Google’s Pixel 9a
Ewan Spence
Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines across the Android world, including Galaxy S26 Ultra disappointment, Galaxy AI’s free future, Pixel 10a pricing, Redmii Note 15 arrives in UK, Xiaomi extends support window, RedMagic’s golden moment, and Google debuts Personal Intelligence.
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 Disappointing Galaxy S26 Ultra Decision
Ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked launch event at the end of February, some of the big-ticket specifications of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra showed up Geekbench, a popular online benchmarking site. It offered a look at the clock speeds of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 that US models of the smartphones will ship with. Yet the biggest news coming out is not the system on chip, but the memory, with only 12 GB listed:
“Both the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra are listed with 10.80 GB memory, which, in specification terms, means the top and bottom phones in the S26 portfolio are running 12 GB of RAM. That’s going to be tight for couplex and demanding applications… such as local processing generative AI routines. As AI advances over the next seven years, which everyone assumes the S26 family will be updated for, 12 GB of RAM will become increasingly limiting.”
Galaxy AI Has A Free Future
During the launch of the Galaxy S24 family, Samsung introduced Galaxy AI. At the time, the terms and conditions stated that the features would be free until the end of 2025. That raised the possibility that the core Galaxy AI features could go behind a paywall. Samsung has tweaked the product footnotes to confirm the core features will remain free:
“Originally, the first footnote clarified that “use of AI features is complimentary through 2025.” It also noted that a “purchase may be required after the complimentary period.” These statements were listed on the Galaxy AI page as recently as January 1, 2026.”… Samsung changed the language of this footnote to explicitly state that basic Galaxy AI features will remain available indefinitely at no cost.”
Pixel 10a Potential Pricing
Google’s Fifth Pixel 10 handset (following the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL and Fold) is the Pixel 10a. The mid-range handset is expected to launch in the first quarter of the year. Noted Pixel tipter MyteryLup has a potential launch date and European pricing for the new phone:
“Now a new rumor from [Mystery Lupin] claims to have pricing information and an exact release date: February 17. The 128GB model will allegedly cost €500, while the 256GB version will go for €600. Official color-matching cases will go for €20 each.”
Redmii Note 15 Arrives In UK
The latest Redmii handsets have arrived in the UK. Sporting larger batteries and improved photography, the range is priced for the mid-range but certainly tries to be seen as more powerful than the price point suggests. Diane Templado highlights the family:
“The new lineup spans four phones, topped by the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G, and puts durability, battery life and camera upgrades front and centre.
“The headline theme this year is what Xiaomi calls Redmi Titan Durability. Every model in the range is built to better withstand daily wear and tear, combining reinforced structures, improved drop resistance and upgraded dust and water protection. “
More Support From Xiaomi and HyperOS
One important specification for any new phone is software support: how many years of software support and security updates will be provided. Flagship smartphones are expected to offer seven years of support, but that’s only in the last year or so. Xiaomi has surprised its community by extending support for several Xiaomi, Redmii, and Poco handsets, in some cases out to 2031:
“The company has significantly expanded software support for its smartphones and tablets, meaning many models will now receive up to five years of HyperOS updates. This move stands out as an important step for users looking for long-term support in the Android ecosystem.”
Gaming Goes Golden
RedMagic is tapping into the fashion market with its latest release. The Golden Saga Limited Edition Bundle introduces variants of the latest phone and tablet models. On the smartphone side, we have the Redmagic 11 Pro and on the tablet side the Astra Gaming Tablet. Pre-orders open Monay Jan. 19:
The Golden Saga Limited Edition Bundle [blends] cutting-edge gaming performance with luxurious materials. Real gold and silver enhance cooling efficiency, while supercar-grade carbon fiber and sapphire glass deliver durability, premium aesthetics, and collector appeal.
And Finally…
Google has announced “Personal Intelligence,” which allows specific Google Apps to connect to the Gemini AI system to become more personal and proactive. It is the next step towards a mobile Agentic AI, and follows on from Magic Cue. It is currently available to US uers who have an active subscription to Google AI Pro or AI Ultra:
“Personal Intelligence securely connects information from apps like Gmail and Google Photos to make Gemini uniquely helpful. If you turn it on, you control exactly which apps to link, and each one supercharges the experience. It connects Gmail, Photos, YouTube and Search in a single tap, and we’ve designed the setup to be simple and secure.”
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!