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Phone Arena
18-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Nothing downgraded the Phone (3) display to make it look better at low brightness
Nothing has downgraded the PWM rate of the Phone (3), which the company says should benefit the display's performance. Initially, the Nothing Phone (3) had a 2,160Hz PWM rate, but a software update changed it to 960Hz. In a statement sent to Android Central, Nothing says the change is in effect only when the display operates at lower brightness. The Phone (3) display is still technically capable of supporting a 2,160Hz PWM rate, though the company hasn't confirmed at what brightness level the change kicks in. — Nothing spokesperson, 18 July, 2025 Nothing hasn't explained in detail why the change was necessary, but apparently it'll be part of the final retail is one of those things that, if you know about it, there's a good reason, but if you've never heard of it, you're not alone. The abbreviation stands for pulse-width modulation, which plays a key role in how OLED displays control brightness. What PWM does is to rapidly turn pixels on and off, tricking your eyes into thinking the display is dimmer. For the vast majority of people, PWM is an innocuous technology, but others aren't as lucky. Most often, the negative effects of the lower flicker rates are limited to eye strain. However, more PWM-sensitive people can experience more severe symptoms, like headaches, nausea, and to those negative effects, a high PWM rate is considered not only something special by some users, but also necessary. The issue can be so severe that there's a whole subreddit dedicated to PWM sensitivity. Nothing isn't the only smartphone brand that's paying attention to the PWM rate, though. Rumor has it that the Pixel 10 series might have a higher PWM rate. Other brands, like Honor, are stepping up in that regard with phones like the Magic 6 Pro, which supports a 4,320Hz PWM dimming rate when brightness drops below 30%. I think Nothing should be more transparent about the change, and maybe even give the option to prioritize the PWM rate instead of the image quality. Accessibility is very important, especially when we're talking about devices as essential as smartphones. For many people, a little worse image quality is a good trade-off for being able to use a smartphone without negative effects.
Tom's Guide
18-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Galaxy Z Fold 7 hinge comes under fire from Reddit — I fixed smartphones for a living and I'm not worried
There's a lot that can go wrong with even the best phones, and it's easy to see every reported issue as an inherent fault with a design. However, there's a lot more to consider than just how the phone is built. Take the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is an impressive piece of hardware and a noticeable improvement over the prior Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, while the Z Fold 7 features a larger display and is significantly thinner, it appears that there may be a potential issue with the hinge. In a recent Reddit thread (via Android Central), several users reported that certain demo models of the phone in stores would not fully open. The Reddit post includes an image (above), of what appears to be a Z Fold 7 that hasn't opened fully. Instead, the phone appears slightly bent rather than being flat. Now, it is worth noting that, while several users have reported seeing the same issue, some posts indicate that the fault is not apparent in other demo units. So, that suggests this isn't an inherent flaw with demo units. Having spent some time with the Z Fold 7, I will say the phone's unfolding action is smooth and doesn't require any real force to open. So then, with all these reports, what's the likely cause of this problem? Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorder: up to $1,150 off w/ trade-in @ SamsungFree storage upgrade! Samsung is knocking up to $1,150 off Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorders when you trade-in an older phone. Additionally, you'll get a free storage upgrade with your preorder. The phone features an 8-inch AMOLED (2184 x 1968) 120Hz main display, 6.5-inch AMOLED (2520 x 1080) 120Hz cover display, Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. On the rear you get a 200MP f/1.7 main wide-angle lens, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and 10MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Selfie cams include a 10MP f/2.2 main display and cover camera. In our Galaxy Z Fold 7 hands-on, we called it the first foldable we'd want to carry and use all day. Here's the thing: One of the challenges when making phones thinner is you have to adapt and change a lot of the design to support it. This includes finding ways to maintain a phone's durability while not increasing its mass or thickness, which can be a major challenge. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In the case of the Galaxy Z Fold 7's Armor FlexHinge, Samsung completely redesigned it with a new multi-rail structure that uses Advanced Armor Aluminium for increased strength. Not only that, the hinge also features a water-droplet-shaped curve that aims to increase the overall durability of the phone. The thing to note is that demo units tend to go through a lot more stress than personal phones, even over a short time. For one thing, they are opened and closed constantly, and often not in the most caring way. In my time working as an engineer in a Samsung store, I saw people treat demo units in ways that would shock you. With that in mind, I wouldn't rush to the conclusion that this is an inherent design flaw. In my time working as an engineer in a Samsung store, I saw people treat demo units in ways that would shock you. That isn't to say we've never seen faults in the hinges on other Galaxy Z models, but those are often down to blockages in the mechanism. For instance, we saw faults arise in the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with the screen not opening fully due to the glue that held the brushes wearing away. Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, the newer Z Fold models no longer have these brushes. In my opinion, this doesn't look like it's indicative of a major issue with the design. However, I would understand anyone wanting to wait for a bit to see if the issue arises in users personal devices. With that in mind, we'd love to hear from you, especially if you've experienced this fault in any of the demo units you've seen, and if this has turned you off from buying Samsung's next foldable phone. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Phone Arena
18-07-2025
- Phone Arena
People browsing Galaxy Z Fold 7 at stores have noticed a problem
