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We’re in the middle of an arms race at the top end of the phone market, with Samsung, Google, Huawei, and others all duking it out for the most eye-catching foldable design. But if rumors are to be believed (and yeah, that’s a big “if”), Samsung is working on a rolling screen phone that could bring the stuff of science fiction to your very real pocket. The rumor is that Samsung is bringing the Rollable Flex OLED concept display it showed off in 2023 to a mass market design. Korean news outlet The Elec says that this phone would start off with a typical “candybar” form factor, but roll out to a massive 12.4-inch display. That’s about the same size as an iPad Pro, in a gadget you can fit in your pocket (assuming you wear men’s pants, anyway). The phone is said to be earmarked for release in the latter half of 2025, which would put it in the same general rollout as next-gen Galaxy Z phones, presumably the Z7 Fold and Z7 Flip. The only other detail shared is that it uses the under-screen camera the Z series has been showing off for several generations. Folding phones are still a tiny sliver of the market despite the category being more than five years old now. Blame it on those prices creeping up towards the $2000 USD mark, and users hesitant to plop down that much cash for a device that’s inherently less durable than a conventional smartphone. The leak says that Samsung is particularly disappointed in the sales of the Galaxy Z6 and S24 series. Again, that might, just might have something to do with phones that cost more than a month’s rent. But even so, Samsung needs to stay in the high-end status symbol market, if only to keep up appearances. In addition to the usual cutthroat competition with the iPhone, the shine is coming off the Z Fold series. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is ever-so-slightly thinner and Huawei currently holds the crown for jaw-dropping presentation with the triple-folding Mate XT and its 10.2-inch screen. Samsung needs a new aspirational device, the phone equivalent of a Nissan GT-R, to get people excited about the brand and its down-market devices where the real sales volume and money are. And Samsung is certainly equipped to make that swing. It’s the largest company in South Korea, frequently competing for the most cutting-edge tech in the market with its Display division, and supplies millions of screens a year even to its competitors. Remember, most of the iPhones you see have a Samsung OLED panel inside them. But this is still a huge risk. This kind of form factor would have immense engineering challenges on its way to a retail product, most notably getting a usable battery for a tablet-sized screen into a phone-sized frame. Disappointing performance from split batteries are still one of the big weaknesses in Samsung’s sixth generation of folding phones. The 2023 concept display used a motorized frame to show off the rolling action, with no hands-on demonstrations available. Who knows if that would make it into a final design. So even if this rumor is true, there’s a sizeable chance that Samsung could encounter such difficulty in developing the device that it misses a 2025 release window, or just gets scrapped entirely. But even as someone who waits for a generation or two before buying new tech, I can’t deny that I’m excited. I’ve literally dreamed about a device like this, a phone-sized thingamabob that transforms and rolls out into a laptop-sized display. I hope it’s real, and I hope Samsung can make it a retail reality...

At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsPremium look and feelSnappy day-to-day performanceBig bright displaysClean softwareGreat camerasConsTensor G4 is underwhelmingCharges very slowlyGemini Advanced features require a subscriptionOur VerdictThe Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the most well-made and premium-feeling book-style foldables money can buy, and it’s a delight to live with. Strong competition from the likes of Samsung and Honor complicates things, though, and if you’re seeking the best bang for your buck, this is not it. Google’s original Pixel Fold was a bit of an outlier, launching separately to the brand’s other devices, in between the Pixel 7 series and Pixel 8 series. It was Google’s most premium and expensive handset ever, yet only a few months after its launch, it already felt outdated. It was rocking the Tensor G2, while the Pixel 8 devices had the Tensor G3. Then there was the design, which was unlike any other foldable on the market, with a wide, squat cover screen that was almost passport-shaped. Not to mention some massive bezels on the inside screen. Some loved it, but many weren’t so convinced. With the introduction of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, everything has changed. It’s now part of the mainline Pixel 9 family, which means the specs are bang up to date, and it has a much more traditional shape, almost feeling like a regular candybar handset when folded down. On first impressions, it seems Google is doing everything right this time around, and it feels like a truly premium flagship foldable. However, the competition is more fierce than ever. Honor’s Magic V3 feels impossibly thin and light, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the brand’s most refined folding handset to date. Does the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have what it takes to compete? I was determined to find out, and after using it as my main device for the past week, here’s everything I learned. Design & Build 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm unfolded 162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm folded IPX8 rated, 257g The first thing that struck me about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is how sturdy and well-made it feels. I’ve tried just about every large format foldable in 2024, and something about the Pixel makes it feel more expensive and premium than the rest. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker It’s not the slimmest handset around, measuring just under 9mm thick when folded down, and it’s not the lightest either, at 257g. It’s still slimmer than the Z Fold 6, Samsung’s slimmest to date, but I moved into this phone directly after the Honor Magic V3, and it felt very chunky by comparison. Part of this is due to the boxy, iPhone-like shape. It matches the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, with flat side rails and flat displays, and I think it looks great. It’s almost exactly the same size as the regular Pixel 9 Pro when folded, just thicker, with a squared-off side for the hinge. It’s almost exactly the same size as the regular Pixel 9 Pro when folded, just thicker, with a squared-off side for the hinge This means that using the cover display feels extremely natural. You don’t lose any height like you did on the previous Pixel Fold, and you don’t have a cramped keyboard like you do with the more narrow Z Fold 6. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker Unlike the other Pixel 9 models, the Fold has a matt finish on its side rails, and I much prefer it. It’s much less fingerprint-prone and still very grippy. However, the hinge still has that high-gloss smudge magnet finish as you’ll find on the other phones. Speaking of the hinge, it’s one of the most impressive that I’ve come across, only rivalled by Samsung. It can be adjusted to almost any angle without snapping open or shut. It’s great for when you’re trying to frame a photo in tripod mode, or watching YouTube in flex mode. Around the back, you get a flat frosted matt rear panel in either Porcelain (off-white) or Obsidian (dark grey/black). The camera island is positioned at the top left, very similar to the older Pixel Fold, and it’s not an oblong bar shape like the rest of the Pixel family. It’s not as iconic, but I think it still looks rather fetching, and it’s wide enough not to introduce wobble when it’s placed on a desk. