Newsweek: Samsung S25 full renders leaked, OnePlus 13 and 13R released, and more
newsweek
Newsweek is our column where we highlight and summarize some of the week’s top stories so you can stay up to date on the latest tech news.
Android Central’s weekly news release, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week’s biggest tech stories. This is where we dive into the headlines, which provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.
This week, we investigate massive leaks ahead of Samsung Galaxy S25 series launch, OnePlus 13 and 13R launch globally, Qualcomm confirms attendance at Samsung Unpacked event, One UI 7 gets third beta update, Qi2 coming to more Android phones debuted on.
Major Samsung S25 series leak, with full specs and renders
Read more here and here.
Suffice it to say, it’s been a leaky week for Samsung. First, the specs of the devices leaked online, followed by full renders containing over 75 odd images of what we believe to be the real Samsung S25 series.
On the morning of January 10, Android Headlines released the so-called official renderings of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. First, we see images of the S25 Ultra, showing the phone’s rounded corners and completely flat display and sides. The back of the device shows the rumored four-camera array and lenses that may have black frames. The publication claims that the Galaxy S25 Ultra may come in the following colors at launch: Titanium Black, Titanium Grey, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium Silver.
Images of the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus show that they look a lot like previous models, with each device featuring rounded corners, a triple camera array, and thin bezels. However, the only visible change is to the lenses, as they may come with the same black ring as the Ultra model. They are said to come in four colorways: Silver Shadow, Ice Blue, Navy and Mint.
image 1 of 3
Along with the renders, the same publication also leaked the model’s entire spec sheet. The entire spec sheet of these three products shows that the Ultra is rumored to use a 6.9-inch screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. For cameras, the device sees a 200MP primary lens, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera.
The S25 and S25 Plus are equipped with a 6.2-inch Full HD Plus display and a 6.7-inch display respectively. They will have a triple-camera array, including a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Both phones will also feature a 12MP selfie camera on the front.
Back in September, I partnered with @Androidheadline to provide a first and early look at the #GalaxyS25 series. 🏻 pic.twitter.com/GCVrLKcvSaJanuary 10, 2025
For more information on Samsung’s upcoming flagship, visit our Galaxy S25 guide.
OnePlus 13 and 13R released
Read more here.
OnePlus 13 and 13R have made their global debut and deliver AI capabilities and powerful performance to next-generation users. The OnePlus 13 features a 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, and a larger 6,000 mAh battery. In terms of camera system, OnePlus once again cooperated with Hasselblad to create a powerful three-camera system: 50MP Sony LYT-808 main camera, 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera and 50MP 3X three-dimensional telephoto camera, which can take more than 10 times the photos.
Android Central’s Nick Sutrich said in his camera review that the OnePlus 13 stands tall because “it has one of the best action cameras available today.”
The OnePlus 13R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, with a 6.78-inch 1.5K ProXDR flat display, a 6,000 mAh battery, and an upgraded camera system. The camera system is a step up from the OnePlus 12R. Its main 50MP camera is equipped with Sony LYT-700 sensor and OIS, which helps capture better images in low-light conditions. The camera can also capture quick moments just like the OnePlus 13, with a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom for sharp, detailed portraits, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera for capturing “vast scenes.”
The OnePlus 13 comes in Midnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn, and Black Eclipse for $899.99, while the 13R comes in two colors: Nebula Black and Star Trail for $599.99.
Both devices are currently available for pre-order.
Gao sent mysterious message to Samsung
Read more here.
Rumors about the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip used in the new Samsung Galaxy S25 series are rampant. Although Samsung has not confirmed the above news, Qualcomm seemed to put these rumors to rest when it responded to Samsung this week.
Samsung’s tweet went live on January 6, and just one day later, Qualcomm wanted to get in on the action. The Snapdragon brand’s official account quoted Samsung’s January 7 post with the cryptic message: “Goodbye.”
While it doesn’t confirm this, this Qualcomm article subtly hints that this specific Qualcomm chipset will be the perfect solution to the S25 conundrum. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to bring better video quality, especially in low-light environments, and improve the overall performance of the phone – just like other flagship phones like the OnePlus 13.
Third One UI 7 Beta has been released
Read more here.
Samsung has finally released the third beta version of One UI 7 in multiple regions. Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra users are starting to get the new One UI 7 beta 3 update based on Android 15 in Germany.
According to the changelog, the update brings improvements and some bug fixes. One of them is that Game Booster mode will have the ability to change the default settings for screen playback, change the FPS setting name and maximum value, and set the default scan rate to 120Hz.
Other fixes include improvements to the lock screen, always-on display, and status bar battery icon (improved with One UI 7). The issue of incorrect volume key operation when using Routine+ mode is believed to have been resolved in the new update. The Edge panel tool that was not showing up before seems to have been fixed now.
Galaxy S24 series users who have signed up for the One UI 7 Beta program will receive this update. That said, Samsung is busy with its upcoming Unpacked launch event, where One UI 7 is expected to be launched.
Qi2 is (finally) here
Read more here.
According to a recent press release from the Wireless Power Alliance, more Android flagship devices will begin to support Qi2 charging compatibility based on MagSafe magnetic charging. “We expect that the development of Android devices with built-in Qi2 will accelerate in 2025,” the media said.
That said, part of the announcement is to highlight the new Qi2 Ready, which gives Android OEMs a workaround to introduce Qi2 without embedding magnets into the phone. Instead, they must use magnetic enclosures to be fully Qi2 compliant.
Samsung also stated in a press release that it will bring mobile phones using the new charging standard.
“It is expected that in 2025, Samsung Galaxy devices will support Qi2-enabled Android devices.” This can only imply that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series may be the first Galaxy phone compatible with Qi2 wireless charging and accessories. This could also be the start of a major Qi2 revolution following last year’s HMD Skyline. Samsung isn’t the only phone brand helping to bring Qi2 to more Android phones.
Google is doing the same thing. “Google is committed to the Qi2 wireless charging standard and increasing the penetration of Qi2 in Android phones and other devices,” the company said in a press release.
“Google is helping to achieve this goal by taking a leading role in the development of the upcoming Qi v2.2 standard, which includes Google contributing its own high-power wireless charging technology to the WPC.”
More stories this week
These are some of the biggest stories of the week. In the meantime, here are some other stories worth watching:
