Latest news with #TheElec


India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Samsung tipped to use carbon fibre in Galaxy Z Fold 8, could bring back S-Pen support
Samsung seems to be reconsidering some of the materials it uses for its upcoming foldable phones — particularly the Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected to launch next year. According to a report from TheElec, the company is currently testing both titanium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the phone's internal backplate. That may sound like a small technical change, but it could have a big impact on durability, thickness, and even the return of the much-requested S Pen support. And this time, Samsung's decision might not just be about design — it could come down to global material supply issues, especially around recent years, Samsung has used different materials for its Galaxy Z Fold lineup, depending on the model and whether the phone included S Pen support. Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to Z Fold 6 used CFRP, mainly because of the need to accommodate the digitiser — a component that allows for S Pen input. On the other hand, the newer Galaxy Z Fold 7, which didn't support the S Pen, used titanium for its backplate. Titanium is light, strong, and helps reduce overall thickness. But with trade tensions between the US and China potentially affecting the titanium supply chain, Samsung is now keeping its options CFRP does make a comeback in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, that could be a sign that Samsung is planning to reintroduce S Pen support. There's already talk that Samsung is developing a thinner digitiser for the Fold series, which could allow for S Pen compatibility without adding too much thickness. And given how much Galaxy Note and S Ultra users still love their stylus, that could be a welcome return — especially if Samsung finds a way to make the Fold more practical for productivity users. Interestingly, Samsung is also said to be exploring new stylus input tech. While the Fold series previously relied on EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) for S Pen support, there's now the possibility of switching to AES (Active Electrostatic Solution) — the same tech used by Apple's Pencil. That change could allow for S Pen-like functionality without a built-in digitiser, possibly helping Samsung keep the phone slim while still offering stylus Display is also looking at alternate backplate materials, including glass. Glass is lighter and cheaper, but it remains to be seen whether it can provide the kind of structural support needed in a foldable device.- Ends


Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 may have an advantage over next year's Galaxy Z Fold 8 — here's why
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 only just arrived, but there is already a Galaxy Z Fold 8 rumor from The Elec (via SamMobile) to check out. And it's possibly concerning news about a key component of Samsung's foldables. The backplate, which supports the inner folding display and works with the hinge to make the phone fold and unfold, is made of strong and light titanium on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. But Samsung is allegedly weighing up moving back to a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic design, which was used on all Galaxy Z Folds between the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. A big reason given for this would be the difficulty of sourcing titanium parts from China. That could pose a major problem for Samsung given U.S. tariff plans. While it would technically be a downgrade, it unfortunately makes sense that Samsung would be considering factors beyond what's best for the phone when it comes to its components. It would be awkward for Samsung to take this step backwards, given how the Z Fold 7 recently scored a big durability win by surviving 500,000 folds — 50% more than the Z Fold 6, in independent testing. While Samsung made several changes to the Z Fold 7's architecture, the new back plate likely contributed to this result. Samsung first used a titanium plate on last year's Galaxy Z Fold SE, a limited-run, limited-availability model that paved much of the way to the excellent Galaxy Z Fold 7. It helped thin the phone significantly, but as The Elec explains, it also meant that Samsung could no longer include a digitizer layer for the S Pen, as the metal would cause interference with signals from the stylus. If Samsung returned to CFRP, a possible benefit of the "downgrade" would be the return of stylus support to the Galaxy Z Fold 8. However, the two problems with that are a) the phone could get thicker again as a result and b) Samsung is apparently already working on alternate stylus designs that could work without needing a digitizer. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 hasn't even gone on open sale yet — that happens on July 24th — so if you're now convinced that it's the foldable for you, you can read our guide to Galaxy Z Fold 7 pre-order deals and get yourself a bargain right now. But as much as we like the Z Fold 7, you shouldn't make a buying decision based on one piece of rumored evidence for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 alone. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 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.


Android Authority
4 days ago
- Android Authority
Samsung's next foldable might drop a premium material but regain a fan-favorite feature
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung is considering switching from titanium to carbon fiber in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 due to supply chain concerns. Using carbon fiber could also enable the return of S Pen support, which isn't as compatible with titanium. Samsung is working on thinner stylus technology but hasn't confirmed whether the S Pen will return next year. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 hasn't even shipped yet, but Samsung already appears to be rethinking some key design elements for its 2026 follow-up. While it might sound like a technical decision, the choice could have big implications for S Pen support. According to Korean outlet The Elec, Samsung is considering two materials for the Galaxy Z Fold 8's backplate: titanium and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Titanium is what you'll find in the Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold SE, both of which dropped S Pen support in favor of a thinner, sleeker design. However, sourcing the metal could become tricky as much of the global supply comes from China, and Samsung is reportedly concerned about the risk of ongoing trade tensions. CFRP is less flashy, but Samsung used it in the Z Fold 3 through Z Fold 6 precisely because it worked better with the EMR digitizer layer needed for S Pen input. And while Samsung's latest foldable dropped stylus support entirely, the company hasn't closed the door on the feature just yet. Last week, a Samsung executive confirmed the company is developing thinner and more innovative S Pen tech, and may reconsider stylus support if the new approach is ready and consumer demand is strong. One potential solution would mimic Apple's AES-based stylus input, which doesn't require a digitizer layer at all. Whatever your views on the tariff tensions, if they lead to the return of the S Pen on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a particular subset of the Samsung fanbase will be pleased. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Samsung Galaxy S26 display leaked: Check out the expected specifications, and more
Samsung Galaxy S26 leaks: Samsung Galaxy S26 leak is sparking fresh buzz as rumours suggest Samsung may retire its long-standing Plus model in favour of a sleek new Edge variant for the 2026 Galaxy S lineup . Leaks indicate three models in the S26 series: the base Samsung Galaxy S26, the S26 Edge, and the expansive S26 Ultra, each offering tailored display sizes—6.27‑inch, 6.66‑inch, and 6.89‑inch respectively. This shift echoes Apple's strategy with its iPhone 17 lineup, emphasising premium design, refined performance, and slim form factors. As Samsung looks to streamline its flagship portfolio and sharpen its competitive edge, anticipation builds for the full reveal in early 2026. Stay with us for what could be a turning point in Samsung's flagship evolution. Samsung Galaxy S26 expected launch timeline We may anticipate the Galaxy S26 series to debut sometime in early 2026, most likely in January or February, if Samsung follows its usual release timetable. Samsung Galaxy S26 display leaks The Elec, a Korean website, claims that Samsung is presently developing three Galaxy S26 versions. But there isn't a "Plus" model on the list. Rather, the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are reportedly in the works at Samsung. The leak also discloses the display sizes: the S26 Ultra is anticipated to have the largest screen at 6.89 inches, the S26 Edge may have a 6.66-inch panel, and the standard S26 may have a 6.27-inch screen. These dimensions are derived from manufacturing information for components that are currently in production. If true, the report represents a significant change for Samsung. Since the release of the Galaxy S8 Plus in 2017, the business has regularly introduced a Plus model each year. Prior to it, the Galaxy S7 Edge was the model with the bigger screen. To date, Samsung has released nine different Galaxy S Plus models. However, because the Galaxy S25 Edge was added to the list this year, it appears that this was more than a one-time experiment—possibly a test to gauge consumer reaction. The basic S25, S25 Plus, S25 Edge, and S25 Ultra are the four phones that Samsung now offers under the Galaxy S25 line. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers them all. The Ultra receives a 6.9-inch screen, the S25 Plus and Edge have 6.7-inch panels, and the S25 itself has a 6.2-inch screen. Therefore, the Edge would become the mid-size choice if the Plus were to disappear. Samsung Galaxy S26 expected specifications Design: Apart from possible name modifications, there isn't any verified information at this time on particular design components like color schemes, materials (glass, metal, or a combination), or general aesthetic preferences. The titanium frame, which is now only available on the Ultra and Edge, may eventually be used on other models. Performance: Which chipset will power the Galaxy S26 series and in which regions are still unknown. According to one source, Samsung would "definitely" resume giving its own Exynos CPUs first priority in the S26 series. In particular, it appears to be the Exynos 2600. It's unclear, though, if this would apply to North America, which has only recently embraced Snapdragon chipsets, even when non-Ultra variants with Exynos were offered in Europe. It would be shocking if there were no Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 devices available in any area. In fact, according to a different source, Samsung and Qualcomm are collaborating to create their own version of the next Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 flagship, most likely with the "for Galaxy" designation once more. Cameras: Up from the S25 Ultra's 50Mp periscope telephoto camera, the Galaxy S26 Ultra might include a state-of-the-art 200Mp camera. However, instead of two 200Mp sensors, there might be one. As more Chinese phone makers start integrating high-resolution periscope lenses into their top products, Samsung will be joining the trend. The S26 Ultra receiving such a significant telephoto improvement would be fantastic. In some places, the principal camera on the standard Galaxy S26 might have a variable aperture. This would adjust to various lighting situations, enhancing both low-light and bright daylight photography. Samsung has several options for implementing this feature. The tech behemoth might use a dual-aperture design similar to the 2019 Galaxy S9. More likely, Samsung would follow Xiaomi's example and provide a variety of aperture choices with the 14 Ultra. Although the exact sensor is unknown, an updated version from the same ISOCELL GN family is anticipated to replace the Samsung ISOCELL GN3, which has been in the last three generations of base models. The standard S26 is anticipated to keep the 50Mp main rear lens like its predecessor. Battery and Charging: A possible competitor for the S26 series is silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers the ability to increase battery capacities to the 6000–7000mAh range. Higher energy density is another possible benefit of this technology, which could result in longer battery life and quicker charging times. Even if the S26 Ultra makes the switch, it's still possible that its battery won't be more than 5500mAh. It's unknown if other Galaxy S26 versions will have silicon-carbon batteries or if the Ultra will be the only one with them.


Tom's Guide
14-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy S26 leak just revealed huge shakeup — this model now looks dead
The Galaxy S25 Plus released earlier this year may prove to be the last of its kind. A new report out of Korea claims that Samsung will only have three variants for the Galaxy S26 series — and one of them figures to be a successor the Galaxy S25 Edge instead of a new Plus. The Elec posted an article today (July 14) saying that next year Samsung will release a 6.27-inch base model, a 6.66-inch Edge, and a 6.89-inch Ultra phone. That would seem to spell the end of the Plus model in Samsung's Galaxy S lineup. This isn't exactly a new rumor, and The Elec isn't the only place reporting this rumor today. Regular tipster Instant Digital posted (via MacRumors) on the Chinese site Weibo that the S26 lineup would consist of the S26, S26 Edge and S26 Ultra. Ever since rumors emerged about Samsung producing an Edge-style phone, it's been assumed that the ultra-thin phone was likely to replace the Plus model. The move would make each S series phone a distinct model, rather than the Plus just being larger version of the base model. Beyond thinness, both the S25 Edge the S25 Plus have a lot in common between a 6.7-inch display, 50-megapixel main camera and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. That said, the Edge has more of a premium feel with its titanium chassis and ultra-thin design. As for the rumored display sizes, The Elec's numbers point to similar displays as the S25 series For comparison, that is a slightly larger display on the S26 base model, with the Galaxy S25 having a 6.2-inch screen. The S26 Ultra is about the same size as the Galaxy S25 Ultra which we have listed at 6.9-inches. The rumored 6.66-inch Edge display is the same as the current Galaxy S25 Edge. Currently, the Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch screen. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It's been rumored that Apple and Samsung are following similar paths with their lineups. Most Apple observers assume the company will replace its Plus model with the much-rumored iPhone 17 Air later this year. That would make this year's coming lineup the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Current leaks paint a picture of a slightly smaller Air with lower battery life than the long-lasting iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 17 lineup might launch between September 8 and September 12, if a new Bloomberg report is to be believed.