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker One thing I just couldn’t get used to on this phone is the positioning of the volume rocker. It’s really low down, so turning the volume down requires some serious thumb gymnastics when using the phone one-handed. Those with smaller hands may not have as much trouble, but I found it very annoying. The haptics on this phone are fantastic, and among the best you’ll find on a foldable. The precise strong vibrations feel great when you’re typing quickly, and there’s a satisfying thunk when you toggle a setting on and off. Screen & Speakers Cover: 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424, 120Hz OLED, 2700 nits Main: 8-inch, 2076 x 2152, LTPO OLED, 1800 nits Stereo speakers I’ve already touched on the cover display dimensions, but it’s worth repeating that this phone is almost identically sized to the Pixel 9 Pro. Unlike Samsung’s narrow cover display, using this one doesn’t feel like a compromised experience, and there are only a few tells that you aren’t dealing with a regular slab phone. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker Obviously, it’s a thicker and heavier phone, but the bezels on the cover display are also much chunkier. It’s not something that really bothered me in use, but it looks a little dated compared to the competition. It’s also not an LTPO panel, so the refresh rate only shifts between 60- and 120Hz. Again, it didn’t really bother me, but it’s an odd omission on the screen likely to get the most use. Elsewhere, the cover display left me with no complaints. The 2700 nit peak brightness was more than enough to contend with direct sunlight, and a fully flat panel meant no phantom touches or weird reflections to deal with. On the inside, there’s a massive 8-inch foldable display, and this one is an LTPO panel. It’s not quite as bright, peaking at 1800 nits, but I never had trouble seeing it in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker Google claims the 9 Pro Fold has the biggest display on a foldable, and that might be true in the US market, but it’s not the case for those of us with access to handsets from Chinese manufacturers. It’s certainly larger than the Z Fold 6, but I found that the Honor Magic V3 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro both have larger usable display space, due to the curvy corners and thicker bezels on the Pixel. That said, it’s still a wonderfully spacious display that’s great for multitasking and watching full-screen content. I like that the selfie camera cut-out is tucked away in the corner, too, as it means it rarely interrupts full-screen videos. It’s a much more modern-looking solution than its chunky bezel-ed predecessor, and personally, I find it less distracting than Samsung’s low-res patch that covers the under-display selfie camera. There’s still a pretty sizable crease and it’s more noticeable than some of its rivals due to a high-gloss screen protector The Pixel 9 Pro Fold actually folds flat, which is an upgrade compared to the previous model, which liked to sit a slight V-shape. There’s still a pretty sizable crease and it’s more noticeable than some of its rivals due to a high-gloss screen protector. I do think it’s better than Samsung’s crease, but next to the Honor Magic V3, it’s not the most impressive. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker The positioning of the speakers makes it feel like the phone is designed to be held in portrait orientation, with the fold running down the centre, whereas a lot of my other foldables encourage you to flip the phone into landscape mode. I say this because one speaker is almost always muffled by my palm in landscape mode, and the almost-square aspect ratio means that 16:9 content doesn’t get much larger when you rotate it. That’s fine by me, it’s much more convenient than spinning it around.  The speakers can get extremely loud and they sound superb, with more low-end response than your typical phone. They trade blows with the Z Fold 6 speakers, although Samsung often pulls ahead slightly with the bass frequencies. Specs & Performance Google Tensor G4 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB storage The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on Google’s fourth-generation Tensor G4 chip, just like the rest of the Pixel 9 series. It’s well-documented at this point that this processor isn’t a massive upgrade over the last generation Tensor G3, at least outside of some very specific AI-based workloads. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker It’s paired with a respectable 16GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Thankfully, Google chose to forego the 128GB option on this model. Going in with this knowledge, I wasn’t expecting too much in the performance department, but I was pleasantly surprised. In day-to-day use, scrolling social media, messaging and consuming content, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels lightning-quick. In day-to-day use, scrolling social media, messaging and consuming content, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels lightning-quick Whatever Google is doing to squeeze the most out of this chip is clearly working, and whether it’s a trick of the animation style or some clever optimisation, navigating the OS feels snappier and more responsive than the experience with most rival devices. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker In benchmarks, however, we can clearly see that Google is a few steps behind flagships with Qualcomm and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. For that reason, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is unlikely to be the top choice for keen gamers. That said, the device can still play games well, even graphically challenging ones. I found that Zenless Zone Zero would run fairly smoothly at 30fps with max graphic settings, however when I tried pushing it to 60fps there were plenty of frame drops and stutters to sour the experience. I was also impressed by the thermal performance. It does get warm when playing GPU-heavy games, of course, but it never got too hot or uncomfortable to hold, which is all you can really ask for. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold benchmarks Cameras 48Mp main camera 10.5Mp ultrawide 10.8Mp 5x periscope telephoto 10Mp selfie camera Pixel phones are well known for their photographic capabilities, but in contrast to some other brands, most of the prowess comes from image processing, rather than cutting-edge hardware. In the case of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, there are no hardware upgrades for the camera system, but that might not matter so much. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker Still, it means you have some very low-resolution sensors in the lineup. Only the main camera sports a 48Mp resolution, while the others all hover around the 10Mp mark. They’re all quite small sensors, too, especially when compared to Chinese brands like Honor and Vivo. This means the Pixel has to rely on night mode and noise reduction more heavily when shooting in low-light conditions. In the day, images from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have the signature Pixel charm – they look bright, sharp and detailed, with excellent dynamic range. It’s a slight step down in quality compared to the mainline Pixel snappers, but results are similar enough, and it’s just as reliable as a point-and-shoot camera for social media posts. Images from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have the signature Pixel charm – they look bright, sharp and detailed, with excellent dynamic range When it gets darker, the main camera is the way to go. It produces the sharpest images with the most detail, meanwhile, the telephoto and ultrawide cameras look a little soft and are very prone to motion blur. I suspect the muddiness comes from over-active noise reduction, as in video mode, these sensors look quite grainy, but in photos, it all disappears. There are two selfie cameras with identical specs, they’re both 10Mp punch-hole units and neither has autofocus. These cameras are good enough for video calls but I found them unimpressive for photos. Lots of my snaps came out looking washed-out, and low-light shots often looked blurry. The good news is that this is a foldable, so it’s just as easy to take selfies using the vastly superior main camera. One thing I wish Google would spend some time improving is its portrait mode. It feels very limited on this phone, especially compared to the Honor Magic V3. It only works on the main camera, and it always applies at least a 1.5x crop to the image. There are no filters, no control over the amount of blur, and the subject detection is a little hit-and-miss. One of the new Fold-exclusive features is something called “Made you look”. It uses the cover screen to display animated cartoon characters to attract the attention of babies and toddlers. I thought this was going to be a gimmick, but when I tried it with my friend’s kid, I was amazed. