On July 22nd, Samsung is set to host its Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in London, and the anticipation is palpable. The South Korean electronics giant plans to significantly overhaul its lineup of foldable smartphones and wearables. However, competition is heating up, with brands like Motorola, Honor, and Xiaomi also gearing up to launch their new models.
Samsung’s Bold Move: Three Foldable Models
In 2026, Samsung’s strategy for foldable smartphones has become notably more aggressive. Alongside the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8, the company will introduce an Ultra version for the first time. This model boasts an impressive 8-inch main display and a cutting-edge 200-megapixel camera. With production goals set at approximately 2.8 million units for the Ultra model, Samsung clearly anticipates high demand.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 will feature a wider format, sporting a 7.6-inch interior screen and a 5.5-inch exterior display. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with either 12 or 16 gigabytes of RAM. Meanwhile, the flip phone Galaxy Z Flip 8 retains its classic design but now includes a larger 4.1-inch outer display. Depending on the region, either the Snapdragon chip or Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 will be used.
As for pricing, the Flip 8 is expected to start around 1,000 Euros, while the Fold 8 will retail for approximately 1,750 Euros. The Ultra version will be priced close to 1,950 Euros. All models will run on One UI 9 based on Android 17 and will incorporate Google’s Gemini AI technology.
Motorola’s Surprising Launch with Qi 2.2 and XXL Battery
While Samsung finalizes details for its London event, Motorola has already made a splash. The Edge 70 Max, launched on July 15th in India, is the first Android smartphone featuring native Qi 2.2.1 magnets for 25-watt wireless charging.
The device comes packed with impressive specs: a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a 7,100 mAh silicon-carbon battery, and a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 144 Hertz and peak brightness of 7,000 nits. Furthermore, it holds IP66/68/69 certification, adhering to military standards. In India, it’s priced around 600 Euros, while in the UK, it retails for about 700 pounds. However, a US launch is not planned, and there’s no official confirmation for Germany yet.
Honor and Xiaomi: Two Chinese Players with Unique Concepts
Honor has already launched pre-orders for its so-called “Robot Phone” in China, with the official launch slated for August. What sets this phone apart is its titanium alloy gimbal suspension with four degrees of freedom for the camera. It also boasts a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. Honor is collaborating with ARRI to facilitate mobile video recording with Log-C and LUT support—an evident challenge to the iPhone as a video tool.
Xiaomi, on the other hand, is planning its “Xiaomi Day” on August 8th, where it will unveil the MIX Fold 5. The device will operate on HyperOS 4.0 based on Android 17 and is expected to offer tighter integration with other Xiaomi products. Leaks hint at a sleek design, though details regarding the camera and pricing remain scarce.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: First with Variable Aperture
Looking ahead to the fall, exciting innovations are on the horizon. A leak from the manufacturing process reveals details about the iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in September. This model will feature a variable aperture for the first time, made possible by the Sony IMX905 sensor. The device will also incorporate the A20 Pro chip, promising robust performance. Pricing may increase by approximately 180 Euros.
Oppo and Vivo: Two Strategies, One Market
Meanwhile, Oppo is preparing to launch the Find X10 series by the end of September. Certifications in China confirm the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro built using a 2-nanometer process. The pro model is anticipated to feature an 8,000 mAh battery and ultra-slim display bezels.
Vivo, on the other hand, is targeting the entry-level segment with the Y6c 4G, priced at approximately 120 Euros. It includes a 6,500 mAh battery and a 120-Hertz display. The 12-nanometer Unisoc chip is not designed for high performance but offers value for the price.
Conclusion: The summer of 2026 will showcase a parade of innovation among smartphones. Samsung bets on breadth and premium quality, Motorola emphasizes battery and charging technology, while Chinese brands focus on niches and specialized features. Apple? It appears to be working on the first variable aperture—a concession to the growing competition from Asia.
