Android Circuit: Galaxy S24 Ultra Leaks, OnePlus And Oppo In Europe, Pixel Tablet Details

Taking a look back at seven days of news and headlines across the world of Android, this week’s Android Circuit includes leaked Galaxy S24 Ultra details, Pixel Tablet details, new OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite details, Oppo and OnePlus staying in Europe, Nothing Phone (2) listings, foldable phones sales figures, and Android 14’s practical security update.

Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many things that have happened around Android in the last week (and you can find the weekly Apple news digest here).

Looking At The Galaxy S24

The Galaxy S23 may still be riding very high in its post-launch retail glow, but there are already broad details on what comes next - after all, its likely approaching the end of the development phase in Samsung’s South Korean labs. Given Samsung Display’s recent moves, the Galaxy S24 screen looks to be a key selling point:

"...the Galaxy S24 series will feature Super AMOLED screens with a 144Hz refresh rate. Starting with the Galaxy S20 series, Samsung used 120Hz Super AMOLED screens in its high-end phones. And while some gaming phones and high-end smartphones from rival brands offered screens with a 144Hz refresh rate, Samsung has so far stayed away from 144Hz screens. If this report is correct, it could switch to 144Hz Super AMOLED screens for a smoother experience while scrolling, swiping, and gaming."

(SamMobile).

Google Pixel Tablet preview.

Pixel Tablet Dock Leaks

We know that Google’s Pixel Tablet is on its way, most likely at the I/O developer event later in Spring. Now we have a few more details about the Pixel Dock it will use, which will help lift the tablet towards its ‘home Hub’ mode:

"Effectively, the dock resembles the bottom portion of the Nest Hub Max and may even use the same power connector. The dock will hold the Pixel Tablet in place with several magnets and will charge it via four pogo-pin connectors. It is unclear whether the dock shown is 'korlan' or 'yuzu', although the fabric cover implies that it is the former rather than the latter."

(NotebookCheck).

OnePlus’ Next Focus Is The Screen

OnePlus’ next Nord device will arrive on April 4th, but ahead of next week’s launch we know a few more details about the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, with COO Kinder Liu confirming key specs in a recent interview:

"Liu told us that the CE 3 Lite would indeed pack a "120Hz 6.72-inch large screen;” ...Paired with the Lite's one-two punch of a large battery and promisingly-rapid fast charging, the company president continued, "[these are] features usually seen in our premium models."

(TechRadar).

Oppo, OnePlus, and Europe

Early this week, it was suggested that both Oppo and OnePlus would be leaving the European markets, in part due to patent litigation. Both companies addressed the suggestion with public statements:

OnePlus Global PR Manager James Patterson: "OnePlus will not exit from Europe and the UK and maintains stable operations in local markets. OnePlus will continue to invest in Europe and provide more innovative product and solutions to its users."

Oppo EU Press: "We had a great start in 2023 with the successful launches of several products in Europe and have a line-up of upcoming products for the rest of the year. As always, Oppo will continue to provide more innovative products and the best-in-class service for users moving forward."

(GSMArena).

Nothing Phone (2)’s Indian Listing

Indian regulatory authorities have listed Nothing Tech’s next phone, the titular Phone (2). Nothing has already confirmed the major details of the handset - including the SnapDragon 8+ Gen 1 processor will drive it, but nothing about release dates. With listings now available, we can infer a release, at least for India, is drawing close:

"As seen in the BIS certification image above, the Nothing Phone (2) (with the model number Nothing AIN065) has recently been certified by the Indian BIS certification. Though the BIS certification listing does not tell us anything about the specifications and features of the device, it sure suggests that the launch of the device is imminent."

(91Mobiles).

Folding For Growth

The latest IDC report looks at the growth of foldable in the smartphone space. Given the investment by brands such as Oppo and Honor, they will be delighted to know that the market is going to carry on with the growth it has seen over the last twelve months:

“...worldwide shipments of foldable phones, including flip and fold form factors, to reach 21.4 million units in 2023. This represents an increase of more than 50% over the 14.2 million units shipped in 2022. An updated IDC forecast projects that foldable phone shipments will reach 48.1 million units in 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6% from 2022 to 2027.

(IDC).

And Finally...

Looking ahead to Android 14, a new quality-of-life feature has been spotted in the code. It will make it harder for someone to read your PIN number as you enter it by disabling some of the visual feedback:

"The description for this toggle reads “disable animations while entering the PIN”, meaning that the animation that normally plays when you tap any number on the keyguard won’t be shown. This will make it harder for shoulder surfers to watch you enter your PIN, because the Android lock screen won’t show an obvious visual cue for each number you tap."

(XDA Developers).

Android Circuit rounds up the news from the Android world every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future, and of course read the sister column in Apple Loop! Last week’s Android Circuit can be found here, and if you have any news and links you’d like to see featured in Android Circuit, get in touch!