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker The kid immediately stopped running around and was glued to the screen, making it super easy to grab some pictures. Unfortunately, that’s where I also realised this mode’s big shortcoming. It uses the cover screen selfie camera rather than the main camera. It makes sense, as that’s where the child will be looking, and that’s fine in the day, but I was in a dimly lit restaurant, so my photos were a blurry mess. Of course, you get all the other Pixel-exclusive photo features on this phone, too, including the new Add Me feature, along with post-processing tweaks like Best Take, Photo Unblur and Super Res Zoom.  Add Me seems to work just as well on this phone as it does on the other Pixels, but I can’t help but feel it’s a bit over-complicated. After all, it seems much easier to snap a group selfie, ask a stranger to take a picture or use the phone’s own built-in tripod mode. If you fancy cloning yourself, though, this is an easy way to do so. Battery Life & Charging 4650mAh battery 21W charging 7.5W wireless charging  The Pixel 9 Pro Fold houses a 4650 mAh battery pack, just managing to outdo the chunkier Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 4400 mAh capacity. But with larger and brighter screens on board, will that result in better real-world battery life? Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker In my experience, yes, but only slightly. An average day saw me going to bed with around 20-30% left in the tank, but when I spent an hour or so gaming or took lots of photos, that figure was significantly reduced. Throughout my testing, I never needed a mid-day top-up, but expect to charge every night without fail. An average day saw me going to bed with around 20-30% left in the tank There’s no charger included in the box, just a USB-C cable, and the charging speeds are truly underwhelming. I’ve spent plenty of time moaning about the Z Fold 6′s sluggish charging, but somehow the Pixel 9 Pro Fold manages to be even slower, maxing out at a measly 21W with a wire and just 7.5W wirelessly. In real-world terms, that means a 50% charge will take just over half an hour, while a full charge is likely to take around an hour and 40 minutes. On the plus side, the OS has battery health measures built-in, meaning you can leave it plugged in overnight without fear. Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker Software & Apps Android 14 Gemini AI features New Screenshots, Weather and Pixel Studio apps Like the rest of this year’s Pixel lineup, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold launched in advance of Android 15, so it’s running Android 14 instead. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new here, on the contrary, Google has added three new first-party apps, as well as a slew of extra AI-powered enhancements. Most of what you’ll find here is identical to the other Pixel 9-series devices, and Pixel 8 models, too. With this being a large-format foldable, though, the multitasking experience is much more important. For the most part, I like the way Google has approached this. It’s quick and easy to understand the split screen mode, and it’s simple to set up your most common app pairings, too.  Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker The problem is that it’s slightly too simplistic. With no support for floating windows, you’re stuck with a maximum of two apps side-by-side in split-screen mode. Other brands are doing more here, and Google needs to step its game up if it wants the Fold to be a true productivity powerhouse. Otherwise, I like the Pixel UI. It’s completely free from bloatware, it feels quick and responsive, and there are nice quality-of-life features built in. I love the Now Playing feature that lets you know what music is playing on your lock screen, the integration with Google Home is excellent, too. On the flip side, there are some very basic features that the Pixel interface is still lacking, like the ability to move apps around in bulk. Google spent a lot of the Pixel 9 launch event talking about its new Gemini-powered AI features, and some of them are really impressive. At times, talking to Gemini Live feels like a glimpse into the future – but the problem is, it’s not a Pixel feature.  Luke Baker Luke Baker Luke Baker I can do the same thing on most other Android phones, and I have. Pixel owners get a 1-year free trial of Gemini Advanced to try it, but once it’s up, Google’s asking for a £18.99/$20 per month subscription that I’m sure most can do without. The three new apps have varying degrees of usefulness, and I’m a little miffed about them being separate apps. For instance, I think the Screenshots app is quite useful, but I don’t see why it couldn’t be integrated into Google Photos. The same goes for the new Weather app, which is very pretty, but I already have a weather app that I like, and I don’t need an extra non-deleteable version. One thing that I do love is Circle to Search. It’s nothing new, we’ve seen it on all of this year’s Samsung flagships and Google devices, but it’s great and I miss it when it’s not there. Another big selling point is the seven years of both OS and security updates that Google offers. It’s not the only foldable with this promise – the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has identical support – but still very impressive. Price & Availability The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available to purchase now in most regions across the globe. If you buy it outright, the 256GB model will cost you £1,749/ $1,799 while the 512GB model goes for £1,869/$1,919. It’s certainly not cheap, but this is a large format foldable, and this kind of pricing comes with the territory. If you’re paying upfront, you can grab the phone from the Google Store in UK and US, as well as Amazon UK and Amazon US. Of course, there are plenty of contract deals that can help to spread the cost. We’ve rounded up both in our best Pixel 9 deals article, but more contract options are available below: Should you buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold? I’ve loved living with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, it’s such a vast improvement on the previous model and one of the most polished and premium-feeling foldable handsets on the market today. Despite having a slower processor and fewer software features, I still prefer it over the Galaxy Z Fold 6. If we’re only talking about phones that you can buy in the US, then it’s extremely easy to recommend. In the UK, however, Honor has the Magic V3, which bests the Pixel in almost every area and comes at a lower cost. Sure, its AI features may not be quite as advanced, but I found the camera more impressive, it’s quicker, has a bigger battery, faster charging and more storage – all for about £100 less. That said, the Pixel does have its charms, and if you love the bloat-free Pixel experience, the Honor device is no substitute. It has a longer support term and will be one of the first devices to get all the goodies that come with Android 15, too. It might not be the best hardware available, but it’s still one of the best folding phones. Specs Android 14 Cover: 6.3-inch, 1080 x 2424, OLED, 120Hz Main: 8-inch, 2076 x 2152, LTPO OLED, 120Hz Side-mounted fingerprint sensor Google Tensor G4 16GB RAM 256GB / 512GB storage Cameras: 48Mp main camera 10.5Mp ultrawide 10.8Mp 5x periscope telephoto 2x 10Mp selfie cameras Up to 4K @ 60fps rear video Stereo speakers Dual-SIM + eSIM Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be Bluetooth 5.3 4650mAh battery 21W charging 7.5W wireless charging  155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm (folded) IPX8 certified 257g Colours: Porcelain, Obsidian...

