Galaxy S26 Ultra camera upgrade leaks ahead of launch

This week in the Android news, Google launched the Pixel 9a smartphone. It costs $499 and features a flat back design with no camera bump. The Pixel 9a promises over 30 hours of battery life and can last up to 100 hours with its Extreme Battery Saver mode. It will also receive seven years of OS and security updates, making it highly durable. Samsung is working on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, with potential camera upgrades on the horizon. The phone may include a variable aperture lens, a feature that could give it an edge over competitors. This change could draw attention away from the AI-driven photography that has dominated marketing recently. Google is also preparing for the release of the Pixel 10 series, expected later this year. A notable change is the shift to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for the production of its Tensor G5 chipset. This move will improve performance by using a smaller manufacturing process. In sales news, the Pixel 9 Pro is receiving discounts ahead of the Pixel 9a's launch. The discounted prices apply to all color options and are available until March 29, 2025. The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro was launched recently, featuring improved camera capabilities. It includes a periscope-style third camera, setting it apart from the standard model. Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, designed for lower-end gaming devices. However, this new chipset has a significant drawback – it does not support video output, which may limit its appeal. Lastly, the Epic Games Store has expanded its weekly free game offerings to mobile users, starting with titles like Super Meat Boy Forever. This development allows mobile gamers to enjoy free games, similar to desktop users.