer with ADB tools installed.
Enter the sideload command.
Reboot your phone.
Before installing an OTA file, you need unlock your bootloader or, at the absolute least, enable OEM Unlock in developer options, even though this procedure is usually safe.
Download Android 16 QPR1 files
You must first download the necessary files in order to install Android 16 QPR1 on your Pixel.
The OTA file is available for download on Google’s OTA Image hosting website. You must scroll down to make sure you are getting the file that is linked to your device because that website has OTA files for sideloading several updates, including Android 16 QPR1, on all Pixel and Nexus devices. OTA downloads are available HERE for Android 16 QPR1. Examine each device’s most recent build.
Boot into Recovery mode
Your Pixel will then need to boot into recovery mode. Turn off your phone completely to accomplish this. Next, press and hold the Power and Volume down buttons simultaneously until you reach the Bootloader screen. If you see an Android figure lying down on the screen, you know you’re in the proper area.
To access Recovery mode, use your volume buttons to scroll down. Click the power button to select this. As an alternative, you can use the reboot recovery command if you’re already connected to a computer via ADB.
A tiny Android with an exclamation point over it should now be visible to you. To fully enter Recovery mode, press the Power and Volume up buttons for approximately one second. You will enter Recovery after you release the Volume Up button.
Go to ADB sideload
Scroll down to Apply update via ADB using the volume buttons, then press the power button to choose it. This will start a largely blank screen with instructions on how to sideload an OTA toward the bottom.
Connect your device to a computer with ADB tools installed
Since there is no other means to move the downloaded OTA file to your phone, this step is crucial. ADB and Fastboot utilities must be kept close at hand. You can install Android Studio in its entirety or use the Command Line tools to obtain ADB tools from the Android Developers website. Additionally, you can utilize ClockWorkMod’s Universal ADB Drivers, which may facilitate the process for Windows devices.
For a quick and simple installation process, I personally unload the tools from the Android Developers website and add a shortcut to “cmd.exe.” The downloaded software build must be placed in the same folder as the “cmd.exe” file in order to accomplish this.
Sideload command
Now that you have everything set up, you may sideload the OTA file. Make sure the ADB tools folder is in the Command Prompt on Windows, then enter adb sideload. If you’re using Linux or macOS, follow the identical steps in Terminal (make sure your Terminal is pointing to the correct folder by using the “cd” and “ls” commands; if you need assistance, Google it) but enter “./adb sideload.” Then, to begin the procedure, enter the file name of the.zip folder you obtained from Google and press Enter.
Your computer and phone should display a dialog box that explains the sideload and installation procedure if everything is operating as it should.
Searching for the most amazing offers without breaking the bank? Each week, premium apps and games are available for free download for a brief period of time on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Whether you enjoy immersive games, lifestyle apps, or productivity tools, these short-lived sales are the ideal way to add to your collection without breaking the bank.
The most recent free applications and games for iOS and Android are highlighted in this roundup. It’s a good idea to take advantage of these time-sensitive bargains before they revert back to their normal pricing. We’ll update the list frequently, so you won’t ever miss out on special offers for your preferred mobile devices.
Android apps and games
Apps
English Verbs Pro ($3.99): If you want to up your verb game in English, this app will help nudge you forward.
Sharks 3D ($0.99): Want a live wallpaper without having to go to the aquarium? See sharks swimming around.
Color Wheel ($1.99): Any graphic designer or artist would definitely want to have this app at their disposal in selecting the most accurate color possible.
Rotation Control ($0.99): I guess this is useful for older devices that do not have built-in rotation controls.
3D Anatomy ($2.99): This looks like a rather nifty app to help people get familiar with the human anatomy.
Games
SPHAZE ($0.99): A sci-fi puzzle game that tickles your imagination while featuring great-looking graphics.
Cypher Vocab ($0.99): A GRE vocabulary game to help build up your word power.
Fiete Choice ($2.99): Want to keep your little ones occupied? This game will garner their attention.
The deals were active on the day of publication. Please leave a comment below if you come across an expired deal.
Before downloading any of the aforementioned apps, we advise you to review the app’s details in the App Store or Play Store. Because some of these free programs might offer unique features or drawbacks of their own, this is crucial.
Both free and paid apps should be avoided since they could have unnoticed in-app purchases and adverts. This is especially important while downloading kid-friendly games. In the rapidly evolving world of mobile apps, numerous companies use cunning tactics to obtain your personal information. But tech buffs, don’t worry! We’ve compiled some crucial advice to help you safeguard your important data. Being selective about the permissions you grant the apps you decide to install is an essential first step.
Discover the wide range of free apps that are accessible on the iOS and Android operating systems, all while protecting your data.
You should be aware that not everyone using WhatsApp is safe. Meta has alerted users to a significant security vulnerability that hackers used to launch a sophisticated, focused malware campaign that compromised dozens of WhatsApp accounts. This is why it’s important and why you should upgrade the app right now.