At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsWonderful performanceGreat camera for the priceLightning-fast chargingAll-day battery lifeConsSome software issuesNo water or dust resistanceOur VerdictIf you’re looking for a killer camera phone, the photography chops of the Nubia Z60S can’t be understated at this price point. It’s a perfectly balanced (and professional) smartphone that can do it all, with only a few software issues keeping it from greatness. With its imposing camera array and tempting shortcut slider, the only big question against Nubia’s mid-ranger is whether or not the 2022 chipset can power its ambitions. And after using it as my main phone for an extended period of time, I have plenty of thoughts on how it compares to key rivals around this price point. Design & Build Large and satisfyingly weighty No water or dust resistance rating Programmable switch for launching apps At 220g, the Nubia Z60S Pro is a weighty device – an aspect you’ll sooner attribute to its enormous plate-like camera system than its overall build. And that’s fair: it is rather large. Smooth metal edges also contribute to the heft, but its delicately textured plastic back balances the load while aiding in durability by avoiding the anxiety-inducing effect of glass. What it doesn’t do is aid your grip – despite opting for plastic rather than glass, this is still a slippery phone. On the right side is the device’s entire cluster of buttons and switches. You’ll find a textured copper-coloured power button for bringing the device (and Google Assistant) to life, the usual volume rocker and, more interestingly, a programmable toggle switch. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Its default use as a camera quick-start switch proved invaluable in my testing as a shutterbug, but you’re free to have it fire up your email app, music, or even your favourite on-the-go game if you’d prefer. The underside hides a central USB-C charging port, with the dual-SIM tray flanking the left, and a six-piece speaker grill on the right. There’s no sign of a second speaker array on the opposite short edge of the device for balanced sound, though. Despite opting for plastic rather than glass, this is still a slippery phone There’s a tiny hole-punch selfie camera and snappy optical under-screen fingerprint sensor where you’d expect them. The device comes with a thin screen protector pre-installed, with a hard plastic case in the box ready to snap on for an extra layer of protection. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Curiously, the case only covers the short sides of the device, keeping the edges completely open to the elements. There’s a SIM card ejection tool in there,  as well as its powerful charger and matching cable. Outside of some plastic inserts, it’s relatively green packaging that you can easily recycle. Screen & Speakers Seamless edge-to-edge AMOLED display Smooth 120Hz refresh rate So-so speakers The large 6.78-inch, 1260 x 2800 AMOLED display is flush, vibrant, and ultrawide, conditions that make it great for watching cinematic content on the go. As an LCD panel, you won’t get the energy efficiency benefits of an OLED’s individually lit pixels, but it’s hardly an issue with its generous battery. Unless you need an always-on alarm clock, that is. 120Hz refresh rate support isn’t surprising in this price bracket, but still nothing you should take for granted. Unlike budget devices sporting similar screen tech, you can rest easy knowing the chip inside is capable of delivering that smooth scrolling potential. However, it’s not LTPO, so can’t automatically go below 60Hz to save battery life. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry A theoretical peak of 1,200 nits brightness also means the Z60S Pro stays easily visible in direct summer sunlight, with reflections kept to a minimum. Watching some YouTube out on the decking is no problem, while reading on the beach with Reader Mode enabled makes it easy on the eyes. The large 6.78-inch display is flush, vibrant, and ultrawide, conditions that make it great for watching cinematic content Sadly, a single downward-firing speaker, even while backed up with another under the screen by the earpiece, doesn’t quite round out the experience. At average volumes, vocals lack warmth and music and movies are bereft of any real punch in the low end. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry That’s not to say it’s a washout – content is still largely enjoyable – but there’s room for improvement. It can get loud enough to rise above busier scenarios like packed city streets without distorting too heavily, but it’s a harsher sound that isn’t too pleasing to the ears in close spaces. While it’s not the perfect car cinema package, top-quality headphones can bridge the gap. Specs & Performance Same chip as previous generation Still stellar speed 12GB of memory as standard in most region A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC powers the Nubia Z60S Pro. It’s a 4nm chip that was released back in 2022 and was even the brain of last year’s Z50S Pro. However, there was no need for an upgrade – it’s still a powerhouse of a processor. While it would’ve been nice to see the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, opting for last year’s chip makes it possible to include its improved camera system and screen without ballooning the price. What we see in testing is the Nubia Z60S Pro powering through typical tests like Geekbench 6 and the GFXBench Car Chase, which test CPU and GPU performance respectively. Overall system stability is rock-solid, with home screen swiping remaining smooth and apps firing without delay. Taps are satisfyingly responsive and accurate, which should also impress gamers. System stability is rock-solid, with home screen swiping remaining smooth and apps firing without delay It doesn’t quite close the gap against 8 Gen 3-equipped devices like Nubia’s own Redmagic 9S Pro, but they’re devices specifically built with gaming in mind.  Even still, games will still boot with Nubia’s ‘Energy Cube’ gaming overlay, giving you access to recordings, system statistics and memory support, plus slide-over apps for guides, streams, and email. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry The Nubia Z60S can tackle graphically intensive titles such as Honkai Star Rail and Diablo Immortal at rock-solid frame rates at high resolutions. Today’s open-world adventures like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact also play very well. Backing up the Snapdragon chipset is an amount of memory that depends on your chosen storage amount. Our 256GB model is paired with 12GB of memory, but UK shoppers can score 16GB by pushing for the 512GB or 1TB versions. Either option sports snappy UFS 4.0 storage, with very marginal improvements to be expected on the 16GB model in terms of efficient multi-tasking and heavy workloads. You can opt to use surplus storage space as slower system memory, which can alleviate some concerns, but it’s not recommended if longevity is a concern. It’s something to consider if you see yourself as a heavy (or light) user, but what’s on offer can vary by region.   Nubia Z60S Pro benchmarks Cameras Excellent 50Mp main sensor Image processing can take time Great zoom capabilities in most scenarios The camera is the crowning achievement of the Nubia Z60S Pro. Taking up a third of the rear chassis and obstructing its ability to lay flat, the 50Mp main sensor is flanked by three others of varying specs, pushing the flash into the top corner. With the four lenses, you’re able to switch between 13, 24, 35, 50, and 80mm focal lengths, punching in or pulling out to get the view you’re after. Things start to resemble hazy CCTV footage if you attempt to push it (around 170mm), but it’s par for the course with digital zoom. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Switching between the sensors isn’t as smooth as the mainstream brands out there. Rather than overlay a preview of another lens within the viewfinder (as is the case on the iPhone, for example), you’ll see a delay and blurring as you switch from one to the next, almost as if you’re at the opticians. And even with that powerful Snapdragon chipset, there’s typically a pause after taking basic shots as they process, save, and post-process – regardless of lighting conditions. It’ll identify these scenes automatically, but you’ll need to dive into the settings to tweak things like watermarks, focus tracking, and your preferred default lens. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry That’s all on the default setting typically associated with point-and-shoot photography. For moving subjects like giddy children, outdoor action, or clingy pets, the Street preset tends to solve the problem. It’s just a shame you can’t set this to be the default, given the speed you’re able to bring up the camera app with the hardware slider. Zoom capabilities are also very good. You’re able to get legible snaps of subjects at the other end of the street or up in the sky, and the ultrawide potential is great for capturing the moment along sweeping vistas or squeezing in multiple people in a tight space or crowded spot. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Choose the right preset, and the resulting photographs are absolutely sublime. Colours are life-like (although maybe on the warm side for some) and brimming with detail, while night time shots retain good detail and avoid looking over-processed. Choose the right preset, and the resulting photographs are absolutely sublime If you get far too into using portrait mode to snapshots of your pets, you’ll welcome how it finds every minuscule edge of their naturally fuzzy little outlines, resulting in a strong and natural bokeh. See more camera samples in the gallery below: Battery Life & Charging Ultra-fast charging Large 5000mAh cell Standby time needs work The Nubia Z60S Pro comes with a rapid 80W charger and a suitably thick, flexible, and detachable red USB-C cable for charging and rapid data transfer.  Plugged in from empty, you can expect a good 63% charge of the 5000mAh battery in 30 minutes. And that’s at the default 45W output. Hop into the battery settings to let the phone heat up a little more to enable full 80W charging from the same plug. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry While active and running at an unnecessary 120fps the notoriously battery-hungry location game, Pokemon Go, only sipped 2% of that massive battery in 10 minutes. Simply put, running on fumes needn’t be a concern. If you happen to get battery anxiety at lunchtime, a host of battery-saving efforts can help see you through a couple of days of careful use. Plug it in and you’ll barely get through your morning shower before it’s juiced up and ready to go. Wireless charging, however, is missing. Standby time is a little disappointing – the Z60S Pro often lost several per cent without being used. Unfortunately, standby time is a little disappointing – the Z60S Pro often lost several per cent without being used. Not low enough to be a problem, but noticeable next to other handsets in its price range. You’ll want to plug in during your morning shower just to be safe. Software & Apps Custom Nubia MyOS software over Android 14 Fresh, unique tweaks Three years of system updates The Z60S Pro runs Nubia’s own MyOS 14 skin over Android 14, but it’s better than you might expect. App bloat is kept to a surprising, but not minimum, degree on the Nubia Z60S Pro. It comes equipped with the usual full suite of Google apps expected from an Android device, including YouTube Music and Google TV. Then again, even those shouldn’t be taken for granted. Articles via Google Discover are just a swipe away, too. As for Nubia-exclusive takes on classic or essential apps, they’re limited to four that appear on the home screen by default. Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Josh Brown / Foundry Contacts, Messages, a proprietary browser (with sponsored bookmarks), and the camera app are all positioned there. Thankfully, Chrome is within that Google folder, so you’re only one drag and drop away from a comfortable home screen and near-stock experience. Swipe left and you will spot a shortcut to a travel booking app on the second home screen at launch, but that’s about it. Powered by Android 14, the MyOS 14 skin on top is clean and sleek. The flush display gives it a sort of toy-like printed look that’s still impressive to think back on. There’s some choice use of English scattered around the Settings screen and in apps like Camera that could certainly be worded better, but nothing too egregious overall. Powered by Android 14, the MyOS 14 skin on top is clean and sleek In terms of software support, Nubia only commits to up to three years of system updates. It’s not clear how many major versions of Android it’ll get, or how long you’ll have to wait for Android 15 to arrive. Compared to many other mid-range phones, this is a little disappointing. Price & Availability In the UK, the Nubia Z60S Pro starts at £499 when buying outright. That gets you the model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage reviewed here, but there are also 16/512GB (£599) and 16GB/1TB (£699) versions. It’s available to buy directly from the Nubia UK website and via Amazon. But nowhere is offering the phone on contract, so you’ll have to get it outright and pair with a SIM-only deal. See the top options below: However, the phone isn’t available in the US in any capacity. That UK price puts it up there with the best mid-range phones you can buy, but competition is strong. In particular, the Poco F6 Pro (from £499.90) is a great alternative, while the Nubia Redmagic 9S Pro (from £579) delivers better performance for only slightly more money. Should you buy the Nubia Z60S Pro? Nubia Z60S offers a compelling value proposition that’s big on both screen and performance, with a battery capable of backing up its brawn. But its mighty impressive (and massive) camera remains its focal point.  It’s beautifully balanced if you’re after an all-rounder, but there are enough niggles to mean you might be better off with a similarly-priced alternative, especially if software support is a top priority. In isolation, though, it’s a very impressive phone. Specs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset   12/16GB LPDDR5X RAM   256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 storage   6.78-inch, 1260 x 2800 AMOLED display, 120Hz  50Mp, f/1.6 main camera with OIS   8Mp, f/2.4 telephoto camera   50Mp, f/2.4 ultrawide camera  16Mp, f/2.5 selfie camera  5100mAh battery   80W wired charging   5G   Dual stereo speakers   Wi-Fi 6E   Bluetooth 5.3  NFC   Nubia MyOS over Android 14   163.6 x 76 x 8.7mm   220g...

When comparing two feature-packed high-end phones, it’s hard to say that either one is inferior or weak. They always offer the best of everything, albeit with differences in individual details or purpose.  The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are flesh-and-blood flagships that run under the control of the most powerful mobile processor on the market and their camera setups allow you to think about serious photography and filming.  However, which will be the better buy for you? We’ve compared the two models to help you make that decision.  Differences between the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra  Design & Build  The Galaxy S24 Ultra is comprised of tempered glass sheets on the front and rear, joined by a metal frame. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has the same design, although another option is a model with an eco-leather back. Each of the phones can also have titanium components.  The casing of each of the compared models is waterproof, as confirmed by their IP68 rating. However, Samsung’s signature features are the heavily angular corners and the stylus housed within the case.  Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Both phones are quite heavy – the Xiaomi 14 Ultra weighs 220-230g (depending on the finish) and the Galaxy S24 Ultra weighs over 230 grams. The Samsung phone’s dimensions are 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm, while Xiaomi’s option measures 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm.  When it comes to the design of these phones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the only one of the current Samsung models that stands out visually from the rest of the portfolio. The angular body, the screen filling almost the entire front and the distinctive camera layout immediately reveal that we are dealing with an Ultra phone.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry The design of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is also distinctive, with the most noticable feature being the large circular camera island on the back. It brings to mind classic cameras and the reference isn’t accidental.  Screen & Speakers  The Xiaomi 14 Ultra distinguishes itself with a unique display design, featuring a flat AMOLED panel beneath a beautifully curved glass exterior. This innovative approach eliminates issues associated with curved screens, such as image distortion and accidental touches, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical usability.  Boasting a 6.73-inch screen with a high pixel density of 522ppi, it supports advanced display technologies like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring vibrant colours and deep contrasts suitable for multimedia enthusiasts.  The adaptive refresh rate, powered by LPTO technology, ranges from 120Hz for smooth performance to 1Hz for power efficiency, complementing its exceptional brightness capabilities – a typical 1000 nits, peaking at 3000 nits and measuring at 736 nits in real-world scenarios.  Conveniently embedded within the display is a fast and accessible fingerprint scanner.  Mattias Inghe Mattias Inghe Mattias Inghe Conversely, the S24 Ultra has transitioned to a completely flat 6.8-inch AMOLED display, departing from its previous curved screen iterations for a sleeker profile. This shift enhances clarity with options for 1080p or Quad HD+ resolutions, leveraging OLED technology to deliver rich colours and deep blacks ideal for immersive video experiences.  The LTPO display facilitates adaptive refresh rates between 1-120Hz, optimising battery efficiency and smoothness, albeit with a fixed alternative of 60Hz. Samsung claims a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility with reduced reflectivity from Gorilla Armor glass. The device’s slim bezel and minimised camera cut-out contribute to an expansive, nearly bezel-less front design.  An ultrasonic fingerprint scanner integrated into the display enhances security, though its smaller target area may affect user experience.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry In terms of audio capabilities, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra compensates the absence of a headphone jack by delivering high-fidelity sound through its stereo speakers. Similarly, the S24 Ultra also provides robust stereo sound via its built-in speakers, boasting clear bass and no distortion at maximum volume.  Ultimately, the choice here hinges on individual priorities regarding design, audio quality and usability features. Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s screen is brighter, but if you prefer a bigger screen, go for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Besides that, they are pretty similar.  Specs & Performance  The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, delivering exceptional performance paired with a 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage (in the UK). This configuration surpasses the S24 Ultra in memory capacity, ensuring seamless operation across a spectrum of tasks. Its ‘Dual-Channel IceLoop System’ efficiently manages thermal dissipation, maintaining optimal internal temperatures during extended usage.  Beyond raw performance, the 14 Ultra excels in connectivity with support for 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (available in select markets), dual nano-SIM slots, Bluetooth 5.4 with dual connections, NFC capabilities and an IR blaster for added convenience in device control, such as managing TVs directly from the phone.  Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra leverages the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset tailored for Samsung’s ecosystem, focusing on delivering a balanced performance and connectivity experience.  Equipped with 12GB of RAM across all variants and offering storage options up to 1TB, the S24 Ultra also seamlessly handles everyday tasks, multimedia consumption and mobile gaming. Its efficient cooling system ensures sustained performance under intensive workloads.  Connectivity features include 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC, catering to future-proofed wireless needs, especially in markets demanding robust connectivity solutions.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry In our Geekbench 5 multi-core test, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra scored 6675 points, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra came in ahead scoring 7141 points. This is an interesting result, given Xiaomi’s larger RAM.  In conclusion, both the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra utilise Qualcomm’s latest chipset to offer impressive performance and connectivity. However, the choice here falls more on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which delivers an almost identical seamless everyday experience while offering better raw performance.  Cameras & Video  The Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out with its comprehensive photography setup, featuring four rear cameras co-developed with Leica, all boasting a formidable 50Mp resolution.  The main camera impresses with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a large 1-inch sensor and a variable aperture from f/1.63 to f/4.0, ensuring versatile performance across different lighting conditions. Supported by an ultrawide lens, a 3.2x floating telescope and a periscope camera providing 5x optical zoom, all utilising the Sony IMX858 sensor (except the ultrawide without OIS), the 14 Ultra offers focal lengths equivalent to 12mm to 120mm.  Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Image quality is exceptional, often rivalling dedicated DSLR cameras, capturing natural bokeh and stunning detail. The 32Mp selfie camera ensures high-quality photos and videos up to 4K resolution, while the rear cameras support up to 8K video recording at 30fps, preferred at 4K and 60fps for stability using OIS.  The ultrawide lens excels in capturing expansive scenes with minimal distortion and the telephoto lenses maintain detail and colour accuracy at high zoom levels up to 30x.  The optional Photography Kit enhances functionality with a camera grip attachment, featuring a two-stage shutter, zoom lever, record button, customisable wheel and a 1500mAh battery for extended use, further elevating its appeal as a camera-centric smartphone.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has revamped its camera hardware, replacing the 10Mp 10x telephoto lens with a new 50Mp sensor offering 5x optical zoom, enhancing usability in real-world scenarios by minimizing reliance on inferior digital zoom beyond 5x. The introduction of ‘Quad Telephoto’ setup also maintains impressive image quality up to 10x zoom, retaining the 100x ‘Space Zoom’ for extreme magnification needs.  The main camera utilises pixel binning to produce efficient 12.5Mp stills from its high-resolution sensor, delivering excellent detail and dynamic range with Samsung’s trademark vibrant colour profile. It performs well in diverse shooting scenarios, complemented by a 12Mp ultrawide lens with a 120˚ field of view that captures expansive scenes with minimal quality compromise.  The 12Mp front camera excels in handling exposure for selfies and video calls. Video recording capabilities reach up to 8K, although 1080p at 30fps is preferred for stable footage using OIS across all lenses.   Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Overall, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra shines as a versatile choice for photography enthusiasts with its robust camera setup and intuitive controls, ideal for capturing detailed shots across various focal lengths.  Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 Ultra emphasises usability and image quality enhancements, offering impressive zoom capabilities and video performance, albeit with occasional trade-offs in point-and-shoot consistency compared to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Ultimately, if you are looking for a phone for photography, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will prove to be a better choice. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is also known for its great photo results.  Battery Life & Charging  Both the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra feature a 5000mAh battery, which is standard among 2024 flagship smartphones.  In PCMark’s battery test, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra lasted a respectable 12 hours and 25 minutes, adequate for typical daily usage but not exceptional. It reliably lasts a full day under normal use and extends to two days with lighter usage, excluding intensive activities like gaming or 4K video recording.  Charging is a standout feature for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra with its included 90W HyperCharge adapter. It achieves rapid charging speeds, reaching 52% in just 15 minutes and 88% in 30 minutes, significantly outpacing Galaxy S24 Ultra.  Additionally, the 14 Ultra supports impressive 80W wireless HyperCharge and 10W reverse wireless charging, accommodating Qi-compatible devices like wireless earbuds. However, the substantial camera bump can hinder wireless charging efficiency, requiring precise positioning on chargers such as the Pixel Stand 2 for optimal functionality.  Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry Chris Martin / Foundry The Galaxy S24 Ultra can last nearly three days with minimal power consumption, making it convenient for users who prefer less frequent charging. Even on heavy-use days, the S24 Ultra reliably lasts a full day, barring extensive gaming sessions.  In PCMark’s battery test, it achieved an impressive 14 hours and 14 minutes, showcasing its efficiency despite the large, high-resolution display and adaptive refresh rate settings.  However, charging is a drawback for the S24 Ultra, limited to 45W, which falls behind Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Moreover, Samsung does not include a cable or power brick in the box, unlike Xiaomi’s approach.  With a personal charger, the S24 Ultra reached 30% in 15 minutes and 63% in 30 minutes, with a full charge taking approximately 70 minutes, slower than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s top-tier fast-charging standards.  Wireless charging capabilities include 15W Qi charging, though it lacks support for the Qi 2 standard, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging remains available for other devices. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Despite having the same capacity battery, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers very similar battery life, but much faster charging. If this is a priority for you, choose the Xiaomi phone. If you can wait a little longer, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will be a great choice as well.  Software & Apps  The Xiaomi 14 Ultra runs on HyperOS, a rebranded MIUI based on Android 14. Some users appreciate its features, while others find the iOS-like split notifications and lack of a default app drawer divisive. Bloatware includes apps like Spotify and TikTok, and the lock screen now displays ads.  Positively, it offers GameTurbo mode for gaming and floating apps for multitasking. Also, AI features include live subtitles for video calls and AI Portrait for selfies.  Xiaomi promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches, which is less than the seven years offered by Samsung but should be sufficient for most users.  The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on OneUI, also based on Android 14, and introduces several new AI features aimed at enhancing the user experience without fundamentally changing it.  Key highlights include Circle to Search, which allows Google Lens-like searches by circling objects on-screen, and Live Translate for real-time language translation during calls.  