The technology week of July 26, 2026 was marked by Samsung, which presented its new generation of foldable smartphones and smartwatches. Taking center stage, the Galaxy Z Fold 2026 line now has two distinct models: the Galaxy Z Fold8, focused on media consumption and daily usability, and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which inherits the taller, more productive design of its predecessors, with significant improvements in cameras and battery. This Samsung strategy aims to serve different consumer segments, expanding the appeal of foldable devices beyond the niche of high-productivity users.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 stands out for being shorter and wider, with a 4:3 screen ratio, optimizing the experience for those looking for a more comfortable device for everyday life and for watching videos. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra maintains its footprint for corporate users and content creators, offering an improved set of cameras and a higher capacity battery to support long working hours. Both models are equipped with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, ensuring high performance for any task. The new foldables are now available for pre-order, with a global launch scheduled for August 7th. Prices start at €1,999 or US$1,899.99 for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and €2,200 or US$2,099.99 for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
New features on Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 smartwatches
In addition to foldable smartphones, Samsung also introduced its new smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and the Galaxy Watch9. The Watch Ultra2 has a thinner design, despite incorporating an impressive 800mAh battery, the largest in the line, and maintains its robust titanium construction and unique 47mm size. This model reinforces Samsung’s commitment to durability and autonomy, competing directly in the premium segment of wearables that value resistance and performance.
The Galaxy Watch9 arrives in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, bringing modest upgrades to battery capacity and brighter displays. One of the big highlights is the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset, which promises greater efficiency and performance. Keeping up with the market trend, Watch9 also expands its artificial intelligence-based health monitoring capabilities. With these innovations, Samsung seeks to consolidate its position in an increasingly competitive smartwatch market, where health features and an optimized user experience are crucial. Pre-orders for the smartwatches are now open, and general sales also begin on August 7th. The Classic version of the Galaxy Watch line will not have a new edition this year, returning only next year.
HMD bets on durability with the Nokia 123 Shield
In a move that contrasts with the wave of high-end smartphones, HMD has launched the Nokia 123 Shield, a rugged entry-level phone designed for toughness rather than smart functionality. This device stands out for its IP68 certification, which guarantees protection against water and dust, ideal for demanding environments. The Nokia 123 Shield has a 2.4-inch screen and a removable 2,000mAh battery, promising up to 19 days of standby time, a remarkable feat for user autonomy.
The phone’s features include a powerful flashlight, FM radio, Bluetooth, USB-C charging and the ability to expand storage with a microSD card. Priced at €49, the Nokia 123 Shield is aimed at specific markets where durability and simplicity are valued more than the features of a smartphone. Its launch is scheduled for the end of July in selected markets, reinforcing HMD’s strategy of serving niches looking for reliable, low-cost devices.
Leaks and rumors signal the future of mobile technology
The week also brought a series of rumors and leaks that point to upcoming trends in the world of mobile technology. Apple, for example, may be readying a 20th anniversary iPhone with a 7-inch screen for its iPhone 20 Pro lineup, which will reportedly feature a quad-curved display. These speculations indicate a continued search for larger screens and innovative designs in the premium segment.
Other brands were also the target of leaks. The Xiaomi 18 series is reportedly on track for an early launch in India, although it may not include an Ultra variant, hinting at a possible reorientation of the lineup. The iQOO 16T promises to be a cutting-edge gaming smartphone, with performance tests indicating the presence of a 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 or MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600. This device is also tipped to have a flat Samsung 2K screen and even an internal ventilation system, consolidating the trend of increasingly powerful devices focused on specific experiences, such as mobile games.
Upcoming launches and market expectations
Vivo, in turn, officially confirmed the launch of the vivo X300 E for July 27th in China. This device promises a robust 7,200mAh battery and a triple camera system with the Zeiss seal, including a telephoto periscope lens. The available colors will be black, orange and white. Although full specifications have not yet been released, previous leaks suggest a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, 50MP main and periscope cameras, as well as an 8MP ultra-wide and 90W fast charging.
With pre-sales already open in China and sales starting on July 27, Vivo seeks to strengthen its presence in the competitive Chinese market with a device that combines high battery capacity and an advanced photographic set. These announcements and rumors of the week reflect a constantly evolving technology and consumer electronics market, with innovations ranging from screen design to processor performance and camera capabilities, all competing for consumers’ attention and investment.
Main releases and news for week 30 of 2026:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8:Global launch on August 7th, prices from €1,999.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra:Global launch on August 7th, prices from €2,200.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2:General sales on August 7th.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch9:General sales on August 7th.
- HMD Nokia 123 Shield:Sales from the end of July, price €49.
- Vivo X300 E:Launch and sales on July 27th in China.