In order to fix a vulnerability that was exploited in conjunction with another weakness in Apple devices, WhatsApp declared on Friday that it has released an emergency patch for its messaging program on iOS and Mac. According to reports, a week before WhatsApp’s upgrade, Apple resolved the security flaw in its devices.
Why is this so dangerous?
Hackers reportedly used a well-known zero-click attack—a technique that compromises a device without requiring user interaction—to successfully exploit both vulnerabilities. In certain situations, a victim might get a link or image from an attacker, who might then take control of the device and run malicious code to spy on or steal private data without the victim having to click.
Meta acknowledged notifying dozens of people it thought were the campaign’s target. A copy of the alert message, which detailed the reason for the warning and the next steps, was posted on X by the head of the security company Amnesty Tech. The notification suggested that victims reset their device to factory defaults.
We’ve made changes to prevent this specific attack from occurring through WhatsApp. However, your device’s operating system could remain compromised by the malware or targeted in other ways. To best protect yourself, we recommend a full device factory reset. We also strongly urge you to keep your devices updated to the latest version of the operating system, and ensure that your WhatsApp app is up to date.
Meta
These kinds of advertisements have already targeted WhatsApp users. Similar zero-day exploits have been connected in the past to monitoring operations targeting prominent people, such as journalists and politicians.
What should you do to be safe?
Even though only a small percentage of WhatsApp users were impacted, others should still be concerned about this attack. Installing the most recent security update for your Apple device and updating WhatsApp on your Mac and iPhone are highly advised.
Even while Android users aren’t being targeted by this operation, they could still be at risk due to the same WhatsApp flaws. They should also install the most recent Android security patch and update to the most recent version of WhatsApp. Users who believe they may be in danger can manually activate new features like Advanced Device Protection, which provide an additional layer of security.
The benchmarking website Geekbench recently featured the OnePlus 15. In addition to providing testing results and other information you might find useful, this listing verifies the phone’s processor.
It is clear which phone this is, even if it was listed with the OnePlus PLK110 model number. The results of its benchmarking are one thing you should absolutely ignore. Naturally, this is a test unit, and it isn’t even operating at full capacity. The results displayed are unrelated to the real power of the next phone or processor.
In relation to that, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor will power the OnePlus 15. October is when that chip is anticipated to arrive. One of the first devices to use it will be the OnePlus 15.
The smartphone will come with 16GB of RAM, according to this listing. Well, 16GB of RAM will be present in at least one of its models. LPDDR5X RAM is what we anticipate OnePlus to use, but we’ll have to wait and see.
OnePlus 15 will come with OxygenOS16 on top of Android 16
This listing also disclosed that, as anticipated, Android 16 will be pre-installed. Naturally, Google’s OS will have OxygenOS 16 pre-installed on top of it.
This listing indicates that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will have six secondary cores operating at 3.63GHz and two prime cores operating at 4.61GHz. That portion is very likely accurate, but the outcomes aren’t worth mentioning, as was already said.
Although the global version will be delayed, the OnePlus 15 will ship before the year ends, most likely in October. It’s probably going to arrive in Q1 of next year. Additionally, OnePlus is eschewing the OnePlus 14 moniker. The OnePlus 4 moniker was omitted by the corporation since the number four is unlucky in China.
The OnePlus Store has a fantastic deal for students this back-to-school season. We are discussing a significant $150 reduction on the top-tier OnePlus 13. Additionally, a chic wood grain magnetic half-pack cover (worth $39.99) is included with the phone for free.
That’s not all, though. You will receive an additional 10% off the flagship OnePlus if you create an account (or login in) and validate your student credentials. As a result, students can now get the flagship for just $674.99 instead of $899.99. Not a pupil? No issue—get an additional $100 discount when you trade in any device, regardless of condition.
OnePlus 13
OnePlus 13 delivers a faster and more intelligent experience thanks to a better chip and new AI features, buy the OnePlus 13 online and get the best price.
Regardless of your perspective, that is a very attractive asking price for a beast with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. However, its performance isn’t the only thing that makes it an excellent option for Android enthusiasts. The phone has a remarkable 6.8-inch OLED screen with outstanding color temperature and brightness.
With three rear cameras, the Android phone boasts an outstanding camera as well. It captures excellent images with precise sharpness thanks to its 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, and 50MP 3x telephoto lenses.
How about software? The OnePlus device comes with years of OS updates and is pre-installed on Android 15. For a more pleasurable experience, it includes a highly customisable UI along with some AI features like Circle to Search. It’s also a strong candidate for the top Android phone of 2025 because to its large 6,000mAh battery and fast 80W charging.
What do you think, then? This might be the phone you’ve been looking for to get you through the next school year. Long battery life, gorgeous design, and outstanding performance are all features of the OnePlus 13. It’s even more alluring now that it’s on sale for $250 off with any trade-in (or $225 with student discounts). Before it’s too late, get yours and start saving.