Additionally, Samsung promises extensive software support with seven major OS updates and software updates until at least 2031.  Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s robust software support and advanced AI capabilities position it as a better option when compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.  Price & Availability  The Xiaomi 14 Ultra costs £1,299 for the 16/512GB model. That’s the only configuration available in the UK.  You can buy it from the official Mi store or various retailers. See the full list of the best Xiaomi 14 Ultra deals in our dedicated article.  You can also get it from Amazon, but it’s not officially available in the US.  Xiaomi 14 Ultra Read our review   The Galaxy S24 Ultra starts at £1,249/$1,299.99 for the 256GB model, but 512GB (£1,349/$1,419.99) and 1TB (£1,549/$1,659.99) versions are also available.    It’s available to buy direct from Samsung UK and Samsung US, but also via a variety of third-party retailers and carriers.  See the full range of options in our separate article on the best Galaxy S24 deals.  Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Read our review Best Prices Today: $1,174 at Amazon Verdict  Both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are top-of-the-range flagship models with minimal drawbacks, making the choice dependent on specific preferences.  The Galaxy S24 Ultra is ideal for those who appreciate stylus use, Samsung’s One UI, Galaxy AI and seven years of software support. In contrast, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra excels in fast charging and superior photo capabilities, despite having less polished software.  Pricing favours the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is cheaper in the UK and available in the US, unlike the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.  Ultimately, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for most people, though the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an excellent choice if its specific features align with your needs.  Specs  Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:  Android 14 with One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI  Seven years of software updates  6.8-inch, 120Hz, WQHD+, LTPO AMOLED display   Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset   12GB RAM   256/512GB/1TB storage   5000mAh battery   45W wired charging   15W wireless charging   200Mp f/1.7 main camera   12Mp f/2.2 120˚ ultrawide camera   50Mp f/3.4 5x optical telephoto camera   10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera   12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera   5G   Wi-Fi 7   Bluetooth 5.3   IP68   Gorilla Glass Armor (front), Gorilla Glass (back), titanium frame   S Pen (integrated)   162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm   233g   Xiaomi 14 Ultra:  Android 14 w/ HyperOS 1.0  6.7in WQHD+ AMOLED 1-120Hz display, 240Hz touch sampling, Dolby Vision, HDR10+  In-display fingerprint sensor  Xiaomi Shield glass front  Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3  16GB RAM LPDDR5X  512GB UFS 4.0 non-expandable storage  50Mp, f/1.63-4.0, main camera with OIS  50Mp, f/2.2 wide-angle camera  50Mp, f/2 telephoto 3.2x camera with OIS  50Mp, f/2.5 periscope 5x cameras with OIS  32Mp, f/2.0 front-facing camera  Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos  5G  WiFi 7  Bluetooth 5.4  USB-C port  IR blaster  NFC  Dual-SIM  5000mAh battery  90W fast charging  80W wireless charging  10W reverse wireless charging  161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2mm  219.8g  Launch colours: Black, White ...

There’s no denying that everyone kept an eye on the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, extensive use of AI, longer support—all of this has filled every fan of the brand with optimism.  The Galaxy S24 Ultra, the most powerful of the series, is very similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra but also brings a little something new. So, are we dealing with a revolution or revolution? And is there any point in spending a second time on almost the same thing?  Let’s find out by pitting the two models against each other and comparing their key features and specifications.  Differences between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra Design & Build The S23 Ultra features a large and heavy design with glass on both sides, aluminium edges, and squared-off corners, giving it a serious, computer-like appearance. It utilises Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability, with top-tier haptics providing excellent vibration feedback.  Despite being challenging to use with one hand, it exudes a premium feel and includes standard Ultra design elements such as volume and power buttons, a USB-C port, a dual SIM tray, a mic, a speaker grille, and an integrated S Pen. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry On the other hand, the S24 Ultra maintains a similar design to the S23 Ultra but adds a matte coating to the glass back to reduce fingerprint smudges and maintain a premium look and feel.  The addition of a titanium frame enhances long-term durability, although the weight difference compared to the S23 Ultra is minimal. It also features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop protection, but with an upgraded Gorilla Armor exclusive to this model.  Both phones include an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, an integrated S Pen stylus, and exceptional haptic feedback, making them suitable for various interactions.  Overall, these phones offer premium designs, durability enhancements, and satisfying user experiences, with the S24 Ultra introducing subtle improvements over its predecessor.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Screen & Speakers The S23 Ultra boasts a stunning, slightly curved 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a WQHD+ resolution of 3088 x 1440, providing exceptional clarity. Its versatility allows users to adjust resolution settings to conserve battery life, with the recommended setting typically being 1080p.  The screen maintains uniform colour even at peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight. Equipped with LTPO technology, the refresh rate also dynamically adjusts between 1 and 120Hz, optimising battery efficiency.  Additionally, the touch sampling rate increases to 240Hz in gaming mode, enhancing responsiveness.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Conversely, the S24 Ultra finally features a departure from curved screens, opting for a visually appealing flat display.  However, with a peak brightness of 2600 nits (compared to 1750 nits in the 23 Ultra) and reduced reflectivity, the display remains more visible even in bright sunlight. The slim bezels and smaller camera cut-out also contribute to a nearly all-screen front, enhancing the overall aesthetic.  Both phones feature dual stereo speakers that deliver exceptional audio quality, making them suitable for multimedia consumption. However, as always, for the best audio experience, you’ll want to connect earbuds or headphones to both of these phones.  In conclusion, while both devices offer exceptional display performance, the S24 Ultra represents a significant advancement with its flat display design, higher peak brightness, and improved aesthetics.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Performance The S23 Ultra is powered by a custom version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, specifically optimised for the S23 series, ensuring seamless performance. With 12GB of RAM (there’s also an 8GB option), the phone operates flawlessly, achieving a high multi-core Geekbench 5 score of 4996. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, catering to diverse user needs.  In contrast, the S24 Ultra features the ‘Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy’, an overclocked version of Qualcomm’s latest flagship chip designed exclusively for Samsung devices. It also delivers exceptional performance alongside 12GB of RAM, while the storage options range from 256GB to 1TB as well.  However, the S24 Ultra dramatically outperformed the S23 Ultra, scoring as high as 7141 points in the Geekbench 5 multi-core test. Both phones also offer future-proof connectivity with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for mobile payments.  They both excel in various tasks, including web browsing, messaging, email, photography, and gaming, with effective cooling systems to manage prolonged usage but there is no denying that the S24 has a better and more powerful chipset.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Cameras The S23 Ultra boasts a 200Mp main lens, offering versatility with pixel-binning options for different resolutions. Despite the high megapixel count, it may not always translate into noticeably better photos.  The phone also includes other lenses, including 12Mp ultrawide, 10Mp 3x optical telephoto, and 10Mp 10x optical zoom, though features like ‘space zoom’ are more gimmicky.  On the other hand, the S24 Ultra brings a significant change by replacing the 10Mp 10x telephoto lens with a 50Mp 5x optical zoom, which proves more practical in real-world scenarios.  The 200Mp main camera is the same, but now utilises pixel binning for 12.5Mp stills, offering excellent detail and dynamic range, albeit with saturated colours.  While the same 12Mp selfie camera on both phones produces sharp shots, it struggles in low light. However, video capabilities are impressive, with up to 8K recording on either phone as well.  