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a huge step forward from the Fold 6, earning the phone the title of the thinnest and lightest bendable phone around. Samsung went to great lengths to achieve the new design, including redesigning the hinge. That hinge appears to be affecting how the device unfolds, Fold 7 will begin shipping on July 25. As first reported by Android Central, some customers who went to check out the device at stores claim that the Fold 7 doesn't open completely flat. The fact that it doesn't open up all the way is making some potential customers wonder if there is something wrong with the new design. —djda9l, Reddit user, July 2025 Some Galaxy Z Fold 7 demo units remain slightly arched when fully opened. | Image Credit - Reddit user djda9l Of course, some demo units may appear to have a faulty hinge because numerous people toyed with them. The Fold 6 is rated for 200,000 folding and unfolding cycles, and the number should be similar or higher for the Fold 7 . The units on display were likely opened and closed far too many times, affecting the hinge Fold 7 features the new thinner and lighter Armor FlexHinge. Samsung claims it's more durable, and there's also aluminum in the hinge housing to increase strength and hardness. It could be that the hinge is so firm that a little more pressure is required to open the phone all the way. We didn't come across any such problem during our hands-on time, but our Victor Hristov did notice that it's something of a struggle to open up the phone, though he didn't attribute that to the hinge. The phone being thinner might be making it harder to get a firm grip and open it. There have also been complaints about the two sides of the phone looking misaligned when folded, suggesting something might be off. The edges of this Fold 7 unit don't line up perfectly when the device is closed. | image Credit - Reddit user kyunghoonyoo It's too soon to say if it's a widespread issue. If it's just about getting used to the thin design, it's not a big deal, but if the units indeed don't open flat, then Samsung might have a problem on its hands. After all, this is a $2,000 phone, and if the hinge is flawed, most people wouldn't be hesitant to spring for it. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Tom's Guide
17-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Tecno reveals Phantom Ultimate Fold G — a bold challenger to Samsung's foldables
With Samsung's rumored tri-folding Galaxy G Fold missing in action, a new company is throwing its hat into the triple-ring. Tecno just teased its Phantom Ultimate G Fold, which the company claims is the world's thinnest tri-folding phone, measuring 11.49mm folded and 3.49mm opened, less than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Of course, the Z Fold 7 is a real phone, while this is a concept. According to Android Central, the hinges on the Phantom Ultimate G Fold are different, with a larger main hinge and a smaller "waterdrop hinge" on the right side. Similar to Samsung's rumored tri-fold, the Phantom concept features a "G-style" inward-folding design with two hinges. This style of fold is designed to protect the interior displays. The conceptual phone is reportedly going to debut at MWC 2026, which typically takes place in February. It is reportedly equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery that powers a 9.94-inch interior display. When it comes to Tecno, its Phantom phones tend to be conceptual and don't actually become reality. Last summer, Tecno teased the Phantom Ultimate 2, another tri-folding device that also featured a "G-style" hinge system. Even if it were to release, neither the G Fold nor the Ultimate 2 are likely to come to the United States, as the phone maker largely sells in China and India. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Meanwhile, Samsung's much-rumored tri-fold is expected to launch in October. That's after the release of a second-generation Huawei Mate XT tri-fold in September. Huawei released the first tri-folding phone in the Mate XT last fall. We found it amazing, and we're looking forward to the next generation of foldable evolution.
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Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Samsung announces new health features for One UI 8 Watch: Check what's new
Samsung has announced the release of new health-tracking features with its One UI 8 Watch software update, which is currently in the beta testing phase. The South Korean consumer electronics maker is expected to launch its next generation Galaxy Watch line-up at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, likely comprising Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. The new features will be rolled out to the new models first, and then later to older generation models. At the centre of this upcoming update are features like bedtime guidance, vascular load, running coach, and antioxidant index. Some Galaxy Watch users in South Korea and the US can try these features early through an ongoing beta programme. Indian users will be able to get their hands on it after the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8 series only. Beyond new Galaxy Watch models, Samsung is also expected to launch its next generation foldable smartphone range at the Unpacked event. This could include Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and the company's maiden tri-fold dubbed Galaxy G Fold. New features in One UI 8 Watch: Eligibility and availability The new health tools will be available on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch models, and on existing models such as the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, as part of the One UI 8 Watch update. A beta version of the update is currently open to users in select regions (South Korea and the US) who have a Galaxy Watch 5 or newer. Samsung One UI 8 Watch: What's new Bedtime guidance: Helps you maintain a consistent sleep schedule by recommending the best time to sleep, based on your last three days of sleep data. It uses sleep pressure and circadian rhythm analysis to suggest a bedtime that supports better alertness the next day. Vascular load: Measures how much stress your blood vessels are under while you sleep — an early indicator of heart health. It also connects this data to lifestyle factors like sleep quality, exercise, and stress. Running coach: Assesses your running ability with a 12-minute test and assigns a fitness level from one to 10. Based on the result, it creates a tailored plan to help you train for a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, with level progression as you improve. Antioxidant index: Uses a light-based sensor to measure carotenoid levels — antioxidants linked to healthy ageing — in your skin. The feature shows how habits like diet impact your antioxidant score over time, encouraging better nutrition. Galaxy Watch 8 series: What to expect The Galaxy Watch 8 series is set to debut with Gemini AI integration and upgraded health features, including a vascular load monitor and a personal AI health coach offering real-time wellness feedback. As reported by Android Central, the line-up will consist of six models, with the Classic version expected to adopt a squircle shape and bring back the rotating bezel. The smartwatches could be powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, paired with 2GB RAM, and may feature AMOLED displays capable of reaching up to 2,000 nits brightness. Running One UI 8 Watch, the new devices will also include adaptive charging, gesture controls, and updated watch face options. Blood glucose monitoring remains in development and is unlikely to launch with this generation.
