Google’s Pixel 9a
Ewan Spence
Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Samsung Galaxy S26 release dates, Pixel 10a pricing, Samsung’s budget Tab A11+, Vivo’s Indian success, Asus confirms 2026 smartphone plans, Murena’s Fairphone 6 bundle, and Xiaomi’s first UK store.
Android Circuit is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Android in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Apple news here on Forbes.
The Galaxy 26 Timeline Becomes Clear
As Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked draws closer, more Galaxy S26 details are snapping into focus as more partners, retailers and developers step up their Galaxy S26 game. This week saw the timeline become clear, with not only the launch date locked in, but also the pre-order window and retail release date:
“The Galaxy S26 series will be available for pre-order between February 26th and March 4th (a 7-day window), according to reliable Samsung leaker Ice Universe. This will be followed by a “pre-sale” period between March 5th and March 10th, with the phones going on general sale on March 11th—a date that has now been corroborated by multiple sources.”
Disappointment Around Pixel 10a Pricing And Specs
With a spec sheet hinting that Google is looking at older parts for the Pixel 10a, the expected price drop makes sense. Alas, new details suggest the Pixel 10a will retain the same broad specs and price as the Pixel 9a when it arrives in February. The increasing cost of memory and storage is likely driving up the bill of materials:
“Leaks suggest the Pixel 10a will be just a rebadged Pixel 9a, with little to almost no upgrades, sticking to the same 6.3-inch OLED panel, Tensor G4 chip, and rear camera setup. Google will supposedly apply the same philosophy to the phone’s pricing, keeping it unchanged in the EU. So, the 128GB Pixel 10 will apparently cost €549, with the 256GB variant commanding a €100 premium.”
Samsung’s Budget Tablet With Performance
Samsung’s latest tablet challenges the $300 space. The Galaxy Tab A11+ comes in 5G or Wi-Fi variants and is built around the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, which is certainly a cut above the performance you would expect at this price point. Florian Schmitt takes a closer look at the highlights:
“The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ is a powerful mid-range tablet regardless of whether you opt for the Wi-Fi or the 5G version. This is mainly due to the fast MediaTek Dimenisty 7300 SoC that leaves other tablets in this price range far behind. But the Galaxy Tab A11+ also exceeds the class standard in other areas, particularly in the under €300 segment: the storage is faster, the cameras are usable, the screen is a little brighter, and satellite positioning is available in all models.”
Vivo Continues To Lead Indian Sales
Vivo continues to hold the number one spot in India. The latest numbers from Omida show a rise from 27 million units shipped in 2024 to 32.1 million units in 2025. Samsung and Oppo have overtaken Xiaomi, but have not quite reached the top spot:
“According to Omdia, vivo led India’s smartphone market in 2025, grabbing 21% of the pie with 32.1 million shipments. It was followed by Samsung with 15% and 23 million shipments, Oppo and Xiaomi with 13% each (20 million and 19.7 million shipments, respectively), and Apple with 10% from 15.1 million units shipped.”
Asus Confirms A Smartphone-less 2026
As previously discussed, Asus Chairman Jonney Shih has confirmed that the company will not be bringing any new smartphones to market, although the existing ZenFONE and ROG Phones will continue to receive support. Speaking at an Industry Gala, he highlighted the new markets for 2026… the lucrative AI-powered robotics and smart glasses markets.
“The chairman explained that “AI robot & robotics” and “AI glasses” are two areas the company will explore. When considering its financial report for 2025, the reason behind the change becomes obvious. Revenue increased by 26.1% compared to the previous year, but much of the growth was due to expanded AI server deployment.”
Murena’s Latest Fairphone 6 Bundle
Those looking at the frontier of repairable smartphones, open-source versions of Android, and smaller manufacturers focused on privacy should check out the Murena store this weekend. The privacy-focused e/OS/ software is pre-installed on the Fairphone 6 model, and comes with a set of Fairphones’ Fairbuds for free:
“Powered by /e/OS operating system, your Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) protects you and your data at all times, while at the same time protecting the planet…. Made by 50% fair and recycled materials, in fair conditions and with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the market! Keep your Murena Fairphone (Gen. 6) as long as possible, thanks to its modular and repairable design, you can easily repair it yourself!”
And Finally…
Continuing its push into Europe and the UK, Xiaomi has opened its first retail store in the UK. This builds on European stores opened in 2025. To celebrate the doors opening on the Mi Store, those visiting have various offers and prizes to experience:
“The Xiaomi London store brings the brand’s “Human × Car × Home” philosophy to life, demonstrating how technology integrates seamlessly into everyday living — from mobile devices and smart home solutions to connected mobility. Through immersive, hands-on environments, customers are invited to explore Xiaomi’s latest innovations and receive expert guidance throughout their retail journey, reinforcing Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering a consistent and connected experience across every touchpoint.
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!