Overall, they both offer advanced camera capabilities, but the S24 Ultra presents notable improvements and practicality in its camera setup compared to its predecessor.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Battery & Charging The S23 Ultra boasts a capacious 5000mAh cell and can get you a solid day and a half of use out of a single charge. It charges relatively slowly though, reaching only 21% after 15 minutes and 43% in 30 minutes with its 45W charging support.  Conversely, the S24 Ultra also has a 5000mAh battery but features exceptional battery life at the same time, lasting nearly three days on lighter usage and more than a full day even under heavy usage.  While it supports up to 45W charging, similar to the S23 Ultra, its speed remains faster, reaching 30% in 15 minutes and 63% after half an hour.  Both models also support wireless and reverse charging, but none of them support the newer Qi 2 standard.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Software & Apps The phones run on OneUI 6.1 over Android 14, providing extensive customisation options despite its busy interface. Although pre-installed apps may feel bloated, they can be uninstalled, and the software operates smoothly from there.  The inclusion of the S Pen stylus on both phones proves useful for various tasks, while Samsung DeX offers a glimpse into the future of mobile computing by transforming the phone into a desktop mode when connected to a compatible monitor.  The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s initial bargaining chip was AI features that enhance the user experience with subtle yet impactful improvements. However, they are now also present on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.  Notable features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist improve everyday tasks, while enhanced photo editing capabilities and video slow-motion playback add versatility to multimedia editing. Although not groundbreaking individually, these features collectively enhance day-to-day usage.  Samsung’s commitment to Android updates sets a high standard, offering four years of Android updates and five years of security patches for the S23 Ultra. The newer model boasts even more longevity, as the S24 Ultra will be supported with seven major OS updates and seven years of software updates.  Price & Availability  The Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199.99/£1,249 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Higher configurations with 12GB of RAM and larger storage options reach up to $1,619/£1,599.  Samsung is no longer selling the Galaxy S23 Ultra on its website, but you can get it in the US from Best Buy, Target, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. In the UK, you can also buy it from Amazon, O2, Vodafone, EE, Three, and John Lewis. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Read our review Best Prices Today: $1,199.99 at Amazon The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a hefty price tag as well, starting at $1,299.99/£1,249 for the base 256GB model. Higher storage configurations, such as 512GB and 1TB, are also available at higher prices.  It can be purchased directly from Samsung US or Samsung UK. You can also get it through various third-party retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target in the US, or Amazon, O2, and John Lewis in the UK. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Read our review Best Prices Today: $1,174 at Amazon Verdict  The Galaxy S24 Ultra represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, mostly offering improved hardware.  Although the software features from the S24 Ultra are available on the S23 Ultra, using them on a much more powerful device makes a difference.  The S24 Ultra boasts top-of-the-line hardware, including powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance, a versatile camera system with a new 5x optical zoom, and a stunning flat display. The excellent battery life also adds to its appeal, plus it charges faster.  The changes may not be that big, but they make a difference, especially as for nearly the same price, you get a more powerful phone that will be supported for much longer.  So, if you are considering buying one of these models, go for the Galaxy S24 Ultra. On the other hand, if you already own the Galaxy S23 Ultra and are thinking of switching, I’d advise you to wait at least for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.  Specs  Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:  6.8-inch, 120Hz, WQHD+, AMOLED display  Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy  8/12GB RAM  256/512GB/1TB storage  5000mAh battery  45W wired charging  15W wireless charging  200Mp f/1.7 main camera  12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide camera  10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera  10Mp f/4.9 10x optical telephoto camera  12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera  5G  Wi-Fi 6E  Bluetooth 5.3  IP68  Gorilla Glass Victus 2  78.1 X 163.4 X 8.9mm  234g  Android 14 with One UI 6.1  Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra:  6.8-inch, 120Hz, WQHD+, LTPO AMOLED display   Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy  12GB RAM   256/512GB/1TB storage   5000mAh battery   45W wired charging   15W wireless charging   200Mp f/1.7 main camera   12Mp f/2.2 120˚  ultrawide camera   50Mp f/3.4 5x optical telephoto camera   10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto camera   12Mp f/2.2 front facing camera   5G   Wi-Fi 7   Bluetooth 5.3   IP68   Gorilla Glass Armor (front), Gorilla Glass (back), titanium frame   S Pen (integrated)   162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm   233g   Android 14 with One UI 6.1 and Galaxy AI   Seven years of software updates ...

Missing calls can be frustrating and sometimes worrisome.  If your Android phone or iPhone isn’t ringing, the problem could be anything from simple settings issues to more complex hardware or software problems.  Regardless, below you’ll find the most likely reasons that your phone isn’t ringing and what you can do to fix it. Why isn’t my phone ringing? A specific mode could be enabled  One of the most common reasons for a phone not ringing is that it’s been set to ‘Silent’, ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Airplane’ mode.  If you turn on ‘Silent’ mode, it disables all sounds, including ringtones, while ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode blocks calls and notifications during specific times or in response to conditions you set.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Finally, ‘Airplane’ mode disables all wireless communications, including phone calls.  If your phone is in ‘Airplane’ mode, you won’t receive any calls, and therefore it won’t ring.  Network issues  Poor network coverage or a temporary outage from your service provider can prevent calls from coming through, resulting in a silent phone.  Check your signal strength and try moving to a location with better coverage.  The volume is turned down  If the ringer volume is turned all the way down or muted, your phone won’t ring. Check the volume settings by using the physical volume buttons or through the settings menu.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry You might have blocked the number  If you’ve blocked the number that’s trying to call you, your phone won’t ring in response. Review your blocked numbers list to ensure you haven’t accidentally blocked someone important.  Software glitches  Occasionally, software glitches or bugs in your phone’s operating system can cause issues with the ringer. Keeping your phone’s software updated can help to prevent these problems.  Your phone might be broken  If your phone’s speaker or ringer is damaged, it won’t ring. This can happen as a result of physical damage or wear and tear over time. Testing your phone’s speaker with other sounds, like music or alarms, can help determine if this is the issue.  What to do if your phone isn’t ringing  Check if any modes are enabled  First, make sure your phone isn’t in ‘Silent’ or ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.  If you have an iPhone, look for the ‘Silent’ switch on the side of your phone. You can also access ‘Silent’ and ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes through the settings menu and in the notification centre on Android or in the control centre on iOS. Disable these modes to restore your ringer’s functionality.  Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Also, ensure that ‘Airplane’ mode is turned off. You can typically find this setting in the quick settings menu or under network settings.  Adjust volume settings  Increase the ringer volume using the physical volume buttons on your phone. You can also go into your phone’s settings to adjust the volume levels and ensure that the ringer is set to an audible level.  Check your network connection  Verify that your phone has a strong signal. If you’re in an area with poor reception, try moving to a different location or restarting your phone to refresh the connection.  Unblock numbers  Go to your phone’s call settings or contact list to check for any blocked numbers. Unblock any numbers that you want to receive calls from. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Follow our guides on how to block and unblock contacts on Android, as well as how to block and ublock contacts on an iPhone to learn more. ...